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LAST UPDATED: 11/07/2025 FRONT PAGE COMMENCED ON: JULY 2001
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HOMAGE


H.B. CATHOLICOS BASALIOS THOMAS I

H. B. Catholicos Baselios Thomas I, Head of the Jacobite Syrian Church, had departed this world for his heavenly abode on Thursday, 31 October 2024. He was 95 years old. He was entombed at St. Athanasius Cathedral at the Patriarchal Centre, Puthenkurishu near Ernakulum on 2nd November 2024. Mor Thomas I was prelate of the Syrian Jacobite Church in Kerala till his departure. He had the fortune to preside over the enthronement of Mor Ignatius Aphrem II as the Patriarch of Antioch in 2014.

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REV. FR. DR. T. J. JOSHUA

Renowned Theologian and glowing Gospel Orator Rev. Fr. T.J. Joshua had passed away on Saturday July 20, 2024 at the age of 96. Fr. Joshua was a distinguished priest of Malankara orthodox Church, who dedicated more than fifty years teaching at the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, Kerala. In recognition of his vast services for the Church and society Malankara Orthodox Church honored him with the title Malankara Sabha Guru Ratnam in 2016. Many of the Articles and Messages are published in this Magazine Light of Life.

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V. REV. K. MATHAI COR-EPISCOPA

Our beloved Very Reverend K. Mathai Cor-Episcopa departed us for heavenly abode in the evening of Thursday 12th October 2023. Mathai Achen who was earnestly active during his entire life span, rendered his priestly spiritual service till the previous day of his demise. Achen was 81 years old. Dearly loved Cor-Episcopa Mathai Achen was a pertinent example and epitome for humility and simplicity of a Christian priest.

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REV. FR. BABU VARGHESE

Rev. Fr. Babu Varghese was senior priest of Malankara Orthodox Church, North East Diocese of USA. He was writer of many literature works. He is one of the originator of Light of Life Magazine. He was also known by his pen name Shebaly. He was also Chief Editor of Orthodox Herald. Rev. Fr. Yakob Kathanar, Thiruvinal, priest of Thumpamon Diocese Church, contemporary of Parumala Thirumeni, was his great Grandfather. He was grandson of Fr. Geevarghese Kathanar of Thiruvinal.

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H.H. BASALIOS PAULOSE II CATHOLICOS

H. H. Basalios Marthoma Paulose II Catholicose of Malankara Orthodox Chuch departed this world for heavenly abode on 12 July 2021. His mortal remains is interred in the Chapel at Catholicate Palace, Devalokam, Kottayam, India. Departure of beloved Bava Thirumeni was quite unexpected and excruciating. Thirumeni was an epitome of love and compassion and personification of celestial mercy and Godly amity. His friendship was warm and awesome. He cared for people of all religion and of all classes.

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MOST REV. JOSEPH MARTHOMA METROPOLITAN

The 89 year old Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan entered into his eternal life in the early morning on 18 October 2020 after a prolonged illness. He was supreme head of The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, often condensed as Mar Thoma Church, from 2 October 2007 to 18 October 2020. He was preceded by Most Rev. Philipose Chrysostom Mar Thoma and Succeeded by Most Rev. Theodosius Mar Thoma. Joseph Mar Thoma was a prominent church leader in the country who was champion of the movements against social evils, in the field of charity and in ecumenical efforts for unity of churches.

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 SELECT WEEK: 09 NOVEMBER 2025
Hudhosh Eetho: Dedication of the Church 11/09/2025
[St. John 10:11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
ENGLISH ARTICLE
 HOODHOSH EETHO: DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE

H.G. Abraham Mar Seraphim Metropolitan
Diocesan Metropolitan of Banglore Diocese, Malankara Orthodox Church
On the second Sunday of the liturgical calendar year, the church is celebrating the Feast of the Dedication of the Church, known as Hoodhosh Eetho. This Jewish festival was also referred to as the Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah. It commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem after it had been desecrated by King Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 167 BC. St. John Chapter 10 is known for Jesus' teachings as the Good Shepherd and the Gate for the sheep, emphasizing His protective, guiding, and life-giving role for those who believe in Him.
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CHURCH - THE PLACE OF WORSHIP
By Rev. Fr. Dr. T. J. Joshua

The innate desire of human to communicate with his creator has caused him to commence the worship of God. Initially he started to worship God in his own house. Later the communal worship had come into existence. While the Israelite went through the desert, they started making tabernacle and lived around it. Eventually King Solomon made the Church of God in Jerusalem. Lord Jesus Christ loved the Church and He was keen to go to the Church regularly. It is not the tradition or bigness of the Church count; it should be worshipping place which rejuvenate our spiritual life. Our Body is another form of Church wherein the God resides.

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SANCTIFICATION OF THE CHURCH: KUDOSH EETHO [MALAYALAM]
By H.H. Basalios Marthoma Mathews III

Koodosh Eetho is the "Sanctification Sunday" in the Syriac liturgical year, which marks the beginning of the new church calendar. It involves both spiritual and physical purification, where the faithful offer thanks for the past year and pray for the new one. The Bible describes Jesus as the cornerstone of His church, Apostles the basement stones and believers the building stones.

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BASELIOS MAR THOMA MATHEWS I FIFTH CATHOLICOS [1975-1991]

November 8 is the 29th Memorial Day of H. H. Basalios Marthoma Mathews I, who was also known as Vattakkunnel Bava.Basalios Mar Thoma Mathews I, fifth Catholicose was attributed for his eminent leadership in the crisis situations of the Church. He was Bar Ebraya of the Malankara Orthodox Church considering his contributions towards literary works. He was the powerful architect of the modern Church. He was the prelate of the Malankara Orthodox Church for sixteen years.

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Parumala Perunal
123rd Anniversary of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala
MALAYALAM ARTICLE
 ST. GEEVARGHESE MAR GREORIOS OF PARUMALA - MEMORIAL MESSAGE

H.G. Zachariah Mar Severios Metropolitan
Diocesan Metropolitan of Idukki Diocese, Malankara Orthodox Church
Parumala St. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios Thirumeni lived according to the Bible. He showed a model for his followers how to live a life according to the biblical rules. He lived in an era when there was many discriminations based on color, cast etc. prevailed in the society. He lived for the upliftment of the poor and tried to eradicate many of the evils in the society. He always showed love and care for the poor and suffering. So, Thirumeni is considered as a social reformist of that time.
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PARUMALA PERUNAL - GREGORIAN SPEECH
By Vinu V. John
Asianet News Asst. Executive Editor

A social reformer is an individual who actively works to improve society by addressing issues like inequality, injustice, and discrimination through advocacy and action. These reformers often tackle systemic problems such as caste discrimination, economic disparity, and inadequate access to education and healthcare. Parumala Thirumeni was a social reformer who should have equal position in the history as any other reformer of his contemporary period.

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DISTINCT FAITH AND UNIQUE VISIONS OF ST. GREGORIOS PARUMALA
By Jose Kurien Puliyeril

St. Gregorios had many special qualities of his own. He was a man of constant prayer with a close link with God Almighty. He was a great Master and a good shepherd. Teaching mission was another important vision of the Saint. He was considerate towards the socially downtrodden and the so-called Dalits. Not the least he was a litterateur.

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MY JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM - TRAVELOGUE [MALAYALAM]
By St. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala

St. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala, is the first canonized saint of Malankara Orthodox Church. As it was a long-cherished desire, Thirumeni visited the Holy Land in 1895. The Holy Land travelogue, Thirumeni had written is a very rich Malayalam literary contribution. Many literary Scholars believe that it is the first travelogue available in Malayalam. This is the original Malayalam Version of the Travelogue written by Parumala Thirumeni.

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Sixth Sunday after Holy Cross
[St. Luke18:22] What shall I do to inherit eternal life? Sell all that thou have, and distribute unto the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
BIBLE STUDY ARTICLE
 THE RICH YOUNG MAN AND JESUS [LUKE 18:18-27]

Rev. Fr. Dr. Reji Mathew
Principal, Orthodox Theological Seminary Kottayam And Slots Nagpur (Earlier)
The young rich man who approached Jesus could not update his spiritual knowledge. He could not identify his limitations and draw backs. He puts more importance for his wealth. He prefers the worldly to the heavenly. He wants to get the Eternal Life without loosing his possessions. Jesus asks for a de tour from all who approach him. Repentance and a change of attitude in our life are primary requirements to achieve the Eternal Life.
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FIVE BROTHERS OF THE RICH MAN
By Rev. Fr. Varghese Varghese

The five brothers of the rich man in the Parable of Rich man and Lazarus are the symbol of the worldly people who put their eyes for the selfish nature. The first brother is a selfish man who not ready to share with. Second brother is extravagant. Enjoyment is the face mark of contemporary society. Another brother is the one who exploits power. Other symbol is hypocrites.

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H.G. PATHROS MAR OSTHATHIOS METROPOLITAN

This is now 100 + years after the The Servants of the Cross Society [Sleeba Dasa Samooham] was established in the Church. H. G. Pathros Mar Osthathios Metropolitan was a true champion of the poor, herald of Gospel and glitter of Malankara. He enriched his life committing himself to self negation and compassion to poor and dalits. Pathros Mar Osthathios was the first missionary Bishop of Malankara. By mission and charitable activities of Mar Osthathios Metropolitan among low caste and downtrodden people, he is exemplified as Malankara Gandhi, because of the similarities of the characteristics of his mission with ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi.

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Fifth Sunday after Holy Cross
[St. Matthew 23:2] The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not you after their works: for they say, and do not.
MALAYALAM ARTICLE
 DIVIDE BETWEEN TALK AND ACTION [MALAYALAM]

H.G. Zachariah Mar Severios Metropolitan
Diocesan Metropolitan of Idukki Diocese
Lord Jesus Christ warns His disciples not to imitate hypocrisy and pride of the scribes and Pharisees as they talk but do not put into action. This hypocrisy is generated out of the desire for vein glory. The inexperienced should not obtain the spiritual authority. In all our sacraments we are reminded always the futility of life in the world.
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PASTORAL CHALLENGES OF THE ORTHODOX SYRIAN COMMUNITY IN AMERICA
By H.G. Zachariahs Mar Nicholovas
[Diocesan Metropolitan of American Diocese, Malankara Orthodox Church]

A pastor without a well balance personal spirituality cannot sustain himself in the ministry. If he depends merely on his skills and for the sustainability of the ministry it is liable to fail.

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'ARE WE NOT BROTHERS?'
By Rt. Rev. Dr. Zachariahs Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan
Marthoma Church

One of the causes for the restlessness of our contemporary society is an indecent and improper riches. Exactly as the poverty is a big setback for the society, the riches are also a burden. The riches should not turn out as catalyst for breaking relations. Worldly wealth is given to us as a steward. It is not for the self-use, but it is to share with others; by which the giver and the taker both get joy out of it. The Christian way is not grabbing but it is sharing.

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FELICITATION

REV. FR. M.K. KURIAKOSE
GOLDEN JUBILEE OF SACERDOTAL ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY


This is an occasion of great joy and happy to know that beloved Kuriakose Achen is completing fifty years in his priestly service. Rev. Fr. M. K. Kuriakose is a senior priest and widely known in the North East American Diocese of Malankara Orthodox Church. He is currently the Vicar of St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Philadelphia, USA. This Golden Jubilee year anniversary of our beloved Achen, Rev. Fr. Father M. K. Kuriakose, marks a significant milestone in his life of dedicated service to God, our Church and to the community. On this day August 31, 2025, we joyfully celebrate the day he was ordained to the priesthood and began his sacred ministry.

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MOR BASELIOS JOSEPH I - MAPHRIAN (CATHOLICOS)


Mor Baselios Joseph I was ordained as the new Maphrian (Catholicos) of the Syriac Orthodox Church in India on March 25, 2025. The ordination took place at the Church of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in Atchaneh, Bikfaya, Lebanon, and was officiated by Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, assisted by senior metropolitans of the Holy Synod of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Mor Baselios Joseph I succeeds the late Mor Baselios Thomas I, who passed away in October at the age of 95. During this great ceremony of joy, we felicitate and congratulate Thirumeni on this grand occasion. May God Shower His Choicest Blessings on Thirumeni in abundance and keep in good health lead the sheep. LOL as a whole wish all the best for Thirumeni and pray to God Almighty for all the blessings to Thirumeni from heaven.

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CATHOLICOS
H.H. BASALIOS MARTHOMA MATHEWS III


H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews III is the Ninth Catholicos of the East in Malankara succeeding H.H. Baselios Marthoma Paulose II the Eighth Catholicos of the East in Malankara who departed for heavenly abode on July 2021. As a key advancement of the epoch, Episcopal synod of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC) held at Church headquarters in Devalokam in Kottayam presided over by the eldest Metropolitan Kuriakose Mar Cleemmis, has unanimously nominated Dr. Mathews Mar Saverios as the Catholicos designate and the Supreme Head of the Church. All 24 Metropolitans present in the synod had cheered on the decision. Mar Saverios was the Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kandanad West and the Diocese of Kottayam Central. He is also the former secretary of the Episcopal Synod.

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MORE ARCHIEVED ARTICLES
Fourth Sunday after Holy Cross
Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. [St. Luke 16:9]
WEALTH : FOR JUSTICE AND GLORY OF GOD [MALAYALAM]
Rev. Fr. Kurien Varghese Chandanappally
Retired Professor from St. Stephan's College, Pathanapuram

Abundant wealth will not give peace and joy in our life. Exceeding dependence of wealth in our life lead us into devastation. The wealth has three defects, which detrimentally affect our spiritual life. Wealth makes man selfish, shatters man to the earth and it creates a false sense of independence. Our attitude towards wealth is very important in spiritual journey. We should not keep vain confidence in our wealth; instead do good with what we have.

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THE DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES
By H.G. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Metropolitan

The early Church congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales.

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BEING RICH TOWARDS GOD
By Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Athanasios Episcopa

Who is the rich and who is the poor in story of Lazarus? The riches of the body will not enrich the soul; the sight of the body will not enlighten the soul. Let our aspiration and wish should be to become rich in the eyes of Lord. Our Lord was not an earthly rich. Though He was rich, yet for our sake He became poor, so that we might become rich through His poverty.

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October 2: Gandhi Jayanthi
156th Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi
GANDHIAN ETHICS AND ITS IMPORTANCE ON SOCIETY [MALAYALAM]
Rev. Fr. Dr. K.M. George
Former Principal, Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam

The most important two ideals of the Mahatma Gandhi were Satyagraha and Ahimsa. Ahimsa is the doctrine of refraining from harming any living being. Ahimsa is one of the cardinal virtues and an important tenet of Jainism. Satyagraha is a term coined by Gandhi on his own. The way of Satyagraha was experimented by Gandhi in South Africa and then followed it in India for the Freedom Struggle. Satyagraha literally means 'hold onto the truth.' So, true Satyagraha needs purification of body, mind and spirit. It is the philosophy of nonviolent resistance to authorities.

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BIBLICAL Vs GANDHIAN THOUGHTS AND LIQUOR PROHIBITION

By Dr. Syriac Thomas

Gandhiji was touched for the first time by the beauty of the religion of love when he read the 'Sermon on the Mount' in the New Testament. During his prayer meetings, parts of the Bible were read out and at times Psalms were sung along with "bhajans". Gandhiji considered liquor drinking as a sin. As the Bible witness that Jesus always stood for and with poor and downtrodden of the society, Gandhiji's mind also was merged with poor.

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INFANT BAPTISM ACCEPTABLE OR FORBIDDEN? [A STUDY]
By Mar Basalios Marthoma Mathews II

If the Spirit of God could hatch and form a new creation from lifeless material without form, and void; how much more the Spirit of God can work upon His living handiwork? Scriptures witness very authentically that children can receive the grace and blessings of God and above it they are chosen, separated and equipped for the special mission of God. Many early church fathers had witnessed in their ecclesiastical works that Infant Baptism was a holy tradition of the early century Christian Church.

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Second Sunday after Holy Cross
HERITAGE OF ST. THOMAS - MARTHOMMAN PAITHRUKAM [MALAYALAM]
H.G. Zachariah Mar Severios Metropolitan
Diocesan Metropolitan of Idukki Diocese

St. Thomas, the Apostle of India was not there in the congregation when risen Christ appeared first time. But Lord Jesus Christ had granted permission to the Apostle St. Thomas when Jesus appeared second time to touch His wounds and believe. His sudden realization of truth 'My Lord and my God' made Thomas the first person to explicitly acknowledge divinity of Jesus. St. Thomas physically saw, believed and expanded as a fire to witness and spread Gospel of His resurrection to India. This is the real heritage of the Malankara Christians.

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CRISIS, FOR THE PROSPERITY OF GOSPEL [MALAYALAM]

H.G. YOOHANON MAR CHRYSOSTOMOS METROPOLITAN
Diocesan Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese

Hardships and sufferings in our life should not cause for desperation, and God man should not get stumbled on that; instead it should happen for the prosperity and enlargement of Gospel. The persecutors cannot imprison the word of God. St. Paul considered his life was Christ, and his death was gain. It is the undoubted character of every good Christian that to him to live is Christ. The glory of Christ ought to be the end of our life, the grace of Christ the principle of our life, and the word of Christ the rule of it.

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CHRISTIAN WRITERS AND THEIR WRITINGS IN APOSTOLIC AGE [MALAYALAM]
Bible Light Series
By Dr. Rajan Mathew - Editor Light of Life

Various Early Apostolic Christian writers wrote gospels and other books, some of which were canonized as the New Testament. The New Testament discusses the teachings and person of Jesus, as well as events in first-century Christianity. Each of the four gospels in the New Testament narrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. The Apostolic Fathers were prominent writers who are traditionally understood to have met and learned from Jesus or His personal disciples. The Church Fathers are later writers with no direct connection to the disciples. Apologists defended Christianity against its critics.

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SERIES [MALAYALAM]
HISTORY AND GROWTH OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN EARLY CENTURIES
Editor Dr. Rajan Mathew
Christianity and associated Christian Education commenced with Jesus of Nazareth. This work is a humble attempt to overview the history and methods of Christian Education during the public mission of Savior Jesus, Apostolic age, Sub-Apostolic era and the early period of the Christian Church while it was under severe hostilities; all over a span of almost 300 years, till the church was finally given legal status and came out of persecution.
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