Events

Evening:
St. Luke 8:16-21

Morning:
St. Mark 3:31-35

Before Holy Qurbana:
Deuteronomy 26:16-27:10
Judges 13:2-14
Zechariah 2:10-13, 4:1-7, 8:3
Isaiah 63:15-64:5

Holy Qurbana:
I John 3:2-17
Hebrews 6:13-7:10
St. Luke 1:26-38

On September 1st the Syriac Orthodox Church commemorates the anniversary of the demise of His Beatitude Mor Baselius Paulose II +1996. HB was the Catholicos of the East & head of the Holy Synod in India, reigning from 1975 to 1996.

Paulose was born in Cherai, Kochi Kerala to Rev. Fr. Joseph Puthusseril & Elizabeth. He completed his secular education at CMS College Kottayam & UC College Aluva. He studied Syriac under his father who was a Malpan. He was ordained deacon by Mor Yulios Elias the Patriarchal Delegate to Malankara, followed by Priesthood 5 years later. He then became the personal secretary to Mor Yulios, & served as teacher at Dayro d-Mor Ignatius Manjinikkara.

Then Malankara Metropolitan Mor Athanasius Paulose, was in charge of the Kandanad diocese. As he was advancing in age, the faithful of Kandanad diocese chose Rev. Fr. PJ Paulose as designate. He accompanied Mor Yulios to Homs Syria, where he was consecrated bishop with the title Philexinos by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum of blessed memory on October 19 1952. He took charge of Kandanad Diocese in January, his temporary headquarters was Malekurishu Dayro founded by former Patriarchal Delegate St. Osthatheos Sleebo (gifted to the Holy Throne of Antioch by Kuriako Valayal). After the demise of Mor Dionysius Mikhayel +1956, the dioceses of Kottayam & Kollam were also the responsibility of Mor Philoxenus. The same year, the schismatic faction which had rebelled against the Holy See returned & there was a period of unity. Mor Philoxenus was assistant Metropolitan of Kandanad while Mor Timotheos Augin the senior. Mor Philoxenus did his level best to impart the true Orthodox faith & loyalty to the Holy Throne of Antioch among the faithful. He served as head of the Sunday School Association.

Sadly, the period of peace broke down once again due to the underhanded & sinful nature of those who sought only power. The Church in Malankara was again split in two. Subsequently, Mor Philoxenus was consecrated as Catholicos Mor Baselius Paulose II by the thrice blessed late HH Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III of blessed memory in Damascus on September 7th 1975. He was a great shepherd for the Syriac Orthodox faithful in Malankara, strengthening his spiritual children as the Church faced insurmountable obstacles, litigation & persecution. His unflinching loyalty to the Holy Throne of Antioch was an example for young & old alike. The faithful looked to him as a beacon of hope as the Church waded through times of great turbulence.

On June 25th 1980, HH Mor Ignatius Yac'ub III reposed in the Lord. HB Mor Baselius Paulose II chaired the Holy Synod for the election of Mor Severius Zakka as the next Patriarch. He officiated the consecration ceremony of Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas on September 14th 1980. This was a historic moment because this was the first time that a Catholicos-Maphrian of Malankara (India) officiated the Patriarchal Enthronement ceremony! In addition, Mor Clemis Abraham Valiyametropolitan of the Knanaya Archdiocese also took part in the monumental event.

After serving the Malankara Church as Metropolitan for almost 44 years & as the Catholicose of the East for 21 years HB Mor Baselius Paulose II Bava passed away on September 1st 1996. His funeral ceremony was attended by tens of thousands of faithful. His mortal remains were entombed in the Malekurishu Dayro according to his last wishes.

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

Malayalam audio Biography by Basil C Alias: https://goo.gl/qdBs9b
For full biography: https://goo.gl/fXLrR8

In hagiography: Hormizd was a martyr of Beth Garmai under Yazdegerd. He had nine friends, and all were converts from Zoroastrianism or had Zoroastrian wives. They were tortured to death.

RSoH

September 1st is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Malke +315 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Malke was born to Yuhannon & Rafka in Qulezmo (Egypt), a wealthy family who had only a daughter & waited years for a son. From a young age, Malke was taught the true faith & he grew in wisdom. A very religious child, at the age of 11 he desired to be a monk much to the dismay of his parents who wanted him to get married in the future. Malke left his grieving family & traveled to Tur Izlo (Mount Izlo) where he stayed at the Monastery of his maternal uncle Mor Augin. He became the disciple of Mor Augin & was later ordained priest by Mor Yac'ub of Nisbis. He went to Jerusalem, then Egypt, then returned to the Dayro d-Mor Augin. Malke later left to live in solitude, he reached the village of Arkah. There a child had fallen in to a pit leaving the townsfolk in despair. He prayed at the site, suddenly the child came out of the pit unharmed, but with him was a demon. However, seeing the power of Mor Malke, the demon fled.

St. Malke built a monastery on the location where God exiled the devil. Then he heard a voice from the heaven saying, “Malke, servant of God, force out Astrasis & his demons. Put down the sign of the Cross & it will protect you from evil.” The Holy One went down to the place where the devil abode & cast them out as the Lord commanded. The demons left complaining bitterly. St. Malke measured the place for an altar & carved a sign of the Cross on the stone. The villagers of Arkah came in great numbers to help build the Monastery.

The devil had a crafty nature. He went to Constantinople & took possession of Asanasis the daughter of King Constantine. The King was greatly sorrowful. He sent for St. Malke to come & heal his daughter because she said he was the only one who could heal her. The girl was brought before the saint & fell convulsing on the ground. She turned black & writhed in agony biting her arms. St. Malke lifted his hands in prayer & asked for God for help. He told her to rise. When she stood up it was as if she had been sleeping a long time. The devil poured out of her in the form of a black smoke. St. Malke told him to go to the dung pile & sit on it. St. Malke then remained in the court of the King & healed many people. The King offered him half the Kingdom if he would stay. But St. Malke refused & instead asked for a well & the stone collar that fit over the top of it. The king watched in stunned disbelief as St. Malke called out from hiding the devil, Astrasis, & commanded him to put on the stone collar around his neck & the well on top of his head like a hat. They went off together with the saint pushing the devil in front of him like a donkey. When they arrived at the monastery the saint told the devil to put down the well & he drove him away like a filthy dog.The community then finished the building of the monastery. Many monks came & lived there.

St. Malke was full of love & mercy for all human beings. For the remainder of his life he fought against evil. When death approached he gave a final benediction, “My beloved, always be merciful, dedicate yourselves to fasting & prayer. Let truth, love, & peace be your merits for all of your lives. Fight against evil with good." St. Malke left for the Heavenly abode at the age of 93. He was entombed in the Beth Qadishe of Dayro d-Mor Malke, Tur Izlo Turkey.

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

Syriac prayers in honour of Mor Malke: https://goo.gl/erWBx6

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

RSoH

On MASOCNA Calendar

6th century monk

On September 1st the Syriac Orthodox faithful will commence the 8 Day Fast (sawmo d-Yoldath Aloho Mariam tmanyo yaumin/Ettunombu) in preparation for the commemoration of the nativity of St. Mary the mother of God (Mawlodhe d'Yoldath Aloho Mariam).

The Fast of the Virgin Mary begins on the 1st of September & lasts for 8 days concluding with the Feast of the Virgin’s nativity. It is not one of the Obligatory Fasts as a proscribed in the Canons of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Nevertheless, this optional fast in connection with St. Mary's birth is observed in piety & devotion. Though not an Obligatory Fast, it has a historical precedent originating in the 6th century Basra Iraq as narrated in the history by Mor Gregorios Yuhannon bar'Ebroyo.

In Malankara this fast also gained prominence during the persecution of native Christians of Kodangalur by Islamic invaders. The Syriac Orthodox Christians of Malankara vowed to observe a fast so that God might protect their women from the hands of invaders. During this time, women used to remain in the church in prayer & meditation till the afternoon.

Regardless of its canonicity, the Church promotes optional fasts & lent according to personal choices for the betterment of the faithful. However, one must never neglect the Obligatory Fasts instituted by the Holy Church Fathers in the Canons

One of the most famous churches where this fast is celebrated with great solemnity is at Manarcad St. Mary's Cathedral

Oh Virgin St. Mary the mother of God, pray for us sinners. May the intercession of the Holy Virgin Mary, the mother of God (Bthultho Yoldath Aloho Mariam) bless all the faithful who earnestly seek her prayers.

History of the 8 Day Fast written by late HE Mor Chrisostomos Mosa Salama (former Bishop of Brazil diocese) translated into Malayalam: https://goo.gl/h4REGZ

Evening:
St. John 1:1-17

Morning:
St. Luke 2:15-20

Before Holy Qurbono:
Genesis 21:1-8
Job 19:21-20:4
Joshua 24:21-26
II Kings 4:8-17
Michah 5:1-8
Great Wisdom 8:19-9:3
Zachariah 2:10-3:10
Jeremiah 23:5-8
Daniel 2:31-47
Ezekiel 37:15-28
I Samuel 1:19-23
Isaiah 9:1-7

Holy Qurbono:
I John 1:1-2:6
Galatians 3:23-26, 29:4-7
Ephesians 3:20-2

September 2nd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of Sts. Habib, Gurias & Samona according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

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. 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"

Mor Gurias, the ascetic & his friend Mor Samona were two victims of the cruel persecutions during the reigns of Emperor Diocletian(A.D. 284 – 305) & Emperor Maximian (A.D. 305 – 311). These two saints were put through endless torments & were finally beheaded because of their faith in Christ (A.D. 299 – 306). Deacon Habib was the next saint to be martyred after them. They were all eventually entombed together.

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

Oh Mor Habib, Mor Gurias & Mor Samona! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

Biography of Mor Gurias & Samona in Malayalam by Fr. Greger R. Kollanoor: https://goo.gl/3CNmmn

To know more about the martyrs & read the homilies by Mor Yac'ub of Serugh: https://goo.gl/7MZHX9

September 2nd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Coorilos Yuyakim +1874 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Mor Coorilos was the Reesh Episcopo of Malankara.

Mor Coorilos Yuyakim, was sent as a Delegate of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch to Malankara. He helped the Syriac Orthodox faithful in Malankara in their struggle against the protestant reformers.

Born in 1818 to Malke bar Israel who belonged to the 'Amir-d-gadhani' family in Tur Abdin, he was one among 8 children (he had 5 brothers & two sisters). He was enthusiastic about Syriac spirituality even at a young age & studied Syriac along with Orthodox theology under the tutelage of Mor Severios. At the age of 21 he was ordained as a deacon & soon afterwards tonsured as a monk. He was appointed personal secretary of the Patriarch, serving for a number of years. On February 18th 1845 the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Elias II of blessed memory consecrated Raban Yuyakim as Metropolitan with the title Coorilos at the Monastery of Mor Hananyo (Kurkmo Dayro/Deir ez-Za`faran).

The Malankara Church was facing a tumultuous challenge at the time. Anglican missionaries spearheaded by bishop Daniel Wilson of Calcutta, with the support of the British colonial power, were attempting to spread the protestant faith in the Malankara Church. They managed to gain the support of a number of local priests, namely Abraham Malpan Palakunnathu from Maramon who systematically began altering the liturgy & practices of the Holy Church to fit in line with the Anglican beliefs. To put an end to this, Mor Dionysius IV (Cheppad Philipose) convened the Synod of Mavelikara at St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church in 1836. At this Synod it was affirmed that the Malankara Church was part of & under the authority of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate, & that no alteration in the faith, traditions or liturgy of the Malankara Church could be made without the sanction of the Supreme Pontiff the Patriarch of Antioch. These decisions are recorded in what is known as the Mavelikara Padiyola of 1836. However, the crisis in the Malankara continued & the Church leaders sent word to the Patriarchate requesting further assistance. The Patriarch was initially hesitant to send a prelate, preferring to ordain a native bishop for Malankara. The Patriarch also considered the difficulties faced by earlier missions & he conveyed this to the Malankara church. While the Patriarch was awaiting the reply from Malankara, one deacon Mathew the son of Mathachan Palakunnathu & nephew of Abraham Malpan reached Mardin where the Patriarch was residing, & under the guise of carrying a request from the Malankara, he faithful was consecrated by the Patriarch as Metropolitan with the title Athanasius on February 2nd 1842. When he returned to Malankara Mor Athanasius Mathew was not initially attempting to spread the protestant practices but extolled the faithful to remain steadfastly to Syriac Orthodoxy. The declaration of faith adopted at the Association meeting of the Malankara Church held at Kallumkathra under his leadership attests to this fact, which is recorded in the Kallumakathra Padiyola of 1843. However, soon afterwards he was swayed by his relative Abraham Malpan along with the British powers to wreak havoc by vigorously spreading the protestant agenda.

As the situation of the Malankara Church was in dire straits, Mor Dionysius sent word to the Patriarchate, Patriarch Ignatius Elias II sent his former secretary Mor Coorilos Yuyakim to Malankara, who arrived along with his brother Israel on 2nd Chingam 1846 in Cochin. After a thorough investigation of accusations against bishop Athanasius Mathew, Mor Coorilos published the excommunication letter given by the Patriarch of Antioch, & submitted it to the authorities. The older Mor Dionysius, seeing the more youthful & vibrant Mor Coorilos was the need of the hour in Malankara, requested that he manage the affairs of the Malankara Church especially at this troublesome time. Thus, Mor Coorilos Yuyakim became the Reesh Episcopo of Malankara.

An angered Athanasius, with the support of Anglicans, convinced the Raja of Travancore that he was the legal Metropolitan. He would later become founder of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church in Anglican communion. Additionally, Athanasius convinced the British Resident to publish an ordinance prohibiting foreign bishops from entering Travancore & Cochin. Mor Coorilos was deported & was forced to stay in Fort Cochin at Mattancherry. During his exile in Mattancherry, Mor Coorilos built St. George Syriac Orthodox Church "to be used by the Delegates of the Holy See". Learning of the terrible situation, Patriarch Ignatius Yac'ub II of blessed memory sent Mor Athanasius Stephanos to Malankara. However he was not able to stop the Protestants who enjoyed the support of British colonial power, & he was forced to leave Kerala. Mor Athanasius Stephanos then went to London via Calcutta on 1st September 1852 & filed a petition in the Court of Directors of the British East India Company. The prohibition order on Syriac Metropolitans was cancelled in 1857 & as the travel ban on foreign metropolitans was lifted, Mor Coorilos Yuyakim could travel freely in Malankara.

The lifting of the prohibition was a major turning point at that period. The reinvigorated Mor Coorilos could now directly interact with the spiritual children in Malankara, he went to various regions strengthening the faith of the believers, uplifting their spirits & helped build many churches. Mor Coorilos mastered Malayalam & published a number of the Malayalam translations of the Syriac Liturgy. He was a highly educated person in theology & Biblical studies, along with being an excellent orator as well as a master in Syriac music & calligraphy. He left for us many letters & poems in Syriac.

Though further setbacks arose, the difficulties did not hinder Mor Coorilos from defending the true Orthodox Faith & the Syriac traditions. He also gained a friend & companion in Mor Dionysius V (Pulikkottil Joseph II), together they would strengthen the Malankara Church against the onslaught of colonial powers espousing the protestant heresies. Mor Coorilos Yuyakim was also blessed to have disciples in St. Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil & St. Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil who both emulated the prayerful spiritual life of Mor Coorilos.

In addition to his efforts to strengthen the Malankara Church, Mor Coorilos was beloved for his piety & saintly nature. As a practitioner of traditional medicine, many flocked to him for curing of illnesses. He never neglected to do works of charity & to instill a love of God in everyone whom he encountered. Mor Coorilos spent his final days at Mulanthuruthy Marthoman Syrian Church (known as the second Jerusalem). On September 2nd 1874, Mor Coorilos Yuyakim departed for the heavenly abode after serving the Syriac Orthodox Church in Malankara for 28 years. His mortal remains were interred at the northern side of Mulanthuruthy Church. Countless faithful continued to flock to his tomb & seek his intercession for healing from illnesses. On October 10th 2008 vis Patriarchal Apostolic Bull E214/08, the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory declared Mor Coorilos Yuyakim as a saint, permitting the prayers at his tomb (Zadhiko). In 2017, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East HH Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II vis Patriarchal Apostolic Bull No. E I23/17; permitted the recitation of the name of St. Coorilos Yuyakim in the 5th Thubden (Thubden d-Qadishe) at all Malankara parishes across the world. Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II belongs to the family of Mor Coorilos Yuyakim in Tur Abdin.

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

Oh Mor Coorilos Yuyakim! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

For full biography visit: https://goo.gl/s3LNYH

September 2nd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Simon the Stylite +459 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Shem'un Destonoyo was born in the village of Sesan, a place on the border of Cicilia & Syria in 392AD. His father's name was John & his mother's name was Martha. Before his mother had conceived of him, St. John the Baptist appeared to her in a dream & told her of her conception & what her son would become. Simon was a shepherd at a young age. While in the fields with his flock, an angel of the Lord appeared in a vision. Later, he disposed of his properties & the assets of his aunt, which had been entrusted to him. He distributed part of the proceeds among the poor & needy. The remaining assets he took to the monastery of Eusebona at Tell ‘Ada, situated between Antioch & Alleppo. He joined the monastery with his brother Shemse when he was in the teens.

Later, he dug a pit of about 4 ft in the garden & stood in the pit for about two months. After the midnight prayer he used to stand with a big stone hung around his neck. He also stood on a roller to resist sleep in the night. His fellow hermits were jealous about these practices of Simon & raised some false accusations against him. Thus, he left the monastery of Eusebona. The head of the monastery gave him four coins which he refused to accept saying, “May your prayers be the viaticum for me.” Mor Shem'un then reached the village of Telanissos(modern day Taladah), Deir Samaan. He sat beneath a tree & prayed, “O God, My Lord, by Thy will you protected me from all adversities. Help & guide me until I reach the heavenly abode.” He then reached the nearby Monastery of Morris. He healed several sick people while staying in this monastery. St. Simon was in the habit of observing the forty-day lent in all its seriousness. During the forty-day lent he did not eat anything. In AD423, he prepared a platform of about 4 ft. high & stood on it for about five years. Mor Shem'un went around the nearby villages to preach the Gospel. Angels, prophets Elijah & Moses appeared to him. Several miracles happened through the prayers of St. Simon. He later left the Monastery of Morris, to a nearby hilltop.

St. Simon spent about forty years on a pillar upon the hilltop. He prayed, “O Lord, my God, let not the hands of mortal men be necessary for my help. Let not me step down from this pillar to see men on earth. Help me O Lord to end my life on this pillar on which I ascended by your grace. According to Thy will, accompany the soul of Thy servant from this place.” Satan became envious of the saint for all his good deeds. St. Simon developed ulcers which caused him to suffer for 9 months. Emperor Theodosius sent 3 bishops to make St. Simon step down, but he refused. Instead, he spent his time in prayer & fasting. The Saint asked Christ to supply him with water, & a spring of water sprang up at the foot of the pillar. He preached to many people, taught them, & brought many back to the knowledge of Christ. He would write letters of instruction to those gathered. After his death in 459AD, his body was taken to Antioch in great veneration & entombed in a church there.

While Chalcedonians claim him to be a supporter of Chalcedon, Syriac letters in the British Museum written by Mor Shem'un Destonoyo indicate that he was a Miaphysite & opposed the result of the Council of Chalcedon in 451AD.

He is honored in the 5th Dypthic (Thubden d-Qadishe) every Sunday in the Syriac Orthodox Church.

A large complex was built in his honour comprising of 4 separate cathedrals with the pillar of Mor Shem'un as the central monument. Now known as Qalat Siman. It was a prominent pilgrimage site. It suffered major damage following an earthquake. Later it was sacked following the Muslim conquest of Syria. In 2011 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2012 it was taken over by terrorists. It was again heavily damaged by air strikes in 2016.

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

Oh Mor Shem'un Destonoyo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

A Defense of the Orthodoxy of St. Simon the Stylite: http://bit.ly/3t6L3PJ

Hymns of St. Severus of Antioch on St. Simon the Stylite:

"Come, hear, and I will tell you"
The sublime and great height of the life of Simeon the just and righteous brings into the mind of believers the words of the Lord which he spoke, "A city that is I set upon the top of a hill cannot be hid". For by ascending to a sublime height of virtues he showed this clearly and by means of his stand­ing on the column, signifying that he is "a pillar and foundation of the truth" as it is written; drawing both unbelievers and barbarians to godliness, and those who were sitting in the darkness of error to the light of knowledge, like a brightly-shining star by its rising: by whose prayers, Saviour of all, have pity and mercy upon us.

RSoH

The holy martyrs Theodotus and Rufina were the parents of Saint Mamas. They came from patrician families, and were honored by all for their Christian piety. Alexander, the magistrate of the city of Gangra, summoned them because they refused to obey the imperial decree requiring all citizens to worship the pagan gods. Those who disobeyed would be tortured and put to death.

RSoH

Evening:
St. Luke 2: 22- 35

Morning:
St. Luke 2:22-35

Before Holy Qurbana:
Leviticus 12:1-8, 22:17-23
II Samuel 5:1-6, 17-21
Isaiah 10:33-11:10

Holy Qurbana:
Acts 24:10-23
Ephesians 3: 13-21
St. Luke 2: 36-40

RSoH

In hagiography: Ithalaha was the bishop from Edessa who attended the Council of Nicaea. There are literary fragments attributed to him that survive in Armenian. He built the church of Cyrus and Saʿad.

RSoH

The martyr Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedia, and those with him suffered during the persecution against Christians under the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311). The persecution became particularly intense after a fire at the imperial court at Nicomedia. The pagans accused the Christians of setting the fire and reacted against them with terrible ferocity.

RSoH

Evening:
St. John 2: 1- 11

Morning:
St. Luke 16:1-18

Before Holy Qurbono:
Genesis 9:12-21
Exodus 20:7-22
I Kings 18:29-46
Joel 2:12-20
Isaiah 58:6-14

Holy Qurbono:
Acts 11:19-26
Ephesians 4:17-32
St. John 2:1-11

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

Hymns on St. Severus for the feast of St. Babylas of Antioch:

“Because the Lord hath done a wonder”
Let no man be surprised at seeing that Babylas the old and advanced in days, a man bowed down from length of time went down boldly to the arena and to the conflict of martyrdom and the boys of immature age and their mother. But let him praise Christ, the Word of God, who after the similitude of boys shared in blood and flesh and became man without change and so far helped and strengthened our feeble race. That even persons of tender age receive crowns of victory in the conflict against the devil who aforetime proudly boasted and said “I will go up to heaven, and above the stars of heaven will I set the seat of my kingdom: and I will be like unto the Most High.” Let us all in thanksgiving send up praise to Him by means of His Cross dissolved his power; and let us cry to Him, “Lord of all, praise to Thee!”

“Because of thy Grace, O God”
The great and divine Apostle Paul said that he prayed and entreated in a chain on behalf of the Gospel, and Babylas the martyr, imitating him, asked for the chain in which he was martyred to be buried with him, as a general the armour in which he did deeds of progress. Accordingly, even his dust is very formidable to the demons, and Apollo the idol, which was set at Daphne, was struck dumb and ceased to utter its lying folly, because of the neighbourhood of the dead man who was alive through the performance of the signs which he wrought. And to Julian the tyrant, who had gone mad and ordered demon worship; it was unable to give a deceitful revelation. And after the precious bones of the martyr had been removed and taken away, the spirit that speaks from the earth, the full of began to utter folly. And so through both facts, by its silence, I mean, and also by its foolish speaking, it proclaims and declares the victory of that combatant by whose prayers, Christ-God have mercy upon us.

September 4th 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.

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

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.

Evening:
St. Luke 11:27-32
Mark 3:28-35
Matthew 12:43-45

Morning:
St. Luke 2:42-51
St. Matthew 12:46-50

Before Holy Qurbono:
Exodus 19:16-23
Joshua 4:4-10
Isaiah 45:14-19

Holy Qurbono:
Acts 7:44-53
Hebrews 9:3-12,
St. Luke 10:38-42
St. John 19:25-27

In hagiography: This martyr, John of Kafar Sania, died under Maximinus Hercules.

September 5th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Sharbil of Edessa +105 and his sister St. Babai according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Sharbil Urhoyo was once the chief pagan priest of Edessa. Their history is recorded in the Syriac document 'The Acts of Sharbil'. During this time, Trajan Ceasar commanded through his governors that all citizens should worship & give offerings to the idols of the deities Nebu & Bel. Bishop Barsamya, Priest Tiridath & deacon Shalula went to Sharbil to express their great displeasure with the ruling, & attempted to convince Sharbil to worship only the one true God. As he listened to them speak, he had a change of heart and repented, he desired to be a Christian. Sharbil & his sister Babai came to Barsamya later at night as promised. They confessed the faith in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit & received baptism. They wore garments suitable for Christians. Many men, women & leaders of the town followed Sharbil’s footsteps & accepted his new Christian beliefs.

The chief judge Lysanias learning of Sharbil's conversion had him seized from the church & brought to trial. He told him to renounce Christ or face punishment. However, Sharbil would not deny Christ & so underwent extreme persecution. He was beaten, hung upside down, sharp iron combs were dragged into his body while salt & vinegar were applied to his fresh wounds. However, Sharbil remained unfazed by the torture, seeing it reward for knowing Christ who will provide true life to the believers. Without dismay, he continued to say, “Those who are saved by the Cross cannot worship idols of deceit. The created being cannot be worshipped. Only the Creator can be worshipped.” Finally the judge ordered Sharbil to be chopped into pieces & his head sawed off.

As per the custom of offering drinks to the murderers he too was offered wine. He did not accept it, instead he asked for time to pray. He turned to the east & prayed, “Lord Jesus, forgive me for the sins committed against you & for provoking your anger by turning to unholy sacrifice & oblations. Have mercy on me as you have been merciful to the robber. I entered your vineyard at the eleventh hour. Kindly spare me from the last judgement.” Sharbil’s sister Babai said, “May my spirit join you when you reach Christ whom you knowingly believed.” Enraged, the judge ordered her to be executed as well. Thus both St. Sharbil & St. Babai attained the crown of martyrdom. Barsamya the bishop had them entombed in the same place as his own father.

Oh Mor Sharbil Urhoyo & Mort Babai! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

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

Biography in Malayalam: https://goo.gl/w3mpRz

Mor Sharbil Dayro Thrikkothamangalam dedicated in his honour: https://goo.gl/oqzzHc

Evening:
St. John 7:37-52, 8:12-20

Morning:
St. Luke 22:1-13

Before Holy Qurbana:
Exodus 12:1-11
Leviticus 16:3-10
Joshua 5:9-12
Ezekiel 45:18-25
I Samuel 10:17-21
Proverbs 1:10-19
Amos 2:4-7
Jeremiah 18:18-23
Zachariah 11:10-14
Isaiah 24:16-18 54:4-10

Holy Qurbana:
Acts 1:15-20
I Corinthians 11:23-34
St. Luke 22:14-30

Saint Eudoxius held the high position of a military commander in the imperial armies. He had a martyric death for Christ under the emperor Maximian Galerius, the successor of the emperor Diocletian.

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H.E. Mor Malatius Malki Malki, Patriarchal Vicar of Australia & New Zealand was consecrated on September 7th 2003 by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I.

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Martyr, from Galatia
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September 8th is the commemoration of the Nativity of St. Mary the mother of God (dukhron mawlodho d'Yoldath Aloho Mariam) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

In the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church, there are 9 feasts for the Virgin Mary. She & John the Baptist are the only two mortals whose nativity is celebrated by the Church. She is called the mother of God (Theotokos or Yoldath Aloho). In the Liturgy of the Syriac Orthodox Church, countless hymns & prayers in her honour have been written by the Holy Fathers through divine inspiration. The commemoration of her nativity is celebrated in all Orthodox Churches.

In his article about the Holy Virgin Mary, the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory states, "it is noteworthy to mention that the conception of Mary took place according to the natural law for she was of a man (Joachim) & a woman (Hanna)." Mary is the child of two once-barren persons, just like Isaac, Samuel & John the Baptist. St. Mary was born in the tribe of Judah, a descendant of King David through her father & she was a descendant of the priestly Levi tribe of Aaron through her mother. She is the descendant of priests, prophets & kings.

As St. Mary was born to her parents in their old age, at the age of 3 she was offered to the temple as fulfillment of their vow. The prayer from the book of daily offices (Sh'himo) on Friday morning reads, ”Mary became an orphan, for her parents passed away. She was left for the priests to take care of her. They took her to Jerusalem according to the command of Moses to be brought up there. The Lord of Prophets descended from high. He blessed and sanctified her. Hallelujah. May the prayer to her be a fence and protection to us”

Like all others who have come & left this world, the Virgin Mary was not born without sin. She inherited the ancestral sin of, as St. Athanasius the Great says, 'corrupted nature inherited in the body.' Thus the Orthodox Church doesn't agree with the Roman Catholic dogma of immaculate conception. In his commentary on St. Luke 11:27-28, St. Ephrem the Syrian says, “Blessed is the womb that bore you.” He took blessedness from the one who bore him and gave it to those who were worshiping him. It was with Mary for a certain time, but it would be with those who worshiped him for eternity. “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Likewise, commenting on the same verse St. John Chrysostom writes, "In this answer He sought not to disown His mother, but to show that His birth would have profited her nothing, had she not been really fruitful in works and faith. But if it profited Mary nothing that Christ derived His birth from her, without the inward virtue of her heart, much less will it avail us to have a virtuous father, brother, or son, while we ourselves are strangers to virtue."

Oh Virgin St. Mary the mother of God! Pray for us sinners, now & at all times & at the hour of our death (Morth Maryam bthulto emeh Daloho b‛oy ḥlofayn ḥaṭoyé hosho wabkhul ‛edon wabsho‛tho d-mawtan) Amen.

The Holy Bible readings from the Church Lectionary:

Evening:
St. Mathew 12:38-50

Morning:
St. Mark 3:31-35

Before Holy Qurbono:
Exodus 3:1-10
I Samuel 17:37-40, 48-51
Ezekiel 44:1-3
Isaiah 11:1-8

Holy Qurbono:
I John 3:2-16
Hebrews 2:14-18
St. Luke 8:16-21 11:27-28

Tone of the Day: 1

Malankara World Special Supplement for St. Mary: https://goo.gl/B7Uw7A

Syriac Prayers for Mawlodhe d'Yoldath Aloho Mariam: https://goo.gl/Jtpuh8

Hymns in honour of St. Mary: https://goo.gl/MMecq1

St. Jacob of Edessa, Letter on the Genealogy of St. Mary: http://bit.ly/MaryGenealogy

Fixed Feast

In hagiography: Theodota (Theodute) was the Bishop of Amida. He was born in Ingilene and was a monk at Qenneshrin. He served the poor. He taught chant to the monks at Qartmin. He was known to travel with a bag full of relics to use in healing others.

https://gedsh.bethmardutho.org/Theodotos-of-Amid

Vita: http://bit.ly/VitaTheodota

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September 9th is the Commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Osio +377 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Osio was born to God-fearing Christian parents who were childless for many years. They prayed unceasingly to have a child, & God blessed them with Osio. His parents wanted him to marry the governor's daughter, but Osio refused. He left to Jerusalem, desiring to give up worldly comforts, choosing to follow the divine path instead. Eventually, Osio was ordained as a priest. He then journeyed to Mount Sinai where he stayed for sometime, finally reaching the Kafra desert. It was here that he met Mor Dimet, becoming his disciple. Mor Osio stayed with Mor Dimet for 14 years until the latter's demise.

Osio was well known for his prayerful life, strict asceticism & most importantly his fasting. He evangelized many & carried out great charity work. Thousands of individuals followed Christ after hearing his preaching. Osio traveled to Homs, Antioch & Nicodemia, healing the sick & protecting the villagers from wild animals. After returning to Antioch from Nicodemia, Osio realized his end was near. He called his students to his deathbed & said, “Children, I am going. As long as you live on this earth, do not deviate from the path I have taught you. Be careful not to fall into faulty ways. Continue worshipping God. Always tread the path of virtue & purity. This world and everything in it are mere shadows.” Mor Osio left for the heavenly abode in AD377. His dukhrono is a major feast for the Syriac Orthodox faithful of Aleppo.

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

Oh Mor Osio Hakeemo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen

September 9th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Julian the Hermit according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Youlyané Ounwoyo also known as Mor Elian was from Emesa (modern day Homs Syria). Church tradition tells us that he was a teacher of St. Ephrem the Syrian. He refused to renounce Christ & so was murdered by his father, a Roman officer. Thus Mor Youlyané attained the crown of martyrdom. A Monastery was built in his honour in the 5th century, however it was sadly destroyed by ISIS terrorists in 2015.

Oh Mor Youlyané Ounwoyo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen

September 9th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of Sts. Joachim & Anne according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Yuyakim & Mort Hannah (Deena) are the parents of St. Mary the mother of God. They are both descendants of King David, additionally St. Anne comes from the priestly tribe of Levi & is a descendant of Aaron. They were both very pious & god fearing. Apocryphal texts & Church tradition tells us that Mort Hannah (who's name means blessed in Hebrew) was barren & even to her old age could not have a child. They prayed & fasted continuously for a child, making a vow that their child will be offered unto God. An angel appeared before Hannah & said, “God has seen your tears. The fruit of your womb will be called ‘the blessed’ throughout the world.”Joachim also received a similar command. God blessed them with a child, whom they named Mariam.

As St. Mary was born to her parents in their old age, at the age of 3 she was offered to the temple as fulfillment of their vow. This event was once a Feast in the Syriac Orthodox Church Liturgical Calendar being celebrated on November 21st annually. After offering Mariam to the temple Joachim died & he was entombed in Jerusalem. Soon Hannah also died & was entombed along with her husband. The prayer from the book of daily offices (Sh'himo) on Friday morning reads, ”Mary became an orphan, for her parents passed away. She was left for the priests to take care of her. They took her to Jerusalem according to the command of Moses to be brought up there."

St. Queen Helena built a Church over their tomb, which was later taken over & made into a madrassa (Islamic school) in the 9th century.

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

Oh Mor Yuyakim & Mort Hannah! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

On MASOCNA Calendar

September 10th is the commemoration of the dhukrono of St. Matthew the Apostle according to the liturgical calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

St. Matthew, one of the twelve Apostles, is the author of the first Gospel. This has been the constant tradition of the Church and is confirmed by the Gospel itself. He was the son of Alpheus & was called to be an Apostle while sitting in the tax collector’s place at Capernaum. Before his conversation he was a publican, ie., a tax collector by profession. He is to be identified with the “Levi” in the Gospels of Mark and Luke.

St. Matthew can be considered as the prototype of a sinner saved by the grace of Christ. He was a tax collector, despised by the Jewish people for collaborating with the Roman Empire. Yet our Lord chose him to be among His Holy Apostles saying to those who questioned His choice, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Mark 2:17 KJV

The Holy Bible readings for the Feast of an Apostle according to Church Lectionary are as follows:

Evening:
St. Matthew 9: 35 - 10: 10

Morning:
St. Matthew 19: 27 - 30

Before Holy Qurbono:
Genesis 12 : 1 - 9
Daniel 1: 8 - 21
Isaiah 43: 1 - 7

Holy Qurbono:
Acts 1: 12 - 14
I Corinthians 12: 28 - 13: 10
St. Luke 6: 12 - 23

For full biography: http://www.copticchurch.net/synaxarium/2_12.html#2

September 12th is the Feast of the Twelve Apostles (Hido D'Trahsar S'hlihe) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The names of the Holy Apostles along with the how they died and their Feast day in the Syriac Orthodox Church are as follows:

1. St. Peter: Mor Phetros was crucified upside-down. This was at his own request, as he wanted to kiss the feet of his Master, feeling unworthy to share the same death as the Lord. Commemorated on June 29th

2. St. Andrew: Mor Andrayos was bound to an X-shaped cross and left to hang for two days suffering starvation & intense pain until his last breath. Commemorated on November 30

3. St. James the Greater: Mor Yac'ub considered first to be martyred, was executed by the sword of King Herod Agrippa. Commemorated on May 1st

4. St. John: Mor Yuhannon was the only Apostle to not be martyred. He departed for the heavenly abode at the age of 120 in Ephesus. Commemorated on May 8

5. St. Philip: Mor Philipose was crucified upside down at the order of the Emperor. Commemorated on November 14

6. St. Bartholomew: Mor Barthulmai was flayed alive and then crucified upside down by the ruler of Azerbaijan. Commemorated on June 11

7. St. Thomas: Mor Touma died from his injuries after being pierced by a lance while preaching in Mylapore India. Commemorated on New Sunday (had b-shabo hadto/puthu nzhyaar), July 3rd (shifting of relics to Edessa from Mylapore) and December 21 (martyrdom)

8. St. Matthew: Mor Mathai was burnt alive then buried in Antioch. Commemorated on February 24, May 20(The Four Evangelists), August 24, September 21, November 16 (These multiple dates suggest his relics were moved around to various places in history)

9. St. James the lesser: Mor Yac'ub bar Halpphai was crucified while preaching in Egypt. Commemorated on October 23rd

10. St. Jude: Mor Labbaeus was stoned to death either in Yarvada or Ararat. Commemorated on May 10

11. St. Simon: Mor Shem'un was crucified while preaching in Persia. Commemorated on May 10

12. St. Mathias: Mor Mathias was stoned to death by the Jews of Jerusalem. Commemorated on March 4 and August 24

13. St. Paul: Mor Phawlos was beheaded in Rome by order of Emperor Nero. Commemorated on June 29th

To read the full biography of all the Holy Apostles see this book by Very Rev Fr. Mani Rajan Cor-Episcopa: https://goo.gl/XsucYG

The Holy Bible readings from the Church Lectionary:

Evening:
St. Matthew 9:36-10:5

Morning:
St. John 21:15-25

Before Holy Qurbono:
Genesis 12:1-9
Jeremiah 16:16-21
I Kings 8:1-6
Daniel 1:1-9
Isaiah 43:1-14

Holy Qurbono:
Acts 1:12-14
I Corinthians 12:28-13:10
Matthew 20:1-16
St. Luke 6:12-23

Tone of the Day: 8

Syriac prayers for The Feast of the 12 Apostles (Hido D'Trahsar S'hlihe): https://goo.gl/vGZrxW

This Malayalam hymn from the Qolo of Ramsho (Evening prayers) of Wednesday's Sh'himo (known as sleeba namaskaram in Malankara), is seeking the intercession of the 12 apostles for blessing of the 12 months of the year: https://youtu.be/y_r3zzZNa7s

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On MASOCNA Calendar

This greatest and most beloved of all Christian orators was born in Antioch the Great in the year 344 or 347; his pious parents were called Secundus and Anthusa. After his mother was widowed at the age of twenty, she devoted herself to bringing up John and his elder sister in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

https://orthodoxwiki.org/John_Chrysostom

September 14th is the commemoration of the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross (Hido d'S'hkohteh da-Slibo) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

In the Syriac Orthodox Church no sacrament or any kind of worship can be performed without the sign of the Cross. The Church places it at the very heart of its life and worship. It has become the sign and symbol of Christ's death and resurrection for us.

This feast, also known as the Exaltation of the Holy Cross commemorates the historical discovery of the True Cross of our Lord & its exaltation amongst the faithful. Here the Cross is a symbol of Resurrection & the victory of Christ, rather than His suffering. The Cross was discovered by St. Queen Helena, the mother of St. King Constantine the Great. St. Helena made a vow through prayer & fasting that if her son became Christian she would find the True Cross. God willed & showed Constantine the sign of the cross in the sky in the middle of the day & with it wrote, “In this sign you will conquer.” So Constantine took the sign of the Cross as a banner for his army & conquered his enemies & became a devout Christian (This is referenced in the Sh'himo prayers of Friday).

In 326AD, St. Helena then set out towards Jerusalem to find the True Cross at Golgotha. The Queen found 3 crosses (of the Lord & the 2 thieves) but she was assured by a miracle which one was the real cross which the Lord Jesus was crucified on at Golgotha, when the True Cross was placed on the body of a dead young man, immediately when it touched the body he was resurrected, two other miracles occurred before she took the cross back to Jerusalem. The Patriarch of Jerusalem (who was under the authority of the Patriarch of Antioch), Mor Makarios took the Cross onto a raised platform & lifted it on high, "exalting" it, for all the faithful to see. The people fell to their knees, bowing down before the Cross, crying out repeatedly, "Lord, have mercy!" To house the relic of the True Cross, St. Helen had a church built over the Holy Sepulcher (Golgotha). The Church was consecrated 9 years later on September 13th with a portion of the relics of the True Cross. The relic of the True Cross was shown to the faithful the next day on September 14th 335AD. Thus amongst Orthodox Christians the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross became an annual commemoration.

The portions of the True Cross were considered to be very precious & prelates used pieces in their handcross during the fourth century. A portion of the cross is inserted in the handcross of St. Gregorius Abdul Jaleel +1671 who is entombed in St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church North Paravur.

In the Liturgy of this feast, there is a tradition of lighting a fire to commemorate Queen Helena ordering her soldiers to light a fire indicating the discovery. "On her way to Jerusalem, she left one of her servants on a mountain. Once the cross was discovered, she ordered her men to light a fire on top of a nearby mountain. Having seen the fire, the servant staying on the next mountain lit another fire, & in this manner the news of the discovery of the Holy Cross reached the capital, Constantinople." On the eve of the Feast, a bonfire is lit an the faithful light up torches, carrying it in a procession.

Source: Patriarchal & Hekamtho journals; SOR

A hymn for the Feast of the Holy Cross by Patriarch St. Severus the Great of Antioch:
"Everybody who swears by him shall be praised (Psalms 63:11) By your life-giving Cross, O Christ, the depth of the riches of wisdom and power can be seen. For when you who are the power of God were nailed upon it, upon the wood of infirmity, that is, the Cross, You changed it into a wood of power, such as befits God. Since you are the wisdom of God and the Father, through Him you have made those who preached the good news of the Gospel fully wise. Therefore fishermen and uneducated people defeated and made useless the wisdom and the wise of the world. And those from among the gentiles who believed and bore witness destroyed and put to shame by their valour the might of the tyrants. By one piece of wood all the wood and stone that had been carved and made into gods fled and perished, and every lust of the body then vanished, being killed by the nails of the Cross. For blessed is the wood through which comes righteousness as it is written [Wisdom 14:7]. Praise be to You!"

Sleebo otho d-shayno–Sleebo neesho d-zoqutho Sleebo d-behu freeqinan–w-beh khulan meshthabhrinan!
Shubha chinam thaan Sleebaa–vijayakodi thaan Sleebaa namme rekshicheedum-Sleebaayil pukazhunoo naam!
The Cross is the sign of peace–and the sign of victory. By the Cross we have been saved–and in it we all glory!

The Holy Bible readings from the Church Lectionary:

Evening:
St. Matthew 24:1-35

Morning:
St. Mark 13:1-33

Before Holy Qurbono:
Numbers 21:4-9
Genesis 48:13-20
I Samuel 17:37-53
Joshua 10:12-15
Daniel 7:21-28
Isaiah 65:1-7

Holy Qurbono:
Acts 13:26-39
Galatians 2:17-3:14
St. Luke 21:5-28

Tone of the Feast: 8

Malankara World Special Supplement for Slibo: https://goo.gl/PnKpbS (https://goo.gl/PnKpbS)

Sermon by Dr. Babu Paul: https://goo.gl/CnteVV (https://goo.gl/CnteVV)

Slibo hymns on YouTube: https://goo.gl/3cxrRH (https://goo.gl/3cxrRH)

Service from Ma'De'Dono: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13gO71Cnb8v566yh6F9iRWUgrnX1shrl0/view?usp=drivesdk

The Cross in the Writings of St. Ephrem (Thesis by Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II): http://bit.ly/MorAphremCross

Fixed Feast

H.E. Mor Dionysius Isa Gürbüz, Patriarchal Vicar of Switzerland & Austria was consecrated on September 15th 1996 by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I

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

H.E. Mor Severios Malke Mourad, Patriarchal Vicar of Brazil was consecrated on September 15th 1996 by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I.

Martyr
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Saint Acacius the Confessor lived during the Decian persecution, and was Bishop of Melitene, Armenia.

Arrested as a Christian, Saint Acacius was brought before the governor Marcianus, who ordered that he be tortured. He was not put to death, but was set free after a while, bearing the wounds of Christ on his body. He died in peace.

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Sophie (sapientia) or "wisdom" with her three daughters, Faith, Hope, and Charity, (also known as saints Pistis, Elpis, and Aghapi) were martyred in Rome under Hadrian. Sophie was invoked as a saint to fight malaria.