Events

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The martyr Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata, stood firmly for the Orthodox Confession of Faith proclaimed at the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in the year 325. For this he underwent persecution by the Arians, being repeatedly deprived of his see and banished.

In the Syriac version of Eusebius' Life , Eusebius had already become a Bishop of Samosata when he received a visit from Jacob of Nisibis, who allowed him to build a large church. He ordained priests and Bishops during the Arian controversy and was a good friend of the Cappadocians. He was killed by a blow to the head by an Arian woman.

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St. Abay was a Persian who suffered for his martyrdom in the year 352 A.D. The saint was the son of pagan parents named Adwar Faresgardin and Astina; who named him "Mhir Schobur. His father was a leader of the Persian army when he led an attack on Nisibis (now: Nusaybin in Turkey). The saint accompanied his father, and travelled with him. When they came to the city of Dara, Mhir Schobur and his friends one day went hunting, and so they came to Kilith. They met a father of monks known as Mor Abay. As they became students of his teaching of the Christian faith, they were allowed to be baptized. From that day on, Mhir Schobur called himself the monk, "Abay". When his father heard this news, he sent soldiers into the villages around Savur where he killed 5000 Hermits; Abay, his son, was among those who were killed.

After the father had killed his son, he was stricken with an incurable disease. This holy martyr, Abay, appeared in a dream to his mother, and told her: "Bring my father to the place where I died. Rub the earth on which my blood flowed on his body and he will be cured." After St. Abay’s instructions were followed, his father was cured. As a result, his father confessed to Christ, and then he secretly sold all his possessions in Tikrit (now: Iraq). With the money, he built a monastery north of Kilith, and he became a monk. He worked in the monastery until his death.

October 1st 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.

On account of the great evangelization efforts of these two great saints (Mor Aday and Mor Abay) in Mesopotamia, the Syriac-Aramean people consider their dukhrono on October 1st to be the Syriac New Year.

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

Martyr, https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2019/06/21/101772-martyr-julian-of-tarsus-in-cilicia
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Mor Osio?

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In hagiography: Denha I was a monk of the monastery of Mor Matay. He was a disciple of Marutha of Tagrit and the hagiographer of his life. He became the Maphrian of the Syrian Orthodox Church in the Sasanian empire in 649.

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Including Mor Dinho (syr. shining)
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http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/MorDionysiusShemvun.htm

Elias was born in 641 into a Greek Orthodox family, but later converted to Miaphysitism, the doctrine of the Syriac Orthodox Church, after reading the works of St. Severus of Antioch. He became a monk at the Monastery of Gubba Barraya, near Edessa, and was ordained as Bishop of Apamea in 691. Elias was consecrated as patriarch in 709 following the death of Julian III, and presented himself to Caliph Al-Walid I in the same year. The patriarch financed and consecrated a new church in the city of Antioch in 721, and another church in Sarmada in 722.

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Abdul Messih was a Jewish shepherd boy (formally known as Aser) who lived near Sinjar in the Persian Empire. He converted to Christianity and pierced his ear to put on an earring, apparently the sign of slavery. He was martyred by his father.

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October 3rd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Simon of Qartmin +433 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Shem'un Qartminoyo was one of the Qartmin Fathers along with his teacher Mor Shmuel +409. They built Qartmin Dayro in Tur Abdin Turkey. Currently known as St. Gabriel Monastery (Dayro d-Mor Gabriel/Deyrulmur); it is the oldest functioning Christian monastery in the world. According to tradition Mor Shem'un had a dream in which an angel of the Lord commanded him to build a House of Prayer in a location marked with three large stone blocks. When Simon awoke, he took his teacher Mor Shmuel to the place & found the stone the angel had placed. At this spot the Qartmin Monastery was built.

Simon was born in Qartmin village. His father was a leader of the village. When he was 4 years old, he was healed through the prayers of Mor Shmuel. Later, his father took him back to the saint & he was ordained a monk & joined Samuel.

One night, the angel of the Lord appeared to Simon in the form of his teacher Mor Shmuel & showed him the plan of the future monastery which was laid down on the foundations of an existing pagan temple. The angel & Simon together placed stones across the perimeter of what was to become them monastery. Simon did not realize it was actually an angel & not his teacher. The next day Mor Shmuel was astonished when he was told of what transpired, but he understood it was an angel. Together the two Qartmin fathers would build the monastery starting in 396/397AD. In time, the number of monks who joined their ranks increased.

After the death of the aged Mor Shmuel, Simon took over the administration of the monastery. Mor Shem'un did not sleep on the earth. He rested on his knees. He loved night vigils & in order to defeat sleep he hung himself upright by ropes. He would then continue in his meditation giving glory & praise to his Lord. Mor Shem'un was strong in battle with Satan. He was awake in his service. He served more than his brother monks. Our Lord gave him power, strength & he performed many wonders & miracles. Mor Shem'un would repose in the Lord on January 19th 433AD. He was entombed in the Beth Qadishe of Dayro d-Mor Gabriel.

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

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

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

Mor Gabriel Monastery founded by the Qartmin Fathers http://www.morgabriel.org/history.html

October 3rd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Baselios Yeldho +1685 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Yeldho was born in the famous Hadhai family in Qaraqosh (Karakosh) village (also known as Bakhdida, Baghdeda or Kooded) near Mosul, Iraq. He joined Dayro d’Mor Behnam at a very young age. In 1662 Patriarch Yeshu II (Quamsheh) consecrated Raban Yeldho as Maphrian (Catholicos of the East). Mor Baselios Yeldo was the Maphryono of the East (1685) ('Maphryono' is another canonical title of the 'Catholicos of the East' that functions within the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Antioch. In 1684 the successor to Baselios Yeldho, Baselios Geevarghese II was installed as Maphrian. That same year Patriarch Ignatius Abdul Messih I consecrated the holy chrism in Saffron (Kurkmo) monastery & spoke about the necessity of metropolitans going to Malankara to strengthen the faith of the Syriac Orthodox faithful in India during a period of great turbulence. Mor Baselios Yeldho who attended this holy function volunteered for the service despite his old age (91 years). The Patriarch & others who were concerned about the Maphriyono’s age & health, tried to discourage him. However they later succumbed to his determination. Mor Baselios set out for the journey, he was accompanied by his brother Jamma, two monks from Mor Behnam Monastery Jocko & Mathai, & Mor Ivanios Hidayatulla Episcopo. However, only Mor Baselios, the Episcopo & Raban Mathai arrived at Malankara.

In 1685 they arrived at Thalassery. Fearing persecution from the Portuguese, they went to Pallivasal incognito. There are several
stories of miracles that happened during the hazardous trip to Kothamangalam. They encountered a tiger on the way ready to pounce, but the Maphrian raised his cross & prayed, the tiger ran away. There was a an area which was the usual resting place for travellers, however Mor Baselios suggested to stop a further distance away. That night there was a heavy downpour, other travellers who remained at the usual site were washed away, but Mor Baselios & his entourage were saved. The next day he offered Holy Qurbono in Pallivasal. Many people opine that the place gained the name Pallivasal (place of the Holy Church) because the Holy Father had stayed there. They reached Kozhipalli village near Kothamangalam after traversing a forest. There Mor Baselios met a Hindu Nair gentleman who said a church was nearby but he is unable to leave his flock of cattle. Mor Baselios drew a circle on the ground & miraculously the cattle stood in the circle without moving away. Seeing that this individual was a holy man, the Nair gentleman asked Mor Baselios to bless some coconut water so his sister in labor pain may drink and be eased. When he went to climb the tree to grab a coconut, the tree miraculously bent down towards Mor Baselios who blessed the tender. Even now, the eldest member of Chakkalakkudy Thekkalakkattu Nair family leads the perunaal procession holding the lamp during the annual feast of Mor Baselios Yeldho.

The Holy Maphrian was led to Kothamangalam Cheriyapally. On his arrival it is said the Church door opened by itself & the bell began to toll. It was the culmination of ultimate sacrifice, endurance & obedience. It was as indefinable as the glorious entry through heavenly portals. Mor Hidayathulla Episcopo was consecrated Metropolitan by Mor Baselios on 14 Kanni. Mor Baselios fell ill due to his extreme old age & tedious journey. He received the last sacraments of anointment with holy oil & unction on 19 Kanni, later that same day the holy Maphrian Mor Baselios Yeldho reposed in the Lord just 13 days after his arrival to Kothamangalam. At the time of his death the huge granite cross in the church compound was miraculously lit up. He was entombed in the sanctuary of Mor Thoman Cheriyapally, Kothamangalam on 20 Kanni 1685.

Though the holy father had lived in this land for only a few days, his name has spread far & wide leaving a lasting mark in the history of Malankara Syrian Church. The mission undertaken by the saint was fulfilled to a large extent by his faithful associate, Metropolitan Mor Ivanios Hidayatulla +1688 (entombed at Mulanthuruthy Marthoman Church).

The Sacred tomb of the holy father is a great solace for many; large groups of pilgrims, irrespective of caste & creed come to the church every day seeking his intercession & more particularly on annual feast days & also on Saturdays. A great number of miracles are happening by the intercession of the holy father. It is a common practise among parents to name their long awaited sons as ‘Yeldho’ & ‘Basil’, who they believe will be protected by the saint like a guardian angel. Dhukrono of St. Baselios Yeldho Bava is celebrated in the Mor Thoma Cheriapally Kothamangalam with spiritual grandeur every year on October 2 & 3 & this feast is popularly known as 'Kanni 20 Perunnal'. Fulfilling the wishes of multitude of faithful, the Holy Syriac Orthodox Church in 1987 included the name of the holy father in the 5th Dypthic (5th Thubden/Thubden d-Qadishe) along with the names of Patriarch St. Ignatius Elias III & St. Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil of Malankara vis Apostolic Bull No. E 265/87 by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory.

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

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

Various hymns in honour of St. Mor Baselios Yeldho Maphriyano: https://goo.gl/6f7xBk

http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/MorBaseliosYeldho.htm

The martyr Hierotheus, the first Bishop of Athens, was a member of the Athenian Areopagos and was converted to Christ by the Apostle Paul together with his student St. Dionysius the Areopagite.

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The holy martyr Callisthene was born in Ephesus, and her father was the eparch Audactus. She was to marry the emperor Maximian Galerius (305-311), but her father would not consent to the match because the emperor was a pagan. Therefore, Audactus was deprived of his wealth and position, and was exiled to Melitene, Armenia where he was beheaded.
Callisthene hid for a time in Nicomedia with a certain woman, and healed the woman’s daughter of an eye ailment.

Intercession sought for vision problems

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In hagiography: Mamelhta was a virgin and martyr from Beth Garmai. She was known in the Greek martyr Acts as Mamlaha, Mamlahtina, Mazahia or Malpetha

The Martyr Memelchtha of Persia was, before her conversion to the Christian Faith, a pagan priestess of the goddess Artemis.

The saint’s sister convinced her to accept Baptism. When the pagans saw Memelchtha in her white baptismal robe, they stoned her. The saint suffered in the year 344. Later, a church was dedicated to her on the site of the temple of Artemis.

Along with Misdeus king of India, together with his son Johannes and mother Tertia

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In hagiography: Ten brothers of Qartmin are remembered as a group of monks who took part in a fight with villagers from Qartmin over the body of Simeon of Qartmin.

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October 7th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus +303 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Sergius & Mor Bacchus were officers in the Roman army on the border of Syria, & they were close companions. The two were very close to Roman Emperor Maximian. Tradition states that Sergius & Bacchus were not willing to worship the Roman deity Jupiter for they were Christians. As punishment, they were dressed in female attire & paraded around the city in humiliation. They were then sent to Barbalissos(Beit Bales) where the military commander Antiochus was a friend of Sergius. There the pair was inflicted with great torture but they wouldn't renounce their faith. After Bacchus died from the extreme torture, Antiochus ordered his body thrown into the river. Thus Mor Bacchus attained the crown of martyrdom.

Sergius was greatly disheartened, but later that night, Bacchus appeared to him in a dream, telling Sergius to remain steadfast in the faith. Antiochus continued to torture Sergius, driving nails into his feet, tied him up to a horse & ordered him to be dragged to the town of Resafa. There, even after continuous torture, Sergius would not renounce his faith in Christ. He was eventually beheaded. Thus Mor Sergius attained the crown of martyrdom.

St. Sergius & St. Bacchus were very popular throughout Late Antiquity. The close friendship between the saints is strongly emphasized in their hagiographies & traditions, making them one of the most famous examples of paired saints. Churches in their honor were built in several cities. In AD431 Bishop Alexander of Hierapolis renovated the church which was built over the tomb of Sergius. The church at Resafa & the tomb are now famous pilgrim centres. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I renamed Resafa as Sergiopolis. Justinian built churches in the name of Sergius at Constantinople & Palestine. The Syriac Orthodox Church had a monastery in Azerbaijan dedicated to their honour.

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

Oh Mor Sergius & Mor Bacchus! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

Fixed Feast

According to tradition, Barsamyā was an early Bishop of Edessa during the reign of the emperor Trajan and a contemporary with the Edessan martyrs Sharbel and Babai.

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Patriarch of Antioch & All the East, 1846-'94
Moran Mor Ignatius Pathros (Peter)-IV, who led the Syrian Orthodox Church for 22 years as its supreme head (1872-'94), was the 116th in the line of canonical Patriarchs of Antioch in the Apostolic See of St. Peter. The holy father, is regarded as the architect of the modern Syrian Church.

http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/MorPathrosIV.htm

On MASOCNA calendar

The date of heavenly repose of the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV of blessed memory corresponds to:

Julian calendar: September 26th 1894

Gregorian calendar:
October 8th 1894

former harlot
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Bishop

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On MASOCNA Calendar

October 9th 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

Mor Awtel

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

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October 10th is the anniversary of the demise of Mor Dionysius IV (Cheppad Philipose) +1855. Mor Dionysius IV was the Malankara Metropolitan from 1825 until 1852 when he was forced to abdicate by the Protestant CMS.

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.

After serving the Malankara Church for many decades, Mor Dionysius IV departed for the heavenly abode & his mortal remains were interred in Cheppad St. George Valiyapally.

Illustration of Mor Dionysius only for artistic purposes.

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

Saints Eulampius and Eulampia were brother and sister. They lived at the beginning of the fourth century in the city of Nicomedia.

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October 11th is the commemoration of the martyrdom of Rev. Fr. Poulos (Boulus) Iskandar Behnam +2006 who was found murdered in the outskirts of Mosul, Iraq.

He attained the crown of martyrdom for remaining steadfast in the true Christian faith & continuing to perform his priestly duty, not succumbing to the threats of ransom when abducted.

Rev. Fr. Polous Iskandar was kidnapped in north Iraq on 9 October & two days later beheaded by an Islamic militant group in Iraq. According to locals the captors had demanded a ransom in the amount of $350,000. The captors also demanded that posters be displayed on the parish walls condemning the recent remarks made by then Pope Benedict XVI about Islam. On Thursday October 12, around 500 people attended the funeral of Rev. Fr. Paulos Iskandar at Mosul's Syriac Orthodox St Ephrem Cathedral.

This is the statement of the Holy Synod on the martyrdom of Fr. Boulus:
"During the sessions of the Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch held in Damascus under the patronage of His Holiness, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, & the participation of the bishops of the Syrian Orthodox Church worldwide, we received from the heads of Christian denominations in Iraq, the tragic, painful news of the death of the Rev. Fr. Poulos Iskander Behnam, one of our priests in Mosul. Fr. Behnam died at the hands of extremist terrorists, people disconnected from humane, spiritual & ethical values. 

Our Holy Synod expresses deepest regrets that this shameful crime took place. It touches all noble citizens of our beloved Iraq. The Synod denounces this horrible deed & calls upon the international conscience of those in authority to put an end to the bitter suffering of the Iraqi people. We invite all those in positions of authority & influence to continue their diligent efforts in spreading peace & security, so that the citizens of Iraq may resume normal life in their historic homeland within a framework of national unity..

+Memory Eternal+

"Valukalalum theeyalum - Pedakal njangal sahichalum. A-ssuasam parudeesaya - Lennallo sahader chollunnu"

"Proclaim the martyrs,
Lord Christ whom we loved
Has kept a reward for us
In-he-ri-tance in heaven
And solace in Paradise
Promised to those who love Him
For our tor-ments by fire and sword."

In July 2018, Fadi Iskandar followed in his father's footsteps & was ordained priest in Erbil, Iraq carrying on the family's priestly legacy.

On MASOCNA Calendar

October 12th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Cosmas and St. Damian +306 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Qozma & Mor Dumyana were twin brothers. They were born in Arabia & they studied the sciences in Syria & became eminent in their skills in medicine. They treated patients without taking any fee, instead asking those who were healed to believe in Christ Jesus.

They were imprisoned by the order of Lysias, governor of Cilicia. The brothers were persecuted for their faith in Christ. It is recorded that while they were hanging on crosses, the mob stoned them, but the stones flew backwards & hit the tormentors; similarly, the arrows of archers who were brought up to shoot at them turned in the air & scattered the bowmen. After various torments, they were beheaded for the faith. Thus Mor Cosmas & Mor Damian attained the crown of martyrdom. Three others, Anthimus, Leontius & Euprepius are also said to have been martyred with them.

Many miracles of healing were ascribed to them after their death. St. Cosmas & St. Damian are the patron saints of doctors.

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

Oh Mor Qozma & Mor Dumyana! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

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Theodosius the Great (the younger)

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The Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus and Agathonike suffered at Pergamum during the persecution of Decius in the third century.

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

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October 14th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Athanasius of Alexandria (St. Athanasius the Great) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Athanasius was born in AD295 to wealthy Christian parents. He studied Theology & Greek mythology. He lived some years with St. Antony in the deserts spending time in prayers & meditation. He has also written the biography of the saint.

He was ordained a deacon in AD 319 by Patriarch Alexander & he served him as his secretary. At the time Arius, an old priest in Alexandria, taught that Jesus was not fully divine but he was only similar to God & was created at the beginning of creation. In AD325 the Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea put Arius on trial & denounced him. The council confirmed the error of his teaching. The primary opponent was deacon Athanasius who worked as the secretary of Patriarch Alexander in this Council.

Upon the demise of Patriarch Alexander in AD328, Athanasius who was only 33 at that time ascended the throne. There were many allegations against him & he was banished five times. There were even attempts on his life. The Arius faction severed the arm of a dead man to be presented as a proof that it was the right arm of Episcopo Arsanios who was murdered by Athanasius. Their allegations were proved baseless when Arsanius himself was presented before them.

A Synod at Tyre excommunicated him. Two years later he returned to the diocese. Again in AD339, a synod with the connivance of Eusebius, bishop of Nicomedia, banished him. He was given sanctuary by Mor Yulios of Rome. The Serdica synod in AD343 re-established him in his ecclesiastical rights & declared him the lawful Patriarch of Alexandria.

His episcopate lasted for forty five years till AD 373. Of these he had spent seventeen years in hiding, in deserts & in foreign countries. In spite of all the trials he succeeded in transferring true faith to the next generation.

Mor Athanasius is commemorated every Sunday in the Thubden d-Qadishe (5th Thubden/Dypthic) of the Syriac Orthodox Church Holy Qurbono.

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

Oh Mor Athanasius! Plead for the Holy Church, that her children and hierarchy remain steadfast in the true faith always! Amen.

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October 14th 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

October 15th 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. An angel appeared to a monk named Mark, telling him to baptize the child with the name Osio (Syriac for doctor), for God will work many wonders through the child.

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 on October 15th.

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

Mort Shmuni & her 7 sons suffered martyrdom under emperor Antiochus IV. Their story is written in the 2nd book of Maccabees. While her name is not mentioned, within the Syriac tradition she is known as Shmuni. Though they lived before the time of Christ, they are counted among the company of the saints for attaining the crown of martyrdom.

The pagan king wanted the faithful Shmuni & her sons to consume pig meat. However, they refused as they did not wish to break the law given by God to Prophet Moses. Enraged, the king ordered them to be tortured and killed. One by one, each son was brutally tortured & then burnt alive within a large pot of flames. St. Shmuni seeing her sons tortured & killed still trusted God & she, "bore it with a good courage, because of the hope that she had in the Lord." After all the sons were killed, St. Shmuni too suffered the same fate.

According to the Syriac Fenqitho (book of festal offices), the name of her sons are Habroun, Hebsoun, Bakhous, Adai, Tarsai, Maqbai and Yawnothon.

There are many churches dedicated in her honour, the oldest being Mort Shmuni Syriac Orthodox Church in Qarqosh, Iraq which is 1500 years old.

Various Fathers of the Church preached sermons on Mort Shmuni & her 7 sons, including Saint Ambrose of Milan, Saint Gregory Nazianzus and Saint John Chrysostom.

Many miracles are attributed to the intercession of St. Shmuni & her sons.

A sermon about Mort Shmuni by Late Lamented Cathloicose Baselious Paulose II
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVaQ5RsP0oM

Hoothomo by HG Mor Osthatheos https://youtu.be/RkJ4_QmpljI

October 15th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Isaiah/Jesaja of Aleppo according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Esha'yo Holoboyo was one of the disciples of Mor Augin, who moved to Anhel in Tur'Abdin. His parents were wealthy people from Aleppo. They gave him a good education and he married when he was 22 but against his will. During the wedding night, to him and his young wife Hanna, an angel appeared. Mor Esha'ya and Hanna agreed to move on to live in abstinence. Mor Esha'ya met Mor Augin on the way to Mesopotamia and from this meeting, the desire developed in Mor Esha'ya to become a monk . But he first asked Hanna if she wanted to become a nun. They parted and Mor Esha'ya followed Mor Augin to preach and to live a life of healing.

After he had settled in Anhel, he made a pilgrimage to Palestine. When he visited his wife Hanna, near Aleppo, in her monastery, he found her dying on her deathbed. He wept bitterly, but he saw the room lit up as she handed her soul to her Lord. After he had returned to Anhel, he baptized many people in the town. His mortal remains are interred in the main church of Dayro d-Mor Gabriel.

Biography researched and translated by Miss. Ranya Kucukkaplan

Oh Mor Esha'yo Holoboyo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen

October 16th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Bartholomew the Apostle according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Bartolmai Sleeho was born in the town of Kothine in Galilee. Bartholomew is also known as Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee. The Apostle Philip was a friend of Nathaniel. They were both awaiting the coming of the Messiah. It was at this time Jesus found Philip & asked him to follow Him (John 1:43). It was not accidental that he informed the matter to Nathaniel. “We have found him, of whom Moses in the Law & prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). The traditional belief of the Jews was that nothing good came out of Nazareth because there is no reference to Nazareth in the Old Testament. Philip asked Nathaniel ‘to come & see’ Jesus. The meeting between Jesus & Nathaniel caused the completion of faith & the anticipated waiting (John 1: 47 – 51).

After Pentecost, Bartholomew preached in Yemen, Arabia, Asia Minor & Parthia in modern Iran. He was to be crucified with Philip in Hierapolis, Turkey but they were saved by an earthquake. He escaped to Greater Armenia. Later he reached Lycaonia near Caspian Sea. This place was known as Albanopolis or Urbanopolis (Derband, on the west coast of the Caspian Sea). Today it is known by the name Azerbaijan & lies partly in Iran & partly in the former Soviet Union. While he was travelling in Azerbaijan, Astyages the ruler captured him under the influence of the pagans. He was flayed alive & crucified upside down. Thus St. Bartholomew the Apostle attained the crown of martyrdom. St. Bartholomew is one of the patron saints of Armenia.

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

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

Centurion who pierced the side of Christ.

RSoH

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

RSoH

RSoH

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. 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

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

RSoH

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

RSoH

An ascetical companion of Mor Mattai. Monastery in Iraq, also known as the Beetles monastery due to a particular miracle each year.

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.

RSoH

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

RSoH

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.

RSoH

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