These are Released News from or around the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate

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October 16, 2008:  His Holiness' visit to India His Holiness Visiting India   قداسة سيدنا البطريرك  المعظم يقوم بزيارة رسولية تاريخية إلى الهند ويشارك في الاحتفال باليوبيل الكهنوتي الذهبي لغبطة المفريان مار باسيليوس توماس الأول   ـ قداسة سيدنا البطريرك يغادر الكرسي الرسولي: في تمام الساعة الرابعة والنصف من بعد ظهر يوم الخميس 16 تشرين الأول 2008 غادر قداسة سيدنا البطريرك المعظم مار إغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص الكلي الطوبى المقر الرسولي بدمشق عن طريق الخطوط الجوية الإماراتية متجهاً إلى الهند في زيارة رسولية رابعة شارك فيها قداسته احتفالات الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في الهند باليوبيل الكهنوتي الذهبي لغبطة المفريان مار باسيليوس توما الأول مفريان الهند، وقد رافقه في هذه الزيارة بدعوة خاصة من غبطة المفريان، أصحاب النيافة الأحبار الأجلاء: المطران مار اقليميس أوجين قبلان النائب البطريركي في غربي الولايات المتحدة الأميركية، والمطران مار فيلكسينوس متياس نايش المعاون البطريركي ومدير كلية مار أفرام السرياني اللاهوتية في معرة صيدنايا، ومار اقليميس دانيال كورية مطران بيروت، والمطران مار تيطس يلدو النائب البطريركي في أميركا لشؤون الكنيسة الهندية، والآباء الكهنة الربان يوياقيم أونفال معاون مدير كلية مار أفرام اللاهوتية والمرشد الروحي لطلابها، والربان متى الخوري السكرتير البطريركي، والشماس مرقس أبراهام السكرتير البطريركي لشؤون الكنيسة في الهند، والراهبتان الأم حنينة هابيل رئيسة راهبات دير مار يعقوب البرادعي والراهبة تيودورة برايا. ـ الوصول إلى مطار كوجي الدولي: وبعد استراحة قصيرة في مطار دبي غادر قداسته في ساعات الفجر الأولى ليوم الجمعة 17/11 مطار دبي الدولي متوجهاً إلى كوجين فوصل إليها في تمام الساعة التاسعة صباحاً حسب التوقيت المحلي لمدينة كوجين، وكان في استقبال قداسته غبطة المفريان مار باسيليوس توماس الأول وعدد كبير من أصحاب النيافة مطارنة كنيستنا السريانية الأرثوذكسية في الهند، وبعض الشخصيات الرسمية ممثلين عن الحكومة الهندية، ووزراء أفاضل من ولاية كيرالا، وعدد كبير من الكهنة والراهبات والإكيروس السرياني وآلاف المؤمنين الذين توافدوا إلى المطار قبل ساعات لاستقبال قداسته. وبعد استراحة قصيرة لقداسته في قاعة الشرف في مطار كوجي الدولي أجاب قداسته فيها على أسئلة الصحفيين ووسائل الإعلام، توجه قداسته والوفد المرافق له إلى مقر إقامتهم في المركز البطريركي في بوثنكروز Puthencruz يرافقه مندوب المراسم الخاص بولاية كيرالا وسط حراسة أمنية مشددة، كما لوحظ وجود سيارة إسعاف بشكل دائم تحسباً لأي طارئ، وعند وصول قداسته المركز البطريركي اعتلى قداسته شرفة البناء وبارك المؤمنين الذين جاءوا من كل حدب وصوب شيوخاً ونساءً وشباباً وأطفالاً ليرحّبوا برئيس الكنيسة الأعلى قداسة سيدنا البطريرك. وفي تمام الساعة الخامسة مساءً احتفل قداسة سيدنا البطريرك بتقديس كنيسة مار أثناسيوس بولس التابعة للمركز البطريركي في بوثنكروز يعاونه غبطة المفريان وأصحاب النيافة الأحبار الأجلاء، وبعد الانتهاء من تقديس الكنيسة ألقى قداسته كلمة شكر فيها اللـه تعالى على وصوله بالسلامة إلى الهند ولقائه بأبنائه الروحيين للمرة الرابعة، كما توجه بأحرّ التهاني إلى غبطة المفريان مار باسيليوس توماس الأول مفريان الهند بمناسبة اليوبيل الكهنوتي الذهبي لغبطته سائلاً الرب الإله أن يمنحه القوة والعمر المديد ليتابع مهامه الكثيرة في إدارة الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في الهند. يوم السبت 18/10/2008: في صباح يوم السبت احتفل قداسة سيدنا البطريرك بتقديس كنيسة مار جرجس الشهيد في مدينة Mudavoor التابعة لأبرشية أنكمالي، عاونه بذلك غبطة المفريان والسادة المطارنة، وبعد الانتهاء من مراسم التقديس ألقى قداسته كلمة هنأ فيها أبناء الرعية المباركة بالكنيسة الجديدة. ـ وفي تمام الساعة الرابعة بعد الظهر استقبل قداسة سيدنا البطريرك في المركز البطريركي سيادة الوزير الأستاذ Vayalar aravy فايالار رافي وزير المغتربين في الحكومة الهندية والذي له علاقات طيبة مع أبناء كنيستنا في الهند، وكان قد زار قداسته خلال زيارته الرسولية الأولى عام 1982 يوم كان وزيراً للداخلية. ـ ثم أجرى قداسته مقابلات تلفزيونية مع قناة Deinine  ومحطة Shalom الهنديتين حيث تحدث فيهما أولاً عن سيرة حياته الشخصية وعن الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية وعلاقتها مع الكنائس المسيحية الأخرى، ووقف مطولاً عند الكنيسة السريانية في الهند. يوم الأحد 19/10/2008(يوم اليوبيل): احتفل صباحاً قداسة سيدنا البطريرك مار إغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص بالقداس الإلهي في كنيسة مار يعقوب أخو الرب في Allapra ألابرا، وعاونه غبطة المفريان مار باسيليوس توماس الأول وأصحاب النيافة الأحبار الأجلاء مار اقليميس أوجين قبلان ومار فيلكسينوس متياس نايش ومار اقليميس دانيال كورية، والآباء الكهنة والرهبان والراهبات والشمامسة بحضور حشد كبير من المؤمنين الذين لم تتسع لهم الكنيسة ولا ساحتها الواسعة. الاحتفال باليوبيل الكهنوتي الذهبي لغبطة المفريان وفي تمام الساعة الثالثة من بعد الظهر توجه موكب قداسته إلى مدينة كوجي وبعد استراحة قصيرة في أحد فنادقها اعتلى قداسته وغبطة المفريان السيارة المكشوفة التي نقلتهما إلى مكان الاحتفال الشعبي باليوبيل الكهنوتي الذهبي لغبطة المفريان، وقد تميز الاستقبال بحشد كبير من المؤمنين الذين وصل عددهم  إلى أكثر من أربعمائة ألف الذين جاؤوا من مناطق بعيدة وقريبة للإشتراك في هذا الاحتفال. حضر الاحتفال المطارنة السريان الأرثوذكس ومطارنة الطوائف الشقيقة وعدد من المسؤولين في مقدمتهم السيد رئيس وزراء ولاية كيرالا، والسيد وزير الداخلية والسيد وزير الغابات والبيئة وغيرهم. وما إن وصل قداسته إلى منصة الاحتفال حتى أضاء القنديل الكبير الذي خصص لإعلان انطلاق الاحتفالية الخاصة بغبطة المفريان، ثم ألقى قداسته كلمة باللغة الإنكليزية وفيما يلي ترجمتها إلى اللغة العربية: ܒܫܡ ܐܒܐ ܘܒܪܐ ܘܪܘܚܐ ܩܕܝܫܐ ܚܕ ܐܠܗܐ ܫܪܝܪܐ ܐܡܝܢ غبطة أخينا أخياالحبيب في المسيح، مار باسيليوس توماس الأول مفريان الهند. أصحاب النيافة والسيادة المطارنة والأساقفة. معالي وزير الداخلية الحكومة الهندية. معالي رئيس وزراء ولاية كيرالا. السادة الوزراء وأعضاء البرلمان التشريعي لولاية كيرالا. أبناءنا الروحيين الأفاضل الخوارنة والكهنة والرهبان والراهبات والإكليروس الموقر. أيتها السيدات، أيها السادة: نحن سعداء جداً لوجودنا هنا في الهند مرة أخرى، وكنّا قد زرناها سابقاً للمرة الأولى عام 1964 يوم كنّا مطراناً لأبرشية الموصل، وقد رافقنا سلفنا المثلث الرحمة البطريرك يعقوب الثالث في زيارته التاريخية آنذاك. وفي وقت لاحق، استطعنا أن نزور هذه البلاد المباركة كبطريرك للكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في العالم أجمع، ثلاث مرات في عام 1982 وقد كانت أطول زيارة رسولية إلى الهند، وفي عام 2000 للاحتفال باليوبيل الذهبي الأسقفي لرئيس أبرشية الكناعنة المثلث الرحمة مار اقليميس أبراهام،  وفي 2004 حيث بدأنا من الهند بالاحتفال بيوبيلنا البطريركي الفضي، وكل تلك الزيارات كانت بموجب دعوات رسمية كنا نتلقاها من قبل الحكومة الهندية، ومن قبل الشعب الهندي المبارك أيضاً، وخاصةً من ولاية كيرالا العزيزة، بغضّ النظر عن العقيدة أو الطبقة الاجتماعية. لقد كانت لنا في تلك الزيارات ذكريات سارة لا تمحى، ونحن نشعر بالامتنان للجميع، وهذه هي زيارتنا الرسولية الرابعة كبطريرك إلى الهند والتي فيها نشارككم الفرحة بالاحتفال باليوبيل الكهنوتي الذهبي لغبطة أخينا الحبيب مار باسيليوس توماس الأول مفريان الهند التي هي جزء لا يتجزأ من كرسينا الأنطاكي السرياني الأرثوذكسي. ونحن نشكر معالي رئيس وزراء ولاية كيرالا وحكومته التي لاقتنا بحرارة لا توصف كضيف على الدولة، ونشكر كرم ضيافة شعب ولاية كيرالا المشهورين به. أيها الأحباء: إننا نرى اليوم ننبي العالم الذي نعيش فيه يتغير بسرعة، وقد مكّنت الشبكات العالمية وطرق الاتصالات المتنوعة من النهوض ممفي ميدان العلم والتطور وساعدت الناس على التواصل مع بعضهم البعض بسهولة، وقد أثّر هذا في جعل المسافات قصيرة بين دول العالم، وبدأ الناس يهاجرون من دولة إلى أخرى بحثاً عن فرص العمل، والأعمال التجارية، ولأغراض أخرى. الأمر الذي أعطى الكثير من الفرص لإيجاد ظروف معيشية أفضل. ولكن من جهة أخرى، فقد أدى ذلك إلى العديد من المشاكل في بعض البلدان التي أصبحت أكثر ثراء وغنى، الأمر الذي ساعد على نشوء صراعات بين الدول داخلياً وخارجياً، وبذلك ابتعد الناس عن اللـه، وتدمرت أواصر المحبة والتسامح التي كانت قائمة في البدء بين مختلف الأمم  والشعوب.  فزيادة المعرفة في ميدان العلم والتكنولوجيا لا ينبغي أن تبعدنا بعيداً عن اللـه، ولكن بدلاً من ذلك، تقربنا من اللـه الذي يبارك لنا هذه المعرفة.   مرة أخرى، ينبغي ألا ننسى أننا أبناء اللـه، نحن وجميع الإخوة والأخوات؛ وهذا بدوره، يجب أن يمتّن حبنا لبعضنا البعض ويدفعنا للعيش في وئامwith all. مع الجميع. والزعماء الدينيون والإجتماعيون والقادة السياسيون لهم الدور الإيجابي والهام في تعزيز وضمان فهم أفضل للوحدة والتعاون فيما بين جميع الشعوب. جميع الأديان الرئيسية في العالم كان مصدرها في قارة آسيا، وبين مختلف الدول في آسيا، وفي الهند تلاقت جميع الأديان في تسامح واحترام متبادَلين. وفي الواقع لقد وصلت المسيحية إلى الهند قبل وصولها إلى أوربا.  وبحسب التقليد الكنسي فإن القديس مار توما الرسول وهو واحد من تلاميذ السيد المسيح الاثني عشر قد وصل إلى ولاية كيرالا عام 52م حيث بشر باسم يسوع المسيح، وفي قرون لاحقة مُنح المسيحيون جميع الامتيازات من الحكام الهنود أسوة  بالهندوس والمسلمين وجميع الأديان الأخرى فالكل هنا يعيش في سلام ووئام. ونحن نصلي إلى اللـه تعالى ليحفظ الهند لتبقى نموذجاً للتسامح الديني والسلام والوئام.  أيها الأحباء: كما تعلمون، تحتفل الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في الهند باليوبيل الذهبي الكهنوتي لغبطة أخينا الحبيب في المسيح مار باسيليوس توماس الأول مفريان الهند، وقد تمت رسامته الكهنوتية عام 1958  بوضع يد المثلث الرحمة مار يوليوس الياس قورو القاصد الرسولي في الهند آنذاك، وفي عام 1970 رسم مطراناً باسم مار ديونيسيوس توماس فعمل جاهداً للدفاع عن الإيمان القويم والتقاليد الرسولية، وتعزيز روابط الصلة بين الكرسي الرسولي الأنطاكي في سورية وبين الكنيسة السريانية في الهند، ولذلك وبعد انتقال المثلث الرحمة مار باسيليوس بولس مفريان الهند رسمنا نيافة مار ديونيسيوس توماس الأول مفرياناً عام 2002، فعمل جاهداً على إدارة الكنيسة المقدسة في الهند بالتعاون مع أصحاب النيافة المطارنة الأجلاء وجميع الجمعيات والمؤسسات في الهند.   ولا ننسى مساهمة غبطته في ميدان التعليم والوعظ والإرشاد، والكثير من المؤسسات التعليمية قد بدأت تحت قيادته، والكنيسة الآن تملك العديد من المؤسسات التي تقدم خدمة قيمة ليس فقط لأعضاء الكنيسة ولكن لجميع الناس.  والمركز البطريركي البديع الذي لا يبعد كثيراً عن مدينة كوجي هو نصب تذكاري دائم لبلده العظيم ونحن نظراً لخدماته وهمته العالية في إدارة الكنيسة في الهند منحناه عام 2007 لقب: «مار يعقوب البرادعي الثاني لكنيسة مالانكارا»، وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن القديس مار يعقوب البرادعي الذي عاش في القرن السادس الميلادي كان راعياً عظيماً بذل كل جهده للحفاظ على إيمان الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في أصعب أحقاب التاريخ. وفي هذه المناسبة يطيب لنا أن نهنئ صاحب الغبطة على كل الإنجازات التي تحققت على يديه حتى الآن، وندعو اللـه عزّ وجل أن يمنح غبطتكم الصحة التامة والعمر المديد. وأطلب الآن من غبطة المفريان أن يقبل منا هذه الهدية المتواضعة وهي عبارة عن أيقونات كتعبير عن محبتنا وتقديرنا لغبطته. وليبارككم اللـه جميعاً، وليبارك اللـه الهند العزيزة.  بعد الاحتفال انطلق الجميع إلى فندق المرديان، حيث أعدت وليمة عشاء فخمة على شرف قداسة سيدنا البطريرك وغبطة المفريان بهذه المناسبة جلس إليها أصحاب النيافة الأحبار الأجلاء والآباء الكهنة والراهبات والمدعوين.    الاثنين 20/10/2008: في تمام الساعة العاشرة صباحاً توجه موكب قداسة سيدنا البطريرك وغبطة المفريان إلى كنيسة القديس مار توما الرسول والتي حازت على لقب أورشليم الثانية من المثلث الرحمات البطريرك مار إغناطيوس عبد اللـه الثاني وهي كنيسة قديمة جداً  تحوي على ذخائر مار توما الرسول التي أرسلها إليها قداسة سيدنا البطريرك عام 1994، وتضم أيضاً بين ثناياها قبور ثلاثة من المطارنة، وقد زارها ثلاثة بطاركة واحتفل فيها بتقديس الميرون مرة واحدة، وقد استقبل قداسته كالمعتاد بحفاوة بالغة من المؤمنين كافةً وذلك عند مدخل الكنيسة، وبعد أن احتفل فيها بالقداس الإلهي برئاسة قداسة سيدنا البطريرك قرأ المنشور الرسولي الأبوي لإعلان المطران مار كيرلس يوياقيم قديساً. ثم ألقى قداسته كلمة باللغة الإنكليزية وترجمها إلى المليالم نيافة المطران مار أثناسيوس كيوركيس. ثم قدم قداسته البخور على ضريح القديس المطران مار كيرلس يوياقيم. ثم تقاطر المؤمنون ليتباركوا من ضريح القديس مار كيرلس يوياقيم. ـ بعدها زار قداسته مباركاً معملاً للسيارات، حيث ألقى السيد صاحب المعمل كلمة رحب فيها بقداسته وشكره على مباركته لهذا المشروع الحيوي والهام، وأضاء قداسته القنديل الخاص بهذا المعمل ودعا اللـه أن يباركه وأصحابه وكل من يعمل فيه. ـ وفي تمام الساعة الرابعة مساء انطلق موكب قداسته متوجهاً إلى كنيسة السيدة العذراء مريم المشيدة منذ عام 1903 وفيها جزء من زنار السيدة العذراء مريم وتميزت هذه الزيارة بكثرة المرحبين المنتشرين على الطرقات، وبعد الصلاة في الكنيسة ألقى قداسته كلمة وبارك حجر الأساس لبناء المدرسة الجديدة لهذه الرعية. ـ بعدها عاد قداسته إلى المركز البطريركي واستقبل في مقر إقامته عدداً كبيراً من المؤمنين. الثلاثاء 21/10/2008: في تمام الساعة التاسعة صباحاً أجرى الأستاذ الفاضل الدكتور بابابول الذي اهتم بتأليف الكتاب التاريخي لزيارة قداسة سيدنا البطريرك للهند عام 1982 والذي منحه قداسة سيدنا البطريرك لقب ابن الكنيسة البار، أجرى مقابلة تلفزيونية مع قداسته حيث دار حديث رائع ومشوق حول الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في العالم وخاصة في الهند وعلاقتها مع سائر الكنائس المسيحية الأخرى، وعن زيارات قداسته التاريخية إلى الهند. ـ بعدها مباشرة توجه قداسته إلى كنيسة مار توما الرسول في مدينة Perumbaavoor والتي تحتفظ أيضاً بذخائر القديس مار توما الرسول، وفور وصول قداسته إلى مذبح الكنيسة أقام الأحبار الأجلاء خدمة تشمشت القديسين بعدها ألقى قداسته كلمة حث فيها المؤمنين بالتأمل والاقتداء بالقديس مار توما الرسول، وفي كلمته منح قداسته هذه الكنيسة لقب كاتدرائية فتعالت الأصوات ودقت أجراس الكنيسة فرحاً وابتهاجاً بهذا التكريم. ـ وفي تمام الساعة الرابعة انطلق موكب قداسته من المركز البطريركي إلى مدينة كندناط Kandnad حيث استقبل قداسته بحفاوة بالغة من قبل الألوف من المؤمنين الذين تجمهروا قبل ساعات تحضيراً لهذا الاستقبال وعند اعتلاء قداسته منصة ساحة الكنيسة قرأ المنشور البطريركي الرسولي والذي يعلن قداسة سيدنا البطريرك فيه قداسة مار باسيليوس شكرالله قديساً، ولكن للأسف الشديد لم يتمكن قداسته من إقامة الصلاة داخل الكنيسة والتي تحتوي على رُفات القديس مار باسيليوس شكرالله. وبعد أن ألقى قداسة سيدنا البطريرك كلمته ألقى غبطة المفريان كلمة شكر فيها قداسة سيدنا البطريرك، ثم خاطب نيافة المطران جوزيف الشعب حاثاً إياه على التمسك بالكنيسة السريانية المقدسة والكرسي الرسولي الأنطاكي، كما قدم نيافته السيد توماثيل وهو شماس قدير شاءت العناية الإلهية أن يولد ضريراً ولكنه يمتاز بصوته الجميل العذب وقد حفظ كتاب كنز الألحان البيث كازو عن ظهر قلب ونال قسطاً وافراً من اللغة السريانية، وخرج الكثير من الرهبان والقسوس والشمامسة، فصفق له الجميع بحرارة. الأربعاء 22/10/2008: في تمام الساعة التاسعة صباحاً أدلى قداسته بحديث صحفي لمجلة الهند اليوم حيث أجاب قداسته عن أسئلة عامة تتعلق بالكنيسة السريانية وعن المخاطر التي تتعرض لها المسيحية في الوقت الحاضر. ثم زار قداسته كنيسة السيدة العذراء في مدينة Moovatupaza التابعة لأبرشية أنكمالي هذه الكنيسة القديمة المؤسسة منذ عام 1687 بيد مار إيوانيس هداية الله والتي تحتفظ بالقليل من رفاته الطاهر. ثم زار قداسته معمل الألبسة الجاهزة، حيث استقبل من قبل عمال المعمل البالغ عددهم حوالي عشرة آلاف عامل وعاملة يعملون في هذا المعمل لحساب رجل طيب ومتواضع جداً اسمه الدكتور يعقوب، وبعد مسير أكثر من ثلاثة أميال وتناثر الورود على جانبي الطريق ترحيباً بقداسته وغبطة المفريان والزوار كافةً، وفور وصول قداسته أنار القنديل الخاص لبركة هذا المعمل ومنح قداسته السيد يعقوب وسام مار أفرام السرياني بلقب ابن الكنيسة الغيور ܒܪ ܥܕܬܐ ܛܢܢܐ ثم جلس الجميع على مائدة الغداء الفخمة التي أعدها السيد يعقوب على شرف قداسته وغبطة المفريان في إحدى صالات المعمل. وفي تمام الساعة الرابعة والنصف وبعد استراحة قصيرة لقداسته في المركز البطريركي التقى قداسته مع المئات من كهنة ولاية كيرالا وأخذت الصورة التذكارية ثم ألقى قداسته كلمة بهذه المناسبة. وفي تمام الساعة السابعة انطلق موكب قداسته إلى مدينة كوطايم حيث أقام والوفد المرافق له في فندق راديسون بلازا Radisson Plaza لمدة يومين حيث حل خلالها قداسته ضيفاً على الكنيسة السريانية الكنعانية. الخميس 23/10/2008: في تمام الساعة الثامنة صباحاً توجه قداسته ومرافقوه إلى مدينة Chinavanam حيث ترأس قداسته القداس الإلهي في دير مار يوحنا الرسول للكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية الكنعانية التابعة إدارتها مباشرة للكرسي الرسولي في دمشق، حيث استقبل قداسته بحفاوة وترحاب واحتفل أصحاب النيافة مرافقو قداسة سيدنا البطريرك بالقداس الإلهي وخدمه الأبوان الفاضلان الربان يوياقيم أونفال والربان متى الخوري إذ قربت الذبيحة الإلهية باللغة السريانية كاملاً بحسب طلب أبناء الكنيسة الكنعانيين الرهاويين. بعدها تقبل قداسته الهدايا التذكارية من السادة المطارنة، ثم دخل كنيسة مار يوحنا الرسول وأقام صلاة جناز الكهنة أمام ضريح المطران مار اقليميس أبراهام. ثم جلس الجميع إلى مائدة الغداء التي أعدتها لجنة الكنيسة بهذه المناسبة. وفي تمام الساعة الثانية عشرة ظهراً انطلق موكب قداسته إلى مدينة Manjinakara في زيارة رسولية إلى دير مار إغناطيوس النوراني، والتابع إدارياً بالإضافة إلى اثنتي عشرة كنيسة إلى الكرسي الرسولي الأنطاكي، وما إن وصل قداسته إلى الدير المذكور حتى أقام الصلاة أمام ضريح القديس البطريرك مار إغناطيوس الياس الثالث ودموع جميع من كان حاضراً تتساقط بحرارة من هذا المنظر المهيب. ثم ارتجل قداسته خطاباً باللغة السريانية. ومن دير مار إغناطيوس النوراني توجه قداسته إلى مدينة Pathanamthitta حيث زار قداسته كنيسة السيدة العذراء وبارك جميع أبناء الرعية. وألقى كلمة باللغة الإنكليزية. ثم زار قداسته كنيسة السيدة العذراء مريم للكناعنة في Othara – Kotayam وأيضاً بَسَط قداسته يمينه المباركة وبارك جميع المؤمنين الذي احتشدوا لاستقبال قداسته. وأيضاً احتفل قداسته بتقديس كنيسة مار جرجس في مدينة ثيرفالا Thirvalla حيث اصطف المؤمنون على جنبي الطريق حوالي خمسة أميال استقبالاً وترحيباً برئيسهم الأعلى وأبيهم الروحي، وبعد الانتهاء من مراسم التقديس ألقى قداسته كلمة باللغة الإنكليزية هنأ فيها أبناء الرعية بالكنيسة الجديدة ومشيراً إلى همّة نيافة مطران الرعية الجليل مار كيرلس كوركيس. ثم عاد قداسته ومرافقوه إلى مقر إقامتهم المؤقت في فندق راديسون بلازا. الجمعة 24/10/2008: في تمام الساعة العاشرة صباحاً انطلق قداسته إلى مدينة Panampady إذ زار كنيسة السيدة العذراء مريم، حيث احتفل غبطة المفريان بالقداس الإلهي وأثناء القداس ألقى نيافة الحبر الجليل مار غريغوريوس جوزف المنشور البطريركي الذي فيه يعلن مار كيرلس بولس قديساً، وهو تلميذ القديس مار كيرلس يوياقيم ثم قدم قداسته البخور وأقام صلاة تشمشت القديسين أمام ضريح القديس مار كيرلس بولس، ثم ألقى قداسته كلمة. ثم توجه الموكب إلى مدينة Panampady فزار قداسته كنيسة مار يوحنا المعمدان حيث كان نيافة الحبر الجليل مار اقليميس دانيال كورية فاستقبل قداسته كالمعتاد بحفاوة بالغة من المؤمنين كافةً وبعد القداس الإلهي استقبل قداسته جموع المؤمنين حيث باركهم جميعاً. وفي تمام الساعة الرابعة كان الموعد مع مدينة Puthupally حيث ترأس قداسته مراسم تقديس كنيسة مار جرجس الشهيد. ثم زار قداسته كنيسة السيدة العذراء مريم في Mandarcadu ، وبعد أن ترأس قداسته الصلاة في الكنيسة ألقى كلمة بارك فيها جميع الحاضرين ثم أضاء قداسته قنديل الكنيسة ثم قدم قداسته للسيد القاضي توماس K.T. Thomas منحه قداسته لقب القاضي الحكيم، وتشتهر هذه الكنيسة بمؤسساتها الكثيرة والكبيرة كونها تضم مدرسة ومستشفى وكنيسة صغيرة للقداديس اليومية. ومن هناك عاد قداسته ومرافقوه إلى مقر إقامتهم في المركز البطريركي. السبت 25/10/2008: في ساعات الصباح الأولى توجهنا إلى مدينة Kothaagalam حيث احتفل نيافة الحبر الجليل مار فيلكسينوس متياس نايش بالقداس الإلهي في كنيسة مار توما الرسول باللغة السريانية كاملاً، وألقى قداسته كلمة باللغة السريانية بين فيها فرحه الكبير في زيارة هذه الكنيسة المباركة التي تضم ضريح القديس مار باسيليوس يلدو، وبعد زيارة الكنيسة عقد قداسته اجتماعاً خاصاً مع لجنة الكنيسة اليعقوبية التي أسسها البطريرك بطرس الرابع عام 1876 والمؤلفة من الآباء الكهنة وعضو من كل كنيسة. ثم زار قداسته كلية مار أثناسيوس في Kothamangalam، وكلية مار غريغوريوس لطب الأسنان. أخيراً زار قداسته كنيسة القديس مار اسطيفانوس الشهيد في مدينة شيلاد Chelad. ثم عاد قداسته إلى المركز البطريركي حيث استقبل آلاف المؤمنين الذين قدموا من مناطق بعيدة للتبرّك من قداسته. الأحد 26/10/2008: احتفل قداسة سيدنا البطريرك بالذبيحة الإلهية في كنيسة السيدة والدة الإله مريم كنيسة الهند القديمة وعاونه نيافة المطران مار اقليميس أوجين قبلان، وخلال القداس الإلهي رقى قداسته الشماس القارئ جوزف شانوكي إلى رتبة الشماس الأفدياقون. ثم ألقى قداسته كلمة باللغة الإنكليزية قداسته يترأس جلسة مجمعية وبعد الإنتهاء من القداس الإلهي ترأس قداسته وغبطة المفريان جلسة مجمعية للمجمع المكاني للكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في الهند بحضور أصحاب النيافة المطارنة والآباء الكهنة المرافقين لقداسته. حيث دخل الصحفيون قاعة الاجتماع وأخذت الصور التذكارية بهذه المناسبة التاريخية. ثم ارتجل قداسة سيدنا البطريرك كلمة تحدث فيها عن محبة الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية والتمسك بإيمانها القويم ولغتها السريانية المقدسة وتقاليدها وتعاليم آبائها. وبدوره شكر غبطة المفريان قداسة سيدنا البطريرك بالأصالة عن نفسه وبالنيابة عن أصحاب النيافة المطارنة لتلبيته دعوة غبطته وتجشمه عناء السفر لمشاركة الكنيسة السريانية في الهند احتفالاتها باليوبيل الكهنوتي الذهبي لغبطته داعياً اللـه أن يحفظ قداسته ويكلله بإكليل الصحة والعافية وللكرسي الأنطاكي الازدهار والتقدّم في عهد قداسته الميمون. مساء اعتلى قداسته شرفة المركز البطريركي يحتاط به غبطة المفريان وأصحاب النيافة الأحبار الأجلاء ومن الشرفة بارك قداسته حوالي سبعين ألف طالب وطالبة من طلاب مدارس الآحاد للتربية الدينية الذين قدموا من كل أنحاء ولاية كيرالا ليرحبوا بقداسة سيدنا البطريرك، ويعبرون بأساليبهم الرائعة والمختلفة عن محبتهم العميقة لقداسته. يوم الاثنين 27/10/2008: احتفل قداسته بتقديس كنيسة القديس مار توما الرسول الكبرى والتي تحتوي على خمسة مذابح وقد قدس قداسته المذبح الأوسط على اسم مار توما الرسول ثم احتفل غبطة المفريان والسادة المطارنة بالقداس الإلهي وخلاله ألقى قداسته كلمة باللغة الإنكليزية. مساء زار قداسته كلية مار أفرام السرياني الإكليريكية التي أسسها قداسته عام 1993، حيث منح قداسته الأب الفاضل الخوري أداي مدير الكلية لقب المدبر الحكيم. وألقى قداسته كلمة بهذه المناسبة. ثم ترأس قداسته مراسم تقديس كنيسة السيدة العذراء مريم التابعة للكرسي الرسوليSimhasana Churches وبعد الانتهاء من التقديس ألقى قداسته كلمة. الثلاثاء 28/10/2008: زار قداسته كنيسة مار يوحنا المعمدان في مدينة S. Parur حيث رحب به الحضور. الأربعاء 29/10/2008: فجر يوم الأربعاء غادر قداسة سيدنا البطريرك المركز البطريركي وسط حشد كبير من المؤمنين الذين توافدوا لوداع قداسته والتبرك منه قبل مغادرته الهند عائداً إلى دمشق، وفي طريق قداسته إلى مطار كوجي الدولي زار قداسته كنيسة مار شابور وأفراهات في مدينة Akapparambu التابعة لرعية أنكمالي. وبعد أن ترأس قداسته الصلاة في الكنيسة وبارك جميع الحاضرين، غادرها متوجهاً إلى مطار كوجي يرافقه غبطة المفريان وأصحاب النيافة الأحبار الأجلاء مطارنة الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في الهند، وآلاف من المؤمنين.   موجز الزيارة الرسولية إلى الهند 2008 أولاً ـ تقديس كنائس: 1ـ كنيسة مار أثناسيوس بولس، يوم الجمعة 17/10/2008 2ـ كنيسة مار جرجس الشهيد، يوم السبت 18/10/2008 3ـ كنيسة مار كوركيس، يوم الخميس 23/10/2008 4ـ كنيسة مار توما الرسول، يوم الإثنين 27/10/2008 5ـ كنيسة السيدة العذراء مريم، يوم الإثنين 27/10/2008   ثانياً ـ إعلان قديسين: 1ـ قداسة مار كيرلس يوياقيم، يوم الإثنين 20/10/2008 2ـ قداسة مار باسيليوس شكرالله، يوم الثلاثاء 21/10/2008 3ـ قداسة مار كيرلس بولس، يوم الجمعة 24/10/2008   ثالثاً ـ الزيارات الرعوية والعامة: 1ـ معمل السيارات الخاصة، يوم الإثنين 20/10/2008 2ـ معمل ألبسة الأطفال، يوم الأربعاء 22/10/2008 3ـ كلية مار أثناسيوس للعلوم، يوم الجمعة 24/10/2008 4ـ جامعة القديس غريغوريوس لطب الأسنان، يوم الجمعة 24/10 5ـ كلية مار أفرام السرياني اللاهوتية، يوم الإثنين 27/10/2008 6ـ زيارة 24 كنيسة ودير.   رابعاً ـ مع وسائل الإعلام: 1ـ الإجابة على أٍسئلة الصحفيين في مطار كوجي الدولي. 2ـ مقابلة تلفزيونية مع قناة Deinine TV، يوم السبت 18/10 3ـ مقابلة تلفزيونية مع قناة Shalom TV، يوم السبت 18/10 4ـ مقابلة تلفزيونية مع قناة Asia Net، يوم الثلاثاء 21/10 5ـ مقابلة صحافية مع مجلة India Today، يوم الأربعاء 22/10     September 9, 2008:  His Holiness Aram I, visits the Holy Father His Holiness Aram I visited the Holy Father at St. Aphrem Seminary in Damascus on Tuesday 9 September 2008   St. Ephrem Seminary, Damascus: On 09 September 2008 evening the Armenian Catholicose His Holiness Aram I accompanied with delegates visited His holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas in Ma'arrat saidnaya. The Synod of Syrian Bishops is underway presently. Upon his arrival, His Holiness was received by the Patriarch and the Bishops.   His Holiness the Patriarch Zakka I warmly welcomed the Pontiff underlining the friendly relations between the two churches. The Patriarch recalled the Fellowship between the Coptic and Syrian Churches and the Catholicosate of Cilicia, set up by the efforts of His Holiness Aram I twelve years ago.   Making a brief overview of the relations between the Armenian and Syrian Churches, His Holiness Aram I said: “Our two churches have had the same theological approach and have together against all external heretical movements. We must further strengthen our cooperation in a world in which we are facing many challenges patching the daily life of our communities. He called upon the Bishops to continue the strong cooperation between the two churches with the same spirit particularly at the level of the Dioceses.   The meeting was followed by a reception during which Syrian Bishops asked His Holiness questions about theological and ecumenical issues   August 24, 2008:  New Metropolitans New Metropolitans for Idukki & Calicut   His Holiness the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas consecrated Very Rev. Raban Stephanos (as Mor Clemis Kuriakose) and Very Rev. Raban Shemoun (as Mor Ireneous Palouse) two metropolitans for Idukki and Calicut of Malankara Church at the Monastery of St. Aphrem the Syrian, in Ma`rrat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria on 24 August 2008. The Catholicos His Beatitude Mor Baselius Thomas I, Mor Timotheos Aphrem Aboodi (Former Patriarchal Vicar for Canada), Mor Theophilos George Saliba (of Mount Lebanon), Mor Gregorios Joseph (Metropolitan of Kochi Diocese and Malankara Episcopal Synod Secretary), Mor Selwanos Petros AL-Nemeh (Metropolitan of Homs & Hama), Mor Philexinos Mattias Nayis (Patriarchal Assistant & Metropolitan of St. Aphrem Theological Seminary, Ma'arrat Saidnaya, Damascus), Mor Severius Malke Mourad (Patriarchal-Vicar for Jerusalem & Jordan), Mor Aphrem Mathews (Angamali Highrange Area), assisted His Holiness in the consecration ceremonies. It was also attended by a large gathering of Monks, Priests, Deacons, Nuns, the Syriac Orthodox Faithful and other Distinguished Guests from Syria, India and 40 Syriac Orthodox Faithful from Malankara. SOCM News Bureau - Kottayam.   July 2008:  Metropolitan Council Formed Knanaya Metropolitan Council In order to streamline the administration of the Knanaya Archdiocese spreading throughout India and overseas, a Metropolitan Council was formed by His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch & All the East H. H. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. The Archbishop H.E. Kuriakose Mor Severios is appointed as the first President of the Knanaya Metropolitan Council. The first meeting of the Metropolitan Council selected H.G. Ayoob Mor Silvanos, as its first Secretary. H.G. Kuriakose Mor Gregorios and H.G. Kuriakose Mor Iwanis will be functioning as the Council members. The new Managing Committee members are: Sabu Thottungal, Capt. Abraham Kuruvilla Vazhayil, Biju Thomas Poozhikkunnel, Mathew Jacob Puthiyamadam, T. Mathew Abraham Thekkummoottil, Aalichen Aaronnil, James Vilanganpara and Abi Jacob Konniyaparambil. SOCM News Bureau - Kottayam.   July 2008:  St. Ephrem Universal Syriac Orthodox medical Mission SEUSOMM Inaugurated   The grand opening of the Saint Ephrem Universal Syrian Orthodox Medical Mission, the social ministry of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch was held at the Saint Ephrem Seminary in Ma’raat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria. A Holy Eucharist was celebrated July 7th at the St. Ephrem monastery in Ma’arrat Saidnaya on the occasion of the inauguration of the St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Universal Medical Mission. This historic and important event was headed by the president of the missionary, His Eminence Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Patriarchal Vicar of the US Western Archdiocese. His Eminence was assisted by Bishop Mor Gregorius Joseph, Bishop of Cochin in India, and representative clergy members from different churches. During the opening ceremony His Eminence Archbishop Mor C. Eugene Kaplan presented a sermon in which he stressed upon the agenda of this mission, which includes; establishing a human medical institution to secure a healthy, scientific, educational, and servicing organization, in addition to physicians who would offer their human services free of charge, adding that this mission will have branches worldwide and wherever anybody needs this free service. He also added that it will facilitate the ways by which it could medically educate people and also eases moral and financial burdens especially during natural disasters or many other human tragedies. His Eminence emphasized the vital role His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka 1 Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, the spiritual head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church who has called for greater lay participation in the life and mission of the Church. His Holiness expressed his adoption to this new mission in being spread worldwide in order to bring together the Syriac fabric through a human institution that offers medical services free of charge, by securing the needed finance and in supporting the scientific and educational activities among which offering medical scholarships for specializing in this human servicing field. The Holy Eucharist service was attended by bishops, priests, and representatives of the Christian denominations, as well as the Pope’s ambassador in Damascus, a group of monks, nuns and laity and a number of physicians who are involved in this field from Damascus, Homs, and other countries around the world. During the Holy Divine Liturgy His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I, lit the lamp symbolically to inaugurate the medical mission organization. In the inaugural address His Holiness stated the symbolization of the lamp which brightly shines for others and our burning and grateful love for God. Furthermore, His Holiness addressed that this new organization should reach out to every poor, destitute, deprived and sick person with help. He said that serving such unprivileged and the wounded is equal to providing services to Jesus Christ and following the Scripture teachings. Soon after, His Holiness lighted the candles in celebration of the grand opening of this mission worldwide, asking God to bless this medical work and the Universal Medical Mission for the benefit of humans and humanity. It is worth mentioning that St. Ephrem the Syriac was the first to establish such a wide spread missionary in the region in the fourth century. And following in his footsteps and in his blessed name, this mission carries his name to imitate his work and his sacrifices universally. He was the first one to raise funds from the wealthy and purchase homes and provide beds where all plagued people were gathered in Urhoy (Edessa, Urfa in the modern Turkey). He himself was later plagued and departed to his Lord as being a victim to this human service. At the banquette that followed the Eucharist, the president of the Medical Mission, Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan in his welcoming speech expressed his gratitude to all the attendees. Dignitaries at the banquet included diplomatic representatives of several countries: Deputy Health Minister of Syria, Apostolic Nuncio, Moramdimi John Baptist; various church heads, and the Mayor of Damascus attended the function: Mor Gregorios Joseph, Fr. Babu Peringol, and Dr. Abraham Edathara who spoke on the goals of the mission. Dr. Suhail Savaro, Dr. Susan Jacob and Dr. George Hanna spoke on the social and medical mission pertaining to Christianity, and Lony Thomas gave the Vote of Thanks. This inauguration comes after several meetings that were held on Saturday in St. Ephrem monastery, blessed by His Holiness the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas the supreme patron, and His Beatitude Mor Baselius Thomas I, the patron of the Mission. The meetings were headed by His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, the president of the Mission along with the participation of the executive committee members of this mission who came from North America, India, and Europe as a step in supporting the decision of establishing this mission and  apply our Lord Jesus Christ's doctrines of faith and ethics to medical science and practice throughout the world for serving humanity.   June 2008:  2 Bishops Ordination 2 Auxiliary Bishops for Knanaya Archdiocese   Mor Iwannis Kuriakose and Mor Silvanos Ayoub Damascus: On Wednesday June 11, 2008, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch and the Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church,of Antioch celebrated the Holy Divine Liturgy at the St. Peter's & St. Paul's Patriarchal Cathedral of the St. Ephrem the Syrian Monastery at Ma'arrat Seydnaya, Damascus, Syria, and during the Holy Liturgy, His Holiness consecrated Rev. Kuriakose Kolath with the name, " Mor Ivanios Kuriakose " and Rev. Job Thottathil with the name, “Mor Silvanos Ayoub” as Auxiliary Bishops for Knanaya Archdiocese of Malankara. Their Eminences Mor Sevarios Kuriakose-Archbishop of Knanaya Archdiocese, Mor Gregorios Kuriakose-Metropolitan of Kallisseri diocese, Mor Timotheos Ephrem Aboodi - Former Patriarchal Vicar of Canada, Mor Theophilos George Saliba-Secretary to the Holy Synod, and Mor Clemis Daniel  of the Patriarchal Institutions in Atchaneh, Lebanon attended and assisted His Holiness at this blessed consecration ceremony. It was also attended by a large gathering of Rabans (Monks), Priests, Deacons, Nuns and around 75 Syrian Orthodox Faithful from Malankara.   January 2008:  5th Oriental Orthodox - Catholic Meeting 5th Oriental Orthodox - Catholic International Joint Commission meeting   Damascus: The fifth theological dialogue meeting of the International Joint Commission of Oriental Orthodox and Catholic Churches started at our Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch in Damascus, Syria. The Churches, which was separated in the 5th Century, formed this dialogue commission in 2003. The meeting discussed about the Churches' missionary and theological work requirement and is formulating a common declaration. However, the difference of opinion on several aspects, like Papal Primacy etc. will require more in-depth discussions. In the opening speech, His Holiness the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I, emphasized the importance of joint meetings of Oriental Orthodox and Catholic Churches, which are very close in faith matters, to improve and expand its bilateral relations, due to the increased religious terrorism, secularism etc. seen today. The representatives from Catholic Church, Syrian Orthodox Church, Coptic Orthodox Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Armenian Orthodox Church took part in this year's meeting. The Indian Orthodox Church was not attending the meeting, due to the recent developments in Kerala. Two of their metropolitans were said to be ordained a German person, who is under the jurisdiction of Syrian Orthodox Patriarch, as a Bishop, and it was strongly condemned by all Oriental Orthodox and Catholic Church heads. The Joint Commission's Co-Chairman and Pontifical Council President Cardinal Walter Casper informed that the Catholic Church issued instruction to its European Church centers, not to receive the said Bishop in any of its dioceses or institutions. September 11-15, 2007:  The Holy Synod The Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch ܣܘܢܗܕܘܣ ܩܕܝܫܬܐ Holy Synod – Regular Session St. Ephrem the Syriac Monastery, Ma’arret Saidnaya In its previous meeting, the Syriac Holy Synod of Antioch decided that the upcoming meeting of 11-15 September 2007 to be held at St. Ephraim Monastery – Ma’arrat Saidnaya. Their eminences, the Metropolitans, responded to his holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka 1, Iwas’s invitation, and arrived at St. Ephraim Monastery - M’arrat Saydnaya.   His holiness opened the first session of the Holy Synod with prayer then His holiness welcomed the bishops, members of the Holy Synod – specially those attending for the first time who were ordained after the last meeting of the Synod.   His holiness started his spiritual sermon saying, “The Lord Jesus called upon His disciples and they followed Him. He gave them authority over evil spirits and Satan. How magnificent is St. Paul’s call ‘Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine’. This is the path of the chosen ones. Ancient philosophers once said, “ Man, know yourself” and when a man knows himself he will know his limits and realize how to behave wisely in assuming responsibility.   The gift of leadership in priesthood is given to those called upon by God through the Holy Spirit who is the leader and instructor of the church. This applies also to shepherds as commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ.   The holy Bible shows us how the Lord Jesus chose His disciples and set them for service. And the role of the Holy Spirit is clear as expressed in the Book of Acts, saying, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.” Let this feeling of ever serving be within us. And based on this, let no one deny the gift of priesthood and its leadership, and the importance of its authority and rules, which are given by God.   Today, in this day and age, we are taking heed to ourselves and the authority given by the Lord Jesus to His disciples. This we inherited from our Fathers, Saints and Teachers, a responsibility to serve the faithful for which we dedicated our life to be worthy of good shepherds, knowing that our shepherd is the shepherd of all shepherds, our Lord Jesus Christ. We are in dire need to observe ourselves and think first about eternal life. We should live this commitment without which we won’t be worthy of this holy and revered rank. Living in repentance leads us to observe ourselves and the doctrine. ............................    Christianity prides itself in that its Lord Jesus is the Bread of Life and the Drink of life. None of His followers ever starved or thirst.   In this difficult time we are called upon to pray more and more. Prayers will save us from temptations and tribulations.    We ask the Lord to cast away black days and severe hardships and protect the world specially beloved Iraq where Christians are being martyred including bishops and clergy.   We also ask the Lord to lead us not into temptation in order to conquer the enemies of God. He shall be with us and by whom we shall always be victorious...”.................   His holiness drew the attention to the interference of those who broke away from our church in India, in the affaires of our Archdioceses in Europe and America. He asked the Secretary General to read the decision of the Holy Synod held in Damascus 1975 that was headed by his holiness, the late Mor Ignatius Jacob III, in which Mapheriono of India Basselios Augin Ist and all his followers were excommunicated. Based upon this decision, his holiness declared the excommunication of Very Reverend Joseph Tarzi who used to work in the Archdiocese of Western USA  (Los Angeles – California) as he deceived a group of parishioners and joined the excommunicated bishops and the enemies of our church in India. His holiness said : We have given him ample time to repent, but instead he went on with his rebellion and had suspicious meetings in Germany and other European countries where he deceived even more laity. Since he didn’t stop his deception, therefore his holiness issued this decree and stripped him from the holy priesthood. Today he is called only “Joseph Tarzi” with no priestly position whatsoever.   THE CHURCH IN GERMANY According to agenda items, his holiness asked that their eminences discuss and comment on the situation of our church in Germany. Every member expressed his opinion individually and openly about the previous decision of the Holy Synod of 2006 regarding the reorganization of that Archdiocese. There was a unanimous consent upon the decision to divide the Archdiocese into three with some required adjustments and with consultations with clergy and board of directors who were at St. Ephraim Monastery as delegations.....   Then, in fatherly spirit and with the sense of responsibility for the well being of the faithful, and in a historic stand, his holiness decided that the Holy Synod should overturn its decision of October 2006 in which the Archdiocese of Germany was to be divided into three. It shall remain one united Archdiocese, Patriarchal Vicariate. He appointed his eminence Mor Julius Hanna Aydin a Patriarchal Vicar for Germany and head of St. Jacob of Srouj Monastery. His eminence will work towards unity of the church and its parishioners. Their eminences were very pleased and thanked his holiness for his wisdom giving way for reconciliation between churches, boards and everyone concerned.   RETIREMENT His holiness discussed the subject of retirement according to the constitution of the church, specially item number 57 & 58 which state that a bishop will submit a retirement request at age Seventy. If he doesn’t then he must and should retire at the age Seventy Five. His holiness has the right to accept retirement or extend it.   His eminence Mor Severius Hawa, Archbishop of Baghdad and Basra expressed his reservation, saying that the situation in Iraq is grim and very difficult, and for the well being of his Archdiocese he shouldn’t retire unless his holiness insists.   The same reservation was expressed by his eminence Mor Gregorios Saliba Shamoun, Archbishop of Mosul (Iraq) and for the same reasons. His holiness thanked them both for their services in Iraq and asked them to continue their services.   His holiness asked his eminence Mor Timothaos Ephraim Abboudi to submit his retirement letter for his own good and dignity since he is past Seventy Five years of age. His eminence agreed to submit letter of retirement by the beginning of 2008 when he shall bid farewell to the Archdiocese who will secure a suitable lodge for him to live in.     THE CHURCH IN INDIA His holiness brought the subject of our church in India and asked his eminence Mor Athanasius Gorgees the Patriarchal Vicar for the affaires of the church of India, to read his detailed report in that matter. His eminence read it in English while his eminence Mor Theophilos George Saliba and Mor Gregorios Saliba Shamoun read it in Arabic....   Their eminences had discussions and suggestions for achieving positive results and clear some obstacles facing our church in India   YEAR 2008 – THE YEAR OF ST. JACOB OF EDESSA On the One Thousand Three Hundred years anniversary of St. Jacob of Edessa, the great teacher, the Holy Synod decided to have the year 2008 to be the year of St. Jacob of Edessa. The patriarchate and all other Archdioceses will celebrate this occasion. There will also be a field trip to visit the tomb of St. Jacob in Tal-Ada near the castle of Samaan – Aleppo, according to a program set by the church.   THE HOLY CROSS & THE CLERGY UNIFORM  According to the constitution of the church, the Holy Synod affirmed that Very Reverends and Priests should not put on their crosses except when on official occasions and feasts or when they are representing their Archbishop. Very Reverends should not wear their MASNAPHTO during holy Eucharist service or on any other occasion.   ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT His eminence Mor Thaophylos George Saliba presented the ecumenical movement subjects as follows : -         Heads of Eastern churches with permanent committee meeting : This meeting includes their holiness the patriarchs of the Eastern Orthodox churches, Coptic-Armenian-Syrian. They meet once a year with the permanent committee twice periodically. -         Middle East Council of Churches : Which will hold its ninth general assembly. Its members amount to Ninety Six, that is every family is represented by Twenty Four members. With regards to this council the number will be Sixty Four member that is every family is represented by Sixteen member. This committee will hold its meeting at the end of the upcoming November 2007 in Cyprus. -         Eastern Orthodox / Catholic Dialogue : His eminence explained the status of this dialogue which started in 2003 and is held once a year periodically. The upcoming meeting will be held at the last week of January 2008 hosted by his holiness our patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka 1, Iwas at St. Ephraim Monastery – Ma’arrat Saydnana. -         Eastern Catholic Patriarchal Meeting (participation of the Orthodox patriarchs) : His eminence explained the participation of Orthodox patriarchs once a year where they discuss administrative affaires involving Middle Eastern churches. -         World Council of Churches : His eminence Mor Ostathios Mathew Rohom explained the ecumenical work and the role of our church in this council. His eminence represents our church at the central committee of this council since 2006. He also mentioned that it is the first time that we have in - charge a Syrian Orthodox member who is Miss Rima Barsoum.           CHURCH ENDOWMENTS According to the constitution of our church, the Holy Synod decided that all churches and endowments must be registered in the name of the church or the Archdiocese worldwide.   BEATIFICATION OF THE LATE PATRIARCH MOR IGNATIUS EPHRAIM BARSOUM 1ST   His eminence Mor Salwanos Boutros Al-nehme presented his Archdiocese request for the beatification of the late patriarch Mor Ignatius Ephraim Barsoum 1ST . The Holy Synod decided that his eminence, working with whom he may wish, prepare a study about this beatification in order to be included on the upcoming Synod’s agenda.   THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BELGIUM & FRANCE His eminence Mor Severius Hazayel Sawmeh, Patriarchal Vicar of Belgium and France asked that Luxembourg be added to his Archdiocese as per his previous request to the Synod who decided to add Luxembourg to the Archdiocese of Belgium and France.   CONCLUSION SESSION After celebrating the occasion of the Twenty Seventh anniversary of his holiness enthronement on the Holy See of Antioch, and the holy Eucharist and prayers specially on this sacred day of the church, the feast of the discovery of the cross, the Holy Synod celebrated with his holiness this holy and happy feast.   In the afternoon of the same day, the Holy Synod held its conclusion session. After discussions, review and reading of all minutes and decisions taken, his holiness said : We thank God who made us worthy to meet in this holy monastery and discuss the church matters at this difficult and hard time. We pray together for the sake of the whole world specially for Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine, and ask our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of peace, to have His peace and tranquility reign over the whole world.   His holiness thanked their eminences for their cooperation and great efforts in solving many problems. He hoped that this cooperation continue among the Archdioceses so that the ship, our church, would sail safely in the turbulent sea of the world.   His holiness continued: “We are sure and have faith that the Lord Jesus is within our church and shall never abandon it.” His holiness asked for the well being of the faithful so that they may obtain victory over the devil and God may not lead them into temptations.   His holiness concluded the Holy Synod meetings with the Lord’s Prayer granting his apostolic blessings to the church worldwide.   These are some decisions of the Holy Synod which was held between 11-15 September 2007 at St. Ephraim Monastery – Ma’arrat Saidnaya. April 15, 2007:  New Archbishop for Netherlands His Holiness the Patriarch consecrates very Rev. Fr. Augin Aydin as Archbishop for Netherlands   On Sunday April 15th 2007, His Holiness the Patriarch, Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of St. Aphrem in Ma`arat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria, assisted by some Archbishops and during the Divine Liturgy His Holiness consecrated Very Rev. Raban Augin (Eugene) Aydin as Archbishop for the Archdiocese (Patriarchal Vicariate) of Netherlands, assumed the fatherly name "Mor Polycarpus".   His Eminence Mor Polycarpos Aydin's installation will be on Sunday April 29, 2007, at Mor Ephrem Monastery in Glane/Losser.   We wish the new consecrated Archbishop success and fruitful spiritual life in the Holy Church of Antioch. February 18, 2007:  New two Archbishops for Germany His Holiness the Patriarch consecrates very Rev. Fr. Hanna Aydin and very Rev. Fr. Daniel M. Kourieh as Archbishops   Based upon the decision of the Holy Synod held on October 10-13, 2006, His holiness nominated very Rev. Raban Hanna Aydin to become Archbishop, patriarchal vicar, for the Mid-Germany Archdiocese, and very Rev. Raban Daniel Malak Kourieh to become Archbishop, patriarchal vicar, for established Archdiocese of the Southern Germany.   On Sunday February 18th 2007, His Holiness the Patriarch, Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of St. Aphrem in Ma`arat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria, assisted by some Archbishops and during the Divine Liturgy His Holiness consecrated Very Rev. Raban Hanna Aydin as Archbishop, assumed the fatherly name "Mor Julius", and very Rev. Raban Daniel M. Kourieh as archbishop, and given the fatherly name "Mor Clemis".   We wish the new consecrated Archbishops success and fruitful spiritual life in the Holy Church of Antioch.

February 08, 2007:  4th Theological Dialogue Joint Commission Meeting International Joint Commission Meeting for the Theological Dialogue between Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches The Fourth Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches Rome, Italy, January 28 to February 3, 2007 The International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches was initiated at the preparatory meeting in 2003. The fourth meeting of this official commission took place in Rome, at the new offices of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, from January 28 to February 3, 2007. Below is the report of the last meeting. The fourth meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches took place in Rome from January 28 to February 3, 2007, under the co-chairmanship of His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The meeting was originally scheduled to take place in Lebanon at the kind invitation of His Beatitude Patriarch Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir of the Maronite Church. Regrettably, the political situation in that country did not allow the members to meet there at this time. Instead, the meeting was held in Rome at the new offices of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The members were hosted at the Domus Romana Sacerdotalis. Joining the delegates from the Catholic Church were representatives of the following Oriental Orthodox Churches: Coptic Orthodox Church, Syrian Orthodox Church, Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of All Armenians), Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia), Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and Eritrean Orthodox Church. The Oriental Orthodox delegation met separately on January 29 and 30 in order to discuss themes in ecclesiology. During the course of these meetings, they produced a draft report that was later given to the Catholic members. The Catholic delegation met separately on January 30. The full International Joint Commission met on three consecutive days, on January 31, February 1 and 2. Each day began with a brief prayer service using material that had been produced for this year’s Prayer for Christian Unity. The members of the international commission were received in audience by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on February 1. Addressing the group, Pope Benedict said:...Your meeting concerning the constitution and mission of the Church is of great importance for our common journey towards the restoration of full communion. The Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches share an ecclesial patrimony stemming from apostolic times and the first centuries of Christianity. This ...heritage of experience... should shape our future ... guiding our common path towards the re-establishment of full communion ... (cf. Ut Unum Sint, 56). The Pope also expressed his concern for the situation of Christians in the Middle East, calling upon them to be...courageous and steadfast in the power of the Spirit of Christ.   Following the plan for the dialogue that was adopted at the Preparatory Meeting in 2003, the following papers were presented during the course of the meeting: ・Mission, Witness, Service and the Problem of Proselytism,・ by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian; ・The Mission of the Church,・ by Bishop Paul-Werner Scheele; ・The Salvation of Non-Believers in the Patristic Period,・ by Rev. Mark Sheridan, OSB; ・The Church and the Salvation of Non-Christians in the Second Vatican Council and Afterwards,・ by Msgr. Johan Bonny; ・The Salvation of Non-Believers,・ by Metropolitan Bishoy, ・Marriage Between Catholics and Muslims: A Catholic Perspective,・ by Archbishop Peter Marayati, and ・Mixed Marriages With Non-Christians,・ by Metropolitan Bishoy. Because of technical difficulties, the drafting committee that had been named at the third meeting of the dialogue in Etchmiadzin, Armenia, was not able to meet. Its membership was modified, and is now composed of Catholic members Fr. Frans Bouwen, Fr. Mark Sheridan, Msgr. Johan Bonny, and Prof. Dietmar Winkler, and Oriental Orthodox members Metropolitan Bishoy, Metropolitan Theophilus George Saliba, Archbishop Mesrob Krikorian, and Bishop Nareg Alemezian. The drafting committee will meet in Rome on May 29 and 30, 2007. The fifth meeting of the International Commission will take place at Saint Ephrem Syrian Orthodox Monastery in Ma'arrat Saydnaya near Damascus, Syria, at the invitation of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch. The Oriental Orthodox delegation will plan to arrive on January 27, and the Catholics on January 28, 2008. The two delegations will meet separately, and have full joint sessions on January 30, 31, and February 1, with departure on February 2. At this meeting the text prepared by the drafting committee will be considered, and one paper from each side will be presented on the goal of the ecumenical dialogue.

February 07, 2007:  Representatives of His Holiness The Patriarch in India To inaugurate the 75th Anniversary of the late Patriarch His Holiness Mor Ignatius Elias III, the Patriarchal Representatives in India In order to participate in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Late His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch Mor Ignatius Elias III, who was entered the eternal rest in 1932, and entombed in Manjanikkara, near Pathanamthitta, representatives of the reigning Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas arrived in Kerala on Wednesday 7, 2007. The Patriarchal delegation Baghdad Archbishop Mor Severius Hawa, was accompanied by the Armenian Archbishop Mor Awak Azdovrin, Eastern U.S. Archbishop Mor Ephrem Karim, and United Kingdom Archbishop Mor Athanatius Toma Dakkama. At Nedumbassery Airport, the delegation was received by Syrian Orthodox Archbishop Mor Elias Athanasius, Rev. Fr. Saji Thomas, Jose Salib and Binu John. SOCM NEWS BUREAU - KOCHI

February 02, 2007:  New Bishop for Knanaya Diocese in India His Holiness the Patriarch consecrates Rev. Fr. Kuriakose as Auxiliary Bishop for Knanaya Archdiocese   The Knanaya Auxilliary Bishop designate Ramban Kuriakose Chaluparampil was being ordained as Bishop Kuriakose Mor Gregorios on Friday, 2nd February 2007 at St. Ephrem Theological Seminary Church at Ma'arat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria. His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, ordained very Rev. Raban Kuriakose as Auxiliary Bishop and given the Fatherly name "Mor Gregorios". His Holiness was assisted by Knanaya Archbishop  Mor Severus Kuriakose, Malankara Holy Episcopal Synod Secretary Mor Gregorios Joseph, Patriarchal Secretary Mor Athanatius Geevargis, Patriarchal Assistants Mor Athanasios Elia Bahi and Mor Philexinos Mattias Nayis. Hundreds of Priests and faithful from Knanaya Diocese also came to Damascus to participate in the ordination ceremony. His Eminence Mor Gregorios Kuriakose will return to Kerala on Saturday, 10th February and will celebrate Holy Divine Liturgy at Kottayam Valiya Palli on Sunday, 11th February. On behalf of the Kananaya Diocese, a public reception is being arranged at Chingavanam on Sunday (11/2/07) fternoon.   We wish the new consecrated Archbishop success and fruitful spiritual life in the Holy Church of Antioch. Source: SOCM News Bureau

January 10, 2007:  His Holiness The Patriarch in India

His Holiness the Patriarch inaugurates the 75th Anniversary of the late Patriarch His Holiness Mor Ignatius Elias III His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, will be inaugurating the Ecumenical Meet, held at the Maramon Convention. His Holiness is arriving in India to attend the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the heavenly abode of late Patriarch St. Ignatius Elias III, who is entombed at Manjanikkara, Pathanamthitta district. In a press conference at Kochi, the Jacobite Church Episcopal Synod Secretary His Eminence Mor Gregorius Joseph Metropolitan announced that The Patriarch will be arriving India on February 10, and will be in Kerala for minimum five days. His Holiness will be chairing the Platinum Jubilee celebration on 12th February at 6 p.m. at Manjanikkara, as well as the Annual Pilgrim meet. The Holy Chrism (Moroon Qadeesho) of the newly constructed St. Athanasius Cathedral at Puthencruz will also be conducted by His Holiness The Patriarch. SOCM NEWS BUREAU - KOCHI

January 07, 2007:  New Archbishop as 2nd Patriarchal Assistant, Damascus

New 2nd Patriarchal Assistant Archbishop, Damascus-Syria Based upon the decision of the Holy Synod held at St. Ephrem Seminary October 9-13, 2006, His holiness nominated very Rev. Raban Mattias Nayis to become Archbishop, 2nd patriarchal assistant to reside in St. Ephraim Seminary–Ma’arrat Saidnaya, and administer St. Ephraim Theological College in Ma’arrat Saidnaya and supervise the endowments and patriarchal charitable institutions in Atchaneh – Lebanon and be a member of the Holy Synod. and for the affairs.   On Sunday January 7th 2007, His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Peter and Paul's seminary cathedral and during the Divine Liturgy consecrated Very Rev. Raban Mattias as Archbishop, 2nd Patriarchal Assistant, giving him the fatherly name "Mor Philexinos".    We wish the new consecrated Archbishop success and fruitful spiritual life in the Holy Church of Antioch.

December 10, 2006:  New Archbishop for Adıyaman, Turkey

New Archbishop for a New Archdiocese of Adıyaman, Turkey Based upon the decision of the Holy Synod, His holiness nominated very Rev. Raban Malki Ürek to become Archbishop, patriarchal vicar, for this new-old Archdiocese of Adıyaman, Turkey.   On Sunday December 10th 2006, His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas arrived the ancient monastery of St. Hananya (Deyr ul-Zafaran) near Mardin, Turkey.   His Eminence Mor Gregorius Saliba Shamoun (Archbishop of Mosul), celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Mor Hananyo altar and during the Divine Liturgy His Holiness consecrated Very Rev. Raban Malki Ürek as Archbishop, Patriarchal Vicar for the Archdiocese of Adıyaman. Raban Malki assumed the fatherly name "Mor Gregorios" by His Holiness the Patriarch.   We wish the new consecrated Archbishop success and fruitful spiritual life in the Holy Church of Antioch.

December 03, 2006:  New Archbishop for United Kingdom

New Archbishop for a New Archdiocese of United Kingdom Based upon the importance of the United Kingdom in the world and also the importance of the Anglican Church with which we have historic relations, and that it is necessary to have an Episcopal representative since our people are increasing in numbers and approaching 250 known families who mostly emigrated from Iraq. The previous meeting of the Holy Synod held on October 10-13, 2006, decided with unanimous consent to establish the new Archdiocese patriarchal vicariate, and nominated very Rev. Raban Touma Dokma to become the Archbishop, patriarchal vicar for said Archdiocese and was agreed upon unanimously.            On Sunday December 3rd, 2006, His Holiness the Patriarch, Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of St. Aphrem in Ma`arat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria, assisted by His Eminence Mor Severius Hawa of Baghdad, and Mor Oustatheos Matta Roham of Al-Jazeerah and Euphrates. During the Divine Liturgy His Holiness with the assistance of nine archbishops, consecrated Very Rev. Raban Touma Dokma as Archbishop Patriarchal Vicar for the new established Patriarchal vicariate of United Kingdom, given the fatherly name "Mor Athanasius".   We wish the new consecrated Archbishop success and fruitful spiritual life in the Holy Church of Antioch.

November 22, 2006:  Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches meet in Egypt

Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches meet in Egypt   H.H. Pope Shenouda III, Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, H. H. Patriarch Zakka Iwas, Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church held their annual meeting from November 22-24, 2006, at the St. Mark Center, Nasr City, Cairo. H.H. Catholicos Aram I, Head of the Armenian Orthodox Church canceled his scheduled trip to Egypt for the meeting due to the latest events in Lebanon. However, the two spiritual leaders remained in contact with H.H. Aram I throughout the meeting, exchanging views on a variety of issues. At the end of the meeting, the three Heads of Churches condemned the ordination of an individual as bishop by schismatic and non-canonical bishops who claim to be Orthodox and emphasized the necessity of strengthening cooperation between primates and communities of the three Oriental Orthodox churches.

October 12, 2006:  Rev. Fr. Poulos Iskandar Behnam martyred in Iraq

Mosul / Iraq On Monday October 9, 2006, while searching for car parts at local mechanic shops. The Iraqi Muslim kidnappers abducted Rev. Fr. Paulos Iskandar Behnam, one of our Syriac Orthodox priests in the Archdiocese of Mosul.   Kidnappers demand that the priest's church must publicly repudiate Pope Benedict XVI's remarks about Islam in his lecture in Germany last month. The St. Ephrem parish of the Syriac Orthodox Church placed 30 large signboards on walls around the city, distancing itself from the pontiff's comments. But added another stipulation: kidnappers telephoned the priest's oldest son soon afterwards, demanding $30,000 then immediately $40,000 ransom from the family. After negotiations in several more calls, the kidnappers gradually escalated their demands to $350,000. While negotiations were taking place the family managed to raise and pay the ransom, but then the telephone calls stopped and then kidnappers advised the church on Wednesday October 11, 2006, to collect the body of the Reverend Father after being tortured and slain for not embracing Islam. Rev. Fr. Iskander's dismembered body was discovered on night of October 11 at about 7 p.m. in the remote Tahrir City district, two kilometers (1.2 miles) from the center of Mosul. His arms and legs had been severed and arranged around his head, which rested on his chest. His remains were brought to a local hospital, which then notified our church in Mosul.   News of the priest's murder reached Damascus as His Holiness the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas was meeting with Metropolitans of the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. The Archbishop of Mosul Mor Gregorios Saliba Shamoun returned immediately from Damascus to Mosul in time to conduct the funeral service amid huge gathering of parishioners who were silently shocked by this tragedy. His holiness, our esteemed Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I, Iwas who was emotionally touched by this unspeakable crime along with members of the Holy Synod, expressed his condolences to his eminence Mor Gregorios Saliba Shamoun and his Archdiocese, and prayed that God would grant comfort and endurance to the Syriac Orthodox Church, his eminence, widow and children of the slain priest, and all parishioners of the Archdiocese. Then they prayed for the soul of the martyr during their Holy Synod session.   The Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church denounced the horrific crime, whose victim was Rev. Fr. Poulos Iskandar Behnam, one of our priests in Mosul on the hands of fanatic terrorists, an act that is against all kinds of spiritual, moral, or humanitarian principles. At the conclusion of the session, the Holy Synod issued this declaration: “During the sessions of the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch held in Damascus under the patronage of His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Zakka I, Iwas, and the participation of the metropolitans of the Syriac Orthodox Church worldwide, we were advised by heads of the Christian denominations in Iraq of the painful and most horrible news of the martyrdom of Reverend Father Paulos Iskandar Behnam, one of our priests in Mosul who was slain by extremist terrorists, an act that goes against all spiritual, ethical and humane values. While our Holy Synod expresses the utmost sorrow that this unspeakable shameful crime took place, which touches every noble citizens of beloved Iraq, the Synod denounces this horrible deed and calls upon the world (international) conscience represented by the decision makers to put an end to the dreadful sufferings of the Iraqi people. We invite upon all those in position of responsibility (authority), influence and leadership to continue their diligent efforts in spreading peace and security, so that the citizens (of Iraq) may resume their normal life in their historic homeland within a framework of national unity. May God protect Iraq and its people from all kinds of adversities and afflictions, and may He fill their upcoming days with peace, love, fraternity, and prosperity”   His Eminence announced during the service that he had been commissioned by His Holiness the Patriarch to bestow on the martyred priest an honorary title of "archpriest," a cleric just below the rank of bishop. Syriac Orthodox clergymen and faithful present at Fr. Iskander’s funeral service were at least 500 members of the Mosul Christian community attended, many of them weeping profusely. "Many more wanted to come to the funeral," one of the attendees said, "but they were afraid. We are in very bad circumstances now."   Rev. Fr. Paulos Iskander is survived by his wife, Azhar, sons Fadi and Yohanna, a married daughter, Fadiyeh, and a daughter, Mariam, 13. "It is a very sad and difficult day for us," Archbishop Saliba Shamoun said "Father Paulos was very active. And he loved very much his mission in the church."   Iraq's highest Sunni religious authority, the Ulema Council, called the priest's death "a cowardly murder". In a press release, they said that the Orthodox priest was well known for "his nationalist views and opposition to the occupation".   "The Ulema Council," the statement said, "condemns this cowardly killing and will not forget those who are behind this crime, committed by people who want to deprive the country of every religious and national symbol that can hold Iraq together by trying to start a religious war between sons of the same nation".   The Archdiocese of Western USA offers her heart felt condolences to His Holiness our beloved patriarch Moran Mor Zakka I, Iwas, and through him to the most respected members of the Holy Synod, and holds prayer services for the soul of our martyr very Rev. Fr. Poulos Iskandar Behnam.   May God rest his soul in eternal peace with those who fulfilled His will , Amen الموصل / العراق في يوم الاثنين المصادف التاسع من تشرين الأول (اكتوبر) خطف ارهابيون مجهولو الهوية الأب بولس اسكندر بهنام (مواليد 1952) أحد كهنتنا السريان الأرثوذكس في أبرشية الموصل، وطلبوا منه استنكار أقوال البابا التي صرح فيها ضد الاسلام. ثم طلبوا مبلغ من المال تصاعديا حتى وصلوا الى 350.000 دولارا امريكيا، وبينما كان التفاوض جاريا أخبروا يوم الخميس 12 تشرين الأول الكنيسة بأن يأخذوا جثة الأب بعد أن عذبوه ثم ذبحوه لعدم قبوله الاسلام .  على أثر استشهاد الأب بولس اسكندر بهنام غادر الحبر الجليل مار غريغوريوس صليبا شمعون دير مار أفرام السرياني في معرة صيدنايا ـ سوريا، وترأس صلاة تجنيزه في الموصل بحضور حشد كبير من المشيعين الذين خيّم الصمت والقلق عليهم نظراً للمأساة التي حلّت عليهم باستشهاد احد الكهنة العاملين في حقل الخدمة .  وقد قدّم قداسة الحبر الأعظم مار أغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص الذي تأثر كثيراً بهذا الحدث الجليل وأعضاء المجمع المقدس التعازي للحبر الجليل مار غريغوريوس صليبا شمعون ولأبرشيته العزيزة، وتمنوا أن يمنح الله الكنيسة السريانية المقدسة ونيافته وأرملة الراحل العزيز الأب بولس وأولاده وكل أبناء الأبرشية الصبر والسلوان، وأقاموا الصلاة لراحة نفسه أثناء جلسات المجمع المقدس.         كما ودان المجمع الأنطاكي المقدس للسريان الأرثوذكس الجريمة النكراء التي راح ضحيتها الأب بولس اسكندر بهنام أحد كهنتنا في الموصل على يد إرهابيين متطرفين والتي تتنافى مع القيم الروحية والأخلاقية والانسانية .  وفي نهاية جلساته أصدر البيان التالي : أأثناء انعقاد مجمعنا الأنطاكي السرياني الأرثوذكسي المقدس في دمشق برئاسة قداسة البطريرك مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص واشتراك مطارنة الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية في العالم، بلغنا بواسطة رؤساء الطوائف المسيحية في العراق الخبر المؤلم والمؤسف جداً، استشهاد الأب الفاضل بولس اسكندر بهنام، أحد قساوسة الموصل على يد ارهابيين متطرفين لا صلة لهم بالإنسانية والقيم الروحية والأخلاقية.         ففي الوقت الذي يعبّر مجمعنا المقدس عن أسفه البالغ لحدوث مثل هذه الجريمة النكراء التي تمسّ كل مواطن شريف في العراق الحبيب، يستنكر هذا الفعل الشنيع ويناشد الضمير العالمي ممثَّلاً بأصحاب القرار لوضع حد لمعاناة الشعب العراقي المريرة، ويدعو جميع المسؤولين والوجهاء لمواصلة الجهود الحثيثة في سبيل نشر الأمن والسلام ليتمكن المواطنون من متابعة حياتهم الطبيعية في وطنهم التاريخي في إطار الوحدة الوطنية.        حمى الله العراق وأبناءه من المكاره والمحن، وجعل الأيام المقبلة مفعمة بالسلام والمحبة والإخاء والازدهار.   أبرشية الولايات الغربية من الولايات المتحدة الأميركية تقدم التعازي الحارة لقداسة امام أحبار الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص وبواسطته الى أعضاء المجمع المقدس جزيلي الاحترام، والى أبرشية الموصل وخاصة أرملة الأب الشهيد وأولاده وذويه، وتقيم الصلاة لراحة الشهيد الأب الفاضل بولس اسكندر.

October 10-13, 2006:  The Holy Synod of Antioch

The Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch ܣܘܢܗܕܘܣ ܩܕܝܫܬܐ Holy Synod – Regular Session St. Ephrem the Syriac Monastery, Ma’arret Saidnaya   At the previous meeting of the Holy Synod held on December 13, 2005, his holiness, our esteemed Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I, Iwas, along with their eminences, members of the Holy Synod, decided to hold the upcoming session of the Holy Synod on 9 – 13 October 2006.       Based upon, his holiness invited their eminences, members of the Holy Synod and they all attended.   On Tuesday October 10, 2006 at exactly 09:00 am the Holy Synod started the meeting with prayers.    His holiness welcomed their eminences Mor Timotheos Mousa Alshamani, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Matthew monastery, and Mor Severius Hazail Soumi, Archbishop and patriarchal vicar of Belgium and France, who were attending for the first time.   Then his holiness asked that prayers be raised for the soul of departed bishop Mor Dioscoros Luka Shaya retired bishop of St. Matthew monastery who passed away to heaven last month.   Then His Holiness addressed the Synod with spiritual words starting by the Lord’s saying, “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me . . .”These days our hearts are troubled for lack of peace in the world and in churches. The Church everywhere is threatened especially in Iraq, but the Lord comforts us saying, “Let not your heart be troubled. I am the way, the truth and life . . . ”if we lost our sense of direction we know one thing, that is to go towards Jesus, the king of peace who said, “peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you”. Jesus suffered for our sake and the peace He gave us wasn’t the world’s. And how can we achieve it without hard work ? If we are with the Lord and the Lord is with us then we shall find peace in our souls. And that is the mere truth.     We are Syrian Orthodox Christians and we do not follow any western denomination, and we will not surrender any principle or doctrine that we got. No peace except with the Lord Jesus. On this base we are in a grace and repentance situation. As clergy we are asked not to harden our hearts in order our repentance be accepted and that is by keeping and implementing God’s commandments... For our hope is strengthened only by Jesus to whom we offer glory and thanks for ever and ever.   After his holiness finished his words, their eminences reviewed the minutes of the meeting and started the first session of this regular meeting, and they studied:   1 – Syrian Archdioceses   A ) Patriarchal Vicariate of Germany        His Holiness said: After the Archdiocese of the patriarchal vicariate of Germany became vacant because of the patriarchal vicar Mor Dionysius Isa Gurbuz transfer to Switzerland and Austria on 1/2/2006, it was appropriate to fill the vacancy and study the situation of the Archdiocese. His Holiness declared that he sent an Episcopal committee to Germany consisting of : Mor Eustatheos Mathew Rohoum Archbishop of Aljazeera and Euphrates and Mor Justinos Poulos Safar patriarchal vicar of Zahle and Bekaa and Mor Severius Hazail Soumi patriarchal vicar of Belgium and France. The Episcopal committee visited Germany and presented a written report to His Holiness that included detailed explanation about the Archdiocese and was read by his eminence Archbishop Poulos Safar.   His Holiness and members of the Holy Synod thanked the Episcopal committee for their hard work in clarifying the situation. His holiness then asked the members to give their opinions and views on said report. According to the constitution of the holy church and Synod, decision was taken by majority vote to divide the Archdiocese of Germany into three Archdioceses, patriarchal vicariates according to geographic and demographic distribution:   1 – Northern Germany, centered in Berlin. 2 – Mid – Germany, centered in Gutersloh. 3 – Southern Germany, centered in Kirchhausen.   His Holiness will appoint the patriarchal vicariates for these Archdioceses according to church constitution. His Holiness will also work with the appointed Archbishops and people in responsibility to arrange location centers from which to administer these Archdioceses.   B ) Holland   The Holy Synod discussed the situation in Holland after the departure of his eminence Mor Julius Çicek. It is absolutely necessary to have an Archbishop, patriarchal vicar, to take care of its spiritual and administrative affaires since it was without a patriarchal vicar so far.   His Holiness had previously sent an Episcopal committee to Holland and a written report was submitted to him. His holiness decided after studying the report and many referrals to choose the method of Referendum and voting in the Archdiocese on all stages supervised by an Episcopal committee who would travel to Holland and consult with clergy and laity and get full information and elect one of the two monks nominated for this position by all parishioners.   2 – Old Archdioceses - Adıyaman                     Members of Holy Synod then moved to study the situation of the Old Archdioceses in Adıyaman, Harput, Elaziz, Gerger, Malatya, Edessa and others.   His eminence Mor Philloxinos Yusuf Çetin, patriarchal vicar of Istanbul, reported that many of those who left the church and changed their religion are coming back to their Syriac Orthodox faith and are asking fervently the church in Istanbul and Izmir to care for them. They are the original inhabitants of this area who they left behind in addition to the people still living there. His eminence had visited them many times and had sent a priest on several occasions to extend spiritual services for them.   Upon a patriarchal order, his eminence had sent Raban Malki Ürek in 2001 to Adıyaman to stay and live among our people in the area and serve them directly, and to reside in Sts. Peter & Paul church in Adıyaman. The people in the region of Adıyaman who live in Istanbul and Europe are carrying out their duties in providing financial and moral support for the Raban and the church. They are constantly asking that this region become an Archdiocese, patriarchal vicariate, and to have an ordained bishop to make it prosper.   His eminence promised his cooperation and full support to the Archdiocese and its bishop from Istanbul or abroad.           His holiness then asked the members of the Holy Synod to give their input in that matter. There was a unanimous consent on the necessity of a new Archdiocese especially to confirm the faithful who would like to come back to their original Syrian Orthodox faith. A unanimous vote was taken to establish a new Archdiocese called the Archdiocese of Adıyaman and includes the cities of Harput, Elaziz, Gerger, Malatya, Edessa and others.   His holiness nominated Father Raban Malki Ürek to become Archbishop, patriarchal vicar, for this new-old Archdiocese. It was agreed upon unanimously.   3 – Great Britain   His holiness explained the situation of the church in Britain and the parish of London based upon his personal knowledge and his multiple visits. A report prepared by the parish priest Raban Touma Dakkama was also read. His holiness stressed upon the importance of the United Kingdom in the world and also the importance of the Anglican church with which we have historic relations, and that it is necessary to have an Episcopal representative since our people are increasing in numbers and approaching 250 known families who mostly immigrated from Iraq. His holiness expressed his opinion to have the parish become an Archdiocese, patriarchal vicariate, and asked members of the Synod to give their views in the matter. It was a unanimous consent to establish the new Archdiocese. He then nominated Raban Touma Dakkama to become the bishop, patriarchal vicar for said Archdiocese and was agreed upon unanimously.   4 – Other Matters   His holiness nominated Raban Mathias Nayis the head of St. Ephraim Theological Clergy School in Ma’arrat Saidnaya to become a bishop, second patriarchal assistant, to reside in St. Ephraim monastery – M’arrat Saydnaya, and administer St. Ephraim Theological College in Ma’arrat Saidnaya and supervise the endowments and patriarchal charitable institutions in Atchaneh – Lebanon and be a member of the Holy Synod. The suggestion was agreed upon unanimously.         5 – Patriarchal institutions in Atchaneh – Lebanon   After accepting the resignation of his eminence Metropolitan Mor Philloxinos Matta Shamoun from his duties in administrating the patriarchal institutions in Atchaneh due to reaching retirement age, His Holiness handed over the management of said institutions to Fr. Raban Daniel Kourieh who attends to the needs of the orphanage and old age home, to be suitable and to the benefits of the church.   - St. Ephraim Theological College   His holiness and their eminences, members of the Holy Synod studied the suggestion submitted by Fr. Raban Mathias Nayis the principal of St. Ephraim Theological College in Ma’arrat Saidnaya, which included a study and explanation of College affaires with regards to rules of admission, most importantly :   1. Student should have completed high school. 2. Student should be between 17 – 23 years of age. 3. There should be coordination between their eminences Metropolitans of the Archdioceses and the administration of College under the auspices of his holiness our esteemed Patriarch. His holiness and members of the Holy Synod praised the report and urged all faithful to encourage their children to join St. Ephraim Theological College.   There was a lengthy discussion about monasticism and the role of monks in servicing monasteries and churches in different Archdioceses. According to the constitution of the church all monks/nuns affaires are directly linked to his holiness.   - Affaires of the Church of India   His holiness invited his eminence Mor Athanasius Georgis the second patriarchal vicar of India who resides at the patriarchate, to attend the Holy Synod. He read a detailed report about the situation of the church of India since the ordination of his beatitude Catholicos Mor Baselius Touma II in 2002 up till today.   In the report he stressed that the dissented enemies of the church are practicing all kinds of pressure and creating many problems  to our church there by constantly contacting officials of government and in courts, thus disturbing the peace of our congregation.   We thank God for our church had won the case in Kerala state court. It is now appealed to the high court in New Delhi. We hope the church will also be victorious. The final verdict of the high court will be delivered in the upcoming month of November.       It is worth mentioning that a noticeable renaissance is taking place among their eminences, clergy, Institutions, organizations and laity.   The Syrian Name in Iraq   His eminence Metropolitan Severius Hawa stated that Iraq constitution did not include the Syrian name in the list of congregations. He suggested to his holiness to again write to the officials in charge in Iraq especially the President and the Prime Minister and the Head of the people’s Council and others to insist  and stress upon inclusion of the Syrian name in the constitution of Iraq. His eminence will coordinate with his holiness in following up the matter.   Jerusalem & The Holy Land     His eminence Mor Severius Malki Murad submitted a report about the affaires of the Archdiocese of Jerusalem, Jordan and the Holy Land. He advised that the Jordanian Hashemite Kingdom has donated to our church a land of Four Thousands (4000) Square Meters in the area of Maghtas on the East bank of the Jordan River same as all other denominations in order to build a church upon. This is not only important to the Syrian parishioners in the Holy Land but also worldwide. He wished that donations will start coming to execute this project by the blessings of his holiness our esteemed Patriarch and the efforts of all eminences and the Syrian world. He also presented other projects and suggestions for which all members expressed their best wishes.   The Syrian Television (Suryoyo Sat. ܣܘܪܝܝܐ ܣܬ)   His eminence Archbishop Benjamin Atas displayed a presentation and acknowledgment of establishing a Syrian Television in Sweden shared by the church, institutions, and some laity. It was named Suryoyo Sat. Its goal is to serve the Syrian World: Church, People, Language and Education. His holiness and their eminences praised the project and thanked every supporter and worker.   - Rituals and Church ranks   Members of the Holy Synod studied other matters like the clergy retirement, rituals, church ranks, and the necessity to register churches and endowments in the name of the Syrian Orthodox Church all over the world and to adjust the real estate registry wherever needed, and other matters.   - Final Session   His holiness ended the meeting by the following spiritual words : We thank the Fathers, members of the Holy Synod who attended and participated in the activities of the Holy Synod. Each one expressed his views freely, responsibly, and in good conscience. Each suggested what was suitable for the progress and prosperity of the church.   In spite of the difficult circumstances and hard times in our area in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq, we live on the hope of peace in the world and mostly in our area.   We, as Christians, do not fear death because the parishioners of the Syrian Orthodox Church are the children of the martyrs. Our fathers gave us the ideal example for martyrdom. Blessed is he who leaves this world as a martyr of the faith.     His holiness continued saying : We remember Rev. Fr. Poulos Iskandar Behnam who departed this world as a martyr in the city of Mosul. And we pray that his soul will be in heaven with the righteous clergy and martyrs. We offer our condolences to our church in general and to the Archdiocese of Mosul in particular and to his blessed family members.   His holiness concluded by praying for the church and its faithful, granting his apostolic blessings to the metropolitans, clergy, laity, and the whole world. The Holy Synod had issued a statement soon after the martyrdom of Reverend Father Poulos Iskandar Behnam. It stated:   Declaration issued by the Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church. Damascus – Syria “During the sessions of the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch held in Damascus under the patronage of His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Zakka I, Iwas, and the participation of the metropolitans of the Syriac Orthodox Church worldwide, we were advised by heads of the Christian denominations in Iraq of the painful and most horrible news of the martyrdom of Reverend Father Poulos Iskandar Behnam, one of our priests in Mosul who was slain by extremist terrorists, an act that goes against all spiritual, ethical and humane values.   While our Holy Synod expresses the utmost sorrow that this unspeakable shameful crime took place, which touches every noble citizens of beloved Iraq, the Synod denounces this horrible deed and calls upon the world (international) conscience represented by the decision makers to put an end to the dreadful sufferings of the Iraqi people. We invite upon all those in position of responsibility (authority), influence and leadership to continue their diligent efforts in spreading peace and security, so that the citizens (of Iraq) may resume their normal life in their historic homeland within a framework of national unity.   May God protect Iraq and its people from all kinds of adversities and afflictions, and may He fill their upcoming days with peace, love, fraternity, and prosperity”.

October 06, 2006:  Decoration of Sarkis Aghajan

Head of Syriac Orthodox Church Decorates Sarkis Aghajan On Friday October 6, His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas , patriarch of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, decorated Mr Sarkis Aghajan, the Minister for Finance and the Economy in the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) as a Commander in the rank of St. Ignatius Theophroros. Saint Ignatius of Antioch (martyred AD 108) was the third Patriarch of Antioch.  Ignatius is generally considered to be one of the Apostolic Fathers (the earliest authoritative group of the Church Fathers) and a saint by both the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, who celebrate his feast day on December 20, and the Roman Catholics, who celebrate his feast day on October 17. Mar Gregorios Saliba Shamoon, the Patriarch of Mosul and Mar Severus Ishac Saka, the Deputy Patriarch for high studies on syriacs, decorated Mr Aghajan at the award ceremony. In a letter to Mr Aghajan, His holiness the supreme head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church wrote: “As with St Paul, we thank God for giving you faith and charging you with the great task of serving the Church and the sons of our noble and civilized Syrian people. You have dedicated yourself to achieving your purpose.” The Patriarch also wrote, “Everyone, from the East to the West, praises your limitless kindness and generosity in serving Christianity, which is the source of spiritual joy and delight. You generously receive those who need help and provide them with every possible assistance. As Saint Paul said: ‘the one who gives with joy is blessed by God’. You are an example of humanitarian and biblical qualities and we call upon others to follow your path.”

September 23, 2006:  His E. Mor Dioscoros Luke Shaya entered into eternal rest

On Saturday September 23, 2006, with deep sorrow, His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan informed by His Eminence Archbishop Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi the Patriarchal Assistant, the painful news of the unexpected passing away of His Eminence Archbishop Mor Dioscoros Luke Shaya, the retired Archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Mor Matta in Iraq, passed away at the Archdiocese of Aleppo, Syria on Friday September 22, 2006. His Holiness the Patriarch informed his Eminence Metropolitan of Aleppo that the late Archbishop's body to be carried to his homeland Bartella, Iraq, to entomb at Mor Matta Monastery where he served as Archbishop. His Eminence was born in Bartella, Iraq in February 10, 1929, On December 01, 1963 he was elected and consecrated by H. H. Mor Ignatius Jacob III, Archbishop of Jerusalem, Holy land. The Archdiocese of the Western USA with sorrow we offer heartfelt condolences to our beloved Syriac Orthodox Church in general and to H. H. Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas and to the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, and to the family of the late Archbishop. the Central Europe Archdiocese in particular. May God rest his soul in eternal peace with those who fulfilled His will , Amen نعى نيافة المطران مار غريغوريوس يوحنا ابراهيم مطران حلب وتوابعها قداسة البطريرك مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص الرئيس الأعلى للكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية وبطريرك أنطاكية وسائر المشرق نيافة الحبر الجليل مار ديوسقورس لوقا شعيا الذي انتقل الى جوار ربه في مدينة حلب على أثر نوبة قلبية حادة. وقد أمر قداسته أن ينقل جثمان الراحل الكبير بوقار واحترام إلى مسقط رأسه في برطلة. فبعد الإجراءات الكنسية والصلوات المعتادة للأحبار والتي اجريت من قبل نيافة المطران مار غريغوريسو يوحنا ابراهيم والاكليروس نقل الجثمان إلى العراق حيث سيوارى الثرى في دير مار متى الأبرشية التي خدمها قبل أن يقدم استقالته في تموز 2006   أبرشية الولايات الغربية من الولايات المتحدة الأميركية تقدم التعازي الحارة لقداسة امام أحبار الكنيسة السريانية الأرثوذكسية مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص وبواسطته الى أعضاء المجمع المقدس جزيلي الاحترام.   سنكتب نبذة عن حياة الفقيد حال توفرها لدينا . رحمه الله وأسكنه فسيح جناته

September 20, 2006:  Declaration of His Holiness on Vatican

بيان لقداسة البطريرك مار اغناطيوس زكا الأول عيواص للسريان الأرثوذكس حول محاضرة البابا   جاء في بيان صادر عن قداسة بطريرك انطاكية وسائر المشرق للسريان الأرثوذكس:   نعرب عن أسفنا الشديد للضجة التي اثارتها التأويلات المختلفة لما ورد في محاضرة قداسة البابا بنديكتس السادس عشر في المانيا حول الاسلام، فنحن كمسيحيين نكرم الاسلام وندعو الى الحوار مع الآخرين ونفتش عن كل نقاط الالتقاء لا الاختلاف وقد قطعنا شوطا جيدا على هذا الطريق.   ولا نرى ان زماننا الحاضر يشهد صراعا بين المسيحية والاسلام. والصراعات الدائرة حاليا ليست بين الاسلام والمسيحية بل بين اعداء الشعوب ومثيري الحروب، وبين الشعوب التي تريد حريتها واستقلالها وكرامتها وحقها في تسخير مواردها الطبيعية لخيرها.   ولا نجد في مثيري الحروب المنتشرين في كل انحاء العالم من يمثل المسيحية، وأي تشويه لهذا الواقع لا يخدم الا اعداء المسيحية والاسلام.   ان المسيحية ليست في خصومة وصراع مع الاسلام وهذا ما يجب ان يكون واضحا في جميع انحاء العالم.   وليس عجيبا ان تستغل القوى المعادية لجوهر الخير في الاديان كل مناسبة لصرف النظر عن جرائمها بحق الشعوب كافة ولاصطناع خلافات بين المجتمعات البشرية. ان جرائم مثيري الحروب واعداء السلام لا تبررها الديانة المسيحية كما لا يبرر الاسلام الجرائم التي ترتكب ضد الناس المسالمين.   نتمنى على الفاتيكان ان يوضح مواقفه من الاديان الأخرى بروح المسيحية وتسامحها، وان يبرىء المسيحية من اعمال مثيري الحروب في فلسطين والعراق ولبنان وافغانستان. وعلى مقترفي الجرائم ضد الشعوب ان يتحملوا مسؤولية اعمالهم فالمسيحية براء منهم ومن اعمالهم المعادية لجميع الشعوب.

September 14, 2006:  His Holiness celebrates his 26th enthronement

Discovery of the Holy Cross and celebration of 26th enthronement of His Holiness the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas   On Thursday September 14th, 2006 the Feast of the Discovery of Holy Cross and the 26th Anniversary of the Patriarchal Enthronement of His Holiness the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, His Holiness offered the Holy Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. at the St. Peter and St. Paul Patriarchal Cathedral in St. Ephrem the Syrian Monastery Complex in Ma'arrat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria.   His Holiness was assisted by their Eminence Mor Gregorios Shemoun Saliba of Mosul, Iraq, and Mor Theophilos George Saliba of Mount Lebanon. To congratulet his holiness the Patriarch and participate in this blessed occasion many Archbishops were attend the celebration: Their Emineces Mor Severus Malke Mourad of Jordan & Jerusalem, Mor Salvanos Boutros Al-Nemeh of Homs & Hama in Syria, Mor Athanasius Gevargis the Patriarchal Vicar for Indian Affairs, Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi the Patriarchal Assistant, Mor Malatius Malke of Australia & New Zealand, Mor Yustinos Paulos Safar of Zahle, Lebanon, and Mor Timotheos Mousa Al Shamani of Mor Matta Monastery, Mosul, Iraq, and many Monks, Priests and Faithful from Syria and abroad.

July 14, 2006:  His Holiness Consecrates new Metropolitan

New Metropolitan for our Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch in India   His Holiness Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas consecrated Very Rev. Raban Markose as the assistant metropolitan for the Evangelistic Association of the East  at the Monastery of St. Aphrem the Syrian, in Ma`rrat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria on 14 July 2006. Rabban Markose assumed the name "Mor Chrysostomos".   The Catholicos His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselious Thomas I, Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi (Patriarchal Assistant), Mor Athanasios Geevargis (Patriarchal Vicar For Indian Affairs), Mor Gregorios  Yuhannan Ibrahim (Aleppo), Mor Gregorios  Joseph (Kochi), Mor Theodosius  Mathews (Kollam),   Mor Aphrem  Mathews (Angamali Highrange Area), Mor Osthathios Petrose (New Delhi), Mor Eusebius Kuriakose (Thrissur)  and   Mor Coorilos Geevarghese (Niranam) assisted His Holiness in the consecration ceremonies. For photos, please visit URL: http://www.socmnet.org/OrdinationEAE2006.htm

July 12, 2006:  Rev. Fr. Jacob Markose ordained Monk to be consecrated as Metropolitan

New Monk nominated to be Metropolitan for our Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch in India   On Wednesday, July 12th,2006, Their Graces Mor Theodosios Mathews, Mor Aphrem Mathews and Mor Osthatheos Pathros concelebrated the Holy Qurbono at the St. Aphrem Chapel of the St. Aphrem the Syrian Monastery in Ma'arrat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria. During the Holy Divine Liturgy, as authorized by His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, The Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, the Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, The Catholicos of India His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I ordained Rev. Fr. Jacob Markose of the Evangelistic Association of the East as a Monk with the name "Markose".   Their Graces Metropolitans Mor Dionysius Behnam Jajawi, Mor Athanasios Geevargis, Mor Theodosios Mathews, Mor Aphrem Mathews, Mor Osthatheos Pathros Mor Eusebios Kuriakose and Mor Coorilos Geevarghese assisted His Beatitude in the Ordination Service.   May the ordination of Very Rev. Raban Markose prove a blessing to our Holy Syrian Orthodox Church in India.   God willing, Very Rev. Raban Markose will be consecrated as a Metropolitan by His Holiness our Patriarch on Friday, July 14, 2006. His Beatitude Mor Baselios Thomas I and Their Graces the Metropolitans from India and the Middle East countries will be attending the Episcopal Consecration Service.   Metropolitan Athanasios Geevargis Patriarchal Vicar for Indian Affairs, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate, Damascus, Syria.   For the photos please visit the URL: http://www.socmnet.org/OrdinationEAE2006.htm

July 3, 2006:  His Beatitude the Catholicose consecrates Five Metropolitans

New Metropolitans for our Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch in India   Malankara Archdiocese of Universal Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch is today blessed with five more Metropolitans as the bishop-designates were consecrated as new shepherds.   H. G. Mathews Mor Theodosius  (Very Rev Micah Koodal Ramban ),   H. G Mathews Mor Aphrem  (Very Rev Nahum Chittathu Ramban ), H. G Pathrose Mor Osthatheos  (Very Rev Haggai Pulikottil Ramban), H. G Kuriakose Mor Eusebius (Very Rev Malachi Chalakkatukudi Ramban)  H. G Geevarghese  Mor Coorilos (Very Rev Samuel Nalunnakal Ramban ) are the five consecrated Metropolitans at St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church, North Parur in this blessed St. Thomas Day of 2006. (July 3rd, very popularly known as Karkidakam Moonnu is the Establishment Perunnal of  St Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church, N. Parur) The holy consecration ceremony was led by Catholicose His Beatitude Mor Basalious Thomas I and was assisted by Mor Julius Kuriakose , Mor Timotheos Thomas, Mor Gregorios Joseph, Mor Ivanis Mathews, Mor Miltheos Yuhanon, Mor Polycarpus Geevarghese, Mor Dionysius Geevarghese,  Mor Theophilos Kuriakose and  Mor Severius Kuriakose and in the presence of hundreds of clergies, tens of thousands of faithful arrived from various parts of Malankara.   His Beatitude the Catholicos and other Metropolitans of the church first led the five Bishop-designates into the Holy Altar during the morning prayers. After being initiated into the new ecclesiastic status by the Catholicos, the five Rabans knelt down in meditation facing the Holy Altar. In middle of the Holy Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by His Beatitude, the consecration ceremony began.   During the first phase of the ceremony, all the five Rabans sealed their divine contract affixing their signatures before the Chief celebrant the Catholicos. In the second phase they were declared as new Metropolitans of the church. Then they were given the shepherd staff, seated in thrones attired in Metropolitan's vestments and were raised three times as per custom by saying 'Oxios'.     For photos, please visit http://www.socmnet.org/ Thomas Daniel (Reji)

February 14, 2006:  WCC 9th Assembly at Porto Alegre, Brazil

WCC 9th Assembly at Porto Alegre, Brazil   The plenary session of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, the first to be held in Latin America, was opened in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on February 14th by the WCC Moderator Catholicos Aram I. A record number of young people attended the event. Delegates were greeted by Bishop Adriel de Souza Maia on behalf of Brazilian churches,  Bishop Julio Holguin, on behalf of Latin American churches, the vice-mayor of Porto Alegre, Eliseu Santos, and by the Honorable Germano Rigotto, governor of Rio Grande Sul. Church leaders unable to be present at the opening event were read at the Assembly; this included the ecumenical patriarch, Bartholomew I and the archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. The message of Pope Benedict XVI was read by Cardinal Walter Kaspar. Thirty-one new member churches were received into the WCC. The Syrian Orthodox Church is represented by a delegation that includes H.E. Mor George Saliba Theophilus (Lebanon) H.E. Mor Themotheose Thomas (Kottayam) H.E. Mor Gregoriose Joseph (Kochi) H.E. Mor Osthathios Matta Rohom (Syria) H.E. Mor Severius Malki Murad (Jerusalem) H.E. Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim (Eastern USA) H.E. Mor Yousef Abdulahda Matti (Argentina) Mr. Theodore B.T. Issa (Australia) Ms. Ayda Kaplan (Belgium) Ms. Faten Hanna Al-Kass (Syria) Ms. Alya Basheer (USA) His Holiness Ignatius Zakka 1 Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, also one of the Presidents of the Council, is not attending the Assembly for health reason.   Assembly looks to future of spirituality, justice and witness Photos at www.wcc-assembly.info Approving a substantial change in priorities and culture, the World Council of Churches (WCC) 9th Assembly completed its meeting with prayer in Porto Alegre Thursday, and agreed to give priority to spirituality, ecumenical formation, global justice and prophetic witness. The Assembly set a new agenda for the WCC in the coming period in its church and ecumenical relationships, agreed on several major programmatic initiatives for the fellowship, and elected a new top governing body to lead the organization into its new mandate. “This Assembly has affirmed the vitality of the ecumenical movement and the commitment of the churches to the ecumenical vision and goal of unity, and to strive for a more just and peaceful world,” said WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia following the closure of the event. The 9th Assembly was the first to be held in Latin America since the Council's creation in 1948, and the host churches from Brazil and the broader region were actively involved in the event. The rich daily prayer life of the gathering was combined with Sunday worship in local Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox congregations. The Assembly met in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 14-23 February 2006, and gathered over 4,000 participants, including 691 delegates from the 348 member churches of the WCC, and representatives and observers from other churches, organizations and movements. New constitution During the first week of the Assembly, delegates adopted a substantially revised Constitution and Rules which move the WCC to decision-making based on consensus and which amend membership criteria. The reforms stem from concerns articulated by Orthodox member churches, and aim to strengthen participation of churches from diverse cultures and traditions. Church unity Addressing the core issues of Christian unity, the Assembly agreed on a new text, “Called to be the One Church,” and urged that WCC and its member churches give priority to the questions of unity, catholicity, baptism and prayer. The delegates called for renewed efforts to manifest visible church unity which would allow the ecumenical movement to offer to the world the "coherent, grace-filled spiritual message of Christianity". The Assembly pointed to ways in which collaboration with the Roman Catholic Church, which is not a member of the WCC, and with Pentecostal churches could be reinforced in the coming period. Delegates agreed to develop ways of working with other church groupings that "improve cooperation and coherence of message" of all the ecumenical instruments. Following an appeal from the general secretary, the Assembly supported a proposal to "explore the feasibility of a structure for WCC assemblies" that could be linked to global meetings of other church bodies in the coming years. Youth participation For the first time, young adults appointed by the churches participated in all Assembly committee work, and delegates urged steps to strengthen active involvement of youth (under 30 years) in the life and work of the Council. The Assembly endorsed proposals to create a special body to represent young adults in the decision-making and leadership of the Council. Program priorities Recognizing a rapidly-evolving church and social context, and faced with a decline in income, the delegates agreed to focus future WCC work on a limited number of core issues and urged the WCC to “claim a clearer and stronger public profile in its witness to the world”. “The WCC should do less, do it well, in an integrated, collaborative and interactive approach,” said the Rev. Dr Walter Altmann (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil), moderator of the program guidelines committee which formulated the proposals. Calling for a strengthened theological basis for all areas of activity, the delegates also pointed to the need for comprehensive planning and communication strategies “to build engagement and ownership by the churches”. The program priorities centre on four areas of engagement: unity, spirituality and mission; ecumenical formation focusing on youth in particular; global justice; and bringing a credible voice and prophetic witness to the world. The Assembly affirmed that WCC should expand its work on alternatives to economic globalization, deepening the theological and analytical grounding of this work, and sharing “practical, positive approaches from the churches”. Churches seeking peace The mid-term of WCC’s Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) was celebrated at the Assembly – which received messages from three Nobel Peace Prize-winners – and the delegates recommended that the WCC move towards an international Ecumenical Peace Convocation. A candlelight vigil for peace was held in central Porto Alegre to launch the Latin American annual focus for the DOV. Public issues The Assembly took action on several issues of international concern. Delegates approved statements on the protection of vulnerable populations; terrorism, counter-terrorism and human rights; nuclear disarmament; the Latin American region; water for life; and the reform of the UN. Responding to widespread inter-communal and inter-religious violence related to caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed, the Assembly voiced its concern for mutual respect, responsibility and dialogue with people of other faiths. Delegates also expressed grave concern about the situation in Northern Uganda. New governing bodies The Assembly elected a 150-person central committee, which serves as the main decision-making body of the Council between assemblies. The new committee counts 63 women and 22 young adults. The Assembly also appointed eight presidents to represent the Council in their respective regions. The central committee elected Rev. Dr Walter Altmann (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil) as moderator, and as vice-moderators Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople) and Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse, Protestant Church in the Moluccas (Indonesia). The new WCC executive committee is made up of the following central committee members: AFRICA Dr Agnes Abuom, Anglican Church of Kenya Bishop Ivan Manuel Abrahams, Methodist Church of Southern Africa (South Africa) Pastor Antonio Pedro Malungo, Evangelical Reformed Church of Angola Ms Iyabo Oyekola, Church of the Lord Aladura Worldwide (Nigeria) ASIA Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse, Protestant Church in the Moluccas (Indonesia) Ms Hae-Sun Jung, Korean Methodist Church Bishop Samuel R. Azariah, Church of Pakistan CARIBBEAN Ms Nerissa Celestine, Church in the Province of the West Indies (Grenada) EUROPE Bischof Dr Rolf Koppe, Evangelical Church in Germany Ms Inger Aasa-Marklund, Church of Sweden Mr Graham G. McGeoch, Church of Scotland LATIN AMERICA Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, Evangelical Church of Lutheran Confession in Brazil NORTH AMERICA Ms Carmen Rae Lansdowne, United Church of Canada Rev. Dr Tyrone Pitts, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (USA) Rev. Dr Larry Pickens, United Methodist Church (USA) PACIFIC Rev. Sanele Faasua Lavatai, Methodist Church of Samoa EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCHES Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima, Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople Bishop Dr Hilarion of Wien and Austria (Alfeyev), Russian Orthodox Church Archbishop Nifon of Targoviste, Romanian Orthodox Church Bishop Dr Vasilios of Trimithus (Karayiannis), Church of Cyprus Ms Outi Vasko, Orthodox Church of Finland ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES Metropolitan Bishoy, Coptic Orthodox Church (Egypt) Bishop Vicken Aykazian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Etchmiadzin) (USA) The moderators of the program and finance committees of the central committee, who are also members of the executive committee, will be elected at the first full meeting of the central committee in September 2006.

February 12, 2006:  H.H. consecrated very Rev. Raban Hazail Soumi Metropolitan Patriarchal                              Vicar for Belgium and France Archdiocese

New Archbishop for Archdiocese of Belgium and France   On Sunday February 12, 2006, His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch, celebrated the Holy Divine Liturgy at Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Cœur, Koekelberg-Bruxelles, assisted by Seven of Their Eminence and through the Divine Liturgy consecrated the Very Rev. Raban Hazail Issa Soumi Metropolitan Patriarchal Vicar for the new established Archdiocese of Belgium and France giving him the name of Mor Severius Hazail Soumi. Congratulation, and may God protect him with His grace.   Photos Click here

February 12, 2006:  H.H. will consecrate very Rev. Fr. Hazail Soumi Metropolitan for                              Belgium and France Archdiocese

New Archbishop for Archdiocese of Belgium and France   The Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church in its meeting held in December 13-15 divided the Central Europe Archdiocese into three Archdioceses Patriarchal Vicariates: Archdiocese of Netherlands, Archdiocese of Belgium and France, and Archdiocese of Switzerland and Austria. His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch, appointed Very Rev. Raban Hazail Issa Soumi to be Metropolitan Patriarchal Vicar for the new established Archdiocese of Belgium and France. Rev. Soumi will be ordained by His Holiness on Sunday February 12th, 2006 at Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Cœur, Koekelberg-Bruxelles.

December 10, 2005:  Heads of Oriental Orthodox Churches hold their Eighth Meeting

POPE SHENOUDA III, PATRIARCH Ignatius ZAKKA I AND CATHOLICOS ARAM I SIGN A COMMON DECLARATION IN DAMASCUS   Friday and Saturday, December 9-10, 2005, the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of the Coptic Church, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of the Syrian Church and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Church-Catholicosate of Cilicia, held their 8th meeting, at St. Ephrem Seminary, Ma’arat Saidnaya, Damascus, Syria. This fellowship was founded in 1996.   During their deliberations, the three Heads addressed issues related to the family of the Oriental Orthodox Churches and its theological dialogues with various churches, and discussed matters related to the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Churches of the Reformation, the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches. The socio-political situation in the Middle East as well as the theological seminaries, the youth and the publication sub-committees of the Oriental Orthodox Churches acquired special attention.   The three Heads extended their blessings and appreciation to the Standing Committee, who convened its meeting December 7-8.   At the end of their meeting, the three Heads signed a Common Declaration encouraging the active participation of their faithful in evangelism, diakonia, Christian education, theological formation and youth activities as genuine expressions of life and witness of their Churches. Additionally, issues related to theological dialogues and ecumenical collaboration on global and regional levels, as well as human rights, social justice, peace and inter-faith relations were highlighted.   The 9th meeting of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I will be hosted by the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, in Antelias, Lebanon, in November 2006.   The full text of the Common Declaration is posted on this website at: Common Declaration

December 16, 2005:  New Archbishop to the Archdiocese of St. Matta, Iraq

On Friday December 16, 2005 His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Ephrem church in St. Ephrem Seminary, Ma'arat Saidnaya, Syria and consecrated Rabban Mousa Abdulahad Aziz Shamani Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Mor Matta in Iraq, the new consecrated Archbishop given a name of Mor Timotheos Mousa A. Shamani. Mor Timotheos Mousa A. Shamani born in 1966, in Mosul, Iraq. In 1992 he graduated from the Theological Seminary in Iraq, and in 1996 he obtained the Theological licentiate from Theological Seminary of Athena, Greece. In the same year became a monk at St. Ephrem seminary in Ma'arat Saidnaya, Syria. Congratulation, and may God protect him with His grace.

November 22-26, 2005:  His Holiness the Patriarch in Oman State

The congregation of the Syriac Orthodox Church from India who are in Oman State (south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula), have invited His Holiness the Patriarch to bless their Silver Jubilee. His Holiness will leave the Patriarchal Headquarter on Tuesday November 22 to celebrate and bless the congregation in Oman till November 26. His Holiness will be accompanied with his assistant His Eminence Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi and his secretary Mor Athanasius Georges of the affairs of India. His Beatitude Mor Basilius Thomas I, the Catholicos of the East will join His Holiness in the celebrations.

December 13-15, 2005:  Holy Synod will be hold at Ma'arat Saidnaya Monastery, Damascus

His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan received from the Patriarchate on Friday November 11, 2005, that the Holy synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch will be hold between December 13-15, at the Monastery of Mor Ephrem, Ma'arat Saidnaya, Damascus, to discuss the situation of Europe after the unexpected passing away of His Eminence Archbishop Julius Isa Çiçek of Central Europe on Saturday October 29, 2005.

October 29, 2005:  His Eminence Mor Julius Isa Çiçek of the Central Europe entered into                                   eternal rest

With deep sorrow and grief , His Eminence Mor Clemis Kaplan received from His Eminence Archbishop Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi on Saturday October 29, 2005, the painful news of the unexpected passing away of His Eminence Archbishop Julius Isa Çiçek of Central Europe. Archbishop Mor Julius Isa (Yeshu) Çiçek, the publisher-calligrapher and Archbishop of Holland, passed away unexpectedly. His contribution to Syriac studies includes publishing a few hundred books through Bar Hebraeus Verlag. Funeral arrangement is being made to be on Saturday November 5, 2005, noon time, at the Mor Ephrem monastery in Losser, The Netherlands. The mortal remains will be interred in the tomb for bishops in the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary, below the sanctuary, where also rests the late Archbishop of North America of blessed memory, Mor Athanasius Samuel. On behalf of the Archdiocese of the Western USA with sorrow we offer heartfelt condolences to our beloved Syriac Orthodox Church in general and to the Central Europe Archdiocese in particular. For more information click here.

Sep. 15-16, 2005:  HH the Pope Shenouda III attend the Silver Jubilee of HH Mor Ignatius                                   Zakka I Iwas in Ma'arat Saidnaya, Damascus-Syria

HH Pope Shenouda III and His delegation came from Cairo to Beirut airport and headed for Damascus-Syria. At their arrival to Syrian-Lebanese border they were met by HH Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I of the See of Antioch and the whole East of the Syrian Orthodox Church accompanied by a delegation of the Syrian church Metropolitans, along with the Egyptian Ambassador in Syria Mr. Hazem Khairat. Soonafter, they all proceeded to Mar Ephrem's monastery in Ma'aret Saidenaya where HH was met at His arrival by the Catholicos Mar Basilios of the Syrian Church in India and the Syrian Metropolitans in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq and from different countries of the world as well as the metropolitans of the Syrian Church of India. The Silver Jubilees' Celebration At 18:00 hrs, HH Pope Shenouda III and HH Patriarch Mar Zakka with their respective delegations arrived at the cathedral named after the two apostles St. Peter and St. Paul in Mar Ephrem's monastery. Their Holiness passed through the huge awaiting audience on their way to the church. Everybody was joyous and grateful on the blessed occasion of HH Patriarch Mar Zakka's Silver Jubilee anniversary and the Pope's visit. The ceremony was attended by the Syrian Prime Minister Eng. Mahmoud Al Ebrashy along with former Prime Minister Dr. Mustafa Miro and a number of ministers and members of the Syrian Parliament. It was also attended by  HH Patriarch Ignatius Hozeim IV of the See of Antioch and the whole East for the Greek Orthodox church accompanied by church head representatives in Syria, the Vatican Ambassador, some Islamic leaders, the Egyptian Ambassador and their Excellency the Ambassadors and Councilors of many other countries. HH Pope Shenouda III gave a word of felicitation to HH Patriarch Mar Zakka Ewas I. It was strong in spirituality springing from a heart full of love. HH spoke first about common grounds between Him and HH Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I as they both lost their mothers at a young age and that gave them strength and persistence. They both went to the theological seminary. They both wrote poems, ordained monks in the same year 1945, and they both participated in the ecumenical service. HH Pope Shenouda III then spoke of the personal and spiritual qualities of HH the Patriarch and His utmost humility. Then He mentioned His achievements, His books, His writings, and His accomplishments even prior to His enthronement  when He was the Metropolitan of Mosul then of Baghdad. Moreover, His  ordination of a large number of Metropolitans all over the world. HH The Pope drew the attention of everyone to the construction of the religious center in Ma'aret Saidnaya. All thought of, planned and executed by HH the Patriarch to benefit future generations. At the end, HH the Pope presented HH Patriarch Mar Zakka Iwas I, a golden 'Bronzen Serpent' and a gold hand cross. Patriarch Zakka I, then gave a word of thanks  and gratitude for HH the Pope’ attendance which reflected  the great brotherly love between them saying that He is the most esteemed Eastern Orthodox Patriarch and teacher. Their Holiness then proceeded to the banquet hall to receive the congratulators on that blissful occasion.

Sep. 2-3 &:  The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch celebrates the Patriarchal Silver 13-16.2005: Jubilee of HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas in Ma'arat Saidnaya, Damascus-Syria

It is delighting and blissful at the same time to write about the occasion of our beloved Patriarch His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas’s Silver Jubilee. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his enthronement on the venerable See of Antioch, as the 122nd Patriarch of Antioch, Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas is one of only fifteen who have held the patriarchal office for an entire quarter of a century. His two immediate predecessors, Mor Ignatius Aphrem Barsaum and Mor Ignatius Ya`qub III, were patriarchs for 24 and 23 years respectively. All three have lived through times of momentous change which required great wisdom on the part of leaders of all the Church leaders; without any doubt one can say that all three patriarchs, each in his own special way, has shown great wisdom in guiding the Syriac Orthodox Church through these turbulent times. His Holiness is, of course, linked to his two predecessors in a special way, having been personal patriarchal secretary to Mor Aphrem Barsaum, and having been ordained priest by Patriarch Mor Ya`qub III. As I see it, one of the main challenges with which the Syrian Orthodox Church has been faced in the last fifty or so years is the large-scale emigration from the Middle East countries and the growth of large Syrian Orthodox diasporas in Europe, the Americas and Australia. This has posed all sorts of new challenges but also new opportunities. His Holiness has been a tireless traveler, visiting his flock, not only in these three continents, but also the much longer established Syrian Orthodox community in India where he first went to consecrate the Myron in 1982. A much shorter journey of great historic significance, was made in 2000, to Antakya in Turkey, (ancient Antioch), where His Holiness was the first Syrian Orthodox Patriarch to celebrate the Holy Eucharist there for well over a thousand years. In view of the growth of the Syrian Orthodox communities in different parts of the world, especially in western countries, the need for good theological education, above all for the clergy, has become all the more urgent. His Holiness has clearly shown that he is well aware of it, both by founding the Seminary of St. Ephrem at Ma`arat Saidnaya (opened in 1996), and by sending promising theological students to study in western universities. This has been especially fruitful, since it has given the opportunity for students of other backgrounds to get to know these Syrian Orthodox students, and to learn at first hand about their Church. One of the positive aspects of the large-scale emigration of Syrian Orthodox to western countries has been the growth of a better awareness of the Syrian Orthodox Church and of the richness of its tradition by Christians in other Christian Churches. Thanks to the presence of Syrian Orthodox people among them. In this regard the founding of Syrian Orthodox monasteries in Holland, Switzerland and Germany, seems to be of especial significance: not only do they serve as invaluable spiritual focuses for the Syrian Orthodox communities in these countries, but also provide Christians from other Churches with a physical observance of the Syriac monastic tradition in their very midst. This of course gives a new urgency in the context of ecumenical relations. Here, too, His Holiness has shown himself to be very active in promoting ecumenical dialogue. He had already been an Observer at the Second Vatican Council in 1962/3 and was a participant in 1970s in several of the meetings of the Non-Official Oriental Orthodox/Catholic theological dialogue, arranged by the Pro Oriente Foundation in Vienna, founded by the later Cardinal König. Particularly momentous was his meeting with Pope John Paul II in 1984, resulting in their joint theological declaration. Another event of great significance, as far as the Middle East is concerned, was the joint accord with the Rum Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch in 1991. For several meetings of Pro Oriente’s ‘Syriac Dialogue’, involving all the different Churches of Syriac tradition, His Holiness sent a special message, along with his Apostolic Blessings. We are looking forward to harvesting results; due to the recent developments that affected the relations between the Ancient Assyrian Church of the East and the rest of the Churches especially after the Common Christological Declaration signed by the Assyrian Church and the Roman Catholic Church [in November 1994] which opened the door for more dialogue and serious studies on the part of all Syrian Churches worldwide. One of the achievements of theological dialogue has been to clear away some of the traditional misunderstandings concerning the Christology of the Church of the East, and in 1998 bilateral theological dialogue between the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Church of the East was on the agenda, but unfortunately this has, for the moment, not yet materialized. Another area where relations had historically been antagonistic is between the Syrian Orthodox and the Syriac Catholic Church, but in 1999 His Holiness brought about the first steps towards a rapprochement when he personally met with the Syrian Catholic Patriarch Mousa I Daoud, on the occasion of the first Joint Episcopal Meeting of the two Churches, at Sharfeh monastery in Lebanon. It is a fitting tribute to His Holiness’s concern for good ecumenical relations that, in 1998, he was elected a President of the World Council of Churches. His Holiness is a reviver of the monasticism movement in his time. He started a new era in the history of the Syriac Orthodox Church by establishing tools for monks and nuns and providing them scholarship in different universities in many countries for pursuing their studies. He ordained more than eighty monks, and nuns, and thirty six metropolitan. Many books could be written in detail  about our Holy Father, the great pontiff of our Syriac Orthodox Church, but we will stop here.   On this auspicious occasion of the Patriarchal Silver Jubilee, His Eminence Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, Archbishop of the Western US, along with clergy, church organizations and faithful people of the Archdiocese, express their great appreciation, for all of His Holiness achievements  in this past quarter century, and pray to the Almighty God to extend his life with good health to lead the church of God in true faith and traditions. We join the Syriac people worldwide in wishing His Holiness shnayo sagi’otho (many more years of his leadership)!   Profile Of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Patriarch of Antioch and All the East Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church   His Holiness was born in a prestigious Iraqi family in Mousl Iraq on April 21, 1933 and was named Sanharib. He is the son of Basher Iwas and Haseebeh Atto. He also has the Lebanese Nationality.   He received his elementary education at the schools of Altahzeeb and Mar Touma in Mousl of the Syrian Orthodox Church.   He joined St. Ephrem Seminary in Mousl in the academic year 1946-1947, and was named Zakka. He graduated from the Seminary with distinction and obtained Diploma in Theology, Church history, Canon Law and in the Syriac, Arabic and English languages in 1954.   He took his monastic vows on June 6, 1954 and became a teacher of the Holy Bible, Syriac and Arabic at the same Seminary. Thereafter he joined the Secretariat at the Patriarchal Headquarters in Homs as Second Secretary during the Patriarchate of Patriarch Ephrem I Barsoum.   When the Late Patriarch Yacoub III was enthroned on the Patriarchal See he was appointed as Patriarchal First Secretary and was ordained a priest in 1957. He was decorated with the Holy Cross on April 15, 1959.   He joined the Episcopal School of Theology in New York in the academic year 1961-1962 and later received an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from that School.   He was appointed as an Official Observer at the Second Vatican Council in its two sessions in 1962-1963.   He was ordained as the Archbishop of Mosul and its environs in 1963 through 1969, and was given the name of Mor Severius Zakka Iwas. He was in charge of the diocese from 1963 through 1969.   In 1966 he was appointed as the Acting Archbishop of the Archdiocese of the monastery of Mar Mattai in addition to his position as Archbishop of Mosul.   He was elected as the Archbishop of the Diocese of Baghdad and Basra in 1969, and was also appointed as the Acting Archbishop of Europe and Australia.   He was unanimously elected by the Holy Syrian Orthodox Synod of Antioch as the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and the Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church on July 11, 1980.   He was enthroned as Patriarch with the name Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas at St. George Cathedral in Damascus on September 14, 1980.   He was elected as a president (one of the four presidents) of the MECC on January 22, 1990.   He became a President (one of the seven Presidents) of the WCC on December 14, 1998. Most important Construction works during his Patriarchate   Construction of the ‘Monastery of St. Ephrem the Syrian’ in Ma’arat Seydnaya which was inaugurated on September 14, 1996.   Construction of the ‘Universal Center of Syrian Orthodox Religious Education’ at the Monastery of St. Ephrem the Syrian in Ma’arat Seydnaya which was inaugurated on September 14, 1998.   Construction of the ‘Universal Center of Syrian Orthodox Religious Education’ at the Monastery of St. Ephrem the Syrian in Ma’arat Seydnaya which was inaugurated on September 14, 1998.   Construction of the ‘Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the two Chief Apostles’, at the Monastery of St. Ephrem the Syrian in Ma’arat Seydnaya which was inaugurated on September 14, 1999.   Construction of ‘St. Ephrem Patriarchal Hall’s at the Monastery of St. Ephrem the Syrian in Ma’arat Seydnaya which was inaugurated on September 14, 2000   Construction of the ‘House of Love for the elderly Syrian Orthodox Clergy’ in Ma’arat Seydnaya which was inaugurated on September 14, 2003.   Construction of numerous monasteries, churches, shrines and schools, and the establishment of associations and institutions in various Syrian Dioceses. Education His Holiness holds: A Diploma from St. Ephrem Seminary School in Mosul A Diploma in Journalism by correspondence from Egypt.  Fellowship of the Institute of Syriac Studies at the University of Chicago in 1981. Honorary Doctorate from the Episcopal General School of Theology in New York in 1984. Positions held 1972: Vice President of the Syriac Language Academy in Baghdad. 1979. Active Member, Head of the Syrian Board as well as Member of the Board of Presidents of the Iraqi Academy, and Associate Member of the Arabic Academy in Jordan. 1998: Honorary member of the Iraqi Academy. 2000: Member Correspondent of Damascus Arabic Academy. Some of his published works   1. “Al-Markat fi Amal Rai Al-Ruaat Mar Ignatius Yacoub III” (The Ascent-Works of Mor Ignatius Yacoub III, the Shepherd of Shepherds). The first book issued by His Holiness in 1958. It includes a historical overview of the town of Bartallehi and a biography of the Late Patriarch Yacoub III with a description of his Apostolic Visits to South America, the villages of Homs and Aleppo. (350pp).   2. “Husn Al-Shahada wa Al-Adaa fi Sir’rai Al-Tajassud wa Al-Fidaa aou Akidat Al-Tajassud Al-Ilahi” Perfection of Witness and Deeds in the Sacraments of Incarnation and Redemption or The Doctrine of Divine Incarnation). It is a treatise on the theme of Incarnation and Redemption from theological, doctrinal and historical points of view. Issued in 1959 (86pp)   3. “Al-mishkat fi ziyarat Rai Al-Ruat Mar Ignatius Yacoub III” (The Lamp-the Visit of Mor Ignatius Yacoub III, The Shepherd of Shepherds). Issued in 1960. It includes a description of the Apostolic Visits of his predecessor, the Late Patriarch Yacoub III to Zahleh, Egypt, Jordan, USA and Canada. (160pp).   4. “Silsilat al-Tahtheeb Al-Maseehi” (Series of Christian Ethics). 4 vols. (220pp) issued in 1967. Mosul ed.   5. Al-Asrar Al-saba” (The Seven Sacraments). A theological and liturgical treatise issued in 1970 in cooperation with Priest Ishaq Saka (later Archbishop) (220pp).   6. Sirat Mar Aphram Al-Suryani” (Biography of St. Ephrem the Syrian) issued in 1974 mainly for distribution among the participants in Ephrem Hunain Festival in Baghdad. Published by the Syriac Language Academy in Baghdad. 84pp).   7. “Al-Hamama” (The Dove). A summary of the austere life style of ascetics and biographies of anchorities by Bar Hebraeus, Catholicos of the East. A critical comparison of the old Syriac manuscript copied four years after the death of Bar Hebraeus with the older Syriac copes. Translated into Arabic with an introduction written by His Holiness in which he touched upon the life of Bar Hebraeus and his works. He also had concise quotations from the English translation written by the Dutch Oirentalist Winsink, who died in 1939 which served as a second introduction to the book. (260pp).   8. “Kanisat Antakia Al-Suriania Al-Orthodoxia Ibra Al-Ousour” (The Syrian Orthodox Church Through the Ages). A general historical treatise on the Church. Issued in 1980. 40pp. Translated into English.   9. “Qissat Ahl Al-kahft fi almasader al-Suriania” (The Story of the People of the Cave according to Syriac References). A historical and theological treatise (40pp).   10. “Hassad Al-Mawaez” (Harvest of Homilies) 2 vols. A collection of Homilies delivered by His Holiness at the St. George Cathedral in Damascus at Christmas and Easter and on other religious occasions. Patriarchal Encyclicals, Spiritual Discourses and biographies of some celebrated personalities. First vol. Issued in 1984. (167pp) Second Vol. issued in 1988. (200pp)   11. “Masabeeh Ala Al Tareeq” (Lanterns on the Road) A collection of treatises including religious literature, Ecclesiastic History, Social life and biographies of saints. (184pp).    12. “Nujoom Satea fi Samaa Al-Kanisha” (Luminous Stars in the Church) includes biographies of  celebrated Syrian Fathers, Mar philoxenos of Mabbug +523, Mar Gregory I, Patriarch of Antioch  +790, Mar Jacob of Edessa +708, Patriarch Dionysius Al-Talmahri +845, all of whom were included in the collection of theological, historical and spiritual treatises.   13- “Raihat Al-Maseeh Al-Zakiah” (The Sweet Fragrance of Jesus)   14- A collection of treatises dealing with ecumenical issues: 1-  The Church and the basics of ecumenical Councils in it. 2-  Acceptance of Councils. 3-  Fellowship among local churches and the Syrian Church and Christian Unity. 4- Views of an Observer at Lambeth Conference.   15- Religious, Literary and Historical    Treatises 1-  An illustrious page of the history of Syriac Literature. 2-  Religious values and Family Planning. 3-  The Doctrine of the One Nature of Christ in the Syrian Liturgy.    16. “Nafahat Kadasah”) Fragrances of Holiness) edited by Father Dr. Mitri Haji Athansiu with an introduction written by him. It includes stories of some saints: St Thomas, St. Ibrahim Al-Kaidouni, St. Ephrem, St. Mathew the hermit and the two martyrs Behnam and his sister Sarah and the forty Martyrs.    17. Saint Peter, the Chief of the Apostles in the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch.   18. They Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and the canonical Councils.   19. A selection of Patriarchal Encyclicals issued in 1997. (247 pp).   20. Illustrious pages of the history of the Church in 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.  Vol I issued in 1997. (144pp).   21. The Role of Women in the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch, issued in 1998. (31pp)   22. Religious Homilies under the title “Baidar Al-Mawaez” (Threshing floor of Homilies). Vol. I issued in 1997 (255pp)   23. Historical, Religious and Literary Presentations. Vol. I issued in 1998.  (240pp).   24. Theological, Doctrinal, Historical and Spiritual Presentations. Vol 2 issued in 1998 (447pp)   25. Historical, Theological and Spiritual presentations. Vol 3 issued in 2000. (296pp) 26.  Other works:    The Patriarchal Journal 25 Volumes (from 1980 onwards). Published by His Holiness under His personal supervision. His Holiness Has been writing in it since his enthronement on September 14, 1980. Numerous articles on the Doctrine, Spirituality, History and linguistics also have been published by His Holiness in the Patriarchal Journal and some works are under print.

Jan.25.2005:  The Second Meeting of Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Theological Dialogue

Report of the Second Meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches Rome, Italy, 26-29 January 2005 Catholic and Oriental Orthodox representatives, delegated by their churches, held their second meeting from 26-29 January 2005, as members of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, under the co-chairmanship of H.E. Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and H.E.Metropolitan Amba Bishoy of Damiette, General Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The meeting was held in Rome at the Domus Internationalis Paulus VI, hosted by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Delegates were present from the Catholic Church and from the following Oriental Orthodox Churches: the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of All Armenians), the Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of Cilicia), the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahido Church. The representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Church held their separate preparatory meeting on Tuesday 25 January 2005. Both delegations held additional separate meetings during the dialogue. Each working day commenced with morning prayers and concluded with evening prayers and the meetings were conducted in a very cordial atmosphere. The delegates were invited to attend the ecumenical vespers traditionally celebrated at the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (25January) at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which were presided over by H.E. Cardinal Walter Kasper. The members of the Commission were received in audience by H.H. Pope John Paul II on Friday 28 January 2005. On behalf of the Commission Metropolitan Amba Bishoy addressed the Pope conveying the greetings of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and the Pope responded with a brief message of welcome and encouragement. On Friday 28th January the Commission was invited to share in vespers and a meal with the Benedictine Community of Sant' Anselmo. As had been agreed upon at the first meeting of the International Joint Commission in Cairo in January 2004, the principal themes were: a) Understanding of Communion, Constitutive Elements of Communion; b) Particular and Universal Communion, Meaning of Sister Churches and of Church Families; c) Full Communion and Degrees of Communion, Common Ecumenical Goal. During the course of the meeting papers were presented from the Catholic Church and Oriental Orthodox Churches on these themes: 1)"The Church as Communion in Early Christian Thought" (Fr. Mark Sheridan); 2) "Communion-Sister Churches-Church Families" (Archbishop Mesrob K. Krikorian); 3) "Full Communion and the Degrees of Communion, Common Ecumenical Goal" (Fr. Philippe Luisier); 4) "Full Communion and Degrees of Communion, Common Ecumenical Goal" (Metropolitan Amba Bishoy and Fr. Shenouda Maher); 5) "Particular Church/Universal Church, Sister Churches, Ecclesial Families" (Fr. Paul Rouhana); 6) "Understanding Communion, Constitutive Elements of Communion" (Rev.Megabe Biluy Seife Selassie Yohannes and Lique Hiruyan Getachew Guadie). Discussion in the plenary sessions on the papers allowed the participants to reach the following common affirmations: 1) The Church by its very nature is a communion, which finds its source and model in the communion of the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This communion finds its expression in conciliarity/collegiality. The question of primacy should be further studied. 2) The constitutive elements of communion include: a. the Apostolic faith as lived in the Tradition and as expressed in the Holy Scriptures, the first three ecumenical councils, and the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed; we believe in Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word of God, the same being true God and true man; we venerate the Holy Virgin Mary as Mother of God; b. the celebration of the seven sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation/Chrismation, Eucharist, penance/reconciliation, ordination, matrimony, anointing of the sick); we consider baptism as essential for salvation; with regard to the Eucharist, we believe that it is the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ; c. the ordained ministry in Apostolic succession. However, from a Catholic point of view, the question of the mutual recognition of baptism must be a point of further discussion, 3) Thanks to the many shared elements of communion, the Catholic Church uses the phrases "real though incomplete communion" and "degrees of communion". However, from the point of view of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, these terms require further study. 4) The Oriental Orthodox Churches, being in full communion with each other in faith and sacraments, refer to their unity by the term "family of Churches". However, from the point of view of the Catholic Church, this concept requires further study, since it is not a part of its tradition. The next meeting of the International Joint Commission will be hosted by the Catholicosate of All Armenians at Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia, from Wednesday 25 January (day of arrival) till Tuesday 31 January 2006 (day of departure). Both delegations will have separate meetings on Thursday 26 January. Friday 27, Saturday 28 and Monday 30 will be full meeting days for the Joint International Commission. Three papers from each side will be prepared on the following issues: 1. Bishops in Apostolic Succession; 2. Primacy and Synodality/Conciliarity; 3. Synods, local and ecumenical (their ecclesiological meaning). Papers will be sent to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in the Vatican, by November 15th , 2005, for communication to the members of the Commission, not later than December 1st, 2005. The members of the International Joint Commission were: Representatives of the Oriental Orthodox churches Coptic Orthodox Church : H.E. Amba Bishoy (co-chair), Metropolitan of Damiette, General Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church; Rev. Fr. Dr. Shenouda Maher Ishak (Rochester, U.S.A); Syrian Orthodox Church : H.E. Mor Theophilus George Saliba, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon, Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church; H.G. Dr. Kuriakose Theophilose, M.S.O.T. Seminary,Vettickal, India; Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of all Armenians): H.E. Dr.Mesrob K. Krikorian, Archbishop of Vienna; H.E. Khajag Barsamian,Archbishop of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America; Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of Cilicia): H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy in the U.S.A.; H.G. Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate of Cilicia; Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church: Rev. Megabe Biluy Seife Selassie Yohannes, Member of the Scholar Council of the Patriarchate; Lique Hiruyan Getachew Guadie; Head of Department of Foreign Relations; Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church: H.E. Philipos Mar Eusebios, Metropolitan of Pathanamthitta; Rev. Dr. John Mathews (co-secretary), Secretary of the Committee on Inter-Church Relations; Eritrean Orthodox Tewahido Church: Rev. Fr. Kaleab Gebreselassie, Co-ordinator for Foreign Affairs; H.G. Bishop Abuna Shenouda Zeamanuel (Rome), substitute for Mr. Yoftahe Dimetrios, General Director of the Eritrean Orthodox Church (prevented). Representatives of the Catholic Church H.E. Cardinal Walter Kasper (co-chair), President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity; H.E. Paul-Werner Scheele, Bishop em. of Würzburg, Germany; H.E. Amba Kyrillos William, Coptic Catholic Bishop of Assiut, President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Catholic Church in Egypt; H.E. Mons. Jules Mikhael Al-Jamil, Procurator of the Syrian Catholic Patriarchate to the Holy See and Apostolic Visitator in Europe; H.E. Mons. Boutros Marayati, Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo,President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Catholic Church in Syria; H.E. Mons. Woldetensae Ghebreghiorghis, Apostolic Vicar of Harar (Ethiopia), President of the Ecumenical Commission of the Catholic Church in Ethiopia and Eritrea; Rev. Fr. Mathew Vellanickal, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry, India; Rev. Fr. Ronald Roberson, Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, USA; Rev. Fr. Frans Bouwen, M.Afr., Consultant to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Jerusalem; Rev. Fr. Philippe Luisier, S.J., Pontificio Istituto Orientale, Rome; Rev. Fr. Mark Sheridan, O.S.B., Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Pontificio Ateneo S. Anselmo, Rome; Rev. Fr. Boghos Levon Zekiyan, Pontificio Istituto Orientale, Rome; Rev. Fr. Paul Rouhana, O.L.M., Université Saint-Esprit, Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon; Prof. Dietmar W. Winkler, School of Theology, Boston University, USA; Msgr. Johan Bonny (co-secretary), staff-member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Metropolitan Bishoy Cardinal Walter Kasper Rome, 29 January 2005   Source: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/5823 Posted By Thomas Daniel (Reji) St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, Inida

Oct.21.2004:  7th Meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the middle East

The seventh meeting of the Heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East, the Coptic Church, the Syrian Church and the Armenian Church, took place in Cairo, Egypt on October 21st, 2004. The meeting of the standing committee representing the three churches preceded the meeting of the Heads of the Churches.   In a Common Declaration His Holiness Pope Shnouda III, His Holiness Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, and His Holiness Aram I, gave thanks to God for the unity that their churches have witnessed for many centuries and their common commitment to the mission of the church of God. Bilateral theological dialogues were given an important place in the Common Declaration. They stressed the need to resume the Theological Dialogue between the Oriental Orthodox and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. As for the Dialogue with the Roman Catholic church, which Started last year, they expressed their deep concern for the use of the word "Catholicosate" used by the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate, and they decided to raise this matter this time formally through their representatives with the Vatican authorities with the a clear understanding that "if this problem is not solved, our churches will not participate in the official theological dialogue with the Catholic church". Referring to the Dialogue with the Anglican World communion that was suspended by these churches, due to the ordination of an Anglican gay bishop in the USA, the Heads of the churches reiterated their concern and the position of their churches that ''all practice and behavior related to marriage and sexual orientation must be in accord with the biblical and moral teachings of our Churches. We hope that in the near future the Anglican Communion will solve this matter which will enable us to resume our theological dialogue with the Anglican Communion".   In the context of intra-Oriental family collaboration, the Spiritual Leaders emphasized the need for a greater collaboration among the churches of the Family in different eras of church life. They expressed deep concern in respect to the "manipulating activities" of sects "against the Orthodox Christian faith, supported by huge financial resources coming from the West, with suspected Zionist support", The Common Declaration also highlighted various aspects of ecumenical collaboration. In this context they singled out the importance of the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches. The growing collaboration with the United Bible Societies was welcomed considering this partnership important for the witness of their churches.   The Heads of the Churches renewed “the commitment of their churches to peace with justice". They condemned "All forms and expression of violence and urged all to engage in processes and actions aimed at conflict resolution through mutual love, respect and trust", Speaking about the situation in the Middle East they said: “the escalation of violence and confusion in Iraq worries us, in this situation, this country is losing its people either by killing or immigration. We urge all the citizens of Iraq of all religions and cultures to feel their responsibility towards their country and one another. We call on all nations to help the people of Iraq to restore their country to its independence and sovereignty with the full participation of all Muslim and Christian communities in Iraq. We renew our call to return to the peace process with a particular focus on establishment of a Palestinian state and the right to return for the Palestinians. True and lasting peace will only be realized when justice and dignity is upheld and maintained and when Israel according to U.N. Security Council Resolutions withdraw from Arab and Palestinian territories".

Oct.06.2004:  The book titled "The Syrian Orthodox Church Calendar" released

The book titled 'The Syrian Orthodox Church Calendar' released His Holiness the Patriarch on September 22nd released the book titled  "The Syrian Orthodox Church Calendar" by accepting the first copy from His Beatitude the Catholicos at the public meeting held at Manjanikkara. This book compiled and edited by Fr. (Dr.) Mani Rajan, contains the dates of feasts of the saints,fasts and festivals of the Church, dates of movable feats for the 21st century as per Julian and Gregorian Calendars and articles related to the origin and evolution of the Church Calendar. The Church Calendar published in the 14th century by the monk-priest Saliba bar Khayrun of Hah, made available to the publishers by His Eminence Mor Julius Kuriakose Metropolitan, the first secretary to His Holiness the Patriarch, is the main source of this work. The feast date of saints has been updated as of today. Pages 128 (English) Publishers: Travancore Syriac Orthodox Publishers, Kottayam – 686004, Kerala,India. email: tsop@rediffmail.com, Tel: 0481-3100179, 9447315914 For Copies of the book, contact:- 1. Mor Ignathios Dayro, Manjanikkara 2. Mor Julius Book Centre, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Kottayam 3. Rev. Fr. Thomas, Vicar, Mulanthuruthy Marthoman Church 4. M.S.O.T. Seminary Book Stall, Udayagiri 5. M.G.O.C.S.M. Book Stall, near CMS College, Kottayam 6. Orthodox Book Centre, 1st floor, M.D. Commercial Centre, Kottayam To view the pictures of the said function and the cover page of the calendar please visit News section of Apostolic Visit -2004 http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net or http://ApostolicVisit2004.cjb.net Source http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOCM-FORUM/message/5106 Thomas Daniel (Reji) St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Cheppaud, Alleppy Dist, Kerala, India. http://groups.msn.com/StGeorgeSyrianOrthodoxChurchCheppaud

Oct.01.2004:  Jacobite faction severs all ties with Orthodox Church

Jacobite faction severs all ties with Orthodox Church KOCHI: Leaving a historic stamp on the visit of Patriarch of Antioch Mar Ignatius Zakka I, the Mulanthuruthy Synod today officially declared the total severing of ties with the Orthodox Church, thus completing the division of the Malankara Syrian Church. The Jacobite Syrian Christian Association meeting held at Mulanthuruthy also decided to recover all properties and churches from the Metropolitans who had left the Patriarch faction to join the Orthodox Church. The meeting declared that those who had raised allegations against the visit of the Patriarch of Antioch would be treated as having left the Malankara Church. The Synod urged the Government to convene a meeting of the diocese members of the disputed churches and to hold a plebiscite after which these churches should be handed over to the majority faction. Or else, the Government should make alternative arrangements for the devotees to conduct religious rites, it said. The meeting also declared that the Metropolitans or Catholicos did not have any claim over the properties of these churches and that they belonged to the members of those churches. The administration of these churches should be conducted according to the Constitution of the Jacobite Church, prepared in 2002. It also said the Government should take the initiative to remove the priests from some of the churches, which are still loyal to the Metropolitans who left the Syrian Churches. The Aluva Thrikunnathu Church, where Paulose Mor Athanasious was buried, should be opened to the devotees. Patriarch of Antioch Mar Iganathios Zakka I, who delivered the presidential address, said that the Mulanthuruthy church should be called as the Jerusalem of India in view of the church becoming a holy place with the second synod also being held at that place. The Malankara Syrian Church had proved that it could continue its democracy and tradition. The Patriarch urged the devotees to continue the tradition of the church and become a role model for other churches. All the Metropolitans and clergy should abide by the Constitution on all church matters, he said. The resolution of faith and allegiance was delivered by Paulose Corepiscopa Parathuvayalil; Jacobite Syrian Christian Church - 1876 to 2004 - a Review by Joseph Mor Gregoriose Metropolitan, submission of letter of tribute by Youhanon Mor Milithiose Metropolitan and key note address by Baseliose Thomas I Catholicose. Thampu George Thuakalan was conferred the ‘Bar 'eto Mheero’ title for his service to the Malankara Church. [www.newindpress.com] Apostolic Visit updates and photos http://ApostolicVisit.cjb.net

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Oct.01.2004: Consecration of Holy Mooron held at St Thomas Church

KOCHI: In an atmosphere charged with prayers and hymns, the consecration of myron (holy oil) was held at the ancient St Thomas Church (Marthoma Cheria Palli) at Kothamangalam on Saturday. Tens of thousands of Jacobite Church members thronged the church premises to witness the rare ritual. Myron, the holy oil, is used to anoint persons receiving baptism by water. It represents the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The ritual, described as ``a great mystery'' in theological circles and among the Fathers of Churches, was led by Patriarch of Antioch Mar Ignatius Zakka I. The five-hour-long ritual was also a proclamation by the Syrian Jacobite Church reaffirming its faith on the tradition of Antioch. The consecration of myron was held in two phases. In the first, the `preparations' prior to the consecration was held. Recalling how John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the deacons and the priests took out a procession around the church. The second procession consisted of deacons, priests, 12 metropolitans of the Church and the high priest (the Patriarch) with the holy oil in his hand. The second stage of the ritual was the sanctification of the holy oil by offering special prayers. According to belief, the high priest, through his prayers, is expected to bring in all the dynamism of the Holy Spirit to the oil. After the sanctification of the holy oil, the Patriarch blessed the world by spraying it in four directions. As a fulfillment of the sacrament, Holy Qurbana by 13 celebrants was said at a specially set up 'madbaha' on the church premises. It is after an interval of 22 years that consecration of Holy Myron is held in the Malankara Church. The ritual was last performed at Manarcaud St Mary's church in 1982. Catholicos Baselios Thomas I assisted the Patriarch in leading the ritual. Joseph Mar Gregorios, Yoohanon Mar Philexinos, Geevarghese Mar Policarpus, Thomas Mar Thimotheos, Kuriakose Mar Euliyos, Marcose Mar Coorilos, Mathews Mar Evanios, Gheevarghese Mar Dionysius, Kuirakose Mar Deoscorus, Geevarghese Mar Athanasius, Yoohanon Mar Milithios, Kuriakose Mar Theophilos and Kuriakose Mar Sevarios were the metropolitans who participated in the consecration. newindpress.com, Sep 25, 2004 ____________________ Today is one of the most important and wonderful day in my life. I was so lucky to witness The Holy 13nnilmel Qurbana lead by our Patriarch HH Moran Ignatius Zakka I Iwas at Kothamangalam Cheriapally, followed by the Consecration of Holy Mooron. This day will be written in the history of Kothamangalam and also in the history of Church in golden fonts. When I read more about the importance of this Holy Sacrament, I was so afraid to learn that the Holy Spirit churns the Holy Chrism, Mixture of several perfumed and medicinal oils. I understood how blessed is this day and how lucky I am; when the Holy Mooron; which we believe that the visible & physical form of Holy Spirit, which is needed for the coming generations; is being consecrated here right in front of my eyes. The crowd reminded me of the Oct 2nd Kothamangalam Pally Perunnal of Yedho Mor Baselious (coincidentally today, 25.09.2004, the Perunnal Flag is being hoisted) The town of Kothamangalam is really become a festival area and all the people were already in a perunnal frenzy, a week in advance for the most awaited Kanny Irupathammtheeyathi Perunnal. I saw that the ladies and children were more in the festive mood to have a look at their Holy Father. I got the blessed chance to see our Moran from a few meters. The Security was strong, the crowd was under good self control, the arrangements were much better than expected. The pandal was huge, but not ample to hold the huge crowd, (in my count it might be between 50,000 to 60,000 - channels and press will give correct figures later) The makeshift Altar in the Cheriapally compound had 13 Holy Thronoses. HH Our Bawa lead celebrated the Holy Mass with 12 other bishops as co-celebrants. Earlier the Holy Mooron Consecration ceremony was held inside the Chuch Madbahah. This was a real feast for my eyes and my soul. Laymen were not allowed to enter the church compound, only Priests, Deacons, Nuns and the Church executives were there - still the compound was full. The Huge pandal I was standing was to the west of the famous black granite Holy Cross, which have magical healing powers. The program was shown on big screens all over for those who were standing far from the stage. HH the Bawa seemed to be suffocating from the heat n humidity despite the air-conditioner, seemed trying to conclude Holy Mass in a haste, earlier than expected. The pandal was spread with oxygen cylinders and sidelined by drinking water faucets. We cannot help congratulating the planners and the work force who spent days and nights arranging for this. The function was followed by Neyyappam Nercha for all. The Oration by Bawa during the ceremony was long - the first few sentences were in Syriac - full speech translated by Mor Athanasius Thirumeni. Escorted by my sick grand mother and my aunt, I didn't know how I spent 5 hours there. I felt time stood still. I was tired, but it didn't bother. I do believe the Holy Spirit gave strength to my Grandma to stand there all the 5 hours, otherwise she could not stand for even half an hour. The Lord was kind enough to hold the rain, and no bright hot sunlight. As the heat was low, the crowd could well and easily stand the humidity. None of my family objected when I said I was skipping Saturday's class to attend this. I now feel that it would have been a great loss if I did not attend this very rare ceremony of a Holy Sacrament, probably only chance of a lifetime. I know this is something very special which Hundreds of Thousands of Christians could never witness.   Powered by HIS Mercy & Love Liz B. Paul Final Year IT Student Mortha Mariyam Valia Pally, Kothamangalam [www.newindpress.com]

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01.10.2004 15:29:24: Manarcaud church declared universal pilgrim center

KOTTAYAM: Echoing the views of the Pope of the Catholic Church, Patriarch of Antioch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas on Sunday came down heavily on abortion saying it was a crime committed by men and women. In his speech declaring St Mary's Church at Manarcaud near here as a universal pilgrim centre and elevating it to the status of a cathedral, the Patriarch said mothers had a duty of offering babies to the world and grooming them in a good way and recalled that Virgin Mary was a role model for married and unmarried men and women. Addressing followers on the church premises after the Sunday Holy Mass, the Patriarch said that the Syrian Church attached much importance to Virgin Mary and her intercession between God and believers. The Manarcaud St Mary's Church had become a great pilgrim centre where thousands became blessed through prayers, the Patriarch said and added that the miracles performed by Virgin Mary here were uncountable. She was keeping the word of God and her life was a model for married and unmarried people, he added. The Patriarch then declared the Manarcaud church as a universal pilgrim centre and elevated it as a cathedral amid chants of `let Antioch-Malankara ties last for ever' by thousands of church followers. The Patriarch's speech was conspicuous by the absence of any reference to the ongoing feud in the Malankara Church, in spite of the fact that the headquarters of the Orthodox Syrian Church is here. Thanking the declaration on the Manarcaud church, Catholicos Baselius Thomas I said that the Jacobite Church submitted itself to the Throne of Antioch with respect, obedience and allegiance of faith. The criticism by the Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews II of the Orthodox Church against the Patriarch was like asking the latter to move from the seat of God to that of Satan, he said. The Catholicos was speaking as if some evil spirit had entered him, he said, but cautioned church followers not to ridicule the Orthodox faction under any provocation. Earlier in the day, the Patriarch offered the Holy Mass with the assistance of Baselius Thomas I, other bishops of the Jacobite Church and the Knanaya Metropolitan. Mar Athanasius Elia Bahi, secretary to the Patriarch, Petros Mar Silvanos (Holms) and Malki Mar Militius (Australia) also participated. This was the second time the Patriarch was visiting the Manarcaud church. The last one was during his India visit in 1982. [www.newindpress.com]

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01.10.2004 15:29:24: Patriarch call to shun abortion

Patriarch call to shun abortion By Our Staff Reporter MANARCADU, SEPT. 26. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, now on a visit here, has called against the medical termination of pregnancy. He was addressing the flock after prayers at the St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian church here this morning. Terming abortion a sin, the Patriarch said the killing of unborn children was on the increase. He called upon all those who have been party to medical termination of pregnancy to repent and receive Eucharist as a means to cleanse themselves of the sin. At a special ceremony held after the Holy Qurbana, the Patriarch elevated the St. Mary's church as a `universal pilgrim' centre of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church of which he was the head. He also elevated the church as cathedral. The Patriarch also announced that the steps to declare the late Bishop Paulose Mar Coorilos, former Malankara Metropolitan, a saint, had commenced. The Patriarch was accompanied by the Catholicos, Baselius Thomas I, and bishops of the Jacobite Church. The Hindu, Monday, Sep 27, 2004  [source: Thomas Daniel (Reji)]

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01.10.2004 15:29:24: Paulose Mor Koorilose To Be Canonised

The late Malankara Metropolitan Paulose Mor Koorilos will be canonised as Saint by the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. The Synod convened at Karingachira Church in the presence of the Patriarch H.H. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, ordered to start the process for this declaration. The declaration is based on the believers' witnessing of the miracles happened through the intercession of Mor Coorilos, who is entombed in Panampadi Martha Mariam Church. A special commission will study the witnesses and will give a report to the Episcopal Synod, who in turn will finally decide on the declaration. Mor Koorilos, who born on 20th Vrichikam 1852, as the son of Mulanthuruthy Kandanad Thozhuppadan Kochuparambil Thomas, received his ordination as a deacon at the age of nine, from the then Antiochian representative Mor Euyakim Koorilos. He continued his syriac education under the Malpans Pallithitta Geevarghese Kathanar and Koonappillil Geevarghese Kathanar. Becoming a priest at the age of 16, his first Holy Qurbano was celebrated at the Kandanad Church. He became a Ramban at the age of 25 and given charge of the Vettikkal Dayara. He traveled to the Holy Lands along with Parumala Kochu Thirumeni and after his return, joined at the Old Seminary at Kottayam, when he was deputed to oversee the construction of Trivandrum St.George Church, by the then Malankara Metropolitan. On 31st May 1908, Ramban Paulose was ordained as Bishop Paulose Mor Coorilose, along with Vattasseril Geevarghese Malapan, at Sehion malika in Jerusalem by the then Patriarch Abdoloho (Abdulla II). He continued the Church service along with the Late Michael Dionasius Metropolitan. Mor Koorilose was commented for his simplicity and meekness as well as for his observance of lent, prayer and holding the true belief of the Syrian Church. In 1911, Mor Koorilos was selected as the Malankara Metropolitan at the Jacobite Association held at Aluva Thrukkunnathu Seminary, which was presided by the then Patriarch Abdoloho. On 14th December 1917, Mor Koorilose went to his heavenly abode and was entombed at Panampadi Church at Kottayam. [source: Thomas Daniel (Reji)]

28.09.2004 18:21:38: Full-fledged Episcopal synod held after 186 years

The full-fledged Episcopal synod of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian church was held here on Thursday in the presence of the Patriarch of Antioch, H.H Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka Iwas, after nearly 186 years. The synod, held at St George Jacobite church at nearby Karingachira, was attended by Catholicos Baselious Thomas I and 18 metropolitans. This was the first time in the recent history of the Malankara Church that the Synod was meeting in the presence of the Patriarch. Briefing reporters on the synod deliberations in the presence of the Patriarch, synod secretary Joseph Mor Gregorius said that the Church would carry out its expansion with special emphasis on indigenization. ``The Church is already on the path of Indianisation. But we want to accelerate the pace,'' he said. As part of the Church's ``expansion project'', the synod also decided to set up more dioceses, consecrate additional bishops and new churches would be set up outside Kerala and efforts would be made to translate the liturgical texts and rites in regional languages of other states. He said the church had lots of followers in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and north India. Another major decision was the declaration of the St Mary's Church at Mannarcadu as a pilgrim centre. The synod also permitted the parishioners of St Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church, North Paravoor, and St George Church, Arthattu in Kunnamkulam to remember Abdul Jaleel Mor Gregorius and Sleeba Mor Osthathios respectively in their prayers. The names of both the departed spiritual heads were included in the `Thubdeen'(the episodes in the prayer which remembers the forefathers and the rich heritage of the Malankara Church) of the Jacobite Church. On the disputed closed churches, the Patriarch said churches are for worship. Churches should be opened and followers of both the Orthodox and Jacobite factions should be allowed to worship, he said. The court cases with regard to the disputes between the two factions should be freezed, he said. The synod assumes importance in the light of the ongoing factional feud between the Jacobite and Orthodox factions of the Malankara church over several issues, including distribution of church properties. In the morning, Patriarch declared the ancient St George Jacobite Syrian church at Karingachira near Tripunithura here as Cathedral of the Jacobite Church. Established in AD 722, the St George church has witnessed several historic events in the history of the Malankara Church. The late Geevarghese Mor Gregorius Metropolitan, popularly known as ‘Parumala Thirumeni’ ascended the first step of ordination at this church. The church structure is a perfect blend of Persian and Indian traditional architecture. In the press conference the Patriarch said that his decision to declare St George Jacobite Church as a cathedral would not amount to violation of the Supreme Court judgment. ``It is a spiritual matter. My act cannot be dubbed as a violation of the Supreme Court directives,'' His Holiness said. SOCM-Press Bureau Date: Fri Sep 24, 2004

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