In an exclusive interview with ICON, H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasius, Metropolitan, Kandanad (E) Diocese, Malankara Orthodox Church talks about the multi track approach followed in Kandanad (E) diocese in helping the needy. Thirumeni is a great scholar and an inspiring speaker in addition to the charity initiatives that he undertakes in helping people.

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By Rev. Fr John Brian Paprock
The menortho, representing Gogoltha, is erected in the centre of the church on Mid-Lent Wednesday. The cross on the menortho is taken out by the celebrant for a procession around the church, and after Hawo Dmalakhe (raising of the cross to the four corners), the cross is re-installed on the Menortho and Quqlion prayers of the Cross are conducted in front of the Menortho.
We at ICON appreciate the mission of Fr Brian and his Maruroopa Church at Wisconsin. We thank him for sending this important article to us. The full text of it can be accessed by clicking on the following link The Blessing Cross

The Great lent or the fifty day's lent is observed as a preparation for our Lord's death on the cross and His resurrection. The great lent is a time for prayers, fasting, repentance and reconciliation with God. It's a time to be thankful for all the blessings the Lord has showered on us. Fasting and Prayer are an integral part of the great lent. The Lord taught us "Except by prayer and fasting, it is not possible to gain victory over Satan - St. Mathew 17:21". The change that occurs in our life is what gives meaning to the Great lent.
Great Lent Special Prayer (Malayalam)
Passion Week Special Prayer (Malayalam)

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February 23rd marks the anniversary of St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius Vattasseril, popularly known as Malankara Sabha Bhasuran (The Great Luminary of the Malankara Orthodox Church) which our Church has bestowed on him in recognition of his rich contribution to Malankara Orthodox Church. Vattasseril Thirumeni was a man of prayer, determination and dynamism. He was a saint who never stooped before falsehood. He bravely fought for the establishment of Catholicate to be the symbol of self-identity and independence of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

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February 23rd marks the anniversary of H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios, Metropolitan, Canada & Europe. HG was a great visionary and exemplary shepherd of the Holy Church. The founder Metropolitan of the American Diocese, Thirumeni had endeared himself to the younger generation of the Dioceses in the West. Aided by the experience of being a professor in the Alma College, Michigan, this father could connect with the young people admirably. May our good Lord grant peace to his soul.

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His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Didymus I consecrated seven new bishops today (February 19., 2009) at St. George Orthodox Church, Puthupally, the Oriental Georgian pilgrim centre of The East. HH was assisted by H.B Paulose Mar Milithios, Catholicate designate and all the other bishops. The new bishops are H.G. Yuhanon Mar Polycarpos, H.G. Mathews Mar Theodosius, H.G. Joseph Mar Dionysius, H.G. Abraham Mar Epiphanios, H.G. Mathews Mar Themothios, H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebios and H.G. Yuhanon Mar Dioscoros.

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H.G. Yuhanon Mar Dioscoros, 43, belongs to the Kallarackal Kaleelil family of Kundara, Thiruvananthapuram diocese, and is the son of  P T Mathunny Panicker & Late Mrs. Kunjamma Panicker. His parent parish is St. Thomas Orthodox Valiyapally, Kundara. He obtained his B.Sc degree  from Kerala University(1984), theological diploma (GST) from Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam, Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) from Serampore University (1988), and Master of Theology (1991) and Doctor of Theology (1995) from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome. He also holds a certificate in Pastoral Counselling from Glasgow University, Scotland (1997). He was ordained to the Holy priesthood by the late H.G. Geevarghese Mar Dioscorus. HG, whose resume reflects his multifaceted personality, is now the Professor and Dean of Studies at the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam. He is the author of five books.

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H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebios, 43, is a member of St. George Orthodox Church, Puthoor, Kollam diocese. He hails from Vattakkattu family, Puthoor, and is the fourth son of late. Y. Daniel and.Chinnamma Daniel. He has completed his B.Sc (Kerala University), LL.B (Bangalore University), GST (Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam), BD (Serampore University), M.Th (St. Peter's Pontifical Institute of Theology, Bangalore), Diploma in Biblical Geography (Tantur Ecumenical Institute, Jerusalem) and Research Study in Old Testament (Federich Alexander University Germany). HG is currently pursuing Doctoral Research in the Old Testament at the St. Peter's Pontifical Institute of Theology, Bangalore. In 1995, H. H Baselious Mathews II ordained him to the priesthood. With an impressive resume and a string of achievements, H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebios is now a faculty for the Old Testament at the St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary, Nagpur. He is the author of one book in Malayalam.

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H.G. Joseph Mar Dionysius, 52, hails from the Thekkil Kandathil family of Valanjavattom, Thiruvalla, and is the youngest son of late T.V.Mathai and Annamma Mathai. His home parish is St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Valanjavattom of the Niranam Diocese. He was barely 16 years of age when he accepted membership in the Society of Sacred Transfiguration, Mount Tabor Dayara, Pathanapuram, from the late lamented Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan. H.G. Joseph Mar Dionysius graduated from Madras University in 1979 and took his post-graduation (1981) in science with first class and first rank. He took his M. Phil in 1988 and Ph. D in 1995 from the Kerala University. He also has a B. D. from the Serampore University. The certificate in Advanced Christian leadership from the Haggai International Institute, Singapore, burnishes his resume further. H.G. Joseph Mar Dionysius was ordained to the priesthood in 1995 by His Grace Thomas Mar Thimotheos Metropolitan (the present Catholicos). Currently, HG is the secretary, St. Thomas Orthodox Clergy Association, Diocese of Thumpamon, and director, Zoology Research Centre, St. Stephens College, Pathanapuram. His most popular work is 'Paristhithy Adyatemeekata' (Environmental Spirituality).

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H.G. Mathews Mar Themothios, 45, belongs to Painuvilla Puthenveedu House, Mavelikara Diocese, and is the son of P J Baby and Thankamma Baby. His home parish is St.Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Puthiyacavu, Mavelikara. He took his B. Sc degree from Bishop Moor College, Mavelikara, G.S.T. from Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam, and B.D and M Th from Serampore College, Kolkata. He took his licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, and his doctoral degree from the Pontificia Studiorum Universitas, Rome. He also took a diploma in Biblical Archeology from the Pontifical Institute, Jerusalem. This multilingual scholar is currently faculty member and registrar at the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam. Noteworthy among his works is an exegetical study of Psalm 24, which was published in Rome.

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H.G. Mathews Mar Theodosius was born on September 15, 1955, as the eldest son of Mr. P. M. George and Mrs. Aleyamma George, Punchayil Veedu, Pandankary, Edathua (Niranam Diocese). His GST and BD degrees are from the Orthodox Theological Seminary Kottayam. This educationist who was at one time the principal of St John's Higher Secondary School, Kunnamkulam, has a BEd from Sardar Patel University and a post-graduate degree in History. He was ordained priest on April 27, 1982, by the late lamented H.G. Joseph Mar Pachomios Metropolitan. A member of the Order of Imitation of Christ (OIC), Bethany, since age 16, he became the monastery's superior in 1996 and was serving thus at the time of his election. He was professed a Ramban at Parumala on December 4, 2008.

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H.G. Yuhanon Mar Polycarpos was born on November 30, 1954, to Mr. Zachariah and Mrs. Annamma, Parakunnil House,Panniamkkara P.O, Vadakkancherry, Palakkad. He has his G.S.T. (1978) and B. D. (1979) from the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam,a certificate course from Bossey Institute of WCCA, Geneva (1999-2000), and a certificate course in counseling from the Indian Christian Medical Association of India, Shillong. He was ordained priest by late lamented H.G.Yuhannon Mar Severios (in 1980) and was professed Ramban by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I (in 2006). When elected by the Malankara Association in September, he was serving as the manager of the Vettickal Dayro.

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H.G. Abraham Mar Epiphanios hails from Thekkemala, Kozhenchery. Born in 1960 as the son of Mr.V.A. Oommen and Mrs. Gracy Oommen, the Ramban (then Abraham Oommen)was educated at Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Old Seminary Kottayam and Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, Madras (B.A, B.D and M.Th respectively). Ordained as a priest on May 21, 1987, he accepted the vows of monasticism and was professed Ramban on March 31, 2002. The Ramban was serving as the manager of Devalokam Aramana when the Malankara Association elected him as a bishop-designate.

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St.George Orthodox Church, Puthuppally is one of the oldest and renowned churches of Malankara Orthodox Church. The patron saint is St.George. It is one of the pilgrim centers of the Malankara Orthodox Church. It is known as the Georgian pilgrimage center of the East. This church is the refuge of thousands of people all over the world who seek the intercession of St.George. The church is the venue for the consecration of the seven bishops of the Malankara Orthodox Church on February 19, 2009.

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With profound grief and sorrow we inform that our beloved Thirumeni H.G. Mathews Mar Epiphanios of Kollam Diocese has entered into eternal rest. His Grace departed to heavenly abode Wednesday, February 9th, 2009 at Benziger hospital, Kollam. The mortal remains of His Grace were taken to Kollam Aramana Chapel. Funeral will take place at Kollam Aramana Chapel on February 10, 2009. Nagarikanikkal will start at 10:00 AM. The final service of the funeral will begin at 12:00 Noon. We remember HG's contributions to this church and pray for his soul.
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The Orthodox Church believes that Church is the body of Christ and any one who is baptized will be part of His body. As Christ lives eternally His body also should be living eternally. Jesus said 'Who ever eats of my body and drinks of my blood shall live eternally -John 6:54'. Life eternal can not be challenged by physical changes. Because physical is not eternal, eternal is beyond physical. Death is only a physical change brought on humans.

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Fast of the Ninevites or the Three day Lent is celebrated from February 2nd to February 5th, 2009. This is one of the 5 canonical lents in the Holy Church. This is observed three weeks prior to beginning of the Great Lent (Valia Nombu). The basis for this lent is biblical, found in the book of Jonah. Lent is often compared to a weapon utilized to fight with Satan and his evil forces.

February 2nd marks the anniversary of H.G. Pathrose Mar Osthathios, the founder of The Servants of the Cross, and the former Bishop of Malabar Diocese. (June 20, 1886 - February 2, 1968) He established 'The Servents Of The Cross' for the upliftment of separated and alienated classes in the society. In addition to his contributions on the social front, he made significant contributions on the spiritual front. He was the first person to translate the Holy Qurbana, Taksas, Promiyon and other prayers for Holy Services from Syriac to Malayalam. On 15th May 1953, he was ordained as a Bishop and appointed as the Metropolitan of Malabar Diocese. On 2nd February 1968, he entered eternal rest and was laid to rest at Carmel Dayara, Kandanad.
HG's Biography

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January 26 marks the anniversary of H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, the sixth Catholicos of the East and the Malankara Metropolitan of Malankara Orthodox Church. (January 30, 1915 - 26 Jan 2006) He is the 89th successor to the apostolic throne of St. Thomas. He was noted for his spiritual leadership and loving nature and could endear himself to everyone who came in contact with him. Known as a pioneer in social service, his contributions to the society has been remarkable. The number of instituions that he started out numbers any others in recent times. These include hospitals, schools, colleges, convents and other social schemes for the poor.

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With profound grief and sorrow we inform that our beloved Thirumeni H.G. Philipose Mar Eusebius of Thumbamon Diocese has entered into eternal rest. His Grace departed to heavenly abode Wednesday, 21st Jan at 11:05 PM (IST) at Muthoot Hospital, Kozhencherry where HG was admitted for the last few days, most graciously after doing his bounden duty. The mortal remains of His Grace will be taken to Basil Dayara Chapel this night (Wednesday) and will be kept there. The funeral will be at Basil Dayara Chapel, Pathanamthitta on Friday 11:00 AM.
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January 3rd marks the memorial of H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese II, The Third Catholicos of the East. (6 June 1874 - 3 Jan 1964) Through prayer and fasting he received strength from God to lead his people for long years, courageously, inspiring his people to work for their church and for the glory of God. Following the peace pact of 1958, he had the good fortune to guide the destiny of the unified Malankara Church. The deep spirituality and wisdom of this Catholicos earned him the title 'Valiya Bava', or 'The Great Catholicos'.

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MGOCSM completes 100 years of service to the students of this church and beyond. (1908-2008). The centenary celebrations began with the Centum Glorious conference and the closing was maked by the Centum Gratia conference (December 26 - December 31, 2008). The Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church His Holiness Abuna Paulose was a chief guest of the Centum Gratia conference. Leaders from many of the sister churches also participated in the events. May the presence of the Lord guide the movement always.

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As the year 2008 leaves behind its memories, and we look forward to the year 2009 with hope, we must thank the Lord for guiding the Malankara Orthodox Church during the year. There were many memorable events in the year 2008, some, we cherished with joy and the sense of progress, some, we accepted with tears. The church made progress in every walk of its life. The grace of the Lord was with us in every moment. The signs of a strong leadership truly emerged. The urge to reach out to the poor was ever more. The unity of its people was evident.

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The ICON Charities REAP 2008 education assistance scholarships were handed over to 91 students on November 15, 2008 at Gethsemon Aramana, Idukki, Kerala, India by Rev. Fr. P.A. Philip, Director, Mar Baselius Engineering College, Peermedu, Idukki. All together, REAP 2008 provided ~INR 3.15 Lakhs in assistance. Realizing Education Assistance Partially (REAP) is a charitable project aimed at reaching out to financially poor students from backward places. Our mission is to facilitate caring and sharing for financially poor students to achieve the dream of higher education by providing educational assistance. Click here for more details.

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Sacraments are special experiences in our life as Orthodox Christians when the perception of God's presence and actions is heightened and celebrated. Traditionally, the Sacraments have been known as Mysteries in the Orthodox Church. This description emphasizes that in these special events of the Church, God discloses Himself through the prayers and actions of His people. The seven main sacraments are Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation, Holy Eucharist, Holy Confession, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders and Holy Unction (anointing the sick). The documentary contains many of the sacraments performed by H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, the catholicos of the East.

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