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മലങ്കര സുറിയാനി ഓർത്തഡോക്സ് സഭ ചരിത്രം, Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas Centre B-21, Puthencruz (2026)

10/02/2016

Announcement

10/02/2016

Announcement

02/05/2014

Renowned historian Mr. George Varghese of Malankara Orthodox Church wrote “Malankara Sabha (an official church magazine of Malankara Orthodox Church)” “ From the time of Nicea synod till 1490 Malankara church was with Jacobite / Orthodox faith. From 1490 until the time of Udumperroer Synod, 1599, Nestorian Faith influenced Malankara. 1665 Mor Gregorious of Jerusalem reestablished the Jacobite / Orthodox faith. (The Malankara Sabha, Page 21, Issue No. 41, August 1986)

In reply to the above statement Rev. Fr. Dr. V.C. Samuel wrote, “ From 470 the Catholicate of Persia were influenced by the Nestorian Faith and by 486 it officially accepted the faith. After that by 629 only the Anthiocan Syrian Catholicate was able to reestablished in Persia (The Malankara Sabha, Page 25, Issue No. 41, October 1986).

28/04/2014

H.G Paulose Mar Gregorious, a bishop of “Catholicose faction of Malankara”, then remban Paul T Varghese and Principal of the Orthodox Theological seminary, Kottayam and world renowned scholar, wrote on October 9, 1968 in the "News from Seema" page 21-22, "We in India belong to this Patriarchate even if we have our own Catholicose and are autonomous. We have no other sources from which to renew our ancient tradition, except the tradition of Antioch, of the Great Syrian Church, which once had spread through the length and breadth of Asia, right up to China and Korea. It would be the height of ingratitude and most deplorable folly on our part if we grieve his hart (the Patriarch) with any world which seeks to dissociate ourselves with the patriarchate of Antioch."

27/04/2014

Remember, St. Thomas came to India when so many countries of Europe had not yet become Christian, and so, those Christians who trace their Christianity to him have a longer history and a higher ancestry than that of Christians of many European countries. And, it is really a matter of pride to us that it so happened.

--Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of India (1952-62), 18 Dec. 1955, St. Thomas’ Day Celebrations, New Delhi.

23/04/2014

Conclusion

The Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church, though in its long history, had to put up with stiff challenge, trials and tribulations, by God's grace, even now it continues to, practice the true Apostolic faith taught by its Holy fathers and be a part of the ancient Universal Syriac Orthodox Church with its distinct identity.

Photo: Clergy of Holy Syriac Orthodox Church In Malankara (Jacobite Syrian Christian Church) with His Holiness The Patriarch of Antioch and All The East L.L. Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas and His Beatitude The Catholicos Aboon Mor Basalious Thomas I
Text courtesy: SyrianChurch.org

23/04/2014

Enthronement of a new Catholicos & the present administrative setup of the Malankara Church.

On 27th December 1999, H.E. Mor Dionysius Thomas (Cheruvallil), the president of the Holy Episcopal Synod in India and Metropolitan of Angamali, the largest diocese in Malankara, was elected as the new Catholicos-designate of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church under the Holy See of Antioch. On 26th July 2002, H.E. was enthroned as the Catholicos (Maphriyono) Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas-I by His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East. It was after a gap of 6 years, a new Catholicos was appointed for the Church in India in the East. Mor Baselios Thomas-I succeeds Mor Baselios Paulose-II (died in 1996) as the Catholicos (Maphriyono) of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church. Two weeks before the historical consecration ceremony, a new constitution was adopted for the Church in India namely 'Jacobite Syrian Christian Church Association' and was registered as per the Indian Charitable Trust Act. As per this constitution, the Catholicos will also function as the Metropolitan-Trustee. The other main office Bearers of the Association are, a Priest-Trustee (Very Rev.Dr.Kurien Corepiscopa Kaniamparambil), a Lay-Trustee (Mr. George Mathew Thekkethalakkal), and an Association Secretary (Mr. Thambu George Thukalan). A working committee comprising of 18 members and a managing committee of 120, were also elected from the 3960 representatives that participated in the Association from 700 odd parishes in Kerala, India. The Holy Episcopal Synod of Church in India also ratified its earlier decision to reappoint Metropolitan His Grace Mor Gregorios Joseph as its secretary.

In the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, the Patriarch of Antioch & All the East is the spiritual supreme, but the temporal powers of the local Church in India rests with an association, elected from among the representatives of Parishes of Malankara, and is to be administered under guidance from its Chief prelate, the Catholicos of India. While the Chief Prelate of Malankara Church has powers to administer the general affairs of the Church in India, he has limited authority over individual parishes.

The most important part of the administrative set up of the Church is that, each individual parishes has power to take any decisions related to them on their own and no external body can interfere in their internal administrative structure. The Church is of the view that these individual parishes, particularly almost all the ancient churches, have been established by the desire of the parishioners and the central structure of the Church participated only in spiritual guidance. This is so in the cases of new parishes also, except otherwise mentioned. In short, while the Bishops gave guidance to the spiritual matters and administer the few common properties of the dioceses, it is with the parishioners the administration of the individual churches rest. Thus a complete democratic structure exists in the Jacobite Syrian Church which makes its so unique. This administrative structure came into existence in Malankara with the approval of Mulunthuruthy Synod, that was held in AD 1876 under the leadership of the spiritual supreme of Malankara Church, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East, His Holiness Mor Ignatius Peter-IV.

Besides this, there are other churches/associations, independent of each other, that came into existence in the last century, established on the desire of the laity and are under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch. They are the Simhasana (Thronal) Churches, the St. Antony's congregation and Honawar Mission based at Mangalore (founded by Mor Julius Alwarez), the Evangelical Association of the East ('Pourasthya Suvisesha Samagam') and the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Greater India (comprising of Outside Kerala dioceses-in India). All of these are administered by Metropolitans appointed by the Patriarch of Antioch. Also there is a Knanaya diocese that was established in early 20th century for the migrant Knanaites and is under the administration of a Metropolitan. All of the above dioceses have their own associations and decisions pertaining them are taken by themselves and with the approval of the Patriarch of Antioch. For the proper training of the clergy, a Theological Seminary functions at Udayagiri (Vettickal), near Mulunthuruthy. The Administrative head quarters of the Malankara Church is at Puthencuriz in Ernakulam District.

Photo: is Beatitude The Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas-I submitting the 'SALMUSA' to the supreme head of the
Holy Church, His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East
Text courtesy: SyrianChurch.org

23/04/2014

Speech made by His Beatitude Catholicos Mor Baselios Paulose II during the Enthronement Ceremony of the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East.

Most beloved and distinguished guest,

We are indeed fortunate to have come from far and near to participate in this historic function, when by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a new Patriarch is being enthroned on the most ancient and Apostolic See of St.Peter at Antioch, who is to function as the Supreme Spiritual Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church. God's Holy name be praised.

As the Catholicos of the East, I come from the Southern most part of India, which enjoys the glorious mission of the Apostleship of St.Thomas. On behalf of the Syrian Orthodox Church in India, may I convey most hearty felicitations to all the distinguished guests and the eminent elites of this country, who have come to grace this function.

I shall be failing in my duty, if I do not say a word on our late lamented Patriarch H.H. IGNATIUS YAKUB III of blessed memory. He was a wonderful person of initiative and action, in whom we find a harmonious blending of both idealism and realism, where the deep Theology of Mor Sevarious, the sweet musing of Mar Aphraim, the great Philosophy of Bar Hebrus, the marvellous genius of Michael, the great-all these combined in him. Nature had blessed him in a such an abundant manner that one can definitely say "Here is the Man", both heroic and dynamic. We bow our heads in awe and admiration to his memory. Throughout his life, he was involved in a noble attempt of "Bridge Building" - that real Ecumenism be realized in man's relationship with one another, that the barrier between man and man may be cleared. May his soul rest in peace.

The Church which had been bemourning at the untimely lose of its Supreme Pontiff, today shoots its head up in exultation of limitless enthusiasm and joy at the happy tidings of the appearance of a glorious SUN at the Eastern Horizon, in the person of H.H. Ignatius Zakka I. Now as the mantle of Eliah is fittingly fallen upon this Elisha, we believe and hope, that he is capable enough to play the vessel of the Church and of humanity to a haven of prosperity and security. We pray God to bless him profusely that he may as the Prophet Says "ARISE and SHRINE".

A group of believers consisting of bishops, priests and laity, both men and women of different walks of life have come with me from India to attend this blessed function. This is a novel experience and in their name I convey to you all, the best wishes of the Syrian Orthodox Church in India.

Now in the name of all the believers of the Syrian Orthodox Church in India, I offer to our most beloved Supreme Spiritual Father H.H. Moran Mor IGNATIUS ZAKKA I, our Supreme loyalty and unstinted love. We earnestly believe that in his Shepherdship, the Church shall be enriched by a lively spirit of ecumenism, where human values are recognized and respected, where the relation between man and man be established on the divine principle of "BROTHER HOOD" that men can live together and work in better understanding and fellowship, making Ecumenism more meaningful and practical in human affairs.

With prayers, for the long life of our PATRIARCH, and for the well being of all of you, and the States and interests you represent may I conclude.

Text courtesy: SyrianChurch.org

23/04/2014

Consecration of the Patriarch of Antioch.

On September 14, 1980, His Beatitude Catholicos Mor Baselios Paulose II made history by consecrating Mor Severious Zakka, Archbishop of Baghdad, as the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East; This was the first time in the long history of the Syrian Orthodox Church that a Catholicos from Malankara officiated in the enthronement of a Patriarch of Antioch.

23/04/2014

Ordination of the Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Paulose II

Consequently the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church elected Mor Philexinos Paulose as the new Catholicos-designate and in 1975 he was ordained as Catholicos Mor Baselios Paulose-II for the Indian Church. In the 2000 year long history of the Holy Church, Catholicos Mor Baselios Paulose-II was the first prelate from Malankara, who had the opportunity to lead the ordination ceremony of the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas in 1980. His Beatitude continued as chief prelate of the Malankara Church till his demise on 1st September 1996 and was entombed at the famous Malecuriz Dayro, near Ernakulam, where the Holy relics of many saints including that of Saint Gregorios (Parumala) is interred.

Photo: Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Paulose II
Text courtesy: SyrianChurch.org

23/04/2014

Consecration of the Catholicos in 1964

In 1964, Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Yakub-III arrived in Malankara and ordained Mor Augen as Catholicos of the East-'Mor Baselius Augen-I'. Thus, the Catholicate was established in India with its administrative jurisdiction limited to this nation, as per the decision of Universal Episcopal Synod held at Kottayam, presided by the Patriarch Ignatius Yakub-III of Antioch and attended by all the bishops of the Syrian Orthodox Church in India, and bishops from the Middle East who had accompanied the Patriarch.

A new era of peace and unity started with it, which continued for some years. But by the seventies, Catholicos Mar Augen under pressure from the extremists in his group, began to claim that he was sitting on the throne of St. Thomas and declared equality with his superior, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East. And also fundamental changes were made in the history and faith of the Malankara Church that was followed for centuries, in order to suit their needs, particularly in the Sunday Schools and other such organizations. These new twisting to the facts, hurt not only the Syrian Christians of Malankara but also the Patriarch who had brought peace to the Church in India.

The people who were eager for the continuation of its Holy Apostolic faith, organized themselves and worked tirelessly for the revival of the true faith. Finally due to the continued requests of the bishops, clergy and the vast number of people, the Patriarch had to convene the Universal Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church in 1975 and had to take necessary action against the defiant Catholicos. Because of the stubborn attitude of the opponents, the Patriarch was forced to excommunicate the Catholicos Augen-I, in order to safeguard the true faith of Malankara Church, after giving ample time to correct his stand.

Pledge by Mor Augen during his Catholicos consecration: “ I the feeble and meak Augen Mor Themotios chosen for ecclesiastical office of the Catholicos confess my belief before the Synod, and before the head of the Synod His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Yacoub III Patriarch of Antioch and all the East that, the Patriarch is my head, that I accept from St.Peter the head of Holy Apostles upto your Holiness all the canonical Patriarchs who reigned on your Throne and all those who come after your Holiness. Once again I repeat my canonical connections with the Holy Throne of Antioch. I swear that I shall not depart from this solemn oath.”

Photo” H.H. the Patriarch Mor Yakub III installs Mor Augen as the Catholicos of the East at Kottayam. The Catholicos-designate Mor Augen reading the Pledge of Loyalty to the Holy See
Text courtesy: SyrianChurch.org

23/04/2014

Peace in 1958

The negotiations for a long standing peace continued in spite of the Patriarchal sides complete victory in the various Courts of Travancore-Cochin states in late 1940's and 1950's. When Moran Mor Ignatius Yakub III become the Patriarch, he in his very first bull, expressed his desire for the unity of the Church in Malankara. This was at a time when the Patriarch's side had won the case in the High Court and he made many sincere efforts, which is even now recalled by many. But unfortunately even then, the Methran faction was not willing for peace until they felt strengthened by the Supreme Court verdict which went in their favour albeit on a purely technical and legalistic point. On 16th December 1958, following a series of discussions that was continuing for many years, the Patriarch and the then supreme administrator of Methran group, the Catholicos, accepted each other. The Catholicos however, in his letter of acceptance, on the last minute added a clause that he accepted the Patriarch "subject to the constitution of Malankara Church" (a constitution formulated by the Methran Kakshi in 1934). This was contrary to the understanding reached earlier and was a real shock for the peace loving people of Malankara. Anyhow the Patriarch tried his best to pacify the Malankara Jacobite Syrian community, hoping that a complete peace and harmony would become a reality in a near future in the Malankara Church.

But almost immediately after the accord of 1958, the Catholicos and his group took some steps which not only wounded the sentiments of the Syrian Christians, but also gave the impression that they would not give the Patriarch or the Jacobite Syrian community, due respect. Most of the people and clergy and all the Metropolitans, unhappy as they were, remained silent resigned to their "fate". However after a series of aggression, such as that happened in Arthat Simhasana Church, Kallumkathra Church, Kattapurathu Church etc., many of the faithful were forced to react and as a direct consequence to this, a meeting of the representatives of the various parish churches, who were in favour for the continuation of the Apostolic faith, was convened at Manarcad in 1960. The large gathering assembled there protested against the forceful entry of the Catholicos to many churches and for the introduction of his factions faith, contrary to the agreement reached with the Patriarch earlier. On the request of the faithful assembled there, Mor Philixinose went to Damascus to call on His Holiness and submit their grievances. But His Holiness who was against another split in the Church, sent back Mor Philixinose with instructions to co-operate with the Catholicos to the maximum, in spite of any such ill-treatments. Patriarch Mor Ignatius Yakub III tried his best to to keep the accord of 1958 and avoided for maximum, any of the provocation of erstwhile Methran group. But still the Catholicos suspended Mor Philixinose Paulose from the Episcopal Synod of the united Church on 17th June 1960, there by paved way for the continuation of enmity among the Syrian Christians.

In spite of many such difficulties and mental agony, the Jacobite Syrian community under the instruction from the Patriarch, continued to co-operate with the united Church. The Patriarch's firm belief was that the time will wound the healing.

Photo: Baselius Geevarghese II (Right) and Mor Julius (Left) before exchanging the letter of unity in Old Seminary on December 16, 1958
Text courtesy: SyrianChurch.org

മലങ്കര സുറിയാനി ഓർത്തഡോക്സ് സഭ ചരിത്രം

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