ST MARYS JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH SYDNEY

NEWSLETTER

Greetings and a warm welcome to our third issue of Arise newsletter. We couldn't be more excited to have made it to this point and we are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people. On behalf of the editorial board, we would like to thank you for the continued support, which keeps us going.We passed through another Easter period where we remembered the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of Christian life.

From the Editorial Board

Volume: 1 | Issue: 3 | April 2016

"He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

- Luke 24:6-7"

Let's the blessing you earned through the prayerful holy days and lent be with you for the rest of your life.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1

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Photography Special Edition

2Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Abdulla II ordained Joseph Mor Dionysius VI on 31st May 1908 at Jerusalem as Bishop. When Mor Dionysius V passed away, Mor Dionysius VI was given the position by the approval of Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Abdulla at the request of St Sleeba Mor Osthathios then Patriarchal delegate. In the meeting held to discuss the reception of Patriarch HH Mor Ignatius Abdulla II, it was decided that the three keys to the treasury to be kept with Mor Dionysius VI was supposed to be kept between the trustees, the Metran, Konattu Malpan and C J Kurian. This caused a friction between the trustees and turned out to be the start of the division in the church in 20th century. HH Mor Ignatius Abdulla II was received at Bombay by Mor Dionysius VI and leaders of church on 24th September 1909. After the fanfares HH started to focus on the matters of the Church and as the precedence all the bishops were asked to give their legitimate declaration. Mor Dionysius VI not only disagreed to this request but also published deceptive claims about HH, as a result HH called a meeting, at Kottayam, of the representatives of the church on 25th November 1909 and concluded without reaching a decision. Those who supported HH were called Bava kakshi and those who supported the Methran were called Methran Kakshi. The joint trustees Konattu Malpan and C J Kurian faithfully stayed with HH. On 27th of May 1910 St Paulose Mor Athanasius was ordained for the diocese of Angamali and on the 28th of August 1910 Geevarghese Mor Severius was ordained for the newly formed Knanaya diocese. As the situation worsened, on 31st May 1911, HH was left with no choice but to expel Mor Dionysius VI. In the representative meeting held on 30th August 1911 at Alwaye, Paulose Mor Coorilose was elected as Malankara Methrapolitan. Rev Konattu Malpan and C J Kurian were elected as joint trustees. HH Mor Ignatius Abdulla II returned on 14th October 1911. In 1912 Mor Dionysius VI brought to Malankara Abdul Masiha, the deposed, predecessor of HH Ignatius Abdulla II in order to legitimise his position and ordain other bishops. Fr P T Geevarghese who took a leading role in bringing Mbdul Masiha became Mor Ivaniose, a bishop in Methran kakshi then started a reunification movement and joined Church of Rome and became Malankara Reeth.In order to create peace in the church HH St. Ignatius Elias III came to Malankara by the request of then Viceroy Lord Irwin (one who made Gandhi-Irwin Pact). HH St. Ignatius Elias III reached Alwaye on 20th March 1931 and opened the doors of peace to Mor Dionysius VI and sent bulls to churches withdrawing the expulsion. In 1958 then Patriarch HH Ignatius Jacob III sent a bull declaring to unite the disputing fractions. HH Ignatius Jacob III came to Malankara in 1964. On 7th September 1975 Patriarch HH Ignatius Yakub II concecrated Mor Philoxenus as Catholicose of the East with the name HB Baselios Paulose II. HB made history consecrating HH Mor Ignatios Zakka I Iwas, Archbishop of Baghdad, as the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch. For the first time in the history of the Syrian church, a Catholicos from Malankara was officiated at the consecration of a patriarch. HB was succeeded by HB Baselios Thomas I. While church still struggled to give the light to the world, as our Lord commanded, how can we forget the way Lord sustained us all along? When are we going to learn that A divided church is a contradiction

in itself, because the church is the Body of Christ and it cannot be divided in to fragments? By tolerating this fragmentation of the church we are mutilating the body of Christ which even Pilats soldiers did not even do to His cloths. Therefore the disunity in the church is not merely a fundamental contradiction but also a grave sin. Fr. Bede Grifiths born as protestant educated in Oxford became a Benedictine monk and priest lived in ashrams in south India and became a noted yogi, a leading thinker in the development of the dialogue between Christianity and Hinduism says the following about the Church, The Syrian Church in India is the remnant of a once great and glorious church which extended its sway from Antioch on the shores of the Mediterranean right across Asia to India and China. Its importance for Christendom as a whole remain very great, both because of the beauty and antiquity of its prayers and its rites and because it is the one surviving link with the Ancient Aramaic Church, which was the mother Church of all Christendom. Doesnt it resonate in the highest level of the human spirit when we sing Your majesty, O Lord, thousand thousands heavenly beings worship, and myriad myriads of angels, hosts of spiritual beings, ministers of the fire and spirit with cherubim and holy seraphim, glorify your name, crying out and glorifying, Holy, Holy, Holy, God almighty, Heaven and earth are full of his gloriesas it was sung hundreds of years ago by the harp of Holy Spirit St Ephraim.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baselios_Paulose_II The Syrian Orthodox Christians of St. Thomas The Syrian Orthodox Christians of St Thomas A History of Christanity by Diarmaid MacCulloch

Fr GEEVARGHESE KUZHIYELIL (Vicar, St George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Sydney)Part - 3

A Brief History of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch and all the East in India

The flowers blossomed in the Golden Valley, shining every so vibrantly when suddenly, a bullet from a rifle broke the silence and peace in the now distorted forest. A man was shooting for food. His name was Fane. He was a criminal mastermind, who had broken out of

jail yet again. He had stolen from many people for unknown reasons. By now, Fane was a master of

the forest and knew the forest like the back of his hand.As he was walking through the woodlands, he saw black streams of smoke like serpents slinking through the undergrowth. He smelt some kind of meat. Fane had developed an excellent sense of smell during his time at the forest and every other quality had been exceptionally increased. Slyly, he treaded through the forest, with feet like feather. Abruptly, an arrow fired at Fanes stomach which was bleeding severely. He rapidly cleaned the wound with water and tore a piece of shirt and covered the wound and started running away. He knew something or someone was out to get him.Fane walked slowly and uncomfortably to the main road, still trembling after the attack on himself. He indicated towards drivers to halt, so Fane could travel on a car to his old home. It was a rustic little house and he had some many lovely memories. The nostalgic moments was broken by the revving of a car in the distance.Taxi yelled Fane in a struggling voice. The rusty old vehicle stopped to a standstill, when Fane had finished shrieking. The old man had never seen people this late on the main road. You young man, what are you doing? Come before the tigers eat you said the man in a deep Chinese accent without noticing the rifle.

Gregory George

The Journey of a Lifetime

NEWSLETTER

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Take me to Massachusetts in a tired voice. But we are all the way in Ohio exclaimed the man I beg you, please in a voice that was impatient. The old man agreed to this half-hearted idea of Fanes. They were almost covering about 1200km. Even though, every other taxi driver would have said are you mad, but something made the old man do it, he cared about Fane and his feelings despite not knowing his background.They started their long and tedious journey near the Ohio River. As seconds grew into minutes and minutes grew into hours, the men started a lengthy conversation. The man introduced himself as Martin, he was Christian, but Fane was an atheist, so Fane did not believe much of religion, in fact no religion at all. Eventually, they stopped for food and for someone who had ate nothing since prison food and bugs since when he was twenty, this was heaven. The men continued on the dreary voyage. They were travelling in winter season, so that made the journey twice as hard. The folk continued their discussion. They had a few giggles and laughs and a few silent

Oral health and general healthGood oral health is critical for general health and well being of children and is important for achieving a good quality of life. Poor oral health has been implicated in cardiovascular

issues, premature delivery of babies and low birth weight. It also increases the risk for

several other diseases later in life.Tooth decay is one of the most common outcomes of poor oral health. Toothache accounts for the maximum number of school hours lost in American children. Dental problems including tooth infections account for the maximum number of preventable hospital admissions for children in Australia.

How do teeth decay?A large number of bacteria reside in the mouth. These bacteria thrive on carbohydrates and sugars, which they convert into acid. This acid weakens and decays the tooth. The tooths enamel eventually breaks down resulting in a cavity. If not treated the cavity progress further resulting in pain and infection. In children a dental infection may result in significant medical complications resulting in hospital infections.

Role of DietFrequent consumption of lollies, chocolates and other sweets significantly increases the risk for tooth decay in children. Sweetened drinks, fruit juice and fizzy soft drinks cause significant damage to teeth both in children and adults. Fruit juice (freshly squeezed or bottled) has similar amount of sugar and acid as fizzy soft drinks. Frequent consumption of large quantities of fruit juice has also been shown to cause general health issues in children. Tap water provides the best form of hydration for children. Flavoured milk and yoghurts are also high in sugars and hence should be consumed less frequently.

Dr Soni Stephen BDS MDS Paed.Dent(Adel) FRACDS FADI FICD - Specialist Paediatric Dentist

Oral Health in Children Does Matter

Tomato and barbeque sauces, spreads such as fruit jams and Nutella and some health bars also contain very high amounts of sugar and should only be consumed occasionally. Frequent snacking in between meals also increases the risk of tooth decay in children.

Role of brushingThorough and effective brushing of teeth twice daily using a manual or powered toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste is very effective in reducing tooth decay and gum problems. Tooth brushing should be carried out after breakfast and dinner. Once teeth have been brushed and cleaned at night no food or drinks except water should be consumed. If children have a milk bottle or glass of milk at night prior to bed, brushing of teeth should always follow it. This will ensure that the teeth are clean prior to sleep and hence greatly reduce the amount of acid produced by bacteria. Most children are not efficient and effective tooth brushers. Children up to 10 years of age should be assisted and supervised by parents while they brush their teeth.

Flossing between teethIt is also recommended to floss in between teeth at least once daily preferably just prior to brushing at night. This will remove the food and plaque stuck between teeth and helps to avoid decay. Even baby teeth should be flossed and parents should assist and supervise children with flossing.

SummaryIn summary maintaining good oral health in children is critical to their growth and development and overall quality of life. Close attention by parents to diet and oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing will reduce the risk of dental decay in children. It is highly recommended that children see their dentist every six months for a check up and clean. This will assist in achieving and maintaining optimum oral health for your children.Useful resource: www.protectingtinyteeth.com.au

moments and before they knew it they were at Massachusetts, home.Fane was shocked to see the sight that he saw. The house was demolished. Teardrops in his eyes, fell for the first time in his life. Martin put his hand upon his shoulder and tried to comfort him and gave the biggest help that Fane could get right now a home. Now, technically it wasnt a home. It was a Christian monastery and there he met a priest. Now the priests name was Philip and gave guidance to Fane and changed him completely.Few years later Fane was no longer Fane anymore. Christopher was his new name. Priest Philip had helped him so much and helped him read the bible and he was amazed at the stories of Jesus and that was why he converted to Christianity. He had a wife and son now. His son asked him a question Why did you change your name Dad? He said Because I had the journey of a lifetime.

4The end result of one hour of trekking to Leura Cascade falls - Mother nature never fails to surprise us.

From the practice run before the big event! Location: Near Palakkad

Photographing water in motion -Govind Jayan(Govind Jayan is Gayathri Naveens brother, and she wishes to share his art for

everyone to enjoy).

.... ( West Morakkala - Kalkkanad Info Park - )

-Aleena Anil

-Alwin George

-Geevarghese Kollannur

pictuARISEedMoments

NEWSLETTER

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... ...

... !!!

-John Paul

In the end, Kids wont remember that fancy toy or game you bought for them, they will just remember the time

you spent with them - #SpendTimeWithKids -Naveen Kuriakose

Not a bad view to wake up to! This is Ha Long Bay in northeast Vietnam, a stunning seascape of over 2000 limestone islands and emerald waters.

Journey of hope with no FootPrints. -Sholly Kurian

-Shilpa Sagy

pictuARISEedMoments

6Ingredients:-Fish-fillet or whole fish 2

(Tilapia, Pearl spot, King fish, Salmon, Pomfret. I used snapper)Marinade:Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Red chilly powder - 1 tablespoonPepper powder - 1 teaspoon (as per your

tolerance level)Salt to tasteFor the masalaCoconut oil 2-3 tablespoonShallots finely chopped - 1 cupGinger chopped - a small pieceGarlic chopped -5 clovesGreen chillies sliced - 2-3nosChili powder - 1/2 teaspoonCoriander - 1/2 teaspoonTurmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoonPepper powder teaspoon

Anu Anoop

Meen pollichathu/Foil-baked fish with Indian spicesF O O D

Tomato - 1Coconut milk (thick) - 1/4 cupLemon Juice -1/2 lemonCurry leavesSalt to tasteTomato -1 (cut in thick round slices-optional)Lemon -thin round slices (optional)Aluminium foil/banana leafMethod:Clean the fish, and if using a large one with skin on, make gashes on both sides.Mix together the marinade ingredients and generously rub it on to the fish. Keep aside for at least 1 hour. Fry it lightly (not crisp fried). In the same oil saute chopped shallots, ginger, garlic and green chillies. When they are soft, add chopped tomato. Then add all the powders, salt and curry leaves, mix it well. Add Lemon Juice and saute it well. Add thick coconut milk and let it stand on fire for 2 minutes, until it is thick. Masala is ready.Take an aluminium foil. Put some gravy in the center. If using tomato and/or lemon slices, place them too. Then place the fried fish over it. Put little more gravy over the fish (you can add tomato and/or lemon slices too if you like that tangy taste). Fold the foil carefully and make sure the edges are secure so that the gravy wont fall out. Bake it for 20-25 minutes on a preheated oven @ 180C.Serve hot with rice.

The Empty Tomb John 20:1-18Can you help Mary find the way to the empty tomb?

Bible Memory VerseMary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!"And she told them that he had said these things to her.John 20:18 (NIV)

JeronnDrawing: Ethan Geevarghese Rion Delish

STARTING THEIR JOURNEY IN SCHOOLING

A gorgeous fish dish to relish the taste of the coastal Kerala

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On the last Saturday of February, members of our church attended the 9th combined Annual Day hosted by the Sunday School, Martha Mariyam Samajam and Arise Youth Association . Acting as the Masters of Ceremonies were the dynamic duo of

Paul Kavanakudy and Aleena Daiby, who kept the audience intrigued as they welcomed

participants onto the stage.Following on from the welcome speech by our church secretary Geevarghese Kollannur, Evelyn Kallarackal kicked off the night with her lovely voice. After this, a group of some of our youngest Sunday School students performed an absolutely delightful rendition of the song Down in My Heart, complete with matching outfits and dazzling smiles. Subsequent performances included devotional songs by Ann Maria Kuriakose and Angel Alias, a charming dance piece by Gratia George, Nikita Kuruvilla, Angelina Paul and Elaina Paul as well as a medley of songs elegantly performed by Mr Ajith Mathew Varkey.Headmistress Mrs Kesiya Varghese presented the Sunday school annual report, detailing the various competitions and activities the children had taken part in throughout the year. Mr Genuine Basil also presented the Arise Youth Associations Annual Report,

Joshua KavanakudyCombined Annual Day Coverage

recounting the numerous events that were organised during the previous year which members actively and enthusiastically participated. At this point the young Miley Paul took to the stage with the hit song You Belong With Me. Mr Naveen Kuriakose then proceeded to demonstrate his vocal talents with a wonderful solo song. The audience then witnessed a graceful medley of songs performed by the Vanitha Samajam auntys of our church, after which Mrs Sholly Kuriakose gave the Martha Mariam Samajams Annual Report which discussed the many fundraisers held throughout the previous year.After the Annual Report, began the highlight of the evening: the graduation ceremony for the Sunday School Class of 2015. This consisted of inspiring speeches by both Mrs Ragimol Peter and our Reverend Father Joseph Kunnapillil followed by two graduating students Ammu Punnackal & Alen Abraham, sharing their Sunday School experience. The graduates received certificates to commemorate the occasion as well as some moving words from past students.Similar to how many of us enjoy bearing witness to the fruits of our labour, so too did the Sunday School students as the Prize Distributions began. The stage swarmed with the eager smiles of beaming children who proudly displayed awards for their

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Emie Roy and Shabu Thomas have been awarded "Emerging Writer's Award" by one of the leading bilingual media group based in Sydney.

Albin Benoy was one among the 88 finalists (from over 900 entries) in the Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition for Year 5 and 6 students from the Archdiocese of Sydney, the Dioceses of Wollongong and Bathurst, and from students of schools all over NSW. Titled "The Joyful Mystery", his picture was exhibited in St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney.

Achievements

achievements, ranging from drawing competitions to placing in Bible spotting challenges. As the excited students were ushered off, the lights dimmed and the audience was left anticipating the final performance. The curtains opened to Noel Kuruvilla on stage and as the music jumped up from the speakers, so too did Eldho Alias, Jake Ranjith, Gregory Goerge, Albin Binoy, Allan Binoy and Joel Sajith, leaping onto the stage for one final energetic performance to end the night and leave the audience wanting more.

NEWS

Passion week at St Mary's church