by Father Dale A. Johnson
There are many theological and medical reasons for a healthy person to fast but a new notion in contemporary thought has arisen that gives further weight to fasting. With the growing population of the world and the increasing degradation to the environment, scientists, politicians, and sociologists are coming to a consensus on how to measure the “carbon footprint” for each person. A carbon footprint is the amount of energy a person consumes that produces the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
I Wish I could live here Permanently
“I wish I could live here permanently”. These were the words of Moran Mor Ignatius Elias III, Patriarch of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, when he reached St. Stephen’s church Manjanikkara at the last leg of his sojourn in Malankara. Here is a first hand account of the last days of the Patriarch, Moran Mor Elias III. The writer of this article had the privilege of being an eye witness to the grand reception accorded to the Bava Thirumeni and the subsequent happenings at Manjanikkara. I had also the rare privilege of getting blessings directly from him. I remember I knelt before the saint and he prayed for more than half an hour with his hand placed on my head.
Bzultho Yoldas Aloha: St. Mary the Perpetual Virgin
by Fr. George Varghese Vayaliparambil
St. Mary the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ is a virgin of all times. Anti- Christians disagree with the perpetual virginity of St. Mary, something that has always been believed by Christians. In this article I'll be looking at some of the common arguments used and here is an attempt to find out the truth behind the word always put forth by the anti-Christians to challenge the virginity of St. Mary.
Ancient Syriac Bible found in Cyprus
NICOSIA -- Authorities in northern Cyprus believe they have found an ancient version of the Bible written in Syriac, a dialect of the native language of Jesus.The manuscript was found in a police raid on suspected antiquity smugglers. Turkish Cypriot police testified in a court hearing they believe the manuscript could be about 2,000 years old.
From Previous Edition
Role of Syriac in the Late Renaissance
by Father Dale A. Johnson
The language of Syriac played a curious role in the development of the Christian Kabbalah, the attempted conversion of Muslims and Jews, the Protestant Reformation and the emergence of the printing press in the 16th century Europe. Christian/Jewish relations were perhaps at their lowest point in 1492 when on January 1, Jews were required to either leave Spain or convert to Christianity. In a xenophobic wave of Inquisitions fueled by the victories of Christian armies...
What is the Book of Hosea about? How was it composed & in what sense (if any) might it be regarded as True?by Sr. Marina Issa
If we read swiftly through the chapters of Hosea, we can at once notice that the book is written in a metaphorical and poetical way, which gives the reader encouragement to dig deeper into its true meaning and significance. The very uniqueness, which attracts the scholar’s attention, is how the prophecy is represented in the narrative. Nevertheless, the script has always been challenging for critical scholars to interpret, primarily because the book has a variety of textual problems.
56 th Dukrono of St. Athanasius Paulose: Valiya Thirumeni
by shroro Editorial Board
St. Athanasious Paulose, popularly known as 'Valiya Thirumeni', is one of the luminous stars of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, who as the head of the Church in India, successfully guided its destiny for nearly four decades. It was his firm faith, persistent efforts and ardent prayers that helped the Malankara Syrian community to maintain their ancient links with the Holy See of Antioch. Because of his strong determination to uphold the traditions and faith of the Holy Church, he is often described in the Church history as 'Sathya Viswasa Samrakshakan' (Defender of True Faith), a title conferred to him by the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem I.
