Apostolic Benediction to our
beloved Metropolitans and to our
beloved spiritual children: the
Reverend clergy and the faithful
of all our Malankara Syrian
Jacobite churches and
Congregations the Arabian Gulf
Region, North America, Europe,
Australia and Singapore.
At
this splendid occasion of the
celebration of the Nativity of
our Lord and our God Jesus
Christ, we are overjoyed to
extend to you all, our paternal
greetings and prayerful best
wishes of a Merry Christmas The
blessed apostle saint John
depicts the birth of Jesus as
follows: "And the Word became
flesh and dwelt among us, full
of grace and truth; we have
beheld his glory, glory as of
the only Son from the Father".
(John 1:14).The living presence
of Jesus, the Word of God, is
the answer for the trials and
tribulations faced by all
humanity at large. The
sufferings of the present time,
when endure with the Word
Incarnate, lead to Glory which
is yet to be revealed. Let us
dedicate ourselves, our Churches
and the whole creation during
this Christmas to obtain the
glorious liberty of the Kingdom
of God. The Word of God hast o
be accepted and received with
humility and repentance in our
lives so that we may bear
spiritual fruits. Every believer
of the true faith has to live
and act according to the living
Word of God. As you know it was
in Antioch, the disciples were
called Christians, for the first
time. One becomes a true
disciple only when one continues
to live in the Word of God. The
root cause of today's problems
in the world is the ignorance or
the unawareness of the true
message of the Bible. The Word
will become flesh in our lives
when we start to obey the
commandments of our Lord.
Our dearly beloved spiritual
children, today we face a lot of
difficulties and sufferings in
every realm of our lives. "We
suffer with Him in order that we
may also be glorified with Him.
(Romans1 8.17).With the blessed
apostles, prophets and martyrs
we may also rejoice in our
Sufferings as true Christians.
The presence of the living Jesus
a midst us gives us strength and
courage to endure the pains and
agonies for the sake of the
greater glory of God. At the
same time, we should reject
every kind of evil in our lives
in order to be in the grace of
God. Let this Christmas tide be
a milestone in our lives to turn
away from every sinful attitude
and malevolent behaviour. Let us
hold the helping hands of the
Mother of God; through whom the
Word became flesh in the world,
to live a life of grace and to
endure all the sufferings.
Mother Mary is the Mother of
Glory, Mother of Love, Mother of
the Word of God and the Mother
of Grace. Let us offer ourselves
to Her during this Christmas so
that Christ may dwell in our
hearts through faith; that we,
being rooted and grounded in
love, may have the power to
comprehend the breadth and depth
of the love of God and the
freedom of the Spirit. We wish
you all a Blessed New Year and
extend our Apostolic blessings
to you.
May the grace of God be with you
all
His Beatitude
Catholicos Aboon Mor
Baselios Thomas I
25 December 2010, Damascus, Syria: Christian denominations in Syria on Saturday celebrated Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ the Lord God, Masses and prayers were held on glorious occasion in churches across Syria.
In Damascus, Holy Qurbono was held at the St. George Cathedral for Syriac Orthodox Church, headed by Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All The East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, assisted by several bishops, priests, the Patriarchate choir, and the Mar Ephrem Theological School.
His Holiness gave the Christmas sermon, discussing the deep meanings of this great occasion and affirming that Christmas is a message of amity, peace, security and equality among humans.
"In Christmas, our thoughts go to Bethlehem, the spot chosen by God to host the cradle of Christ and from which the message of peace, amity and hope was spread to the whole world.. it is now crying out to God from the transgression of Israeli racism, the injustice of extremism, the aggression of expansive greed, and the bloodshed of tyranny," His Holiness said.
Patriarch Iwas affirmed that the divine message and its amity of peace will continue to prevail forever across the world, and that it won't be stopped by crime, extremism, injustice and the mythic dreams of a few blinded by greed and malice.
His Holiness lauded Syria's security, peace and national unity under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, praying for God to preserve Syria under the leadership of President al-Assad.
Delegated by President Bashar al-Assad, Minister of Presidential Affairs Mansour Azzam on Saturday conveyed to the heads of Christian denominations congratulations on Christmas, the day marking the birth of Jesus Christ, messenger of love and peace.
Azzam paid a visit to Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, conveying to him and to the Syriac Orthodox community President al-Assad's congratulations on Christmas.
Christmas Masses and prayers were held across Syrian governorates, with sermons focusing on the noble meanings of Christmas and the message of Jesus Christ, congratulating the people of Syria for the holidays.
Governors congratulated heads of Christian denominations across Syria on this occasion.
On the evening of Friday, 24 December 2010, holy Qurbono and Christmas liturgy were held at St. Aphrem Theological Seminary chapel. Liturgy was lead by Mor Philoxinus Mattias Nayisv Patriarchal Assistant and Metropolitan of St. Aphrem Theological Seminary, Ma’arrat Saidnaya, Damascus in the presence of His Holiness.
25 December 2010, Malankara, India: Christmas, marking the historic birth of Jesus Christ was celebrated with gaiety and religious fervor in Central Travancore area of Malankara.
Special services were held at various churches in this part of the State on the Christmas’ eve.
Believers took part in the midnight mass as well as holy Qurbono early in the morning hours at various churches in different parts of the district.
Almost every Christian household in this part of the State have decorated their courtyards with a crib, `Pulkoodu' as they call it, made of dry grass, in which the images of Infant Jesus and cute dolls representing angels, shepherds, lambs, etc, are kept, besides an illuminated Christmas Tree.
Hundreds of faithful attended the midnight mass followed by the ritualistic `fire-warming’ held as part of the service, later, around 12 midnight.
Prayers were rented aloud, making the atmosphere surcharged with devotion. Priests and the faithful proceeded to the specially prepared fireplace in front of the parishes in devout veneration, symbolizing the warming of the `baby’ immediately after the birth of Jesus.
Christian households have celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, making it a day for an annual family get together. They feast upon different types of traditional Kerala delicacies, along with their close relatives and family friends.
Churches have jointly organized Christmas rallies at Kunnamthanam, Kumbazha, Omalloor on Saturday afternoon.
Metropolitan Archbishop, Thomas Mar Coorilos, Auxiliary Bishop of Thiruvalla Archdiocese,
Dr Joseph Mar Thoma, Metropolitan of Mar Thoma Church, Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan of the Niranom diocese of Jacobite Syrian Church,
Philipose Mar Stephanos, Metropolitan of Niranom diocese of Malankara Orthodox Church, Yuhanon Mar Chrysostomos, Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostum, senior Metropolitan of Mar Thoma Church, Bishop K.P.Yohannan of Believers’ Church, Swami Golokananda and Swami Samagrananda of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram in Thiruvalla, N.S.Prabhakaran Pillai, NSS director board member and Akeeramon Kalidasa Bhattathiri, Yogakshema Sabha president, were among those who have showered their Christmas greetings on the society as a whole on Sunday.
My beloved children in the lands
of immigration, both clergy and
laity.
Peace to you and grace. My
congratulations for the Feast of
Nativity of our Lord, to Whom is
Glory.
Be all well, shepherded by God
who keeps you. May we hear all
good about you. May you have
contemplations in the Glorious
Nativity and its happenings.
As for us, I want you not to
worry about us - we are
well......
The painful circumstances that
happened to us have brought
compassion upon us from all
sides, as well as extreme care
and eagerness in protecting the
churches, as well as care for
our cause. Also, tribulation, by
its nature, makes the soul
closer to God. And we believe
that God is the Protector and
Helper, and that "unless the
Lord guards the city, the
watchman stays awake in vain."
We also believe the promise of
the Lord to His Church, that the
gates of Hades will not prevail
against it. Therefore all are in
peacefulness.
Be calm all of you, assured of
the work of the Lord, and all of
you to rejoice in this Feast,
for it is the birth of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and I mean, His
Incarnation was the starting
point for all the good that
graced humanity till it was
crowned with redemption. As
well, the Incarnation was proof
of the love of God to us, and
the reconciliation that was
fulfilled between heaven and
earth.
Rejoice in the Lord my dear
children, and again I say
rejoice. In all
circumstances that pass by you,
say "it’s all for good."
Finally, my love to you all.
Be absolved from the Holy
Spirit.
A blessed season to you all.
Shenouda
Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch
of the See of St. Mark
January 2011
On
Thursday 6 January 2011, His Holiness Aram I celebrated the Christmas
Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias. The
President of the Republic of Lebanon, H.E. Michel Sleiman and the
Speaker of the House H.E. Nabih Berri were represented respectively by
the Minister of State Jean Oghassabian and Member of Parliament Hagop
Pakradouni.
In his sermon, His Holiness Aram I said that the purpose of Incarnation
was to proclaim the Kingdom of God based on the values of love, justice
and reconciliation and make disciples to live out their faith based on
these values. He then showed what would such a discipleship mean to the
Church, to the Armenian people everywhere and particularly in Lebanon,
and finally to Christian presence in the Middle East.
“To be Church” he said “means to continue Christ’s mission to establish
the values of love, justice and reconciliation through its outreach.”
Addressing the Armenian people, he said: “We were the first nation to
accept the message of Jesus in 301 AD. Throughout our history of
persecutions we have remained truthful to our Christian faith. We shall
continue our journey of faith based on love, justice and reconciliation
wherever we are.”
Catholicos Aram I then addressed the people in Lebanon and said:
“Lebanon is the country of co-existence, which means a life together
based on commonly agreed values such as mutual love and respect,
equality and justice. I thank the Almighty today that we do not have
religious conflicts. However, we should overcome our political
sensitivities for the sake of the sovereignty and integrity of Lebanon.”
He then continued, “all the confessional communities and political
parties in this country are fully Lebanese. I am confident that their
positions and claims aim at safeguarding Lebanon. We should not depend
on the ‘other’, but work together to establish peaceful co-habitation in
Lebanon because our primary allegiance goes to Lebanon.”
Referring
to Christian presence in the Middle East, His Holiness Aram I said:
“Christianity was born in the Middle East. Jesus was born in Palestine,
and he began his public ministry in Palestine. Christianity spread out
to the world from Jerusalem. Christians have made the history of the
region and contributed to the creation of Middle Eastern Civilization
through their faith, their thoughts and their martyrdom. We therefore,
denounce all acts of violence against Christians and churches that are
happening in Iraq, Egypt and other places. Irrespective of all
difficulties, as people of the region, and based on the values of love,
justice and reconciliation that Christ has shared, Christians will
remain in the Middle East. Christian-Muslim relations are founded on
shared values of love, justice and reconciliation; these relations are
the product of thousands of years of life together. Therefore,
Christians and Muslims will continue to seek together justice peace and
prosperity in the region.”
During the next few days His Holiness Aram I
received religious and political leaders, as well as representative of
civil society organizations congratulating him on the occasion of
Armenian Christmas.
In the Name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
“Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:11
Beloved faithful Armenians in the homeland and the diaspora, Once again
today our hearts are filled with joy and exultation with the celebration
of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was with
the baby Jesus that God’s love became incarnate and lived among men. God
dispersed His countless blessings on mankind, and opened the path to
salvation for all.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the
Messiah, the Lord.” This joyful news was first given to the shepherds of
Bethlehem more than two thousand years ago, and the bright star in the
night sky of Bethlehem guided the wise men of the East, who set out to
find the Lord and found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes in a
manger, and recognized Him as the Lord – the Savior of the world.
The birth of Christ today is once again an invitation to us, to all men
and peoples, to go seek the Savior – the benevolent and loving God –
just as the Magi and shepherds did. The psalmist says, “Those who seek
the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” Psalm 34:10. To seek the Lord
is to walk toward God, to accept His saving Will and to follow Him. To
seek the Lord is to meet and see Him feeding the hungry, healing the
sick, consoling the heartbroken, granting hope, faith and love,
admonishing hypocrisy and falsehood, and leading men on the paths of
justice, righteousness and peace. Those who meet the Lord on these paths
shall be strengthened, their hearts shall be at peace, happy and joyful,
they shall not falter in their faith, and they “shall not lack any good
thing.” God sent His Only Begotten Son to the world for the love of
mankind, through which He bestowed the greatest examples of love, care
and attention; to share their gifts with one another and to rely on the
graces of heaven. The righteous, the prophets and the apostles, the
martyrs for the faith, the pious and the saints, lived by this blessed
and righteous life, and as a lighthouse, have illuminated the path to
God for mankind.
The modern century, which is noted for its greater materialism and
secularism, has a greater need for spiritual inner-strength, resolute
faith, and a return to the spiritual-moral values taught by Christ,
through which life has meaning and its aim established – on a path
toward God. Lasting and eternal are spiritual values that have
illuminated and strengthened the lives of peoples, have developed
cultures, and have reformed societies. Today as well, without
spirituality and without God, social and economic reforms, scientific
and technical developments and all efforts of humanity aimed at progress
are condemned to fail. Truly, mankind will be able to find peace,
prosperity, wellbeing and all good things through a renewal of
spirituality and morality. Just as the apostle James teaches us, “Every
good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights.” James 1:17.
Dear and beloved faithful in Armenia, Artsakh and the Dispersion,
We have a great many concerns in our homeland and national life as well,
that we shall be able to address through the graces that come from our
faith, through the power of love, honesty, devotion and vigilance for
one another; a spirit of patriotism and love of nation. Let us not be
intimidated by difficulties or challenges, for the Lord has transformed
all manner of sadness into happiness for us, has granted us many
victories, through which our souls are encouraged
today. Let us guard ourselves against faltering in our responsibilities
and obligations, let us disdain injustice and dishonesty, and to the
same extent, indifference. Let each of us – the official in his
position, the soldier in his service and the clergyman in his, the
farmer and the manufacturer in their labors, the teacher, the scientist,
the physician and the artist in their calling – be greater diligent, be
ready to take on greater responsibility and display greater devotion, so
that we may gather the beneficial bounty and increase the Lord’s graces
in our lives. With a renewed national and spiritual life, and in strong
unity, we shall beautify our homeland, make our people’s life
prosperous, defend our just rights, keep our country’s stability
unshakeable, and keep our optimism for the future unwavering, so that
the sons and daughters of our nation do not depart from the homeland,
rather they return; so that Armenian families and children in those
families proliferate in Armenia and the Diaspora. May the difficulties
not become obstacles to increasing the population of our villages and
settlements, and may the joyful yelps and cries of children multiply in
Armenian homes.
The Son of God was not born in splendor, comfort or wealthy
surroundings. Our Lord came to earth in a humble family – one that had
faith in God and submission to His Will. New hope is born with each new
child – a new prospect for the advancement and prosperity of our nation.
The future of our people is in their hands. They shall be the ones to
continue the free life of our reborn homeland, the path of our people
among the family of nations – in peace and happiness – with an
unyielding faith of a world filled with hope in God. Let us take care,
dear sons and daughters, that our children grow and strengthen with the
Word of God, and to keep them from the danger of falling into the trap
of soul-destroying ideologies that are foreign and unfamiliar to our
people. Let us firmly establish them in the faith and hope in Christ and
the promise of our Lord that “rivers of living water will flow within”
their souls. John 7:38. And according to the words of the prophet, “They
will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the
display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore
the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have
been devastated for generations.” Isaiah 61:3-4.
On this soul-renewing occasion of the Lord’s Holy Nativity and Theophany,
and with Christ-bestowed love, we greet the incumbents of the hierarchal
sees of our Holy Apostolic Church: His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
the Great House of Cilicia; His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian,
Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem; His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob
Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople; His Excellency Serzh
Sargsian, President of the Republic of Armenia and all state officials
of the Armenians. We extend our greetings to His Excellency Bako
Sahakian, President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh. We convey our
pontifical love and blessings to the oath-bound ranks of our clergy and
to our sons and daughters dispersed throughout the world. Wishing for
God’s most abundant graces for them, we greet the heads of our sister
Churches and the leaders and representatives of the diplomatic missions
accredited in Armenia.
Dear brothers and sisters, today the glad tiding of the angel resounds
in our souls: “…a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the
Lord.” Let us go to meet the Lord, as the Magi and shepherds did. Let us
transform our souls into the manger of Bethlehem to receive the baby
Jesus. Let us offer prayers to heaven before the cradle of the newborn
Savior, so that peace and goodwill among men be strengthened on earth
through heavenly graces. May the power to feel the presence of God in
our hearts and recognize Him in our souls never diminish, so that our
souls always rejoice and that our lips exclaim with glory the
grace-bestowing good news:
CHRIST IS BORN AND REVEALED!
BLESSED IS THE REVELATION OF CHRIST.
May the Grace, Love and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us and
will all.
Amen.
At
this splendid occasion of the
celebration of the Nativity of
our Lord and our God Jesus
Christ, we are overjoyed to
extend to you all, our paternal
greetings and prayerful best
wishes of a Merry Christmas The
blessed apostle saint John
depicts the birth of Jesus as
follows: "And the Word became
flesh and dwelt among us, full
of grace and truth; we have
beheld his glory, glory as of
the only Son from the Father".
(John 1:14).The living presence
of Jesus, the Word of God, is
the answer for the trials and
tribulations faced by all
humanity at large. The
sufferings of the present time,
when endure with the Word
Incarnate, lead to Glory which
is yet to be revealed. Let us
dedicate ourselves, our Churches
and the whole creation during
this Christmas to obtain the
glorious liberty of the Kingdom
of God. The Word of God hast o
be accepted and received with
humility and repentance in our
lives so that we may bear
spiritual fruits. Every believer
of the true faith has to live
and act according to the living
Word of God. As you know it was
in Antioch, the disciples were
called Christians, for the first
time. One becomes a true
disciple only when one continues
to live in the Word of God. The
root cause of today's problems
in the world is the ignorance or
the unawareness of the true
message of the Bible. The Word
will become flesh in our lives
when we start to obey the
commandments of our Lord.
In Damascus, Holy Qurbono was held at the St. George Cathedral for Syriac Orthodox Church, headed by Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All The East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, assisted by several bishops, priests, the Patriarchate choir, and the Mar Ephrem Theological School. 
Hundreds of faithful attended the midnight mass followed by the ritualistic `fire-warming’ held as part of the service, later, around 12 midnight. 
