Cry of the Assyrian !!!!! -1

Cry of the Assyrian!!!!

Today I was led to hearing this Special Podcast in Ancient Faith radio - Crucible of the Assyrians.

 

http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/features/crucible_of_the_assyrians

It so much touched my heart  that it  made me cry and the thought came to me repeatedly  that I should not to go to sleep tonight without sharing  and asking others too to listen to the crying plea of the Assyrian  - A people being systematically made extinct while we live in the comfort of  of our day to day affairs .

Please pray and do what your heart tells you to . May God in His Mercy  .

 

Yet another SCOOCH meeting in 2015 !!!

http://theorthodoxchurch.info/blog/news/2015/03/patriarch-ignatius-aphrem-ii-presides-over-the-meeting-of-the-standing-committee-of-oriental-orthodox-churches-in-north-america/

It is indeed with a sad heart that I  wake to see that in this land of North America where racial discrimination and partiality is not acceptable when the Standing Council of Oriental Orthodox Church meet that that the participants and Diocesan Bishops in North America of Orthodox Church in India and its Catholicate is excluded and alienated .

- A whole community founded on its Apostolic faith handed by none other than St. Thomas, that was constantly involved with OO Christian relations including its Catholicose of the East representing the Oriental Orthodox Council of Heads held in 1965 at Addis Ababa and its Theologians like Fr. V.C Samuel , many unknown lay persons struggling on a day to day basis this wonderful faith amidst distractions is excluded and alienated .

While the choice to closing our eyes and pretending not to see or turn the other way , Please remember that allowing this discrimination to continue is not only a wrong against the Children living now including my own children, but also against our Lord Jesus Christ and His Body that we proclaim as ' One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church ' . Lord Have Mercy

March 17, 2015

 

Sunday of the Crippled Woman , March 15, 2015

Sunday of the Crippled Woman

Readings St. Luke 13: 10- 17  , I Peter 3:8-16  , Romans 12: 1-15

"And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God."

 It is the first time that it stuck me that crippled woman was at the Synagogue to be seen the Lord to be healed. Very often, we too have to come to stand in prayer and in the temple before God to be healed by Him . It is reminder to stand in prayer  even when not expecting a sudden reply or even when what we have come to ask may not be as expected by God to  have that expectation that all seeing God may yet have mercy upon us and heal us ,and touch us  as He did the crippled woman.

Wonderful how we need to focus and see the Epistle Reading that tells -

'Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:'Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing'

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers."

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

  

as well as the reading from Romans 12

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

 

Another message that I have read or heard is how at this specific event in a specific moment in time when the Eternal God  willed to be incarnate in  His temple of the Old Israel, of the chosen people. He chose to make straight that was bend and  in His mercy continues to making straight all of creation through His Church  where He dwells in its fullness by His very presence . Like the rulers of the Synagogue ,we the custodians those baptised and  especially the Clergy called to serve chose to see only the legal implications and not see and glorify as the Crippled woman gave Glory to Him whom all Glory is due.  Our very birthright to which we are born gain as  ' Orthodox Christians' (' Christians who give 'Right Glory' )have reduced to become sectarian and  fallen short of our calling. Let us cry out and seek His Mercy that he may yet heal us and  through us heal this world, which has fallen short of what good it was created to be. 

Remembering our Fathers - February 23, 2015

" We are never allowed to forget even in a small local church the presence of this great cloud of witnesses who share with us the life of the One Church. We remember at every Eucharist the departed as a whole, and especially the Apostles, great teachers, and spiritual leaders who have helped build up and protect the Church from error and deviation. It is not a law that we have to ask the Saints to intercede for us. We do it with great joy and genuine appreciation of their past and present role in the one Church of Jesus Christ."  - extract from St. Thomas Seminary, Nagpur  Webpage

 

Lest we forget -

 

• Our father HG Makarios who served the Catholicate and the Holy Church including 46 years of his ministry to serve the Church in North America.
• Our saint  Saint HG Geevarghese Mar Dionysius of Vattasseril

When asked at some time what was the mission field of his, Makarios Thirumeni told it is You - You the Future of the Church . May His prayers be with us . See below Final Message by HG Makarios ( 3 parts). It  was of the Church and its mission outside Kerala and India

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW7y5wlrqwg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR-5xzOXERY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnKpoAkdxMc

 

See below last Kalpana by St. Dionysius

http://rightglory.blogspot.ca/2014/02/last-kalpana-of-vattasheril-tirumeni-to.html

 

 As the Church is being persecuted by the evil one and his forces to bring disharmony from within the Oriental Orthodox Christian community, within the Catholicate and every Parish , Let us pray that through us the  evil  not spread and cry desperately with tears  our Lord's mercy ,so that even with our shortcomings He may use us for His Glory

 

May the Prayers of the Fathers to our Lord be our Strength

 

George Varghese

Calgary, Canada

February 23, 2015

 

Scripture Readings - First Sunday after Danaha 2015

Evening : St.Mark1:14-34 , Morning : St.John1:18-28

Before Holy Qurbana : Genesis25:19-34,30:36-31:2 , IIKings5:1-14 ,Isaiah49:7-13

Holy Qurbana : Acts2:37-47 , Ephesians1:3-14 , St.Matthew4:12-22

1. Hymn after Gospel

There are no two such beautiful sisters like Holy Baptism and the true Church . The two has seen unseen vital secrets . One give delivery, the other makes to grow. Baptism create spiritual children from water. Church brings then near to God.

2. Excerpt from  Archibishop Lazar Puhalo 's thoughts in his book ' Not by Bread Alone'
(St. Matthew 4:1-12 )

"So let us , as we come to the River Jordan today, make of our hearts the Sea of Galilee, that the love which flows into us from God and the grace which flow into us from the Holy Spirit , will flow out of us again to embrace others and to water the earth with this life-bearing spring so that we can be light in the midst of darkness, so that we can bear life in the midst of death, so that the love and grace of God not die within us and we become like the Dead Sea. Let our hearts be opened and our souls rejoice in one another, even as we rejoice in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen !"

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The Church calendar immediately points after  the Theophany of Christ the path of the martyrdom followed by St. John the Baptist and St. Stephen  while the Scripture reading points to Apostles and the early days after resurrection of Christ . It shows how the Lord adds to the Church at all times and the confidence and the guarantee of Baptism and sealed with the Holy Spirit to those who come to it.

In these times when the Church is faced with troubles from within , from even those who call themselves Christians and outside , May the Lord have mercy on us and Let us not stay away or prevent others from coming and being blessed by the Holy Spirit within the Church and grow to be a light to the world , Amen

Nativity of our Lord and God Jesus Christ!!

Christ is Born ! Glorify Him!!

Below are words transcribed on Meditations on the Nativity. Produced by Theosis

Pray you and be encouraged to reflecting on these precious words on who He is to each of us
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D50-8JlcwSg

Do not think it is a small thing when you hear of this birth,but rouse up your mind and tremble,being told that God has come upon the earth
St. John Chrysostoum

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Today He who holds the whole Creation in His hand is born of a virgin.He whose essence none can touch is bound in swaddling clothes as a mortal man. God who created the Heavens lies in a manger. He who rained manna on His people in the wilderness is fed on milk from His mother's breast.
The Bridegroom of the Church summons the wise men: The Son of the Virgin accepts their gifts. We venerate Thy Birth , O Christ
Kontakion of Naivity

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Pure is the present night ,in which the Pure one appeared, Who came to purify us. Let our hearing be pure,and the sight of our eyes chaste,and the feeling of the heart holy,and the speech of the mouth sincere! This is the night of reconciliation; let none be angry at his brother and offend him! This night gave peace to the whole world! Let none threaten. This is the night of the Most Meek One; let none be cruel!
This is the night of the Humble one, Let none be proud. Now is the day of joy; let us not take revenge for offences ! Now is the day of good will; Let us not be harsh On this day of tranquilty , let us not become agitated by anger. Today God came unto sinners;let not the righteous exalt himself over sinners! Today the Most Rich One became poor for our sake;let the rich man invite the poor to his table! Today we received a gift which we did not ask for ; Let us bestow alms to those who cry out to us! The present day has opened the door of heaven to our prayers; let us also open our door to those who ask for forgiveness! Today the God head placed upon Himself the seal of humanity and humanity has been adorned with the seal of God head !
St. Ephraim the Syrian

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Today the Lord is born,the life and salvation of mankind ;Today a reconciliation is made of Diviniy to humanity, and of humanity to Divinity;Today all creation has leapt for joy; today occured the death of darkness and life of humanity;today a way was made toward God for man, and a way for God into the soul
St. Macarius the Great
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Today the Virgin gave birth to the Transcendent One !
And the earth offers a Cave to the unapproachable One!
Angels with the sheperds sing songs of praise,
The Magi journey wiith the star,
For unto us has been born a little child
God before all the ages
Kontakion of the Nativity
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Christ is born; glorify Him !
Christ comes from heaven; go to meet Him!
Christ is on earth ;be exalted!
Sing to the Lord all the earth!
And praise Him in gladness , O people for He has been glorified!
Third irmos of the first cannon
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Thy nativity O Christ our God Has shown to the world the Light of Wisdom,For by it those who worshipped the stars,were taught by a star to adore Thee, The sun of Righteousness.
And to know Thee the Orient from on high O Lord,
Glory to Thee !

Guidelines for Pious Living

Guidelines For Pious Living By His Grace Job Mar Philoxenos

There is in the heart of all of us a yearning longing for doing things that would please God. We fail often to do that as the worldly thoughts and passions encompass us. As a result, what we loose is the inner peace and tranquility that is given to those who are in communion with God. Regular practice is needed to keep off the evil and stay in communion with God. Given below are some practical suggestions that would help us to reach this goal. These guidelines for pious living are modified from the writings of one of the great Fathers of Christendom and were well received by many. In the hope that this would enable all those who wish to lead a pious life, I hereby reproduce the same. If possible get a laminated copy of this and try to follow the instructions as far as possible. Much of the tensions that fill our daily life will find relief by regular practice.

Guidelines for Pious Living

Force yourself to get up early and at a definite time. Do not sleep too much. Take seven hours maximum as a general rule, unless you are unusually fatigued. As soon as you wake up, direct your thoughts to God and piously cross yourself, thinking of our crucified Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the sake of our salvation. Get up from your bed at once and get dressed. Do not pamper yourself. While dressing, remember that you are in the presence of the Lord and your guardian angel. Then start your morning prayers immediately. Make a firm resolution to do everything for the Lord and to receive everything from His Fatherly Hand. Meditate in this way: maybe this is the last day of my life, then do everything the way you would-if you were preparing to come before the Justice of God.

After your prayers, start your work. Let your deeds and actions be for the glory of God. Remember that God sees you everywhere, sees all your actions, doings, feelings, thoughts and desires, and will generously reward you for all your good deeds. Do not begin anything without praying to God because the things we do or say without prayer later proved to be either sinful or harmful. Amid your labors be not downcast, and entrust your success to God's Grace. Fulfill all that is difficult for you as though it were a penance for your sin in the spirit of obedience and humbleness. Repeat brief prayers, especially the "Jesus Prayer", while you are working. If your work is being accomplished with success, as your hearts desires - thank the Lord; if without success - then remembers that this too God allows, and He works everything for good.

If you wish for a spiritually peaceful life, give yourself to God. Always and in everything think of God and His holy love for us sinners. In everything, try to fulfill God's will and to please God alone. Do not care to be respected and loved by people. Keep a vigilant watch over your feelings, thoughts and motions of your heart and your passions. Give consideration to nothing trivial where your personal salvation is concerned. In everything ask yourselves: In this case what would Jesus Christ have thought, said, or done? Be meek and humble, be silent and endure by the example of Jesus. He will not lay a cross upon you, which you are not able to carry. He Himself will help you carry your cross. Do not expect to acquire any one virtue without any sorrow and pains of the soul. Beg God to give you grace to fulfill your responsibilities in the best way possible. Obey His holy commandments - even though they may seem difficult for you. Do not dwell in idleness even for a short time, but always remain in labor and be occupied. Do everything in the name of Jesus Christ and in this way all your actions will be deeds of piety.

Flee even the smallest of sins, because one who does not commit the smallest, certainly will not fold into great and deeper ones. If you do not want to be bothered by evil thoughts, then humbly receive all disparagement of soul and bodily suffering. Every thought which withdraws you further away from God, especially filthy thoughts of the flesh, banish from your heart, as quickly as possible, as you would cast from your clothes a spark of fire that fell burning on them. Amidst temptations, do not be troubled. He, who gives you the circumstance of a battle, will also give you strength for victory. Let your spirit be at rest.

Trust in God. Pray to God that He takes from you everything that feeds your self-love, even though it may be very bitter for you. Wish to live and die for God alone, and to belong to Him entirely. If you have food and clothing, be content with it by the example of Jesus Who became impoverished for our sake.

Never argue and do not depend or excuse yourselves too much. Do not say anything against your superiors or your neighbors without need or obligation. Be sincere and simple in heart. With love, accept directions, admonitions, and being exposed by others, even though you may be wise. Do not detest or be envious or exceedingly stern in word and deeds. What you do not wish for yourselves, do not do unto others and what you wish others to do to you, do it first unto them. Be gentle, modest, careful, wise, blind and deaf, according to the situation. Remember that Jesus is present among those with whom you are and among those with whom you speak. Say nothing without thought. Bear it firmly in mind that time is short and that man must give and account of every idle word that he speak. Listen more than speak; in verbosity you will not escape sin. Beg God to give you blessing to be silent and to speak at the right time. Do not be curious about gossips; it diverts the spirit. Try to do good to everyone any kind of good and at any time you can, not thinking whether it will or will not be appreciated. If one does not obey you the first time, do not force him through debate, make use of the good yourself, which he has lost, because meekness will bring you great profit.

Before going to sleep, examine your conscience, pray to be given light to recognize your sins; think of them, beg for forgiveness and promise to reform. Then give yourself up to God, as though tonight you will have to appear before Him. Entrust yourself to the Mother of God, your guardian angel, the saint whose name you bear. Picture your bed as your coffin and your blanket as your shroud. Cross yourself and kissing the cross you wear, fall asleep under the protection of Shepherd of Israel! He will not nod or fall asleep.

During an illness, first of all, entrust yourself to God in order to strengthen your spirit in the midst of your misery, often remember and think of the suffering and the death of Jesus Christ. Ceaselessly say all the prayers you know and can. Beg God to forgive you your sins and to give you patience while ill. In all ways possible, abstain from complaining an irritation that is common when ill. Our Lord Jesus Christ underwent, for the sake of our salvation, the most painful stress and suffering and what is that in comparison that we have done or suffered for the sake of our salvation?

Go to the services in church as often as possible. Try especially to be present often at the Holy Liturgy. Go to confession and receive the holy sacraments as often as possible. Receive Holy Communion always with sincere hunger and real thirst of your soul, with a contrite heart, with reverence, humbleness, faith, trust and love. Think of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ as often as possible, begging Him to veil your sins and receive you into His kingdom. May the name of Jesus always be on your lips, in your soul and in your heart. As often as possible, meditate on God's great love to you. Glorify and worship the Holy Trinity so that you yourself may love Him with all your heart, all your soul and with all your thoughts. Doing so you will enable you to lead a peaceful life on earth and a blessed one in Heaven forever.

May God bless you.

Your shepherd in Christ,
Job Mar Philoxenos, Diocese of Delhi
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This is an old article by HG Philoxenos of Memory Eternal.  Pray it heals