Third Week of Great Lent
25 February 2024 - 2 March 2024
Third Week of Great Lent Promiyon Sedro (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/2Zjimor
Malankara World Third week of Great Lent Special pagehttp://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_week3.htm
Elements of Great Lent Liturgy a Journey through Hymns (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/3AXT7os
Daily Prayers for Great Lent English: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hWzu86NCbWwsS7Y0IURNih27QcnHQD10/view?usp=drivesdk
Daily Prayers for the Great Lent Malayalam: https://tinyurl.com/3fd7f73n
Daily Prayers for the Great Lent Syriac: https://tinyurl.com/2u6mu38a
Malankara World Special Supplement for the Great Lent: https://goo.gl/JIr2YV
My Great Lent Weekly Reflection courtesy Orthodox Outreach Ministry (updated weekly): http://tinyurl.com/LentReflections2024
Children's &Teens Great Lent Calendar 2024: http://tinyurl.com/LentCalendar2024
See more details
St. Eudokia of Heliopolis +107
1 March 2024
Martyr Eudocia the Samaritan woman RSoH
St. Nestor and St. Tribimios +251
The Holy Martyrs Nestor and Tribimios were native to the Asia Minor district of Pamphylia. During a time of persecution by the impious emperor Decius (249-251) they fearlessly preached about Christ. When the saints were brought before the pagan court, the governor gave orders to lay out afront them all sorts of instruments of torture, to frighten them and impel them to renounce the Christian faith. The saints answered to all the threats, that no one could separate them from Christ. The angered judge gave orders to torture them with the instruments of torture. They scourged the holy martyrs with dried ox thongs, suspended them from a tree and flayed at their bodies, but Saints Nestor and Tribimios did not cease to glorify the Lord and, when they were beheaded, they inherited the Heavenly Kingdom.
St. Serapion of Thmuis
Vat. LXIX
Sts. Cyriacus and Hesychius, Martyrs
"at Nicomedia, Kyriakos and Hesychios"
BL12150
Third Friday of Great Lent
Evening: St. Matthew 6: 5-15 St. Mark 11:24-25
Morning: Job 22:13-30 II Chronicles 18:18-27 Isaiah 1:10-20 I Peter 3: 7- 15 Romans 2: 2- 13 St. Luke 18 : 9 -17
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day19.htm
King Abgar the Black of Edessa
2 March 2024
(Abgar ukomo u Malko d'Urha).
King Abgar, a contemporary of our Lord, was believed to have corresponded with Him. This tradition is based on various sources including 'Doctrine of Addai' (one of the earliest Syriac Christian writings, & the Ecclesiastical History of Eusebius (who personally testified that he read the correspondence in the archives of Edessa). During the public ministry of our Lord, King Abgar who was suffering from an incurable disease, sent a letter reiterating his belief in the Lord & requesting Him to visit Edessa so that he could get cured. He also extended an invitation to the Lord to live there as he had heard about the squabbles of the Jews. Jesus replied that He was unable to visit at that time, but ensured that He would send one of His disciples. King Abgar is one of the very first who believed in Jesus without seeing Him & without doubting.
After the ascension of our Savior, St. Thaddeus one of the Seventy disciples, as instructed by the Lord, was sent to King Abgar. Thaddeus went to meet King Abgar carrying with him a square face-cloth which Christ used. The cloth had an image of Christ miraculously imprinted on it. When King Abgar held this relic, he was healed immediately. This cloth known as the ‘Mandylion’ of Christ, is the very first Holy icon. This icon was not created by man & therefore has the title 'Not made by Human Hands’ The king & his subjects became Christians. Edessa thus became the first Christian kingdom.
On MASOCNA calendar
Mor Anthrayose of Kallada +1692
St. Bartholomew the Apostle
March 2nd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Bartholomew the Apostle according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Mor Bartolmai Sleeho was born in the town of Kothine in Galilee. Bartholomew is also known as Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee. The Apostle Philip was a friend of Nathaniel. They were both awaiting the coming of the Messiah. It was at this time Jesus found Philip & asked him to follow Him (John 1:43). It was not accidental that he informed the matter to Nathaniel. “We have found him, of whom Moses in the Law & prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). The traditional belief of the Jews was that nothing good came out of Nazareth because there is no reference to Nazareth in the Old Testament. Philip asked Nathaniel ‘to come & see’ Jesus. The meeting between Jesus & Nathaniel caused the completion of faith & the anticipated waiting (John 1: 47 – 51).
After Pentecost, Bartholomew preached in Yemen, Arabia, Asia Minor & Parthia in modern Iran. He was to be crucified with Philip in Hierapolis, Turkey but they were saved by an earthquake. He escaped to Greater Armenia. Later he reached Lycaonia near Caspian Sea. This place was known as Albanopolis or Urbanopolis (Derband, on the west coast of the Caspian Sea). Today it is known by the name Azerbaijan & lies partly in Iran & partly in the former Soviet Union. While he was travelling in Azerbaijan, Astyages the ruler captured him under the influence of the pagans. He was flayed alive & crucified upside down. Thus St. Bartholomew the Apostle attained the crown of martyrdom. St. Bartholomew is one of the patron saints of Armenia.
Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'
Oh Mor Bartolmai Sleeho! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
St. Dioscorus of Alexandria +454
March 2nd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Dioscorus +454 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Mor Dioscorus I was the 25th Pope of Alexandria & presided over the second Holy Ecumenical Synod convened at St. Mary’s church in Ephesus on 8 August AD 449. It was attended by 150 bishops.The heresy that Jesus born of Mary possessed two natures even after the miraculous union, was condemned by this synod. This synod decided not to move away from the decision reached by all other universal synods prior to it. St. Dioscorus faced many tribulations as he refused to divert from the teachings of ancient Church fathers about Christology.
There was a schism following the decision of the AD449 synod, among the members of monasteries, prelates & administrators about the dual nature of Christ. As this dispute reached its height, the faithful Orthodox Emperor Theodosius died on 28 July AD450 without leaving an heir. His sister Pulcheria was a nun. The prelates of the Nestorian congregation who desired the support of the rulers allowed her to marry. She married Marcian & ascended the throne as the queen. Marcian supported the dyophysite position.
Mor Dioscorus had to face a trial in the Chalcedon Synod. He said Falvian of Constantinople was banished because he believed Christ had two natures after attaining the human form. He possessed letters of Church fathers like St. Athanasius, St. Gregory & St. Coorilos to prove that Jesus who attained the human form after the union has only one united nature (Miaphysite theology) & it was wrong to say he had dual separate natures, known as dyophysite theology. St. Dioscorus specifically stated at the Council, "One should not conceive of two natures but of one incarnate nature of the Word". He knew he too might be banished like those fathers but he was not ready to give up their teaching.
The Chalcedon Synod of AD451 suspended Mor Dioscorus & he was compelled by Marcian’s commander to sign the decisions of the synod. The saint refused saying, “Even if my hand is severed & blood flows over the paper I will not sign it.” Then according to the orders of Marcian he was banished to Gangra (now Cankri, Turkey) where he passed away 3 years later after consecrating Timothy II as legitimate Orthodox (Miaphysite) Pope of Alexandria. Mor Dioscorus is commemorated every Sunday in the Thubden d-Qadishe (5th Thubden/Dypthic) of the Syriac Orthodox Church Holy Qurbono.
Oh Mor Dioscorus! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. By your prayers may the Holy Orthodox Church and her faithful be protected from all manner of persecution. Amen.
St. Gordius the Martyr
"at Caesarea of Cappadocia, the martyr Gordianos"
Saint Gordius (Gordinus) was a Christian soldier in Cappadocia who was dismissed from the army, lived as a hermit for a while, then returned and made an open declaration of his faith, for which he was martyred.
St. Basil of Caesarea's Homily on St. Gordius the Martyr: https://bit.ly/BasilHomilyGordius
Third Saturday of Great Lent
Before Holy Qurbana: Exodus 16: 4-10 II Kings 4: 38 -44 Hosea 2:18-23
Holy Qurbana: I Peter 2: 1-10 Philippians 2: 12-30 St. Mark 8:1-10
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day20.htm
Fourth Sunday of Great Lent (Canaanite woman) (kna`nayto)
3 March 2024
kna`nayto
The 'Fourth Sunday' of the Great Lent and Healing of the Cananite Woman's daughter (had'bshabo rbi'oyo d'sawmo, al kna'anoyto) according to the liturgical calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
St. Matthew's Gospel recounts the meeting of Christ with the Cananite woman. She pleads to Christ to save her daughter who is vexed by the devil. She cries out, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David" She asks for nothing more but mercy from the Lord. We are all dependant on the mercy of Christ, for it is He alone who can comfort us. As a mother, her earnest prayer is for the wellbeing of her child. Today let us pray especially for our children, so that our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ may show mercy upon them. May they be healed of all afflictions which plague them spiritually, physically & emotionally.
The Holy Bible readings from the Church Lectionary:
Evening:Mark 7:24-37
Morning:Luke 7:1-10
Before Holy Qurbono:I Samuel 7:10-17Haggai 1:7-11Isaiah 56:2-5
Holy Qurbono:Acts 20:22-32Romans 7:14-25Matthew 15:21-31
For sermons & commentaries based on the Gospel: https://goo.gl/mL9tdj
Great Lent Day 21: https://goo.gl/Ue0lCz
Tone of the Day: 4 (8 for alternate days of the week)
Syriac prayers for the Fourth Sunday: https://tinyurl.com/kntd8pyp
Kna'anoyto Sunday hymns: https://goo.gl/xmCCUw
Fourth Week of Great Lent
3 March 2024 - 9 March 2024
Fourth Week of Great Lent Promiyon Sedro (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/3naNnmm
Malankara World fourth week of Great Lent Pagehttp://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_week4.htm
Children's & Teens Great Lent Calendar 2024: http://tinyurl.com/LentCalendar2024
Mor Augin (St. Eugene)
Saint Mor Awgen is the traditional founder of Syriac monasticism. He originated from Qluzma in Egypt, and started off as a pearl diver who gave pearls to the poor and needy. In mid-life he decided to become a monk at the monastery of St. Pachomius, and from there he and his brotherhood, the holy 70 ancestors, set off to Bethnahrin (Mesopotamia), settling in the region of Mount Izlo. The remains of the monastery dedicated to his name still stands on the slopes of Mount Izlo, overlooking the Mesopotamian plain. His name testifies his success and his glory because it is translated as “the good man” (Bar Hebreus, vol. 1, 1872-1877, p. 85ff).
As Mor Augin was a great and respectable monk, his word and achievement was known even in Byzantium (Constantinople) and by the Emperor Constantine. He said: “These three warriors are known in our kingdom: Antonius in Egypt, Illarion at the coast and Mor Augin who moved out of Egypt and come and settled down in your region and enlightened it. We plead and beg of him that he prays for us in front of Our Lord, so that we and our kingdom will be protected and safe.” (Tale of Saint Mor Augin).
He’s called “Second Christ” in the Syriac tradition owning to the miraculous deeds he did. This certainly does not mean an equality between the both of them, rather it expresses the particularly tight succession of Mor Augin.
Mor Augin and his companions filled and decorated the whole east with monasteries and churches, from Egypt to the border of Persia.
In 363, Saint Mor Augin passed away at a great age and advanced to the kingdom of heaven. “His body was buried in the cave underneath his monastery’s southern altar. His holy relics are kept till today in the monastery. May his prayers be with us” (P. Behnam, 1908, p- 18f).
Mor Augin Monastery https://morauginmonastery.wordpress.com/
Life of St. Augin: http://bit.ly/Awgen
St. John the Evangelist
St. John is the youngest son of Zebedee & Salome. John's older brother is St. James. He was the youngest of the disciples, & unlike the others he did not face martyrdom. John was the only Apostle present by Jesus' side at the crucifixion. Christ entrusted the care of St. Mary to John as he was the one 'Jesus loved the most'. St. Mary lived under John's care until her death.
St. John lived in Jerusalem & later moved to Ephesus. He authored the Gospel & 3 epistles in his name. The book of Revelation was also written by him. He built many churches in Turkey & evangelized many to Christianity. Tradition states that he lived to 120 years of age. A church was built over the site of his tomb. However, this was converted to a mosque.
Huthomo: https://youtu.be/Sg1DcHVxmDo
The Syriac History of John (Apocryphal hagiography of St. John son of Zebedee): http://bit.ly/JohnSyriac
St. Severus of Antioch hymn on St. John the Evangelist:
"All the peoples shall bless him" (Psalms 72:17)The preacher and Apostle, John the Evangelist, who by Christ, even God, his Master, was before named 'son of thunder', and for this reason divinely thundered with loud voice the words, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God", and stirred up and instilled wonder in all the ears of wise and of unwise. Whom also Jesus particularly loved more than the rest of the disciples his fellows, by whom He was proclaimed God, let us beg and beseech together with the God-bearer and Virgin to entreat for us, in order that, building all the service of works of virtue upon this foundation of faith, we may be admitted to find great mercy."
BL14519
St. Sisinnius of Antioch
https://books.google.ca/books?id=qhKmDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA162&lpg=PA162&dq=Sisinnius+of+antioch&source=bl&ots=7PtyAM9wU_&sig=ACfU3U3vo-fNVo-FTLUaW5aT0wFiL0mSGA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwii8PjYvJnlAhUGj54KHa5kD3YQ6AEwAnoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=Sisinnius%20of%20antioch&f=false
RSoH
Fourth Monday of Great Lent
4 March 2024
Morning:Leviticus 16: 2 -10Job 24:1-17II Kings 12:7-16Amos 6:1-9Acts 14:19 - 15: 3II Corinthians 11: 1 - 15St. Mark 12: 35 - 44
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day22.htm
Martyrs of Nicomedia
"at Nicomedia, Photios, and Archelaos, and Kyrinos, and seventeen other martyrs"
Metropolitan Consecration of H.E. Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim
The anniversary of the Metropolitan Consecration of H.E Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim.
H.E. Mor Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, Archbishop of Aleppo & Environs (in absentia) was consecrated on March 4th 1979 by late Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory. HE Mor Gregorios is one of the senior most Metropolitans of the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch.
On April 21st 2013 HE Mor Gregorios, & HE Metropolitan Paul Yazigi (brother of HB John X, Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch) were abducted by terrorists on their way back from Antakya Turkey to their respective dioceses in Aleppo Syria. The two bishops were trying to negotiate the release of two abducted priests who were kidnapped earlier. The deacon who was driving their car was murdered on the spot. (May God bless his martyrdom) Unfortunately, the whereabouts of both Prelates is currently unknown.
Barekmor Sayidna! On this blessed day we your children cannot celebrate. While 4 Years have passed since that wretched day, we are just as devastated. We beg mercy to our Lord & ask for your return back to us safe & sound. Our heart aches as we think of your suffering.
We the children of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch & the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch lift our hands up in unceasing prayer, and beg for our bishops to bless us with their fatherly presence once again.
Original news report of the abduction: https://goo.gl/kbJK62
Blessed voice of Mor Gregorios of Aleppo https://youtu.be/IgG8-durMlQ
http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/SyriacOrthodox/bio_GregoriosYohanna.htm
St. Fabius the Martyr
"Amphimēlos, bishop of Antioch"
Possibly Patriarch Fabius of Antioch?
St. Mathias the Apostle +64AD
The commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Mathias the Apostle +64AD according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Mor Mathias was born to the tribe of Ruben in Bethlehem. While he is not mentioned directly, it's evident from the words of St. Peter that he was with the Holy Apostles throughout the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:21-22). St. Mathias was chosen as the replacement of Judas Iscariot who had betrayed Christ. When the Apostles & other believers gathered in the upper room of St. Mark's home (now Dayro d-Mor Marqos), St. Peter the chief of the Apostles called upon them, telling them that to fulfill the scriptures, a replacement should be sought. Among the two candidates, the lot was cast upon Mathias who was chosen to be numbered among the remaining Apostles of our Lord. (Acts 1:15-22)
He preached the Gospel in Palestine, Abbyssinia, Cappadocia, Armenia & Georgia. Many miracles were performed by him, & even in the midst of ongoing persecution he was protected by the Lord.
Mor Mathias was stoned to death by the leaders of the Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. Thus he attained the crown of martyrdom.
Oh Mor Mathias Sleeho! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
St. Paul and his sister St. Juliana
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2020/03/04/100654-martyrs-paul-and-his-sister-juliana
Martyr
Fourth Tuesday of Great Lent
5 March 2024
Evening: St. Matthew 20: 1-16
Morning: Numbers 28: 1-8 I Samuel 21: 1- 7 Jeremiah 6:16-21 Acts 15:13-22 I Corinthians 16:13-24 St. Matthew 11: 25-12: 8
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day23.htm
St. Conon the Gardener of Pamphylia
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/1949/03/05/100665-martyr-conon-the-gardener-of-pamphylia
St. Mark the Ascetic
A hermit, on one occasion, when weeping over a hyena's blind whelp, he prayed to God and the whelp received its sight. In thanksgiving the mother hyena brought him a sheepskin. The saint forbade the hyena in the future to kill any more sheep belonging to poor people. RSoH
St. Pope Julian I of Alexandria
42 Martyrs of Ammoria in Phrygia
6 March 2024
Fourth Wednesday of Great Lent (phelgo d-sawmo/Mid Lent), King Abgar & Holy Cross
phelgo d-sawmo
The Feast of Mid Lent, Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the commemorations of King Abgar & St. Habib of Edessa & the commemoration of the innocent Syriac Christian martyrs (phelgo d'sawmo, Hido dhewyo danhosho Slibo, dukhrono d'Mor Abgar u Mor Habib, dukhron sohde Suryoye brire) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
The 25th day of the Great Fast which is always a Wednesday is known as MidLent (phelgo d'sawmo). This is one of the very few days during the Great Lent when the Holy Qurbono is celebrated on a weekday other than Sunday or Saturday. On this day there is a procession around the church carrying the Holy Cross. This is followed by an Exaltation of the Cross (sleeba aaghosham) facing the four cardinal directions; East, West, North & South. Then the Cross is placed on a big decorated cross-stand (known as m’northo/gogultha) covered with a red cloth, & kept in the middle of the church. This stand remains in the church until the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord (Suloqo d-Moran) which occurs 40 days after Qymtho (Feast of the Resurrection ie Easter). This Exaltation of the Cross has a direct link to the Gospel reading from the Holy Qurbono of Mid Lent. St. John 3:14-15 says "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Moses lifted up the bronze serpent around the middle of the exodus (the journey of the Israelites from slavery to their promised land). He lifted up the serpent so that those who are bitten by the snake might look at it & have life. Similarly the Church faithful at the middle of our lenten journey, also lift up the Holy Cross so that those who are bitten by sin can look at it & gain eternal life by the victorious Cross .
On MidLent Wednesday, the Church also commemorates King Abgar the Black of Edessa (Abgar ukomo u Malko d'Urha). King Abgar, a contemporary of our Lord, was believed to have corresponded with Him. This tradition is based on various sources including 'Doctrine of Addai' (one of the earliest Syriac Christian writings, & the Ecclesiastical History of Eusebius (who personally testified that he read the correspondence in the archives of Edessa). During the public ministry of our Lord, King Abgar who was suffering from an incurable disease, sent a letter reiterating his belief in the Lord & requesting Him to visit Edessa so that he could get cured. He also extended an invitation to the Lord to live there as he had heard about the squabbles of the Jews. Jesus replied that He was unable to visit at that time, but ensured that He would send one of His disciples. King Abgar is one of the very first who believed in Jesus without seeing Him & without doubting.
Additionally, the Syriac Orthodox Church also commemorates the martyrdom of deacon Habib of Edessa. Mor Habib of Urhoy served as deacon in the village of Telzeha, Phoenicia. Under the persecution of Emperor Licinius, Deacon Habib went secretly into the churches of Telzeha, where he ministered, read the Scriptures, encouraged & strengthened many by his faith, admonishing the faithful to stand fast in the truth of their faith, not fearing their persecutors. As a result, Habib had to face brutal torture & persecution. But he was relentless in his faith. Finally, the soldiers tied him to a stake & burnt him alive. Thus Mor Habib attained the crown of martyrdom. His mother & other relatives took down his body but were astonished that it was unharmed.
Mor Jacob of Sarug has described the burning of Habib in his homily. “Habib the martyr adorned by flames called me from his pyre. I do not know if I can number him with Hanania [Prophet Daniel]. Who is more glorious Assariya or Habib? Habib fought against the sword & fire. His love was warmer than that of fire. Hence, he was not scared. Habib taught us to embrace death not fearing fire or sword"
Evening:St. Matthew 17:22-27
Morning:St. John 7:14-15St. John 3:13-21
Before Holy Qurbono:Numbers 21:4-9I Samuel 7:5-12Proverbs 30:1-17Psalms 34:1-9Zechariah 12:6-14
Holy Qurbono:Acts 15:23-33II Corinthians 9:1-15St. John 3:13-21, 7:14-15
For sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel: https://goo.gl/V8LfccMidLent devotionals: https://goo.gl/xE9wS1
Tone of the Day: 8
Service in Ma'De'Dono: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-sQ_AWkxOI8iMN6xkwzMSy5QIWkFkmLI/view?usp=drivesdk
English Prayers: http://bit.ly/MidLentEnglish
Malayalam Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/249derpn
Manglish Prayers: https://bit.ly/ManglishMidLentVadheFeet
Syriac Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/2dhauyyh
https://syriacorthodoxresources.org/Feast/Abgar.html
https://sites.google.com/site/syrianorthodox/home/greatlent/mid-lent
St. Jacob of Serugh on King Abgar of Edessa’s letter of correspondence with Jesus Christ (draft translation by malfono Eliyo Aydin): http://bit.ly/SerugAbgarEliyo
The Friend of Jesus: Jacob of Serugh’s Version of the Abgar Legend by Dr. Kelli Bryant Gibson: http://bit.ly/AbgarFriendofJesus
Metropolitan Consecration of H.E. Mor Yacoub Edwardo Aguirre
Mor Yacoub Edward, Patriarchal Vicar in Central America was consecrated on March 6th 2013 by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I.
http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/SyriacOrthodox/bio_Yacoub_Guatemala.htm
Metropolitan Consecration of H.G. Mor Severios Abraham
H.G. Mor Severios Abraham, Metropolitan of the Angamali Region of the Angamali diocese was consecrated on March 6th 1982 by late H.H. Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas.
Mor Polycarpus Geevarghese +2011
March 6th is the anniversary of the demise of H.G. Mor Polycarpus Geevarghese +2011, who was the Metropolitan of the Evangelical Association of the East (EAE) & the erstwhile architect of the Syriac Orthodox dioceses in South Karnataka, India.
Geevarghese, the 5th son of Mathew Philipose, Pallivadekethil & Elyamma from Chennithala Kerala was born on 5 April 1933. He joined Evangelical Association of the East (Paurasthya Suvishesha Samajam) in 1955. Mor Yulios Elias Qoro the delegate of the Apostolic See of Antioch to Malankara, ordained him a Qoroyo in 1956. Following that, he joined Dayro d-Mor Ignatius Manjinikkara & studied theology & Syriac under the tutelage of Raban Very Rev. Yac'ub Madappatt (later HG Mor Julius Yac'ub +1992) & Raban Rev. Mousa Salama (Late HE Mor Chrysostomos Mousa Salama of Brazil). In 1957, Mor Yulios Elias ordained him a Qashisho. He started his pastoral service in Kozhichal & Kottamala parishes in Kasargod district of Kerala & established the churches at Pakanjikaad & Meenthulli.
In 1959, he was transferred to South Canara district of Karnataka which became his area of work for the next 50 years. Though the area was very backward & there was enough temptations from the schismatics, his determination, strong will & unwavering faith & loyalty to the Holy Throne of Antioch kept him afloat during times of tribulation. He started new congregations & established new churches throughout South Canara district. In 1962, he was invited to work for the St. Antony's Mission Society ( Honnavar Mission) by the then Director of Honnavar Mission, Very Rev Fr. Kurikkal George Cor-Episcopo. He shifted his residence to Honnavar in North Canara district of Karnataka & was appointed as the Manager of the various educational institutions & Orphanages functioning under Honnavar Mission.
Fr. Geevarghese established St. Antony’s High School in Honnavar & Shirady High School of Karnataka. Late Catholicos HB Baselios Paulose II of blessed memory elevated him to the rank of Cor-Episcopo in 1978. He established St. George High School in Nelliyadi in 1978, which was upgraded to a Junior College in 1985.
He took up the responsibility as administrator of the EAE in 1985. Upon the resignation of late Mor Athanasius Paulose Kadavil II in 1986, Fr. Geevarghese was elected unanimously as the Metropolitan-designate by the EAE Managing committee. On May 26th 1990, he was tonsured as Ramban. On May 27th 1990, the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory consecrated Raban Geevarghese under the name Mor Polycarpus & installed him as the Metropolitan of EAE. Mor Polycarpus brought children of the migrant Syrian Christian families from different parts of Karnataka & provided them education. HG was known for his love to educate even the poorest among the poor in his diocese & members of other religious communities who lived amongst them.
HG who had been leading a life of rest, died due to cardiac problems on March 6th 2011. He was entombed on 9 March at St. Anthony’s Jacobite Syrian Cathedral, Jeppu Mangalore, Karnataka.
Biography Courtesy: "Martyrs, Saints, and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church" and Syriac Christianity
Oh Mor Polycarpus Geevarghese! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/MalankaraPrelates/bio_PolGeevarghese.htm
St. Victorinus the Martyr
"at Nicomedia, Viktorinos"
Fourth Thursday of Great Lent
7 March 2024
Evening: St. Luke 15 : 11-32
Morning: Deuteronomy 5: 6-22 Psalms 41:1-13 Proverbs 22: 1-12 Daniel 4:24-37 Acts 15:35-41 II Corinthians 1:13-22 St. Matthew 19:16-26
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day25.htm
Martyrs Julian and Eubulus
Doctors RSoH
Mor Athanasius Paulose Kadavil II +1991
March 7th is the 27th anniversary of the demise of HG Mor Athanasius Paulose Kadavil II +1991.
Paulose was born on 27 June 1915 as the son of Kunjannam & Kadavil Kurien Paulose (the son of Varkey, elder brother of Mor Athanasius Paulose Kadavil I; the first metropolitan of Angamali diocese). His early education was in North Paravur.
In 1938, Paulose was ordained Quroyo by Mor Yulios Elias Qoro the delegate of the Apostolic See of Antioch to Malankara. In 1944, St. Athanasius Paulose (Valiyathirumeni) ordained him as Qashisho. Mor Yulios would elevate him to the rank of Raban on Chingam 24th 1947. He served as a teacher at Thrikunnath Seminary. When the Malankara Church was facing great troubles, at the request of the Evangelical Association of the East, Raban Paulose was consecrated by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory on 2nd September 1973. He was given the title Athanasius like his ancestor before him. Mor Athanasius was the first bishop of the Church consecrated during the most problematic period. He commanded a bold leadership in the Church & the EAE from then onwards.
Mor Athanasius Paulose was a distinguished scholar & highly educated individual. He went to UC College Aluva followed by postgraduate studies in Philosophy at Madras Christian College in 1941. He would attain a degree in Political Sciences from Columbia University USA in 1950, a doctorate from Kerala University in 1966. In Sweden he received D.D. & D.Litt degrees by 1974.
His skills as a writer, orator & translator were beyond compare. In addition to being well versed in Syriac, he wrote many classical books in both English & Malayalam. He had also learnt other languages like Arabic, Bengali & French. Amongst the numerous books he wrote including, 'Bible & India', 'Ennathe Vidhyarthikal', ‘Randu Vrudhanmmar’, 'Acharya Sahai', 'Shushrushka Sahai', 'Four Jacobite Liturgies', 'Meaning and Interpretation of the Eucharist of the Syrian Church', 'The Orthodox Syrian Church: Its Religion and Philosophy (Ph.D. Thesis)', 'Five Years in the Central Jail' 'Sheema Yatra', 'Njan Kanda India, England and America'. He also translated the prayers & Qurbono Thakso from Syriac & rendered the Qurbono songs from Syriac tunes into English.
Kadavil Thirumeni was a versatile personality, known for his pious nature & strictness in upholding the faith, traditions & doctrines of the Syriac Orthodox Church. His teachings on meditation & asceticism was held in high esteem by his students & disciples for whom he was a spiritual guru & mentor.
In 1985, after his 70th birthday he relinquished himself from duties to lead a life of prayer & rest. He would depart to the heavenly abode on March 7th 1991 & would be entombed at St. Ignatius Jacobite Syrian Church, Cheriya Vappalasery.
Oh Mor Athanasius Paulose Kadavil! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
Sts. Perpetua, Saturninus, and Companions, Martyrs
"in Africa, from the ancient (martyrs), Perpetua, and Saturnilus, and ten other martyrs"
Fourth Friday of Great Lent
8 March 2024
Evening: St. Luke 16: 19-31
Morning: Leviticus 19:9-20 Job 27:1-10 Daniel 9:1-11 Acts 16: 1-7 II Corinthians 12: 19-13: 13 St. Luke 17: 1-10
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day26.htm
International Women's Day
Happy International Women's Day!
Whom greater to emulate than the holiest of women, the Virgin St. Mary the mother of God. More honorable than the Cherubim, & more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. The Ark of Mysteries which contained the water of Life, St. Mary is a role model not just for women but for the entire world.
This Syriac Church gives great importance to women. From the time of our Lord Jesus to today, the contributions of women preaching the Good News of the Heavenly Kingdom are innumerable. Countless female saints gave their life for our Lord & many labored to spread the Gospel throughout the globe.
"He sent word to His Apostles by the women that He had risen; it was not from Simon that the women received the tidings, but they who gave them to Simon; from women was the beginning of His course, His birth, His resurrection and the news of His resurrection." - The final stanza of the madrosho of Sunday's midnight prayers (Qawmo II) in the Syriac Orthodox Sh'himo (Pampakuda/Indian text).
Though not permitted to the ordained ministry, women of all ages have always been an essential part of the history of Christianity and the spread of the Holy Gospel. From St. Mary, to evangelists and female martyrs, women have laid the seeds for the growth of the faith.
Today as the world celebrates Women's Day, take a moment to pray for the women in your life & the women of the Holy Church including the nuns, deaconess', & teachers. May the intercession of St. Mary & the whole company of women saints be with us all. Amen.
Womanhood - Reflections from the Syriac Orient (courtesy Urho the Way): https://bit.ly/2ZaQAuo
St. Dionysius of Corinth +171
Bishop of Corinth
St. Hadbshabo
Probably this is Mor Bar Hadbshabo, a monk from Qartmin, and disciple of St. Samuel.
St. Barhadbshabo (healed the eye of a child), mentioned in the Life of Mor Samuel of Qartmin
St. Hermas
Hermes, bishop at Philippopolis, and died a martyr in the first century. In the Epistle to the Romans, the holy Apostle Paul commands the Romans to greet Hermas (Rom 16:14) (Rom 16:14). Called the Shepherd
Among the Seventy Two (72) Disciples
Fourth Saturday of Great Lent
9 March 2024
Before Holy Qurbana: Genesis 18: 1-15 II Samuel 9: 1-8 Isaiah 55:1-11
Holy Qurbana: Acts 16:8-15 I Corinthians 9: 14-27 St. Luke 9:10-17
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day27.htm
Metropolitan Consecration of H.E. Mor Anthimos Yakoub
March 9th is the anniversary of the Metropolitan Consecration of H.E. Mor Anthimos Yakoub.
H.E. Mor Anthimos Yakoub, Patriarchal Vicar of Youth Affairs and Religious Education was consecrated on March 9th 2019 by HH Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.
Barekmor Sayidna Congratulations on this blessed day! May Moriyo Aloho grant you another year to shepherd the Syriac Orthodox Youth. Remember us all in your prayers and Holy Qurbono.
Mor Coorilos Geevarghese Ambatt +1891
http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/AmbattMorKurillos.htm
St. Theodore the martyr +306
The commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Theodore the martyr +306 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Mor Tewodoros Sohdo was from Amasea (Northern Turkey). He grew up in a Christian home, & later joined the Roman Army keeping his faith in Christ a secret. Since he was a recruit he was given the nickname Tyro (Latin for new solider). His commander ordered him to worship the pagan idols but he refused, boldly proclaiming his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The commander was angered, but he gave Theodore time to rethink his words; Mor Tewodoros used this time to pray & fast for strength.
The commander then made false claims that Theodore burnt down one of their temples. Theodore was imprisoned & left to starve. They brought him to the governor, where he once again openly confessed his faith in God. The governor ordered he be subjected to severe torture, but the faith of Theodore remained relentless in the face of persecution. Finally, they ordered him to be burnt alive. St. Theodore gladly jumped into the fire & reposed. Thus Mor Tewodoros attained the crown of martyrdom. Miraculously, his body was not destroyed by the fire of the heathens, his relics were then collected & enshrined in the churches with great veneration.
Fifty years later, emperor Julian wanted to insult the Christians who were preparing for the Great Lent. He ordered his generals to sprinkle the blood of animals offered to pagan idols all over the food provisions in marketplaces. However, Archbishop Exodius received a vision of Mor Theodore warning him of the heinous plan. Exodius warned the faithful Christians to refrain from buying or eating anything in the marketplace, but instead only eat fasting foods from their own fields. In memory of this miracle, the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Theodore the martyr on the first Saturday of every Great Lent along with St. Ephrem the Syrian.
St. Gregory of Nyssa Homily on St. Theodore: http://bit.ly/NyssaTheodore
The Forty Martyrs of Sebastia (Arbhin Sohde D'Sebastia)
March 9th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste (Arbhin Sohde d'Sebastia) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
The dukhrono of the 40 Holy Martyrs is celebrated on 9th March if it falls on a Saturday, Sunday or the Middle Wednesday of the Great Lent. Otherwise it is celebrated on the nearest Saturday. The reason for this is because Canon 49 of the Council of Laodicea prohibits the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on days other than Saturday, Sunday (and Annunciation and Midlent). Additionally, Canon 51 states, "The nativities [feasts] of Martyrs are not to be celebrated in Lent, but commemorations of the holy Martyrs are to be made on the Sabbaths and Lord's days." However, the dukhrono of the 40 Martyrs has a numerological significance in relation to Great Lent, which is why their feast is important.
In 320AD, forty Christian soldiers of the Roman 'Thundering Legion' became martyrs at Sebastia on the banks of River Kizil in Lesser Armenia (today in Central Turkey). During the persecution unleashed by the Emperor Licinius on Christians, the Governor Agricolaus commanded soldiers to worship idols. Having disobeyed the command, the soldiers were tortured & imprisoned. Even after reexamination by the judge, they continued steadfastly in faith. Subsequently, they were left naked on the ice of a frozen pond, with baths of hot water on the banks as a temptation to renounce their faith. One of them succumbed to the temptation & his place was taken by a soldier of the guard, who confessed his Christian faith. The soldiers all perished due to severe hypothermia. Thus they attained the crown of martyrdom. Their bodies were then stacked together on a pyre & burnt to ashes. Their ashes were recovered & revered as relics, countless churches were dedicated in their honour. The story of their martyrdom is narrated by St. Basil of Caesaria, St. Gregory of Nyssa & in works attributed to St. Ephrem the Syrian
Veneration of the martyrs & hymns in remembrance are found in the Syriac Orthodox Phanqitho. The hymns compare the Forty Martyrs to the forty palms in the vision of Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-41), stars that removed the darkness of idolatry, the lamps of Sebastia that shone through the night & shed light throughout the world, & diamonds that glitter on the crown of the Holy Church. During the prayers in remembrance of the Holy 40 Martyrs, 40 genuflections are made in their honour.
The Phanqitho names these martyrs: Dumitianus, Alexandrios, Kyrillos, Plabius, Smargdos, Xanthius, Sisianus, Levanthius, Severianus, Phileximon, Agagios, Iraqilios, Akdikios, Kurion, Avilus, Euthicius, Husegios, Eunicius, Ilianos, Acacius, Aethius, Athanasius, Nicolaus, Melitian, Candidus, Bibianus, Cydian, Gaius, Sacerdon, Duminos, Gorgonius, Priscos, Theodolus, Anatalius, Melition, Ilinius, Theophilos, Lucimacus, Ivanius, & Cilthodius.
Syriac families have a tradition of handing out "Rozune" or blessed bread following prayers. Each member of a family is given a piece. Inside one of the Rozune is money. The one who has money in theirs is said to be particularly blessed for the entire year & their crops/business will be successful.
Sources: SOR website & Miss Ranya Kucukkaplan (tradition of Rozune)
Oh Qadishe Arbhin Sohde d'Sebastia! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
Evening:St. Matthew 10:16-33
Morning:St. Luke 12:1-12
Before Holy Qurbono:Genesis 4:3-11Isaiah 30:1-4Daniel 3:16-25
Holy Qurbono:Acts 4:19-31Romans 8:28-9:5St. Mark 8:34-38
http://sor.cua.edu/Personage/Qadishe/40Martyrs.html
St. Basil of Caesarea Homily on 40 Martyrs: http://bit.ly/Basil40martyrs
St. Gregory of Nyssa Homily on 40 Martyrs: http://bit.ly/Nyssa40martyrs
St. Severus of Antioch Homily on 40 Martyrs: http://bit.ly/Severus40martyrs
40 Martyrs of Sebastia Promiyon Sedro (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/30OO6lL
Fixed Feast
Martyrs of Sebastia Promiyon Sedro (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/30OO6lL
St. Severus the Great of Antioch Cathedral Homily # 18, 41
Fifth Sunday of Great Lent (kfifto/Crippled Woman) or (shamryoto/Good Samaritan)
10 March 2024
The 'Fifth Sunday of Great Lent' (had'bshabo hmis'hoyo d'sawmo) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
The Fifth Sunday of the Great lent is unique from a liturgical perspective. In the past, variations between liturgical calendars were not uncommon, especially between that of the Western (ma'erbo) & Eastern (madenho) traditions within the Syriac Orthodox Church.
The Suryoye of the Middle East and their diaspora commemorates the parable of the Good Samaritan (al Shamryoyo tobo).
However the Church in Malankara appears to have been influenced by the liturgical traditions of the Eastern tradition; therefore the liturgical calendars in Malankara dedicate the fifth Sunday to the Healing of the Crippled Woman (al Kfifto).
Evening:Luke 10:25-37 (Read during Holy Qurbono in Suryoye churches, "Gospel of the Good Samaritan/Shamryoto")
Morning:Luke 7:11-17
Before Holy Qurbono:Jeremiah 51:1-9Isaiah 49:25-50:5Sirach 51:17-39 42:16-43:11
Holy Qurbono:I Peter 3:8-16Romans 12:1-15Luke 13:10-17 (Read during Holy Qurbono in Malankara churches, "Gospel of Healing of the Crippled Woman/Kfifto")
Great Lent Day 28: https://goo.gl/MRuDkT
Tone of the Day: 5 (1 for alternate days of the week)
The liturgical calendar of the Suryoye dedicates the fifth Sunday to the Good Samaritan (shamryoto) Gospel of St. Luke 10:25-37.
Explanation of the Fifth Sunday(shamryoto) in Syriac by Malfono Iskender https://goo.gl/4bDPZF
Syriac Prayers for Fifth Sunday (shamryoto): https://tinyurl.com/2kezzarc
Arabic sermon based on the Gospel: https://goo.gl/lWGTMB
English sermon based on the Gospel: https://goo.gl/IrbWz9
The liturgical calendar in Malankara dedicates the Fifth Sunday to the Healing of the Crippled Woman (kfifto) Gospel of St. Luke 13:10-17
Sermons based on the Gospel of the Crippled Woman: https://goo.gl/rJ2HZR
Hymns by HG Mor Aphrem Mathews: https://goo.gl/HMzuHh
Fifth Week of Great Lent
10 March 2024 - 16 March 2024
Fifth Week of Great Lent Promiyon Sedro (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/3vGGxJi
Malankara World fifth week of Great Lent Pagehttp://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_week5.htm
Seven Martyrs of Corinth
Either https://corinthianmatters.com/2011/04/16/st-leonidas-and-the-seven-virgins-martyrs-april-16/
Or https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2020/03/10/100751-martyr-quadratus-and-those-with-him-at-corinth
St. Malchus of Palestine
St. Marutha of Takrit +649
Mor Marutha of Tagrit (Syriac: ܡܪܘܬܐ ܕܬܓܪܝܬ) was born in Sharsak, a village in Bethnehudra in Mosul around A.D. 569 His father was the village chief, a religious person & very affluent. After his primary education he joined ‘Sardas’ Monastery, where he obtained his priestly ordination. He later moved to Mor Sakkai Monastery to pursue theological studies as well as the study of Greek & Syriac.
He spent 10 years there under malphono Theodorus & studied scholarly books of Mor Gregorios Thevologus. Mor Marutha who was a seeker of knowledge became the disciple of Thoma, the blind in Urhoy (Edessa) & attained dexterity in composition of literary works & calligraphy from Shem’vun Shubdia & Mor Aaho. He became a teacher of Theology & interpretation of the books of the Prelates in the church in Mor Mathai monastery.
In A.D. 628 he was ordained Maphrian of Tigris by Mor Athanasius I Gammolo. Initially, 12 dioceses were under him, but when people of Urhoy migrated to Persia at the time of war three more dioceses (Azarbaijan, Kursan, & Afganistan) were added.
Mor Marutha constructed churches & established monasteries. He also wrote books. The litany used while blessing the water for Epiphany, the biography of Mor Ahudema, bishop of Tigris (+575), interpretation of The Gospel, The Holy Qurbono Thakso, speeches for some feasts are examples. It is recorded in the writings of Bar Sleebi (+1171) that the Nineveh Fast, (3 Day Lent) was put into force by Mor Marutha.
Mor Marutha passed away in 649AD at age 80 after having served the Syriac Orthodox Church for twenty years. His remains were interred in the church which he had constructed.
Biography adapted from 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'
http://www.soc-wus.org/ourchurch/St.%20Marutha%20of%20Takrit.htm
Sts. Kyrillos and Cindeus, Martyrs
"Qīrelōs/Kyrillos and Qīndā/Cindeus"
Possibly Kyrillos/Quirillus and Kyndaias/Quindeus martyrs of Axioplois
Fifth Monday of Great Lent
11 March 2024
Morning:Genesis 20: 8-18II Kings 2: 19 -25Jeremiah 33:6-11Acts 19:13-22Romans 9:14-21St. Luke 4:31-41
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day29.htm
Martyrs of Jerusalem
"at Jerusalem, seven martyrs"
Metropolitan Consecration of H.E. Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Chamoun
H.E. Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Chamoun, Patriachal Vicar & Director of the Patriarchal Benevolent institutions in Atchaneh Lebanon was consecrated on March 11th 2011 by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I.
St. Abhai the elect one
St. Agape the Martyr
"at Antioch, Agape"
Possibly a nun?
St. Gorgonius the Martyr
"at Nicomedia, Gorgonios"
St. Nicodemus
Fifth Tuesday of Great Lent
12 March 2024
Evening: St. Mark 3:1-12
Morning: Exodus 14: 21-31 Joshua 8:18-27 Isaiah 40:12-24 Acts 18:19 -28 Romans 1:26-32 St. Mark 5:2 -20
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day30.htm
"at Nicomedia, Mardonios the presbyter, and Smaragdos, and Mygdonios, and Hilaros, and Eugenios, and Maximos, and Petros, and Dorotheos, and Domna"
St. Dorothea of Caesarea
St. Shenouda (Sinouti) El Bahnasawy
https://www.copticchurch.net/synaxarium/7_14.html?lang=en#2
Fifth Wednesday of Great Lent
13 March 2024
Evening: St. Mark 6:30-46
Morning: Deuteronomy 31:16-23 II Samuel 19:24-30 Isaiah 41: 8-17 Acts 20:29-38 I Corinthians 10:1-13 St. Matthew 14: 14-23
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day31.htm
St. Epiphanius of Salamis +403
March 13th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Epiphanius of Salamis +403 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Mor Epiphanius was born in Besanduk village near Elethropolis, Palestine. Besanduk is in the neighbourhood of Gaza. While very young, St. Epiphanius followed a monastic life in Egypt. He was attracted to the ascetic life that followed the model & advice of St. Hilarion. He founded a monastery near Besanduk when he was in his twenties & stayed there for thirty years. He gained the ability to speak five languages; Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, Coptic & Latin. St. Jerome called him ‘a pentaglot’ on account of this. Among his literary compositions 'Ancorates' & 'Panarion' are very important.
He was a close associate of Patriarch St. Paulinos of Antioch who took a stern stand against the heresies of Arius & protected the Nicene Creed. In his letter (against all heresies) to the believers in Arabia he clearly asserted his belief in ‘The virgin mother of God’. Priests & many others in Pamphilia sought his help to resist & defeat the heresies of Arius. Even though he did not attend the Synod convened at Constantinople in AD 381, the declaration of the decisions taken in that Synod was a verbatim declaration of the Creed that existed in the church of Salamis. St. Epiphanius also spoke vehemently against Origen, & described Origen as "the forefather of Arius’ heresies". His magnum opus work against various heresies is known as Panarion.
Epiphanius stressed the importance of the Church in his teachings. “The Church alone, he says, has received the content of tradition, & it is in her teaching & decision that the faithful finds the truth.” He teaches thus, ‘the Church is built upon the foundation of the unshaken faith of the rock, St.Peter.’ he died enroute to Salamis returning from Constantinople.
Biography Courtesy: "Martyrs, Saints, and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church"
Oh Mor Epiphanius! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
St. Modestos the priest and Companions, Martyrs
"at Nicomedia, the martyr Modestos the presbyter, and twenty-one other martyrs"
Abba Joseph, teacher of Abba Poemen
14 March 2024
Fifth Thursday of Great Lent
Evening: St. Matthew 14: 24 -36
Morning: Genesis 50:14-22 Ecclesiastics 5:1-9 Isaiah 42:1-9 Acts 19:8-12 Colossians 3: 1-17 St. Mark 6:47-56
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day32.htm
Saints of the Monastery of Mar Abhai
In hagiography: The saints of the monastery of Mor Abhai, (also known as Monastery of the Ladders) were commemorated.
St. Pronton of Thessalonica and Companions, Martyrs
"at Thessalonike, the martyr Fronton and three others"
Fifth Friday of Great Lent
15 March 2024
Evening: St. Mark 5:21-43
Morning: Deuteronomy 27:16-28:2 II Kings 4:32 -37 Hosea 6:1-6 Acts 16:27-40 I Timothy 1:1-20 St. Matthew 9:18-31
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day33.htm
St. Colluthus the Martyr
"at Alexandria, the deacon Kollouthos"
Possibly St. Colluthus the physician?
St. Romanus of Antioch +303
March 15th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Romanus of Antioch & St. Barulas +303 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Mor Romanus a native of Palestine, was a deacon of the Church of Caesarea. He lived during the reign of fierce Christian persecutors Diocletian & Galerius. When the persecution became unbearable, Romanus was forced to flee to Antioch. There, he continued his preaching & became an example for the Christian faithful there.
The governor of Antioch, Asclypiades had plans to destroy the church buildings by razing them to the ground. Romanus encouraged his brethren to stand firm & protect the sanctuary; for if they succeeded they'd rejoice on earth, & if they were martyred they'd rejoice in heaven. It was time for the pagan festival of Terminalia, & countless pagans gathered in Antioch. Romanus boldly denounced idol worship, proclaiming to all that only Jesus Christ was the one God. The governor had him arrested & brutally tortured, but he remained steadfast. In the crowd was a child named Barulas, Romanus looked at the child & then told the governor that the child is wiser than him as he worships the true God, not idols of stone. The child was brought before Asclypiades, who tortured the child for refusing to denounce Christ. The child asked his mother for something to drink, but she replied do not drink now, for the living water of blessedness would soon be his. The governor then had the child beheaded. Thus St. Barulas attained the crown of martyrdom.
Romanus was condemned to be burnt alive, but a sudden rain extinguished the fires. Angered by his unceasing proclamations, the governor had the tongue of Romanus cut & thrown away. Miraculously, though his tongue was cut off, Romanus continued to loudly exclaim his love for the Lord, astonishing the gathered crowd. The furious governor ordered his soldiers to strangle the saint. Thus Mor Romanus attained the crown of martyrdom.
Oh Mor Romanus & Mor Barulas! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
St. Sabine of Egypt
Female martyr?
Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX
Fifth Saturday of Great Lent
16 March 2024
Before Holy Qurbana: Deuteronomy 30:1-7 Psalms 78:1-22 Proverbs 28:16-28 Ezekiel 15:1-8
Holy Qurbana: Acts 5: 33 - 42 I Thessalonians 2:13-20 St. Luke 6: 1 - 11
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day34.htm
John bar naggare
John Bar Najjarin and his martyred sister
St. Zeora of Amid
Ze'ora (Zaʿūra) was an anchorite whose life was memorialized by John of Ephesus. He was a stylite saint who famously replaced his teacher, another stylite, when the former was ready to retire. Zaʿūra also travelled to Constantinople in order to advocate for the cause of the Miaphysites before the Empress Theodora.
Life of Zeora: https://bit.ly/VitaZeora
Sts. Jacob the Priest and Mary the Nun
Jacob the priest and his sister Mary were martyrs from the village of Tell Salila during the reign of Shapur. Mary was martyred at Tel Dara. Life in the Persian Martyr Acts
Mor Severios Paulose Muliyirickal +1962
17 March 2024
http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/MorSeveriosMulayirickal.htm
Sixth Sunday of Great Lent (samyo/Healing the Blind Man)
samyo
'The 'Sixth Sunday' of the Great Lent and Healing of the Blind man (had'bshabo shtit'hoyo d'sawmo, al samyo) according to the liturgical calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
This is the final week of the Great Lent before Passion Week (s'habtho d'hasho).
Evening: Mathew 9:32-35 Mark 10:46-52
Morning: Matthew 20:29-34, 12:22-28
Before Holy Qurbono: Deuteronomy 25:13-26:5 Job 42:1-8 Judges 6:11-24 I Kings 3:5-15 Ezekiel 13:1-16 Jeremiah 51:10-19
Holy Qurbono: I Peter 4:12-19 Romans 14:10-23 John 9:1-41
For Sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel reading please visit : https://goo.gl/KdSW35
Great Lent Day 35: https://goo.gl/49j1OG
Tone of the Day: 6 (2 for alternate days of the week)
Explanation of Had Bs'habo D'Samyo in Syriac by malfono Iskender: https://youtu.be/_zEhW13jzrE
Samyo Sunday hymns by HG Mor Aphrem Mathews: https://goo.gl/UgBkx5
Sixth Week of Great Lent
17 March 2024 - 23 March 2024
Sixth Week of Great Lent Promiyon Sedro (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/3nyd2pt
Malankara World sixth week of Great Lent Pagehttp://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_week6.htm
St. Alexius of Rome
Alexis of Edessa.
According to Syriac tradition St. Alexius was an Eastern saint whose veneration was later transplanted to Rome. The relocation of the veneration to Rome was facilitated by the belief that the saint was a native of Rome and had died there. This Roman connection stemmed from an earlier Syriac legend which recounted that during the episcopate of Bishop Rabbula (412–435) a "Man of God" who lived in Edessa, Mesopotamia, as a beggar, and who shared the alms he received with other poor people, was found to be a native of Rome after his death.
St. Knai Thoma
The commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Knai Thoma according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara. Annually on the 36th day (Sixth Sunday) of the Great Lent
Mor Knai Thoma was a wealthy Syriac Orthodox merchant who, on a trade expedition to India, found a Christian community who were descendants of the indigenous population & Jewish migrants evangelized by St. Thomas the Holy Apostle. Tradition states that bishop Joseph of Edessa had a vision of the Christian community in India in dire need of assistance. It was soon after this revelation that Knai Thoma would personally visit bishop Joseph, upon return form India, telling him about the Malankara Nasrani community. The two would receive Apostolic blessings & permission from the bishop of Antioch Mor Osthatheos to send a mission to India. It is important to note that Canon 6 of the Holy Ecumenical Council of Nicaea affirmed the authority of the Bishop of Antioch over regions of the East including India. Historical records indicate Mor Yousef (known as Ethalaha/Aitahalla in the Chronicle of Edessa) was a loyal supporter of Mor Osthatheos, joining him at the Council of Nicaea against the Arian heretics.
With the blessings of the Patriarch of Antioch, Knai Thoma brought with him Mor Yousef (who was succeeded in Edessa by Mor Abraham) along with 72 families from Edessa (Urhoy), a 400 member delegation of faithful Syriac Christians. The group included men, woman, children, priests & deacons. Upon reaching Malankara, the local ruler with the honorific Cheraman Perumal, welcomed the delegation which had many traders & successful businessmen. The community was granted privileges recorded in what is known as the 'Knai-Thomman Chepped'. Through the mission work of Mor Yousef & the clergy, the Malankara Nasrani (a mixture of local individuals, ethnic Jews & earlier Syriac Christian faithful) accepted the spiritual authority of the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East. Thus the Malankara Church became an integral part of the Syriac Orthodox Church, accepting the Syriac Liturgy, traditions & customs. Soon afterwards, further cementing the eternal fraternity between Malankara & Antioch; the Holy Relics of St. Thomas the Holy Apostle were transferred to Edessa (Urhoy) on July 3rd AD394 & interred on August 22nd. When Mor Knai Thoma died, he was entombed in the church he had built in honor of St. Thomas the Holy Apostle. Sadly, this church was destroyed in the 1500s during wars between local rulers.
While sharing the same faith with the Malankara Nasrani, the descendants of those who came with St. Knai Thoma would exist as a separate community. Along with having separate churches, the community known as Knanaya practice Endogamy & have their own unique traditions & customs. The Knanaya leaders & faithful, ever loyal to the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch continue to play an important role in the history of the Syriac Orthodox Church in India. Their counterparts in the Middle East are today known as the Urfalee.
In March 1990 vis Patriarchal Apostolic Bull No. EI 30/90, the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory declared Mor Knai Thoma as a saint, & granted permission to recite his name in the 5th Dypthic (Thubden d-Qadishe) of the Holy Qurbono. The dukhrono of St. Knai Thoma is remembered annually on the 36th day (Sixth Sunday) of the Great Lent in the Syriac Orthodox Church
Oh Mor Knai Thoma! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
First Syrian Migration to Malabar AD345 by Dr. Sarah Knight (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/AD345Hymonutho
Monday before Hosanna
18 March 2024
Morning:Genesis 49: 8-12I Kings 17: 10 -16II Samuel 17:18-29Jeremiah 35:1-11Acts 2:37-47I Thessalonians 4: 1-12St. Luke 18: 31-34, 19: 1-10
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day36.htm
St. Cyril of Jerusalem +386
March 18th is commemoration of the dhukrono of St. Cyril of Jerusalem (+386) according to the liturgical calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Mor Koorilose was born around 315AD in Jerusalem. He was ordained priest by St.Maximus, bishop of Jerusalem.
Priest Cyril was entrusted with the instruction of the Catechumens & those who had received Baptism. He is remembered for his "Catecheses" eighteen instructional addresses given to the candidates for baptism during Lent, & five given to the newly baptized after Easter.
St. Cyril became bishop of Jerusalem in 349AD. This was at a time when there were troubles arising from Arianism. The Orthodox concept of the Holy Trinity– the threefold godhead of the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit was being challenged by Arians. St. Cyril was an ardent supporter of St. Meletius Patriarch of Antioch (+381), who defined the Son as of the same substance as the Father; “three persons are conceived in the mind, but we speak as if addressing one” In the second ecumenical synod, St. Cyril the bishop of Jerusalem, took his place with the Patriarchs of Alexandria and Antioch. St. Cyril is considered as a doctor of the Church. He is not to be confused with St. Cyril of Alexandria who is remembered in the 5th Dypthic (thubden).
Today as we remember the Saint and ask for his Intercession, let us pray for all the catechumens & those inquiring into Holy Orthodoxy that they may join us in the True Faith amen.
Martyrs of Sidon
19 March 2024
"Bassos and Serapiōn"
Probably St. Serapion of Sidon?
Mor Ostatheos Sleebo, Kunnamkulam (+1930)
March 19th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Osthatheos Sleebo Abakar +1930 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. He was the Patriarchal Delegate of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch to Malankara from 1908 till he reposed.
Sleebo was born on January 1st 1854, in the village of 'Kfarzo' near Amid in south-east Turkey. He belonged to the 'Abaker' family, his father was Salbi & mother Nabuna. When he was only 3 years old his father passed away. A few years later his two brothers & two sisters also died of a deadly disease. Only Saliba, his mother & one sister survived the epidemic.
In 1880 he was ordained Quroyo by late Mor Athanasius Shemavun, he accompanied Mor Athanasius the then Delegate of the Apostolic See of Antioch to Malankara in January of 1881. Mor Athanasius was sent by Patriarch Ignatius Peter IV at the request of the faithful in India who were facing the creeping influence of the Protestant reformation movement sponsored by the British CMS. At the time, Old Seminary & Cheriyapally Kottayam were controlled by the Protestants, so Mor Athanasius Shemavun established Puthenpally for the Jacobite faithful. Sadly, in June of the same year Mor Athanasius passed away, & was entombed in Puthenpally. This was heartbreaking for Sleebo who felt alone in a foreign land. However, he was strengthened by his faith in the Lord. Sleebo formed a close fraternity with St. Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil. He accompanied St. Gregorios on his trip to the Holy Land, providing great assistance during the pilgrimage. When Mor Gregorios reposed in the Lord, it was another saddening moment in Sleebo's life. Dn. Sleebo spent 25 years in Malankara, preaching & ministering to the Syriac Orthodox faithful. The famous Manalpuram Convention (which started few years before Maramon) was one of the venues of his eloquent speeches.
He then returned to the Middle East in 1906 accompanied by Dn. Mathai (later Catholicos Augen I). The two would be in Dayro d-Mor Mattai Nineveh for some time. Sleebo was ordained Raban followed by Qashisho. In March 1908, the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Abde d-Aloho II Sattuf of blessed memory consecrated Qashisho Sleebo as Metropolitan with the title Osthatheos at the church of the 40 Martyrs in Mosul. Mor Osthatheos Sleebo was appointed the new delegate of the Apostolic See of Antioch to Malankara. In the same year, Mor Ignatius Abde d-Aloho II consecrated St. Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil & Mor Dionysius Geevarghese Vattasseril. The 3 Metropolitans accompanied by Raban Augen returned to Malankara. Not long after a major schism started in Malankara. Following the autocratic style of functioning & his disobedience of Church laws, Vattasseril Mor Dionysius the Malankara Metropolitan was excommunicated (the excommunication would be later lifted by St. Ignatius Elias III Patriarch). Mor Osthatheos was instrumental in strengthening the faithful to remain steadfast in allegiance to the Holy Throne of Antioch.
In Kunamkulam, St. Mary's Valiyapally was the centre of dispute between the faithful Jacobites & the schismatics who sadly strengthened their grip. At the behest of Mor Osthatheos, the faithful donated land in deed to the Patriarch to establish a new church. The foundation stone of Arthat St. Mary's Simhasana Church was laid by St. Osthatheos Sleebo on October 9th 1920. Mor Osthatheos also established St. Mary's Church Vaduvacode. The Holy Relics of St. Qawmo were enshrined in these churches, bringing blessings to the believers.
Even in the midst of hardships, Mor Osthatheos remained devoted to prayer & fasting, his saintliness being observed by all whom he encountered. His books originally written in Syriac were translated into Malayalam. After serving the Holy Church for decades, Mor Osthatheos Sleebo Abakar reposed in the Lord on March 19th 1930 & his mortal remains were interred at St. Mary's Simhasana Church Arthat, Kunamkulam.
In April 2000 vis Patriarchal Apostolic Bull No. E 71/00, the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory declared Mor Osthatheos Sleebo as a saint. In September 2008 Mor Ignatius Zakka granted permission to recite the name of St. Osthatheos Sleebo in the 5th Dypthic (Thubden d-Qadishe) of the Holy Qurbono.
Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' and Syriac Christianity website
Oh Mor Osthatheos Sleebo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
For full biography: https://goo.gl/zf14KG
St. Chrysanthus and St. Daria
and those with them at Rome
St. Stephen, Abbot of Qartmin
Mor Stephen (converted pagans on plain) mentioned in the Life of Mor Samuel of Qartmin
Tuesday before Hosanna
Evening:St. Luke 9:18-27
Morning:Genesis 41: 38 - 52I Samuel 17: 34-51Zechariah 9:9-17Acts 21:1-12Romans 8:12-27St. Mark 10:32-45
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day37.htm
Syriac Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/nhc648y3
St. Jacob Burdono +578
20 March 2024
March 20th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Jacob Baradaeus +578 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Mor Yac'ub Burd’ono was born in Tella Mawzalt also known as Constantina (Viranşehir,Turkey) near Nisbis, to the Syriac Orthodox priest Theophilose bar Manu. His parents did not have children for a long time & in fulfillment of a vow made by his parents, he was dedicated to God. At the age of 2, Jacob was entrusted to the care of Eustathius, abbot of the Monastery (Reesh Dayroyo), in Phaselita. Here he learnt Greek, Syriac & the basics of asceticism. One day his mother visited the monastery wanting to take him with her. He was not willing to go home even for a visit saying, “I am fully dedicated to Christ, my mother has no share in me.” He distributed all the properties that he inherited from his parents among the poor, & reserved nothing for himself.
Jacob was ordained deacon & later Priest. He was known for working miracles; sick people came from far & wide to be healed by him. St. Jacob raised the dead, restored sight to the blind, gave rain, & even made the Sun stand still. His fame spread all over the East.
Mor Yac'ub lived during one of the harshest periods of the Syriac Church. After the Church refused the Chalcedonian formula of faith, it came under the oppression of the Byzantine emperors. The Syriac Orthodox Church did not accept the Chalcedonian definition, but along with the Copts accepted only the 3 Holy Ecumenical Synods. The Church affirms that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Incarnate Son of God, who took a perfect manhood without sin, & who bore the human sins on the cross & died for the sake of all humanity. Jesus made His Humanity one with His Divinity without mixing nor mingling nor changing. The teachings of St. Athanasius & St. Cyril of Alexandria & St. Severus of Antioch are very important in understanding the tenet of Christology of the Syriac Orthodox Church. This faith is known as Miaphysite, while the Chalcedonian faith is dyophysite & resembles the Nestorian heresy which was rejected previously.
Emperor Justinian had resolved to enforce the Chalcedonian decrees universally, & the Bishops, clergy & faithful who refused to accept the decrees were punished with imprisonment, deprivation, exile or death. As a result, the Orthodox were deprived of their spiritual leaders & for about ten years many churches had to forgo the sacraments. The faithful were not ready to accept the sacraments from the heretics. Chalcedonians were known as the Melchites/Melkites (from the Syriac Malkoye - the royal party or the Emperor’s men) since the emperor ardently supported them. The wife of Justinian was however a staunch Orthodox Christian, the daughter of a Syriac Orthodox priest. It is important to know that Empress Theodora was enthroned with equal rights & powers as her husband. St. Theodora requested Mor Yac'ub to visit Constantinople, however he didn't want to go. He later received a vision from Mor Severus & Mor John of Tella directing him & so he went. While the Emperor & the courts wished to persecute Jacob, he was welcomed with honour by the Empress. At the personal castle of Theodora, many Orthodox faithful & leaders sought refuge including Coptic Pope Theodosius I.
With the support of the Ghassanid King al-Harith Ibn Jabalah al-Ghassani (The Ghassanids were an ethnic Arab Syriac Orthodox kingdom), Theodora managed to get Mor Yac'ub Burd'ono ordained as "universal bishop" "by Patriarch Theodosius I of Alexandria, Patriarch Anthimus I of Constantinople & another imprisoned metropolitan to spread the Orthodox faith & ordain clergy.
St. Jacob is known by the surname Baradaeus. The surname Baradaeus is derived from ‘baradai’ (clad in rags) or the ragged beggars garb, patched-up out of the old saddle-cloths which he used for his multiple swift & secret journeys across the land. He walked on foot through Asia minor, Syria, Mesopotamia, the adjacent provinces, the borders of Persia & into Alexandria. He both exhorted the faithful & sent encyclicals encouraging them to remain steadfast in the true Orthodox faith. He ordained 2 Patriarchs; Mor Sergius & Mor Paul II, at least 27 bishops & thousands of priests & deacons for the Orthodox Church. The Melchites were furious at the successful efforts of St. Jacob in protecting the true faith, even offering a reward for his capture. But by the grace of God almighty, Mor Yac'ub always eluded the persecutors. He also worked tirelessly to reconcile the Miaphysites & the Chalcedonians but extremism, misunderstanding & ecclesiastical politics hindered his efforts.
Mor Yac'ub wrote an anaphora in fifteen pages beginning with “O Lord, the most Holy Father of peace” & several letters, four of which were published in the Syriac Documents—3 addressed to John of Ephesus & others, & a general letter to the various clergy which is mentioned in his lengthy biography.
He continued his work for thirty-five years, tirelessly fighting the good fight for the Church of God, which he diligently supported in the time of great adversity until he died at the Monastery of Romanus or the Monastery of Cassian on July 30, 578AD. According to a short account by Mor Quryaqos, bishop of Mardin, the remains of Mor Yac'ub were kept at the Monastery of Cassian in the confines of Egypt until A. Gr. 933 (A.D. 622), when they were translated to the Monastery of Phaselita, near Tella Mouzalat by Mor Zakkai, bishop of Tella. A portion of the relics of Mor Yac'ub Burd’ono was interred at St. Stephen’s Bes-ania Church, Chelad, Kothamangalam by St. Gregorius Geevarghese Chathuruthil (Parumala Thirumeni).
Although the political & dynastic storms again the Holy Church swept that portion of the world, the efforts of St Jacob preserved the true undefiled Orthodox (Miaphysite) Faith. The Melchites (Chalcedonians, including current EO & Roman Catholics) derogatorily referred to all Miaphysites (including the Coptics, Armenians, Abbyssinians etc) as Jacobites. The term Jacobite was used to insinuate that the Miaphysite Orthodox broke away from the Melchites. The name Jacobite has been associated with the Orthodox Church since the 6th century, it was used by the Melchites to disgrace the noble Church. However, the Syriac Orthodox Church does not consider St. Jacob as the founder of the Church, but one of its greatest fathers. Mor Yac'ub Burd’ono did not introduce any new doctrines to the Church but fought to preserve its True Orthodox faith & Apostolic origins since the Holy Throne was established by St. Peter the chief of the Holy Apostles in AD 37.
All Orthodox faithful should gratefully remember St. Jacob Baradaeus as he is responsible for restoring the Church from extinction by his indomitable zeal & untiring activity, as the Church was threatened by the persecution of imperial power. He is one of the most illustrious Church Fathers, known for his godliness & piety; he attained the summit of religious & austere asceticism. Mor Yac'ub Burd’ono was arguably the greatest Apostolic fighter in support of the true Orthodox faith, unceasingly working to protect & promote Orthodoxy in the face of immense persecution. He is honored in the 5th Dypthic (Thubden d-Qadishe) every Sunday in the Syriac Orthodox Church as "...Our venerable and Holy Father Mor Jacob Baradaeus, the upholder of the Orthodox faith"
Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' and Syriac Orthodox Resources (SOR website).
Oh Mor Yac'ub Burd’ono! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
To read the biography of Mor Yac'ub Burd’ono in Arabic: https://goo.gl/mBo4pX
A hermit, on one occasion, when weeping over a hyena's blind whelp, he prayed to God and the whelp received its sight. In thanksgiving the mother hyena brought him a sheepskin. The saint forbade the hyena in the future to kill any more sheep belonging to poor people.
Wednesday before Hosanna
Evening: St. Matthew 8: 23-9: 1
Morning: Genesis 46 :1-7, 28-34 II Chronicles 20:1-10 Isaiah 63: 7-19 Daniel 7:9-18 Acts 14:7 -19 Galatians 5:13-26 St. Mark 4:35-41 St. Matthew 9:2-8
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day38.htm
Great Prophet Daniel
21 March 2024
Prophet Daniel was taken captive along with the Israelites by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon when he captured Jerusalem in the year 3398 of the world. He stayed in babylon for seventy years. This prophet was very young in age, however, he conducted himself in virtuous life, the Holy Spirit filled him and he prophesied in Babylon.
In the fourth year of the exile, Nebuchadnezzar the king saw a dreadful dream and was extremely frightened. When he woke up, he forgot the detail of his dream. He gathered all the wise men of Babylon to tell the king his dream and its meaning. If they failed to tell the king the dream and its interpretation they would all be killed, among those also were Daniel and the three young men. Daniel and the young men prayed to God with supplications to reveal to them the King's dream. God answered their prayers and revealed to Daniel the dream and its interpretation. Daniel went to the king and told him his dream and its interpretation. He also told him about the kings that they are about to rule after him, and what would happen to every one of them. Nebuchadnezzar was pleased with Daniel, and fell on his face before him. The king presented Daniel with great gifts and appointed him over the wise men of Babylon.
After some time had passed, Nebuchadnezzar saw another dream, and Daniel interpreted the dream for him. Daniel told the king that because of his arrogance, God would drive him from among men, to dwell among the beasts of the wild and would eat grass like oxen for seven years, and then God would bring him back to his kingdom, and all that happened to Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel also explained to Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar, what the angel of the Lord had written on the wall, when king Belshazzar drank wine in the gold and silver vessels of the temple of the Lord. Daniel told the king: " O king, the Most High gave Nebuchadnezzar your father, a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor... But when his heart was lifted up in pride, he was deposed from his kingdom and thrown from his throne into among the animals. And you, Belshazzar, although you knew all what happened to your father, yet you also lifted your heart against the Lord of heaven. They brought the vessels of the house of the Lord before you, and you , your lords, wives and concubines (mistresses) drank wine from these vessels... Then the fingers of a Hand were send from the Lord, and His writing was written: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Upharsin..which meant:
Mene means: God has numbered your days as a king and terminated you rule. Tekel means: You have been weighed in the balances of the Lord and was found wanting. Upharsin means: your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians after you. All of them came to pass and the king was killed with all his lords and the kingdom of the Chaldeans ended. Darius, king of Persia, ruled after him.
There was an idol in Babylon named "Bael" which king Darius worshiped. When Daniel was asked why he did not worship it, Daniel answered: "I do not worship something that has no life in it." The king said to him: "He is alive for he eats and drinks every day." Daniel told him that could not be true. The king was angry and wanted to check the matter for himself. He put the food and the drinks in the temple of the idol and closed the door and sealed it. On the next day, he went to the temple, opened the door and did not find the food nor the drinks. But Daniel with the help of some of his companions, covered the floor of the temple with fine ashes, found the feet tracks of those who entered the temple by night and stole the food and drinks.
The king arrested the seventy priests of the idol Bael, together with their wives and children and tortured them until they told him about the secret entrance to the temple. The king then ordered them all to be killed and allowed Daniel to destroy the idol and its altar. The people rebelled against the king and asked him to deliver Daniel to their hands. The king surrendered to their demands and Daniel was cast into the den of lions. However God kept Daniel safe and destroyed his enemies.
Daniel saw in a vision the kingdoms and the kings to come after him to rule the world to the end of time. He also saw the glory of God and the Divinity of Christ the Savior. He prophesied about His coming and His death, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the abolition of the sacrifice and the offerings, and all has been fulfilled.
Metropolitan Consecration of H.E. Mor Dionysius John Kawak
H.E. Mor Dionysius John Kawak, Patriarchal Vicar for the Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church for the Eastern USA was consecrated on March 21st 2010 by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I.
http://syrianorthodoxchurch.org/mor-dionysius-jean-kawak/
Mor Coorilos Kuriakose +1995
March 21st is the anniversary of the demise of HG Mor Coorilos Kuriakose Poothicote +1995. Mor Coorilos was the former Metropolitan of Niranam, Thumpamon & Kollam dioceses.
George Kurian was born in Mepral on May 1st 1935 to Cherian George Poothicote & Annamma. After completing higher education at UC College & CMS College, he was ordained Quroyo by late Mor Gregorios Geevarghese Vayaliparambil on May 8th 1956. He studied theology under the tutelage of Raban Yac'ub (late Mor Julius Yac'ub Madappatt) & also the mentorship of late Arch Cor-Episcopo Kurian Kaniamparambil. George was ordained Aphudykano by late Mor Athanasius Yeshu Samuel in 1961 at Attamangalam Church. Mor Philexinos (late late Catholicos HB Mor Baselius Paulose II of blessed memory) ordained him as Qashisho on February 2nd 1962 at Piramadom Dayro. He was given the charge of St. John's Church Mepral.
On July 21st 1974, the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory consecrated him as Metropolitan with the title Coorilos at St. George Cathedral Damascus. He was given charge of the southern dioceses. Mor Coorilos toiled hard to maintain the true Apostolic faith & allegiance to the Holy Throne of Antioch within the hearts of the faithful during turbulent times. Despite his ill health, he played a prominent role in the litigations against the schismatics who were trying to destroy the dioceses in the south.
Mor Coorilos was an accomplished orator & an able administrator who established many institutions including Mor Dionysius Mikhayel ITC, Mor Yulios Elias School among others. He made arrangements to facilitate the thousands of faithful from Northern & central dioceses who came as pilgrims to Manjinikkara Dayro. Thirumeni established a Kurisumthotty at Arunmula. Mor Coorilos was the director of the Sunday School Association for over a decade.
Mor Coorilos began work to build a diocesan headquarters, the Aramana at Adoor had been the fruit of Thirumeni’s strenuous efforts, although Thirumeni did not have the fortune of living there. On March 21st 1995, Mor Coorilos Kuriakose Poothicote reposed in the Lord. He was entombed in Mor Dionysius Mikhayel Dayro Adoor. He received the honorable title of ‘M’sbrono Nasiho’ (the exemplary missionary) from the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch & all the East for his dedicated service for the Holy Church.
Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' & website dedicated in his honour.
Oh Mor Coorilos Kuriakose! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
http://morkoorilosekuriakose.org/Biography.htm
Mor Julius Geevarghese Konat +1884
March 21st is the anniversary of the demise of HG Mor Julius Geevarghese Konat +1884. Mor Julius Geevarghese was the first Metropolitan of Thumpamon diocese.
Geevarghese was born to Mathen & Kunjilachar of the famous Konat family in 1829. He studied theology under the tutelage of his relatives Malankara Malpans Konat Abraham I & Yuhannon. After ordination to Qashisho, he taught Seminary students at Pampakuda, St. Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil of Parumala was one of his students. Qashisho Geevarghese immersed himself in the translation of Syriac literature, & teaching. He helped Malankara Metropolitan Mor Dionysius V (Pulikkottil Joseph II) in correspondence with the Patriarchate in Syriac & also provides necessary support for litigation purposes by being an expert in Canon Law. Fr. Geevarghese established a Syriac printing press as well.
In 1875 he was elevated to the rank of Raban by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV of blessed memory. Seeing his keen interest in literary works, the Holy Father sent Raban to train in a printing press run by European missionaries in Kochi. In 1876, he was consecrated Metropolitan with the title Julius by the Patriarch of Antioch. Mor Athanasius Paulose Kadavil I was also consecrated with him. Mor Julius was given the charge of the newly established Thumpamon diocese, & he diligently took care, however scholarly work continued to be his passion. In 1879 he started 'Kerala Deepam Press' at Pampakuda Church, where he published Holy Qurbono Thakso, among others.
Sadly, he was not able to continue as diocesan Metropolitan for much longer. On 21st March 1884, Mor Julius Geevarghese Konat reposed in the Lord due to illness. He was entombed in the Konat family Chapel at St. John's Ephesus Church Pampakuda. His nephew Konat Mathen Malpan purchased new equipment to carry on the work of the press, & renamed it Mor Julius press in his honor.
Oh Mor Julius Geevarghese! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/KonattMorJulius.htm
Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I, Damascus +2014
March 21st the Syriac Orthodox Church commemorates the anniversary of the demise of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas (+2014). HH was the 122nd Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, successor to the Holy Throne of St. Peter the chief among the Apostles. HH was the 10th longest serving Patriarch in history. He also has the distinction of being the first Patriarch to be consecrated by the Catholicos in India.
HH reposed in the Lord at Kiel, Germany on March 21st 2014 due to his ailing health.
Bull from Mor Theophilus George Saliba General Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church on the demise of HH: https://goo.gl/Qm9hnA
"The life and times of late Patriarch HH" presentation by Dr. Thomas Joseph Phd. on the Life of HH: https://goo.gl/M0L7gF
Biography of HH: https://goo.gl/eR3ZRZ
Photo Gallery of HH: https://goo.gl/8jfPvq
HH was the 122nd successor to St. Peter. HH was the 10th longest serving Patriarch in history
http://sor.cua.edu/Personage/PZakka1/PZakkaI-Biopic.pdf
Thursday before Hosanna
Evening: St. Luke 4:33-41
Morning: Exodus 15:1-21 Joshua 6:1-4 Judges 5:1-11 II Chronicles 14:8-15 Isaiah 51:1-8 Acts 16:16-26 II Corinthians 6:1-10 St. Mark 8:22-27 St. Matthew 20: 17-19 St. Luke 18:34-43
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Lent_today-Day39.htm
Friday before Hosanna (40th Friday)
22 March 2024
The 40th Friday of the Great Lent (Hrubto d'arbhin/Nalpatham Velliyazhcha) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
The Holy Church gives special importance to the 40th Friday of Great Lent (Hrubto D'arbhin/Nalpatham velliyazhcha). On this day Holy Qurbono will be celebrated.
Today's Gospel recounts the temptation of Christ by Satan, following Christ's 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. When the devil failed to defeat our Lord, he flees along with the other wild beasts. With a strengthened resolve, our Lord then begins His ministry of proclaiming the Good News of God's kingdom by choosing the first 4 apostles. Let us remind ourselves that we are all called to the ministry of the Gospel by the Christian life we live. In the midst of temptation & attempts by the devil to defer us from carrying out God's will, let us not be dismayed. May the fast be an undefeatable weapon against evil, & the sign of our victory over the sins of this world.
Evening:Matthew 4:1-11Luke 4:1-13
Morning:Luke 4:1-13
Before Holy Qurbono:Deuteronomy 1:3-14Jeremiah 7:1-10II Samuel 24:18-25Isaiah 58:1-8
Holy QurbonoI Peter 1:13-22Romans 13:11-14:9Matthew 4:1-11
For Sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel reading: https://goo.gl/tEMM7W
Great Lent Day 40: https://goo.gl/oH7aLw
Tone of the Day: 2
Prayers in Syriac: https://tinyurl.com/mrmh4dcv
Prayers for 40th Friday in Malayalam: https://tinyurl.com/2stsnhnp
Macarius of Alexandria +395
Macarius the Younger
St. Nikon the Monk
Martyred along with 200 disciples, in Sicily
Saturday before Hosanna (noohomeh d-lo`ozor/Lazarus' Saturday)
23 March 2024
The Saturday of the raising of Lazarus (Shabtho d'noohomeh d-lo'ozor) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara
Today the Church commemorates the Raising of Lazarus from the dead (noohomeh d-lo'ozor) as written in St. John 11:28-46. The raising of Lazarus is a prefigure of the resurrection for all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord & savior. Lazarus is venerated as a saint & even from the earliest centuries in the Holy Land, Christians would celebrate on the Saturday before Palm Sunday by visiting the site from where Lazarus was raised to life (written in the pilgrimage record of Egeria).
Today the Syriac Christians of Kerala, India (St. Thomas Christians/Malankara Nazranis) have a tradition of preparing "Kozhukattai" Kozhukattai is a steamed dumpling made from rice flour. It is a sweet dish filled with Jaggery and coconut. The folklore of the Malankara Nazrani community is that this dish is believed to be a favourite delicacy of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel of St. John chapter 12, six days before the Passover, Jesus returned to Bethany & dined at the home of Lazarus & his two sisters Martha & Mary. Being companions of Christ, they prepared His favourite dish. This same dish is prepared by the Syriac Christians of Kerala in honor of this event & shared among family members on this day annually.
Evening:Mathew 20:17-28
Morning:John 11:1-27
Before Holy Qurbono:Numbers 16:42-48II Kings 20-1-11Great Wisdom:11:22-12:4Isaiah 61:1-9
Holy Qurbono:I Peter 2:6-10Ephesians 1:15-2:6John 11:28-46
Sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel reading: https://goo.gl/me7qOx
Great Lent Day 41: https://goo.gl/pCucrx
Tone of the Day: 6
Syriac Prayers for "Noohomeh d-lo'ozor": https://tinyurl.com/ytwwnx3e
Gospel Story in Syriac presented by Deyroyo Samuel, Deyroyto Marina & Michel Issa: https://goo.gl/EnLQsI
Malayalam Hoothomo on YouTube: https://goo.gl/6G0JVs
St. Macarius of Egypt +391
Macarius the Elder, Macarius the Great RSoH
St. Onesimus
Among the 72 Evangelists
Mar Thoma IV +1728
24 March 2024
March 24th is the anniversary of the demise of Mar Thoma IV +1728.
Mar Thoma IV was the fourth native-born Metropolitan of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church after the Koonan Kurishu Sathyam of 1653. Like his predecessor, he was from Pakalomattom family & was consecrated by Mor Ivanios Hidayathulla the delegate of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch to Malankara. Mar Thoma IV was consecrated in 1688, and would govern the Malankara Church for around 40 years.
A major portion of his reign was spent in dealing with the conniving "Mar Gabriel" from the "Nestorian" "Church of the East" who tried to take advantage of the spiritual rebuilding process occurring in Malankara as a fallout from the events of the previous centuries. Mar Gabriel, a staunch Nestorian, came in the early 1700s to Malankara and first began spreading his heresy by pretending to be on the side of the Roman Catholics (even making a Catholic profession of faith), but was soon exposed by them. He later made a profession of Orthodox faith to Mar Thoma IV, but rescinded and began preaching heresy again, for which he was rightfully expelled. Unfortunately, individuals with personal rivalries against Mar Thoma IV used this opportunity to undermine his administration. They went to Mar Gabriel and gave him support, but soon learnt of his unsavory character. In 1720, Mar Thoma IV sent communication to the mother see of Antioch for assistance. The wording and phrases used by Mar Thoma IV clearly indicate that the Malankara Church was under the authority of the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, and this was a firmly held belief.
After heroically protecting the Syriac Orthodox faith in Malankara for decades, Mar Thoma IV departed for the heavenly abode on March 24th 1728 due to a prolonged illness. His mortal remains were interred in St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church, Kandanad.
Oh Mar Thoma IV! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.
http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/MorThomaIV.htm
Oosha`né/Palm Sunday
The Hosanna Sunday (had'bshabo d'Oosha`né) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
On the Sunday before Easter (had'bshabo d'Qymtho), the Church commemorates the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem riding on a colt. The service commences with a procession in the church with the clergy, dressed in their vestments, carrying olive and palm branches, this is followed by the blessing of the palm leaves and finally blessing of the Holy Sanctuary.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!Brikh detho bashme dMoryo!
The Holy Bible Readings from the Church Lectionary are:
Evening:St. Luke 19:28-40
Midnight:Matthew 21:1-22
Morning:St. Mark 11:1-26
Before Holy Qurbono:Genesis 49:8-15Leviticus 23:33-39Job 26:1-14II Samuel 6:1-7Judges 9:7-15Proverbs 1:20-33 16:13-25Joel 3:16-21Daniel 3:7-11 Micah 4:1-5I Kings 8:1-6 Zephaniah 3:9 -20Jeremiah 30:18-22Hosea 8:14-9:7Isaiah 52:7-12
Holy Qurbono:I John 2:7-17 Romans 11:13-24St. John 12:12-19
For Procession (at the Western Entrance):St. Luke 19:28-40
For the Blessing of the Palm leaves:Genesis 49:8-12Zechariah 9:9-12Isaiah 51:9-11I John 2:7-15Romans 11:13-24St. Mark 11:1-11
For sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel: https://goo.gl/B49TAM
Tone of the Day: 7Palm Sunday Hymns (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/3pr9Zl9
Palm Sunday English Prayers: https://bit.ly/OoshaneSundayMalayalam Service Booklet: https://tinyurl.com/32v6w46p Trilingual (Malayalam, English, Manglish) Service Booklet for entire Passion Week: https://bit.ly/TrilingualPassion
Syriac Prayers for Oosha`né: https://tinyurl.com/ynkhzwwy
Syriac Service Booklet from Ma'De'Dono: https://goo.gl/ndx3F5
Explanation of Oosha`né in Syriac by malfono Iskender: https://goo.gl/njFctI
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Passion/Passion_Today_1-Palm-Sunday.htm
Passion (Hasho) Week
24 March 2024 - 30 March 2024
The commencement of the Passion Week (S'habtho d'Has'ho) according to the liturgical calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
The days from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday are known as the Passion Week (S'habtho d'Has'ho) a week designed to focus our attention on the "passion," or suffering, of Christ.
As we travel into the Passion Week, please keep in mind the following instructions generally given by the Malpans (learned clergy of liturgy) of India in regards to Passion Week:
1) The usual "Qawmo" trisagion (Qadishat Aloho/Holy art thou oh God) is not recited. Instead, a unique different "Qawmo" for each day, according to the (events that occurred in the Bible) is recited. If you don’t know the Qawmo for the specific day, then you can recite a ‘common Qawmo’, “Lord forgive us through Your Passion”.
2) No praying of “Shlom lekh/Hail Mary” or seeking the intercession of any saints.
3) The veil (curtain) of the sanctuary (Madbaho) remains closed for the prayers.
4) The prayers of the hours in the church are conducted with lit candles on the M’northo (Gogultha, cross stand).
5) NO kiss of peace (kaikasthuthi) is given amongst believers. No kissing of the altar, no kissing of other parts of the Church such as the Gospel stand, icons, relics, including the M’northo (Gogultha, Cross-stand). Instead we bow our heads in veneration.
6. NO kissing of a Priest (Qashisho/Achen) or Bishop's (Hasyo/Thirumeni) hand (Kai Muthu) or handcross.
7) The Gospel reading is read by standing at the ‘parts inside the rails’ (Azhikakam). During hasho the words "Peace be to you all" is not said by the priest as a prelude to reciting the Gospel.
8) There are no 40 prostrations after the Noon prayer (like that of Great Lent).
9) St. Ephrem's bovuso (Lord Thy mercy upon us... Karthave Kripa cheyaname) which is normally chanted during Soothara of other seasons, will be replaced by a version specific to Passion Week.
10) No Quqalion sung after Nicene Creed recited during Passion Week.
11) During Holy Thursday service, we skip two stanzas (3rd and 4th) of the hymn ‘Come the time of prayer’ (Yachikendum samayamitha).
12) Instead of the Sh'himo (regular weekday prayers) or the Great Lent prayers; the Phanqitho d'has'ho (haasha namaskaram) will be prayed. The hymns of the daily prayers & various liturgies will be sung in the Hasho tones (Hashonoyo) which are specific for this blessed week.
May our Lord bless all of those who use this week to fast, pray & journey to Him.
Malankara World Passion Week special supplement: https://goo.gl/pV7D0S
Passion Week English Prayers and Service booklet: https://bit.ly/HolyPassionWeek
Malayalam Prayer Booklet: https://bit.ly/HashoMal
Trilingual (Malayalam, English, Manglish) Service Booklet for entire Passion Week: https://bit.ly/TrilingualPassion
Passion Week (Hasho) Promiyon Sedro (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/3pEKIEz
പരിശുദ്ധ സുറിയാനി ഓർത്തോഡോക്സ് സഭയുടെ ഹാശാ ആഴ്ച ശുശ്രൂഷ ക്രമത്തിൻ്റെ പഠനം by സ്ലീബ ജോർജ് കശീശ (Courtesy Hymonutho):
Part 1- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6ZshJu2bVoPart 2- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbF__U7JAZcPart 3- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B21uWPLjJz4
St. Thomas the Stylite of Tella
Annunciation to St. Mary (sooboro)
25 March 2024
March 25th is the Feast of the Annunciation to the Virgin St. Mary the mother of God (Hido d'Suboro da'bthulto Mariam Yoldath Aloho) or Vachanippu Perunaal (വചനിപ്പു പെരുനാള്) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Today we commemorate the archangel Gabriel's announcement of the incarnation of our Lord to St. Mary. We celebrate the Feast of Annunciation (Suboro) to St. Mary twice a year; on the 3rd Sunday after Qudosh Idto & on March 25th (9 months before Christmas). Suboro is considered to be one of the most important feasts of the Church, so much so that the Holy Qurbono must be held on this day even if March 25th also happens to be Good Friday!
"So the holy thing which shall be born of the virgin shall be called Holy & the Son of God." (Luke 1:35). The event of Annunciation of Divine Conception marks the beginning of the two mysteries of Incarnation & Redemption. In the Syriac tradition, St. Mary is never a passive figure, nor is she credulous, which is clearly evident in the scriptures (Luke 1:34). She is often portrayed as questioning the angel closely in order to make sure he was not a messenger of Satan disguised as an angel of light. (II Cor 11:14) The moment Mary yielded to God’s Command, the Holy Ghost came upon her absolving her of sin & sanctifying her (Luke 1:35). Divinity dwelt in her womb & of her blood a full man was created initiating, thus the mystery of Divine Incarnation without the seed of a man “before they came together”(Matt 1:18). The Lord had the complete human nature of his mother, that is a real body with articulate human soul (Luke 23:46 Matt 26:38), resembling us, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15).
St. Mary is perpetually virgin. She conceived as a virgin, & brought forth her son without breaking the seal of virginity. (Matt 1:25) She remained unknown to man. In the typology of the Syriac tradition various names are given to Mary to symbolize said virginity:
-The Closed Door (thar'o dahid) -The Sealed Letter (egartho htimtho) -Unploughed Land (ar'o dlo ethpalhath) -Unpruned Vine (satho lo kashuh) -Thirsty Land (ar'o zahitho) -Gideon's Fleece (geztho d'Gideon)
To celebrate this blessed feast, the Suryoye have a number of customs which though not dogmatic, are passed on for generations. These traditions have not carried forward into Malankara:
The Syriac Orthodox in the Middle East have a tradition where the faithful put on a "siboro" around the wrist. This "siboro" consists of a white thread & a red thread wound around each other. When Virgin Mary became pregnant the Divine nature (God the Word; the red thread) united with the human nature (the white thread) which God the Word took from Virgin Mary through the holy Spirit's action. Thus our Lord Jesus Christ is "One nature from two natures" or as professed by St. Cyril of Alexandria, "one pre-incarnate divine nature assumed human nature becoming perfectly united in Jesus. The one nature of the Incarnate Logos." The faithful wear the "siboro" from March 25th (the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary) until Qymtho (Easter Sunday) when it is clipped off & burnt.
Another tradition is the preparation of 'laysho' bread. While the morning prayers for the Feast are recited, the Virgin woman of the Church will prepare the dough needed. During prayers there will be a procession around the inside of the Church. Finally, the baked bread is prepared & then blessed by the priest to be distributed.
Source: 'The Virgin Mary in the Syrian Orthodox Church', 'Bride of Light' & 'Mariological Thought of Mar Jacob of Serugh' and others
Evening:St. Luke 1:26-38
Morning:St. Mark 3:31-35
Before Holy Qurbono:Deuteronomy 26:16-27:10Judges 13:2-14Zechariah 2:10-13, 4:1-7, 8:3Isaiah 63:15-64:5
Holy Qurbono:1 John 3:2-17Hebrews 6:13-7:10St. Luke 1:26-38
For sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel reading: https://goo.gl/N0XC2r
Tone of the Day: 4
Syriac Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/mvykth5y Malayalam Hymns: https://goo.gl/MsNi9E
Monday of the Passion Week (Vadhe Dhalmeeno)
The Evening of the Lights, and Reaching the Harbor (Ramsho d-Naheera, Wa'de dalmino) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.On the eve of Passion Monday, ie the evening prayers following Palm Sunday (had'bshabo d'Oosha'ne) service, the Syriac Orthodox Church celebrates the "Order of the Entrance into Heaven" (Vadhe Dalmino/Reaching the harbor) also known as "The Lights" (Naheera).
This service is based on the Parable of the 10 Virgins/Bridesmaids awaiting the bridegroom as written in the Gospel of St. Matthew chapter 25. The parable reminds us as we enter this week that it is only through a life of dedication to God, vigilance, fasting & prayer can we be ready for the Resurrection & to welcome the Bridegroom into our lives.
The service commences with a procession with all lights off & the curtain of the altar drawn closed. The clergy and the faithful hold lit candles during the procession which gives the service its name. The procession may be done inside the church, which concludes at the front of the closed altar, or outside the church, concluding at the front of the closed door.
The service ends with a dramatic entrance into the altar resembling the entrance of the wise virgins into heaven; the celebrant stands in front of the closed curtain & chants the hymn 'al haw tar'o three times, each time the deacons & the faithful repeat after him.
Then the priest shouts thrice "Moran, Moran ftah lan tar'okh!" (O Lord, O Lord, open Thy door for us!) after which the lights in the church are turned on and simultaneously the curtain is opened. The clergy enter the altar with a hymn of rejoice, accompanied by the ringing of the bells, fanning of the marbaso & waving of the censer.
Evening:St. Luke 19:41-20:8
Midnight1st Kaumo:St. Matthew 21:33-462nd KaumoSt. Luke 14:12-24
Vadhe DhalmeenoSt. Matthew 25:1-133rd Kaumo:St. Matthew 22:1-14
Morning:Genesis: 22:1-14II Kings 17:7-15Judges 11:30-40Isaiah 28:5-13Acts 25:6-12Hebrews 1:6-2:4Matthew 21:23-32, 17:10-13 3rd Hour:St. Mathew 19:1-12St. Luke 9:43-45
6th Hour:St. Matthew 22:41-23:12
9th HourSt. Matthew 23:13-39
Tone of the Day: Passion Week Tones (Hashonoyo)
Holy Monday English Prayers: https://bit.ly/PassionMondaySyriac Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/3pdtzvzf Wa'de dalmino:Explanation of the service by Ranya Kucukkaplan: https://tinyurl.com/44nh3495
Explanation in Malayalam: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14aUYjNIPbs10DGlIklWjQIgQXbsBvLfP/view?usp=drivesdk
The Symbol of the “Coming to the Harbour” in the Syriac Tradition: http://bit.ly/HarbourSyriac
The "Opening of the Door" Ceremony on Palm Sunday in the Armenian Church: http://bit.ly/NahireArmenian
English-Syriac Service book in Ma'De'Dono: https://tinyurl.com/yp3cu2j3
Syriac Service Booklet from Ma'De'Dono: https://tinyurl.com/44puf8c9
Malayalam Service Booklet: https://bit.ly/VadheDhalmeenoMal
Manglish-English Service Booklet: https://bit.ly/ManglishMidLentVadheFeet
Naheera Service video from St. John The Baptist Syriac Orthodox Church. Villa Park, IL on YouTube: https://goo.gl/Ig4wMI
Prophet Elisha
Prophet Elisha was born in one of the villages of Israel called Alamut. His father's name was Shaphat. Elisha was a servant to the holy prophet Elijah. When the Lord would take up Elijah the prophet into heaven, he went with him to the river Jordan. Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you." Elisha asked, "I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me," and it was as he asked. (2 Kings 2:1-18)
Elisha divided the river and passed through it. Then he went to Jericho and went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!" So he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the LORD. And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. (2 Kings 2:23-24)
A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves." So Elisha said to her, "What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" And she said, "Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil." Then he said, "Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors; empty vessels; do not gather just a few." With his prayers the Lord blessed the oil and all the vessels became full. The woman sold the oil and paid off her debt. (2 Kings 4:1-7) He also raised the son of the Shunammite woman from the dead.
When Naaman the Syrian came to him, he healed him from his leprosy. Naaman offered him much money and costly clothes, but he refused them. Nevertheless, when his servant Gehazi took them for himself, the prophet knew that by the spirit. Elisha became angry and told him, "Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever."
Elisha had performed many signs and miracles. He prophesied for about fifty years. When Elisha died, they buried him. And the raiding bands from Moab invaded the land in the spring of the year. So it was, as they were burying a man, a plundering band was seen, and they cast the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, stood on his feet, and went back to his people. (2 Kings 13:20-21)
St. Dulas of Nicomedia, Martyr
"at Nicomedia, Doulas"
26 March 2024
St. King Constantine
March 26th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. King Constantine the Great +337 and his mother St. Helena +328 according the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Mor Constantine the Great was the son of Flavius Constantius & Helena. He was brought up in Drepanum his mother’s birthplace.
With his Edict of Milan in A.D. 313, the three-centuries-long persecution came to an end. The external threat of the persecution by the Roman government ended However the internal threat of the Arian heresy sprung forth. Constantine convened the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea to combat the Arian heresy in 325AD. The council repudiated the Arian heresy and formulated the statement of faith known as "The Nicene Creed"
Constantine’s adherence to Christianity was closely associated with his rise to power. He fought the Battle of the Milvian Bridge (according to Eusebius, during the campaign against Maxentius) in the name of the Christian God, having received instructions in a dream to paint the Christian monogram (Cross) on his troops’ shields to invoke the help of Christ. In the Syriac Orthodox Church the prayers on the feast of the Holy Cross on 14 September allude to this event. In addition the Sh'himo prayers of Friday say, "May the cross of light that was shown to Constantine in the sky be a high wall to the churches and the monasteries."
He issued numerous laws relating to Christian practices. He extended several privileges to the clergy. Emperor Constantine died on 21 May A.D. 337 at Ancryona, Izmit, Turkey. Shortly before his death, he was baptised by Eusebius of Nicomedia. After his baptism he refused to wear the imperial purple and died wearing the white baptismal robe. He was entombed in the church of the Holy Apostles.
Biography courtesy "Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of The Syriac Orthodox Church"
Oh Mor Constantine plead for us before God's throne of grace! May the power of the true Holy Cross protect us from the evil one and all his forces. Amen
St. Marcian the Martyr
"at Heracleia in Thrace, Markianos, from the ancient martyrs"
Sts. Eleutherius, Nonna and Kurbur
Eleutherius, Bishop of Illyria, and his mother, Martyr Evanthia (Nonna). The Eparch Caribus (Kurbur), who had tortured Saint Eleutherius, also came to believe in Christ and was executed.
Tuesday of the Passion Week
Evening:St. Matthew 22:15-33
Midnight:First Qaumo:St. Matthew 12:38-45St. Luke 22:2, 11:53-54Second Qaumo:St. John 2:12-25; 3:13-21Third Qaumo:St. John 5:30-6:4
Morning:Deuteronomy 31:16-20Zephaniah 1:11-18Isaiah 55:4-11I John 1:1-9Hebrews 2:5-18St. John 8:28-59
Third Hour (9 a.m.):St. John 7:45-52; 8:12-20
Noon (12 p.m):St. Luke 11:37-54
Ninth Hour (3 p.m.):St. Luke 17:1-2St. John 6:30 8:21-27
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Passion/Passion_Today_3-Tuesday.htm
Holy Tuesday English Prayers: https://bit.ly/HolyPassionTuesday
Remembrance of the Persian Martyrs
27 March 2024
St. Philetas the Senator
Martyred along with his wife Lydia, their sons Macedon and Theoprepides, and Amphilochius, an officer in the army, with Chronidas, a notary.
St. Philetus the Martyr
"Philippos, bishop of Antioch."
Probably Patriarch Philetus of Antioch?
Wednesday of the Passion Week
Evening:St. John 11:47-12:11
Midnight:First Qaumo:St. John 10:15-38Second Qaumo:St. John 12:19-33Third Qaumo:St. John 12:34-50
Morning:Leviticus 6:24-7:7Ezekiel 21:26-22:3I Samuel 16:1-13Daniel 14:26-42I Kings 1:32-37Isaiah 5:1-7Acts 19:21-41Colossians 1:9-15St. John 6:63-7:13
Third Hour (9 a.m.):St. John 7:14-27
Noon:St. John 7:28-39
Ninth Hour (3 p.m.):St. Luke 13:31-33St. Mark 8:38St. Luke 12:50, 13:17St, Mark 3:6, 6:3St. John 10:39-40 or St. Luke 13:31-35
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Passion/Passion_Today_4-Wednesday.htm
Holy Wednesday English Prayers: https://bit.ly/PassionWednesday
Syriac Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/hhawhv2w
Passover (phesaho/Thursday of Mysteries(hamsho d-rozé) (Maundy Thursday)
28 March 2024
The Passover or Thursday of Mysteries and the Service of the Washing of the Feet (phesaho, hamsho d-rozé, Thekso d'S'hyogtho) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
Today the Church commemorates the Last Supper or Passover meal Christ shared with his disciples. This event was the first Holy Qurbono instituted by our Lord. The Lord used leavened bread (lahmo) which is the bread of life.
Today the Church has a 'Service of the Feet Washing or S'hyogtho' which recollects Christ washing the feet of His disciples, an act of humility that we must all observe in our lives. This service portrays Christ's washing of His disciples' feet after the Last Supper. It starts with the celebrant calling twelve deacons representing the disciples. A priest, or the highest ranking deacon, represents Simon Peter. It is worth noting that the Judas is excluded and replaced by Matthias, the disciple who was chosen to replace Judas after the resurrection of Christ (Acts 1:26). During the service, the celebrant washes the right feet of the 12 deacons, anointing them with oil and kissing them. Then the deacon (or priest) representing Peter, with the other eleven assisting him, washes both feet of the celebrant. If the celebrant is a bishop, he is carried on his chair when he reads the Gospels, amidst the ululation of women. (Courtesy SOR)
The Syriac Christians of Kerala (St. Thomas Christians/Malankara Nasrani) have a tradition of preparing Passover Bread & Milk (pesaha appam & pesaha paal) in remembrance of the Passover event. On Thursday morning the home is cleaned, & the prayers of the day are recited. Following this, the special bread and milk (made from coconut paste) is prepared. The elder of the house will chant the following Qawmo & then break the bread to be shared from eldest to youngest in the family.
'Pesahaa-yaal pesahaadine nee - kkiya masiha Modi - ppiccharuluka krupa nin pesahaayaal'or 'Msheeho dab pesaho sroylé maru pesaho b-pesaho ab-sahalan wethraham`alayn.'or'Christ Whose – Passion abolished – the Passover lamb. Gladden us in Your - Passover'
Evening:St. John 7:37-52, 8:12-20
Midnight:First Qaumo:St. Matthew 26:17-30Second Qaumo:St. John 6:24-40Third Qaumo:St. John 6:41-63
Morning:St. Luke 22:1-13
Third Hour (9 a.m.):St. John 12:23-36
Noon (12 p.m.):St. Luke 7:36-50St. Mark 14:1-2
Ninth Hour (3 p.m.):St. Matthew 26:1-19
Before Holy Qurbono:Exodus 12:1-11Leviticus 16:3-10Joshua 5:9-12Ezekiel 45:18-25I Samuel 10:17-21Proverbs 1:10-19Amos 2:4-7Jeremiah 18:18-23Zachariah 11:10-14Isaiah 24:16-18 54:4-10
Holy Qurbono:Acts 1:15-20I Corinthians 11:23-34St. Luke 22:14-30
For Feet Washing Service:Exodus 34:18-26II Kings 23:21-25Isaiah 50:4-10I Peter 3:17-22Hebrews 10:21-29St. John 13:1-20
For sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel: https://goo.gl/zLT3qd
Tone of the Day: Hasho (hashonoyo)Syriac Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/25bnt9pm Phesaho hymns: https://goo.gl/B3eNRB
Holy Thursday English Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/2p89x4y9 Holy Thursday Malayalam Prayers: https://bit.ly/HolyThursdayMal
Holy Thursday Manglish Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/2p97yye7
Malayalam hymns and raagam: https://youtu.be/DTolg-JvrTYDiscussion about Pesaho in Syriac: https://youtu.be/enQIaiQMTLM
Service of the Feet Washing
About Feet washing service: http://sor.cua.edu/Feast/Washing.htmlSyriac-English Service from Ma'De'Dono: https://tinyurl.com/ynhdbbdn
Feet Washing English service book: https://bit.ly/FeetWashingEnglish
Feet Washing service Syriac from Ma'De'Dono: https://tinyurl.com/42nkbu89Malayalam Feet Washing service book: https://tinyurl.com/3u8vxwxa
Manglish/English Feet Washing service book: https://bit.ly/ManglishMidLentVadheFeet
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Passion/Passion_Today_5-Thursday.htm
St. Babylas 13th Patriarch of Antioch +253
Saint Babylas (+253). A patriarch of Antioch (237 - 251), During the Decian persecution (249-251) he made an unwavering confession of faith and was thrown into prison where he died from his sufferings. He was, therefore, venerated as a martyr, (according to Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, VI, 39). He asked to be buried with his chains.
http://www.soc-wus.org/ourchurch/St.%20Babylas,%20Patriarch%20of%20Antioch.htm
St. John Chrysostom Homily on St. Babylas: http://bit.ly/ChrysostomBabylas
St. Severus of Antioch veneration of St. Babylas https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZfoSYDxv1hV5vTQvU504bO_qmEwmj_EJ/view?usp=drivesdk
March 28th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Epiphanius of Salamis +403 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
St. Hilarion the Great of Palestine +371
St. Matrona of Thessalonica +300
St. Rodion, Evangelist
St. Herodion (Herodian or Rhodion)
Feast of John of Dailam's Monastery
29 March 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monastery_of_Saint_John_of_Dailam
Life of Mor John of Dailam: https://bit.ly/JohnDailam
Commemorated annually on the last Friday of the month of March
See AYA
Great Friday of Crucifixon( 'arubto rabto dazqeephootho) Good Friday, Veneration of the Cross, Friday of the Week of Passion
The Great Friday of Crucifixon & Veneration of the Holy Cross ('rubto rabto dazqeephootho u seghdto da-Slibo) more commonly known as Good Friday/Dukha velli according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
Today the Church commemorates the crucifixion of our Lord. Symbolically the Good Friday service is considered one of the most beautiful services, depicting the last hours of our Lord's passion from His capture by the Jewish temple authorities to the entombing of His body.
Evening:St. Luke 22:1-30
Midnight:First Qaumo:St. Matthew 26:31-46Second Qaumo:St. Mathew 26:47-48St. Mark 14:27-52Third Qaumo:St. John 18:12-15St. Luke 22:31-62
Morning:Leviticus 4:1-7Numbers 19:1-11Zachariah 13:7-14:5Habakkuk 1:1-12 Ezekiel 13:17-22II Kings 19:20-29Acts 22:30-23:16I Corinthians 1:18-31St. Matthew 27:1-14St. Mark 15:1-10St. Luke 22:66-71St. John 18:28-40
Third Hour (9 a.m.):Matthew 27:26-30Mark 15:21-22Luke 23:26-29John 19:5-14
Noon (12 p.m.):St. Matthew 27:38-44St. Mark 15:29-32St. Luke 23:34-43St. John 19:15-22
Ninth Hour (3 p.m.):St. Matthew 27:45-56St. Mark 15: 33-41St. Luke 23:44-49St. John 19:23-30
Veneration of the Holy Cross:Genesis 22:1-14Exodus 17:8-16Joshua 8:18-25Ezekiel 24:1-17Isaiah 52:13-53:8I Peter 2:19-25Galatians 2:21-3:14, 6:11-18St. Luke 22: 63-23:12 23:13-23 23:24-45St. Mathew 27:3-19 27:24-25 27:51-54 Mathew 27:60St. John 19:23- 42
For sermons/commentaries: https://goo.gl/Oz3yYJ
Tone of the Day: Hasho (hashonoyo)Syriac Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/mr2uda86 Good Friday hymns on YouTube: https://goo.gl/YMKn1qMalayalam Hymns and ragam for learning purposes: https://youtu.be/hie8hlCAL0I
Good Friday English Prayers:https://tinyurl.com/muvxwzn9
Malayalam Service book: https://bit.ly/GoodFridayMal
Manglish book: https://tinyurl.com/52fwzn76
Syriac Service Book from Ma'De'Dono: https://tinyurl.com/495ky5k7
Discussion about Good Friday in Aramaic: https://youtu.be/tZOgsQU6Gjw
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Passion/Passion_Today_6-Friday.htm
Pope Michael I of Alexandria
Gospel Saturday (Saturday of Good Tidings)
30 March 2024
The Saturday of Good Tidings or Saturday of Light (S'habtho D'Nuhro) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
Today the Church commemorates Christ's decent into Hades, sharing of the Gospel & the releasing of the souls of all who were held captive by death awaiting the promised Messiah. The good news of the resurrection & eternal life is shared with all including Adam. Through His incarnation, life & death, Christ has fulfilled the Divine will for the salvation of mankind.
Following Holy Qurbono the faithful hold special prayers (aneedhe) at the tombs of their departed loved ones. After the priest & deacons recite the common prayer for the departed, the faithful relatives of the deceased encircle the tomb in a counterclockwise direction asking their departed loved ones to plead for our sake before God almighty.
During Vespers of Sunday (conducted on Saturday evening), there will be another service of reconciliation (shub'khono) to prepare us for the Feast of the Resurrection (Hido d'Qymtho).
Evening:St. Matthew 27:57-61St. Mark 15:42-16:1St. Luke 23:50-24:12St. John 19:31-42
Morning:St. Mathew 27:62-66
Before Holy Qurbono:Genesis 8:1-12Zechariah 12:11-13:7Jeremiah 38: 3-13Amos 6:8-14Judges 7:9-15Isaiah 59:13-18
Holy Qurbono:Acts 3:11-21Romans 6:1-11Hebrews 13:20-21St. Matthew 27:57 -61
Shub-khono:I John 4:11-21I Corinthians 13:4-10St. Matthew 18:12-22
For sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel: https://goo.gl/WN9HE2
Tone of the Day: Hasho (hashonoyo)
Malayalam Hymns: https://goo.gl/gLj5KA
English Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/36u967fh
Syriac prayers: https://tinyurl.com/3u2d9wfb
Trilingual (Malayalam, English, Manglish) Service Booklet for entire Passion Week: https://bit.ly/TrilingualPassion Service of Reconciliation (shub'khono)
Service from Ma'De'Dono: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10JQkzj4Fg4-o5ev8retaBgJK2U9ZErWP/view?usp=drivesdk
Christ's Descent to the Dead in the Theology of Saint Ephrem the Syrian (Phd Dissertation): https://bit.ly/ChristDescentEphrem
Why do Orthodox Christians commemorate the departed souls: https://tinyurl.com/3c2ns4wfhttp://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Passion/Passion_Today_7-Saturday.htm
Prophet Joad
Holy Prophet Joad came from Samaria and prophesied during the tenth century before Christ (See 1/3 Kings 13). The prophet was sent by the Lord from Judea to Bethel to denounce the Israelite king Jereboam for polluting his nation with idol worship.
St. Mark Bishop of Arethusa and St. Cyril Deacon of Heliopolis
Martyred under Julian the Apostate
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2020/03/29/100936-hieromartyr-mark-bishop-of-arethusa-who-suffered-under-julian-th
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2020/03/29/100937-martyr-cyril-the-deacon-of-heliopolis-and-those-with-him-who-suf
Sts. Victor and Decius
https://st-takla.org/Full-Free-Coptic-Books/Coptic-Synaxarium-or-Synaxarion_English/08-Bermodah/Coptic-Calendar_04-Baramouda.html
Bright Week (S'habtho d'Hevorae)
31 March 2024 - 6 April 2024
From Easter to the following Saturday, the Syriac Orthodox Church celebrates Bright Week (S'habtho d'Hevorae). Bright Week starts on Easter & ends on the following Saturday, the Sunday after that being New Sunday (had'bshabo hadto or puthu njyaar).
In the earliest times of the Church, it was more common for adults to be baptized rather than children, however as attested from the words of the various church fathers, child baptism also existed. The Catechumens (Christian converts awaiting baptism) would be instructed on the faith & traditions of the Church. The days of Great Lent was seen as the best time for them to be taught effectively. Each Catechumen would be sufficiently taught the intricacies of Orthodox Christianity from the basic principles to the finer details, adequately preparing them for their new life as a child of God. Church fathers including St. John Chrysostom agreed that the best day for these Catechumens to be baptized was Easter, therefore at the end of their period of instruction during the Holy Great Lent, the converts would be baptized on Easter Sunday. From Easter to New Sunday there was Holy Qurbono every day, & it was customary for the newly baptized neophytes to wear a shining white robe to church during the week symbolizing the robe of heavenly glory granted to those who've received the Holy Spirit. Mor Dionysius Yac'ub Bar Salibi stresses that the neophytes were to not bathe for 7 days following their baptism. Since the churches & streets were filled with many neophytes wearing their white shining robes, the week became known as Bright Week. The neophytes would then receive Holy Qurbono on New Sunday.
While adult baptisms are comparatively less frequent in modern times, & Catechumens may be baptized on days other than Easter, Syriac Orthodox Christians (especially Infants) still wear a white robe after their baptism.
Robe of Glory by Dr. Sinu John: https://tinyurl.com/445vteam
Significance of Hevorae days (courtesy Hymonutho): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7_KghTEToc
Syriac Prayers for the week: https://tinyurl.com/mry2yutr
Brief explanation: https://goo.gl/h98Q9E
Homily 42 'On the Reception of the Holy Mysteries on the Week of Whites' by St. Jacob of Serugh: https://bit.ly/SerughHomily42
Easter Sunday (Kyomtho)
31 March 2024
The Feast of the Resurrection of our Saviour (Hido da-Qyomto foruqoyto) more commonly known as Easter, according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara.
As Christ foretold, three days from His death He'll be raised from the dead. By His resurrection He renewed all of creation. Easter is known as the Feast of feasts, & it is among the earliest celebrations in Christendom. One of the earliest accounts on the Easter celebration comes to us through a Syriac work, 'Didascalia Apostolorum'.
In Malankara, from today till the Feast of the cross (Sleebo) we recite the prayers & hymns of Qymtho season each Sunday, also known as "Kymtha Namaskaram"
Qom Moran men Qabro! Mhaiminan u mawdenan d-shariroith qom.
Christ has risen from the tomb! We believe and confess that He truly has risen.
Evening:St. Matthew 28:1-20
Midnight:St. Luke 24:1-12
Morning:St. John 20:1-18
Celebration of the Holy Cross:Leviticus 23:26-32Michah 7:8-13Isaiah 57:19-20 60:17-22I Peter 5:5-14Romans 16:1-24St. John 13:34-35, 14:27, 15:11-15, 17-19
Before Holy Qurbono:Exodus 40:17-23Numbers 10:1-10Isaiah 60:1-7, 11-16, 61:10-62:5I Samuel 21:2-7Judges 6:11-16Joel 2:21-32Nahum 2:1-8Daniel 6:18-24
Holy Qurbono:Acts 2:22-43I Corinthians 15:20-28St. Mark:16:1-8
For sermons/commentaries based on the Gospel: https://goo.gl/MPakekSyriac Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h29hu
Tone of the Day: 8 & 1
Malayalam service book: https://bit.ly/EasterMal
Hymns on YouTube: https://goo.gl/zCty3F
Manglish/English Passion Week Service booklet: https://bit.ly/TrilingualPassion
English service book: https://tinyurl.com/2p8ckp38
Syriac Service book from Ma'de'dono: https://tinyurl.com/mtk7ywxf
http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Lent/Passion/Passion_Today_8-Easter.htm
Patriarchal election of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II
March 31st is the anniversary of the Patriarchal election of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.
Following the demise of late Patriarch His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas I of blessed memory, a Holy Synod of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church was convened to determine his successor.
The synod was held at St. Jacob Baradeus Monastery in Atchaneh, Lebanon. It was presided by HB Mor Baselios Thomas I (Bavathirumeni) Catholicos & Mor Severius Jamil who was selected as Patriarchal Locum Tenens.
On March 31st 2014, guided by the Holy Spirit the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church elected Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim (then Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church for the Eastern United States) as the 122nd successor to St. Peter on the Holy See of Antioch and all the East.
Barekmor Moran! Our heartfelt felicitations on this blessed day. May Moriyo Aloho bless Your Holiness abundantly to safeguard our Holy Church. Remember us all your spiritual children, in your prayers.
Prophet Ezekiel
Prophet Ezekiel was a priest, and Nebuchadnezzar exiled him with king Jehoiachin to Babylon. There in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar, the spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he prophesied about wondrous things for twenty two years. He spoke concerning the birth of the Lord Christ by the Lady the Virgin St. Mary and how after she had borne Him, she would remain a virgin: "Then He brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary which faces toward the east, but it was shut. And the LORD said to me, "This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the LORD God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut" (Ezekiel 44:1-2). He prophesied concerning the baptism that sanctify the soul of the man and his body, soften his stony heart, and make him a son of God by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon him. He admonished the priests for their forsaken the teaching of the people, warning them that God will ask for their souls from them if they neglect teaching them. He prophesied concerning the common resurrection and the rising of the bodies with their souls, and about their rewards for whatever they deserve. He said many useful sayings which are of benefit to those who read them, and God manifested through him many signs and great wonders. When the children of Israel worshipped idols in Babylon, he rebuked them and their leaders rose up and killed him. They buried him in the tomb of Shem and Arphaxad.
St. John of Dailam
Monk and Missionary
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