Fasting / Lent
Our Forefathers often compares Human life as ‘Two Faced’ one. It is the conjunction of two aspects – ‘Eternal’ and ‘Physical/ Transient’. We are in middle of two faces. Just below Angels and above Animals.” Human beings have free will to fight against the evil. Whenever we go close to evil, we stand near to animals and if we control ourselves from the physical wishes we approach angels.
We live in a world where we tend to do more evil and less good! We are more attracted to the world than the eternal life. Lent / Fast always lead us to God and the eternal world. Jesus Christ himself showed us how to fast. If Christ fasted for 40 days then how much we should do to cleanse ourself from the bad deeds we do every day. Our Prayers often reminds about the importance of Lent. “Lent saved Daniel from Lions! Lent saved Peter from Jail!”
Lent in Canon
1. Apart from Holy Saturday (Sat after Good Friday) we should not observer fasting.
2. Should not observe Lent from Easter to Pentacost
3. Old People, Pregnant ladies, sick, Babies can be exempted from Lent with Prior permission of Priest.
Compulsory Lent in Canon
1. 25 Days before Christmas
2. Ninaveh Lent
3. Great Lent
4. Fast for the intercession of the Apostles (June 26-29)
5. Fast for the intercession of Virgin Mary (August 1-15)
6. Every WEDNESDAY (Jesus Christ birth in St. Mary)and FRIDAY (Crucifiction of Christ)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Great Lent #02
Great Lent, or the Great Fast, is the most important Lent in our church. We, The Syrian Christians observe several fasts / Lents throughout the year. Nineveh Lent for 3 days, 25 Day Lent before Christmas, 8-Day Lent in September and so many as Non Mandatory and Mandatory. What is the purpose of every Lent?
Do we have any guidelines in Holy Book about Lent? We are not able to figure out the origin of Lent. When it was practiced first? Early on, Lent was a time of preparation for those about to be baptized at Easter. Or Lent is a time of soul-searching and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection on Good Friday and Easter. Lent has been observed in different ways at different times, so it is hard to say when it started.
Rise up from where you are now! Take this lent as the most rigorous one. Let he forgive us and bless us.
Do we have any guidelines in Holy Book about Lent? We are not able to figure out the origin of Lent. When it was practiced first? Early on, Lent was a time of preparation for those about to be baptized at Easter. Or Lent is a time of soul-searching and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection on Good Friday and Easter. Lent has been observed in different ways at different times, so it is hard to say when it started.
Moses took a lent of 40 Days and Night for the Tables of the Covenant. David besought God for the child; and David fasted and lay all night upon the earth. Ester before going to King, asked Mordecai to gather all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for her, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: She and her maidens fasted in like manner. Nehemiah sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and prayed before the God of heaven “we have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.” After ten days of fasting Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths that did eat of the king's dainties.
Some took Lent to examine heart and confess sins. Some others observed it as time of spiritual cleansing and renewal. What ever reasons they observed the Lent, and in whatever ways they observed, God showered his blessings unto them finding their Lent was divine and holy.
Let us observe this Lent keeping 3 major points in mind.
1. Fasting - Give up something for God. Fasting is not a means to “earn” something from God, but rather a way to learn to curb your appetites and focus more completely on God.
2. Prayer and Meditation - Read over the Gospel accounts of our Christ, his suffering. Reflect on His suffering, and the tremendous love that it represents. Reflect on your own sin and what it cost Him. Take out some time for prayers of confession and repentance. Do some spiritual “house cleaning.”
3. Giving to the poor - Use the money that you save by not eating to help the poor.
Rise up from where you are now! Take this lent as the most rigorous one. Let he forgive us and bless us.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Mor Yulios Elias Qoro - February 19
Mor Yulios Elias Qoro (1881-1962) was the Patriarchal delegate to Malankara. Elias Malke Qoro was born in Mardin on August 1, 1881, and studied at the school of the Church of the Forty Martyrs there. He joined Deir al-Za`faran in 1902, and became a monk on 16 June 1905. Elias was appointed secretary to Patriarch `Abded Aloho II in 1906, and was ordained priest in 1908. He accompanied the Patriarch on a trip to Jerusalem, Istanbul, London, Paris, Egypt, and India, from 1908 till 1911. In London, he met King Edward VI twice and dined at his table. He became abbot of Deir al-Za`faran in 1911, and was appointed director of its printing press. Elias was consecrated bishop on 23 Sept. 1923 in the Church of the Forty Martyrs by Patriarch Elias III, with the honorific title Yulios, and was appointed to serve in Malankara. He became a Patriarchal Delegate to Malankara in 1927. In 1932, he established Mor Ignatius Dayro on the burial site of Patriarch Elias III in Manjinikkara. He also oversaw the establishment of a few monasteries and churches in Malankara. He died in 1962 while serving in India and was buried at Manjinikkara Dayro.
Mor Yulios was one of the foremost masters of the Beth Gazo melodies. Patriarch Ya`qub III, who studied under Mor Yulios in Malankara, later produced audio recordings of the Beth Gazo that remain an important learning resource for the clergy.
Ref: http://manjinikkaradayara.org
Monday, October 11, 2010
I am the light of the world!
"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
The earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. (Gen 1:3). The first place we read about Light in Holy Bible. In the days of Creation God found that it was good. And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; named him Adam. But serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. Serpent convinced the woman. Adam and Eve committed the first sin. Their eyes opened. They fled from light, hid themselves from the presence of Jehovah God amongst the trees of the garden.
Mankind started running away from God that day. We all suffer from different sort of tensions and stress. We have darkness in our hearts and mind. The light which was passed is taken away completely.
Baptism is the first sacrament for every Syrian christian. Through Baptisim, we are welcomed to our church. In the prayers of Baptism there is a portion where the priest delivers the oath. It says to Satan/ Devil “Don’t come near my son of Christ, Go to darkness the place where no one lives”. Even though we hear / listen that we don’t understand darkness is place were Satan should live, not us. We run to darkness along with him.
Job: 24:13. “These are of them that rebel against the light; They know not the ways thereof, Nor abide in the paths thereof.” We do the same.
In our Holy Fifty lent prayers we pray “Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” Still we think we can run from him!
Light from Sun is same. But same light that makes plants grow, hardens clay. The response is completely different. Like wise blessings are.
Jesus tells “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness.” John 12:46. We are called Christians. Meaning we follow Christ. If we belive food is good to take away our hunger, our hunger wont go. You should have food, then only your hunger will go away. Like wise you should follow him in all ways. Try to see good things with the eyes which he has give. Hear good things. And do good things for his glory.
World is becoming dirty and filthy each day by day. We live in the same world. We are going to celebrate HH Ignatius Elias Third, The Patriarch Birthday tomom (Oct 13th). I remember one story told by HH. HH was coming down to India in ship. Along with other crew members HH was sitting in deck watching the ocean. He called his nephew who was the captain of the boat. Asked him how ship is moving? He answered because of water. HH asked him to put a hole in the ship so that the water come inside.
Everyone was puzzled, but later came to know it was a great lesson. HH was telling them about the filthy world. We are living in this dirty world, but we should not allow all dirty things come inside to make us impure.
When we are getting tempted, let St. Ephrem’s word give us strength. “I was hunger, but then I remembered about the glory and happiness which you give for the people who starve, praise you without fail and stayed away from my food”. Let us also keep this in mind. May the prayers of St. George and HH Elias give you more strength.
God bless!
The earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. (Gen 1:3). The first place we read about Light in Holy Bible. In the days of Creation God found that it was good. And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; named him Adam. But serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. Serpent convinced the woman. Adam and Eve committed the first sin. Their eyes opened. They fled from light, hid themselves from the presence of Jehovah God amongst the trees of the garden.
Mankind started running away from God that day. We all suffer from different sort of tensions and stress. We have darkness in our hearts and mind. The light which was passed is taken away completely.
Baptism is the first sacrament for every Syrian christian. Through Baptisim, we are welcomed to our church. In the prayers of Baptism there is a portion where the priest delivers the oath. It says to Satan/ Devil “Don’t come near my son of Christ, Go to darkness the place where no one lives”. Even though we hear / listen that we don’t understand darkness is place were Satan should live, not us. We run to darkness along with him.
Job: 24:13. “These are of them that rebel against the light; They know not the ways thereof, Nor abide in the paths thereof.” We do the same.
In our Holy Fifty lent prayers we pray “Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” Still we think we can run from him!
Light from Sun is same. But same light that makes plants grow, hardens clay. The response is completely different. Like wise blessings are.
Jesus tells “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness.” John 12:46. We are called Christians. Meaning we follow Christ. If we belive food is good to take away our hunger, our hunger wont go. You should have food, then only your hunger will go away. Like wise you should follow him in all ways. Try to see good things with the eyes which he has give. Hear good things. And do good things for his glory.
World is becoming dirty and filthy each day by day. We live in the same world. We are going to celebrate HH Ignatius Elias Third, The Patriarch Birthday tomom (Oct 13th). I remember one story told by HH. HH was coming down to India in ship. Along with other crew members HH was sitting in deck watching the ocean. He called his nephew who was the captain of the boat. Asked him how ship is moving? He answered because of water. HH asked him to put a hole in the ship so that the water come inside.
Everyone was puzzled, but later came to know it was a great lesson. HH was telling them about the filthy world. We are living in this dirty world, but we should not allow all dirty things come inside to make us impure.
When we are getting tempted, let St. Ephrem’s word give us strength. “I was hunger, but then I remembered about the glory and happiness which you give for the people who starve, praise you without fail and stayed away from my food”. Let us also keep this in mind. May the prayers of St. George and HH Elias give you more strength.
God bless!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
August 6 - Transfiguration of Jesus Christ
Church Celebrates August 6 as "Koodara Perunal" or "Marurupa Perunala" or Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. A short note compiled about the Feast!
August 6 - Transfiguration of Jesus Christ
The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event in which Jesus is transfigured upon a mountain (Mount Tabor). (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36). Jesus became radiant, spoke with Moses and Elijah, and was called "Son" by God. It is one of the miracles of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels. This miracle is unique among others that appear in the Gospels, in that the miracle happens to Jesus himself. Thomas Aquinas considered the Transfiguration "the greatest miracle" in that it complemented baptism and showed the perfection of life in Heaven. According to the Gospels, Peter, James, son of Zebedee and John the Apostle were with Jesus upon the mountain. The transfiguration put Jesus above Moses and Elijah, the two preeminent figures of Judaism. It also supports his identity as the Son of God. In keeping with the Messianic Secret, Jesus tells the witnesses not to tell others what they saw until he has risen on the third day after his death on the cross.
August 6 - Transfiguration of Jesus Christ
The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event in which Jesus is transfigured upon a mountain (Mount Tabor). (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36). Jesus became radiant, spoke with Moses and Elijah, and was called "Son" by God. It is one of the miracles of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels. This miracle is unique among others that appear in the Gospels, in that the miracle happens to Jesus himself. Thomas Aquinas considered the Transfiguration "the greatest miracle" in that it complemented baptism and showed the perfection of life in Heaven. According to the Gospels, Peter, James, son of Zebedee and John the Apostle were with Jesus upon the mountain. The transfiguration put Jesus above Moses and Elijah, the two preeminent figures of Judaism. It also supports his identity as the Son of God. In keeping with the Messianic Secret, Jesus tells the witnesses not to tell others what they saw until he has risen on the third day after his death on the cross.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Mor Simon, the Stylite - July 27
The Syriac Orthodox Church Celebrates the feast of Mor Simon the Stylite (Semavoon Desthoono) on July 27th. We remember Mor Simon in our 5th Thubdeen in our Holy Mass.
Attaching a brief biography of the Saint.
Mor Simon - July 27th
Mor Simon is the first among the pillar ascetics. The term stylite originated from the Green word 'stylos' which means pillar. Simon was born in the village of Sesan, a place on the border of Cicila and Syria.
Simon was a shepherd at young age. While in the filed with sheep, he saw a vision. Later, he disposed of his properties and the assests of his aunt, which had been entrusted to him. He distributed part of the proceeds among the poor and the needy. The remaining assets he took to the monastery of Eusebona at Tell 'Ada, situated between Antioch and Alleppo. He joined the monastery with his brother Shemse when he was in the teens.
Later, he dug a pit of about 4 ft in the garden and stood in the pit for about 2 months. After the midnight prayer he used to stand with a big stone hung around his neck. He also stood on a roller to resist sleep in the night. His fellow hermits were jealous about these practices of Simon and raised some false accusations against him. Thus, he left the monastery of Eusebona. The head of the monastery gave him four coins which he refused to accept and said: "May your prayers be the viaticum for me"
Mor Simon reached the village Telanissue, Diar Sem'an. He sat beneath a tree and prayer, "O God My Lord, by Thy will you protected me from all adversities. Help and guide me until I reach the heavenly abode". He then travelled and reached the monsatery of Maris. He healed several sick people while staying in this monastry.
Mor Simon was in the habit of observing the forty-day lent in all its seriousness. During thr 40 day lent he didnot eat anything. In A.D. 423 he prepared a platform of about 4 ft. high and stood on it for about five years. Mor Simon was going around the nearby villages to preach Gospel. Angels, prophets Elijah and Moses appeared to him. Several miracles happened through the intercession of Mor Simon.
Mor Simon spent about 40 years on a pillar. He prayed "O Lord, my God, let not the hands of mortal men be necessary for my help. Let not me step down from this pillar to see men on earth. Help me O Lord to end my life on this pillar on which I ascended by your grace. According to Thy will accompany the soul of Thy servant from this place".
Mor Simon had ulcers on his foot because of standing for long on the pillar. He suffered a lot for about nine months. Emperor Theodosius sent three Bishops to request Mor Simon to step down from the pillar. However, he spent time in prayer and fasting. In A.D 459(July) several people gathered around pillar to listen to his words. Mor Simon departed for the heavenly abode probably on Wed July 27. His body was kept on the pillar for 19 days in order to agree upon place of burial. The body was carried in a funeral procession from the Fort of Simon to Antioch.
The body was buried in a church at Antioch constructed by King Constantine. An evil spirited man touched the coffin during the funeral procession and was healed.
Now there are 4 churches near the pillar of Mor Simon. Those who followed his ascetic practices are called Stylites.
Ref: "Martyrs, Saints & Prelates" - Rev. Fr. Mani Rajan
Attaching a brief biography of the Saint.
Mor Simon - July 27th
Mor Simon is the first among the pillar ascetics. The term stylite originated from the Green word 'stylos' which means pillar. Simon was born in the village of Sesan, a place on the border of Cicila and Syria.
Simon was a shepherd at young age. While in the filed with sheep, he saw a vision. Later, he disposed of his properties and the assests of his aunt, which had been entrusted to him. He distributed part of the proceeds among the poor and the needy. The remaining assets he took to the monastery of Eusebona at Tell 'Ada, situated between Antioch and Alleppo. He joined the monastery with his brother Shemse when he was in the teens.
Later, he dug a pit of about 4 ft in the garden and stood in the pit for about 2 months. After the midnight prayer he used to stand with a big stone hung around his neck. He also stood on a roller to resist sleep in the night. His fellow hermits were jealous about these practices of Simon and raised some false accusations against him. Thus, he left the monastery of Eusebona. The head of the monastery gave him four coins which he refused to accept and said: "May your prayers be the viaticum for me"
Mor Simon reached the village Telanissue, Diar Sem'an. He sat beneath a tree and prayer, "O God My Lord, by Thy will you protected me from all adversities. Help and guide me until I reach the heavenly abode". He then travelled and reached the monsatery of Maris. He healed several sick people while staying in this monastry.
Mor Simon was in the habit of observing the forty-day lent in all its seriousness. During thr 40 day lent he didnot eat anything. In A.D. 423 he prepared a platform of about 4 ft. high and stood on it for about five years. Mor Simon was going around the nearby villages to preach Gospel. Angels, prophets Elijah and Moses appeared to him. Several miracles happened through the intercession of Mor Simon.
Mor Simon spent about 40 years on a pillar. He prayed "O Lord, my God, let not the hands of mortal men be necessary for my help. Let not me step down from this pillar to see men on earth. Help me O Lord to end my life on this pillar on which I ascended by your grace. According to Thy will accompany the soul of Thy servant from this place".
Mor Simon had ulcers on his foot because of standing for long on the pillar. He suffered a lot for about nine months. Emperor Theodosius sent three Bishops to request Mor Simon to step down from the pillar. However, he spent time in prayer and fasting. In A.D 459(July) several people gathered around pillar to listen to his words. Mor Simon departed for the heavenly abode probably on Wed July 27. His body was kept on the pillar for 19 days in order to agree upon place of burial. The body was carried in a funeral procession from the Fort of Simon to Antioch.
The body was buried in a church at Antioch constructed by King Constantine. An evil spirited man touched the coffin during the funeral procession and was healed.
Now there are 4 churches near the pillar of Mor Simon. Those who followed his ascetic practices are called Stylites.
Ref: "Martyrs, Saints & Prelates" - Rev. Fr. Mani Rajan
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Morth Yulithi (Julietta) and Kuriakose (Cyricus ) - July 15th
Tomorrow July 15th church celebrates Memory of Morth Yulithi (Julietta) and Kuriakose (Cyricus )! It is really good to learn about them and how they have suffered!
Morth Yulithi (Julietta) and Kuriakose (Cyricus ) - July 15th
According to legend, Julietta and her three-year (sometimes described as three-month) old Cyricus had fled to Tarsus and were identified as Christians. Julietta was tortured, and her three year old son, being held by the governor of Tarsus, scratched the governor's face and was killed by being thrown down some steps. Julietta did not weep but celebrated the fact that her son had earned the crown of martyrdom. In anger, the governor then decreed that Julietta’s sides should be ripped apart with hooks, and then she was beheaded. Her body, along with that of Cyricus, was flung outside the city, on the heap of bodies belonging to criminals, but the two maids rescued the corpses of the mother and child and buried them in a nearby field.
Morth Yulithi (Julietta) and Kuriakose (Cyricus ) - July 15th
According to legend, Julietta and her three-year (sometimes described as three-month) old Cyricus had fled to Tarsus and were identified as Christians. Julietta was tortured, and her three year old son, being held by the governor of Tarsus, scratched the governor's face and was killed by being thrown down some steps. Julietta did not weep but celebrated the fact that her son had earned the crown of martyrdom. In anger, the governor then decreed that Julietta’s sides should be ripped apart with hooks, and then she was beheaded. Her body, along with that of Cyricus, was flung outside the city, on the heap of bodies belonging to criminals, but the two maids rescued the corpses of the mother and child and buried them in a nearby field.
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