Oct.01.2004: 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.
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, Maarat 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 b
orn 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 Iwass 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 Orientes 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 Holinesss 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 sagiotho (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 Maarat 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 Maarat 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 Maarat 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 Maarat Seydnaya which was inaugurated on September 14, 1999.
Construction of St. Ephrem Patriarchal Halls at the Monastery of St. Ephrem the Syrian in Maarat Seydnaya which was inaugurated on September 14, 2000
Construction of the House of Love for the elderly Syrian Orthodox Clergy in Maarat 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 Sirrai 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: Consecration of Holy Mooron held at St Thomas Church
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]
01.10.2004 15:29:24: Manarcaud church declared universal pilgrim center
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]
01.10.2004 15:29:24: 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)]
01.10.2004 15:29:24: Paulose Mor Koorilose To Be Canonised
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 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