CHRISTIAN NEWS MAGAZINE FOR KERALA MALAYALEE CHRISTIANS FROM INDIA AROUND THE WORLD
FEEDBACK LETTERS
Letters:
TILL FEBRUARY 2005:


Sermon by Fr. T.J .Joshua was very useful . It erased my worries and strenghted to have a new view of life.
Jimmy Paul - Pala

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The Convention Sermon by Fr.T.J. Joshua was very good, very attractive. Can you publish any articles of Fr.T.J.Joshua in coming volume .Eargerly waiting for an article of him soon - Cherian Mathai

[We are trying to get more from Kerala - LOL]
Cherian Mathai - Kuwait

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Sermon by Fr. T. J. Joshua was very good with the topic Endurance in Christ. We would like to have one more Article or Sermon by Fr. T.J. Joshua to be published in next edition.

[We will try to get more from Kerala - LOL]
Roney George - Trissur

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Your books are spirit-filled, they are inspiring God will continue to give you the wisdom to do evn better. Keep it up!
Oguntoyinbo Dare - Nigeria

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Good
Augustine - Mumbai

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Sermon by Fr.T.J. Joshua was good . We would like to have one more sermon of Fr.T.J. Joshua to be published in this site.

[We will try to get it from Kerala. -LOL]
Dr.Joshy John - Quilon

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Can you add the quiz for this year (2005). If you add the question please inform me, because quiz programme is very interesting and knowledge of bible programme.
Sally John New Delhi

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Looks so interesting, I was checking for Chrstian Sites for Bible notes and found this one. looks good. Myself is belongs to Suriani Orthodox church (Jacobite). If you a system of mailing in everymonth pls do it for me. with prayers Daniel Biju Daniel
Daniel Biju Daniel Saudi Arabia

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Hello everybody, I have been reading about the theological traditions of the Malankara Church. Can anyone tell me whether the church can use the liturgy of Mar Addai and Mar Mari,(on an occasional basis) alongside the liturgy of St. James. The syro malabar church does use a modified version of the liturgy (existing the nestorian modifications). In all probability this liturgy was being used in Malankara before the coming of Mar Gregorious of Jerusalem. I believe that the liturgy was around before the east Syrian Cchurch accepted the ideas of Theodore and Nestorious. Does our conversion to West Syrain traditions, prevent us from using the liturgy? I would like to hear from you.
Suraj Iype - Secunderabad

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It is good article we need more like this. I like to see the article of Great Baselioes Paulouse Catholicos. He was a good spirituel leader we canot ignore him, what ever the article if you make put his small photo some where. Thanks
James Mathai - Afganistan

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Juhanon Thirumeni is known to me very closely from early childhood and have heard many of the incidents that you have mentioned. I appreciate the work of the authors very much, and would like to read similar articles. Is it possible to contact Mathew Kallumpram by e-mail? Mathew.
N. M. Mathew - Vancouver, Canada

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It is really interesting and informative.
Kurian Paul - Fujairah, UAE

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I would like to know about Mar Abo. I have received many many blessings through the intercession of His Grace.
Reba - Kollam

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I am sure this 'Light of Light' will really be a blessing to all those who really seek more and more information on so many issues in chriatianity. Hearty congratulations to all those who work behind. May this venture enrich our youngsters with christian faith and love!
Rosamma - Dubai

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Dear Editor, I have a website for my church in Tampa Florida, U.S.A. I would like to know if I can post some of your articles and news on my website, so the members in our area will be more aware of it. Thank You
Jason Kora - Tampa, Florida, U.S.A.

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Thanks for this site. It is very nice to read.... Best wishes
Thomas Mathew Tharakan - Thevalakkara, Kollam

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It's really wounderful site! We are a Christian people, we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we feel that it is our duty to acknowledge him as our Savior and Redeemer. The word of God is always true, always right. Thanks and God Bless!
Thomas Abraham - UK

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Your Grace, I have a question. I read in a book by Adrian Hastings that the Church in India founded by holy Thomas uses rice for eucharistic bread instead of wheat. Is this correct or not?
The Rev. Michael Edwards-Ronning - St. Luke Lutheran Church, Willingboro, New Jersey

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Plz correct the name that is printed on the front page. Its our belove Athanasious Thirumeni not Coorilos thirumeni of Marthoma Church. Kindly do correct it at the earliest.

Sorry for any error. Thanks LOL
Abimon Joy - Kuwait

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On Monday Sept 13, Rev. Valsan Thampu will be speaking at Navodhya at the Univeristy of the Sciences (USP) in Philadelphia at 7 pm.
Tina Cherian - Philadelphia

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Dear Sir/Madam, This is not a comment on the the articles on Light of Life as you may expect. Was trying to search in net the address of the publishing group in Kerala that publishes Maria Valtorta's "The Poem of the Man-God" in Malayalam. Being the publishers of Christian periodicals, shall I requestm you, if available, to give the address of book shops / publishing groups in Kerala that publishes / have this book. Thanking you, Robin John Dammam Saudi Arabia.
Robin John - Dammam - KSA

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Dear Dr.Valsan and Swami Agnivesh, The article from Poisonous identities to peaceful identity is indeed an eye openor to the current thinking and the agenda of the Rich and powerful What they have is predominantly materialistic powers and technology.All the means will be exloited to perpectuate those powers. At the heart of the agenda lies a callousness of the spirit and a brutality of human spirit. Religiousity instead of a universal spirituality is embrced to defend and perpectuate the materialistic agenda. They would negate the goodness of the other to justify the their own stand point. Hence the society is riddled with constant competition and aggression. Tom,USA.
Thomas T - Minneapolis

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Very informative and significant publication. May God bless you.
Sajan K. George - Council of Indian Christians
Sajan K. George - Banglore

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Dear Lord Jesus, Lord, I thank you for sending my husband to work in Kuwait as this was our desire for such a long time. All my praises to you for protecting my husband from bad company, alcohol and over spending. Lord please draw him to You with your love and bind him together with You securely. Lord, please continue to shower your blessings upon us and help us in our smooth relocation to Kuwait as I am in India and yet to join my husband in Kuwait. We are surrounded by jealous people to hinder our success and prosperity. Lord, please help me to find a half day job in Kuwait of your choice in roder to help my husband in his finances and plan a bright future for my daugher. Please deliver me from all the irratic health problems I face every other day, because, this is the only weakness in me that keeps me away from praying and from keeping up with my faith. So Dear Lord, please deliver me from this problem so that this health problem doesnot hinder in my my dream of starting the Esther Prayer Group in Kuwait for all those who are broken hearted and dont know about you.
Reema Sharma - New Delhi

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This site is very useful to make human society to have hope towards the eternal life and to achieve strength to fight against the evil spirit through leading a good life. Thanks a lot for all of you behind this effort.
Shiny Vineeth - Trivandrum

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As Christian marriage divorce law is rigid some people are using this to cheat others, so a presribed proposal bio-data form is needed so all church heads have to consider this immediately in Kerala. Kindly read a letter from Rajan Adoor on june 30th issue of VANITHA Magazine and this type of divorce requests coming frequently induce our court to make divorce law. So an immediate action is needed to protect our Christian dignity.
Reeba John - Pathanamthitta

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Earlier some thought provaking articles/stories by Brother Paul Ciniraj Mohamed used to appear im LOL. Now a days I notice that the same is missing due to some reasons.His style of simple peasentation is appealing. Since Brother is our missionary he can be asked to contribute. Thanks
K.A.SamuelKutty - Kalpakkam, TN

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Quite appropriate and befitting. Keep it up for Thirumeni. Each and everything is true. With best wishes.
Thomas Abraham - Philadelphia

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Thank u for site, help me to find your churchs in Hyderabad.
Harsha - Hyderabad

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Hi Sir, The Shed Program which is running now in and around Hindupur, Anantapur is good, but it should be placed into the right hands so that the fruits will reach to the poor.I feel it should still go into the people, it will go only when the Management People should have desire of working for poor. Regards Jaipal
Jaipal - Anantapur

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Light of Life is an excellent site giving us more spiritual knowledge. Please send me details regarding Light of Life Printed Version. May Almighty God bless all of them who are working behind this spiritual site.
Samkutty K. Yohannan Maldives

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I love the story, Please write me on the same topic Thank, Pastor. David Mark.C
Pastor David - Aganza1

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I really enjoyed reading the messages of Prof. E.S. John about various issues around Christian Church. Can we send articles even if we are not a regular writer in your web?

You are most welcome - LOL
Gejoe Daniel - Kerala

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While sitting in Austrailia with grant comfort that it offers, your article is saying just Ecnomics and big utopian ideas. The purpose of your article is in doubt when you only see negative aspects in that so-called house donation related activities. What you mean by saying "Few small (underlined) houses", "money spending" etc. for the . What is your definition for "small houses"? is it in the standard with respect to NRI's houses like one you may have in Kerala landscape. For a homeless a house is a home irrepestive of its size. See the postive things than looking for the negatives.
Johncy Koottampallil, Niranam - Mumbai, India

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I am facing dual personality in my wife. I met all doctors in an around Trivandrum, Kerala. Is there any good doctor, practicing dual mind personality. Kindly infome me on Mobile 94470 48873.
George K.T. - Trivandrum

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Great news coverage! I would like to receive the news on my email. Thank you. visit us at www.citylight.cc
Rev. James Chacko - Chandigarh

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TILL JUNE 2004:


Healthy messages
Joe Thomas - Muscat

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Respected readers, if anyone of u know about ancient history about St Mary's orthdox Church Thevelakkara,kollam & historical details about Maravan (MAR ABO) missionary from perisia,please inform me to manjeshalex@hotmail.com
Manjesh Alex-Kollam

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This site is very informative and I expect more articles from bible. Thanks
Jose Kunjappan Thaluvachira - St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Alencherry- Anchal

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Brothers in the Light, Does St Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral in Bangalore have an e-mail address. May the Light of Most+High ever shine upon you, Bro. Eldridge Essene Orthodox Church
Brother Eldridge - Canada

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Conduct a study on unwanted practices in our wedding functions such as rahukalam, entering by using right leg, using vilakku to recieve bride and bride groom to the house, kachakoduppu, etc minnu should be avoided manthrakody also should be avoided this brings a huge expense to bride instead of manthrakody one white or light colour shall is preferable. Indicating 9 fruits of holy spirit that' shall' should contain 9 pearls or 9 flower designs now it is very awkward to see the heavy 'lady dress '[saree] folded is put on brides head. Instead of that beautiful shall will be enough to avoid boring of time to guests no need to change white dress after weddingfunction inchurch on that day before wedding dinner. Avoid superstitions instead of minnukettuu a wedding cross will be enough.it shoud be given after marriage everybody is thinking minnukettu is more important than the crown inform the people about this. On the engagement day girl can use coloured dress wedding day she must be in white dress every body is thinking that the bride should come ina special form as her hair put up like our grandmas. Some people are saying that thirumeni will scold them otherwise if the old hair style is changed.
Reeba John - Trivandrum

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I have only one questian I hope you can give the real answer for this. my questian : WHAT ARE THE SEVEN AND A HALF CHURCHES ST.THOMAS FOUNDED IN KERALA AND WHICH IS THE HALF CHURUH ?. PLEAE WE HAVE ONE ARGUMENT ABOUT THIS QUSTIAN I WANTS THE ANSWER WITH PROOF. THANK YOU
Benson Mathew - United States



Jose Kurien Puliyeril replied from Abudhabi:
Among the Indian Churches, the Roman Catholic Church and Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church are having two traditions. Both these churches are of the opinion that St. Thomas had established seven and a half churches. In my understanding all other Churches believe that seven Churches were established by St. Thomas. They are the following:

1. Malayankara. This place is near Kodungallur.
2. Palur (Near Kunnamkulam)
3. Kottakkavu (Kottakayal) There is a saying that these two names were used for the place presently known as North Paravur.
4. Chayal (Nilackel)
5. Niranam
6. Kollam
7. Gokamangalam.

The Malankara Orthodox Church is of the opinion that St. Thomas had established a skeleton Church with a big cross in Thiruvithamcode, in Kanya Kumari District. This is considered as the half Church, where as the Roman Catholic Church advocates that the Church at Malayattur is the half church established by St Thomas. In my personal opinion, all St. Thomas Christians should not create a situation for arguments and counter arguments. We could accept both Churches as the ones established by the same saint and likewise we could find a solution for the dispute if any. One thing is sure and certain. It is high time for each and every St. Thomas Christian to think soundly about co-existence in peace, harmony and peace rather than throwing mud on each other. Let us all try to witness Christ as taught by our Apostle, St. Thomas. ______________________________________________________________________


The site, am glad to note, is growing in quality and usefulness month by month. Why not include in every issue - or keep a databank of - photographs dealing with the Kerala Christian legacy and heritage in art, architecture, culture,&c. which would make our 3rd and 4th generation young people aware of the antiquity and glories of our churches, and perhaps would add to their sense of pride in India and India's Christianity.
Kunjethy Puthenpura - India

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Sites looks Good. Useful to lead a good Christian life. I think there is a need to update our marriage costoms. Some unwanted expenses and unwanted procedures are there. I beg to say to Dr. Yuhanon Rembachen to conduct a study on this. some laws have to be formed to abolish cheating regarding the educational qualifications.
Reeba John - Trivandrum

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Great news coverage! I would like to receive the news on my email. Thank you. visit us at www.citylight.cc
Rev. James Chacko - Chandigarh

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While sitting in Austrailia with grant comfort that it offers, your article is saying just Economics and big utopian ideas. The purpose of your article is in doubt when you only see negative aspects in that so-called house donation related activities. What you mean by saying "Few small (underlined) houses", "money spending" etc. for the . What is your definition for "small houses"? is it in the standard with respect to NRI's houses like one you may have in Kerala landscape. For a homeless a house is a home irrepestive of its size. See the postive things than looking for the negatives.
Johncy Koottampallil, Niranam - Mumbai

Author Replied:
Regret to inform you the misunderstanding that caused by few of my words.I haven't aimed at the donations made but the huge sum wasted for advertisement, airfare for people imported for inaugurations, food accommodation,etc on the principle of what is given by the right hand should not be known to the left hand that I summed up in the article.We live by cheap poularity concocted out of advertisement, celebrations, hero worship which is alien to christian life.Even a drop of water given in the name of Christ is Rewarded(Mt.10:40-42). The present day charity,mostly depends on competition.Jesus warned not to broadcast the miracles that He performed to anybody.I was born and brought up in a small house, and still living in a small house here.This is the reason that pinches my hearts to write all about thse extravagances of artificial and sophisticated life.There is not enough room to give all such details in a website that is curtailed by space.Hope this may clear off your ill-feeling against me.Thanks for your open-heartedness;I appreciate your sincerity. With regards, E.S.John ______________________________________________________________________


I really enjoyed reading the messages of Prof.E.S.John about various issues around Christian Church.
Gejoe Daniel - Kerala

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Light of Life is an excellent site giving us more spiritual knowledge. May Almighty God bless all of them who are working behind this spiritual site.
Samkutty K. Yohannan - Maldives

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I really enjoyed visiting your site. I just was wondering what i should look for online when it just came to me,to go to a site called light of life. After I started to read about your Power in prayer and lifes mission devotions i was greatly encouraged in my walk with the Lord. Thank you so much for your hearts that seek after him in truth. Please keep up your devotion and zeal for it truly will impact many many lives with the Lords power! Be blessed and thank you so much.
Gage DiFrancesco - Clearwater Florida

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Thanks for the article on the Papal election surprises. And many other useful and instructive articles and features. God bless you.
Kunjethy Kerala

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A very nice article that really touched my heart because I was able to realize that something that was missing in my life and which I had to let go has become so fruitful. All the best.
Manoj Mathew Chicago, IL

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TILL NOVEMBER 2003:


One of the very best Indian Chrisitan Websites.
Shino George

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Concidering this: "This chaotic state of the church is also explainable from the fact that the church had three Antiochian patriarchs at the same time: one in Sis who was followed by the Syrians of Cilikia, one in Tur Abdin for the people there, and one in Mardin for all Syrians of the East." Did you ever herd abaut Armenians? And what abaut Armenian church? :((( You are "great thinker" indeed:)))
Vahe Harutyunyan

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I would like to know the next maramom convention tme.

It is announced as February 15-22, 2004 [LOL]
Yebous Fofie

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Dear Dr. Nainan: I really enjoyed reading your article. I am so glad that you are writing about salvation. -Just wanted to let you know- Jessy.
Jessy - Minnesota

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Appriciable Work.
H.Lalbiaksanga Ahmed Nagar

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Fantastic e-mag.. keep it up...
Dr. George Easo Ponda Goa

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I would like to here about the Bible and It contents.
Vana NBC 58th Church Street, Kumaran Nagar

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TILL OCTOBER 2003:


THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO DR ALEXANDE FROM LEEDS ENGLAND DR ALEXANDER HAS STATED THAT CHRIST MAY NOT HAVE DIED ON THE CROSS OR IF HE HAD HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD IN A SHORT WHILE. THIS IS QUITE A BOLD STATEMENT, CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF. OF COURSE, FOR GOD ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. HOWEVER I WOULD LIKE TO POINT A FEW OPINIONS, THAT DIFFER FROM THAT OF DR ALEXANDER'S VIEWS. THE THEORY THAT JESUS DID NOT DIE BUT IT WAS A CASE OF SUSPENDED ANIMATION IS REFUTED BY THE FACT THAT THE SOLDIERS HAD FOUND HIM DEAD AND FOUND THE TWO THIEVES ALIVE, THAT THEY BROKE THE LEG OF THE THIEVES AND SPARED THAT OF JESUS. INSTEAD THEY SPEARED HIM IN THE CHEST. WATER AND BLOOD FLOWED OUT OF THE CHEST WOUND. THIS ALSO EXPLAINS THAT HE HAD DIED, IF HE WERE ALIVE BRIGHT RED BLOOD WOULD HAVE GUSHED OUT, INSTEAD OF PARTLY CLOTTED BLOOD AND SERUM. HIS BODY DID LIE ON THE CROSS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, BEFORE BEING TAKEN DOWN AND PREPARED FOR BURIAL. IF HE WERE TO BE ALIVE OR IN A CASE OF SUSPENDED ANIMATION THIS WOULD HAVE KNOWN SINCE NONE OF THE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE BURIAL HAD ANY DOUBTS ABOUT HIS BEING DEAD. THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER CLUES TO SUGGEST THAT CHRIST DID DIE, WHICH AT A LATER TIME I WILL DISCUSS IT FURTHER CHRIST DID DIE. HIS RESURRECTED BODY WAS IN THE TOUMB WHILE HIS IMMORTAL BODY WAS IN THE HADES PREACHIMG TO THE DEPARTED. HIS RESURRECTED BODY WAS ALSO IN PARADISE WITH THE THIEF ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO THE PRESENCE OF THE RESURRECTED CHRIST AS HE IS PRESENT EVERYWHERE AT ALL TIMES FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END. HIS TIME HAS NO LIMITS. PLEASE COMMENT. THANKS
DR THOMAS VARGHESE - DALLAS TEXAS

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Your web site is very nice. God bless you
Jayakar Ellis - Navi Mumbai

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Dear Achen: One little comment....about the name Sunday School. In recent years, the name Sunday School appears in front of the Hindu temple....Muslim Mosk and so many other religious places as well as Christian Church Building. Why dont we change our name to Sunday Bible School or something in that nature?????? This new name will clearly tell the whole world that we teach the Bible in our Sunday Shool.... otherwise there is a little confusion.... Please comment back. Thanks.
K.I.Thomas - USA

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Where may I meet some Malayali Christians in Fremont, San Jose area of northern California? How can I familiarize myself with the Malayali culture and the marriage ceremony and process used by Malayali Christians? What happens from start to the engagement day? What happens from engagement day to wedding day? Where may I meet some Malayali Christians in Dallas, Texas? And Houston, Texas? Geeta
Geeta - Fremont, CA

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The best one I like was Rengi Thomas's "Seven Versees from the Cross". I would love to read more from Rengi. I can't believe that he is only 15 when he write this. I would really like to meet Rengi. He is going to be a true writer. PLease reply with some answere. Maybe I can get his Phone # or E-mail.
Rick Jacob - Philadelphia

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FEBRUARY 2003:


*** DISCOVERIES CONFIRMING THE BIBLE **** 

Hi I am Jonny from Sweden! This is free bible archeology discoveries. http://www.geocities.com/thutmoses7/1.html ;  Noah´s Ark, Sodom and Gomorra, Moses and *** JESUS CHRIST IS LORD 
Johny - Sweden

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Its not surprising to read this. I am a speech therapist in Washington DC America and I work for the district of Columbia Public Schools and I asked 25-30 of my children, if they knew why they celebrated christmas and what is christmas... the only answer I got from them was that it was a holiday and they would get gifts from Santa and all their friends and relatives...
Ben - USA
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This Issue is very useful
T.S.Thomas - Surat
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DECEMBER 2002:


Dear Friends in christ, Iam a subscriber for Light of life magazine and find the magazine very thoughtful, it helps me a lot to face the day-to-day situations in my life with ease. Such Magazines are like the markings along the path to which make the journey destined to reach Jesus very easily and approchable. Pray God to give you all much more support to serve even more... Thanks, Dolly.
Dolly Susan - Hyderabad

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This issue is very useful.
Thomas T.S

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The Story of Christmas is a good story Princy. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Varughrese Issac ( Renji) - Springfield, PA, USA

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The 'Para pally ' in Thiruvithamkottu is formed by the few families that migrated from Mylapore. As they were persecuted by the local king Vasudeva, they ran away from Mylapore, crossed over the Sahya and reached Venad, as there was full religious freedom in Travancore. They were received by the Venad King and gave them place to worship and they were Chetty Brahmins. When the King offerd them 'vibhuti', they refused to put that on their forehead and thus called 'vibhuti illa Chettikal'. Their ladies wore chela, in contrary to the Chatta and Mundu of the syrian Christian of other areas of Kerala (Even till my grand fathers mother)They were having marriage relations from Thevalakkara syrian christians.( Part of Kollam ) . These christians remained as a separate group till recently and joined Malankara church later , and became members of Orthodox church, MarThoma , Catholic Church . I belong to one such family , which migrated from Thiruvithamkottu to Trivandrum at Kaithamukku just near to the Fort palace, when the capital city was changed by the Maha Raja. Our Grand Mother and Great Grand Mothers are all from Thevalakkara Vaidyan family , which means that we are part of the ancient church.
Dr. Binu Mathew Kaithamukkil Thomas - N.Ireland, U.K

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NOVEMBER 2002:


I am really amazed to have a look at the light of life. It is marvelous, splendid and very useful. May God strengthen your hands to work more for the glory of God Almighty. My Sincere best wishes and hearty congratulations.
Jose Kurian Puliyeril - Abu Dhabi, UAE

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I like to congratulate the team for publishing this quality journal and maintaining the quality. It is refreshing that our church can talk about things other than the fights and greediness for grabbing properties. I was trying to read Bishop Osthathios' article in Vol:2-Issue:10 May 15, 2002 Christian Message Of Love - Guest Message Unfortunately, your hyperlink is returning an error. Can you send me the correct link or a copy of that article, please? Thanks. Thirumeny is one of my favorites in the church. Dr. Jacob Mathew webmaster http://www.holisticonline.com http:/1stholistic.com
Dr. Jacob Mathew - Cleveland/Akron, Ohio

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OCTOBER 2002:


A very informative and useful website especially for the younger generation. We regularly read the articles and it has been really enlightning Thank You
Moni & Binitha kunnel Oklahoma

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I recently read the article by Mar Nichlovas, entitiled, "Pastoral Challenges..." and I must say this is a very accurate description of the situation in most U.S. orthodox churches. Mar NIcholovas is correct when he says that being a member of the clergy has become a profession. Most of our priests work as teachers, or work in factories to supplement their income and provide for their families. This is our failing as a diocese and as churches when we do not adequately provide for our priests. I am very surprised that our diocese does not institute a proper compensation for our priests whereby they can give up or reduce their time spent working outside the church. I have always believed that is is a shame for the parish when the parish priest is not compensated enough and most find work elsewhere. I greatly appreciate the candor of Mar Nichlovas especially in one area--the mystical nature of the sacraments. I find that many priests are merely concerned about the performance of the sacraments rather than the mystical significance of the sacraments and teaching others about these mysteries. Let's face it, we like to attend Holy Qurbanas when the celebrant has a good voice or a good style. We know little about whether the celebrant truly feels the presence of Jesus Christ within him during his time on the altar. I commend Thirumeni for putting his name behind this article. It is a wake up call for our diocese, our parishes, and our priests. I believe that many people feel this way and Thirumeni has brought this issue to light. Regards
Sony Alexander St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Dallas, Texas

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I think Nicholas Thirumeni very correctly states the challenges of being a priest/pastor of the Church.
Dn. R. Gabriel Pike St Gregorios Mission, Spokane, WA, USA

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I read Fr. Valsan's article on VHP, etc. While it is very true that VHP is an extremist groups, large number of educated Hindus also hold similar views. There are many reasons for this, not just religious fundamentalism. From my personal experience most Hindus believe that Christianity is a western religion. The harsh experiences under British Rule may be one reason. Also Indian Christians never really proved that they are integral part of the civilization. Consider Indian musical heritage, is there a single indian Christian composition sung in churches set to Indian classical ragas? How about the vestments of clergy? Study the Ethiopian Church, the way their clergy dress resembles Indian Hindu Sanyasis. So the Christianity in India essentially remains a foreign religion, whether it be Anglican, Syrian or Latin. At least this is true in the perception of a common Hindu. In my opinion Christian churches in India should sacrifice to change and follow the same civilization as the Hindus. Also my Hindusfriends repeatedly told me that the growth of Christianity worldwide is because of the ruthless acts of the past. They point to the persecution of native people in various parts of the world. Consider Kerala, western culture is prevailing among the people. Also there is little interest among the people to preserve Indian culture, except Indian food and dress. Indian Christians should first remove that psedo-syrian or western mask and truly identify as an Indian church. I believe this because Christanity is about following Christ, not about adopting western civilization. Unity between churches existing in various civilization is only in faith. Absolutely no cultural unity is needed. One possibility is to fully grow as an Orthodox church, which I believe satisfies the needs of Indian Church. In this context I do not believe that even the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church is fuly Indian in nature. Thanks.
Thomas Texas

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SEPTEMBERT 2002:


Very Good & useful publication.
C G Daniel, Baroda

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Light of Life is a very good site. Congratulations.Please send me a Printed Version.
GEEVARGHESE KOSHY ABU DHABI - U.A.E.

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Good presentation. Participation from gulf is not seen much. Iam ready to contribute, if you are interested. We would like to know how we can include photos for children's quiz. More activities/programmes expected for children.
Varughese Jacob, Nizwa,Oman


Thanks, Welcome to LOL
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Very informative and interesting. God bless you all.
Dr. George K. Varughese, Portland, Oregon

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Thanks & Congratulations for the good start. Reaching such a publication in printed form to our younger generation will be very much useful for tomorrow. Wish all Sucess in this venture too.
C G Daniel, Vadodara

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The site has been very fruitful and knowledge gaining.
George Eapen, Dammam

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Your Site is an excellent site. I congratulate you in your bold step in publishing Mar Ivanios' profile. Bold because you wrote the truth as far as reuniting with catholic/universal church. May i take this opportunity to correct something. he did not resign to go to Serampur University. He was professor there. His name also is spelled wrong. PANIKER is the correct spelling. rest of the article is OK.
John Panicker, Greenwich

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AUGUST 2002:


I had seen the news about Orthodox Church spiritual activities through out the web page, what is the importance of this if the Sheep & Shepherds of this Church are fighting against each other. Is this the Christian spirituality; first stop fighting & then talk about Christ's Love. I am proud to say that I belong to a Church which existed from the first centaury onwards, but I really feel shame about the fighting inside this church. Try to do any thing to stop this.- ZACHARIAH KOSHY
Zachariah Koshy, Bombay

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Light of life is very informative and good for spiritual developments. many thanks keep it up. George Varghese - Vazhamuttom-Pathanamthitta.
George Varghese

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I just browsed this site. I found this site is very good because though this site we can understand all other churches and religions news. Keep it up and i am sincertly appreciating those who are behind this site.
Reji Thomas, United Kingdom

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I just comes to know about the site today because I got a news letter from editor still I don’t know how he got my address? And I just went to the web site and it is amazing and wonderful made it! So many articles which I can use and share to my friends and use for liturgical activity. Bible quiz is one of the most attractive items you include, and if you can keep ten each it will be very nice. Thanks a lot and God bless you and your team and also your great mission and endeavor. you can also visit the other Malankara Site: www.malankara.net
Wilson C.K, Vikroli, Mumbai


Thanks Wilson for the suggestion. We introduced 10 questions each for Bible Quiz and Children's Quiz this issue onwards. (LOL)

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The blessed article was very informative. it was told that at the end of the sacrament the oil will boil as its own is it true? when patriarch Peter IV was doing Mooron Kudhoso it didn't boil so HH striked his head with his Sleebo. drops of blood fell into the vessel and it started boiling. is it true or a mere story? what is the basis of selecting those ingrediants. is there any ayurvedic value except fragrance. when the first Mooron Kudhoso was conducted in Malankara. Sleeha must have done only 'laying the hand'. while doing the sacrament any quantity of old mooron is poured into the new one as a continuity. i shall be grateful for the explanations.
Dr.GeorgeK John, Dubai


Fr.K.K.John replies:
While mixing the oil with ingredients and while boiling it, as I have briefly stated in the article and as the canon states, no prelate is needed to be present. The chief celebrant adds only one item during the first part of ceremony that is Balsam. This is done well after boiling, cooling, settling and filtering and pouring into the vessel for consecration. Thereafter it is not boiled again. It is not part of ceremony up to this point. So there is no chance of Patriarch being present at the boiling or striking his head with Sleebo. I have not heard such a story, too. I consider it only as a "kizhavikadha."

You see, our people, especially older, fabricate many stories out of extreme reverence to the office of Patriarch and even bishops from Seema and others are simply led away by such concocted stories.

I am not sure having found anywhere what is the basis of selecting ingredients. But in all probabilities, olive oil represents healing. It has medicinal value. The Good Samaritan poured olive oil on the wounds and dressed up. Other ingredients are all having medicinal and preservative and fragrant values, which all Keralites know. Hope I need not explain it.

Old Muron is not added into new oil. But when there is practical difficulty to consecrate Holy Muron, and the existing quality is very low and there is urgent need, in such cases the bishop is authorized to add pure olive oil (saith) to Mooron and increase the quantity. Johnachen.
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Thanks a lot for the above information on the " Light of Life ". Congrats for the steps taken in bringing out such a publication.
Siju Varghese Ahmedabad

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JULY 2002:

A great publication! I know Father Jon-Brian and feel he will make a great priest in your diocese!
Father Vladimir Raasch
SS. Volodymyr & Olha Eastern orthodox Mission-St. Paul, MN
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Thanks a lot for the above information on the " Light of Life ". Congrats for the steps taken in bringing out such a publication.
Siju Varghese Ahmedabad

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In reading all the feedback you have received, there is almost nothing to add. All kind of deserved praise have been said. Yet I feel an immense joy and love as I read this e-magazine. I feel iluminated and blessed. Peace and God be with you all as the roses bloom upon you. Fr. W. Emanuel, Oceanside, California, USA. in service to God.
Fr. Dr. Emanuel Winocur
USA, California, San Diego County, Oceanside City.

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Dear Achen: Your article is excellent. We wish to publish it, by reproducing it, in our Silver Jubilee Souvenir. Will you please give your permission for that? Yours in Christ Alex.
Alex Koshy Vilanilam New Jersey, USA

The Request is send to Valsan Achan (LOL)

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JUNE 2002:

One of the best informative site which gives full information of Christianaty?
Siju Varghese, Ahmedabad

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I am a regular reader of your publication. I appreciate your laudable effort to bring out a publication like this. We are planning to publish a newsletter from our church in Edmonton, Canada and I wish to put Osthathios thirumeni's message published on May 15, 2002 in our newsletter. I would like to seek your permission to do so. We'll acknowledge the source of the article, for sure, in the publication. I would appreciate a reply from you regarding this.
Ashok Johnson Edmonton, Canada

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It is nice to see how there is unity in this website.
Bash - New Jersy

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Please do write and include in your magazine about prayers to do which can enhance pure thoughts and make student to achieve the impossible which is possible through prayers.
Linu Varghese - Ahmedabad

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Your effort to accomodate people from all factions is commendable. This is a major step towards unity and peace. Let us all join hands to ameleorate tension and hatred in the church. Best luck.
Fr John KK - Philadelphia

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Your timely reporting is informative and very valuable, we are very pleased about your good work. keep it up.
George M. Mathew - Philadelphia

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I saw an article in this issue in which the mother of God has been called as 'Mother of Jesus' I really pained to read such addresses to 'Yeldhos Aloho' in an Orthodox Publication. The jews were always calling Our Lord as the 'Son of Mary'. The Islam also call Jesus as Son of Mary. None of them could accept our Lord as 'Son of God' because they never got Holy Spirit gift from our Lord. Since we were abandantly showered with the great power of the Holy Spirit that gives life why should we hesitate to call Mary as 'Mother of God'. Yeldhos Aloho Pray for US. Dr.George, Dubai
Dr.Georgekunju.John - Dubai UAE

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I am a regular reader of your publication. I appreciate your laudable effort to bring out a publication like this. We are planning to publish a newsletter from our church in Edmonton, Canada and I wish to put Osthathios thirumeni's message published on May 15, 2002 in our newsletter. I would like to seek your permission to do so. We'll acknowledge the source of the article, for sure, in the publication. I would appreciate a reply from you regarding this. Thank you, AAshok Johnson.
Ashok Johnson Edmonton, Canada

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Best wishes
KS Johncy Mumbai(Niranam)

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Your publication has been interesting.
Thomas Paul Mumbai

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Thanks for such a net magazine. It is really an excellent Christian publication. Thanks.
Libu Koshy Alexander Mumbai

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It very informative. Congratulations.
K.K.Varghese NOIDA

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Thanks for this publications. It is very nice to read....
Abraham Kunnel Philadelphia

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Very Nice web site. Keep up the good work.
Thomas

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Your service is very good. There is not enough eMagazine of Christian churches. So this magazine stand as a light among Christians.
Sabu Thomas.T, Kunnamkulam

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I join this site with the hope of seeing various current news items related to the church. I wish you success in your efforts.
Babu Thomas , Cochin

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Very good. A good, timely, informative weekly.
Fr. Joy Pyngolil, Ph.D Florida

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Very good.
Varghese, Kingdom Of Bahrain

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The site is very good and informative.
Elizebeth Oommen, Baroda

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I have gone through the new site. It is awesome. Light of Life is becoming more and more beautiful and inspirational. God bless you.
Br.Paul Ciniraj, Kottayam

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APRIL 2002:

It is with great pleasure to see these site and it seems to be lot of hard work behind these effort. we wish all the best and pray to almighty to grow these site with many many good ideas and perhaps helpful to the needy. All the best and with regards and prayers.
KURIAKOSE MATHEW, POST BOX. 341/ PC 130, AZAIBA, MUSCAT, SULTANTE OF OMAN

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I was wondering about the article on celestial or communal God.......I do not understand what was being said about the combining of all religions? I am just very confused on what the author meant.....is this article upholding all religions as correct in the sight of God......b/c I thought as Christians we uphold the cross...Jesus Christ, as the only God of all...well according to the Bible we are. God Bless u all!
NAVEEN, USA

The Author of this article is not addressing the subject 'Christian Salvation'. Regarding this, Your view is correct. What he emphasize is the inter religeo tolerance which is the most important need of this turbulent age. Love being the most important substance of the New Testament Christianity, the tolerance to be exhibited by the Christians is utmost. Thanks (LOL)

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Good publication for those who live in faith.
James Thomas, South Africa

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I was recently introduced to LOL and was impressed by your effort to reach the Kerala Christians worldwide. In times where divisions and calamities abound, an attempt to bring the various Christian groups together is indeed remarkable. As your guest writer, the honorable bishop of the Mar Thoma Church pointed out, let us accept those things we can agree on and respect our differences. I would like to invite your readers to go beyond the mere acceptance of our similarities, but whole heartedly participate in a celebration of these. Keep up the good work. Let us get more churches involved in this effort. May God bless us ALL.
Koshy Varghese

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I want to congratulate you for the commendable way in which you prepare the articles for the magazine. Best regards
Ajoy Kuwait

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"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come! see the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28:6) Jesus would have been killed several times. King Herod tried to kill Him when He was a baby (Matthew 2:16); Satan tried to persuade Him to jump from a high place (Matthew 4:6); the people of Nazareth attempted to throw Him over a cliff (Luke 4:29); and on several occasions, the Pharisees sought to kill Him. So the death of Jesus was not the victim of chance, but on the contrary, He willing gave Himself to the will of God. He had to go to the cross (Luke 22:42), but not because He was forced to, but because He wanted to. He did it for us out of love. He was "the Lamb of GOD slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). At the right time Jesus died on the cross as a ransom for many. On the third day He has risen as He said! When Peter and John ran to the tomb after hearing from Mary Magdalene that the tomb was empty, they both ran to the tomb and "found the linen cloths lying there, and the napkin that was on His face was not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself....and when the other disciple (John), came to the tomb....he saw and believed" (John 20:1-10). The folding of the napkin is a Jewish custom which is being done by a distinguished guest as an appreciation to the host for their warm reception. It is a thanksgiving for their food and a hope for another invitation to dine. That means "would come again". In the empty tomb, Jesus left the napkin as a sign for all that "He was risen, but would come again." JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD AND OUR SAVIOR, DIED FOR OUR SINS AND MADE US ALIVE FROM THE DEAD OF TRESPASSES AND SINS; AND INDEED HE HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD AND WE ALSO WILL RESURRECT LIKE HIM WHEN HE RETURN BACK AND BE WITH HIM FOREVER. IF JESUS HAS NOT RISEN FROM DEATH, NONE OF US HAVE ANY HOPE AT ALL BECAUSE THERE WILL BE NO RESURRECTION FOR US. WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY EASTER
Bro. PAUL CINIRAJ, Baseelia, Devalokam, Kottayam

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While surfing the net we came across your site. We thought is very informative and well made. We really enjoyed your site. We also have made a website. Maybe it is also verry interesting for you. With our site we achieve the same goals as you do. If you like you can visit our site, take a look at it and please tell us what you think of it. Best wishes. http://www.uitgeverijcitadel.com
Webteam (Eric, Anita en Jan) Belgium

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Thank you for the information that u had given to me. The site is opened by me and gone thru. It is nicely presented and congratulations. Keep it up.
Jose Njavarackal

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To my brothers in the "Pathrayarkis side" I like to ask whether they could tell from the new testament, of any "appostholan" being subjected to the administrative control of another "apostholan", or any church he set up administered by another church set up by another "apostholan". Can they really deny the functional independence of early churches set up by different "apostholans".
Babu V. Thomas Kochi

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The coverage of the Malankara association meeting at Parumala is well done, better than any other site. Congratulations.
Babu V. Thomas Kochi

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I am glad that 'The Light of Life' is showering it's light abundantly. May I congratulate you for your efforts.
Siby Tharakan Banglore

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Excellent way to help us grow in His 'Light' God Bless!
Dennis Mathai New York, USA

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I am very glad to see an online publication for Kerala Christians. Your effort to bring together the various churches is truly commendable. The articles are thought provoking, and well written. Continue the good work, and may God bless your work!
Koshy Varghese Dallas, TX, USA

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Keep up the good work. I stumbled upon this site by chance. Was always on the lookout for a site which could be a repository of knowledge of our Church. Glad to have found one.
Sunil Mathews Michigan /USA

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MARCH 2002:

All is set for the historic Malankara Association at Parumala, the holy site of the Malankara Orthodox Church or the Indian Orthodox Church. The representatives of the Indian Orthodox Church from all over the world will decide on March 20 whether the St.Thomas Christians of India should show any sort of allegiance or loyalty to the Patriarch of Antioch or the present Catholicose Moran Ougen Prathaman Bhava ,the supreme head of the Malankara Orthodox Church, still need the Antiochean Patriarch’s "Kaiveppu" in order to sanctify the priesthood of people wish to serve the GOD joining the Indian Orthodox Church. The same day the representatives will decide the Malankara Orthodox Church can have only one Supreme head and that will be the present Catholicose and His Holiness Moran Mar Beselios Marthoma Mathews II will be the Malankara Metropolitan.

A split in the Malankara Sabha has become inevitable. The decision taken by the Bhava Kakshi, the faction of the Malankara church owing allegiance to the Antiochean Supreme not to send their representatives to the Malankara Association to be held on March 20 as per the directives given by the Supreme Court of India and their decision to hold a parallel Association in Puthenkurishu to take an oath similar to the Koonan Kurish Sathyam taken by the St.Thomas Christians to liberate the Indian Orthodox Church from any foreign bond are the clear indications that the Malankara Sabha is ready to separate itself in to the Indian Orthodox Church and Syrian Indian Church. We, the orthodox Christians believe this will end the decades old bickering in the Malankara Orthodox Church.

After March 20, there will be no more Methran Kakshi or Bhava Kakshi in the Malankara Orthodox Church and the Church will be known as Malankara Orthodox Church or Indian Orthodox Church or a proper name that the Association, Synod and the Malankara Metropolitan decides to assume. The majority decision taken in the presence of the Justice V.S.Mulimud, the representative of the Supreme court of India cannot be challenged in any court in India as is evident in the Supreme Court verdict issued last year which both Methran Kakshi and Bhava Kakshi agreed upon.

March 20 ,2002 will start a new chapter and a new era in the history of St.Thomas Christians in India. It will mark the beginning of the Indianization of the St.Thomas Christians. In this new era we still need to continue the good relationship we had with Antiochean patriarchs but in a different perspective and I hope the Antiochean Patriarch, Bishops and believers will understand the need of the Indian Orthodox Believers in the New Millennium. We still have to have good relationship with other Orthodox believers like Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and American Orthodox etc. etc.
Jain Kallarakal USA

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This is a very useful publication, should be introduced to non-malayalees and other readers. If possible, please add a link for www.nrinews.org This is one of the fast growing NRI/Indian e-group on the internet, with around 2500 members worldwide. This group is founded by Joseph Kappil, from (Pathanamthitta), operates from New York.
Joseph Kappil
President NRI News Group New York

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Happiness is a mere illusion. As human being we are bound by so many natural and unnatural restrictions. When we experience those restrictions, happiness is mere illusions. The question is how do you design the word happiness. Was wise Solomon a happy king? Was his father David a happy king?. He cried out for happiness. Was rich tax collector Zaccius a happy person. Theory not necessarily correlate with practability. Recently a man wrote to Dear Abby's column, says he is perfect and normal individual in every aspect of his life (giving charities, loving, understanding toward others, etc) but don't believe in God. Physiology has something to do with happiness than the theology. Imitative happiness is not a normal happiness. One can't copy from some one or something on happiness for self-utilization. An healthy personality develop a happy personality without any imitative influence.
Unknown
New York

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We came to know about the report on YMCA Thumpamon through Mr. Thomas Thomas. It is a very nice feature and we are very happy about it, as a whole.
Firstly, on behalf of YMCA Thumpamon, I thank you for your very nice feature on our YMCA. Through Mr. Thomas Thomas, we came to know about your site and are regular visitors of the same. Your site is of international standard in its method of reporting and presentation. All good wishes towards the growth of your web site. Thank you again for the feature on YMCA Thumpamon. Looking forward to more support and co-operation.
Thomas Koshy
Trustee YMCA Thumpamon

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I scanned thru your web site and am impressed. My congratulations for your achievements. I thank God for using Light of Life beam HIS glorious light into the darkness to enlighten the lives of many. I am blessed by the in-depth messages. May God strengthen you to propagate the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world.
Yours in Christ Mathai Mathew Alummoottil (Board Member, Sunday Schools Of North American Keralites, General Superintendent New York City Transit.)
Williston Park, NY, USA 2/18/2002

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Great to see such a perfect site like this one. It would nice, if you could a link in your link section: www.indianorthodoxworld.de
The site is the only source about the church in German (and also English).
Cris P.Daniel, Germany

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The feelings of our most reverend Bishops in India seem to be very critical of capitalism and globalization. Capitalism, restrained by the rule of law, has produced in America the most prosperous and wealthy people in history. Where else but in the Western world are the poorest people more likely to be overweight than the richest of the rich. Freedom of the markets is coincident with democracy and the rule of law. I see no virtue in redistributive policies which limit the individual's capacity to gain wealth if his wealth came not at the expense of others. Henry Ford and Bill Gates were both men of great wealth, but the industries they created were able to allow the whole nation to become rich and prosperous as well. The moral of the American story is that capitalism is at worst morally neutral from a Christian standpoint. Capitalism is strictly an ECONOMIC system. Socialism, communism, colonialism, and other previous economic systems have attempted to be comprehensive socioeconomic systems and have all proven to be impractical, and oft times horrific failures. Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Castro, and the many other so called socialist revolutionaries have the blood of more than a hundred million souls on their hands. Capitalism, like democracy, is not a perfect system, but it is the best economic system in the world today. The third world today is not receptive toward capitalism, which can be expected. While America has it roots in a largely middle class heritage. India, among other nations has an ancient heritage of caste system, even among Christians. Poverty, in the third world, is more a social problem then it is an economic issue. The best solution to the problem of poverty in India is to furiously attack and dissolve the social attitudes toward the poor and dispossessed. Equality of incomes is not so nearly as important as the equal protection of laws for all men, regardless of religion or caste. The first step in destroying poverty is to offer freedom and the rule of law to all people.
Steven Kurian, Tampa, Florida USA

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I went through your 4th issue today. It is a novel handy medium to get information about the church. I will recommend it to all contacts, especially the youngsters brought up outside Kerala
T.S. DANIEL
Mar Baselios Orthodox Church, Surat (India)

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An excellent website and a great resource. Keep up the good work.
Rakesh Koshy Toronto, Canada

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Getting better and better. Keep up the good work. The children's quiz is much easier now. What about the adults quiz. God bless you.
Joy Yohannan, Philadelphia

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Very good and informative site. An excellent contribution to the Christian community all over the world. May the God Almighty bless more and more in this noble effort of yours.
K.A.Samuel Kutty Kalpakkaam,T.N.

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Was really proud to see the transformation of this site from an armature venture to a professionally compiled online publication worthy for Christian readers Great job .My regards to all behind this venture .
A Varghese Nasik

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Wonderful
Karuthamuthu Bahrain

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That is good web
Mounir Sobhy Egypt

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Very nice publication congratulate everybody behind this. May God shower His blessings to you all. Abu Cheriyan. Kannur.
Dr.Abu Cheriyan Kannur,Kerala

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Hello Nice
Shyam Bombay

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"Praise be to God" Hi just heard about this site, and after a quick browse, remembered the old song "ALl things bright & beautiful, Lord God who made them all". Keep up the good work and best wishes to all who made this beautiful site.
Anu. Muscat

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Thirumeni has rightly pointed out certain issues in the church. being a member of the Holy Synod, I strongly feel that it is his duty to bring them to the notice of the synod and actions. it is laudable that thirumeni took the right path to see the eternal peace in the church. But when he sees the mal-practices in the church he should rise 'the sword of Finahas'. the true orthodox faithfuls will be with thirumeni. let us start with respecting women as the dissidents of 2nd Eve and not stone them. let us give them the right place in the family, in the society and in the church. our church is receiving bountless blessing because of their selfless prayers, fasting and tears.We must accept that God is not only masculine gender. in the light of Jesus's advices against the jewish practices on the base of Mose's tora a new society has to be raised. All our saints lived spiritual life neglecting pratical christian life. it is our duty to start practical theology. let thirumeni take the lead.we must give all our prayers and support to him if God willing to the position of "Malankara Methrapolitan"
De.George K.John Dubai

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FEBRUARY 2002:

The message of Osthathios Thirumeni was great. But his name was wrongly given as Athanasios. Hope it will be corrected. I would like to get his email id if he has one. I wonder why he has taken his sword against the evil practice of 'dowry' he helps the poor but neglects the common man his miseries. The rich and middle class suffers a lot because of our social practices. I would like to write to his grace about it
Dr.Georgekunju John, Dubai

Thanks. Sorry for the Error (LOL)

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SALIENT POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION:
FROM: FR. EAPEN, MYSORE
This is a statement Dr. Babu Paul: posted in one of the Internet Forums. Since I found it relevant I am forwarding it to you all. God bless you. Love,
Nicholovos Thirumeni
Tel: (845)627-0848
Fax: (845)627-0850
I find a lot of ill-informed talk here on the church affairs. Without getting involved in the controversy let me recall some well settled points:

1. The Supreme Court declared in 1995 that
A. There is only one church
B. The Patriarch is the head, but having created a Catholicate, he should exercise his powers  only in consultation with the Catholicose.
C. All Metropolitans get the benefit of the status quo AS IN 1995 IF THEY ACCEPT 1934 CONSTITUTION until the new managing committee comes.

2. The patriarch accepted the verdict. All others involved being Indians the verdict will bind them, Catholicose or Catholicose Designate. All our Metropolitans have accepted the Constitution so that they could function as metropolitans until the Association met. The difference between Mar Dionysius and Mar Nicholavos is that the former declared it in the Court while the latter did it at Devalokam.

3. The present association is convened as per MUTUALLY AGREED terms accepted by Court under the control of an Observer appointed by court based on agreement by both sides. It is a unique onetime opportunity to bring the devalokam group under the NOMINAL suzerainty of the Patriarch. No indian citizen has to say he respects SC verdict, it binds whether anybody likes it or not, so devalokam cannot say they do not accept the verdict just as we cannot say that we do not accept the Constitution upheld by the same verdict. Neither they nor we can say that they/we will accept those parts of > the SC order which suits them/us!!!

4.UNLESS the court says Malimat has failed in his duties the meeting on 20/3 will bind us all, whether we like it or not. We can of course leave
all 3 of which are directly under the Patriarch according to the 1995 verdict. However that will deprive us of our civil rights as members of the Church (e.g. community quota admissions to medicine, engg, PG etc. etc.), how many people would want to do that is a matter of guess.

5.If we refuse to accept that simple fact there would be only two alternatives left for us, viz. EITHER go to violent resistance and take to streets as in early 70s OR surrender our churches and start a new church, SYRIAC ORTHODOX CHURCH as they have decided to rename the church in Seema. The Pothanikkad experience holds lessons if only we would like to learn. That parish in Angamaly went to the other side following the Supreme Court verdict and is now administered by the Catholicose faction although they are just a small minority; our people who form the majority attend their service but are treated as second-class citizens in their own parish. That parish does not admit even the 3 metropolitans viz. Severios, Athanasius and Miletus. They say " wait till the Association is held". The old chapel of the Patriarch side is with Dionysius Thirumeni, of course, but access to main church as well as cemetery is lost forever! They say Patriarch cannot be trusted, we say the Catholicose cannot be trusted, I know both and I can boldly say that they are both men of prayers and fasting and that both PERSONALLY want reconciliation and peace. Let us all pray that the church will prosper. Let us dedicate the coming Lent for that. My advice to young friends on both sides is to shed polemics and try to be more polite even where we disagree. May God bless our church and all its members.
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Remember me in your daily prayers. It is very nice to read The Light of Life. Thanks. With Love & Prayers
Samkutty.K.Y.
Maldives

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Interesting site!
Rakesh Koshy

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I just want to let you know it is a marvelous idea and I will advise my family and friends of Indian origin to look into it. You can email me at my address when you have time.
George Mathew,
Lancaster

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Congratulations for the work you are doing among the Kerala Christians allover the world. We have started recently a portal mumbaichristians.com with an idea of having an ecumenical forum for all the Christians in Mumbai. We already have more than 200 churches of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai giving details of their place of worship, time and other details connected with the church. We also have allotted space for the other Christian business people. We will be much obliged through your column you can give some publicity for the same.
Moderators,
www.mumbaichristians.com

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I appreciate your effort and earnestly hope that through the new venture you will be able to serve the Church effectively. May God bless you
Job Mar Philoxenos
(Diocese Of Delhi, Malankara Orthodox Church)

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Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Johnson

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Praise the Lord,
Good job on that website...
U did a wonderful job...
Thanks for sending an email regarding this site.
I will FWD to my Orthodox friends here in Dallas and will link it on my church site.
Thanks a lot. W/ Prayers
Shino

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Good Show! Happy New Year to your readers. -
Kunjethy Puthenpura - www.Indian Christianity.Com

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I take this oppertunity to congratulate you for the portal www.lightoflife.com which is a lively experience.

Regards & Love,
George Abraham, Abu Dhabi

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The Bible Quiz is hard when you know them in your own language.

Mher Bouchakjian
Lebanon

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The Bible Quiz: It is interesting to answer these Bible questions.
Reading Bible is daily habit for all
Christians, but for remembering the contents again these type activity is highly helpful.

Mariamma George, Age 63, Keerukuzhy
Pandalam, Kerala

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I did go through your Internet Magazine. The format is good. I urge you to use a very light background so that the matter becomes clearer. This was one of my suggestions and I wish to stick with it. I admire your enthusiasm in it, and continue to stick with your instinct. Nevertheless, I would want you to row your boat closer to the bank. When you get so much excited, especially with a journalistic instinct like yours, you tend to row against the current into the deep areas where you might even hit twisters. The areas with twisting currents are dangerous zones; and are very shaky and flaky. There most of the time you are away from the bank of the deep river. The twisting currents of the deep river are unorthodox views and heresies that might pull you down to the bottom and you will be drowned; and the result is immediate death. The bank of the river is the LIGHT OF LIFE; true ORTHODOXY is that LIGHT of life. If you row always by the BANK of the river, you will never sink in the deep river. Good Luck, and keep yourself closer to the BANK , the TRUE ORTHODOXY. I could not see an editorial and publishing page detailing the various.

+Fr.Dr.Kuriakos Thottupuram
Chicago

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Wish you all a happy new year. I am leaving for India via Jerusalem on Jan 16. Its was a great honor for me to inaugurate light of life website. Praying for the project. May God bless you all.

Fr. Jacob Johns

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I just visited the site. It looks beautiful , congratulations Happy New year.

Fr. Punchakonam

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I am indeed happy to see that you are undertaking a fruitful and meaningful ministry. It is wonderful that you did cover almost all the fields as you can. My best wishes to its progress and I am concluding with a humble suggestion and that is try to lift it up as a subscribing publication for the benefit of those who are not getting the facility of internet. May Almighty God bless you
Fr.Kurien Daniel, Thiruvalla

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CONGRATULATIONS 
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001

I had a quick look at 'Light of Life' web site. It is a good starting. 
I was told about it by Fr. John Brian. Congratulations.
Yuhanon Mor Meletius, Metropolitan, Thrissur_

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Thank you very much for the "Light of Life" . It is marvellous that you 
could do this in such a short time. When one identifies his mission his life 
becomes meaningful. My congratulations for the same. 
Wish you all the best and pray for the success of the publication. 
Kuruvilla M. George, Madras

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I am happy to learn that you have started an Internet Fortnightly.Best 
wishes from the Nagpur Seminary.
Fr.Dr.Reji K. Mathew
Principal
St.Thomas orthodox Seminary
Ubali Road, Brahmani P.O., Kalmeshwar 441 501, Maharashtra

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I had a quick view of the pages of the new wesite and the newsletter.
It is a great job. Congratulations! 
God bless you with this great work that you have initiated. I hope
you will be able to link to many other church websites that already exist.
It is a monumental work. I can see how much effort has gone into it.
Fr. M.K.Kuriakose, Philadelphia

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Please use the IOIF link in your site. The IOIF url is 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox. 
The IOIF is a great opportunity for us to communicate and exchange 
ideas. Please make use of it. Also, please ask the younger generation 
actively participate in IOIF. A better informed member will be a better
member of our church and our community.

Thank you for your support.

In Christian Fellowship,
Moderators, IOIF

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I am very pleased to see the first edition of Light of Life. Our old Malankara
Church has become a Universal Orthodox Church.
To day it is a multinational
[we have church members all over the world] and multilingual [we worship
in many languages-syriac,
malayalam,English,Hindi,Tamil etc] and multiracial
[ our members consists of people from different races] and multicultural
[our members have well
integrated to the cultures where they live] church.
I hope that your
publication will further extend the process of globalization 
of our dear church-obeying the commandment of the supreme head of our 
church-Jesus Of Nazareth- 
DR M.S.Alexander,
United Kingdom 

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I looked at your web site and looks great. 
God Bless you, 
Pastor Roy Cheriyan 

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I had visited the site. very good site. update with
every week with new news in our sabha and our
churches, what about our Sabha case. 
very good site, thanks for the makers of the site
Sony, Mallaserry, Kerala

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Thanks a lot for the above information on the " Light
of Life ". Congrats for the steps taken in bringing
out such a publication.
AJOY J. GEORGE

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Went through the portal.
Its good , but since you would be looking for a critique --I am trying to
put in suggestionsthere is no mailbox which would lead directly to the 
administrator to get more hits there should be something interactive 
with the audience you could offer something like a prayer tower for 
praying for those in difficulties a coloumn for matrimonials
Abraham Varghese
Kishore Polyurethanes Pvt Ltd" Nasik

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I have gone through the bi weekly edition of lightoflife.
It is very interesting and I am appreciating all of you for taking this 
much effort to publish a website for Orthodox Sabha.I wish all sucess 
for the smooth and better future .

Thomas Thomas {Mohan}
Geo Bhavan,Keerukuzhy, Kerala

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I had opened the website ,while I was in Kerala and
all went through the Lightoflife site. All were quite
impressed by the first issue. I am sure God will guide
you through in this venture .It is very impressive.

Jacob T. Varghese, Bureau Veritas, Bombay

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Our MGOCSM Secretary of Perambur told that there is a site for
us on internet . He gave me the address www.lightoflife.com . I had
gone thru it. Really good for us . I had read article about the family
a miniature of Eden. It's really eye opening message . Thanks for each article,
it enlightening .Now I see it regularly and take print outs . looking
forward for the next issue.

Minu Thomas , Madras

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Saw the website www.lightoflife.com ,is amazing that you
could prepare such one. It is so fast here. All the MGOCSM had
seen it, if we send some articles from here will u publish them?
It may be in the kids corner. If so I will try doing one. Saw the
whole site, good .We like it.

George Mathew and Thomas Mathew, Madras

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I am Asish from Vakathanam, Kerala, Administrator
of parumalachurch.ws. I have visited your site Its a nice site.

Asish (Vakathanam) ,Kerala

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Certainly "The Light of Life" is a fantastic site. I viewed all pages.
It is the essence of everything. Christianity and Churchiyanity;
English and Malayalam; India and America; Clergy and laity;
kids; but women? A page for women also necessary. Once again
congratulations for a beautiful internet fortnightly. (If possible, please
print it as a publication and distribute for those who do not have
computer or internet facilities. That is my suggestion.)

Br.Paul CiniRaj

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