Events

"Ignatios, bishop of Antioch, from the ancient martyrs"

October 17th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Ignatius of Antioch +107 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Ignatius Noorono was the third Patriarch of Antioch, the successor to St. Peter the chief of the Apostles. Church historian Eusebius of Caesarea writes that St. Ignatius succeeded St. Evodius, likewise St. John Chrysostom states St. Peter specifically chose St. Ignatius to be his successor. Ignatius is also called Theophorus in Greek which means 'God-Borne' because of the tradition that he was the child Christ held according to the Gospel of Matthew 18:2-3. Theophorus may also be interpreted as 'God-Bearer' because of the virtue practiced by Ignatius in witnessing God as is expected of every true believer. In Syriac he is given the title Noorono or 'Illuminator/fire-bearer'.

St. Ignatius wrote 7 letters to root out the heresies which were plaguing the early Church. The letters are addressed to Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Romans, Philadelphians, Smyrnaeans, & to his friend St. Polycarpos the bishop of Smyrna. He wrote these letters en route from Smyrna to Rome where he was to be executed. Some of the most important quotations from his writings against heresies include the following:

He stresses Christ’s true humanity & identifies it with the healing food of the Eucharist, calling the Body of Christ "medicine of immortality" Further, he describes: every time this mystery is celebrated, “the work of our redemption is carried on & we break the one bread that provides the antidote for death & the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ.
Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, & see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God... They abstain from the Eucharist & from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins & which that Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes."

St. Ignatius was ordered to be executed by Roman Emperor Trajan. Bishop Polycarp welcomed St. Ignatius on his way to Rome (to be executed) under armed guard. Several Syrian Christian delegates from other churches at Smyrna received him. At Rome he was thrown into the amphitheater filled with voracious lions to be devoured on October 17th. It is said that only the toughest of his bones remained. Thus Mor Ignatius Noorono attained the crown of martyrdom. His relics were then taken to Antioch & venerated by the pious believers. Emperor Theodosius II later moved his relics to another church in the city on December 20th.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Ignatius Noorono! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

http://www.soc-wus.org/ourchurch/St.%20Ignatius%20Noorono.htm

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St. Severus of Antioch hymn on the Prophets:

"I will bless the Lord always" (Psalms 34:1)
Thee, Christ, Saviour of all, who without seed sprangest from the Virgin, the God-bearer, Isaiah saw beforehand with the eye of the spirit and said, "A rod shall come out or the root of Jesse", which same rod Zechariah the prophet also the son of Barachiah called and named 'beautiful': for it is "beautiful to behold beyond men", as David sings. Concerning which rod again Ezekiel also the great among prophets heard the words, "But thou, man, take to thee a rod or piece of wood, and write on it, 'For Judah and for the sons of Israel"; in order that through this he might prefigure thee, Lord, who art our peace. Who made the two sides one and didst unite things that were distant, and became one perfect and true mouth of all the prophets together, and through Thy saving coming in the flesh showed them to be no liars; by whose prayers have pity and mercy upon us."

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St. Baselius of Caesarea (c. 329-379) was filled with the Holy Spirit, and wrote the liturgy that is named after him. God wrought by his hands many signs and miracles. Among them, some heretics gained control over one of the churches and decided to close it unless someone opened it by his prayers. By the prayers of this saint, the church was opened and the believers gained access to it once again. Another sign: Abba Ephraim saw a pillar of light between earth and heaven and heard a voice saying, "This is Basil." St. Ephraim came to the city of Caesarea and witnessed the virtues of St. Basil. St. Basil ordained him a deacon.

St. Gregorios of Nyssa, (c. 330-395) the brother of St. Basil the Great, was a great father of the church was virtuous and so were his brothers. He was very well versed in the art of discourse and in the Greek language. He was also strongly zealous in his Orthodox faith.

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Abba John the Dwarf (Petit)

https://urhotheway.com/2020/10/18/st-john-the-short/

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

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October 18th is the anniversary of the Metropolitan Consecration of H.E. Mor Severios Jamil Hawa.

H.E. Mor Severios Jamil Hawa, Metropolitan of Baghdad & Basra Iraq was consecrated on October 18th 1970 by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Yakub III of blessed memory.

Barekmor Sayidna! Congratulations on this blessed day. May God bless you with another wonderful year to shepherd the Syriac Orthodox faithful of Bhagdad and Basra. Remember us all in your prayers and Holy Qurbono.

http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/SyriacOrthodox/bio_SeveriosHawa.htm

October 18th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Aday according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Aday was the first Bishop of Edessa (Urhoy/Urfa). He is the twin brother of St. Thomas the Apostle. In the Syriac tradition, St. Aday is one of the 72 Disciples our Lord appointed as written in the gospel of St. Luke 10:1. He was one of the primary evangelists in the region of Edessa. The story of his evangelization in Edessa is intertwined with that of great King Abgar V of Edessa.

King Abgar V of Edessa fell ill during the reign of Emperor Tiberius Caesar. According to church historian Eusebius & as written in the Syriac work 'Doctrine of Mor Adai', King Abgar sent a letter to our Lord Jesus Christ inviting him to live in Edessa away from the persecution of the Jewish pharisees. This historical fact is also confirmed in the Syriac Orthodox prayers for Midlent (phelgo d'sawmo/pathinombu). The royal secretary Hannan delivered this letter by hand to Christ himself. In His reply, Christ declines the invitation, instead saying when His earthly mission is complete & He has ascended to to heaven, He promises to send one of His disciples to Edessa, who will heal the king & evangelize the whole kingdom so that they may receive eternal life. Hannan returns to Edessa with the letter and a portrait of Christ (first icon of our Lord in history).

After the Ascension of our Lord, Mor Aday is sent to Edessa as earlier promised by Christ to King Abgar. Mor Aday healed King Abgar of his leprosy & baptized him. Thus, Abgar became the first king to embrace Christianity & the Kingdom of Osroene (with Edessa as its capital) became the very first Christian nation.

St. Aday played a key role in the evangelization of Mesopotamia, southern Armenia & eastern parts of Syria.

Oh Mor Aday! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. May your intercession protect the Syriac Christian faithful in Mesopotamia. Amen.

Martyr

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

According to The Teaching (Doctrine) of Addai, Abshelama (or Barshelama) was an early bishop of Edessa and a copyist for the apostle Addai.

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October 19th is the anniversary of the demise of Arch Cor-Episcopo the Most Rev. Fr. Dr. Curien Kaniamparambil +2015.

Most Rev. Fr Curien Kaniamparambil Arch Cor-Episcopo was a pillar of the Malankara Church for 80 years. He was the spiritual godfather for countless faithful of the Church & seen as a role model to emulate by clergy & laity alike. His smiling face is etched in our hearts forever.

He was ordained priest by late St. Athanasius Paulose (Valiyathirumeni) in 1932 & served as personal secretary to Patriarch St. Ignatius Elias III during the Apostolic visit to Malankara. In 1950 he was raised to the rank of Cor-Episcopo by late Patriarchal Delegate Mor Yulios Elias Qoro.

In 1978 the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory bestowed upon him the title 'Malankara Malfono' (Doctor of the Malankara Church) in recognition of his scholarly works & contributions to the translation of the Syriac Liturgy into Malayalam. He is only one of two individuals outside the famous Konatt family to be decorated with such an honour.

In 1982 the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I of blessed memory conferred upon him the title 'Korooso Dasroro' (Proclaimer of the faith).

On August 2nd 1994, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Curien Kaniamparambil released the completed Malayalam translation of the Syriac Peshito Holy Bible. The Vishudha Grandham (Holy Bible) was released after the painstaking efforts to meticulously & authentically translate the Syriac Holy Bible without error so that the faithful in Malankara could read the scripture as intended by the Church. The release of this Holy Bible was his crowning achievement amongst his great number of contributions to the Holy Church.

In recognition to the tremendous contribution to the Holy Church, to the Syriac language & to Malayalam literature, especially considering the first complete translation of the Peshito Bible in Malayalam, the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, elevated the esteemed priest to the position of Reesh Cor-Episcopo (ARCH Cor-Episcopo), at a grand function held at the Syriac Orthodox Church headquarters of India at Patriarchal Centre Puthencruz on 25th February 2012. His Holiness also conferred upon him the title Mtargmono d'Etho (Translator of the Church)

He was a living legend with his academic contributions in multifarious domains of the Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church, & with spiritual gems being expounded from the depth of his heart. Malankara Malfono was the shining light of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, source of admiration for the Churches of Syriac heritage, beloved son of the Patriarchs, the Catholicos' & the prelates. He was a dear friend & guide to the clergy, & fatherly figure for all those who knew him.

On October 19th 2015 at the age of 103 our beloved Malpan appachan left us for the Heavenly Abode. May his legacy never be forgotten, may we seek to emulate his great humbleness in loving the Church, as in his own words, "I am but a donkey of my Lord, may He use this donkey for the glory of His Holy Church". Truly our Most Rev. Fr. Curien Kaniamparambil Arch Cor-Episcopo was a shining diamond & tower of light for us all. The warmth of his presence is sorely missed. May his prayers be with the Church & her faithful.

Biography courtesy Syriac Christianity: https://goo.gl/V7LDJC

Malankara World special supplement: https://goo.gl/GB1vwM

Shahdost was Bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon

The Ecclesiastical Chronicle of Maphrian-Catholicos Mor Gregorios bar Ebroyo preserves a beautiful statement from St. Shahdost, uttered in response to persecution: "God is the chief of the Christians and He appoints for them whomever He wants. As the sea does not run out its water, thus also Christianity will not vanish from the earth."

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October 19th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Luke the Evangelist according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Lukose sabrono was born at Antioch and was a gentile. He was a physician & was a disciple of the Holy Apostles (Colossians 4:14). Church historian Eusebius of Caesarea writes that St. Luke was of Greek origin. St. Paul recorded that Luke was with him at the close of his ministry.(2 Timothy 4:11)

St. Luke was a fellow labourer of St. Paul in the missionary tours (Philemon 1:24). They earned their own living, “Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, for those who were with me” (Acts 20:34). Paul did the tent-making & Luke practised medicine (Acts 18:3). Luke travelled along with St. Paul to Jerusalem. It is assumed that when St. Paul was in prison, Luke had occasion to interact with the other apostles & to collect materials to write the gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. He is the only Gospel writer not of Jewish origin.

The Gospel according to St. Luke is unique in certain respects. The childhood of Jesus is described in this gospel. The Magnificat is included in this gospel (Luke 1:46-56). Luke might have visited St. Mary to collect these details. St. Luke is the first iconographer, he wrote the icon of St. Mary the mother of God which is kept in St. Mary's Syriac Orthodox Church at the house of St. Mark (Dayro d-Mor Marqos) in Jerusalem. St. Luke departed for the heavenly abode at the age of 84 at Boetia or Bithynia.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Lukose sabrono! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen

https://urhotheway.com/2020/10/23/st-luke-the-evangelist/

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

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Mar Daniel was an ascetical companion of Mor Mattai, and came with him from Amida to Iraq.

He has a monastery named after him in Iraq which is also known as the Beetles monastery due to a particular miracle each year which occurs on the feast of his commemoration.

The 10th century Abbasid scribe al-Shābushtī writes about the miracle in his anthology of monasteries: "This is a large monastery between Mosul and Balad, with many monks. On one day in the year, people assemble there from all over, and that is when the scarabs appear. They cover its walls, roofs, and ground, turning the whole place black. The next day, which is the monastery’s patronal festival, people gather in the church, celebrate the liturgy, receive communion, and then leave. By then, the scarabs have disappeared and nothing more is seen of them until the same time the following year."

"at Nicomedia, Eutychēs and other martyrs."

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"the martyrs Dasios, and Gaios, and Zotikōs"

Martyrs Dasius, Gaius, and Zoticus

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Senior bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch after St. Severus the Great reposed. Resided at Constantinople in the Hormisdas Palace under the protection of the Byzantine Empress St. Queen Theodora. Participated in the consecration of St. Jacob Baradaeus.

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In hagiography: Severus II Bar Mashqa is commemorated as a monk from the convent of Asphulos (also known as Dayro da-Pgimto). He had correspondence and tensions over ordination rights with John the Persian which were not resolved until Severus' successor, Athanasius.

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Aaron of Serugh was a disciple of Mar Awgin and founder of two monasteries near Melitene.

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"at Hadrianopolis in Thrace, the bishop Philippos, the martyr, and Hermēs, of the same city"

During the persecutions of Diocletian, Saint Hermes and Saint Philip were ordered by governor Basso to close their church and turn over all scriptures and other documents, and all altar furnishings. When Hermes explained that he had no authority to do so, the two were imprisoned, flogged and executed.

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Solitary

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

October 22nd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Baselios Shakralla +1764 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Baselios Shakralla Maphriyano was sent by the Patriarch of Antioch to Malankara (India) during a time of turmoil & confusion at the request of Marthoma V, the leader of the Syriac Orthodox Christians in Malankara. Shakralla was born in Aleppo to deacon Moosa Al Quasbji. After his seminary education he became a monk & was later ordained priest. After the death of Marthoma IV, a successor was required & so the faithful in Malankara sent letters to the Patriarchate to send someone to validate the consecration of Marthoma V (whose predecessor died before giving valid ordination). HH Patriarch Ignatius George III consecrated Raban Shakralla as Maphrian & delegated him to India. Baselios Shakralla was accompanied by Mor Gregorios Yuhannon of Jerusalem, Cor-Episcopo Geevarghese, Raban Yuhannon, & 3 deacons (Anthon, Moosa, Hadaya Shakr Allah).

The entourage took the arduous journey to India even in the midst of a difficult political climate. Baselios Shakralla Maphrian carried with him 64 manuscripts, holy books, three crosses from Jerusalem & relics of saints for the Malankara Church. As they began their treacherous journey, they were first attacked en route to Baghdad & the money meant for travel was stolen. When they reached Iran, the group was forced to remain there for 7 months due to the threat of pirates & the ongoing battle between warlords. From there they reached Surat port in India but not without being robbed again by thieves. Baselios Shakralla reached Cochin on the feast of St. George in 1751, the cost to be paid to the company was Rs/-12,000 (an unimaginably enormous sum at the time). Contrary to the prior agreement Marthoma V refused to meet the expenses or visit the Maphrian.

Mor Baselios sent 4 letters to Marthoma V but he did not respond. Baselios Shakralla stayed seventy two days at the Fort & after visiting the Rajah of Cochin on 3 Karkkidakam, he reached Kandanad Church on 4 Karkidakam 1751. Even there the meeting with Marthoma V did not happen. The Maphrian went to Kothamangalam travelling on foot via Mulamthuruthy, Kolanchery & Kunnukurudy.

Mor Baselios stayed at Kothamangalam Valiyapally & Marthoma V at the nearby Cheriya pally for some days. In spite of that, the expected meeting did not take place. The Maphrian offered prayers at the tomb of his predecessor St. Baselios Yeldho Maphriyano & waited for the arrival of Marthoma V in vain. Marthoma V had spread some erroneous statements about the Maphrian. In this context, on 30 Medam 1752 Raban Yuhannon who had accompanied the Maphrian was consecrated the Malankara Metropolitan instead of Marthoma V at Kandanad Church. Raban Yuhannon was hence known as Mor Ivanios. Mor Baselios Shakralla also ordained many priests, monks, deacons & he diligently worked to root out all the elements of Latin influence during the Portuguese subjugation of the Malankara Church.

Mor Baselios Shakralla nurtured the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara for 13 years despite all the hardships he had to endure. He reposed in the Lord while staying at Mattancherry Church (which he built). His mortal remains were later entombed in St. Mary's Cathedral Kandanad. In October 2008 vis Patriarchal Apostolic Bull E213/08, the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory declared and glorified Mor Baselios Shakralla Maphriyano as a saint, permitting the prayers at his tomb (Zadhiko). In 2017 vis Patriarchal Apostolic Bull No. E I23/17; the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East HH Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II permitted the recitation of the name of St. Baselios Shakralla in the 5th Thubden (Thubden d-Qadishe) at all Malankara parishes across the world.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Baselios Shakralla Maphriyano! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

Martyr, commemorated with St. Cosmas

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Mar Mennas from Egypt

https://urhotheway.com/2020/11/14/st-mina/

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October 23rd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. James the Apostle according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Yac'ub bar'halpphai was also known as James the less to differentiate him from James the son of Zebedee (James the greater). St. James is the son of Alphaeus & Miriam (relative of St. Mary the mother of God).

After Pentecost, he preached the Gospel in Gaza, Sur, Arabia, & Egypt. He performed many miracles, converting a multitude to the faith. He was crucified in Egypt by the pagans. Thus St. James the Apostle attained the crown of martyrdom.

Oh Mor Yac'ub Sleeho! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen

October 23rd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. James the Just +62AD according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Yac'ub was the first Archbishop of Jerusalem. He is the brother of Jesus by virtue of being born to a previous wife of Joseph. He was called 'James the Just' because he was a righteous man who was steadfast in prayer, frequently found alone in the church, praying on his knees so often that they became hard as camel.

He wrote the general Epistle in his name. Mor Yac'ub formulated the Divine Liturgy known as the Anaphora of St. James. This is the oldest form of worship in the history of Christianity. This form of worship is the 'Holy Qurbono' preserved & handed down through the centuries by the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch.

Persecutors of James demanded a denial of his faith in Jesus Christ in public. He instead affirmed his faith that Christ, our Lord & Saviour, is the Son of God. They threw him down from the top of the church. Even though he survived the fall, he was subsequently beaten to death with a fuller’s club. Thus Mor Yac'ub attained the crown of martyrdom.

St. John of Dara in his 'Commentary on the Eucharist' (quoting Sts. Basil, Epiphanius, & John Chrysostom) states that Christ himself entrusted the Qurobo to James on third day of the week of Pentecost; who then communicated St. John the Apostle who finally communicated St. Mary the mother of God. The Syriac Orthodox Church continues to use a part of the prior Qurobo in preparation of the next lahmo (Eucharist Bread) thereby maintaining the unbroken connection to the Holy Apostles for the last 2000 years.

Mor Yac'ub is commemorated every Sunday in the Thubden d-Qadishe (5th Thubden/Dypthic) of the Syriac Orthodox Church Holy Qurbono; describing him as, “Jacob, the first Archbishop of Jerusalem, the Apostle & martyr”.

Biography adapted from 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Yac'ub! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

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"the presbyter Heros and Dōrotheos"

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October 24th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Abraham of Qidon +366 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Abrohom Kidunoyo was born to a wealthy family near Edessa. His family wanted him to get married, however he ran away to become a monk. He then built a hermitage with a small opening only for food, remaining there to pray continuously. When his parents passed, he had all the inherited wealth distributed to the poor & needy; keeping only a cloak, a goat-skin garment, a bowl & a mat for himself.

Near to the site of his cell, there was a town called Beth Qidon whose citizens were pagan idolaters. Many had tried to evangelize them, but it was always met with fierce opposition. The bishop of Edessa was disturbed by this, saddened that the word of God could not reach the hearts of these people. He asked Abraham to leave his cell (against his will), ordained him as a priest & sent him to preach the Gospel to the citizens of Qidon. Mor Abrohom built a church in the town, trying his hardest to spread the Gospel, but they would not listen. Each night he would return to his cell to pray, going back to the city every morning. The townsfolk would insult him, abuse him, even attacking him with sticks & stones. Once, St. Abraham was left for dead, but upon recovering he would return to the people trying his level best to soften their hearts & open their ears to the message of the Gospel. This went on with much difficulty for 3 years.

By the grace of God, there was a break through. Abraham's patience, steadfast faith & willingness to suffer for the Gospel convinced the citizens of Qidon of his holiness. They listened to & accepted the Gospel, eventually being baptized by him. He continued teaching them the ideals of Christian faith, justice & charity for another year till he retired back to his hermitage. As the whole town of Qidon was converted through his untiring efforts, he was given the name St. Abraham of Qidon.

Mor Abrohom Kidunoyo led a life of penance for fifty years & lived to the age of 70. At the news of his last illness, the whole countryside flocked to receive his benediction & after his death each one sought to procure a fragment of his clothing.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Abrohom Kidunoyo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

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Mort Mariam was the niece of Mor Abraham of Qidun and she lived as an ascetic with her uncle in a cave-cell outside the city. In the History of Abraham of Qidon we read about how Mariam left the ascetic life for the life of a harlot but returned after two years through her uncle's intervention and his acts of sacrifice. The life story of Mariam is one of the most famous testimonies of repentance among Syriac saints. In some Syriac Orthodox liturgical manuscripts, a "soogitho" or dialogue poem of St. Mary can be found for the Second Sunday of Great Lent and the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent in the midnight (lilyo) office.

Summary: Late in life Mor Abraham took charge of the daughter of his recently deceased brother, a girl of 7 years by the name of Mary. Abraham chooses to raise her as a hermit and teach her the essentials of a hermit’s life. She is allotted a cave-cell of her own, in front of Abraham’s cell, separated from his cell by a door. Mary followed Abraham’s example in all respects, but by the time she came of age, her outward beauty attracted the attention of a young man pretending to be a hermit. This imposter seduces Mary to commit sin. After having committed her sin, she leaves her cell out of shame, unbeknownst to her uncle.

In a long monologue (see the Sogitho of Mary) she bewails her fate and argues that, now that she failed so utterly, she could never expect to find forgiveness and grace anymore, neither from her uncle nor from God. Panic and affliction started to rule her and her heart weakened, and she left her cell. In utter despair, Mary enters a brothel to become a prostitute. Only two days after Mary left him, Abraham came to realize through a dream that his niece is no longer with him. In a nightmare he saw a serpent devouring a dove, and on awakening, Abraham acts on this premonition and calls out to Mary, only to find out that she is no longer in her cell. He then asks the help of an acquaintance to go and find out her whereabouts.

After two years her secret place of dwelling is discovered. Abraham in the guise of a soldier, leaves his cell to go and bring Mary back. He enters the brothel and behaves as a regular brothel customer, drinking wine and eating meat and asking for the most beautiful girl on offer, so as not to betray his identity to his niece, who he is afraid might try to flee from him out of shame. It is this act of breaking his strict rules of abstinence, which marks the ultimate sacrifice. In exchange for the spiritual salvation of a lost soul, he gives away in the spur of the moment an entire life time of strictest austerity and self-chastisement. In the seclusion of a private chamber within the brothel, Abraham makes his identity known to his niece, who bursts into tears believing that there still is hope for her to be saved from a life of sin. Mor Abraham prays with her and reminds her that "God accepts every repentant even if he has many great sins." Finally, she returns with her uncle to the hermitage, where Abraham is wise enough to allot the inner cell to her this time, where he himself used to live. Both lead henceforward a life in strictest austerity.

Life of St. Mary of Qidun and her Sugitho: https://bit.ly/LifeMaryQidun 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Sleepers

Information about the legend including English translation made by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kKUvd_U-1ma7ixGMN8sfVYCm-brfs7bn/view?usp=drivesdk

Mentioned by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory in his article on Islam.

"For the Syrians the Legend of the Cave was an event with which God proves that He, the creator, can bring back to life the dead on the day of the resurrection. It was handed down in the Syriac language in excellent style, verse and prose. It belongs to the Syrian tradition and was studied thoroughly also by the great chroniclers like Zachariah the Rhetor (+536), John of Ephesus (+587), the Monk of Zuqnin (+775) and others. We also have a poem, containing 74 verses in 7-syllable meter, by Mor Jacob of Serugh (+521). The church remembers these Seven Sleepers on November 24 [should be October 24] every year. They have their own liturgical prayer in which the truth of their sleeping and awakening is documented and handed down." http://syriacchristianity.info/PZakka/ShortHisIslam.htm

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In hagiography: Pethion was a Zoroastrian convert who, with his uncle the monk Yazdin, preached in the region of the lower Zab. His hagiography was connected to that of an aristocratic father and daughter pair whom he helped to convert:Adorhormizd and his daughter Anahid. Pethion was martyred under Yazdegerd II.

Intercessor sought by those who have fallen into tribulation

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"at Hierapolis in Phrygia, from the ancient martyrs, Kyriakos and Klaudianos"

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The Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, Notaries of Constantinople served in a Constantinople cathedral. Marcian was a reader and Martyrius a subdeacon

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H.E. Mor Barthelmaus Nathaniel Joseph, Patriarchal-Vicar for Arabian Gulf was consecrated on October 26th 2012 by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I

St. Anatolius was a 4th century Persian origin martyr who died in Antioch under the rule of Diocletian.

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Martyr

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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.

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The Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica suffered in the year 306 in the city of Thessalonica together with the Martyr St. Demetrius of Thessalonica

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"at Antioch, from the ancient martyrs, Silvanos and Markianos"

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"in the city of Eumeneia in Phrygia, Thras..., and Polykarpos, and G…, and eig[ht] others"

Maybe also Thraseas, bishop of Eumeneia

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Martyr
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Yareth (Yoreth) was a monk who was trained in the monastery of Pachomius and then later joined the monks of the circle of Mar Awgin on Mount Izla. He visited the monastery of Mar Ahha, near where the ark of the covenant of Moses was. He converted the region of Beth Zabdai. There he built a monastery and lived with his disciple Quryaqos.

The Syriac Life of Mar Yaret the Alexandrian: http://bit.ly/VitaYareth

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Helped queen Helen find the Holy True Cross. Martyred in Jerusalem under Julian the Apostate

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Martyr Bishop of Ancona

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Martyr and Patriarch

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Vat. LXIX

October 29th is the anniversary of the demise of HE Mor Julius Yeshu Isa Çiçek +2005, the former Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Central Europe.

Mor Julius was born Kafro village of Tur Abdin region Turkey to priest Qashisho Barsawmo & Bath-Qyomo Sayde. At 9 years he joined Kurkmo Dayro where he learnt Syriac, Arabic, Turkish & Church theology. In 1958 he was ordained deacon & became the personal secretary of late HE Mor Philoxenus Yuhannon Dolbani of Mardin. He later served in Dayro d-Mor Quryaqos, helping the displaced Syriac & Armenians Christians who survived Sayfo. In 1960 Yeshu then joined Dayro d-Mor Gabriel as a monk, becoming administrator 2 years later. He was ordained priest by late HE Mor Iwannis Ephrem Bilgic of Tur Abdin in 1969. He would later serve in Damascus, Lebanon, the Holy Land & Germany(where he learnt German). In 1975, Late HE Mor Athanasius Yeshu Samuel of North America invited him to USA. There, Raban Yeshu learnt English, pursued higher studies at Michigan University & administered to the Syriac faithful. Raban Yeshu returned to Europe, settling in Hengelo Netherlands. On June 24th 1979 the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory consecrated Raban Yeshu as Mor Julius for the newly created Archdiocese of Central Europe which was comprised of Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden. The majority of Syriac Christians in Central Europe were people who sought asylum due to the persecution in Turkey. A thirty acre plot of land worth millions was bought in Losser, Holland & Dayro d-Mor Ephrem was established there for the administration of hundreds of churches & organisations scattered over various places. In Germany alone in the Central European diocese there were 54 churches. Under the able administration of Mor Julius Yeshu, the diocese of Central Europe flourished, becoming a beacon of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the diaspora. There are now 3 Syriac Orthodox monasteries spread across Europe.

Mor Julius Yeshu Cicek was particularly keen on the necessity of having publications & was also anxious about the future of the Syriac Church. Even before becoming bishop, he started Kolo Suryoyo magazine in 1978. He started a printing press & Bar Hebraeus Publishing house that during his tenure published well over 100 books related to Syriac Orthodox Liturgy, history, theology & Biblical studies. Mor Julius Yeshu spearheaded the production & release of the magnum opus, 'The Hidden Pearl: The Syrian Orthodox Church and its Ancient Aramaic Heritage' a 3 part documentary with accompanying print volumes on the history of the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Syriac people, the Church in Malankara & the contributions to the world.

Mor Julius Yeshu was also an eminent ambassador for the Syriac Church. He met late Pope John Paul 1. He accompanied late HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I of blessed memory at the Pro Oriente dialogue with late Roman Catholic Pope John Paul II. He also worked tirelessly to represent the Church to the various government authorities in Europe especially for the benefit of our youth.

Mor Julius Yeshu held the Malankara Church (Syriac Church in India) with a special place in his heart. He was happy that the Kerala Christians led a life similar to that of the people in his homeland of Tur Abdin. He expressed a desire to spend the rest of his life in India after two or three years. He visited Malankara many times. During the hardships faced by the Malankara Church, Mor Julius Yeshu was a comforter who strengthened the resolve of the Jacobite faithful. He maintained cordial relations with the regional synod, late HB Mor Baselius Paulose II Catholicos, along with current Catholicos HB Mor Baselius Thomas I. Mor Julius Yeshu Cicek was one of the founding fathers of Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary (MSOT) & donated 4 million rupees (40 lakhs), the single largest contribution, so that it may be opened. He also financially helped organizations included MJSSA & St. Mary's Women's League.

On October 29th 2005, Mor Julius Yeshu Cicek entered the heavenly abode at only 63 years of age in Germany. His funeral service was held on November 5th, led by late Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I which was attended by tens of thousands of faithful. His mortal remains were entombed in the mausoleum below the sanctuary of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Glane, Netherlands where late Mor Athanasius Yeshu Samuel & late Mor Philoxinos Ilyas Cankaya are also entombed. Mor Julius Yeshu Cicek was one of the greatest bishops of our time & his love for the Syriac Orthodox Church will remain a guiding light for future generations.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' & Syriac Christianity

http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/SyriacOrthodox/bio_JuliusCecek.htm

Martyr

https://urhotheway.com/2020/10/29/st-anastasia/

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Bishop of Syracuse

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

"at Nicom[edia], the martyr Kalendion"

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Saint Bartholomew was one of the Twelve Apostles, and had Galilee as his homeland; this is all that is known of him for certain according to the history of the Gospels. Concerning his apostolic work, certain say that he preached in Arabia and Persia, and especially in India, bringing to them the Gospel written by Saint Matthew, which had been written originally in Hebrew, and which was found there one hundred years later by Pantaenus, formerly a stoic philosopher and later an illustrious teacher of the Christian school in Alexandria (see Eusebius, Eccl. Hist., 5: 10). Other accounts say that he went to Armenia. According to some, he ended his life by being crucified, or by being flayed alive, in Albanopolis (Urbanopolis) of Armenia. This also confirms an ancient tradition preserved by the Armenians.

Saint Barnabas, one of the Seventy, was from Cyprus, of the tribe of Levi, and a fellow disciple with Paul under Gamaliel. He was called Joses, but was renamed Barnabas, which means "son of consolation," perhaps to distinguish him from the Joses called Barsabas and surnamed Justus (Acts 1:23). Saint Barnabas had a field, which he sold and brought the money to the Apostles (Acts 4:36-37). Before the conversion of Saul to Paul, it was Barnabas who was the leader of the Seventy Apostles, the first in preaching and chief spokesman. After Saul's vision on the road to Damascus, it was Barnabas who joined him to the Apostles when the others, because of Saul's reputation as a persecutor of the Church, still feared him (Acts 9:26-27); again it was Saint Barnabas who conscripted Paul as a preacher, bringing him from Tarsus to Antioch after the stoning of Stephen, to assist in spreading the Gospel (Acts 11:25-26). Saint Barnabas preached the Gospel in many places, traveled together with Paul, and finally was stoned to death by the Jews in his native Cyprus

Evening:
St. Matthew 10: 16-33

Morning:
St. Luke 12: 1-12

Before Holy Qurbana:
Genesis 4: 3-12
Daniel 3: 14 -30

Holy Qurbana:
Acts 23 : 11 - 25
Romans 8: 31- 39
St. Mark 8:34-38, 13 : 9 - 13

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The Hieromartyr Zenobius, Bishop of Aegea, and his sister Zenobia suffered a martyr’s death in the year 285 in Cilicia

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October 31st is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Andrew the Holy Apostle +60 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Andrayos Sleeho, the brother of St. Peter, was a native of the town of Bethsaida in Galilee, & a fisherman by profession. Being first a disciple of St. John the Baptist, he later joined Jesus Christ, bringing to Him his elder brother Simon, with whom he became a member of the Holy Apostles.

Tradition states that he travelled in Jordan, Arabia, Phoenicia (modern Lebanon) Osreon (South eastern Turkey) & preached the Gospel among people who spoke Armenian language. Besides that he travelled across Cappodocia, Bithynia, Galatia around the Black sea & went to Acacia. It is even believed that he carried the Gospel as far as Russia & Poland, & that he preached at Byzantium.

He is said to have been martyred by crucifixion as he precipitated the anger of the Roman provincial Governor. When he reached Patras/Patrae in Achaia/Acaia, he heard the Governor’s wife Maxilla (Maximilla) was on her deathbed. As he arrived at their palace he found Aegeates, the Governor with a drawn sword ready to kill himself after the imminent death of his wife. As St. Andrew prayed she recovered & accepted Jesus Christ as her saviour. Her brother-in-law also accepted the Christian belief. The Governor was furious as his brother & wife converted to Christianity & consequently Andrew was imprisoned.

It is recorded that a debate ensued as St. Andrew spread the true faith & spoke against the worship of idols & during the trial he was condemned to be crucified. In prison he influenced other prisoners & many repented. The Governor on hearing about this, issued orders to crucify him.

When Andrew saw the cross made of olive wood in the shape of ‘X‘ (St. Andrew's Cross) he hugged it with great happiness. He prayed, “May Jesus who saved me through the Cross accept me now by the same cross.” He was not nailed but bound to the cross tightly & the cross was made to stand erect. He suffered hunger, thirst & intense pain for two days in the same posture. Even in the midst of his agony he was preaching the word of God. Half an hour before his ordeal came to an end his face lit up, then his soul departed for its heavenly abode. Thus Mor Andrayos attained the crown of martyrdom. He was entombed in Patras at the order of Maxilla. The relics of the saint was later taken to Constantinople in 357, & deposited in the church of the Holy Apostles, built by Constantine the Great.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Andrayos Sleeho! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

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Saint Stachys, was made Bishop of Byzantium by Saint Andrew. He built a church at Argyropolis, and many people gathered there to hear him preach. He was a good shepherd to his flock, tirelessly laboring for their salvation. He died in peace.

Saint Amplias was a bishop in the city of Diospolis.

Among the Seventy Two (72) Disciples

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