Events

Probably Abbot of Qenneshre Monastery

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Note: The inclusion of this event in the online calendar is for educational purposes, and solely to remind the faithful of the mercy of our Lord as shown through the Holy Synod in granting us a shortened fasting period. Please follow the fasting period as per Patriarchal Encyclicals and guidance from one's spiritual father.

Although mandatory fasting for the Nativity lasts from December 15-24, during these first 2 weeks consider making positive spiritual changes, increasing frequency of prayer, reading scripture and meditating on the importance of the season of Annunciation in the economy of our salvation.

The Christmas fast used to last for 40 days as recorded in the Hudaya Canon of Mor Gregorios Yuhannon bar'Ebroyo (some ascetics still continue this practice). However, the Church later shortened the period to 25 days. Finally, in 1946 & pursuant to a decision taken by the Council held in Homs; on December 7th 1946 the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum of blessed memory limited the Nativity Fast to 10 days starting on December 15th & ending on Christmas Day (Hido d'yaldo d'Moran), December 25th. Out of piety, it is common for the faithful of Malankara to begin their fast on December 1st even to this day.

During this fast, the Takrit/Eastern rite (ie the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Iraq and other parts of the erstwhile Maphrianate) has a special set of prayers. The thrice blessed late Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum writes in his book 'Scattered Pearls', "This rite also includes a medium-sized book containing eight services of the Christmas fasting, known to Easterners as the subbara, i.e., the Annunciation of the Nativity of the Lord Christ. These services are usually repeated three times." These prayers were recited during the weekdays of the Nativity fast, in lieu of the Sh'himo. Although developed in Iraq, the late Patriarch found copies in Mardin, Tur Abdin, and Jerusalem. Copies of this service also made its way to India, and was published as part of the Pampakuda Phanqitho.

May our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ abundantly bless all the faithful who wholeheartedly keep the fast. As we look forward to the commemoration of Christ's Nativity on Christmas Day, let's not forget to keep 'Christ' in Christmas; not by simply uttering the phrase but by following what Christ would want us to do.

Malankara World Special Supplement for the Nativity Fast: https://goo.gl/f7bsJW

Patriarch of Antioch Mor Porphyros

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In hagiography: Peter the Iberian was the son of the king of Georgia. He went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and became a monk. He became Bishop of Maiuma in Gaza and was exiled to Egypt in 455.

RSoH

December 2nd is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Sabor & St. Aphroth according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Sabor & Mor Aphroth are believed to be two saintly men who came to Malankara to preach the Gospel. The two were most likely from Dayro d-Mor Mattai Nineveh. They came along with a group of Syriac Christian immigrants lead by a merchant named Maruvan Sapir Iso. They are said to have disembarked at Quilon (Kollam) in c. 822. They were preachers of the Gospel & it is believed that both were bishops. They established churches in Quilon, Kayankulam, Udayamperoor, Kadamattom & Akaparambu. According to one tradition, the Malayalam Calendar era (Kolla Varsham) started with these holy fathers who settled at Kollam in AD 825.

While not much is knows about the two, for the faithful in Malankara they are saintly figures who built many churches in Malankara. Both Mor Sabor & Mor Aphroth are named after Syriac martyr saints who lived in Persia during the early centuries of Christianity. To honour the memory of these martyrs, the visitors to Malankara built churches in the name of these Persian martyrs. This is corroborated by the records of the decisions of the 'Synod of Diamper' (Udayamperoor).

Mor Sabor is believed to have been based at Quilon & Mor Aphroth at Udayamperoor. Some accounts suggest that Mor Aphroth was based at Kodungalloor. Mor Aphroth is believed to have been instrumental in the conversion of the royal family of Udayamperoor to Christianity. It is believed that the Villarvattom royal family, perhaps the only Christian royal family in Kerala was an offshoot of this conversion.

The records of the Thareesa church at Quilon indicate that the church was established by Sapor Esho. Historians suggest that the records refer to Maruvan Sapir Iso, the merchant leader of the immigrant group, or Mor Sabor or perhaps both. The Tharisappalli Copper Plates are a set of grants by the King. The inscription describes the gift of a plot of land to the Syriac Orthodox Church at Tangasseri near Quilon (now known as Kollam), along with several rights & privileges to the Syriac Christians led by Maruvan Sapir Iso. The word 'Tharissa' is a corruption of the Syriac word 'treeysath' meaning 'Orthodox'.

There is a rock cross at Kadamattom St. George Syriac Orthodox Church built by Mor Sabor. The Phalavi (Persian) inscription on the cross is translated as follows, "I have come to this nation from Nineveh as a bird. Mar Sapor writes, the forgiving Messiah who saved me from persecution".

The Udayamperoor Synod (illegal Synod forcefully convened by the Portuguese colonialists in a bid to force the Syriac Orthodox Church of Malankara to be subject to Rome) in the mistaken belief that Mor Sabor & Mor Aphroth were Nestorians removed their names from the list of the holy ones & changed the churches named after them to the 'Church of All Saints.' (19th canon of the Synod). Although the Akaparambu church was represented at the Udayamperoor Synod, it did not acknowledge the decisions of the Synod & retained its name. The other churches are called the 'Church of the Qadishangal' (Qadishangal being a corruption of the Syriac word for the Holy Ones, Qadishé). Today, Kollam Qadisha Church, Kayankulam Qadisha Church, Kadamattom Church & most famous of all Mor Sabor-Mor Aphroth Church Akaparambu stand as testament to the evangelization of these saintly Syriac fathers. The Syriac Orthodox faithful of Malankara continue to venerate & commemorate the dukhrono of these 2 Holy Fathers every year. None of the other Kerala Christian communities do so.

Oh Mor Sabor and Mor Aphroth! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

http://www.soc-wus.org/ourchurch/Sts.%20Shabor%20&%20Aphrohot.htm

Lecture Series - Malankara Church & it's relation with the Persian Church (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/3b2jY8a

In hagiography: Carpus (Qarpos) was the bishop of Shawaur who was martyred by the Persians; his relics were placed inside a church in Ṭur ʿAbdin that was built by Saliba, the father of Samuel of Qartmin.

RSoH

H.E. Mor Athanasius Touma, Patriarchal-Vicariate of United Kingdom was consecrated on December 3rd by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I

http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/SyriacOrthodox/bio_AthanasiusTouma.htm

https://urhotheway.com/2020/11/20/st-dionysius-the-areopagite/

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December 3rd is the commemoration of St. Polycarp according to the liturgical calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Polycarp was the Bishop of Smyrna. His life began at the end of the first Christian century, & he became the disciple of St. John the Evangelist. With St. Clement of Rome & St. Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp is regarded as one of the three chief Apostolic Fathers.

After severe tortures & many threats, the saint wished to shed his blood for Christ's name. He commanded & taught his people to be steadfast in faith & told them that they would not see his face after that day. They wept & tried to hold him down to prevent him from leaving but they failed to stop him.He went and confessed the Lord Christ before the Governor who ordered to cut off his head after much torture; thus he received the crown of life. Some of the believers took his body, shrouded and buried it with great honor.

After severe tortures and many threats, the saint wished to shed his blood for Christ's name. He commanded and taught his people to be steadfast in faith and told them that they would not see his face after that day. They wept and tried to hold him down to prevent him from leaving but they failed to stop him.He went and confessed the Lord Christ before the Governor who ordered to cut off his head after much torture; thus he received the crown of life. Some of the believers took his body, shrouded and buried it with great honor.

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December 4th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Barbara & St. Juliana +303 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mort Barbara was born at Nicomedia in Bithynia, modern Isnik, Turkey. She was the daughter of King Dioscorus. Barbara was very beautiful, so her father kept her hidden in a tower. She would secretly leave the tower, changing her appearance with a costume & go out to pray with the Christians. Once Dioscorus went for a long journey. When he returned Barbara testified that she become a Christian. Dioscorus got angry with this & he wanted to kill her. However, Barbara escaped the attempt to kill her with a sword. She ran through the fields, as she passed by the wheat fields grew to hide her from her captors. The king wanted to give her in marriage to another pagan king. Barbara resisted the decision. He threatened Barbara & took her to Marcian, the chief of the town. These efforts did not succeed so he ordered for her to be brutally tortured in agonizing ways. She was later beheaded. Thus, St. Barbara attained the crown of martyrdom. On his way back after the beheading of his daughter, King Dioscorus was struck by lightning & died.

Mort Yuliana, a close friend of Barbara shared her persecutions. She watched St. Barbara while she was being tortured & wept for her. Juliana saw the Lord Christ strengthening & comforting St. Barbara; she was enlightened & believed in the Lord Christ. Juliana was also imprisoned then later executed by beheading. Thus St. Juliana attained the crown of martyrdom.

A monastery dedicated to the martyrs used to exist in the mountains Edessa. It we built in the 5th century. Faithful Syriacs especially seek their intercession during heavy thunder & lightning storms. On their feast day, Syriac children dress up in various costumes just like St. Barbara did, & they also eat a special wheat meal comprised of boiled wheat grains, pomegranate seeds, raisins, anise & sugar.

Biography adapted from, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mort Barbara & Mort Yuliana! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

Malayalam biography: https://tinyurl.com/2x7f5nkx 

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Paris 146

December 5th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Julian Saba according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Church tradition tells us that he was a teacher of St. Ephrem the Syrian. He is called "Father of the Monks"

In hagiography: Julian Saba lived near Edessa and practiced extreme asceticism. He had many disciples, and he fought against the Arians for the case of orthodoxy in Antioch.

His life has been preserved for us in Theodoret's History of the Monks of Syria, in a collection of Syriac poems attributed to St. Ephrem , and in a Syriac memra attributed to St. Jacob of Serugh

Oh Mor Youlyané! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen

RSoH

Samuel of Qalamun from monastery of St. Macarius

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

Paris 146

December 6th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Nicholas of Myra +341 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Nicholovos or better known by the Syriacs as Mor Zokhe, was the bishop of Myra. He was born at Patara in Lycia (in modern Turkey), a province of Asia Minor. It is recorded that as soon as he was born he stood up & glorified God. When he grew up he adopted the ascetic way of life, & went on a pilgrimage to Palestine to visit the holy places. He eventually became the bishop of Myra which was an Episcopal See under the jurisdiction of Holy See of Antioch. During the rule of emperor Diocletian, Nicholas faced great persecution, torture & imprisonment. He was finally freed by Constantine. Tradition states he was among the 318 holy fathers at the Council of Nicaea in 325AD.

St. Nicholas is the true personality behind the story of Santa Claus or Papa Noel, who leaves presents for children on Christmas Eve. In bestowing charity, Saint Nicholas always strove to do this secretly & conceal his good deeds. The most famous story tells of a poor man with 3 daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home, providing the needed dowry. On finding out it was Nicholas who provided them money, the man bowed down at his feet & paid him great homage & thanked him because he saved his daughters from poverty & from a life of sin. The saint refused to accept any thanks & asked them to thank the Lord who put this thought in his heart. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Over the centuries, his legend evolved into the custom of gift-giving on the saint’s feast. In the English-speaking countries, St. Nicholas became, by a twist of the tongue, Santa Claus—further expanding the example of generosity portrayed by this holy man.

The name of the great saint of God, the hierarch & wonder-worker Nicholas, a speedy helper & suppliant for all hastening to him, is famed in all the ends of the earth, in many lands & among many peoples. The great veneration with which this saint has been honored for many ages & the number of altars & churches which have been everywhere dedicated in his memory are testimonials to his saintliness. He is especially venerated in the Syriac Orthodox Church. We can even read in the Coptic Synaxarium (calendar of saints) that: "On this day, [Baramouda 15] the church commemorates the consecration of the first altar that was built by the Jacobite Christians (Syriac Orthodox), who were residing in the land of Egypt for St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra." Many Syriac Orthodox Churches have his relics, including churches in Malankara (India). After 40 years of episcopal service in service of God, St. Nicholas entered into eternal rest & was entombed in his own cathedral in Myra. On his feast day, Syriac children are greeted by St. Nicholas & they receive gifts from him as they sing hymns.

Oh Mor Zokhe! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

Homily on St. Nicholas by St. Jacob of Sarug: https://bit.ly/NicholasZokheSerugh

http://www.soc-wus.org/ourchurch/St.%20Nicholas.htm

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December 7th is the anniversary of the demise of H.E. Mor Selwanos Boutros AL-nemeh.

Prior to his untimely repose, he was the Metropolitan of Homs & Hama in Syria.

http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/SyriacOrthodox/bio_SilvanosPat.htm

Mor George Patriarch of Antioch (758-790) is one of the most famous patriarchs of Antioch, distinguished in his age for his knowledge, understanding, literary productions and sober opinions. Moreover, he was amiable, humble and patient in overcoming hardships.

He was born at B'altan near josya in the province of Homs, and studied and mastered Syriac and Greek as well as philology, theology and jurisprudence at Qinnesrin. There he was ordained a deacon and led an ascetic and pious life. He also corresponded with Theodore, bishop of Samosata, who predicted that God would entrust him with a high position in his church.

Theodore also encouraged him to be faithful to his monastery. As George was, beside his outstanding learning, a man of virtue and noble character, he was chosen by the Holy Council to ascend the Apostolic See of Antioch. He was consecrated a patriarch in 758. Soon after his consecration, he had to put up with envious and malignant bishops like john, bishop of Callinicus (Al-Raqqa) and David, bishop of Dara and others, assisted by a wicked and intriguing monk who yielded to them.

Consequently, both John and David usurped the See of Antioch. In 766 he suffered in prison, went to Baghdad and for nine years he and other captives had to bear with patience the injustice of Abu Ja'far al-Mansour, the stingy and greedy Abbasid Caliph. Although al-Mansour was aware of the innocence of the patriarch, he hoped that he would discover golden treasures through false achieved knowledge. With him was also imprisoned the patriarch of the Malkites and the Nestorian Catholicos. They were all released after the death of Abu Ja'far in 775. He was honored and received by the Church as if he were an angel descending from heaven. Immediately, he began gathering scattered flocks and repairing the damage which had befallen the church. He journeyed to Antioch where, in the same year, he ordained ten bishops. In 785, he held a synod at Kfar Nabu near Sarug, in which he enacted twenty-two canons, preceded by a universal letter. He administered the Church wisely until his death on the first of December, 790. He was buried in the Monastery of Mor Barsoum in Melitene and is commemorated by the Church on the seventh day of the same month.

Mor George wrote an eloquent commentary in two volumes on the Gospel ofSt. Matthew, in which he cited Ignatius, Africanus, Eusebius of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, Chrysostom, Jacob of Sarug, Philoxenus of Mabug, Severus of Antioch and George, bishop of the Arabs. There is one old copy extant of this commentary, in almost 500 pages, written on vellum and imperfect from the beginning until chapter forty-seven. Also written by him was a distinguished letter, mentioned by Michael the Great, addressed to Gauriya, the deacon of Beth Na'ar, a village in Lebanon, on the phrase, "we break the heavenly bread. "

He wrote poetry, characterized by clarity and charm. During his imprisonment, he composed beautiful hymns and metrical discourses, some of which, as we believe, were added to the Church services. Of these hymns, we found one to the tune of "Rise up, O. Paul," in which he laments his condition. It goes on "Qum Phaulos" tune, starts like this: "May it do me much good, if I am informed that Babylon, city of the giants, has fallen and that the gates of prisons have been opened in order to go out victorious like Peter,? and like Zachariah sing with delight: 'Behold, the sun shines over the blind from on high'. O, daughters of Zion, weep for Daniel, and 0, monasteries weep for George."

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In hagiography: Shabra was a child saint commemorated near Midyat.

Mentioned in the New Testament

Among the Seventy Two (72) Disciples

Paris 146

H.E. Mor Athanasius Geevarghese, Metropolitan of Simhasana churches in South Kerala and Abbot of Mor Ignatius Dayro, was consecrated on December 8th 2002 by the thrice blessed late Patriarch H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory

http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/MalankaraPrelates/bio_AthGeevarghese.htm

H.E. Mor Dionysius Geevarghese, Abbot of Piramadom Dayro was consecrated on December 8th 2002 by late H.H. Mor Ignatius Zakka I.

http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/MalankaraPrelates/bio_DioGeevarghese.htm

H.E. Mor Dioscorus Kuriakose, Metropolitan of the Simhasana Churches in North Kerala & Abbot of Malecuriz Dayro was consecrated on December 8 2002 by late H.H. Mor Ignatius Zakka I.

http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/MalankaraPrelates/bio_DioKurikose.htm

H.G. Mor Militheos Yuhanon, Metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese & Patriarchal Vicar of Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, was consecrated on December 8th 2002 by late H.H. Mor Ignatius Zakka I.

http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/MalankaraPrelates/bio_MilYuhanon.htm

In hagiography: Simeon was commemorated as the builder of the Qarqaphto (Qarqafta, The Skull) Monastery, between Reshʿayna and Magdal in the high Gazira.

RSoH

December 8th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of Sts. Joachim & Anne according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Yuyakim & Mort Hannah (Deena) are the parents of St. Mary the mother of God. They are both descendants of King David, additionally St. Anne comes from the priestly tribe of Levi & is a descendant of Aaron. They were both very pious & god fearing. Apocryphal texts & Church tradition tells us that Mort Hannah (who's name means blessed in Hebrew) was barren & even to her old age could not have a child. They prayed & fasted continuously for a child, making a vow that their child will be offered unto God. An angel appeared before Hannah & said, “God has seen your tears. The fruit of your womb will be called ‘the blessed’ throughout the world.”Joachim also received a similar command. God blessed them with a child, whom they named Mariam.

As St. Mary was born to her parents in their old age, at the age of 3 she was offered to the temple as fulfillment of their vow. This event was once a Feast in the Syriac Orthodox Church Liturgical Calendar being celebrated on November 21st each year. After offering Mariam to the temple Joachim died & he was entombed in Jerusalem. Soon Hannah also died & was entombed along with her husband. The prayer from the book of daily offices (Sh'himo) on Friday morning reads, ”Mary became an orphan, for her parents passed away. She was left for the priests to take care of her. They took her to Jerusalem according to the command of Moses to be brought up there."

St. Queen Helena built a Church over their tomb, which was later taken over & made into a madrassa (Islamic school) in the 9th century.

Biography adapted from, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Yuyakim & Mort Hannah! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

RSoH

RSoH

December 9th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Abde d-Aloho II Sattuf +1915 of blessed memory.

Mor Ignatius Abded Aloho II (in Arabic Abdullah II) was born in Mcluf tribe as son of Yac'ub in the village Sadad near Homs, Syria in 1833. He had an inclination for ascetic life from childhood & accepted monastic orders at Dayro d-Mor Marqos in Jerusalem.

In 1870, he toured the area of Tur `Abdin & recorded the names of villages, monasteries, churches, clergy & the families living in the area. He was consecrated bishop of Jerusalem in 1872 by Patriarch Peter IV & accompanied the Patriarch to England & India from 1874 to 1877. During the Malankara visit he participated in the Synod at Mulanthuruthy, attended the consecration of six bishops & the blessing of the Holy Chrism. After the return of Patriarch Peter IV from India, he stayed for two more years before going back to London where he secured a printing press for Deir al-Za`faran. After his return, Abded-Aloho served as the bishop of Syria & then of Amid. He paid a second visit to London, during which he attended sessions of the 1888 Lambeth Conference, & secured a second printing press.

Patriarch Abded-Mshiho II (Abdul Masih II) was deposed by the Holy Synod in 1903. (This deposition was well established and accepted by the Church in Malankara) Subsequently, Abded-Aloho was elected & consecrated Patriarch in 1906 with the name Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Abde d-Aloho II Sattuf (Abde d-Aloho means servant of God). A decree announcing this consecration was issued by Malankara Metropolitan Mor Dionysius V (Pulikkottil Joseph II) from Kunnamkulam church on 24 Chingam & was sent to all the churches in Malankara. Shortly after, Mor Ignatius Abded Aloho II visited London for the third time. In London, he met King Edward VII twice. Incapacitated by old age, Mor Dionysius V requested Patriarch Abded Aloho II to consecrate new bishops for Malankara. (It is important to note that the deposed Abded Messih was still alive, so there is no contention in Malankara about who was the legitimate canonical Patriarch of Antioch). Rev. Raban Paulose Kochuparambil & Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Vattasseril were elected to be ordained bishops & sent to Jerusalem. They were consecrated & instituted with the titles Mor Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil & Mor Dionysius Geevarghese respectively on 31st May 1908. Along with the newly ordained bishops, the delegate of the Holy See of Antioch St. Osthathios Sleebo also returned to Malankara.

In 1909, Patriarch Abded Aloho decided to visit Malankara. Then Malankara Metropolitan Vattaseril Mor Dionysius & many Church leaders went to Bombay to receive him & to accompany him to Malankara. One of the two Rabans who came with the Patriarch was later appointed as Mor Yulios Elias Qoro, the delegate of the See of Antioch. In India, Mor Ignatius Abded Aloho consecrated St. Athanasius Paulose (Valiya Thirumeni) as Metropolitan for the diocese of Angamali on 9th June 1910 at Mor Sabor-Mor Aphroth Church Akaparambu. Patriarch Abded Aloho also established the Knanaya diocese. Mor Severios Geevarghese, the first bishop of the Knanaya community, was consecrated by the Patriarch on 28th August 1910 at Vadakara Church. Abded Aloho gave permission for the 'Malankara Jacobite Syrian Prayer book’ translated by Mathai Kassiso Konatt. In 1911 on the feast of Transfiguration, he conducted the sacrament of the blessing of the Holy Chrism at Mulanthuruthy Church.

It was during this time a major rift started in Malankara. Following the autocratic style of functioning & his disobedience of Church laws, Vattasseril Mor Dionysius the Malankara Metropolitan he was excommunicated. On 17 August 1911 the representatives of the Malankara Church met at Thrikunnath Seminary & Mor Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil was selected as Malankara metropolitan in the place of Mor Dionysius Vattasseril.

After his return from India in 1912, he stayed at Dayro d-Mor Marqos till his death in 1915 & he was entombed on the southern side of the Church at Dayro d-Mor Marqos. The Patriarch received a medal from King Edward, two medals from the Ottoman Sultan & medals from the Kings of Travancore & Cochin.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

May the prayers of the late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Abde d-Aloho II Sattuf be with us all. Amen.

Disciple of Mor Aday

Among the Seventy Two (72) Disciples

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

In hagiography: Daniel of Qartmin was a monk of Qartmin who was elected bishop of Qartmin.

Mor Daniel (approved by heavenly voice) is mentioned in the Life of Mor Samuel of Qartmin

RSoH

Intercession sought for dropsy

RSoH

December 9th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus +303 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Sergius & Mor Bacchus were officers in the Roman army on the border of Syria, & they were close companions. The two were very close to Roman Emperor Maximian. Tradition states that Sergius & Bacchus were not willing to worship the Roman deity Jupiter for they were Christians. As punishment, they were dressed in female attire & paraded around the city in humiliation. They were then sent to Barbalissos(Beit Bales) where the military commander Antiochus was a friend of Sergius. There the pair was inflicted with great torture but they wouldn't renounce their faith. After Bacchus died from the extreme torture, Antiochus ordered his body thrown into the river. Thus Mor Bacchus attained the crown of martyrdom.

Sergius was greatly disheartened, but later that night, Bacchus appeared to him in a dream, telling Sergius to remain steadfast in the faith. Antiochus continued to torture Sergius, driving nails into his feet, tied him up to a horse & ordered him to be dragged to the town of Resafa. There, even after continuous torture, Sergius would not renounce his faith in Christ. He was eventually beheaded. Thus Mor Sergius attained the crown of martyrdom.

St. Sergius & St. Bacchus were very popular throughout Late Antiquity. The close friendship between the saints is strongly emphasized in their hagiographies & traditions, making them one of the most famous examples of paired saints. Churches in their honor were built in several cities. In AD431 Bishop Alexander of Hierapolis renovated the church which was built over the tomb of Sergius. The church at Resafa & the tomb are now famous pilgrim centres. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I renamed Resafa as Sergiopolis. Justinian built churches in the name of Sergius at Constantinople & Palestine. The Syriac Orthodox Church had a monastery in Azerbaijan dedicated to their honour.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Sergius & Mor Bacchus! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

Jacob of Serugh's metrical homily on Sargis and Bakhos: https://bit.ly/SergiusBacchusHomilybyJacob 

https://urhotheway.com/2020/10/09/sergius-and-bacchus/

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The Holy Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus suffered for their faith in Christ under the emperor Maximian (305-313).

RSoH

H.E. Mor Gregorios Malke Ürek, Patriarchal Vicar of Adiyaman and Environs, Turkey was consecrated on December 10th 2006 by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I

http://syriacchristianity.info/bio/SyriacOrthodox/bio_GregoriosMalkeUrek.htm

December 10th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of martyrs St. Behnam, his sister St. Sarah and their 40 martyr companions (dukhrono sohde Mor Behnam u Mort Saro hotheh w arb'in sohde habrayhun) +388 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The Zoroastrian King of Persia Sennaharib ruled Adiabene. He had two children, Prince Behnam & Princess Sarah. Prince Behnam was a strong warrior who was always accompanied by 40 armed servants, however Sarah was sadly afflicted by a severe form of leprosy.

One day prince Behnam went hunting in the wilderness with some of his servants. He saw a large animal & chased it, separating himself from the group. Night came & he slept alone in the wilderness. He had a dream that someone was telling him to look for a man named Matthew, who lived in that mountainous area, this Mathew would pray for his sister & she would be cured.

The next morning he set out to find his party, & together they searched for Mor Mattai. They found him in a cave within the mountains. Behnam told monk Mathew about his sister & the previous night's vision. He asked Mor Mattai to join him & return to the palace. There, Behnam informed his mother who allowed St. Mathew to see Sarah. Mor Mattai prayed over her, & she was miraculously cured of her disease. St. Mathew taught them about the Lord Jesus Christ & the reward of the Heavenly Kingdom. Hearing of the Gospel, Behnam & Sarah were baptized by Mor Mattai & accepted Christianity. St. Mathew returned to his cave soon afterward.

The King was delighted to see his daughter healed. Upon asking how this happened, St. Sarah told the king about Mor Mattai, & that they had accepted Christ as Lord. Sennaharib was furious & told them to renounce their Christian faith or face punishment; but the siblings refused. They fled at night in secret along with the companions who also accepted Christ. Sadly, the King found out & he ordered his army to chase them. The siblings & their companions were slaughtered. The hill upon which the group was standing caved in. Thus Mor Behnam, his sister Mort Sara & their 40 companions attained the crown of martyrdom.

The king was soon afflicted by the possession of an evil spirit which tormented him agonizingly. Behnam appeared to his mother in a dream & told her to get Mor Mattai. The queen, believing Mor Mattai to be capable of healing the king called for him to visit the palace. St. Mathew prayed over the king who was then healed. The king repented of his evil ways & along with the queen accepted Christianity & was baptized. Soon their entire kingdom heard the Gospel & were baptized as well. King Sennaharib built 2 monasteries, Dayro d-Mor Mattai & Dayro d-Mor Behnam u Mort Sara (where he had his son & daughter entombed, it's also called the 'pit monastery'). Many works of miracles occur due to the intercession of St. Behnam & St. Sarah. Their relics are venerated with great reverence.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Behnam, Mort Sara & the 40 martyr companions! Plead for us all before God's throne of grace. Amen.

https://urhotheway.com/2020/12/27/sts-behnam-and-sarah/  


English translation of the Life of St. Behnam and St. Sarah: https://bit.ly/VitaBehnamSarah 

Syriac Prayers: https://tinyurl.com/5n974ydw 

Fixed Feast

December 10th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Philoxenus of Mabbug +523 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Also known as Mor Akhsnoyo, Xenaya was born in Tahal, Persia. He studied in Edessa followed by Tel'ada Antioch, later joining the Qartmin Monastery (aka Dayro d-Mor Gabriel) & entering priesthood. St. Philoxenus was consecrated bishop of Mabbug (Hierapolis) by HH Patriarch Peter II (Peter the Fuller). This was during a time of great turbulence in Christianity, hardly 30 years had passed since the infamous Council of Chalcedon. Philoxenus was a vehement champion of the Orthodox Miaphysite theology.

In AD512 St. Severius the Great Patriarch of Antioch replaced the Chalcedonian Flavius II. Mor Philoxenus became his trusted spokesperson. He was a renowned scholar, among the most learned theologians. He wrote several letters on ascetic life, the perfect Christian life, the Holy Trinity & the incarnation, in addition to three texts of Holy Qurbono, & prayers for different hours. Mor Philoxenus also commissioned Cor-Episcopo Polycarp to produce what is known as the 'Philoxenian Bible' in Syriac which was used in the Miaphysite churches till about the 7th century when it was superceded by the Syriac Peshito (which already existed in the complete form since the 5th century).

Regarding the incarnation, Mor Philoxenus wrote espousing the Miaphysite theology: “The very personality of God the word descended from heaven & became man in the womb of the Virgin, personally without conversion. Thus, He became a man who could be seen, felt, handled, & yet as God He continued to possess the spiritual, invisible, & impalpable character essential to Deity. Neither the deity nor the humanity was absorbed one by the other, nor converted one into the other. Nor again by a combination of the two natures was a third evolved as by chemical transformation”

Sadly, following the death of the faithful Orthodox Emperor Anastasius, Justin I became ruler. He adhered to the Chalcedonian faith, & began a great wave of persecution on the Orthodox Miaphysites. Justin I exiled both St. Severius & St. Philoxenus. While in exile Mor Akhsnoyo was murdered by suffocation of smoke. Thus on December 10th 523AD, he attained the crown of martyrdom. Mor Philoxenus of Mabbug is commemorated every Sunday in the Thubden d-Qadishe (5th Thubden/Dypthic) of the Syriac Orthodox Church Holy Qurbono.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Akhsnoyo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

Priesthood according to Mor Philoxenus of Mabbug by Abouna Fr. Roger Akhrass: https://tinyurl.com/bp6rspw6

Lust in the Belly: https://tinyurl.com/yw5ej3xj 
Lecture Series - The Discourses of Mor Philoxenos of Mabbug (courtesy Urho the Way): https://bit.ly/3nihKHv

In hagiography: Daniel the Stylite was a monk and disciple of Samuel of Qartmin who walked along the Tigris while he went to the land of Qardu (Gazarta).

St. Daniel of the Pillar is mentioned in the Life of Mor Samuel of Qartmin

RSoH

December 11th is the commemoration of the dhukrono of St. Eustathius of Antioch according to the liturgical calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Sometimes surnamed the Great, St. Eustathius of Antioch was a bishop & Patriarch of Antioch in the 324-337. At the Council of Nicæa (325), since he was presiding the council, he distinguished himself zealously against the Arians & was one of the most prominent opponents of Arianism, & from 325-330 he was engaged in an almost continuous literary warfare against the Arians.

But the mad Arius, as St. Eustathius called him, refused to renounce his errors. He & those who shared his opinion were excommunicated from the Church by the Council. Among the bishops who signed the Nicene Creed were some who sympathized with the heresy of Arius, but signed the Acts of the Council through fear of excommunication.

After the Council, his enemies plotted against St. Eustathius. With great cunning they gained his consent to convene a local Council at Antioch. Having bribed a certain profligate woman, they persuaded her to appear at the Council with an infant at her breast, & falsely declare that St. Eustathius was the father of the infant. The Arians declared St. Eustathius deposed with the help of King Constantius (who shared the heretical views of the Arians).

Even in exile, Saint Eustathius struggled for Orthodoxy with the same zeal. He died in exile in the year 337AD.

For full biography visit: http://www.soc-wus.org/ourchurch/St.%20Eustathius,%20Patriarch%20of%20Antioch.htm

December 11th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Gregory the Illuminator +331 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Gregorios is the patron saint of Armenia. Armenia was an exposed frontier & buffer state between the Roman & Persian empires. His father was prince Anak, a Parthian nobleman who assassinated King Khosrov II of the Arsacid dynasty. Following the assassination while trying to escape, Anak was killed. Gregory who was an infant along with his brother managed to escape with the help of their caretakers. While his brother was taken to Persia, Gregory was taken to Caesarea in Cappadocia (Kayseri, Turkey) & raised in a devout Christian home, educated by Holy Father Phirmilianos (Euthalius). Gregory got married to Mariam & they had two sons, Vrtanes & Aristaces (who became a bishop & attended the Council of Nicaea in 325AD). Eventually, Gregory embraced monasticism.

Gregory returned to Armenia to spread Christianity in his homeland. This was during a period of great persecution of Christians throughout the Roman Empire. The son of Khosrov II, Tiridates III ruled Armenia, & like Roman emperor Diocletian, he hated Christianity. Tiridates learnt that Gregory was the son of his father's murderer, which angered him. He demanded that Gregory must renounce his Christian faith & worship the pagan idols. Gregory refused to deny Christ so he was thrown into a pit with deadly snakes & imprisoned for around 13 years. Tiridates fell ill & had a bout of insanity, having been betrayed by emperor Diocletian. Gregory was freed from the pit after Tiridates was miraculously cured following his prayers.

Reinvigorated, Mor Gregorios began preaching throughout Armenia, baptizing a multitude of individuals. After Tiridates was baptized, he proclaimed Christianity as the state religion of Armenia in 301AD, this was while Diocletian's persecution of Christians continued throughout the rest of the Roman empire. Thus Armenia became the very first nation in history (not including the Syriac kingdom of King Abgar the Black) to embrace Christianity as the state religion. The pagan temples & idols were destroyed as countless churches were built. With the support of Tiridates, Gregory built the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin near Mount Ararat. The Mother Church in Etchmiadzin became & remains the spiritual & cultural center of Armenian Christianity & headquarters of the Mother See of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

In 302AD Gregory was consecrated as Patriarch of Armenia by his childhood friend Leontius of Caesarea, becoming the first "Catholicos of all Armenians". In 318AD he named his son Aristaces as successor. He entrusted his grandson also named Gregory (son of Vrtanes) to spread the Gospel of Christ throughout the Caucasus & Anatolia. St. Gregory in his old age retreated to a small monastery in Mount Sebuh with a group of monks, remaining there until his death in 331AD.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Gregorios! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

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Martyrs in the book of Daniel

Vat. LXIX

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The Holy Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes (the Five Companions) suffered for Christ under the emperor Diocletian (284-305) at Sebaste, in Armenia.

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The Holy Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius and Callinicus suffered for Christ under the emperor Decius (249-251) at Caesarea in Bithynia.
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A vision revealed to him the presence of relics in the place called Ḥrbat Tuta, mentioned in the Life of Mor Samuel of Qartmin

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St. John "The Chanter" abbot of Qinnesrin (ܩܢܫܪܝܢ) at the close of the sixth century, is the third of this name among the abbots of this monastery. Nicknamed "The Calligrapher," John was an adroit man of letters. He studied sciences at his monastery where he became a monk and was ordained a priest. He was known for his piety. His death is thought to have occurred around the year 600. According to the calendar of his monastery, he was commemorated on the thirteenth of January of the same year. He composed eloquent maniths poets, in one of which he made known the traits of John Bar Aphtonya. In another two maniths he praised the patriarchs Peter III and Julian I. 

http://www.soc-wus.org/ourchurch/St.%20John%20Psaltes.htm

St. Paul the Simple of Egypt was a hermit and disciple of St. Anthony the Great

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Probably this is Cyrus b. Sufnoye (cursed a lioness) a disciple mentioned in the Life of Mor Samuel of Qartmin.

RSoH

December 14th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Abraham of Qidon +366 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Abrohom Kidunoyo was born to a wealthy family near Edessa. His family wanted him to get married, however he ran away to become a monk. He then built a hermitage with a small opening only for food, remaining there to pray continuously. When his parents passed, he had all the inherited wealth distributed to the poor & needy; keeping only a cloak, a goat-skin garment, a bowl & a mat for himself.

Near to the site of his cell, there was a town called Beth Qidon whose citizens were pagan idolaters. Many had tried to evangelize them, but it was always met with fierce opposition. The bishop of Edessa was disturbed by this, saddened that the word of God could not reach the hearts of these people. He asked Abraham to leave his cell (against his will), ordained him as a priest & sent him to preach the Gospel to the citizens of Qidon. Mor Abrohom built a church in the town, trying his hardest to spread the Gospel, but they would not listen. Each night he would return to his cell to pray, going back to the city every morning. The townsfolk would insult him, abuse him, even attacking him with sticks & stones. Once, St. Abraham was left for dead, but upon recovering he would return to the people trying his level best to soften their hearts & open their ears to the message of the Gospel. This went on with much difficulty for 3 years.

By the grace of God, there was a break through. Abraham's patience, steadfast faith & willingness to suffer for the Gospel convinced the citizens of Qidon of his holiness. They listened to & accepted the Gospel, eventually being baptized by him. He continued teaching them the ideals of Christian faith, justice & charity for another year till he retired back to his hermitage. As the whole town of Qidon was converted through his untiring efforts, he was given the name St. Abraham of Qidon.

Mor Abrohom Kidunoyo led a life of penance for fifty years & lived to the age of 70. At the news of his last illness, the whole countryside flocked to receive his benediction & after his death each one sought to procure a fragment of his clothing.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Abrohom Kidunoyo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

RSoH

December 14th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil +1917 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Paulose was born to Varkey & Anna. His maternal grandfather was a priest, Thoppil Scaria Qashisho. At a young age he learnt Syriac & at the age of 9 he was ordained a Quroyo by St. Coorilos Yuyakim the Reesh Episcopo (It is said that the saintly father had a vision that the young deacon would one day lead the faithful of Malankara). At the age of 16, Paulose was ordained a priest by Mathews Mar Athanasius, Palakkunnath (founder of Marthoma Sabha). His first Holy Qurbono was at St. Mary's Church Kandanad. When a dispute about the validity of his consecration arose, he was re-consecrated by Malankara Metropolitan Mor Dionysius V (Pulikkottil Joseph II) & then appointed as Vicar of Mulanthuruthy Church. St. Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil was then a Raban at the nearby Vettickal Chapel. Fr. Paulose was greatly influenced by the ascetic zeal & saintly nature of Raban Geevarghese, & they formed a close companionship. Patriarch Ignatius Peter IV visited Malankara. In 1876 he convened the Mulanthuruthy Synod & later consecrated the Holy Chrism at Mulunthuruthy Church. Both events were in the presence of Raban Geevarghese & Fr. Paulose. In September of the same year, Fr. Paulose along with Karvattuveettil Shem'vun Cor-Episcopo (later Mor Dionysius Shem'vun, the first bishop of Kochi) & Chalapurath Yac'ub Cor-Episcopo were elevated to the rank of Raban by Patriarch Peter IV. Raban Paulose could not stay much longer under the tutelage of Raban Geevarghese as the latter was to be consecrated Metropolitan Gregorios just a few months later in December.

Patriarch Peter IV gave permission for Vettickal Chapel to function as a monastery, & in 1877 the foundation stone for Vettickal Dayro (the very first monastery of the Malankara Church) was laid. Raban Paulose took a keen interest to build up the monastery & the surrounding area including starting schools. Malankara Metropolitan Mor Dionysius V was pleased with the efforts of Paulose Raban, & appointed him as the manager of Old Seminary. Raban Paulose along with deacon Sleebo (later St. Osthatheos Sleebo) & others joined Mor Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil on his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. After returning from the pilgrimage, Raban Paulose was sent to Thiruvananthapuram to look after the Syriac Orthodox faithful there. His untiring efforts & able leadership helped to complete the church construction within a year. St. George Church was the first Syriac Orthodox parish in Thiruvananthapuram (sadly it was later usurped by the schismatics). After completing his work there, he returned to being the manager of Old Seminary & publisher of Malankara Edvakappathrika (official magazine of the Church).

Even with all his responsibilities, Raban Paulose never wavered in his ascetical lifestyle of prayer & fasting which he emulated from St. Gregorios Geevarghese. Through his missionary efforts more than 200 individuals heard the Gospel & accepted Christ as Lord. Raban Paulose established a Church for them at a time when the notion of untouchability & societal casteism was rampant in the community. He personally came forward to carry out the religious needs of the converts to the Holy Church.

As Mor Dionysius V was advancing in age, the Malankara Association convened by him decided to send two Rabans to the Patriarchate for Metropolitan Consecration. Rev. Raban Paulose & Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Vattasseril were elected to be ordained bishops & sent to Jerusalem. Patriarch Ignatius Abded Aloho II consecrated & instituted them with the titles Mor Coorilos Paulose & Mor Dionysius Geevarghese respectively on 31st May 1908 at Dayro d-Mor Marqos Jerusalem in the presence of Mor Osthatheos Sleebo & Mor Ivanios Elias (later Patriarch St. Ignatius Elias III). It is important to note that the deposed Patriarch Abded Messih was still alive, so there is no contention in Malankara about who was the legitimate canonical Patriarch of Antioch. A few months later, the newly consecrated bishops returned to Malankara along with Patriarchal Delegate Mor Osthatheos Sleebo. After becoming a Metropolitan, Mor Coorilos continued his Gospel work, assisted by Qasheesho Mikhayel of Kayankulam (later Mor Dionysius Mikhayel). After the death of Mor Dionysius V, with the permission of the Patriarch, Mor Dionysius Geevarghese was enthroned as Malankara Metropolitan. The ceremony was conducted at Old Seminary by Mor Osthatheos Sleebo with Mor Ivanios Murimattom & Mor Coorilos Paulose as Co-celebrants. It is said that Mor Osthatheos Sleebo preferred Mor Coorilos to be Malankara Metropolitan.

A few months later, Patriarch Mor Ignatius Abded Aloho II visited Malankara. It was during this time a major rift started in Malankara. Following the autocratic style of functioning & his disobedience of Church laws, Vattasseril Mor Dionysius the Malankara Metropolitan was excommunicated by the Patriarch. (the excommunication would be later lifted by St. Ignatius Elias III Patriarch) On 17 August 1911 the representatives of the Malankara Church met at Thrikunnath Seminary & Mor Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil was selected as Malankara Metropolitan. Disputes & quarrels became daily occurrences in Old Seminary because of the schismatics led by Mor Dionysius. The ongoing disputes destroyed the peaceful atmosphere in the Old Seminary where Mor Coorilos was residing. Mor Coorilos left the Old Seminary for Attamangalam church, Kumarakom. Finally, the rest of his days were spent at Panampady church & Piravom church.

While continuing missionary work, overseeing Church affairs & traveling far & wide to defend the true faith, the health of Mor Coorilos began to deteriorate. He gave his final Kalpana on 2nd Thulam 1917 from Panampady Church, which was heart touching. Mor Coorilos Paulose, who had fought the good fight, & protected the true faith, passed away on 14th December 1917. His last rites were led by St. Athanasius Paulose assisted by St. Osthatheos Sleebo & Mor Severios Geevarghese (Knanaya diocese). He was entombed adjacent to the altar of St. Mary’s Church, Panampady. Mor Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil is remembered for his humbleness, missionary zeal, service of the downtrodden & his unflinching loyalty to the Holy Throne of Antioch. In 2008 vis Patriarchal Apostolic Bull No. E215/08, he was glorified as a Saint by Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. In 2017 during the 100th anniversary of his dukhrono, vis Patriarchal Apostolic Bull No. E I23/17; the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East HH Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II permitted the recitation of the name of St. Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil in the 5th Thubden (Thubden d-Qadishe) at all Malankara parishes across the world.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' and Syriac Christianity website.

Oh Mor Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/MorKoorilosKochuparambil.htm

Daughter of the Roman Emperor Trajan who saw Christian virgins burying their dead. She was inspired to help them, and then she became a Christian and martyr herself.

St. Severus the Great of Antioch Cathedral Homily # 100, 114

BL17134

Mort Mariam was the niece of Mor Abraham of Qidun and she lived as an ascetic with her uncle in a cave-cell outside the city. In the History of Abraham of Qidun we read about how Mariam left the ascetic life for the life of a harlot but returned after two years through her uncle's intervention and his acts of sacrifice. The life story of Mariam is one of the most famous testimonies of repentance among Syriac saints. In some Syriac Orthodox liturgical manuscripts, a "soogitho" or dialogue poem of St. Mary can be found for the Second Sunday of Great Lent and the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent in the midnight (lilyo) office.

Summary: Late in life Mor Abraham took charge of the daughter of his recently deceased brother, a girl of 7 years by the name of Mary. Abraham chooses to raise her as a hermit and teach her the essentials of a hermit’s life. She is allotted a cave-cell of her own, in front of Abraham’s cell, separated from his cell by a door. Mary followed Abraham’s example in all respects, but by the time she came of age, her outward beauty attracted the attention of a young man pretending to be a hermit. This imposter seduces Mary to commit sin. After having committed her sin, she leaves her cell out of shame, unbeknownst to her uncle.

In a long monologue (see the Sogitho of Mary) she bewails her fate and argues that, now that she failed so utterly, she could never expect to find forgiveness and grace anymore, neither from her uncle nor from God. Panic and affliction started to rule her and her heart weakened, and she left her cell. In utter despair, Mary enters a brothel to become a prostitute. Only two days after Mary left him, Abraham came to realize through a dream that his niece is no longer with him. In a nightmare he saw a serpent devouring a dove, and on awakening, Abraham acts on this premonition and calls out to Mary, only to find out that she is no longer in her cell. He then asks the help of an acquaintance to go and find out her whereabouts.

After two years her secret place of dwelling is discovered. Abraham in the guise of a soldier, leaves his cell to go and bring Mary back. He enters the brothel and behaves as a regular brothel customer, drinking wine and eating meat and asking for the most beautiful girl on offer, so as not to betray his identity to his niece, who he is afraid might try to flee from him out of shame. It is this act of breaking his strict rules of abstinence, which marks the ultimate sacrifice. In exchange for the spiritual salvation of a lost soul, he gives away in the spur of the moment an entire life time of strictest austerity and self-chastisement. In the seclusion of a private chamber within the brothel, Abraham makes his identity known to his niece, who bursts into tears believing that there still is hope for her to be saved from a life of sin. Mor Abraham prays with her and reminds her that "God accepts every repentant even if he has many great sins." Finally, she returns with her uncle to the hermitage, where Abraham is wise enough to allot the inner cell to her this time, where he himself used to live. Both lead henceforward a life in strictest austerity.

Life of St. Mary of Qidun and her Sugitho: https://bit.ly/LifeMaryQidun 

Eleutherius, Bishop of Illyria, and his mother, Martyr Evanthia (Nonna). The Eparch Caribus (Kurbur), who had tortured Saint Eleutherius, also came to believe in Christ and was executed.
RSoH

December 15th is the commencement of the 10 day Fast of the Nativity of our Lord (sawmo d'Mawlodho d'Moran hesro yaumin) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The Nativity Fast lasts 10 days, starting on December 15th & ending on December 25th Christmas Day (Hido d'yaldo d'Moran).

The thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory writes in regards to this fast: The institution of this fast was towards the beginning of the 4th century AD. This can be gathered from reading memres of St. Ephrem the Syrian (+373) & the hymns he composed in the 4th Century. The Christmas fast is practiced in preparation for welcoming the commemorative day of Lord Jesus’ birth in the flesh & in memory of the grief brought by sin, which we experienced before the Lord’s birth. The darkness of ignorance, Satan’s enslavement of us, & the infliction of the created world, in expectation of salvation accomplished through the birth of the savior, who redeemed us by His incarnation. We practice this fast to become pure in our souls & body & to be worthy of welcoming the commemoration of the redeemer’s birth, the word of God incarnate; in the same way Moses fasted before the written word of God, that is the Law of the Old Testament, was handed over to him.

During this fast, the Takrit/Eastern rite (ie the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Iraq and other parts of the erstwhile Maphrianate) has a special set of prayers. The thrice blessed late Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum writes in his book 'Scattered Pearls', "This rite also includes a medium-sized book containing eight services of the Christmas fasting, known to Easterners as the subbara, i.e., the Annunciation of the Nativity of the Lord Christ. These services are usually repeated three times." These prayers were recited during the weekdays of the Nativity fast, in lieu of the Sh'himo. Although developed in Iraq, the late Patriarch found copies in Mardin, Tur Abdin, and Jerusalem. Copies of this service also made its way to India, and was published as part of the Pampakuda Phanqitho.

May our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ abundantly bless all the faithful who wholeheartedly keep the Fast. The Fast is a sign of victory & an unbeatable armour against the evil one. In recent decades, there has been much controversy about the Christmas season. As we look forward to the commemoration of Christ's Nativity on Christmas Day, let's not forget to keep 'Christ' in Christmas; not by simply uttering the phrase but by following what Christ would want us to do. Never forget that Christ is the foundation of all celebrations. While we all rejoice during the festive period, let us not lose sight of the message of salvation proclaimed by the great Prophet Isaiah, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: & the government shall be upon his shoulder: & his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Malankara World Special Supplement for the Nativity Fast: https://goo.gl/f7bsJW

Feast of Nativity through the Hymns of St. Ephrem: https://youtu.be/DB9LxP8Qe_8

Disciple of Mor Aday

Among the Seventy Two (72) Disciples

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BL14504

St. John is the youngest son of Zebedee & Salome. John's older brother is St. James. He was the youngest of the disciples, & unlike the others he did not face martyrdom. John was the only Apostle present by Jesus' side at the crucifixion. Christ entrusted the care of St. Mary to John as he was the one 'Jesus loved the most'. St. Mary lived under John's care until her death.

St. John lived in Jerusalem & later moved to Ephesus. He authored the Gospel & 3 epistles in his name. The book of Revelation was also written by him. He built many churches in Turkey & evangelized many to Christianity. Tradition states that he lived to 120 years of age. A church was built over the site of his tomb. However, this was converted to a mosque.

Huthomo: https://youtu.be/Sg1DcHVxmDo

The Syriac History of John (Apocryphal hagiography of St. John son of Zebedee): http://bit.ly/JohnSyriac

St. Severus of Antioch hymn on St. John the Evangelist:

"All the peoples shall bless him" (Psalms 72:17)
The preacher and Apostle, John the Evangelist, who by Christ, even God, his Master, was before named 'son of thunder', and for this reason divinely thundered with loud voice the words, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God", and stirred up and instilled wonder in all the ears of wise and of unwise. Whom also Jesus particularly loved more than the rest of the disciples his fellows, by whom He was proclaimed God, let us beg and beseech together with the God-bearer and Virgin to entreat for us, in order that, building all the service of works of virtue upon this foundation of faith, we may be admitted to find great mercy."

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

December 15th is the commencement of the 10 day Fast of the Nativity of our Lord (sawmo d'Mawlodho d'Moran hesro yaumin) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The Nativity Fast lasts 10 days, starting on December 15th & ending on December 25th Christmas Day (Hido d'yaldo d'Moran).

The thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory writes in regards to this fast: The institution of this fast was towards the beginning of the 4th century AD. This can be gathered from reading memres of St. Ephrem the Syrian (+373) & the hymns he composed in the 4th Century. The Christmas fast is practiced in preparation for welcoming the commemorative day of Lord Jesus’ birth in the flesh & in memory of the grief brought by sin, which we experienced before the Lord’s birth. The darkness of ignorance, Satan’s enslavement of us, & the infliction of the created world, in expectation of salvation accomplished through the birth of the savior, who redeemed us by His incarnation. We practice this fast to become pure in our souls & body & to be worthy of welcoming the commemoration of the redeemer’s birth, the word of God incarnate; in the same way Moses fasted before the written word of God, that is the Law of the Old Testament, was handed over to him.

During this fast, the Takrit/Eastern rite (ie the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Iraq and other parts of the erstwhile Maphrianate) has a special set of prayers. The thrice blessed late Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum writes in his book 'Scattered Pearls', "This rite also includes a medium-sized book containing eight services of the Christmas fasting, known to Easterners as the subbara, i.e., the Annunciation of the Nativity of the Lord Christ. These services are usually repeated three times." These prayers were recited during the weekdays of the Nativity fast, in lieu of the Sh'himo. Although developed in Iraq, the late Patriarch found copies in Mardin, Tur Abdin, and Jerusalem. Copies of this service also made its way to India, and was published as part of the Pampakuda Phanqitho.

May our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ abundantly bless all the faithful who wholeheartedly keep the Fast. The Fast is a sign of victory & an unbeatable armour against the evil one. In recent decades, there has been much controversy about the Christmas season. As we look forward to the commemoration of Christ's Nativity on Christmas Day, let's not forget to keep 'Christ' in Christmas; not by simply uttering the phrase but by following what Christ would want us to do. Never forget that Christ is the foundation of all celebrations. While we all rejoice during the festive period, let us not lose sight of the message of salvation proclaimed by the great Prophet Isaiah, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: & the government shall be upon his shoulder: & his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Malankara World Special Supplement for the Nativity Fast: https://goo.gl/f7bsJW

Feast of Nativity through the Hymns of St. Ephrem: https://youtu.be/DB9LxP8Qe_8

Vat. LXIX

RSoH

H.E. Mor Timotheos Mousa Al Shamani, Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Mor Mattai Dayro, Iraq was consecrated on December 16th 2005 by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I

Prophet Haggai was a descendant of Aaron, the priest, and from the tribe of Levi. He was one of the twelve minor prophets. When King Nebuchadnezzar captured the Jews of Jerusalem and took them to Babylon, the parents of this prophet were among them, and he was born in exile. This prophet returned to Jerusalem along with Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah and the rest of the people of Israel. He prophesied in the second year of the reign of Darius, King of Persia, who reigned in the year 3484 of the world and that was 15 years after the return of the people of Israel from the Babylonian exile.

This prophet directed his prophecies by the command of God to Zerubbabel, then to Joshua the son of Jehozidak, the high priest. He incited the Jews to complete the rebuilding of the temple of Solomon, the son of David. They had started rebuilding the temple after they returned from captivity, then they abandoned it to build their own homes. The prophet rebuked them saying, "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses and this temple to be in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag of holes.'" (Haggai 1:4-6) Those who were upright amongst the people of Israel feared the threats of the Lord and built the house of the Lord as they were supposed to. Haggai the prophet had announced to the people after they finished building it, that the Lord was pleased by that.

Martyr and Patriarch

BL14519

Parents of St. John the Baptist

BL14504

December 15th is the commencement of the 10 day Fast of the Nativity of our Lord (sawmo d'Mawlodho d'Moran hesro yaumin) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The Nativity Fast lasts 10 days, starting on December 15th & ending on December 25th Christmas Day (Hido d'yaldo d'Moran).

The thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory writes in regards to this fast: The institution of this fast was towards the beginning of the 4th century AD. This can be gathered from reading memres of St. Ephrem the Syrian (+373) & the hymns he composed in the 4th Century. The Christmas fast is practiced in preparation for welcoming the commemorative day of Lord Jesus’ birth in the flesh & in memory of the grief brought by sin, which we experienced before the Lord’s birth. The darkness of ignorance, Satan’s enslavement of us, & the infliction of the created world, in expectation of salvation accomplished through the birth of the savior, who redeemed us by His incarnation. We practice this fast to become pure in our souls & body & to be worthy of welcoming the commemoration of the redeemer’s birth, the word of God incarnate; in the same way Moses fasted before the written word of God, that is the Law of the Old Testament, was handed over to him.

During this fast, the Takrit/Eastern rite (ie the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Iraq and other parts of the erstwhile Maphrianate) has a special set of prayers. The thrice blessed late Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum writes in his book 'Scattered Pearls', "This rite also includes a medium-sized book containing eight services of the Christmas fasting, known to Easterners as the subbara, i.e., the Annunciation of the Nativity of the Lord Christ. These services are usually repeated three times." These prayers were recited during the weekdays of the Nativity fast, in lieu of the Sh'himo. Although developed in Iraq, the late Patriarch found copies in Mardin, Tur Abdin, and Jerusalem. Copies of this service also made its way to India, and was published as part of the Pampakuda Phanqitho.

May our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ abundantly bless all the faithful who wholeheartedly keep the Fast. The Fast is a sign of victory & an unbeatable armour against the evil one. In recent decades, there has been much controversy about the Christmas season. As we look forward to the commemoration of Christ's Nativity on Christmas Day, let's not forget to keep 'Christ' in Christmas; not by simply uttering the phrase but by following what Christ would want us to do. Never forget that Christ is the foundation of all celebrations. While we all rejoice during the festive period, let us not lose sight of the message of salvation proclaimed by the great Prophet Isaiah, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: & the government shall be upon his shoulder: & his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Malankara World Special Supplement for the Nativity Fast: https://goo.gl/f7bsJW

Feast of Nativity through the Hymns of St. Ephrem: https://youtu.be/DB9LxP8Qe_8

Patriarch of Antioch and all the East. The creator of the Sedro (forms the second part of the Promiyon Sedro set of the husoyo)

BL14504

Vat. LXIX

December 17th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St Raboula of Edessa +435 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Raboula Urhoyo was born in a wealthy family of Kenneshrin/Qinnasrin village (Chalcis near Aleppo, Syria). His father was a pagan priest & mother was a Christian. He learned Greek & Syriac, got married in his youth & led a family life.

Once while listening to an evangelical talk in Mor Abraham Dayaro in Kenneshrin he felt a desire to listen to & study the word of God. Later he learned theology from Mor Eusebius of Smishath & Aakkak Episcopo of Aleppo. When he returned to Kennishrin he lived away from his family making his wife & children lead an ascetic life. He freed his slaves & shared his riches with the poor, later joining Mor Abraham Dayro.

St. Raboula was ordained a priest in AD 388 & in AD 411 after the death of Bishop Diogenes of Urhoy (Edessa), Raboula was ordained as the successor by the Patriarch of Antioch. He was a close friend of St. Cyril of Alexandria. Mor Raboula was vehemently opposed to Nestorianism. With fierce determination he combatted the growing rise of heresy in his diocese & elsewhere, even traveling to Constantinople to preach the true faith & denounce Nestorian ideology in front of Patriarch Theodosius (who was leaning towards Nestorianism).

His literary legacy comprises of rules for the ascetics, rules for the children of the covenant, rules about services in the Church, a few madraso, sugeetho & bovootho. He is a well known for abolishing the use of the Syriac Diatessaron (harmonized combination of the Gospels) ordering instead that the Syriac translations of the 4 canonical Gospels be made available in every church.

It was customary for Raboula to stay at Mor Abraham Dayaro every year fasting & meditating for spiritual rejuvenation.

The writings of St. Rabbula demonstrate that long before the Holy Ecumenical Council of Ephesus 431AD, the faithful of Antioch affirmed the Orthodoxy of Miaphysitism, which is the faith of the Doctors of the Syriac Church like Sts. Aphrahat, Ephrem, and Cyrilona. Therefore, what St. Cyril of Alexandria taught at the Holy Ecumenical Council of Ephesus is the same as what the Orthodox Fathers of the Holy See of Antioch kept and handed down since Apostolic times.

Contrary to previous reports, Mor Rabbula did not take part in the Synod of Ephesus in AD 431 nor in the council held by John of Antioch to condemn St. Cyril.

His reign as Bishop of Edessa lasted for 24 years.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Raboula Urhoyo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

RSoH

December 15th is the commencement of the 10 day Fast of the Nativity of our Lord (sawmo d'Mawlodho d'Moran hesro yaumin) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The Nativity Fast lasts 10 days, starting on December 15th & ending on December 25th Christmas Day (Hido d'yaldo d'Moran).

The thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory writes in regards to this fast: The institution of this fast was towards the beginning of the 4th century AD. This can be gathered from reading memres of St. Ephrem the Syrian (+373) & the hymns he composed in the 4th Century. The Christmas fast is practiced in preparation for welcoming the commemorative day of Lord Jesus’ birth in the flesh & in memory of the grief brought by sin, which we experienced before the Lord’s birth. The darkness of ignorance, Satan’s enslavement of us, & the infliction of the created world, in expectation of salvation accomplished through the birth of the savior, who redeemed us by His incarnation. We practice this fast to become pure in our souls & body & to be worthy of welcoming the commemoration of the redeemer’s birth, the word of God incarnate; in the same way Moses fasted before the written word of God, that is the Law of the Old Testament, was handed over to him.

During this fast, the Takrit/Eastern rite (ie the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Iraq and other parts of the erstwhile Maphrianate) has a special set of prayers. The thrice blessed late Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum writes in his book 'Scattered Pearls', "This rite also includes a medium-sized book containing eight services of the Christmas fasting, known to Easterners as the subbara, i.e., the Annunciation of the Nativity of the Lord Christ. These services are usually repeated three times." These prayers were recited during the weekdays of the Nativity fast, in lieu of the Sh'himo. Although developed in Iraq, the late Patriarch found copies in Mardin, Tur Abdin, and Jerusalem. Copies of this service also made its way to India, and was published as part of the Pampakuda Phanqitho.

May our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ abundantly bless all the faithful who wholeheartedly keep the Fast. The Fast is a sign of victory & an unbeatable armour against the evil one. In recent decades, there has been much controversy about the Christmas season. As we look forward to the commemoration of Christ's Nativity on Christmas Day, let's not forget to keep 'Christ' in Christmas; not by simply uttering the phrase but by following what Christ would want us to do. Never forget that Christ is the foundation of all celebrations. While we all rejoice during the festive period, let us not lose sight of the message of salvation proclaimed by the great Prophet Isaiah, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: & the government shall be upon his shoulder: & his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Malankara World Special Supplement for the Nativity Fast: https://goo.gl/f7bsJW

Feast of Nativity through the Hymns of St. Ephrem: https://youtu.be/DB9LxP8Qe_8

The Holy Youths Ananias (“God is gracious”), Azarias (“whom God helps”), and Misael (“Who is what God is?”) were companions of the Holy Prophet Daniel. They were chosen to serve in the king’s palace with Daniel (Daniel 1:6) and were all from the tribe of Judah. They gave Ananias the Chaldean name Shadrach (“royal”), Azarias the Chaldean name Abednego (“servant of Nego”), and Misael the Chaldean name Meshach (“guest”). They were thrown into a fiery furnace when they refused to worship the golden idol set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, but the angel of the Lord preserved them (Daniel 3:25).

RSoH

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

Martyred at Rome, and his companions with him

Paris 146 and Vat. LXIX

December 18th is the commemoration of the wounding of St. Thomas the Holy Apostle by the spear of the unbelievers according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

After sowing the seed of the Holy Gospel in Malankara (erstwhile Malabar or Kerala, India), establishing 7 churches & converting numerous faithful to Christianity; St. Thomas left Malankara as he continued on his missionary journey. According to the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox faithful of Malankara, Mor Touma was pierced by a lance while preaching in Mylapore India.

His Apostolic mission brought him from Malankara to Mylapore in what is now Tamil Nadu, south India. Sadly, his evangelization work would be cut short. While praying on a hill, St. Thomas was attacked by the servants of the hindu king & temple priests who were angered by his preaching. The soldiers pierced Mor Touma with spears on December 18th 72AD leaving him mortally wounded. He would succumb to his injuries 3 days later.

Oh Mor Touma Sleeho! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

December 15th is the commencement of the 10 day Fast of the Nativity of our Lord (sawmo d'Mawlodho d'Moran hesro yaumin) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The Nativity Fast lasts 10 days, starting on December 15th & ending on December 25th Christmas Day (Hido d'yaldo d'Moran).

The thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory writes in regards to this fast: The institution of this fast was towards the beginning of the 4th century AD. This can be gathered from reading memres of St. Ephrem the Syrian (+373) & the hymns he composed in the 4th Century. The Christmas fast is practiced in preparation for welcoming the commemorative day of Lord Jesus’ birth in the flesh & in memory of the grief brought by sin, which we experienced before the Lord’s birth. The darkness of ignorance, Satan’s enslavement of us, & the infliction of the created world, in expectation of salvation accomplished through the birth of the savior, who redeemed us by His incarnation. We practice this fast to become pure in our souls & body & to be worthy of welcoming the commemoration of the redeemer’s birth, the word of God incarnate; in the same way Moses fasted before the written word of God, that is the Law of the Old Testament, was handed over to him.

During this fast, the Takrit/Eastern rite (ie the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Iraq and other parts of the erstwhile Maphrianate) has a special set of prayers. The thrice blessed late Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum writes in his book 'Scattered Pearls', "This rite also includes a medium-sized book containing eight services of the Christmas fasting, known to Easterners as the subbara, i.e., the Annunciation of the Nativity of the Lord Christ. These services are usually repeated three times." These prayers were recited during the weekdays of the Nativity fast, in lieu of the Sh'himo. Although developed in Iraq, the late Patriarch found copies in Mardin, Tur Abdin, and Jerusalem. Copies of this service also made its way to India, and was published as part of the Pampakuda Phanqitho.

May our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ abundantly bless all the faithful who wholeheartedly keep the Fast. The Fast is a sign of victory & an unbeatable armour against the evil one. In recent decades, there has been much controversy about the Christmas season. As we look forward to the commemoration of Christ's Nativity on Christmas Day, let's not forget to keep 'Christ' in Christmas; not by simply uttering the phrase but by following what Christ would want us to do. Never forget that Christ is the foundation of all celebrations. While we all rejoice during the festive period, let us not lose sight of the message of salvation proclaimed by the great Prophet Isaiah, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: & the government shall be upon his shoulder: & his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Malankara World Special Supplement for the Nativity Fast: https://goo.gl/f7bsJW

Feast of Nativity through the Hymns of St. Ephrem: https://youtu.be/DB9LxP8Qe_8

SILVESTER, LIBERIUS, XYSTUS, JULIUS

RSoh

Probus is a martyr from Tarsus who died during the consulate of Diocletian

RSoH

December 15th is the commencement of the 10 day Fast of the Nativity of our Lord (sawmo d'Mawlodho d'Moran hesro yaumin) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The Nativity Fast lasts 10 days, starting on December 15th & ending on December 25th Christmas Day (Hido d'yaldo d'Moran).

The thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory writes in regards to this fast: The institution of this fast was towards the beginning of the 4th century AD. This can be gathered from reading memres of St. Ephrem the Syrian (+373) & the hymns he composed in the 4th Century. The Christmas fast is practiced in preparation for welcoming the commemorative day of Lord Jesus’ birth in the flesh & in memory of the grief brought by sin, which we experienced before the Lord’s birth. The darkness of ignorance, Satan’s enslavement of us, & the infliction of the created world, in expectation of salvation accomplished through the birth of the savior, who redeemed us by His incarnation. We practice this fast to become pure in our souls & body & to be worthy of welcoming the commemoration of the redeemer’s birth, the word of God incarnate; in the same way Moses fasted before the written word of God, that is the Law of the Old Testament, was handed over to him.

During this fast, the Takrit/Eastern rite (ie the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Iraq and other parts of the erstwhile Maphrianate) has a special set of prayers. The thrice blessed late Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum writes in his book 'Scattered Pearls', "This rite also includes a medium-sized book containing eight services of the Christmas fasting, known to Easterners as the subbara, i.e., the Annunciation of the Nativity of the Lord Christ. These services are usually repeated three times." These prayers were recited during the weekdays of the Nativity fast, in lieu of the Sh'himo. Although developed in Iraq, the late Patriarch found copies in Mardin, Tur Abdin, and Jerusalem. Copies of this service also made its way to India, and was published as part of the Pampakuda Phanqitho.

May our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ abundantly bless all the faithful who wholeheartedly keep the Fast. The Fast is a sign of victory & an unbeatable armour against the evil one. In recent decades, there has been much controversy about the Christmas season. As we look forward to the commemoration of Christ's Nativity on Christmas Day, let's not forget to keep 'Christ' in Christmas; not by simply uttering the phrase but by following what Christ would want us to do. Never forget that Christ is the foundation of all celebrations. While we all rejoice during the festive period, let us not lose sight of the message of salvation proclaimed by the great Prophet Isaiah, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: & the government shall be upon his shoulder: & his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Malankara World Special Supplement for the Nativity Fast: https://goo.gl/f7bsJW

Feast of Nativity through the Hymns of St. Ephrem: https://youtu.be/DB9LxP8Qe_8

December 20th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Ignatius of Antioch +107 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Mor Ignatius Noorono was the third Patriarch of Antioch, the successor to St. Peter the chief of the Apostles. Church historian Eusebius of Caesarea writes that St. Ignatius succeeded St. Evodius, likewise St. John Chrysostom states St. Peter specifically chose St. Ignatius to be his successor. Ignatius is also called Theophorus in Greek which means 'God-Borne' because of the tradition that he was the child Christ held according to the Gospel of Matthew 18:2-3. Theophorus may also be interpreted as 'God-Bearer' because of the virtue practiced by Ignatius in witnessing God as is expected of every true believer. In Syriac he is given the title Noorono or 'Illuminator/fire-bearer'.

St. Ignatius wrote 7 letters to root out the heresies which were plaguing the early Church. The letters are addressed to Ephesians, Magnesians, Trallians, Romans, Philadelphians, Smyrnaeans, & to his friend St. Polycarpos the bishop of Smyrna. He wrote these letters en route from Smyrna to Rome where he was to be executed. Some of the most important quotations from his writings against heresies include the following:

He stresses Christ’s true humanity & identifies it with the healing food of the Eucharist, calling the Body of Christ "medicine of immortality" Further, he describes: every time this mystery is celebrated, “the work of our redemption is carried on & we break the one bread that provides the antidote for death & the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Christ. Take note of those who hold heterodox opinions on the grace of Jesus Christ which has come to us, & see how contrary their opinions are to the mind of God... They abstain from the Eucharist & from prayer because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins & which that Father, in his goodness, raised up again. They who deny the gift of God are perishing in their disputes."

St. Ignatius was ordered to be executed by Roman Emperor Trajan. Bishop Polycarp welcomed St. Ignatius on his way to Rome (to be executed) under armed guard. Several Syrian Christian delegates from other churches at Smyrna received him. At Rome he was thrown into the amphitheater filled with voracious lions to be devoured on October 17th. It is said that only the toughest of his bones remained. Thus Mor Ignatius Noorono attained the crown of martyrdom. His relics were then taken to Antioch & venerated by the pious believers. Emperor Theodosius II later moved his relics to another church in the city on December 20th.

Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church'

Oh Mor Ignatius Noorono! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.

http://www.soc-wus.org/ourchurch/St.%20Ignatius%20Noorono.htm