ORTHODOX SYRIAN

SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

OF THE EAST

JERUSALEM DIVISION
Class IX
(English)

Sunday School Central Office

Devalokom, Kottayam-4

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 AN OSSAE PUBLICATION
Sunday School Padavali - IX
First Edition: March 2015
Second Edition: December 2019
Third Edition: June 2022
Copies: 3000
Price: 80.00
Printed at Alois Graphics, Kottayam
[email protected]
 Foreword
Biblical education has been considered to be of utmost importance in the
spiritual and liturgical practices of our church. Our Lord in His words “Let the
little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God
belongs to such as these” expresses His great tender care for children and
recognizes their value. Growing up by knowing God from childhood is a blessed
privilege of the Christian life. We should develop a lifestyle in which the basics
of spiritual life are practiced and reinforced, because a strong spiritual
foundation is necessary to make our life meaningful. Training our children in
Christian witness is a mission and a big responsibility before God. Sunday
School education is a sacred service where we impart the knowledge of the
Scripture to the children to help them to experience God. It helps them to
experience the life of the saints who understood the beauty of that experience,
the glory of worship which is a grateful response to the divine experience, and
the social responsibility which is to be carried out in the fullness of that
experience and identity. The greatest gift that we have to offer our children is
the strong Orthodox faith that has been handed down to us through generations.
Sunday School education should not be evaluated in terms of secular
education. It is a quest for the divine in which the teachers and students partake
together making it a life-long learning experience. Sunday school education
becomes perfect only with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The aim of this
learning system is to recognize the value of the divine revelations that happened
before ages and to interpret it according to the needs of the present age. This
must be fulfilled in the model we see in the Holy Scripture. God has raised
prophets and visionaries in different ages to reveal the divine will to His own
people. The Sunday School teachers fulfill this great responsibility.
Sunday School education becomes meaningful only when the parents
involve in the teaching and learning process. Values instilled from the Sunday
School should be further reinforced and practiced at homes to make them part
of their personality. Moses told the Israelites to teach their children the
commandments of God “recite them to your children and talk about them
when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when
you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:7).
We should train the new generation to respond with a Christian conviction
to the changes in the society. Our young generation should be able to share the
models of love and forgiveness in this troubled society. Only then our new
generation will inherit the blessings of those children who are blessed by our
Lord. This is the universal responsibility that the Church has to carryout for the
transformation of our society to goodness, and its growth to the Kingdom of
God.
 Our Sunday School curriculum has been developed effectively to teach the
Scriptures and the spiritual practices of our church. This is visible in the content
and teaching modules. Also, the online resources have been very valuable in
the learning process. Let our Sunday School teachers and students make use of
the available resources and opportunities to make the Sunday School learning
a joyful experience which will enhance the moral and spiritual values of our
younger generation.

01-06-2022 Alexios Mar Eusebius Metropolitan

President
O.S.S.A.E

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 Introduction

Reading is necessary for all to achieve their goal in life. Today a reader,
tomorrow a leader is quietly trusting maxim in human life. Really a book
opens a door of infinite possibilities and probabilities in life; new persons,
new ideas and ideals which may transform the whole life. It is interesting
that no entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.
For learning and success, books have an unavoidable part in human life.
As Patrick Rothfuss says, “I always read. You know how sharks have to keep
swimming or they die? I’m like that. If I stop reading, I die”.
This text book for OSSAE class IX comprises contents like bible studies
including both Old Testament and New Testament, Prayer, liturgical hymns,
ecclesiology, liturgy, dogmas and biographies of great men of God. Also the
text includes current affairs like ecology, media and psychological issues
faced by teenagers. The lessons are prepared after a pretty long stretch of
study, discussions and corrections by a team of people who have expertise
in the field of education, theology and liturgy. However, suggestions for
improvement are most welcome. The contributions of those who prepared
various lessons are invaluable. Being the notable teachers who paved the
way for the coming generations we owe them a lot.
A book communicates knowledge, and not only knowledge but wisdom
of all kinds. The lessons you study from this text may become best friends
who will never walk away from you. They will help you to build a life which
is centered in Christ. May it help you to have knowledge about our Lord
Jesus Christ, great men of God and the way of spiritual life .Thus you can
improve yourself in order to take better decisions in the future. The aim
of Sunday School education has been based on Jesus’ teaching about the
Kingdom of God. It is the continuation of Jesus’ teaching ministry in order
to equip the people to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Hence our ultimate
purpose is the achievement of eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
May God continue to bless you all.
Fr. Dr. Varghese Varghese
Director General

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 CONTENTS
UNIT I: BIBLE STUDIES
Chapter 1: Major Prophets.................................................................................... 9
Chapter 2: Minor Prophets.................................................................................. 14
Chapter 3: Israel’s Religious Life in Captivity..................................................... 19
Chapter 4: Israel and the Greek Civilization....................................................... 23
Chapter 5: The Period of Maccabees................................................................... 27
Chapter 6: The Conversion of St. Paul................................................................ 31
Chapter 7: The First Missionary Journey of St. Paul (AD 47-49)..................... 35
Chapter 8: The Second Missionary Journey of St. Paul (AD 49-52)................. 39
Chapter 9: The Third Missionary Journey of St. Paul (AD 53-57)................... 44
Chapter 10: The Council of Jerusalem................................................................ 48

UNIT 2: PRAYER
Chapter 11: The Litany used in the Vespers........................................................ 52
Chapter 12: The Litany used in the Matins......................................................... 56
Chapter 13: Prayers of canonical Hours............................................................. 60

UNIT 3: HYMNS OF EUCHARISTIC DEVOTION

Chapter 14: The Morning Prayers of sleeba (Holy Cross) Season Worship..... 64
Chapter 15: The Morning Prayers of Easter Season Worship............................ 68

UNIT 4: MY CHURCH
Chapter 16: The Church upto the Twelfth Century........................................... 72
Chapter 17: The Crusades.................................................................................... 76
Chapter 18: The Christian Kingdom of South India......................................... 80
Chapter 19: The Coming of the Portuguese....................................................... 84

UNIT 5: THE HOLY EUCHARIST: A STUDY

Chapter 20: Fathers and Doctors of the Church Commemorated in the
fifth Diptych.................................................................................................. 88
Chapter 21: Fathers and Doctors of the Church Commemorated in the
Fifth Diptych (continued…) ....................................................................... 93
UNIT 6: DOGMAS OF OUR FAITH
Chapter 22: The Creed of the Church-God the Father.................................... 100
Chapter 23: The Creed of the Church –Lord Jesus, the Only Begotton
Son of God................................................................................................... 104
Chapter 24: The Creed of the Church – Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver............... 108

UNIT 7: GREAT MEN OF GOD

Chapter 25: His Grace Alvariz Mar Yulios........................................................ 113
Chapter 26: His Grace Pathrose Mar Osthathios............................................. 117
Chapter 27: His Grace Dr. Geevarghee Mar Osthathios –
“The Jewel of the Malankara Church”....................................................... 121

UNIT 8: GOOD HABITS

Chapter 28: We too are Farmers........................................................................ 127
Chapter 29: Responsible Use of the Media ...................................................... 132
Chapter 30: Teenage: The Spring Season of Life.............................................. 136
 STRUCTURE OF THE LESSONS
(PREPARED BY PROF. DR. SAM V. DANIEL)

1. Message: The central idea that should be sensitised through each lesson is
given here.
2. Verse to be Memorized: A biblical verse related to the central theme of the
lesson is given for memorizing. The teacher should read out this verse from
the Holy Bible at the end of the class and the students should say it aloud
several times.
3. Teaching Aids: Information on pictures, books, etc. connected to the central
theme are given to present lessons effectively.
4. Introduction: This section helps in making the presentation of the lesson
attractive and enjoyable.
5. The Lesson or Text: This is the content of the lesson. We have
tried our best to make it student-centred. The ideas should be presented
by participating students. The teacher should take the Holy Bible to class
and should readout the biblical passages. The descriptions made should
have the quality of a narration. The students should be encouraged through
interaction questions. When important ideas come let the students recite
them in Chorus.
6. Song or Hymns: A song or hymn connected with the lesson is given here.
The teacher should sing it aloud and the students should recite it in chorus.
7. Let Us Pray: A simple prayer connected with the theme of the lesson is given
here. The teacher and the students can say this prayer in the class together.
All should stand up and cross themselves before the prayer.
8. Our Decision or Resolution: An idea that can touch the students’ mind
like a decision and that can be implemented in their lives is given in this
section. Make the students say aloud this concept.
9. Let Us Think: These are evaluation questions given to examine how far the
students have grasped the ideas in the text.
10. Activities: Most of the tasks given in the section are for enacting, drawing,
physical action or narration.
11. Further Reading: Various biblical passages connected with the lesson are
given for reading in the evening and in the morning of all days of a week.
 UNIT I
BIBLE STUDIES
Chapter 1
Major Prophets
Learning Objectives: The Holy Bible tells us about a number of prophets. They
revealed the Word of God to His chosen people. Let us learn about prophets. Some of
these prophets are referred to as Major Prophets. Let us learn about their prophetic
missions and the features of the Books they authored.
Verse to be Memorized: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
Learning Aids: A map of Jerusalem,four big cards on which the names of Major
Prophets and twelve small cards on which the names of Minor Prophets are written,
a chart containing the names of sixteen prophets (the names shall be highlighted
using different colours), the Holy Bible, the Book of Holy Eucharist and the Book
of Canonical Prayers.

Introduction
The prophesies in the Old Testament give light and greater meaning to the New
Testament. They inspire us to lead a perfect spiritual life in Jesus Christ. Who are
prophets? They are people chosen by God to foretell future events. The prophets
interpreted the events of history and the contemporary times. They received God’s
commandments from the Holy Spirit and boldly revealed them to the people. Some
of them prophesied against own people while others made their prophesies against
other nations. Generally they spoke against evil. They made their prophesies at various
periods of history. Their prophesies sometimes comforted people suffering hardships
from others; and sometimes gave warnings about future events. They tried to lead
their people in the path of righteousness. They revealed God’s commandments to
the people. The books of Prophets record their teachings and interventions.
Prophetic Books are generally categorized into early Prophetic Books and Later
Prophetic Books. The Early Prophetic Books are historical records inspired by God’s
Spirit. They contain prophecies and their impact upon people. The most voluminous
among them are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. They are known as Major
Prophetic Books. The authors of these prophesies are called Major Prophets. The
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smaller prophets from Hosea to Malachi are known as Minor Prophets. Today let’s
learn about Major Prophets and their writings.

The Lesson
Who are Major Prophets?
They are prophets who were traditionally regarded as authors of books of long
Prophesies. This does not mean that they are superior to other prophets. Let’s now
identify the Major Prophets, their message, and the relevance of their message in
our times.
Isaiah
The name Isaiah means “Yahweh is my salvation/One who proclaimed salvation
in Yahweh.” Book of Isaiah is a voluminous work containing 66 Chapters. It contains
prophesies spanning over a long period of time. It proclaims God’s will to the people.
In fact there are three periods the prophesies addressed. The first is the period of the
Kingdom or the pre-exile period. It was a period of prosperity. The people of Israel
had their own country. The second is the exilic period. It was a period of despair
and hopelessness in which the people lost everything owned and had to live in exile.
The third is the post-exilic period which marks the end of exile and which is filled
with the hope of return. The first period of Isaiah’s prophesies belongs to the reign
of King Uzziah and the period that succeeded his death.
King Uzziah (BC 786-742) reigned in Israel for about half a century (2 Chron 26).
The initial phase of his reign was marked by obedience and faithfulness to God. Later
Uzziah grew proud and haughty and hence he was punished by God. The prophet
had a grand vision of God and his purification experience after the death of the king
(Isaiah 6:1-8). The delegation of mission that followed sanctification of the prophet
became a conviction in his life. These are referred to in Isaiah 6:8-12. Isaiah made his
prophesies during a period of wickedness and evil (Isaiah 1:21-25, 10:1-4, 5:3-10).
He was a staunch critic of his times. It is notable that he prophesied to a people who
believed that God will listen to all their prayers.
The prophet spoke against violating the covenant with Yahweh and forming
alliances with gentile kings. He decried idolatry and wickedness among the people (2
Kings 16, Isaiah 7). He gave the message of hope of redemption through faithfulness
to Yahweh (1:2-8), obedience to parents and preparation for a righteous life (1:16-21).
Isaiah foretold that people will invite punishments through injustice, pride and
luxury (1:9). Those who remain faithful alone will be spared from punishments.
prophet also spoke about the period of captivity as well (Isaiah 40-55). The book of
kings describes how Israel became a vassal country of a major nation of those days
namely Assyria (2 Kings chapter 16 onwards). This happened during BC 721-22. Later
another major power, Babylon conquered the southern regions of Judea and forced
the people into exile (2 Kings: 25). This is considered the main period of captivity
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and messages are given about this period. Isaiah chapters 40-55 give message of hope
to the exiled people in despair. A gentile king, Cyrus (2 Chron 36:22), who helps the
people in captivity is presented as the messenger of Yahweh and the flag bearer of
restoration (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1).
Verses known as ‘songs of the servant of Yahweh’ form an important part of the
messages of captivity (Isaiah 42:1-7, 49:1-9, 50:4-9, 52:13-53). These songs describe
the suffering servant of Yahweh. Even though this righteous servant appear to suffer
in the eyes of the world, God will honour and raise him. The central theme described
here is the glorification of righteous suffering. In the New Testament context, the
“suffering servant of God” is identified as Jesus Christ.
The Book of Isaiah also contains instructions for the post-exilic life of the people
of Israel (Isaiah 56-66). During exile, the people of Israel could not pray at the Temple
of Jerusalem. They revived this worship after their return from exile (Isaiah 60:7). Yet
the land was not safe from threats. The people resorted to blasphemy even when the
fort and city were yet to be rebuilt. Isaiah announced God’s justice and comfort
(Isaiah 58:1-8, 65:1-5) and the everlasting salvation (Isaiah 59:1-13).

Jeremiah
The books of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel are also considered major prophetic
books. The book of Jeremiah contains 52 chapters. It describes the struggles of a man
of God raised by Yahweh to greatness. Jeremiah was raised to be a prophet while he
was a boy (Jeremiah 1-3). It is a perfect example of the call to fulfil God’s purposes.
Similar instances of the Lord’s call are seen in the lives of Moses (Exodus 3:1-6) and
Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-20).
Jeremiah suffered trials and tribulations and shed a lot of tears. Yet he gave
the message of God’s compassion, righteousness and hope. The initial chapters of
Jeremiah’s book deal with God’s call, God’s love, the response of Israelites to God’s
love and God’s response to His backsliding people. The prophet speaks about the days
of God’s love for Israel, the early days of Israel’s obedience and the later days of the
broken covenant. The book also speaks about God’s grief over the broken covenant
and the prophet’s indignation at the ingratitude of the Israelites.

Ezekiel and Daniel

The name Ezekiel means ‘God empowers.’ He lived with the people of Judea
deported to Babylon. Ezekiel was a God-loving prophet who served as a priest as well
(Ezekiel 1:3-5, 3:15-17, 8:1-5, 20:1-3). The message of Ezekiel is that we can search
for God in hope and faith even in the midst of the trials in life.
Daniel was a Jewish youth who worked in the palace of the gentiles along with
Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. His life and message makes it known that one can
lead a life of purity and holiness even amidst strange and adverse conditions.

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 Hymn
(This is an intercessory hymn to prophets, apostles and martyrs given
in the Hymns of Eucharistic devotion in the Holy Eucharist)
(Paavana Nibimaare…)
O saintly Prophets, heaven’s princes Apostles,
Pray for this world, and its well being
Let all wars and – quarrels come to an end, and
Church and children, praise Jesus ever
Barekmor.
O taintless Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs… your
Crowns are in heaven – devotees on earth
Glorified is Lord, who extolled your memory
You did strengthen - Holy Church of Christ

Let Us Pray
O Lord, we praise you for enabling us to learn about the Prophets. Enable
us like them and be your true followers, to lead a divinely inspired life and
announce your will before the world. Help us to bear true witness and glorify
you. Enable us to praise Father Son and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Resolution
We would live according to God’s will like the great prophets received God’s
commandments and lived accordingly, and carried God’s messages to the
people .

Let Us Think
1. Who are the Major prophets? List the number of chapters in each book of the
Major Prophets.
2. What are the functions of prophets?
3. Name the different parts of the Book of Isaiah.
4. What does the name ‘Isaiah’ mean?
5. What are the special features of the reign of Uzziah?
6. Which chapters of Isaiah give hope to people who lived in exile?
7. Name the kings who reigned during the prophetic ministry of Isaiah.
8. List the three virtues upheld by Isaiah in his message.
9. Which chapters of Isaiah give hope to people who lived in exile?
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10. Name the kings who reigned during the prophetic ministry of Daniel.
11. List the biblical passages which prove the priestly vocation of prophet
Ezekiel.
12. A prophet is a representative of God; do you think he is a representative of the
people as well?
13. Compare and contrast life in a free country and life in exile.

Activities
1. Read Isaiah chapter 6 and, 2 Chronicles chapter 26 and prepare a diary
summarizing the main ideas.
2. Does God listen to prayers of wicked people? Discuss the significance of worship,
which involves a constant relationship with God and a search for God’s will in
everything.
3. Prepare from the Book of Isaiah, a chart of verses and their reference which
prophesies about Jesus Christ, the ‘Awaited Messaiah.’
4. Prepare a table of major prophets, their prophetic books and the chapters
contained in each.
5. Write four or five prophesies each made by any three Major prophets and role
play them in the class.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Isaiah 7
Monday Isaiah 42 Isaiah 53
Tuesday Isaiah 11 Isaiah 49
Wednesday Isaiah 6 2 Chronicles 26
Thursday Isaiah 50 Isaiah 52
Friday Isaiah 57 Isaiah 58
Saturday Jeremiah 23 *

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 Chapter 2
Minor Prophets
Learning Objectives: To learn about Minor Prophets of the Holy Bible, details of
the time and place of their ministry, and their prophetical books and live according
to God’s will, as they did.
Verse to be Memorized: “The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to
blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. Then everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Joel 2:31,32).
Learning Aids: The map of Palestine (with the areas of the ministry of the
prophets marked), bill boards on which the names of Minor Prophets are written,
the Holy Bible, the liturgical Book of ‘The Holy Eucharist’ and the Book of Common
Prayer.

Introduction
The prophets foretold about the future; and also interpreted contemporary events
in the light of God’s Will. They had no personal interests and they acted according to
God’s Will. God chose them to be prophets, endowed them with skills and abilities and
prepared them for His ministry. In this chapter let us learn about the Minor Prophets.

The Lesson
The Minor Prophetic books are later prophetic compositions, smaller in size.
Twelve books from Hosea to Malachi fall in this category. Even though the Minor
Prophetic books are smaller in size, they and their authors are significant because of
the significance of the message they convey.

The Minor Prophets and their Prophetic Period

The Minor prophetic books too can be understood by categorising the period
of prophetic ministry into three. You might remember that this was the criterion
of classification adopted in the case of Major Prophets as well. Amos, Hosea and
Micah were prophets of the pre-exilic period (800-700 BC). They were also the
contemporaries of the Major Prophet Isaiah (mentioned in chapters 1–39 of Book
of Isaiah)
During the period of Kingdom there was prosperity in Israel. But even in the
days of social and economic security provided by a stable administration, many
people failed to take care of the weak and the poor. They could not prize hardships,
tears, toil and sweat. Those were times when people were hesitant to show kindness,
justice and righteousness were conspicuously absent. It was in this context that Amos
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who proclaimed justice, Hosea who practised love for God and Micah announced
the supremacy of God.
Pre-exile Period
Eighth century BC was a period of peace and prosperity. The stable administration
of Jeroboam II enabled the expansion of the country’s territory and economic
prosperity came from the resources of the annexed countries as well as from trade.
Consequently there was an increase in luxury, exploitation, injustice and callousness
(Amos 4, 5:10-12, 8:4-6, Micah 1:5-6, 3:9-11). The spiritual realm became polluted
and the social sphere was in shambles during the period. Along with the increase in
wealth, the external expressions of worship of God also increased proportionately
(Amos 4:4, Isaiah chapter 58). The prophets exhorted to eschew evil and embrace
goodness, lead a righteous life and worship God from the strong foundation of a
truthful life (Amos 5:15, 5:24, Micah 6:6-8).

Hosea’s Prophecy
Hosea’s book of Prophesy gives great insights into the relationship between God
and human in times of trouble. There existed adverse conditions at three different
levels. First of all there was faithlessness in the relationship with God. Secondly social
and religious standards had deteriorated. Thirdly faithlessness in personal life had
badly affected family and social life.
i. The great imperial powers of those days were Assyria and Egypt (Hosea 7:11,
8:8-10). The kingdom of Israel not only fell into the captivity of these foreign powers
but also depended on them for existence and also took to their sinful and idolatrous
ways. Prophet Isaiah in similar circumstances had predicted that if one doesn’t have
faith in God, one cannot have a sustained existence (Isaiah 7:9). Even King Solomon
became wayward because he established relationship with gentile people.
ii. In society, theft and murders increased. There was no trace of kindness and
truth. Yahweh had to chastise and charge the people with sinfulness. A similar situation
existed in the religious atmosphere as well. Idolatry (Hosea 2:12-13) and a life devoid
of knowledge of God (4:6) were in existence. Hosea (6:6) declares the response of
Yahweh “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather
than burnt offerings.” This points out to the total absence of God’s grace in life, even
for making offerings to God.
iii. The prophet quotes the case of his own wife as an example for deterioration
and faithlessness in personal life. She showed infidelity to the prophet (1:2-3) and
the prophet sees it as a characteristic of the whole nation (4:14).
The prophet’s message is that the people and leaders need to repent for offences.
They should confess their sins and ‘seek God’s face.’ Hosea taught the people about
the love and mercy of God. He gave the assurance that God will show mercy to even
those who transgressed the covenant through infidelity, sin and injustice. The very
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name Hosea means ‘God helps.’ The prophet declares that forgetting the true God is
as sinful as the mutual infidelity of married couples (2:4). God is kind and merciful.

Later Minor Prophets

In the subsequent period (700-600 BC), the ministry of prophesy was carried
forward by Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah. Their prophesies were made in the
social and political backgrounds of the last periods of seventh century BC. What
were the social and political developments that influenced the religious experiences
of Israel during this period? The consequences of Assyria conquering Northern
Israel and unleashing a reign of cruelty, the religious reformation of king
Josiah and love of luxury and lack of kindness formed the background of these
prophesies. However the greatest message given here is the salvation of the
suffering people of God.
Nahum prophesied that God would save the people of Israel who were crushed
under the cruelty of the Assyrian empire. He also predicted the destruction of
Nineveh on account of the cruelty it unleashed (Nahum 2:13, 3:3-7). There are similar
prophesies in Habakkuk as well (Habakkuk 1:5-9). It was during this period that the
Assyrians who ruled over the nations of the world were defeated and the Babylonian
empire was founded (2:1-2, 4-8, 3:8).
Habakkuk made his prophesies in the background of sinfulness and idolatry
rampant in eighth century BC. The prophet raised his voice against love for wealth,
lack of mercy, idolatry and alcoholism (2:6-8, 9-12, 15-16, 18-19). Zephaniah also
gives a similar message (1:4-8, 2:2-4, 3:1-5).
Minor prophets like Haggai, Zechariah, Obadiah and Malachi also gave powerful
messages to the people. Prophets like Haggai and Zechariah under took their ministry
during the period of ascendancy of the Persian empire (BC 588) in place of Babylon
which had conquered Israel.
Cyrus, King of Persia liberated Jews from captivity and allowed them to return
to their homeland (Ezra 1:2-4). The people returned to Judah. Apart from the decree
of Cyrus, prophet Haggai also asked them to engage in the restoration of the Temple.
Haggai prophesied that it was God’s will to restore the Temple (Haggai 1:3-15, 2:2-
9). But the people paid no attention to him. The theme of Haggai is the unfinished
Temple and his mission is to admonish and encourage the builders.
Prophet Zechariah asked the people to rebuild the Temple, trusting in God
(1:15-16, 6:10-13). Along with upholding a spiritual life connected with the Temple
(2:10, 8:3), he emphasized human relationship founded on justice and compassion
(7:9-8:17).
‘The Minor prophets’ were really great prophets who gave strong and timely
messages to the people of God. Their ministry in Israel is laudable because of their
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convictions regarding the Scriptures, relationship with God, covenant with God and
God’s own people.

Hymn
Bliss to the prophets
And the apostles
And to the martyrs
At resurrection.
Barekmor
Those martyrs who longed
For seeing the Christ,
By their death took wings,
And fluttered to heights
Moryio Rahemelain…

Let Us Pray
O Lord, we praise You for giving the messages of the prophets through the
Holy Bible. Help us to follow their words, eschew evil and live in goodness.
Grant us wisdom to understand the wickedness of the contemporary world.
Lead us through the path of righteousness. We would praise You, Your Father
and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Resolution
We would lead a just life as advised by prophet Amos. We would participate in
worship of God whole heartedly. We would be on guard against deterioration
and faithlessness in personal life. We would remember the Lord’s Last
Judgment and would repent our sins.

Let Us Think
1. What is meant by ‘Minor Prophets’?
2. How do we classify the period of prophetic ministry? Which are the categories?
3. What is the significant message of the prophesies of Amos, Hosea and Micah?1
4. What are the three stages of deterioration mentioned in Hosea?
5. What was the reason for the waywardness of Solomon?
6. What are the important causes for the deterioration of Israel?
7. Do you find signs of such deterioration in the present day world?
8. Which prophesy relates to Jesus Christ’s birth and activities?
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Activities
1. Prepare a speech based on Amos 5:24, Isaiah 1:15-16 and Micah 6:8 and present
it in the class.
2. Learn the verses Micah 6:8 and Amos 5:24 by heart.
3. Analyse the relevance of Hosea 6:6
4. Learn the verses Hosea 6:6 and Joel 2:28 by heart
5. Discuss the important messages and ministry of any one of the minor Prophets.
6. Wear a badge on which a minor Prophet’s name is written and role play his
prophetic ministry in the class.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Hosea 11
Monday Joel 3 Amos 8
Tuesday Obadiah 1 Jonah 4
Wednesday Micah 6 Nahum 1
Thursday Habakkuk 3 Zephaniah 1
Friday Haggai 1 Zechariah 9
Saturday Malachi 2 *

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 Chapter 3
Israel’s Religious Life in Captivity
(Worship at the Synagogue, Compilation of the Scriptures)

Learning Objectives: To learn about the forms of worship in Israel during their
captivity and also their relationship with God during this period. Let us also learn
about their history during exile. We shall also learn about the prophets and follow
their great messages in our lives.
Verse to be Memorized: “I told them that the hand of my God had been gracious
upon me, and also the words that the king had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us
start building!” So they committed themselves to the common good” (Nehemiah 2:18).
Learning Aids: A picture of a Jewish synagogue, a picture of the destroyed Temple
of Jerusalem, a chart containing names of books written during Jewish exile, the
Holy Bible, the liturgical book of Holy Eucharist and the Book of Common Prayer.
Introduction
We have learned about the period of captivity of Israelites in Egypt and their
deliverance under the leadership of Moses. After they settled down in the Promised
Land, they demanded for Kingship. God anointed Saul as the first King of Israel.
The kings who succeeded great monarchs like David and Solomon disobeyed God’s
commandments and started worshipping other gods. Besides they refused to obey
the prophets who arose in various periods of history. This invited God’s wrath upon
Israel and consequently the people of Israel had to live in captivity in Babylon for
seventy years. Today we are going to learn about the Babylonian captivity.

The Lesson
Babylonian captivity is an important event in the history of Israel. It played a
crucial role in shaping the life of the Jews in the subsequent periods. The captivity
followed the conquest of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon. It was a
period of political instability for Israel. The kings were weak and they reigned only for
a brief period. The Babylonians attacked Judah several times between BC 597 and BC
587. As a result the city of Jerusalem and the Temple of Jerusalem were plundered and
destroyed and the people of Jerusalem were taken captives to Babylon (2 Kings 24:25).
The apparent effects of the exile as described by the
Holy Bible are as follows:
1. Israel which had been an independent nation lost its freedom and identity
and became a vassal country under Babylon.
2. The Temple of Jerusalem which had been the centre of spirituality as well as
the external expression of the unity of the country was destroyed.
19
 3. Kingship, palaces and systems which gave protection to people dissipated.
4. A significant section of Jews who lived in Judah was taken captive to Babylon
and only a remnant resided in their homeland.
1. The Spiritual Consequences of the Exile
Along with the difficulties created in the physical environment, the exile caused
a lot of changes in spiritual thinking as well. The Temple of Jerusalem had been their
spiritual and material centre and the source of their unity. The Temple had been the
foot-stool of God (Malachi 2:1), the abode of Yahweh (1 Kings 8:13, Ezekiel 43:7),
His place of rest (Psalms 132:14) and His court (Isaiah 1:12). But when it was set
fire to (2 Chron 25:10-14, Lamentations 1:10) people lost all hope and were thrown
into despair.
The people of Israel retained a similar faith regarding the throne and kingship
of David. They believed that the stability of kingship was promised by God in the
succession of the house of David (2 Samuel 7). They believed that the King who sat
on the throne of David was the son of God. They also thought that Kingship was the
means of obtaining God’s mercy (Psalms 72:10). But when they saw that Zedekiah,
the successor of David, too was captured and that Kingship was coming to an end,
it became a great spiritual problem for them.
The spiritual life of Israelites greatly depended on the God - given land,
priesthood, worship of Yahweh, Scriptures and the recital of Psalms. But after losing
their homeland they had to live in a strange land devoid of the song of Yahweh
(Jeremiah 31:32, Psalms 137:4).
The Changes in Religious Life during the Exile
For Israelites, Exile was a period of loss and conflicts. However, they encountered
the physical as well as the spiritual destruction and developed a special kind of spiritual
and religious experience. The following developments took place.
i. When the Israelites lost Temple worship and offerings at the Temple and their
home land during the exile, certain other religious forms came into prominence. The
worship at the Temple of Jerusalem was highly centralized. Jews came there to worship
even from far away places like Samaria and Galilee at least during the important
feasts. After the destruction of the Temple, Jews assembled for worship at synagogues
in various localities. During the time of Jesus Christ, there are references to coming
to Jerusalem for worship (St. Matthew 21: 12, 23, St. Luke 2:24). At the same time,
there are also references to people assembling locally for worship. These local places
of worship were known as Synagogues (St. Luke 6:6, 7:5).
ii. It was during the period of exile that certain religious rituals became very
significant. One of them was the observance of Sabbath. Some scholars are of the
opinion that the description of Sabbath in the book of Genesis (2:2-3) assumes
importance and relevance during this period. That is why we find repeated references
20
to Sabbath in the books of Nehemiah (9:14, 10:32, 10:34, 13:17) and Ezekiel (6:6, 7:24).
Observance of Sabbath teaches that one should rather depend on God’s greatness
and mercy than on one’s own effort.
iii. Another important development during the exile was the compilation of the
Scriptures and other books. Reading and interpretation of these books assumed great
significance. The narratives of God inspired convictions which had been in vogue
among them before the exile remained as an oral tradition. These stories became a
written document mainly during this period. The narration of Creation and most
of the traditions connected with fathers of the tribes and Moses got recorded during
the exile.
iv. Prophesies regarding the reconstruction of the Temple were made during the
exile and post exile periods. Prophets like Haggai and Zechariah inspired the remnant
who returned from exile to take initiative to rebuild the Temple. The prophets exhorted
that the rebuilding of the Temple should be attempted at the appropriate time without
neglecting matters related to worship.

Hymn
(This hymn is recited after Evangelion in the Holy Eucharist on
Hoodos Eetho Sunday (New Year Day as per the Church Calender)
(Massihayodevam sabha cholli…)
The Church pleaded – to Lord Jesus
See I’m a sinful harlot
Make thou me thy beloved one
O holy – holy Lord’s son
Kindly make me a pure one
Replied, Lord Jesus to her
Go and be baptized so that
The waters shall make you pure
And thus be raised as my bride.

Let Us Pray
O! One True God, we praise You for all the gifts given to us. You have blessed
us to live freely, enjoy fellowship and worship You. Enable us to defend our
faith and lead our lives like our fore-fathers who remained steadfast in Your
faith despite several trials in life. We praise You, Father, Son and the Holy
Spirit. Amen.

Resolution
We would make saintly people who worshipped and obeyed God and
conquered adversity, as our role-model in life. We would adhere to God
even in adversity.
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Let Us Think
1. What is meant by Babylonian captivity?
2. What are the features of the of Babylonian exile?
3. Explain the circumstances that caused Babylonian exile of the Israelites.
4. What are the social and religious consequences of the exile on the Israelites?
5. What lessons do we learn from the experiences of exile of the Israelites?
6. How important was the Temple of God to the scattered Jews?
7. Which practice was kept up by the Jews even during the exile?
8. What are the difficulties faced by those who live discarding God? How can we
overcome those difficulties?
9. What are the changes brought about in the spiritual life of the Israelites by
Babylonian exile?
10. What was the popular belief about rulers who sat on the throne of David?
11. What are the factors that played a great role in the spiritual life of the Israelites?

Activities
1. Read the following biblical passages and conduct a discussion on the important
aspects of Babylonian exile.
2 Kings 25:25, Isaiah 40:11-12, Psalm 137, Lamentations 4:1-10, Nehemiah 2
2. Read the book of Haggai and prepare a diary entry on the perspectives regarding
reconstruction of the Temple and worship.
3. Read Ezra Chapter 1 and discuss the return of Israelites and the decree to rebuild
the Temple.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * 2 Kings 25
Monday Isaiah 40 Psalm 137
Tuesday Lamentations 4 1 Kings 8
Wednesday 2 Samuel 7 Lamentations 2
Thursday 1 Samuel 10 2 Kings 4
Friday Acts 13 Ezra 3
Saturday Nehemiah 2 *

22
 Chapter 4
Israel and the Greek Civilization
Learning Objectives: To learn about the influence of Greek civilization on Israel
and the changes brought about by this influence. Let us also look at the lack of faith
and faulty practices that plagued Israel. Train yourself to tred in the path of God and
obey His commandments. Never give up the faith and rituals we uphold.
Verse to be Memorized: “ If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from
the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not,
be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship
the golden statue that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17, 18).
Learning Aids: A chart containing features of Greek civilization, a picture of
Emperor Alexander, a chart containing Hebrew and Greek alphabets, the Holy Bible,
the liturgical book of Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
Any social group or movement that originates and develops in the world
comes under the influence of civilizations to which it comes into contact. The great
civilizations that influenced the world include the Indus Valley, the Egyptian, the
Hebrew, the Mesopotamian and the Greek civilizations. Among them, the Greek
civilization has deeply influenced the Holy Bible and the Hebrew-Christian traditions.
Greek civilization is often known after the famous emperor Alexander and his
successors Ptolemy and Seleucids. Today we are going to learn how this civilization
influenzed Israel.

The Lesson
The major global power mentioned in the Old Testament is Egypt. We read about
Egypt in connection with Jacob and Joseph. Joseph lived with his father Jacob and
his brothers in Egypt and later became slaves in that land (Genesis 47:27, Exodus
1:1-22). Moses grew up in this culture (Exodus 2:9-10:15) and it is considered that
ten commandments and the books of laws originated as a result of the influence of
this culture. Later Israel conquered the land of Canaan and stamped their cultural
imprints upon this land. Kings and other leaders arose among them. subsequently
Assyrians developed as a global power. They conquered and exerted their influence
on Israel. The next political power to ascend and exert a great cultural influence was
Mesopotamia. The Mesopotamians conquered the Jews and sent them into exile.
Their rule lasted for about seventy years. They were followed by the Persians who
influenced the Israelites culturally and politically. The Greek civilization ascended
23
under Alexander the Great and Greek cultural invasion of the world took place after
this period. At the time of Jesus Christ Romans were the global power (St. Matthew
2:1, St. Luke 2:1) The Greek civilization exerted a great influence on the subsequent
Jewish practices, beliefs and rituals as well as on the compilation of books and on
language. Let us have an idea of the various aspects of Greek influence on Jews.

Influence of Greek Civilization

One of the important characteristics of Greek civilization was the flourishing
of philosophical schools beginning with Plato and Aristotle. Philosophy was used
for finding the truth of life. The writings of Greek philosophers were much deep
and insightful. They tried to assess the origin and meaning of human life, the laws,
conditions and principles governing human nature and physical phenomena. Their
language, culture, forms of art and sports developed to great levels. The Greek
intolerance towards other religions and cultures and their linguistic rigidity were
too much for the Jews.
At the end of fourth century BC (BC 333), Emperor Alexander, as part of his
imperial invasion conquered Israel and other neighbouring countries. After that,
Greek language and culture were imposed on them. The freedom of Jews in matters
of worship decreased. Under the Greek influence the Jews gradually drifted away
from commandments regarding circumcision, Jewish forms of worship, observance
of Sabbath, and fidelity in married life.
The Greek influence was mostly visible in the new generation. Young people and
children, people who didn’t know Hebrew and people who knew only Greek came
under the influence of Greek thought. The young people wanted to join the Greeks
who participated nudely in various sporting events and for this purpose became
ready to remove the mark of circumcision, the symbol of their covenant with God,
from their body through surgery (Nehemiah 9:1-3, 13:23-25, Ezra 9:2, 10:2, Esther
1:22). Circumcision was the rite of removing the foreskin of young boys as part of
the covenantal obligation from the time of Abraham (Genesis 17:10-11).
Because of the influence of Greek language and culture, the young generation
drifted away from Scriptures and it became a great cultural shock to the Jews. The
loss of practices like assembling in homes and places of worship for reading and
interpretation of Scriptures, meditating over the commandments at the individual
level and living accordingly resulted in deterioration of morality. As observance of
Sabbath, offerings and daily worship at the synagogue deteriorated, there developed
a lot of prejudice against the Greek culture. The Greek influence was evident in the
people’s concept of God, divine revelations and ways of divine enquiry.

Greek Translation of the Old Testament

The first translation of the Old Testament was to the Greek. It was called ‘The
Septuagint’. It was done for the sake of Jews who were scattered in various places and
24
those who were attracted by Greek culture as well as those who grew up in Greek
culture. The boundaries of Israel nation had been obliterated by Alexander’s invasion.
Consequently, the Hebrews learned Greek and was attracted to that culture. Under
the inspiration of King Ptolemy II, seventy or seventy two scholars from Jerusalem
reached Alexandria. The Greek translation of the Old Testament made by these
scholars is known as ‘The Septuagint.’ The Greek domination reached its zenith
during second century BC, the last phase of Greek influence. We shall learn about it
in the next chapter.

Hymn
(This hymn is recited during the Holy Eucharist on Khudosh Eetho Sunday)
(Sabhaye Nityam Nin....)
Holy Church your - gate-keepers’ vigil
Protects you ever- from the Evil One
Simon laid the base - St. Paul sculptored it
Beloved Yuhanon- rendered great service
Haleluiah-vu-Haleluiah
King David is the – harp of Lord’s Spirit

Let Us Pray
O Almighty God, we praise You for endowing us with a great tradition.
Enable us to remain steadfast in this tradition and worship You. Transform
those forces which harm into what is good for us. Remain our God for ever.
We are Your inheritance. We shall Praise and thank You, Your Only Begotten
Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Resolution
We will never go away from the great tradition of the Church for the sake
of material gains. We will never welcome forces which act against the faith
of the Church.

Let Us Think
1. What are the global powers mentioned in the Old Testament?
2. Which are the major civilizations that influenced the world?
3. What were the main features of Greek civilization?
4. What was the influence of Greek civilization on the Jews?
5. What were the changes brought about by Greek culture in the social and spiritual
life of Jews?
25
6. List the global powers who subjugated Israel.
7. How did the Greek imperial forces help the conservation of the Scriptures?
8. What were the features of main influences on Greek culture?
9. What moral downfall happened among the Jews as a result of the Greek influence?
10. What is Septuagint? For whom was this version made?

Activities
1. Compare the generation of Jews who gave up mother tongue under the influence
of Greek language and culture with the contemporary Nasrani Christians
(St. Thomas Christians) and conduct a discussion in the class.
2. Write a note on the activities of Greeks during the period of Jesus Christ.
3. Collect pictures displaying the features of Greek culture and prepare an album.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Genesis 47
Monday Exodus 2 St. Matthew 2
Tuesday St. Luke 2 Nehemiah 9
Wednesday Ezra 9 Esther 1
Thursday Nehemiah 13 Ezra 10
Friday Acts 6 St. John 12
Saturday Romans 1 *

26
 Chapter 5
The Period of Maccabees
Learning Objectives: To learn about the Maccabees and the trials of the Jews.
Let’s understand the role of the Maccabees in the conservation of Jewish faith and
traditions. Let’s learn from the Book of Maccabees and remain steadfast in the faith
and traditions of the Church.
Verse to be Memorized: “Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they
sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the
dedication with rejoicing, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps,
and lyres” (Nehemiah 12:27).
Learning Aids: A poster showing idol worship, pictures of religious persecution,
Apocrypha which contains the Book of Maccabees, the Holy Bible, the liturgical book
of the Holy Eucharist, and Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
The later periods of Greek domination were too despotic. The period of
Maccabees refers to the period of resistance of Jews against the Greeks. The Jews
struggled to retain their lives, identity, culture, faith and rituals. Today let us learn
about the features of this period.

The Lesson
After the period of Alexander the Great (+323 BC), the Greek Empire was divided
into several political units. Egypt came to be ruled by Ptolemys and provinces like
Babylon, Syria and Asia Minor came under the control of Seleucids. The successors
of Alexander tried to impose Greek culture in lands under their control. The most
notorious among these successors was the Syrian administrator Antiochus Epiphanius
(175-157 BC).

The Tyrannical Reign of Antiochus

Antiochus Eppiphanius was interested in empire building and in cultural invasion.
He led his forces to Palestine and conquered it. Later he fought against Egypt which
had similar interests and consolidated his power over Judea. His plan was to bring
Syria, Palestine and Egypt under a uniform administrative system. He wanted to unite
them culturally so that the administration would be easier. But Antiochus found
that cultural uniqueness, fondness for language, rigidity of religion and rituals and
the laws of Jews were a hindrance to his administrative goals. Hence he resorted to
tyranny against the Jews.
27
 Antiochus declared himself to be the Incarnation of Zeus. He conquered the
Temple of Jerusalem, converted it into the temple of Zeus and made offerings to please
this pagan god. Thus pigs, the forbidden animal of the Jews, were scarified there (Dan.
9:27). Besides, the high-priests were appointed and removed indiscriminately and
idolatry was popularised throughout the country. Antiochus also banned religious
codes by prohibiting the Law of Moses, the Sabbath and circumcision.

Defence and Retaliation

The Jewish society reacted in several ways to Greek social and religious domination.
Some of the Jews gave up the Law of Moses in the light of King’s punishments as well
as enticements. Some others withdrew into the interiors of the forest and continued
with the practices of their religion secretly. Some rigorously faithful Jews remained
as a community known as ‘Hasidim’. Yet others not only defended their faith but also
launched counter attacks through guerilla warfare. We shall learn about this group
of resisters.

Maccabees and the Defence of Jewish Faith

The Maccabees were a rebellious group who fought against Antiochus. The Jewish
priest Mattathias gave leadership to this rebellion at first. He bravely encountered
and killed those who came with royal decree to make sacrifices to a pagan god and to
compel the Jews to do so. Later he fled into the forests. He was aided in this rebellion
by his sons Jude, John, Eliezer, Jonathan and Simon. Jude, also known as Maccabees,
was the third among them. He became the leader of the Jewish resistance after the
death of Mattathias. They first tried to follow and practice the commandments of
the Scriptures and arrange their lives accordingly. They undertook circumcision and
sacrifices.
Then they attempted to liberate Judea from the Greeks, reclaim the Temple of
Jerusalem and reinstate the worship of Yahweh there. Thus in BC 165, the temple of
Jerusalem was purified and rededicated to Yahweh. This event was commemorated
in later periods as the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) mentioned in St. John 10:22.
The rebellion of the Maccabees enabled the return of the Temple of Jerusalem, Judea
and Samaria to Yahweh and the Scriptures. This rebellion is believed to have lasted
successfully for about a century. It was carried on till the death of John Hyrcanus,
the youngest of the Maccabee brothers in BC 103.

The Book of the Maccabees

This book has various parts and contains the lives and struggles of Mathattias
and his sons including Jude Maccabees. During the Greek domination they fiercely
sustained the faith in Yahweh and the practice of the scriptures. This book is also
known as the Book of Hasmoneans. The book is considered to have four parts.
However the Latin translation of the Holy Bible (The Vulgate) recognized only the
28
first two parts and hence the first two parts only have the official recognition of the
Church. It was during this time the committed Jewish communities like the Pharisees
and the Sadducees developed and affirmed their faith in Yahweh. The concept of
attaining martyrdom to sustain true faith in case of inability to oppose enticements
and suppression developed during this period. Moreover monotheistic faith was
sought to be sustained even in different expressions.

Hymn
(This hymn is sung in the morning worship of Holy Cross (Sleeba) season))
(Jeevakaram Mrutikaram…)
Martyrs saw – pathways twin ahead
Those leading to life and death
Narrow route – they did choose for them
New life in God, to attain
They came to fight – Evil one
Victorious, they did came out
Blessed the Name of the Lord
Friend of all his worshippers
Refuge for those who call Him!

Let Us Pray
Our Father in heaven, abide in us. Make us firm and the stable in faith.
Confirm us the faith You. Enable us to become firm and brave like the
Maccabees and retain our faith without wavering. Help us to lead a true
Christian life even in the face of adversities. We shall praise and worship
You, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Resolution
We would try to preserve the faith of the Church at any cost. We are proud
of the great faith, rituals, practices and tradition of our Church.

Let Us Think
1. What are the major events during the days of the Maccabees?
2. What was the role played by the Maccabees in conserving Jewish faith?
3. What did the Jews commemorate through the Feast of Dedication?
4. Describe the content and significance of the book of Maccabees.

29
Activites
1. Conduct a discussion in the class on the similarities and differences between
Khudhos Eetho and Hoodhos Eetho.
2. Enact in the class the story of Mother, her seven children and their teacher Eleazar
described in the Book of Maccabees.
3. Read the Book of Maccabees from the Apocrypha.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St. John 20
Monday Nehemiah 12:27, 47 1 Kings 8: 22-53
Tuesday Esther 9 Exodus 23
Wednesday Levictus 23 Numbers 29
Thursday Deuteronomy 16 Numbers 15
Friday Nehemiah 8 Ezra 3
Saturday 2 Kings 23 *

30
 Chapter 6
The Conversion of St. Paul
Biblical References: Acts 9:1-20, 22:4-16, 26:9-18, Galatians 1: 11-17.

Learning Objectives: To compare Saul the ‘tormenter’ and the ‘converted’ St.
Paul. Let us understand how Jesus Christ can transform an individual. To imitate the
life of the transformed St. Paul.
Verse to be Memorized: “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in
me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Learning Aids: The Holy Bible, the picture of St. Paul, the Liturgical Book of the
Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
Is it not that we remember St. Paul during our Holy Eucharist? Can you say when
this commemoration is made? We make readings from the epistles of St. Paul in all
our sacraments. Why do we do so? We do so because these epistles are essential for
Christian faith and Christian way of life. St. Paul was once a person who hated Jesus
Christ and who tormented Christians. How did St. Paul became the chief evangelist
and activist of the Church? We shall learn how St. Paul was converted as an Apostle
of Jesus Christ.

The Lesson
The Hebrew name of St. Paul was Saul. He was known by this name in the early
phase of his life. Paul is the Roman form of the same name and Saul became popular
as Paul in the later phase of his life. Saul was born in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia
Province. After his primary education in his hometown, Saul came to Jerusalem. He
was trained under a scholarly Rabbi Gamaliel. He was steeped in the laws given by
Moses and strictly followed the Jewish rituals and practices. He considered Jesus Christ
as the enemy of the Jewish Scriptures and hated Christ. Hence he started attacking
and tormenting the followers of Christ.
After tormenting the Christians in Jerusalem, Saul and his fellow men left for the
ancient city of Damascus. Their aim was to wipe out Christianity from Damascus.
The city lay two day journey away. When they reached near the city it was almost
noon. Suddenly a miracle happened. A bright light was shone around them. Saul
fell to the ground. He heard a voice “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul was
surprised and he asked “Who are you Lord?” And the Lord said “I am Jesus, whom

31
you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city and you will be told what you are
to do” (Acts. 9:5).
The people who accompanied Saul saw the light and heard the voice. But they
did not see Jesus Christ nor hear the message. Instead they observed changes in Saul.
When Saul rose up from the ground he was blind. However he was happy at heart.
Aided by those who accompanied him, Saul reached the house of Judas, a Christian
in Damascus.
The leader of the Christian Church in Damascus at that time was Ananias. (This
is not the same Ananias who met with disaster in Jerusalem). Ananias had a vision
of the Lord and according to Lord’s instruction visited Saul and prayed by laying
his hand on Saul’s head. Then something like scales fell off from Saul’s eyes and he
regained his vision. Ananias baptized Saul and made him a member of the Christian
Church. Only then did Saul end his fasting for three days and ate food.
Saul wanted to harm Christians and destroy Christianity. Saul lost his eye sight.
But he acquired spiritual light and after Ananias prayed for him regained external
vision as well. This incident transformed Saul’s life completely. He received his
commandment of ministry directly from the resurrected Jesus Christ. Hence he
became entitled to the position of an apostle. Later he asks those who criticized him:
“Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” (1 Corinthians 9:1). He claims that he is in
no way inferior to the other apostles on the basis of his vision of Jesus Christ.
What changes were effected in Saul as a result of his experience? Not only his life
but also his outlook and faith were transformed. Three main changes happened to him.
1. Paul became convinced that Jesus Christ who he had hated by him as his
enemy was the Promised Saviour. Thus his belief regarding Jesus Christ was
transformed.
2. Since Jesus had been crucified on a cross, Saul had thought that he was a
condemned man (Deuteronomy 21:22). But after his vision Paul believed
that Jesus Christ was the Saviour of the entire humankind.
3. Paul changed his notion that the Jews alone were God’s people. He understood
that all who believe in Jesus Christ are people of God. He realized that the
Christian Chruch was the true people of God, the New Israel.

Hymn
This hymn is recited after the Evangelion during the
Holy Eucharist on the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29)
(Mar Paulose! Punyanidhe….)
O... Saint Paul, treasure of virtues - intercede to -
Lord Jesus on day of thy feast - for our sake

32
 In - no time hearkens Jesus to thy prayers
And grants in haste all that thou ask - for the Church.
Let the Lord - grant Peace to Church and
Remission - of sins - to children
They shall ever observe thy Feast through - out the world.

Let Us Pray
Peace unto you St. Paul, our saintly father and pinnacle of beauty. You are
the great treasure of help to the aggrieved. As per the Lord’s promise, Lord
Jesus Christ dwells in You and you dwell in Him. O faithful treasurer of
God! Pray for us so that we sinners became eligible for mercy and remission
of sins. Help us by the strength that God has granted to you and enable us
to imitate your saintly nature. Let your prayers be a fortress for us. Amen.

Resolution
We would imitate his noble life of Apostle St. Paul. We would seek refuge in
the intercession of that Saint.

Let Us Think
1. Have you heard any instance of religious intolerance?
2. Is it right to hate and harm those who don’t belong to your religion or faith?
3. What should be our approach to people of other faiths?
4. When do we remember St. Paul during the Holy Eucharist?
5. Name the birthplace of Saul.
6. Who was Saul’s teacher?
7. What was the voice heard by Saul on his way to Damascus?
8. What was Saul’s goal in travelling to Damascus?
9. What happened when he reached the city gates?

Activities
1. Apostle St. Paul is said to have had frequent visions. How is this vision different
from all others?
2. Role play St. Paul’s description of his vision in the class.
3. Describe the changes that happened Paul as a result of his experience on way to
Damascus.
4. Compare and contrast the character of Saul and St. Paul.
33
5. Read the epistle to the Philippians (Chapter 3) and prepare a list of the great
qualities of St. Paul.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Acts. 8:1-24
Monday Acts. 8:25-40 Acts. 9:1-19
Tuesday Acts. 22:4-16 Acts 26:9-18
Wednesday Acts 27 Deuter 21
Thursday 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 1 Corinthians 9:15-27
Friday Galatians 1:11-17 Galatians 2:16-21
Saturday Philippians 3 *

34
 Chapter 7
The First Missionary Journey of St. Paul (AD 47-49)
Biblical Passages: Acts 13:1-14:28

Learning Objectives: To learn about the first missionary journey of St. Paul. Also
to find out the specialities of his evangelical mission.
Verse to be Memorized: And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim
the good news to the whole creation” (St. Mark 16:15)
Learning Aids: A map showing the places of the first missionary journey of apostle
St. Paul. The Holy Bible, The Book of Holy Eucharist, Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
We travel around for various purposes. We travel either alone or as a group. Can
you name a few journeys we often make? We go on picnics, study tour, pilgrimage or
rally. Another different kind of journey is the journey for spreading the gospels. This
is known as missionary journey. Jesus Christ himself first undertook a missionary
trip. He went around the villages and towns of Galilee and Judea and taught and
preached to the people (St. Mark 1:14-15). Lord Jesus Christ entrusted the Church
to continue this mission. The apostles continued with this mission faithfully and
earnestly. We have got detailed information regarding the ministry of Apostle St. Paul.
We can read about it in the Acts of the Apostles. We read in that book that Apostle
St. Paul undertook three missionary journeys. Today we are learning about the first
missionary journey of St. Paul.

The Lesson
The following are the general features of the missionary journeys.
1. It was the Church that authorized the apostles to undertake evangelical trips.
2. They were inspired and aided by the Holy Spirit during their journey and
ministry.
3. They began their work in the towns.
4. They first evangelized the Jews and later turned to the gentiles.
5. They travelled and spread the Gospel not individually but in groups.
6. Along with preaching the Gospel they healed the sick.
These principles should become a model and inspiration for all missionary
activities.

35
 The first missionary journey of St. Paul began from Antioch, the capital city
of Syria. The church in Antioch prayed and sent Paul and Barnabas for mission
activities. Mark, also known as John, joined them in order to assist them. They first
went to Cyprus, the native place of Barnabas. At a place called paphos, the deputy of
the country Sergius Paulus was converted to Christianity. Thereafter the apostle is
known by his Roman name ‘Paul.’ The apostle took this name perhaps to show his
respect to sergius Paulus, who was the first to be converted as a result of his ministry.
Or else he might have wanted to declare that he was the apostle of the gentiles.
Up to this juncture, Barnabas had been the leader of the journey. But after this
point, paul became the leader. The references made thereafter is to ‘Paul and Barnabas.’
It was Paul who preached at all places. When they reached perga in Asia Minor, Mark
departed from them. We read that Mark’s return to Jerusalem was not liked by Paul.
Paul and Barnabas continued their journey and reached Antioch in Pisidia. They
went to the Jewish synagogue in Antioch on a Sabbath day. The sermon of Paul at the
synagogue is significant (Acts. 13:17-41). He quoted the Jewish Scriptures, history of
Israel and words of prophets to prove that Jesus is the promised Saviour. He exorted
people to come to salvation through belief in Jesus chirst. Several people believed in
Jesus christ. But the Jews vehemently opposed them and so they had to depart for
Iconium, located about 100 kilometers away.
In Iconium too, Paul went to the synagogue of the Jews and preached. He also
performed several miracles there. He relied on God’s grace and preached with great
skill and effectiveness. The Jews here also became envious. They caused division among
people and brought harm to the apostles. The apostles left for Lystra and performed
a miracle there. They healed a cripple, who had never walked since birth. When the
gentiles of the land saw this, they thought that Paul and Barnabas were two gods
who had come down in the likeness of men. The gentiles tried to worship and make
sacrifices to the apostles. However Paul prevented them and said that they too were
human beings like them. He asked them to turn away from vanities and exhorted
them to worship the Living God who created heaven and earth. Here too the Jews
who saw their successful ministry, and started create trouble. They persuaded the
people to stone the apostle and throw him out of the city.
The apostles survived their oppositions and went to the city of Derbe. There too
several people heard the gospel, repented and joined the church. Then the apostles
returned again to the cities where they had been attacked and opposed. This reveals
three things.
1. They were not in the habit of withdrawing on the face of opposition. They
thought that it was a blessing to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ.
2. They had great care and concern for the churches they founded and this
prompted them to revisit the places. They wanted to make the faithful bold
enough to withstand opposition form Jews and opponents.
36
 3. In order to carry on the ministry of Jesus Christ, they ordained and appointed
elders in every church they had founded. Thus the work in every church was
set in order and arranged before they returned.
4. Paul had began his journey from Antioch. He returned to Antioch and
informed the church there about his journey and work at various places.
What do we learn from the first missionary journey of St. Paul?
1. This missionary journey revealed and confirmed St. Paul’s statement, ”For I
am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16).
2. He not only preached the Gospel but revealed the strength of God’s kingdom
by healing the sick.
3. The apostle’s work was not solitary; it was founded on fellowship.
When Jesus Christ sent His disciples He also sent them as groups of two
(St. Luke 10:1).
4. The apostle thought that it was a blessing to suffer for Jesus Christ and the
Kingdom of God. This attitude shall become an inspiration to all believers.

Hymn
(This hymn is recited instead of ‘Hearken gracious Lord’ during the
Holy Eucharist on the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29).
St. Paul during his mission trips
reached gentiles and spread Christ’s gospels
W-ithout any rest – and full of zest
He tread all paths
And reached all lands.

Let Us Pray
(Book of Common Prayer, Prayer to the Saints)
O, Apostle St. Paul, our beloved father! Let God turn us towards your
goodness and make us eligible for His mercy and compassion by virtue of
your prayers. Amen.

Resolution
We would follow the good example of St. Paul in evangelism.

Let Us Think
1. Say a few words about Paul’s missionary journeys.
2. Where did the first missionary journey begin from?
37
3. Who all travelled together?
4. What were the fruits of this journey?
5. Explain St. Paul’s ministry at Antioch.
6. What was the miracle performed at Lystra?

Activities
1. Imagine that you are St. Paul and you made the first missionary journey. Write
a travelogue as a first person narrative and present it in the class.
2. On a map, mark the places St. Paul visited during his first missionary journey.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Acts 13:1-12
Monday Acts 13:13-25 Acts 13:26-39
Tuesday Acts 13:40-52 Acts 14:1-7
Wednesday Acts 14:8-18 Acts 14:19-28
Thursday St. Mark 1 Romans 1
Friday St. Luke 10 I Corinthians 9:16
Saturday Romans 15:22-23 *

38
 Chapter 8
The Second Missionary Journey of St. Paul
(AD 49-52)
Biblical Passage: Acts 15:35; 18:22

Learning Objectives: We shall learn about the second missionary journey of

St. Paul. We have to compare the ancient modes of travel and the present modes of
travel. We shall try to understand the sufferings of our Apostles in evangelical work.
We shall also develop interest in mission activities.
Verse to be Memorized: “If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for
boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the
gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
Learning Aids: A map showing the places where St. Paul visited during his second
missionary journey, the Holy Bible, the liturgical book of the Holy Eucharist, and
the book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
Do you know how people travelled during olden days? If they went by land, they
mostly went on foot or on back of horses or donkeys. There were no other vehicles
available in those days. Those who travelled through the desert used camels. Voyage
by sea was often made on masted ships. If the winds blew the other way, the voyage
would become dangerous. St. Paul was a great traveller. He travelled around to preach
the gospels and establish churches. Not long after the first journey, he set out for his
second journey. Today let us learn about the second missionary journey of St. Paul.

The Lesson
There arose a difference of opinion between Paul and Barnabas at the beginning
of the journey. Barnabas wanted to take Mark along with them. But Paul opposed this
suggestion (Acts 15:37-38). Mark had been criticized for withdrawing midway from
work during the first journey. Hence Paul refused to take Mark along with him. As a
result of the contention Paul and Barnabas parted ways. Barnabas took his relative,
Mark to Cyprus and carried on the mission work.
Paul travelled with Silas. Silas was a citizen of Rome and a member of the church
of Jerusalem. His Roman name was Silvanus and Paul used this Roman name (1
Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:1). Paul and Silas first went to Syria and Cilicia
(the hometown of Paul).
After that they visited the churches they had established during the first journey.
After visiting Derbe they went to Lystra. Paul wanted to strengthen and encourage the
39
believers. So, he visited the churches again. At Lystra a youngman named Timothy
was selected for evangelical activities.
Timothy’s father was a Greek gentile and his mother, Eunice was a devout Jew.
Paul must have converted this family during his first missionary trip. Paul took
Timothy along with him during the second missionary journey. The three of them
travelled from Lystra to Iconium and Antioch (Pisidia). He explained the decisions
of the council of Jerusalem at all these places (The council of Jerusalem is discussed
in detail in a following lesson).
The missionaries did not travel on their own will. Instead they were delegated
and controlled by the Holy Spirit. We read that the Holy Spirit forbade them to travel
to certain places (Acts 16:7). They reached Troas where St. Paul had a vision. A man
from Macedonia was seen requesting them “Come over into Macedonia and help us.”
Paul decided to comply and go to Macedonia. Luke joined them in their journey. They
boarded a ship from Troas the next day and went to Neapolis and then to Philippi,
the chief city of Macedonia.

St. Paul at Philippi (Acts 16:12-20)

Three notable incidents happened at Philippi.
1. The Conversion of Lydia: Lydia was a pious woman from Thyatira. She was a
rendor of purple clothes. There was no synagogue at that place and hence women
assembled by a river for worship. Paul and Silas reached there on a Sabbath and
preached. Lydia was converted by the preaching of Paul and she and her household
were baptized. She is often described as the first convert in Europe.
2. Healing the Soothsaying Slave Girl: There was a slave girl who was possessed
with a spirit of divination. Her masters gained a lot of money by her sooth saying.
Paul cast out the demon in her and as a consequence the masters lost their source of
income. They became furious, caught Paul and Silas and took them to the magistrates.
The magistrates rent off their clothes and ordered that they be flogged. Finally they
were thrown into prison.
3. Conversion of the Philippian Jailor: In jail, Paul and Silas prayed and sang
praises to God at midnight. Suddenly there was an earthquake and the doors of
the prison were opened. The jailor on seeing this was alarmed. He thought that the
prisoners might have escaped. So he drew out his sword and prepared to kill himself.
Then paul prevented him and assured him that none of the prisoners had escaped.
Paul baptized him and his family.
Paul and Silas were set free from prison. They passed through Amphipolis and
Apolonia and reached Thessalonica. Paul, as was his practice, went to the synagogue
of the Jews and preached about Jesus Christ. This was repeated on three consecutive
Sabbath days. As a result several people came to believe in Jesus Christ and were
40
baptized. This created a lot of commotion among the Jewish rulers. Since they could
not catch Paul and Silas, they produced their host Jason before the rulers of the city.
Paul and Silas left for Beroea that night itself. The Jews at Beroea were quite noble.
They received the word of God gladly. Several people became believers and were
baptized. But when the Jews of Thessalonica came to know about this, they came
over to Beroea and stirred up the people. Paul went away from the place to Athens.
But Silas and Timotheus remained in Beroea. Paul waited for them in Athens.

Paul at Athens
Athens was the capital city of Greece and had attained a lot of educational and
cultural progress. There were several philosophers living in the city. There were idols
of several gods. Paul went to the most important centre of the city and preached, the
gospel of Jesus Christ. His sermon was highly philosophical and only very few people
became believers. Paul could not found a church in Athens.

Paul at Corinth
Paul went from Athens to Corinth. This city was a commercial centre and was
notorious for its immorality. Corinthians had been a synonymn for immorality. Here
Paul resided with Aquila and his wife Priscilla. Like Paul, they too were tentmakers
by occupation. They had migrated there from Rome and might have been converted
to Christianity in Rome itself. That might have been the reason why Paul decided to
stay with them.
At first, Paul preached in the synagogue of the Jews. When he faced opposition
there, he went to the gentiles and worked among them for about one and a half years.
When the opposition became severe he left the place. Aquilla and Priscilla followed
him till Ephesus. Paul sailed from Caesarea to Antioch through Galatia and Phrygia.
There the second missionary journey of Paul came to an end.
Let us now evaluate the second missionary journey of Paul.
1. He revisited the places he had gone to earlier. The aim of the visit is to confirm
and strengthen the new church community in faith.
2. He did not stay at one place for a long time. Instead, he went from one place
to another. He was always in search of new places where the Gospel had not
reached.
3. His initial work in every place was among the Jews. It was easier for them
to understand about Jesus Christ. Then he turned to the gentiles and as the
‘apostle of the gentiles’ evangelised them also.
4. It is estimated that the second journey lasted for about three years. The apostle
thought that his success was because ‘God stood with him and acted.”

41
 Hymn
(This hymn is sung during the Holy Eucharist on the
Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, June 29)
(Manninum Mazhikkum Naatha…)
O Lord of Earth and Oceans
Praise unto Thee for choosing
The poorest men for preaching
Thy gospels a-round the world.
Called St. Peter from the sea,
Transformed St. Paul in the street.
And made them the sculptors of
Apostolic - Holy - Church.

Let Us Pray
O Lord Jesus Christ, You have entrusted the true faith of the Church in the
hands of Paul. Enable us to hold on to it against all odds. Enable us to live
and die in that faith. Make us worthy of praising you with and amidst the
apostles. Amen.

Resolution
We learned about the hardships suffered by Paul for the sake of Jesus Christ.
We would seek refuge in the intercession ofSt. Paul who suffered so much for
the spreading of the Church.

Let Us Think
1. What was cause of the difference of opinion between St. Paul and Barnabas?
2. Who was Silas?
3. Why did Paul revisit the Churches he established in different places?
4. When did the Holy Spirit forbid Paul from going?
5. Describe the three important incidents during their journey to Philippi.
6. Describe the incident of conversion of the jailor.
7. What were the activities of Paul and Silas after they were set free from prison?
8. What was the attitude of the Jews of Berea?
9. Say a couple of sentences about Athens.

42
Activities
1. Describe the second missionary journey of St. Paul.
2. Sketch a map of the places through which St. Paul travelled during his second
missionary journey.
3. What lessons can evangelists who work for Jesus Christ learn from the second
missionary journey of Paul?

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Acts 15:35-40
Monday Acts 16:1-10 Acts 16:16-40
Tuesday Acts 16:19-34 Acts 17:16-37
Wednesday Acts 17:1-9 1 Corinthians 9:15-27
Thursday Acts 17:16-21 Acts 17:22-34
Friday Acts 18:1-4 Acts 18:15-11
Saturday Acts 18:12-17 *

43
 Chapter 9
The Third Missionary Journey of St. Paul
(AD 53-57)
Biblical passage: Acts. 18:23-21:16

Learning Objectives: To learn about the third missionary journey of St. Paul.
Also about the details of Paul’s work and develop our interest in preaching the Gospel.
Verse to be Memorized: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: It is the
power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith; to the Jew first, and also to
the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
Learning Aids: A map showing places where St. Paul travelled during the third
missionary journey, the Holy Bible, the Book of Holy Eucharist, and the Book of
Common Prayer.
Introduction
Both the journeys begin from the same place, Antioch. St. Paul’s was always
committed to his work. He was very enthusiastic about preaching the Gospel and
bringing people into salvation in Jesus Christ. With this aim in mind, he travelled to
various new places. He also revisited the churches he had founded during his first
missionary trip and confirmed them in faith. He was careful about post-mission care
was well. It was not mere church-planting. The believers of the church in Jerusalem
were suffering from famine. Paul made a third missionary journey with the aim of
collecting financial help for them. He visited various churches during his trip. Today
we are going to learn about the details of Paul’s third missionary journey.

The Lesson
The third missionary journey of St. Paul too began from Antioch. He visited the
churches he had founded during the first journey and reached Ephesus. The apostle
had visited these places during the second journey also, but hadn’t stayed there for
long. But during the third trip he lived there for about three years and continued with
his work. Let us look at Ephesus in the map. Look at the map of places travelled by St.
Paul appended to the Holy Bible. Look at the location of Ephesus and its direction and
distance from Antioch. Ephesus was the capital of the province of Asia Minor. It was a
rich and prosperous city. There was a huge temple dedicated to the gentile goddess Diana
there. This temple was as important to the Greeks as the temple of Jerusalem was to
the Jews. There were several superstitions and evil practices among the people here.
Paul lived and worked here for about three years. He had several bitter experiences
at Ephesus and suffered a lot of physical and mental hardships. His life was in danger.
44
Paul mentions these experiences in his epistle to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 1:8-
10). He was even put in jail.
The important events that happened when St. Paul was living in Ephesus were:
1. There were twelve disciples of John the Baptist living in Ephesus. Paul baptized
them and made them Christians.
2. The Conversion of Exorcists: Certain Jews who were exorcists used to
perform miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. But a person with an evil spirit
in him leaped upon them and harmed them. Paul’s preaching led to their
conversion to Christianity. They burned their books of magic in public. This
shows that their conversion was total.
3. The Uproar of the Silversmiths at Ephesus: When the Gospel spread
around, several people came forward to give up idol worship. This caused
great financial loss to silversmiths who made and sold small silver idols of
Artemis (Diana). Their leader called the workmen together and caused a lot
of uproar in the city. This grew into a riot against Paul and his fellowmen.
The chief of the city appeased the rioters through his diplomacy.
Paul understood that it was not wise for him to remain in Ephesus. After
addressing the church community he departed for Macedonia by sea. While living in
Macedonia he tried to spread the Gospel in the neighboring regions. St. Paul’s plan
was to go to Jerusalem after his Macedonian mission. He had to give the financial
aid he had collected for the church at Jerusalem. For this purpose the apostle took
representatives of various churches along with him to Jerusalem.

Paul at Troas (Acts 20:7-12)

An important incident which happened in Troas was the gathering of all disciples
together in the upper chamber on a Sunday to break bread. This incident reveals
three things.
a. The gathering on Sundays had begun in the church.
b. Worship means ‘breaking of bread’ or celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
c. Along with breaking of bread there was preaching as well.
Here was Paul bringing a dead person back to life.

Paul at Meletus
Paul travelled by sea from Troas and after visiting various places reached Meletus.
Meletus was near Ephesus and the elders of the church from Ephesus came and visited
Paul. Paul made a heart rending speech to them (Acts 20:18-35). He recounted his
experiences and instructed the elders how to do their ministry. They are chosen by the
Holy Spirit as overseers to lead the Church of God. The apostle entrusts the church
at Ephesus in the hands of God and bids farewell to the church leaders.

45
 Paul at Tyre
The voyage was along several islands. Paul was bound for Syria. The ship anchored
at Tyre, the principal port city of Phoenicia. It had been a famous centre of the
Palestinians, since the Old Testament times. Paul and his companions stayed there
for about a week. He could meet and interact with the Christians in the city.
Paul at Caesarea
Paul and his men travelled from Tyre and reached Ptolemais in the south. They
stayed there for only a day and went to Caesarea. Philip, the evangelist had returned
to Caesarea after the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch and was living in the city.
Paul and his companion resided in the house of Philip, the evangelist.
While they were residing with Philip, a Christian prophet from Judea named
Agabas came there. He prophesied that Paul would be imprisoned in Jerusalem. The
companions who heard these words forbade the Apostle from going to Jerusalem.
But Paul thought that it was a blessing to suffer for the sake of the Lord Jesus and
continued his journey. He travelled from Caesarea to Jerusalem by land. Majority of
people in the church at Jerusalem were Jewish Christians. Paul and his companions
took lodging in the house of Mnason of Cyprus (Acts 21:16). Thus St. Paul’s third
missionary journey ends in Jerusalem.
What do we learn from the third missionary journey of St. Paul?
1. This journey lasted for about four years. During this journey, Paul lived in
Ephesus for about three years. He tarried so long at Ephesus perhaps because
of the opposition and imprisonment he suffered there.
2. Most members of the churches he visited were converted gentiles. Paul
collected financial aid for the church in Jerusalem from these churches. He
reached Jerusalem with the money he collected.
3. St. Paul wrote epistles to various churches (Eg: Corinthians, Romans) from
various places during this journey.
4. The apostle is not detained by warnings of hardships and tribulations from
going to Jerusalem. This reveals his determination and firmness of faith.

Hymn
(This hymn is sung after the Evangelion on the Day of commemoration of a
particular saint) (Mar Paulose Siddhaa Bhagyam…)
O apostle (St. Paul) – “Bliss to you” – says the Church,
“You will attain heavenly bliss – Jesus has pro-mised”
Bliss since you have – eschewed the mortal world
Bliss since you have – embraced Lord Jesus
Blessed is the hour when – Lord Jesus calls us.
“come and inherit the world – of Eternal Life”
Halleluiah – Let your prayer guard us.
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 Let Us Pray
O Lord Jesus, Your apostles have spread the gospels around the world and led
many people to salvation. Similarly, enable us to love You to do good deeds
so that we too will become the agents of salvation for several others.Amen

Resolution
We would seek refuge in the intercession of the great apostle St. Paul and try
to imitate his life in our lives

Let Us Think
1. Where did St. Paul begin his third missionary journey from?
2. Give a small discription of Ephesus.
3. Explain the work of St. Paul at Ephesus.
4. Describe the important incidents that happened during Paul’s stay at Ephesus?
5. Who did Paul bring back to life at Treas?
6. What all things happened at the gathering of disciples in the upper chamber?
Activities
1. Write an essay on the objectives of the third missionary journey of St. Paul, the
places he visited and the sufferings he underwent.
2. Draw a map of the important places visited by Paul during the three missionary
journeys he undertook. (Refer to the map given at the end of the Holy Bible)
3. Conduct a discussion in the class regarding the third missionary journey of St. Paul.
4. Prepare a note of the incidents which reveal the determination and firmness of
faith of Paul.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Acts 18:23-28
Monday Acts 19:1-7 Acts 19:8-12
Tuesday Acts 19:31-41 Acts 20:1-6
Wednesday Acts 19:31-41 Romans 1:8-17
Thursday Acts 20:7-12 Acts 20:13-16
Friday Acts 20:17-35 Acts 20:36-38
Saturday Acts 21:1-6 *

47
 Chapter 10
The Council of Jerusalem
Biblical Passage - Acts 15:1-29

Learning Objectives: Let us understand the background, the procedure,

deliberations and decisions of the Council of Jerusalem. Let us also try to understand
the importance of this council in history of the Christian Church.
Verse to be Memorized: “For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is
anything; but a new creation is everything!” (Galatians 6:15).
Learning Aids: The Holy Bible, the Book of Holy Eucharist, and the Book of
Common prayer.

Introduction
The gathering of the bishops of the Church is called a synod or council. There
are three Great Councils of Nicea, Constantinople and Ephesus. A council is often
known after the place where it is held. It is the fifth Thubden (Diptych) which refers
to these councils. Before these General Councils, another synod was held in Jerusalem
in the New Testament times. It was the first of its kind in history of Christianity. This
council is known as the Council of Jerusalem. Today we are trying to find out the
details of this synod.

The Lesson
The Council of Jerusalem held in AD 50 is the first council of the Church. In
the beginning the members of the Christian Church were mainly from the Jewish
community. Later gentiles were admitted to the Church. Then the question of how
these gentiles should be admitted to the Church arose. Two opinions came up
regarding the manner of admission. Some people argued that the gentiles needed to
be circumcised before they were baptized and admitted into the Church. Those who
wanted to uphold the Jewish practice of circumcision were called Judaisers. Some
others argued that there was no need for circumcision because those who accepted the
faith in Jesus Christ were free from Jewish scriptures. The Judaisers were in majority
in Jerusalem.
When these divergent opinions arose in the Church, the elders assembled in
Jerusalem to take a decision in the matter. Hence this gathering is described as the first
council of the Church. The Council of Jerusalem was presided over by St. James, the
Episcopa of the church of Jerusalem. Eventhough he was not one among the twelve
disciples of Jesus Christ, he was revered as the “brother of Jesus Christ.”

48
 The first to speak at the council was St. Peter. He talked about the liberty provided
by the Gospel. He had taken the initiative in admitting gentiles to the Church. God
had delegated him to do so. He said that the religious practices of the Jews were “an
unbearable yoke.” Gentiles who believe and join the Church should not be burdened
with that yoke. The only basis of salvation is the belief in Lord Jesus Christ.
St. Paul, the Apostle of the gentiles, and Barnabas supported the view of St.
Peter. They described the miracles and wonders of God during their work among the
gentiles. Finally St. James who presided over the council declared the final decision.
He consolidated the discussions that took place and gave his verdict that the gentiles
who embrace Christian faith need not observe the religious practices of the Jews.
Hence there was no need for them to be circumcised. However they should abide by
certain principles. They should abstain from idolatry and meats offered to the idols.
Secondly, they should abstain from fornication and should be disciplined in matters
of sex. Thirdly, even though they can eat meat, they should avoid the meat of strangled
animals. The council unanimously accepted the opinion of St. James. They declared
that since the conclusions were made under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Let us look at the decisions taken at the Council of Jerusalem.
1. Those gentiles who join Christian Church need not be circumcised. This
proves that Christian Church is not a vestige of Jewish religion. It is different
and has an identity of its own.
2. The converts from gentiles should abstain from idols, fornication and
strangled animals. This decision was quite necessary in the circumstances
of those days. The prohibitions regarding food in those days are not relevant
today.
3. The decisions taken were recorded and are sent to various churches. In those
days there was no postal system and hence the letters were not sent by post.
Instead some representatives from the church of Jerusalem were selected to
carry the letters to various churches by hand.
Let us try to understand the significance of the Council of Jerusalem. The council
seems to give a few lessons to the churches.
1. Issues and problems are likely to arise within the Church because they are
run by human beings who are fallible. What is more important is how to
solve these problems.
2. Issues should be settled through proper discussions, in the atmosphere of
prayer and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Decisions should not be thrust upon
others. Instead the issue should be addressed through mutual respect and
understanding.
3. The path of reconciliation should always be followed. There should be a
readiness for compromise without deviating from the fundamental principles.
4. Taking decisions is not sufficient. Steps should be taken to implement them.
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 Hymn
(This hymn is sung during The Holy Eucharist on the day of
commemorating Church Fathers and Teachers)
(Maanam Ningalkkekiyataam…)
Let prosperity reign in the-
church that revers you ever
Let Lord save from treachery-
those who commemorate you.

Let Us Pray
(This prayer is said during the vespers on the day of
commemorating Church Fathers and Teachers)
O Lord Jesus Christ, enable us to remain steadfast in the teachings of our
Church Fathers and Teachers who gave us the true faith and tended us on
good pastures. Let peace and tranquility be promoted in the church by virtue
of their prayers. Amen.

Resolution
We have read the decisions taken in the council of Jerusalem. We have
understood that the gentiles who came to Christian faith in the early
Church had to suffer a lot and the decisions taken against the Judaisers in
the Council of Jerusalem helped the growth of the Church. We will never
give up the true faith we receivedfrom our Fathers. We would uphold the
Orthodox faith for ever.

Let Us Think
1. What are the circumstances under which the Council of Jerusalem was convened?
2. How did Peter describe the religious practices of the Jews?
3. What was Paul’s opinion regarding the issues discussed by the council?
4. Describe the ideas put forward by St. James at the Council of Jerusalem.
5. What are the three principles that the gentiles who accepted Christianity were
asked to observe?
6. What were the decisions of the Council of Jerusalem?
Activities
1. Write the decisions of the Council of Jerusalem on a chart.
2. Imagine that you presided over the Council of Jerusalem. What would have been
your experiences at the council? Prepare a write up.
50
3. Make a presentation of the Council of Jerusalem in the class by taking up various
roles.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Galatians 6:11-16
Monday Acts 15:1-4 Acts 15:5-7
Tuesday Acts 15:8-11 Acts 15:12-13
Wednesday Acts 15:14-17 Acts 15:18-21
Thursday Acts 15: 22-26 Acts 15:27-29
Friday Acts 15:30-34 Acts 15:36-40
Saturday Acts 16:1-10 *

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 UNIT 2
PRAYER
Chapter 11
The Litany used in the Vespers
Learning Objectives: Understand the meaning and significance of the litany said
at the end of the vespers. To encourage recite this litany everyday.
Verse to be Memorized: “Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me:O Lord, be my
helper” (Psalm 30:10).
Learning Aids: Book of Common Prayer and the Holy Bible

Introduction
We do pray together every morning and evening at our homes. Don’t we? won’t
every one in your family join in that prayer? At what time do you usually say your
evening prayers at home? What prayer book do you follow? At the end of the vespers
and the matins you will find a ‘litany.’ Today we are going to learn the litany given in
the vespers.

The Lesson
Litanies are prayers in which a leader would recite a verse and is followed by a
response from others. the prayers that can be said at the end of the prayers of canonical
hours are often given in the form of Litany (See the Book of common prayer). Today
let us recite of litany, “O thou, who art the one true God…” used in the vespers. The
teacher would recite the verse of the leader. Let us all recite the words of response
together.

The Litany used in Vespers

Leader: O, our Father who art in heaven!
Others: Have mercy upon us.
Leader: O Son of God who art the Saviour of the world.
Others: Have mercy upon us.
Leader: O God, the Holy Spirit.
Others: Have mercy upon us.
Leader: O Holy Trinity, the Triune God.
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Others: Have mercy upon us.
Leader: From all evils and wickedness, from malice and from evil thoughts, from
devilish passions and from evil dreams, from all hidden snares, from evil
associations and from all temptations of the world.
Others: Save us all, O merciful Lord.
Leader: From all enemies, from treacherous and deceitful companions, from
temptations of the devil and from the wickedness of men.
Others: Save us all, O merciful Lord.
Leader: From rods of rage, from sudden death, from anger, from hatred, from
lightnings and thunder-bolts, from plagues.
Others: Save us all, O merciful Lord.
Leader: From hellfire, from unbearable pains, from undying worms, from
unquenchable fire, from lamentations and from bitter occurrences.
Others: Save us all, O merciful Lord.
Leader: From evil hours, from tormenting powers, from famine, from fears, from
sudden shocks, from all unbearable punishments, from Thy words saying,
‘Depart, from me, I know you not,’ and from all that shall separate us from
Thee.
Others: Save us all, O merciful Lord.
Leader: O Lord, bless us all by virtue of the fellowship and intercession of St. Mary,
Mother of God and our Fathers, Apostle St. Thomas, St. Yeldho Mar Baselios,
St. Gregorios and St. Dionysius and all other saints.
Others: O Lord Jesus Christ, accept our supplications.
Leader: O Lord Jesus Christ, bless and protect us, cast the light of Thy face upon us
and bless us, turn Thy face upon us and grant us peace.
Others: O Lord Jesus Christ, accept our supplications.
Belief in the Holy Trinity is fundamental to the Orthodox faith. Hence the prayer
begins by addressing the Holy Trinity and is a proclamation of faith in the Holy
Trinity. The first supplication follows the prayer to the Holy Trinity. We pray that we
be saved from all evils, all evil thoughts and deadly passions. The greatest ambition
of our life should be sanctity of life. We require the grace of God to resist temptations
of the devil and save ourselves from sins and impurity. This prayer for a pure life
should be foremost in our thoughts and prayers. Humans had been created in God’s
own image. But he had lost that divine image because of his sins. Hence our ultimate
aim is to return to that divine image. This is known as ‘Theosis’ in the Orthodox
spiritual tradition. The first supplication in this litany is a prayer for that process of
Theosis.
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 This is followed by supplications which include various needs of personal life. The
leader recites each verse and others respond by saying “Save us all, O merciful Lord.”
The prayer ‘save us from hellfire, from undying worms, from unquenchable fire’,
is meant to remind us of the Last Judgment. We pray that we shall be saved from the
places reserved for those on the left on the day of the Last Judgment. Death, Hell
and Heaven shall always in our minds always remember. The prayer ends by seeking
the intercession of St. Mary and all the saints. This part reminds us that all prayers
are said in the fellowship with saints. In the list of saints, along with St. Yeldho Mar
Baselios, St. Gregorios of Parumala and Mar Dionysus of Vattasseril, one can also
add the interceding saint of one’s parish as well.

Hymn
The day is waning O my Lord
We have laboured all the day
And come to You for our rest.
Free from all material thoughts
And with a very tranquil mind
Let us Lord come before You
Lord of world and salvation
At this hour of evening
Gladly we praise Your mercy
Praise ever for the Father and
Christ and the Holy Spirit
Heleluiah... Haleluiah

Let us pray
O Lord Jesus Christ bless us to grow into your image through incessant
prayers and sanctity of life.

Resolution
We will say our vespers together everyday. We would reciting it, understanding
its real meaning.

Let Us Think
1. What is meant by a ‘litany?’
2. Find out instances where litanies are used in Orthodox worship (At least three
instances).
3. What is meant by ‘Theosis’ in the Orthodox spiritual tradition?
54
Activities
1. Say this prayer in the form of a litany (One should become the leader and others
should say response. This can be repeated by making another person the leader).
2. Compare this litany with the prayer, ‘O Thou, who art one true God…’ given in
the common prayers for evening.
3. Find out other prayers which declare faith in the Holy Trinity and prepare a list.
4. Say the verse that attracted you most in the litany of the vespers. Write this verse
in your diary.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Psalm 34:1-5
Monday St. Matthew 5:21-26 Psalm 34:6-10
Tuesday St. Matthew 5:27-32 Psalm 34: 10-15
Wednesday St. Matthew 5:33-37 Psalm 34: 16-22
Thursday St. Matthew 5:38-42 Psalm 84:1-7
Friday St. Matthew 5:43-48 Psalm 84:8-12
Saturday St. Matthew 6:1-4 *

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 Chapter 12
The Litany used in the Matins
Learning Objectives: To understand the meaning and significance of the
litany used at the end of the matins. To say this prayer daily during the morning
worship.
Verse to be Memorized: “Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant,
and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer,
which thy servant prayeth before thee today” (1 Kings 8:28).
Learning Aids: The Book of Common Prayer, The Holy Bible

Introduction
We learned the litany used in vespers in the previous lesson. in the Book of
common prayer we have a litany given at the end of matins. Do you say your morning
prayers regularly? After having studied Sunday school up to Class IX, you are sure to
say your morning prayers. Do all members of your family pray together? The litany
we are learning today is said along with our prayers for Matins.

The Lesson
In the previous lesson, we learnt a litany. Litanies are prayers in which the leader
recites a supplication followed by others reciting a verse of response in chorus. We
use prayers of this kind during the service of Feast of the Denha (Epiphany), during
funeral service, feast of the Pentecost and during the ceremonial act of breaking the
consecrated bread and mixed in with blood (wine) during the celebration of Holy
Eucharist. (This service is known as ‘Fraction.’) Today let us learn the litany used in
matins of our common prayer.

Litany of Matins
Leader: O our father who art in heaven!
Others: Have mercy upon us.
Leader: O son of God who art the Saviour of the world.
Others: Have mercy Upon us.
Leader: O God, the Holy spirit.
Others: Have mercy upon us.
Leader: O Holy Trinity, the Triune God
Others: Have mercy upon us.
56
Leader: O Lord Jesus Christ who has preserved us without harm during the previous
night and has brought us forth to see this dawn, be kind enough to preserve
our life today free from sins and wrong doings.
Others: O Lord accept our supplication.
Leader: Protect us from sins of thought, word or deed which we commit knowingly or
unknowingly, willingly or unwillingly. Empower us to execute our Christian
responsibilities according to our calling.
Others: O Lord accept our supplication.
Leader: Empower us to keep off from the evil desires of the world, body and the
devil, from all temptations that stand against the love of God and from all
fellowships and associations that stand against the true faith.
Others: O Lord accept our supplication.
Leader: Help us to oppose all violations and injustice and to hold on boldly to the
truth you have revealed to us. Help us to follow your will in everything we do
throughout our lives. Make us and our departed ones eligible for the eternal
bliss of salvation in heaven.
Others: O Lord accept our supplication.
Leader: Help us to love you and our fellow beings. Help us to live in peace and
tranquility and efface enmity, competition and jealousy.
Others: O Lord accept our…
Leader: O Lord Jesus Christ banish all unbearable trials, afflicting diseases and
punishments for sin from us.
Others: O Lord accept our…
Leader: Bless us by the fellowship and intercession of St. Mary, mother of God, Our
Fathers, Apostle St. Thomas, St. Gregorios of Parumala, St. Dionysius of
Vattasseril and all other saints.
Others: O Lord accept our…
Leader: O Lord Jesus Christ bless and protect us. Radiate the brilliance of Your Face
upon us and grant us Your peace.
Others: O Lord accept our…
Just as we have seen in the litany of vespers, the litany of Matins too begin in
the name of the Holy Trinity and end by seeking the intercession of St. Mary and all
other saints.
After addressing the Holy Trinity, we say thanks for protecting us throughout
the night. Then we ask for grace to lead a holy life. When we say this prayer sincerely
we feel inspired to keep off from sin.

57
 The prayer “protect us from sins of thought, word or deed which we commit
knowingly or unknowingly, willfully or inadvertantly” should not only be the prayer
said in matins but also be our oft-repeated prayer.
Note that all the prayers use the plural form ‘us’ and not the singular form ‘me.’
Prayer for oneself only is not Christian. When we pray for the bliss of heaven, we also
pray for our departed ones. Commemorating the dead in all our prayers is also part
of Orthodox liturgy and devotion.
What are the other supplications included in this litany? They are usually the
blessings needed for life in this world. There are also three domains from which we
should keep off. We pray for grace required for this abstinence.
1. Evil desires of the world, the body and the devil.
2. Temptations that stand against the love of God.
3. All fellowships and associations that stand against true faith.
This is followed by the prayer for grace to do the things we should do.
1. Oppose all injustice, and evil.
2. Hold on boldly to the truth revealed by God.
3. Do God’s will throughout life.
4. Love one another.
5. Abandon enmity, competition and jealousy.
When we pray for these things we should earnestly try to live according to the will
of God. The prayer also includes supplications for three things needed for a happy life.
1. Banish all unbearable trials.
2. Prevent incurable diseases.
3. Avoid punishments for our sin.
Try to recite this meaningful prayer regularly along with your morning worship.
Hymn
(This hymn can be recited along with morning prayers)
(Pulariyil nidrayunarnnange...)
Walking up at dawn I come
Almighty God before You
O Christ, I would bow with thanks
For Your mercy - upon me.
O protector of mankind
Humbly do I praise You Lord
Grant me blessing, grace and peace
Also remission for my sins.

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 Fixing my gaze upon You
Let me begin my daily chores
Lead me without any fall
O Lord bless me with success.

Let Us Pray
O Lord Jesus Christ, kindly prohibit unbearable trials, incurable diseases
and punishments of sin from tormenting us.

Resolution
We would say our morning prayers and recite this litany regularly.

Activities
1. Recite this prayer in the form of litany in the class.
2. Note the prayer to the Holy Trinity. Conduct a discussion on the supplication
to each person in the Holy Trinity.
3. The Psalm to be read along with your evening worship in Psalm 141. But it is
given as Psalm 140 in your Book of Prayer. Find out the reason.
4. Reflect on the sins of thought, word and deed you have commited in life. Take
a resolve to give them up completely.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Psalm 141:1-10
Monday St. Luke 6:12-19 Psalm 142:1-7
Tuesday St. John 20:1-10 Psalm 119:105-112
Wednesday St. John 21:1-6 Psalm 91:1-8
Thursday St. Luke 24:1-12 Psalm 91:9-16
Friday St. Mark 16:1-8 Psalm 121:1-8
Saturday St. Matthew 28:1-10 *

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 Chapter 13
Prayers of Canonical Hours
Learning Objectives: To understand the significance of canonical prayers in
Orthodox worship and recite the prayers of canonical Hours regularly.
Verse to be Memorized: “Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous
judgments” (Psalm 119:164).
Learning Aids: Book of Common Prayer, the liturgical Book of the Holy Eucharist,
the Book of Worship of Syrian Christians, book of Sleeba (Holy Cross) season worship,
Prayers of Three day Fast and the Great Lent, and the Holy Bible.

Introduction
Do you pray together with your family in your homes? How often do you pray
together? Do you know the meaning of the word ‘Orthodox?’ The word ‘Orthodox’
means “praising God in the right manner.” Do you know how many times a day
we should pray? We should pray incessantly. St. Paul teaches us to pray incessantly
(1 Thessalonians 5:17). Our church teaches us that an Orthodox faithful should
pray seven times a day. This scheme of worship is known as Prayers of Seven
Canonical Hours. Today we are going learn about the prayers of canonical hours in
general.

The Lesson
Some of you pray twice at home daily. Which book of prayer do you follow? If
you follow any Book of Prayer used in our church, you shall complete prayers for
seven canonical Hours while praying twice a day. How? The offices for None, Vespers
and Compline are combined for Evening Worship and those for Nocturn, Matins
(Prime), Terce and Sext for the morning worship.

What are Canonical Hours?

In ancient India, time was measured using horologue units of twenty four minutes
known as ‘Naazhika.’ One day was divided into sixty ‘Naazhikas.’ The present day
measurement of time using ‘hours’ was not prevalent then. One hour was equivalent
to two and a half ‘Naazhika.’ A time unit consisting of seven and a half ‘Naazhikas’
was called a canonical hour. The first canonical hour is Matins (6 am) at dawn. The
Second canonical hour that comes after dawn (6 am) is called Terce (9 am). The next
canonical hour comes three hours (or seven and a half ‘Naazhika’) later and is called
Sext (12 noon). This canonical hour is followed after three hours by the Hour called
None (3 pm). Again after three hours comes the Hour of vespers (6 pm). Besides
60
these five canonical hours during day time, we have compline (9 pm) and Nocturn
(12 midnight) during night. These hours are called canonical hours because prayers
are prescribed for each of them. Thus we have seven canonical hours a day and the
prayers prescribed for them are known as the Canonical Hours.
1. Name the seven canonical hours.
2. Find out the prayers for each canonical hour from the Book of common
prayer. (Sometimes the prayers for each canonical hour is categorically stated.
Sometimes the end of prayers for one canonical hour will be indicated by a
‘Kauma’ to be recited.)
3. Find out from the Holy Bible how prayers for each canonical hour were
said.
4. Read the following biblical passages aloud in the class. Psalms 55:17, 119:147,
148, 164, Daniel 6:10, St. Mark 1:35, 6:46, Acts 2:15, 3:1, 10:9, 6:25.
5. Prayers of which canonical hours are included in our evening worship?
6. What are the canonical hours included in our morning worship?
Prayers of canonical hours are related to the Passion of Christ. The Jews had to
pray three times a day. But King David used to pray seven times a day. The Orthodox
Church has seven canonical hours in order to commemorate the Passion of Jesus
Christ. Jesus Christ was taken captive at night (St. John 18:12). He was trialed in the
morning (St. John 18:28). He was sentenced for crucifixion at the third hour, crucified
at the sixth hour (St. Matthew 27:45). Jesus Christ yielded up the spirit and died at
the ninth hour (St. Matthew 27:46). Jesus Christ’s body was taken from the cross by
Joseph and Nicodemus before dusk (St. Matthew 27:57). They entombed Christ. Can
we refrain from prayers during these hours of Jesus Christ’s passion?
In monasteries and convents, canonical offices are said at the specified hours. In
homes the prayers of seven Canonical hours are allowed to be said as morning and
evening worship.

Prayers during Three Day Fast and the Great Lent

Do you say the special prayers for three day fast and great lent at home during
those days of fast? What differences do you find between three special prayers and the
common prayers of those prayers from the common prayers used in other seasons?
During these days of fast, the prayers of canonical hours are said as three devotions
- morning, noon and evening worship. The noon worship should be done at noon
itself. The prayers for the canonical hours of Terce, Sext and None are included in the
noon worship. At the end of noon worship forty prostrations are done during these
lenten days. Those who are too busy with their work during day time should do this
worship along with the morning prayers.

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 Hymn
(Sandhya Sootharaa pinne...)
Seven in number - Hour of Prayer
Vespers Compline- and Necturn
Prime and Terce and Sext and None
Canonical Hours for Lord
At these hours - we must pray
Seven times let us - pray a day
Let these prayers illumine.
Our path of life every-day.

Let Us Pray
O Lord Jesus Christ, help us to pray during all Canonical Hours and think
about You all the days of our life. Amen,

Resolution
We know that prayer empowers Christian life and that prayers of canonical
hours prescribed by the church are very important in life. We would say the
prayers of all Canonical Hours regularly.

Let Us Think
1. Shall we not praise God in the morning for the new dawn and the new day as
well as for guarding us throughout the night?
2. Can we refrain from worshipping God in the evening for protecting us during
the day time?
3. Shall we not pray before retiring to sleep and request us to be guarded during
the thoughtless abandon of sleep?
4. Can a believer refrain from prayers during the third hour when the Holy Spirit
descended on the Apostles? Can we keep away from prayers at noon, the hour
of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and at None, the hour of Christ’s death?
After studying in Sunday school up to class IX, we should not fail to say the prayers
of canonical hours regularly. We should pray with our family at home.

Activities
1. We have learned about the various canonical hours. Let us recollect them. We
shall reflect on the connection between these hours and the passion of Jesus
Christ.

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Nocturn: Jesus Christ is taken captive (St. John 18:12)
Matins (Prime): The trial of Jesus (St. John 18:28)
Terce: Pontis Pilate sentences Jesus to be crucified. (Three hours after dawn)
Sext: Crucifixion of Christ (St. Matthew 27:45)
None: Christ dies (Three hours after noon) (St. Matthew 27:46)
Vespers: Jesus Christ is taken from the cross (St. Matthew 27:57)
Compline: Jesus Christ is entombed (Compline = guard) (St. Luke 23:54)
Shall you say prayers for all these Canonical Hours regularly?
2. Prepare a chart of the seven canonical hours and their relationship with Jesus
Christ’s Passion (You may make use of the information given above).

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St. Matthew 26:36-42
Psalm 4:1-8
Monday Daniel 9:20-23 Acts 16:25
Psalm 3:1-8 Ephesians 6:18
Tuesday Psalm 5:1-12, 42:7-11 St. Luke 6:12
Psalm 55:16-23
Wednesday Psalm 119:57-64 Daniel 6:7-12
St. Mark 9:28, 29 St. Mark 1:35-39
Thursday St. Matthew 17:19-21 St. Luke 11:1-4
Psalm 63:1-8 St. Mark 14:32-42
Friday St. Matthew 18:19, 20 St. Mark 6:46, 47
Psalm 119:154-160 St. Luke 9:28-36
Saturday St. Matthew 7:7-11
Psalm 119:161-168 *

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 UNIT 3
HYMNS OF EUCHARISTIC DEVOTION
Chapter 14
The Morning Prayers of sleeba (Holy Cross)
Season Worship

Learning Objectives: To learn to recite the hymns of morning worship included

in the liturgical Book of Holy Eucharist. Let us understand the meaning, context and
significance of these hymns. Let us try to recite these hymns during the Holy Eucharist
comprehending their meaning.
Verse to be Memorized: “O God, you are my God; early will I seek thee: my soul
thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water
is” (Psalm 63:1).
Learning Aids: The Holy Bible, the Liturgical Book of the Holy Eucharist, and
the Book of Common Prayer

Introduction
When do you often reach the church on Sundays? How many of you come to
church time for of morning worship? We use two kinds of morning worship, namely
Sleeba (Holy Cross) season worship and Kyamtha (Resurrection) season worship.
We follow the Holy Cross season worship from the Feast of Holy Cross onwards. We
start following the Resurrection season prayers from Easter onwards. The theme of
meditation for these two liturgies of morning prayers are different. The main theme
of Easter Season worship is Jesus Christ’s resurrection and subsequent incidents. But
in Sleeba (Holy Cross) season worship we meditate on incidents related to St. Mary.
This lends variety to Hymns of Devotion we sing on Sundays.
The prayers for Wednesday in Canonical offices are given as morning prayers
in Holy Cross season worship. That is why St. Mary becomes the dominant theme
of this liturgy. Wednesday is the day of commemorating St. Mary. Wednesdays and
Fridays are set apart as days of Fast in our tradition. Prayers of Matins, Terce, and
Sext are included in our Holy Eucharist. Hence we have to say the prayers of Nocturn
at home before coming to the church for the Holy Eucharist. Today we shall learn
certain hymns sung during the morning prayers.

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 The Lesson
Let us learn the first hymn (The teacher recites the hymn twice and the students
listen carefully. Then the whole class can sing the hymn in chorus).
Door that leads one to-Kingdom of heaven
Rather is narrow-and always full of hurdles
He, who would enter therein
Shall be diligent, or he-
Towards evil ways, is drawn
And lose his-soul by his own will.
The door that leads to the kingdom of heaven is narrow and the path is always full
of hurdles. Hence those who travel by this path should be very alert and committed.
If they show laziness, they will be attracted towards evil ways and they will destroy
their soul. This hymn exhorts a Christian to keep away from sin and remain diligent
always. Every believer should be earnest and tireless. Laziness is one of the seven
deadly sins. Laziness includes omission of duties as well as reluctant execution of
duties. This hymn reveals one significant features of Orthodox worship. The Orthodox
Church considers worship as the chief means for teaching faith, the Holy Bible and
moral lessons.

Let us learn another hymn

Righteous get light in darkness
Veil of darkness recedes, O Lord!
Brilliant light doth shine on us
Firmament-and earth worship thee
Sisters two who came anon
Firmament above waters
Earth is abode for water
Atmosphere, bridal chamber
Made in the wink of an eye
Glori-ous Thy handiwork, Lord!
Light dawned for the wise people amidst darkness. O Lord the two sisters sky
and the earth, which were created in a fraction of time, worship you in this prime
of the day. The sky and the earth were created when God said ‘Let them be’ (Genesis
1:7-9). That is why they are picturised as two sisters born immediately after the word
of creation was uttered by God. The lines that follow are a description of nature.
The sky stands above the waters. The earth carries and contains water. When God
created and divided earth and the sky a beautiful chamber called the atmosphere
arose in between them. O God, the sophistication and intricacy of your creation is
praise worthy.

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 Orthodox worship involves a high level of ecological consciousness. The hymn
which we have learned inspires thoughts of nature in the faithful.
1. Jesus Christ has taught us a parable which proves that those who act wisely
will get light in darkness. Find out this parable.
2. It is Jesus Christ who said that the door to the kingdom of heaven is narrow.
Find out the biblical verse.

Let us learn another hymn

Church confounds-teaching heretic
Showing them metaphors three:
Tree bearing-fruit of miracle,
Stubborn flint, and fish of sea
Tree that, did bring forth-a-lamb
Flint stubborn flowed out-water
Coin, fish of sea-gave forh
Thus, church brings to naught-
Those who-question virgin giving birth.
This is hymn sung in the Terce of Sleeba (Holy Cross) season worship. The
prayer of Terce is to be said three hours after morning (9 A.M.). In old prayer books
it is sometimes called “Prayers of seven and a half hour (Ezhara namaskaram).” Can
you say way it is called so? When we divide one day into sixty ‘Naazhika’, three hour
duration consists of seven and a half ‘Naazhika.’ The name “Prayers of seven and a
half hour” comes from this old system of measuring time.
This hymn is a reply to those who question the virginhood of St. Mary. God is
capable of transferring the impossible to something possible. In order to prove this
omnipotence of God, three incidents from the Holy Bible are mentioned here. The
Church points out to the heretics who question the virginhood of St. Mary. Three
incidents in the Holy Bible which prove St. Mary’s virginity. They are the tree that
bore a miraculous fruit (Genesis 22:13), the hard rock that gave water (Exodus 17:6)
and fish of sea which gave forth coin (St. Matthew 17:27). When Yahweh forbade
Abraham from offering Issac as a sacrifice, Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket
by its horns. This ram was taken and offered to Yahweh. This incident is described as
“the tree providing forth a lamb.”
When the Israelites thirsted for water in Meriba, God commanded Moses to smite
a rock with his rod and water gushed forth to quench their thirst. This is described
as the stubborn flint providing water. When Caesar’s men came to collect tax, Jesus
Christ asked Peter to cast a fish line in the sea. When Peter opened the mouth of the
first fish he caught he found a coin (Esthera). This coin was given as tribute money
(tax) for Jesus Christ and Peter. These three miracles disprove the arguments of those
who deny the virginhood of St. Mary.
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 Hymn
Recite the hymns you have learned in this lesson.

Let Us Pray
(This prayer is said during the Vespers on the Feast of St. Mary.)
O Virgin Mary, Mother of God who was selected to bear Lord Jesus
Christ in her womb, let your prayers be a fortress for us. The day of your
commemoration prevails in high heaven, in depths and in various corners
of the world. They rejoice in your commemoration. O virgin Mary, let your
commemoration become a blessing for us. Amen.

Resolution
We would attend the morning prayers preceding the Holy Eucharist on all
Sundays. We would comprehend their meaning, meditate on them and
recite them properly.

Activities
1. Find out the biblical passages referred to in the above hymns and read them.
2. Read St. Matthew 17:27 and find out the value of the coin Peter got.
3. The canonical hour of Terce is seven and a half ‘Naazhika.’ How many ‘Naazhika’
are there in the canonical hour of None?
4. We have learned only three hymns of the morning prayers of ‘Sleeba’ season
worship. Try to comprehend the meaning of other hymns of morning worship
and recite them.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St. John 10:7-18
Monday Ephesians 2:14-22 Psalm 1
Tuesday Genesis 1 Genesis 22:10-19
Wednesday Exodus 17:6,7 St. Matthew 17:24-27
Thursday Exodus 30:11-16 Exodus 38:24-31
Friday St. Matthew 22:17-22 St. Mark 12:13-17
Saturday Romans 13:1-7 *

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 Chapter 15
The Morning Prayers of Easter Season Worship
Learning Objectives: To learn the hymns included in the morning prayers of
Easter season worship and to recite these hymns in a proper manner during the Holy
Eucharist.
Verse to be Memorized: “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the
morning I plead my case to you, and watch” (Psalm 5:3).
Learning Aids: The Holy Bible, the Liturgical book of the Holy Eucharist, and
the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
We would get the opportunity to recite and meditate on the beautiful hymns we
learn today only if we reach the church before the morning prayers on all Sundays.
Today we learn the hymns of Easter season worship. Easter season prayers are followed
on Sundays following Easter. The Holy Cross season begins after the Feast of the Holy
Cross. Now let us go to the hymns of the Easter season worship.

The Lesson
Let us learn hymns based on certain biblical passages connected with the
Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hymn is divided into various parts. Let us sing
it part by part and try to understand the meaning. These hymns are rather simple.
However we can understand that most of our hymns are enriched with Bible passages.

1
God in glory-arose from death, and gave life to
Adam and all his-children
Angels on high adored their Lord
Earth was made bright
And trembling stood watchers then
God resurrected from the dead gloriously and gave life to Adam and all his
children. The chores of angels who saw this, adored their Lord. Light illuminated the
world and the watchers who saw it stood trembling (St. Matthew 28:4).

2
Simon Peter-and Yuhanon-ran along to
Tomb of Jesus-this morning

68
 Joyous was James and contented was Saint Thomas
And Saint Matthew sang-for joy.
Simon Peter and John who heard about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ ran to
the sepulchre. When James heard about it, he became very happy and Thomas was
satisfied (St. John 20:4). The first part of the hymn is based on a biblical incident but
the second part is the author’s imagination.

3
Lord descended-into Hades-and saved the church
From worship of idols mute
Defeating death-rose in glory
And in His might
From her enemies saved-the church.
The incident referred to 1 Peter 3:19 is described in this hymn. After his crucifixion
Jesus Christ descended to the Hades and preached the Gospel to the dead in captivity.
He resurrected on the third day and saved the Church from enemies. Through his
death and resurrection Christ selected Church, his bride from gentiles. While being
gentiles, they worshiped idols. Now through the resurrection from death Jesus Christ
saved Church from idol worship. Christ effaced that sin through his death.
1. Who told Peter and John about the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
2. Read the Bible passages mentioned in the hymns.

4
This day Lord as one out of that stupor of wine
Rose alive from sleep-of death
He slew death; and gates of hades
Came crashing down
Built His altar for ever.
Jesus Christ who resurrected on Sunday is compared to a person who has woken
up from the stupor of wine. He destroyed death by His resurrection and transformed
the door of Hades into his eternal foot-stool. Hades is here used as the symbol of
eternal death. Crashing down the door of Hades and making it His foot-stool is a poetic
way of saying that Christ destroyed death by virtue of His Crucifixion (1 Peter 4:6).

5
This day God did rise from the dead and those watchers
He made them all sore afraid.
They made known in Jerusalem
“Christ is risen”
Crucifiers were-ashamed
69
 Christ’s Resurrection caused great fear among the keepers of the sepulchre (St.
Matthew 28:4). They went to Jerusalem and announced that Jesus Christ resurrected
from the dead. Hearing this the chief priests and others who crucified Christ became
ashamed (St. Matthew 28:11).

6
Those departed-waiting for Thy Second Coming
Today saw Thy glory that
Gladden all those sorrowful ones
They adore Thee
Rejoicing they raise-their heads.
Many people had lived in expectation of Jesus Christ’s birth and had died in grief
without seeing it. But when these departed saw Christ’s Resurrection they raised their
heads in happiness and adored Christ. Jesus Christ has told us that “Many prophets
and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it” (St. Luke 10:24). This hymn
states that those people who expected Christ’s birth but died without seeing Christ,
rejoice abundantly on the day of Christ’s resurrection. Haven’t you seen how our
hymns are built upon Bible passages? This is a feature of orthodox worship.
We should comprehend the meaning of all hymns used in the morning prayers of
Easter season worship. We should also find out the Bible passages referred to in them.

7
Now let us learn one more hymn (Daivathin Puthrane Mariam…)
Mary saw Son of God in that garden
Like a Gardner on that morn of Resurrection,
“Why-do you cry lady, seekest thou whom?”
She answered: “They took my Lord
Where to,-know not I”
Endearingly He said: “Mary”
Hastened she-to the Apostles
And she told them, “The Lord has risen from the tomb.”

This hymn is a poetic rendering of St. John 20:15-18. This passage is a conversation
between two people. They are the resurrected Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. Mary
thought that the one standing in front of her was the gardener. When Christ asks her
why she was weeping and who she was seeking? She said that someone had taken her
Master away. When Christ call her ‘Mary’, she identified Him. she ran to the disciples
and told them that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.

70
 Hymn
Let us recite the hymns we learned in the class.

Let Us Pray
(This prayer is said during the Vespers on Easter)
O Jesus Christ, the sky and the earth rejoice in your Resurrection, whereas
Death, Satan and Hades are ashamed. The authority of Death has been
effaced. The Vigilant Heavenly Hosts and angels sing Your praise. The human
race is saved and the lost paradise is returned to them. O Christ, loosen
the chains of injustice that bind us. Enable us to praise you along with the
Heavenly Hosts. Amen.

Resolution
We would learn the hymns of morning prayers of Easter season worship and
their meaning. We would recite them properly on Sundays.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Psalm 5
Monday St. Matthew 27:62-66 St. Matthew 28:1-10
Tuesday St. Matthew 28:11-15 St. John 20:1-10
Wednesday St. John 20:11-18 St. John 20:19-23
Thursday St. John 20:24-31 St. Luke 24:1-12
Friday St. Luke 14:13-35 St. Luke 24:36-49
Saturday St. Mark 16:1-8 *

71
 UNIT 4
MY CHURCH
Chapter 16
The Church upto the Twelfth Century
(AD 1054 -The Division between East and the West)

Learning Objectives: To learn how the Christian Church which had the same
tradition of faith got divided into two groups – the Eastern and the Western Churches
and also to understand the consequences of this early division. To find out the
differences between the Eastern (Orthodox) and Western churches.
Verse to be Memorized: “ For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and
flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this
present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians
6:12).
Learning Aids: The Holy Bible, the Church Encyclopedia, the liturgical book of
the Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
Today there are several churches in the world. After the synod of Chalcedon (451
AD), the universal Church was divide in to two, Chalcedonians (one who accepted
the decision of the Chalcedon Council) and non Chalcedonians (who did not accept
the decision of the council of Chalcedon). The Western Church, both the Church of
Rome and Church of Constantinople accepted the council of Chalcedon. However
a great scism occurred among them and thus divided in to two in 1054. However till
the eleventh century AD the Western Church shared the same faith though it spread
across different nations and had different centres of authority. This structure of the
church changed with the division of 1054. The pan - Western Christian church got
divided into Eastern and Western churches. Today let us learn more about this division.

The Lesson
In AD 330, the Roman Emperor Constantine shifted his capital to Constantinople.
This caused a lot of political and ecclesiastical changes. In AD 395, Emperor
Theodosius divided his administrative set up into Eastern and Western segments and
this was one of the causes for the division between East and the West. Let us look at
the causes of this division at the ecclesiastical level.
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 Causes of the Division
The Church got divided into Eastern and Western in AD 1054. The Roman
Catholic Church stood with the Western faction whereas the Orthodox churches
stood with the Eastern group. The following are the causes of this division.
 Changes in faith and rituals.
 Political differences.
 The Pope’s and the Patriarch’s love for power.
 The controversy of Filioque or the question of the procession of the Holy Spirit.
Immediate Cause of the Division
The arguments between the Western and the Eastern Churches reached its zenith
when the Heads of Churches issued censures and excommunications against each
other. In 1043 AD the Patriarch of Constantinople Michael I Cerularius and in 1049
AD Pope Leo IX of Rome issued excommunications against each other. Pope asked
the Patriarch who turned against the activities of the Roman Church, to appear
before him. The Patriarch refused to receive the Papal representatives and these
representatives excommunicated the Patriarch in the name of Pope. The Patriarch
retaliated by excommunicating the Pope and his delegates. Thus the Roman Church
and the Byzantine (Greek) Church got divided into two.

The Consequences of the Division

1. Ecumenical activities were disrupted.
2. The mutual relationship between the Churches was shattered.
3. It activated missionary work.

Differences between Western and the Eastern Churches

Language
Latin became the official language of the Western Church and Greek became the
accepted language of the Eastern Church.
Theology
When the Western Church added new faith-clauses, like ‘purgatory’ and Filioque the
Eastern Church denied them, and remained faithful to the unadulterated Apostolic faith.

Hymn
(This hymn is recited during the Holy Euchrist on Hoodos-Eatho Sunday)
(Sabhaye Ninnude Vishwasam...)
The faith of Holy Church is true
What a fortune it has been!
73
 Church takes pride in praising the-
Lord who has died for its sake
Rejoice O Holy Church
Purify thyself and live
In your Groom, Lord Jesus Christ.
Who gives you joy through His Feast.

Let Us Pray
This prayer is said along with the Vespers on Kudosh Eetho Sunday.
O Lord Jesus Christ, let Your peace reign in the Church and Your love
permeate it. Remove all strifes, struggles and dissents from it. Endow the
priests, bishops, kings and officers with knowledge and wisdom so that they
shall tend and guide their flock properly – the flock that You have saved by
paying with Your Holy Blood of Crucifixion. Amen.

Resolution
We are proud of being members of Malankara Orthodox Church which is the
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We would always try to preserve
the true faith and unity of the Church.

Let Us Think
1. What are the consequences of the early division in the Church?
2. What are the differences between the Western and the Eastern Churches?
3. What would have been the condition of the Church had not the division
happened?
4. How did the Division of the one Church happen?
5. Do you think that this division was more than ecclesiastical?
6. Where and when did emperor Constantine shift his empire to?
7. What are the causes of the division of the church in 1054?

Activities
1. Analyse the division in the early Church in the light of the various Church
denominations today and write a note on it.
2. Prepare a chart of the various stages of the division in the Early Church?
3. Collect more information about divisions in the Church.

74
 Further Reading
Let us read and meditate on certain books of the Holy Bible from this week
onwards. First of all let us read the Epistles of St. Paul.
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Romans 1
Monday Romans 2 Romans 3
Tuesday Romans 4, 5 Romans 6
Wednesday Romans 7 Romans 8
Thursday Romans 9 Romans 10
Friday Romans 11,12 Romans 13,14
Saturday Romans 15,16 *

75
 Chapter 17
The Crusades
Learning Objectives: To understand the causes and results of the crusades; and
also develop a consciousness of the futility of war.
Verse to be Memorized: “Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level
path because of my enemies” (Psalm 27:11)
Learning Aids: The Holy Bible, the Church Encyclopedia, the Liturgical book of
the Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
The history of the world contains narratives of numerous wars. Battles for
independence are always remembered. We have heard about several battles in the
Christian world also. The most important of such battles were the Crusades. Let us
learn about them in this lesson.

The Lesson
An important event that followed the theological and administrative divisions
in Church history are the Crusades. The Crusades originated in Europe during the
Middle Ages, especially during the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Let us
learn about the Crusades in detail.

The Crusades
Jerusalem, the holy city of Christians, fell to Turkish Muslims in AD 1071. The
Crusades were begun in 1095 AD in order to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim foes.
There are eight main Crusades recorded in history. All those who participated in this
war wore a red coloured cross mark on their right shoulder or chest. Moreover their
banner and badge were in the shape of cross. Hence the battles are called Crusades.
Causes of Crusades
 Famine of Europe during AD 970-1085.
 Ascendancy of Christians to power in places like Spain, and the Mediterranian
countries which were earlier ruled by Muslim rulers.
 The concern of Christians regarding the Holy Land and the holy relics.
 The religious fervour of Turkish Muslims and their persecution of Christians.
 The teachings of the Roman Catholic Church about remission of sins and
attainment of heaven through wars for the sake of Jesus Christ.
76
 1. What are Crusades? Why are they called so?
2. What were the causes of Crusades?

The important Crusades

First Crusade (1095-1099)
The first Crusade was led by Pope Urban and people like Godfrey and Peter. They
wrested the control of Jerusalem, Antioch and Edessa from Muslims.

Second Crusade (1147-1148)

The Second Crusade began when Edessa was lost to the Christians in AD 1147.
This was led by Pope Eugenis II and St. Bernard. This war was a total failure.

Third Crusade (1188-1192)

The third Crusade began when Saladin, the Sultan of Turkey conquered Jerusalem
in AD 1187. Eventhough the Kings of England and France participated in the war, it
couldn’t achieve much success. The Crusades could reclaim only a few places around
Palestine.

Fourth Crusade (1202-1204)

Pope Innocent III gave leadership to this Crusade. The King of Constantinople
was ousted from power and the Roman Empire was established there. This Crusade
was only a means for consolidating the authority of Pope of Rome.

Crusade of Children
This took place during the period of Pope Innocent III. About thirty thousand
children participated in this war. But it was a total failure. Several children were killed
and the rest were taken away as captives.

Fifth Crusade (1217-1221)

This Crusade was led by Pope Innocent III and the King of Hungary, Andrew II.
This too was a failure.

Sixth Crusade (1228-1229)

This Crusade was fought under the leadership of Frederick II, the Emperor of
Germany who had been disregarded by the church for his reluctance in participating
in the Crusades. He signed a war treaty with the Muslims and reclaimed regions like
Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazreth, and Joppa.

Seventh Crusade (1248-54)

This crusade was led by Pope Innocent IV and Louis IX, the emperor of France.
It was inspired by the recapture of Jerusalem by the Turks in 1244. However this
crusade also ended in failure.
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 Eighth Crusade (1270-1274)
This crusade was also led by Louis IX and was instigated by Pope Urban IV. During
the war, Louis IX died of plague and the war ended with a treaty two years after it had
begun. At the end of the war, most regions of Jerusalem fell into the hands of Muslims.

Consequences of the Crusades

1. They led to the downfall of the Eastern empire.
2. The religious spirit and organizational fervour of Christians were heightened.
3. The differences between the Eastern and Western churches increased.
4. The authority of Pope of Rome increased much beyond its traditional See.
5. It caused the dispersal of European culture.
6. The rift between Christians and Muslims increased.

Hymn
(This hymn is recited after the Holy Eucharist adoring the Holy Cross)
By Thy Cross the Holy Church was spread
O Lord, sacrifice unclean
By it-shone she ran fron the dark,
Spread up-on her brow; the cross
On this day she celebrates-bows to the cross
honour gives and praise

Let Us Pray
(This prayer in said along with the vespers on the Feast of Holy Cross)
O Lord Jesus Christ, You have redeemed the race of Adam through Your
Holy Cross. Your Holy Cross enabled the thief on the right to claim eternal
life. Your holy Church adores Your Holy Cross and confesses without shame
that the Holy Cross is its shield of defence. Let your cross be a weapon and
a shield for us in war. Amen.

Resolution
We learned about the crusades, which are the most important battles
fought in church history. We understood the fervour of fighting spirit of the
Christians from these battles. We are unhappy that most of the crusades
ended in failure; and caused the death of so many. “Fighting for the church
should never mean violence.” We resolve to eschew violence.

78
Let Us Think
1. Define ‘crusades.’
2. What were the conditions that led to the crusades?
3. The crusades centred around the Popes of Rome. Why?
4. Explain the general features of the crusades.
5. What were the consequences of the crusades?
6. When did the first Crusade take place? Who gave leadership to this Crusade?
7. What is meant by ‘Crusade of children?’

Activities
1. List the important characteristics of the crusades in the form of a table.
2. Collect pictures of the leading crusaders and prepare an album.
3. Evaluate the crusades in the light of present day conditions.
4. Write a critical note on crusades.

A point to Ponder
“Quarrelsome people are numerous whereas people who stand for peace are rare.
It may be because the doomsday is quite near”-St. Gregorios of Parumala.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * 1 Corinthians 1
Monday 1 Corinthians 2 1 Corinthians 3
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 4 1 Corinthians 5
Wednesday 1 Corinthians 6 1 Corinthians 7
Thursday 1 Corinthians 8,9 1 Corinthians 10
Friday 1 Corinthians 11,12 1 Corinthians 13, 14
Saturday 1 Corinthians 15,16 *

79
 Chapter 18
The Christian Kingdom of South India
Learning Objectives: To be learn about the only Christian kingdom that is
believed to have existed in Kerala. To collect evidences of Vilyarvattam Kingdom and
compare it with the other local kingdoms that existed in those days.
Verse to be Memorized: “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee
by thy name; thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
Learning Aids: The Holy Bible, the Liturgical Book of the Holy Eucharist, the
Book of Common Prayer, and map of Kerala on which ancient Christian centres are
marked.

Introduction
When did India get her independence? Our country had been ruled by several
local chieftans and kings before independence. Their administrative reforms had
greatly helped the development of Indian culture. It is believed that a Christian
dynasty ruled in South India between AD ninth century and fourteenth century. Let
us learn about this dynasty in detail in this lesson.

The Lesson
The Christians of Kerala enjoyed a high status in the society in ancient times.
One of the important evidence of it is the existence of a Christian kingdom. It was
called ‘Vilyarvattam dynasty.’

The Vilyarvattam Dynasty

After the reign of Cheraman Perumal dynasty, Kerala witnessed the rise of several
princely states and local principalities. Vilyarvattam dynasty is one of these local
kingdoms. The capital of this kingdom was Chennamangalam south of Kodungalloor.
Later this kingdom expanded till Diamper (Udayamperoor) in the south (You may
look at the map of Kerala and find out places like Kodungalloor, Chennamangalam,
and Udayamperoor). Books like Paliyam Inscriptions show that this dynasty was a
branch of Perumpadappu Swaroopam. In later ages this dynasty disappeared due to
lack of male heirs and its territory was integrated with the kingdom of Kochi. Legend
says that the church of Udayamperoor was built by the King of Vilyarvattam in AD 510.
Kings of Vilyarvattam were known as Thoma Kings. They maintained a standing
army. The last of Thoma kings who reigned in this kingdom left behind only his
queen in the royal family when he died. This queen was later married to a prince
of the Kochi dynasty. The prince was converted to Christianity before the marriage
80
and this invited the displeasure of the reigning king of Kochi. As a consequence the
prince had to go into exile and the queen died of grief. This is the legend associated
with the disappearance of this royal dynasty.

Why was the kingdom known as Vilyarvattam?

There are several views regarding the origin of the name ‘Vilyarvattam.’ Some
say that the name came from ‘Villarpettem’ which means “one who is an expert in
martial arts.” Some others are of the opinion that the name is a variant of ‘Valiyedathu’
(The great place). Some other views are relate to the shape of the landscape. The first
headquarters of the dynasty, Chennamangalam was encircled by a river in the shape
of a loop or a bow. A bow is called ‘Villu’ in Malayalam and hence the land encircled
by a bow-like river came to be called as ‘Villarvattam’ which was later corrupted as
‘Vilyarvattam.’

Evidences for the Existence of Vilyarvattam Kings

There are disagreements among historians as to whether a dynasty called
Vilyarvattam existed or not. The main reason for the dispute is lack of authentic
documents. Certain documents that endorse the existence of this kingdom are given
below:
1. The letter sent by Eugenis, Pope of Rome to Thoma king in 1439.
2. The Christians of Kerala who visited Vasco de Gama in 1502 presented him
with a sceptre which is believed to have been sent by the king.
3. A rock inscription about the death of the last king of this dynasty (It is said
to have been found in the premises of Udayamperoor church in 1952).
4. An ancient song called ‘Vilyarvattam Paana.’
5. The references made by Giuseppe Simone Assemani (the Roman Catholic
historian) and Antonio de Gouvea (the Chronicler of Synod of Diamper).
6. The census report of Kochi compiled in 1911 in which there is reference to
Vilyarvattam.

Hymn
We have learned about king of Vilyarvattam who followed Christian faith. Similarly
Emperor Constantine had embraced Christian faith while reigning over the Roman Empire.
We know how Emperor Constantine earnestly tried to find out the cross of Jesus Christ. The
hymn given below tells us the incident that led to the conversion of Emperor Constantine.
Let us sing it in chorus. This hymn is recited on Friday morning in the canonical offices.
(Raajavam Kusthanthinos...)
Emperor Constantine did-see in the sky
Wondrous sight of holy Cross of Christ-in glory
81
 Then he heard a voice saying to him
You will attain victory with this salvific Cross
He removed-all pagan idols
And revered-only Holy Cross
Blessed is who kept-the Holy-Cross aloft for us.

Let Us Pray
(This prayer is an extract from ‘Prayer for Kings’ given in the special prayers of ‘Book of
Prayer’)
O omnipotent God, who is King of kings and God of gods, Kingship,
Authority, Power and Domination belong to You for ever. You are the one
who selects kings and rulers. You help kings and rulers who fear, respect
and adore You. You punish those who disregard You and those who live and
reign in injustice. O Lord, You have thus taught us through your words and
deeds that all authority belong to You. Hence it is our responsibility to obey
kings and rulers. Enable us to pray for the kings and rulers for all the helps
they give us because of your grace. Also enable us to us praise you ever for
everything we enjoy from the rulers. Amen.

Resolution
We are really amazed by the status enjoyed by ancient Nazranis in South
India. We shall try to learn more about the ancient history of Christianity
in Kerala.

Let Us Think
1. Name the places that belonged to the territory of Vilyarvattam.
2. Give a small description of Vilyarvattam Dynasty.
3. How were the kings of Vilyarvattam known?
4. How did the Vilyarvattam dynasty decline?What are the different interpretations
for the name Vilyarvattam?
5. List the documents that prove the existence of Vilyarvattam dynasty.
6. What are the larger implications of a Nazrani Christian Kingdom in ancient
times?

Activities
1. Collect more details about the Vilyarvattam dynasty.
2. Mark the places under this dynasty in a map of Kerala.
82
 Points to Ponder
“Serve God and do His work, praise and glorify God. Then our lives will be made
holy” – Ramban Mathews of Mylapra.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * 2 Corinthians 1
Monday 2 Corinthians 2 2 Corinthians 3
Tuesday 2 Corinthians 4 2 Corinthians 5
Wednesday 2 Corinthians 6 2 Corinthians 7
Thursday 2 Corinthians 8 2 Corinthians 9
Friday 2 Corinthians 10 2 Corinthians 11
Saturday 2 Corinthians 12, 13 *

83
 Chapter 19
The Coming of the Portuguese
(Synod of Diamper & Coonan Cross Oath)

Learning Objectives: To understand two critical incidents which became turning

points in the history of Malankara Church. To try to know with sympathy the suffering
of the children of the Church under foreign yoke. To help children develop concern
for the preservation of faith of the Church and grow in commitment and obedience
to the church.
Verse to be Memorized: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word
of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith”
(Hebrews 13:7).
Learning Aids: A picture of Coonan Cross Oath, the Holy Bible, the Liturgical
Book of the Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
The Portuguese were the first and the British were the last of the foreign powers
to dominate India partially or in full. India gained her independence from these
foreign powers after a long periods of struggle. Similarly the Christian Church of
India too suffered from a foreign domination. In the synod of Diamper, St. Thomas
Christians were forcefully brought under Roman Catholic domination, by threats
and enticements. ‘Coonan Cross Oath’ was the resistance of Malankara Christians
against this foreign domination. Let us learn about them in this lesson.

The Lesson
Synod of Diamper was an attempt made by the Portuguese to bring Malankara
Church under the Roman Catholic Church. Coonan Cross Oath was the historic
struggle of Malankara Christians to regain their independence.

The Synod of Diamper

The Portuguese came to India for trade. Gradually they started interfering in
political and religious affairs. The synod of Diamper was aimed at the dissemination
of Roman Catholic faith, by bringing the Nazrani Community under it by force and
by threat.
The synod of Diamper was held from 20 to 26 June 1599. The Roman Catholic
Archbishop of Goa, Alexis de Menesis presided over the synod. Apart from Roman
Catholic priests and theologians, 153 priests and 671 representatives from the churches
84
of Malankara participated in this synod. The synod was held at the church of Diamper.
Nine assemblies were held during the synod and altogether 200 decrees were passed
in them. These decisions were written in advance by Archbishop Menesis and he
got them passed at the assemblies by force and by threat. Historians are also of the
opinion that he had added certain decisions on his own after the synod was over.
The effect of the Synod of Diamper was that it could bring the Malankara
Church under the Roman Catholic fold. Till then St. Thomas Christians had upheld
its individuality and independence. But the Synod of Diamper brought about radical
changes in the rituals and practices of the Malankara Church and the religious and
liturgical books were set on fire. Moreover Malankara Church was placed under the
governance of Latin bishops. Thus the synod of Diamper could Latinise the Malankara
Church completely.

Coonan Cross Oath

The domination of the Portuguese Roman Catholics over Malankara Church did
not last for long. The St. Thomas Christians who lost their independence as a result of
the Synod of Diamper attempted to regain their independence through the ‘Coonan
Cross Oath.’ The St. Thomas Orthodox Christians who followed the Oriental faith
and liturgical system could not agree with the Roman faith. The elders of Nazranis
sent several letters to various Oriental Orthodox Churches seeking help from them in
overcoming the Roman domination. As a result an Oriental bishop Ahathalla arrived
in Malankara and this caused a new awakening in the people (There are differences
of opinion among historians as to who sent Ahathalla to Malankara).
The Roman Catholic authorities who came to know about the arrival of Ahathalla
took him captive to Mylapore. Two deacons (Itty and Kurian) saw Ahathalla by chance
in Mylapore and came to know about the purpose of his arrival. The St. Thomas
Christians who came to knew about this, demanded the release of Ahathalla. But later
news spread around that Ahathalla was killed by immersing into the sea.
The Christians of Kerala were stirred with anger. Under Arch deacon Thomas
they assembled in Mattaanchery church on January 3, 1653. They tied ropes to a
wayside cross made by stone there and took the pledge that they would never be under
the Roman Catholic Church. Historians testify that out of the two lakh St. Thomas
Christians at that time all except four hundred participated in this freedom struggle.
Because of the great crowd who tugged at the rope, the cross slanted to one side.
Hence this came to be called ‘Coonan Cross.’ Roman Catholic historians call those
who participated in the ‘Coonan Cross Oath’, ‘New Allegiant group’ and those who
did not participate in it ‘Old Allegiant group’; and this explanation is totally baseless.
After the Coonan Cross Oath, the St. Thomas Christians assembled in Alangattu
church. They elected Archdeacon Thomas as a bishop under the title ‘Marthoma.’
It is said that twelve priests laid their hands and ordained him as bishop. Thus the

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Christians of Kerala regained their faith and independence through the Coonan Cross
Oath. Moreover Coonan Cross Oath is the first independence movement in India
against foreign domination.

Hymn
(Aahwanam cheyyunnuthavi…)
Come and help us, Lord! We do-call up on Thee
Earth is torn by dissentions by that-Evil one
Discord he strikes among the-judges and kings
He tries even to deceive those who-are righteous
Wherewith is refuge for us, Lord!
But in Thine abounding mercy
Efface Lord! That Evil One from us-by Thy Cross.

Let Us Pray
(This prayer is said along with the morning prayers on the day of commemorating priests
and teachers of the Church)
O Lord Jesus Christ, let your grace and blessing help us to remain steadfast
in One True Orthodox and Apostolic faith till our last breath. Enable us to
live and die in that faith and oppose those who oppose that faith. O Christ
glorify the name of our fathers who always enlightened the four corners of
this world with lamps of True faith and who suffered trials and tribulations
for the sake of True faith. By virtue of their intercessions, enable us to love
You in the same intensity as they loved You. Amen.

Resolution
We have come to know the sufferings of the St. Thomas Christians under
foreign yoke. We would remain steadfast in the true faith our church fathers
have shown us, and defend it.

Let Us Think
1. What are the conditions that led to ‘Coonan Cross Oath?’
2. How did the ‘Coonan Cross Oath’ lead Malankara Church into independence?
3. Who are the real ‘Old Allegiant group?’ Justify your answer.
4. Write a note on illegal, uncanonical and unchristian domination by the
Portuguese who were Roman Catholicos.
5. How did the arrival of the Portuguese affect the St. Thomas Christians?

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6. Who presided over the Synod of Diamper?
7. List the sad effects of this Synod on St.Thomas Christians.

Activities
1. How did the canons of the decisions of the Synod of Diamper affect the St.
Thomas Christians?
2. Write the impressions you gathered from the picture of Coonan Cross Oath
displayed in the class.
3. Write an essay on the topic: “Coonan Cross Oath: The first struggle of
independence in India.”

Saying to Ponder
“The St. Thomas Christians of Kerala, till the end of their generations, will neither
accept Roman faith nor come under the rule of Pope of Rome” - Coonan Cross Oath.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Galatians 1
Monday Galatians 2 Galatians 3
Tuesday Galatians 4 Galatians 5
Wednesday Galatians 6 Ephesians 1
Thursday Ephesians 2 Ephesians 3
Friday Ephesians 4 Ephesians 5
Saturday Ephesians 6 *

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 UNIT 5
THE HOLY EUCHARIST: A STUDY
Chapter 20
Fathers and Doctors of the
Church Commemorated in the fifth Diptych
Part I
Church Fathers till the Fourth Century
Learning Objectives: To learn about the saintly Church Fathers included in the
fifth Diptych of the Holy Eucharist.
Verse to be Memorized: “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim
to please him” (2 Corinthians 5:9).
Learning Aid: The liturgical book of the Holy Eucharist

Introduction
Dipytchs or the Great Intercession is an important part of our Holy Eucharist.
The first three Diptychs remember the living whereas the last three Diptychs
commemorate the departed. In the fifth Diptych we commemorate the spiritual fathers
who formulated the fundamental dogmas of the Church and laid the foundation
for the spiritual tradition of the Church. The list of spiritual fathers includes 23
Church Fathers who lived during the first seven centuries of Christianity and three
proclaimed saints in the Malankara Church. These 26 Church Fathers are not listed
in the chronological order in the fifth Diptych. But for the ease of learning, we may
categorise them into different periods of history. The biographical details of some
Church Fathers are available whereas the details of others are sketchy. In the two
chapters that follow we shall attempt a description of these Church Fathers.

A General Analysis of the Diptych

Let us read the first part of the fifth Diptych from the liturgical book of the Holy
Eucharist.
1. First of all these Church Fathers have “maintained and delivered and entrusted
to us the apostolic and orthodox faith of the undivided Church.” They

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 have fallen asleep in holiness’ and “taken repose in the abode of saints.” We
commemorate them in all Holy Eucharists so that “their intercession be a
strong-hold to us.”
2. The goal of the Church in commemorating only to revere them, the fathers
who handed down the Orthodox faith to us. We shall try to understand their
teachings as well. Let us resolve to hold on to the faith received through them
throughout our lives. They have proclaimed the faith of the Church during
the Great Councils of Nicea (AD 325), Constantinople (AD 381), Ephesus
(AD 431). The principles they stood for were accepted in the first three Great
Councils and hence the names of Church Fathers who participated in them
are listed in the fifth Diptych separately.
3. We have already learned that the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) had
rejected the arguments of our Church Fathers and had made an alternate
proclamation of faith. Hence we remember the Fathers who upheld the true
faith in this Council and suffered persecutions. Later studies have revealed
that the grounds of there differences were not very strong; and the faith of
the undivided Church is valid for all times.
4. After commemorating the Spiritual Fathers mentioned above, we remember
the Doctors of the Church who composed our liturgy and hymns in the early
centuries and who founded the monastic movement.
5. Finally we also remember the saints of Malankara Church.
Now let us learn about each of them in detail. All of these Church Fathers had
been “illustrious, divine and holy.”

The Lesson
A. Church Fathers before the Great Council of Nicea
(Read the remaining part of the Diptych in the class)

1. St. James, Brother of Jesus Christ (+62 AD): St. James of Jerusalem, known
as brother of Jesus Christ, became martyr AD 62. The fifth Diptych describes him
as “venerable St. James, the first Archbishop of Jerusalem, apostle and martyr.” He
presided over the Council of Jerusalem described in Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 15)
and along with St. Peter and St. John were known as ‘Pillars of Jerusalem’ (Galatians
1:19). Eventhough we commemorate other apostles in the fourth Diptych we
commemorate St. James in the fifth Diptych, because he is a Doctor of the Church.
The famous liturgy of St. James is known after him.
2. St. Ignatius of Antioch (AD 35-107): This Apostolic Father was a bishop of
Antioch. St. Peter had founded the Christian church in Antioch. Antioch is renowned
as the cradle of Christianity during the missionary journeys of St. Paul. Eventhough
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Apostles and Apostolic Fathers like St. Paul, St. John, St. Barnabas and St. Simon
worked in this church (Acts 13:1), St. Ignatius is the much revered among the Oriental
Church Fathers. It is said that he was the child whom Christ set in the midst of the
disciples as an example of humility. As a result he was often described as ‘Theophorus’
(God bearer) and ‘Fire-branded.’ In his letters, St. Ignatius speaks about the three
fold ministry of Episcopa, Presbyter and Deacon in the Church and the greatness of
the Holy Eucharist. Seven letters written by him to various churches are available.
These letters were written while he was being taken to Rome to be killed. St. Ignatius
became a martyr in AD 107 when he was thrown to lions in Rome.
3. St. Clement of Rome: St. Clement was the disciple and successor of St. Peter. He
became the bishop of Rome at the turn of first century AD. His epistles speak about
priesthood and the holy sacraments. His first epistle written to the Corinthians is
well known.
4. St. Dionysius of Alexandria (+264 AD): He was the head of the catechetical
school of Alexandria, which had been a great centre in the early Church. Later he
was raised as bishop and led his See for seventeen years. When plague broke out in
Alexandria in AD 252 he looked after the afflicted and the dying with the support of
priests and deacons. He was an avid reader. His works are known for the interpretations
of the gospels of St. Luke and St. John as well as of the Book of Revelation.

B. Church Fathers of the Fourth Century

Most of the Church Fathers commemorated in the fifth Diptych belong to the
fourth, fifth and sixth centuries. This is because it was during this period that the
Church faced a lot of heresies and hence consolidated the articles proclamations of
faith. The writings of these fathers laid the foundation of faith proclaimed through the
Great Councils of Nicea, Constantinople and Ephesus and ‘the Creed of the Church’
formulated in the Great Councils (known as the Nicean Creed). Let us look at these
Church Fathers in detail.
1. St. Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373 AD): St. Athanasius was born in
Alexandria, a port city of Egypt. He became a deacon in AD 318 and participated
in the Synod of Nicea as the secretary of St. Alexander, bishop of Alexandria. When
Arian Hersey shook the church, it was this young theologian and scholar who fought
for the sake of true faith. He was a disciple of St. Antony, the Father of Monasticism.
In AD 328 he was raised to the position of a bishop. He was exiled five times. His
theological writings are treasured in the Church. They include ‘On the Incarnation’,
‘On the Holy Spirit’ and ‘Life of Antony.’ He died in AD 373.
2. St. Julius of Rome (+352 AD): St. Julius who died in 352 AD was the bishop of
Rome, one of the important centres of the undivided Church. He was the good friend
of St. Athanasius of Alexandria and strongly opposed the heresy of Arius. He also
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composed a liturgy which bears his name. It was this Church Father who separated
the two Feasts-Christmas and the Epiphany, which were earlier celebrated together.
3. St. Basil of Caesarea (AD 330-379): St. Basil was the bishop of Caesarea and
one of the famous theologians of the fourth century. He was one of the Cappadocean
fathers. He studied at Caesarea and Constantinople and went for higher studies in
Athens where he met St. Gregory Nazianzen. It was a friendship that was to last all
their lives. He became the bishop of Caesarea in AD 370. His theological treatises
are for all times. He composed Rules for monastic life. He founded monasteries and
hostels as well as hospitals for the poor. His book, On the Holy Spirit’ is even today a
seminal reference book on the topic. His teachings led to the triumph of the doctrine
of the Holy Trinity. He is referred to as St. Basil the Great.
4. St. Gregory of Nyssa (AD 330-335): St. Gregory of Nyssa was the brother of St.
Basil the Great. St. Gregory had another brother St. Peter of Pontus and a sister St.
Macrina. He became the bishop of Nyssa in AD 371. He participated in the Council
of Constantinople and was the prominent theologian who represented the Eastern
Churches. His ‘Address on Religious Instruction’ contains authoritative statements
regarding the Holy Trinity, Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Holy Baptism and the
Holy Eucharist. His famous works include, besides the treatise on the Divinity of Holy
Spirit, the ‘Life of Moses’, ‘Lord’s Prayer’, ‘Life of Macrina’ as well as interpretation of
biblical books like ‘Song of Songs.’ St. Gregory was perhaps the greatest philosopher
and theologian of the Christian Church.
5. St. John Chrysostom (AD 347-407): He lived in the same period of the Church
Fathers mentioned above. But his name is commemorated in the Fifth Diptych after
giving the names of four fathers who lived in the next century. He was a good friend of
the Cappadocean Fathers and was a great preacher who adopted the method of Greek
rhetoric in his speeches. Hence he was known as the ‘golden-tongued’ (Chrysostom).
His sermons based on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. John,
and the epistles of St. Paul are widely accepted. In AD 398 he was elected as the
Patriarch of Constantinople.

Hymn
(Ishtarkkai Jeevan Vachu...)
Let us be ever invited-To the Feast of Jesus who
Sacrificed His Person for-Beloved mankind whom He loved.
In order to tend His flock-That has freed from taints of sin.
Twelve in number Apostles-And messengers seventy two.
And three hundred and eighteen-Church Fathers were delegated.
Including the Great Fathers-St. Basil and St. Gregory.

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 Let Us pray
O Saintly Church Fathers, who fought for True Faith and who were
persecuted, kindly pray for us. O Lord Jesus Christ, enable them and us to
praise You for ever. Help us to hold on to the Orthodox faith taught by our
Church Fathers. Amen.

Resolution
We will listen carefully at the reading the Diptychs and will try to learn more
about their life and contributions.

Let Us Think
1. Explain the terms ‘Apostolic Fathers’ and ‘Cappadocean Fathers.’
2. What is the meaning of the name ‘Chrysostom?’ Why was St. John called
Chrysostom? Do you like to call someone you know by this name?
3. Who all are referred to as ‘Gregory’ in the Fifth Diptych?
4. What are the description given to St. James in the fifth Diptych?
5. Who were known as ‘the pillars of Jerusalem’?
6. What are the meanings of the words ‘Theophorus’ and ‘Noorono’?
7. Complete the following verse. “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom…?”
(St. Mark 10:15)

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Hebrews 11:1-6
Monday St. John 5:19-29 Hebrews 11:7-12
Tuesday St. John 5:30-36 Hebrews 11:13-19
Wednesday 1 Peter 1:3-25 Hebrews 11:20-29
Thursday Ephesians 2:11-22 Hebrews 11:30-40
Friday Ephesians 4:1-7 Hebrews 12:1-6
Saturday St. Matthew 5:3-12 *

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 Chapter 21
Fathers and Doctors of the Church
Commemorated in the Fifth Diptych
(continued…)

Part 2
Church Fathers after the Fourth Century
Learning Objectives: To understand the Church Fathers who lived after the
fourth century AD and who are commemorated in the fifth Diptych.
Verse to be Memorized: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word
of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith”
(Hebrews 13:7).
Learning Aid: The Book of Holy Eucharist

Introduction
Let us learn about the Church Fathers who lived after the Fourth century AD.
An important event that happened in the Church in the fifth century was the council
of Chalcedon. Hence we would categorize the later Church Fathers into ‘Fathers at
the time of the council of Chalcedon’ and ‘Fathers after the council.’ We should also
study about the poets and great ascetics of the ancient Church. Since the saints of
Malankara are familiar to us they are not discussed in detail. We would learn about St.
Gregorios of Parumala and St. Dionysius of Vattasseril at length in the tenth standard.

The Lesson
C. Church Fathers at the time of the Synod of Chalcedon
The heresies which arose in the fifth century AD were advocated by Eunomius
and Apollonorius. They spread heresies following the footsteps of Nestorian teachings.
The controversy was regarding was how the divine and the human natures were
commingled in Jesus Christ. The Council of Chalcedon was convened in AD 451 to
consider to these controversies. The three Church Fathers who represented the faith
of the church in this council are the important sentinels of faith during this period.
Let us study more about them.
1. St. Cyril of Alexandria (AD 376-444): St. Cyril of Alexandria was the strong
defender of orthodoxy against the heresies mentioned above. He was consecrated
Patriarch of Alexandria in AD 429 and he presided over the council of Ephesus. He
opposed the heresy of Nestorios, the Patriarch of Constantinople.
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 The Church split into two factions at the council of Chalcedon because of the
differences in interpreting the formula of faith and the differences in language used by
the two factions at the council. The Chalcedonian definition is a diophysite declaration
of the two natures of Jesus Christ, adopted at the council of Chalcedon in AD 451.
Non-Chalcedonian are the group of Churches that do not accept the confession of
Chalcedon. The most substantial Non-Chalcedonian tradition is known as Oriental
Orthodoxy. The Coptic Orthodox Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch,
the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, The
Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
are the members of Oriental Orthodox Churches.
The Non-Chalcedonian definition about two person of Christ is that the divine
and human nature united without separation, without mixture, without confusion
and without alteration. Jesus Christ is perfect man and perfect God. This Non-
Chalcedonian definition about the person of Jesus Christ is known us miaphysite
Christology. The Oriental Orthodox Church follow this miaphysite Christology. In
the fifth Diptych St. Cyril is described as the ‘exalted and veritable tower of knowledge
who expounded the doctrine of the Incarnation of God the Word, our Lord Jesus
Christ declaring and showing clearly that He became incarnate.” The Alexandrian
Fathers argued that the ‘two natures are wonderfully joined, but not mixed in Jesus
Christ. However the Chalcedon party, led by Rome and Constantinople emphasized
‘two-natures’; and condensed those who appeared them as ‘Monophysites.’

2. St. Dioscoros of Alexandria (+454 AD): St. Dioscoros succeeded St. Cyril as
Patriarch of Alexandria in AD 444. He was the nephew of his predecessor. He presided
over the Great Council of Ephesus of 447 AD and participated in the council of
Chalcedon. However the Patriarchs of Rome and Constantinople conspired together
against him in the council of Chalcedon and Pope Leo of Rome imposed his two
nature theory of Jesus Christ (Tome of Leo) in the Council of Chalcedon. Dioscoros
was condensed and was exiled to Gangra, an the islands in the Aegean sea.
3. St. Timothy of Alexandria (+477 AD): Like his predecessors, St. Timothy also
fought against the ‘two nature’ theory of Jesus Christ. He was the disciple of St. Cyril of
Alexandria and a strong defender of Orthodoxy. He headed a counter council against
the doctrines of the council of Chalcedon and suffered persecutions for defending
the Orthodox faith. He held fast to spiritual rigors like fasts, prayer and abstinence.
He died in AD 497.

D. Church Fathers after the Council of Chalcedon

The Church got divided in the council of Chalcedon. The present day western
churches (Roman Catholic and Protestant) and the Byzantine churches (Eg. Russian,
Greek, Romanian etc.) became known as Chalcedonian believers whereas the Fathers
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of the Oriental Orthodox Churches were wrongly branded as ‘Monophysites’. The
ecumenical dialogues between the two factions after 1500 years (that is after 1964)
could almost resolve the dispute. The Chalcedonian and Non-Chalcedonian believers
have acknowledged that both of them had expounded the faith of St. Cyril of
Alexandria at the Council of Chalcedon. However the fundamentals of our faith are
derived from Church Fathers who had been Non-Chalcedonian believers.

1. St. Philexenos of Mabbug (440-523): He was ordained the Metropolitan of

Mabbug in AD 485. He was a great scholar, teacher, philosopher, theologian and an
expert in Canon Law. He became a martyr in AD 523. His interpretations of the Holy
Bible are scholarly. His works include interpretations of the gospels of St. Matthew,
St. Luke and St. John, the books on ‘the Holy Trinity’, ‘the Incarnation of Jesus Christ’
and ‘On Morality.’ All his works composed in the Syriac language, are invaluable
contributions to our church and to theology.

2. St. Antimus: He was an ideal ascetic. He was consecrated the Patriarch of

Constantinople in AD 535. Many ‘Ekbos’ used in our liturgy are known after him.
He was the disciple of the famous singer Nexenthios.

3. St. Severus, Patriarch of Antioch (465-538 AD): St. Severus was a great
theological teacher who defended orthodoxy against the Chalcedonian believers.
In AD 512 he was consecrated Patriarch of Antioch. He was a great scholar and the
‘Maniso’ (Anthem) composed by him is sung at the beginning of the public celebration
of the Holy Eucharist (‘By Thy Mother’s earnest prayers’...). This hymn expounds
Orthodox theology. That is why St. Severus is praised lavishly in the fifth Diptych.
He is described as “the crown of the Syrians, the eloquent mouth, the pillar and the
doctor of the Holy Church of God as a whole, the meadow abounding in blossom,
who preached all the time that Mary was undoubtedly the God-bearer.”

4. Mar Jacob Baradaeus (500-578 AD): Mar Jacob Baradaeus was the leader of
Non-Chalcedonian believers. He always wore a coarse dress made from tattered
pieces of cloth. That is why he is called Baradaeus or “one who wears rags.” During
persecutions, he moved about in the oriental lands organizing the believers and
ordaining priests and bishops. It was by virtue of his efforts that the faith of our
Church Fathers who were condemned as ‘followers of one nature theory’ could
survive over the ages. Those who followed the teachings of Mar Jacob Baradaeus
were often mockingly called ‘Jacobites.’ Jacob was consecrated Bishop of Edessa by
Pope Theodosius I of Alexandria in Constantinople in 543 AD. He ordained about
twenty bishops and thousands of priests and deacons while living in hiding in Egypt,
Syria and Persia. He overcame the cruel persecutions of the opposing factions which
had great political influence. Jacob ordained Sergius of Tella as Patriarch of Antioch
in 544 in the place of Ephraim Patriarch of Antioch, who supported Chalcedonians
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and persecuted the non-Chalcedonians. After Sergius of Tella’s death in 547, Jacob
ordained Paul as the Patriarch of Antioch in 550.

E. The Great Poets and Ascetics of Ancient Church

We have seen that the names of Church Fathers are not listed in the chronological
order in the fifth Diptych. The eight fathers listed after Mar Jacob Baradaeus lived
from the fourth to the seventh centuries.

1. St. Ephrem of Nisibis (AD 306-373): St. Ephrem was a great saint poet in the
Syrian Orient. He has written a lot of interpretations of Biblical Passages and has
composed hundreds of hymns (‘Memras’). As a young ascetic he had attended the
Great Council of Nicea along with the metropolitan of Nisibis. He was a teacher at
the ecclesiastical school at Nisbis for about thirty eight years. This great poet is often
described as ‘the Sun of Syrians and the Column of the Church’, ‘the Harp of the
Holy Spirit’ and ‘the Prophet of Syrians.’ There ‘names’ reveal the renowned position
of St. Ephrem with Church. He was an ideal ascetic and is known as the architect of
Syriac hymnody.
2. Mar Jacob of Sarug (451-521 AD): The Syrian church has several Church Fathers
who bear the name Jacob. Mar Jacob of Nisibis known as ‘the Moses of Mesopotamia’
had participated in the Great Council of Nicea. St. Jacob of Edessa (AD 649-708) also
was a great scholar, historian and interpreter of the Bible. Mar Jacob of Sarug was
a great ascetic who composed several hymns and devotional songs. He has written
about 800 ‘memras’ (anthems) and ‘Bovoothos.’ Among his 95 extant sermons ‘The
Passion of Christ’, ‘Faith and Fortune’ and ‘Purgatory’ are well known.
3. St. Isaac of Nineveh (+AD 461): Mar Isaac, the disciple of St. Ephrem, led an
ascetic life in a mountain peak in Edessa. His writings on monastic life have been
translated into Greek, Arabic and Ethopian languages and are used by Oriental
churches. He died in AD 461.
4. Mar Balai (fifth century): He was a composer of ‘Bovoothos’ used in our liturgy.
His name is remembered along with those of Mar Jacob and Mar Ephrem. He has
written a lot of hymns expounding Orthodox faith. His other famous works include
‘The History of St. Joseph’ and ‘Farewell to Moses and Aaron.’ He was first raised as
a Cor-Episcopa and was later consecrated a bishop.
5. Mar Barsauma: This Church Father was the representative of ascetics at the second
Council of Ephesus (AD 449) and the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451). He led a life
of ascetic discipline. He used to stand and pray day and night. Because of the rigors
of his fasts he was called ‘Barsauma’ or the ‘Son of Fasting.’ He was persecuted after
the synod of Chalcedon and he died in AD 458. This Church Father is renowned for
his miracles. He was a defender of Orthodox faith, an ideal ascetic and a saint.
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6. Simeon the Stylite (AD 390-459) Simeon the Stylite was a detached ascetic. He
stood and prayed continuously on a pillar and hence is known as ‘Stylite.’ He raised
his pillar for meditation near Aleppo in Syria and lived in prayer and spiritual rigour
for forty years. When people who assembled at the foot of the pillar and distracted
him, the height of the pillar had to be raised.
7. Mar Abahai: Emperor Theodosius who ruled over the Roman Empire from AD
401 to AD 450 appointed Mar Abahai as the bishop of Nicea. He led the church for
thirty two years and distributed his paternal wealth among the poor and healed the
sick through miracles. He lived in a monastery near Merdina and died at the age of 110.

F. Church Fathers of the Modern Age

The three Church Fathers proclaimed saints by Malankara Church in the twentieth
century are commemorated at the end of the fifth Diptych.
1. Yeldo Mar Baselius (+1685 AD): He was born in Kudaid Village in Mesopotamia
and was consecrated Maphrian of the East in 1662 AD. He visited Malankara Church
in 1685 AD and reached Kothamangalam. This Church Father was a very old man
when he reached Malankara. He passed away on the thirteenth day of his arrival.
His mortal remains are entombed in Mar Thomman Cheriya Palli Kothamangalam.
He is a saint of miraculous powers and several people in this region give the names
‘Yeldo’ or ‘Basil’ to their children in commemoration of this saint. He was canonized
on November 2, 1947 by the Malankara Orthodox Church.
2. St. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala (1848-1902): He is the first
official canonized saint in the Malankara Church. He was born in Chathuruthy family
of Mulanthuruthy. Later he was consecrated metropolitan of Niranam, Thumpamon
and Kollam dioceses at a very young age. Hence he was known as ‘Kochu thirumeni
of Malankara.’ He was canonized saint in 1947 along with Yeldo Mar Baselius.
3. St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius of Vattasseril (1858-1934): He was born in
Vattasseril family in Mallappally and was a disciple of St. Gregorios of Parumala. He
had versatile in church history, Syriac language and doctrines of faith. His book ‘The
Essence of Religious Instruction’ makes a comprehensive description of the faith of
our church. This Church Father could liberate Malankara Church from the yoke of
Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch. St. Dionysius is the architect of the Malankara
Catholicate and the Church Constitution (1934). He is laid to rest in the Old Seminary,
Kottayam. He was canonized in 2003.
In short, the Church Fathers commemorated in the Fifth Diptych belongs to
Universal Christian Church and they are architects of faith of the Church. Some of
the great Church Fathers who are not included in this list are Moses Bar Kepha and
Dionysius Bar Sleebi As we commemorate these Church Fathers let us try to emulate
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their life they “maintained and delivered and entrusted to us the one Apostolic and
uncorrupt faith.”

Hymn
(Orthodukso vishvasam….)
Come and let us celebrate
For the holy Fathers, feast;
Who the limits did define
Of the faith that’s orthodox:-
Fiery Saint Ignatius
Thevologos, sea of knowledge great,
Cyril, Saint of fountain sweet
Chrysostom Ivanius
And Baselius
The exalted Gregory
Dioscorus and Clement
Philoxenos and gracious good (Thomas)

Let Us Pray
O Lord Jesus Christ, bless us to commemorate the saintly church Fathers
who labored to preserve the Orthodox faith taught by You. Help us to tred
through the paths they have taught and shown us in their lives. Amen.

Resolution
We would remain steadfast in the Orthodox faith taught by our Church
Fathers in braving great odds and persecutions.

Let Us Think
1. Who are the foremost defenders of Orthodox faith during the time of the synod
of Chalcedon?
2. Bring out the implications of the explanation used to describe St. Cyril of
Alexandria in the fifth Diptych.
3. What is meant by ‘Oriental Orthodox Churches?’
4. List the books authored by St. Philoxenos of Mabbug.
5. Read the description of St. Severus of Antioch given in the fifth Diptych and
conduct a discussion in the class.
6. What is meaning of the surname ‘Baradeus’?
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7. Find out a hymn composed by St. Antimus.
8. What are the five appellations of Mar Ephrem

Activities
1. Write the first lines of a ‘memra’ and ‘Bovootho’ written by Mar Ephrem.
Memra……………………………….………………………………………..
Bovootho…………………………….………………………………………..
3. Find out two hymns written by Mar Balai from the Liturgical Book of the Holy
Eucharist (Write only the first lines)
………………………………………..………………………………………..
………………………………………..………………………………………..
4. Write the meaning of the words ‘Barsauma’ and ‘Stylite.’

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St. John 11:23-27
Monday St. Matthew 10:16-23 Revelation 7:10-17
Tuesday St. Matthew 10:24-33 James 5:13-18
Wednesday St. Matthew 10:34-39 Hebrews 12:22-28
Thursday St. Matthew 10:40-42 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Friday St. Mark 9:2-8 Romans 8:18-25
Saturday Romans 8:26-30 *

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 UNIT 6
DOGMAS OF OUR FAITH
Chapter 22
The Creed of the Church-God the Father

Learning Objectives: To understand the meaning and significance of the Creed

of the Church, and confirm our faith in the Holy Trinity. To learn to recite the Creed
of the Church during all our prayers and conserve the faith of the Church.
Verse to be Memorized: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim
to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed!”
(Galatians 1:8).
Learning Aids: A chart containing the qualities of God the Father, a picture
portraying the concept of the Holy Trinity (Eg: Picture of Christ’s Baptism), the Holy
Bible, the Liturgical Book of the Holy Eucharist, and the Book of common Prayer.

Introduction
We are going to learn about the Creed of the Church. It begins with the sentence
“We believe in One True God. The Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” This
is a prayer that affirms our faith in Father, Son and the Holy Spirit as well as in the
Church. We end prayers of all Canonical Hours and the Holy Sacraments with the
recital of the Creed of the Church. In the Holy Eucharist the priest says the Creed
of the Church after blessing the censor and after censing the congregation. We are
learning the origin, significance and meaning of this Nicene Creed.

The Lesson
The Nicene Creed is recited during the prayers of Canonical hours, the Holy
Eucharist and the Holy Sacraments. Eventhough it is called the Nicene Creed, this
creed of the Church was recognized by the Church in its present form at the Great
Council of Constantinople.
The Creed of the Church is a synopsis of the essentials of Christian faith. Here
we proclaim our faith in the Triune God comprising of God the Father, God the Son
and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Church, in one baptism, in the resurrection of the dead
and in the new life in the world to come.
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 The Great Council of Nicea
There had been heresies in the Church since the New Testament period. Most
of these heresies were centered around Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is fully God and
fully human at the same time. Some heretics condemned or belittled either of these
Natures.
During the fourth century AD the heresy of Arius created great commotion in
the Church. Arius was a priest of Alexandria. He was a scholar and an orator. Arius
tried to interpret the concepts of Father, Son and the Holy Spirit in the light of his
monotheistic faith. He argued that God the Father alone is the One eternal God; and
that Son and the Holy Spirit are less in age and eternity when compared with the
Father. Arius taught that biblical passages which state that the Son was born out of
Father ages before and the Holy Spirit has proceeded from the Father are evidences
that both these persons are not equal to Father.
Arius logically stated that “If the Son is born out of Father, the Son has a
beginning and there was an age in which the Son was non-existent.” When the
differences between the followers of Arianism and those who opposed it become
sharp, Emperor Constantine convened a General Council in Nicea in AD 325 in order
to resolve the dispute. Nicea was a place in the neighbourhood of Istanbul (old name
Constantinople), the capital of present day Turkey. About 318 Church Fathers from
various provinces of the Roman Empire participated in the council.
The chief advocate of orthodoxy against Arianism was Deacon Athanasius, the
secretary of Bishop Alexander of Alexandria. Athanasius argued that the Son is equal
to God the Father in divinity, eternity and substance (essence). Athanasius took the
initiative to include the word ‘Homo Ousios’ which means “of the same substance
(essence)” in the creed of the Church. The followers of Arius was led by Bishop
Eusebius of Nicomedea. Bishop Eusebius also argued to include the word ‘Homo
Ousios’ or “of the same substance with the Father” in the creed. This was because
this word was acceptable to a faction of the followers of Arius. They interpreted that
the word “of the same substance with the Father” implies that the Son is not equal
to Father.
The first two paragraphs of the creed were drafted in the Council of Nicea. These
two paragraphs speak about God the Father and God the Son. Since the main issues
of debate in Nicea were centred around the Son’s divinity and equality with Father,
the second paragraph of the creed dealing with Lord Jesus Christ is the longest.
In the first paragraph the faith in God the Father, the One True God is affirmed.
God the Father is the source of the Holy Trinity “We believe in One True God, the
Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.”
By proclaiming the faith in one True God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven
and earth and of all things visible and invisible, the Church is affirming its faith in
one God. Father is the source of the three persons in the Holy Trinity and the basis
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of their unity. By pronouncing the name ‘Father’, the proclamation of faith regarding
the other persons in the Holy Trinity is also made.
There are only three descriptions of God the Father given in the creed of the
Church. Father is called ‘The Father Almighty’, ‘Maker’ and ‘One True God.’ This is
because God the Father is beyond human intellect and human words. However in
prayers like the ‘Promeyon’ of the Pentecost, several epithets are attributed to God
the Father. The following description of God the Father is given in the ‘Promeyon’
of the first service of the Feast of The Pentecost. “We praise the invisible Lord who is
beyond all human comprehension, thought and consciousness. He is self-originated,
self-aware and self sufficient. He is the Maker and Preserver of all things visible and
invisible. He is self originated without beginning or end and inscrutable. He is of
one Nature comprising of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit and is One True God
with single authority and single mind.”
The goal of these epithets is not to provide a cognitive knowledge regarding God.
They indicate that God is beyond our intellect and thought and is invisible. These
epithets exhort us to worship God realizing his invisible and exalted state. When we
state that we believe in One True God (in the first paragraph of the creed) we confess
that we are standing before the invisible and omnipotent God. When we confess that
God is Father, we recognize that all people are children of God and hence our brothers
and sisters. Our faith in ‘One True God, the Father Almighty’ becomes meaningful
only when we take care of and help other people.

Hymn
Three in one and One the three
Triune God is Holy One
Father, Son and Holy Ghost
One True Lord, praise unto Thee!

Let Us Pray
(This is the first part of the ‘prayer for the church’ given along with
special prayers in the Book of Common Prayer)
O omnipotent, merciful, kindhearted, patient and compassionate God, You
have sent your only Son to this world for the salvation of Your Church. Your
tender mercy and unbounded love have compelled You to do so. O God, hear
and answer our prayers. We are sinful and weak and are saved by the sacred
blood of Your only Son. Kindly remove all divisions, schisms, quarrels and
disputes caused by Satan, the adversary of all justice and goodness, in Your
church. Seal the doors of the Church with Your Holy Cross, so that the evil
schemes and designs of Satan and his hosts shall be kept out of it. Amen.

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 Resolution
We believe in the Holy Trinity. We would recite the creed of the Church
in all our prayers; and understand its meaning. We are proud of the great
tradition of the Orthodox Church.

Let Us Think
1. What are the fundamental dogmas contained in the creed of the Church?
2. Describe briefly the circumstances that led to the Great Council of Nicea.
3. What were the arguments of Athanasius against the heresy of Arius?
4. Read the ‘Promeyon-Sedra’ prayers of the First service of the Feast of the
Pentecost. Find out five epithets used to describe God the Father and write them.
5. How can we practically express our belief in one God in our Spiritual life?
6. What was the heresy of Arius?
7. In which year was the Great Council of Nicea convened?
8. Name the Church Father who argued against Arius.
9. Which parts of the creed of the church were formulated in the Council of Nicea?
10. What are the epithets used to describe God the Father?

Activities
1. Write the descriptions of God the Father given in the creed of the Church on
a card.
2. Imagine that you participated in the Great Council of Nicea. Describe the
proceedings of the council in your own words.
3. Role play the debate between Arius and St. Athanasius in the class.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * 2 Corinthians 1:1-17
Monday St. John 14:1-9 St. John 14:10-21
Tuesday St. John 10:29-39 St. John 4:1-26
Wednesday St. John 6:53-59 St. John 3:13-21
Thursday St. Matthew 5:43-48 St. Luke 22:39-46
Friday St. Matthew 6:16-18 Ephesians 4:1-10
Saturday St. Matthew 10:24-33 *
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 Chapter 23
The Creed of the Church –
Lord Jesus, the Only Begotton Son of God
Learning Objectives: To understand the meaning and significance of the second
paragraph of the creed of the Church. Let us understand the greatness of Lord Jesus
Christ, the second person of the Holy Trinity and affirm our faith in Him. Let us
recite the Creed of the Church comprehending its meaning during all our prayers.
Verse to be Memorized: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed
into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession” (Hebrews 4:14).
Learning Aids: A chart containing the adjectives that describe Lord Jesus Christ,
Pictures of various incidents in the life of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, The Liturgical
Book of the Holy Eucharist, The Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
We learned about the first part of the Creed of the church in the previous chapter.
Now look at the pictures shown by your teacher. What do you see? These are incidents
from the birth of Jesus Christ till His Crucifixion. Narrate what you know about Jesus
Christ in the class. We had been alienated from God because of our sins. Jesus Christ
Incarnated and suffered crucifixion in order to redeem us and make us children of
God. Today we learn about our faith regarding Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The Lesson
The second paragraph of the Creed is the reply of the church to the heresies
regarding Jesus Christ. The Church has encountered such heresies since the Apostolic
times (Judas Verse 4). The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ is God and man at
the same time. But some people who believed that Christ was God but did not believe
that he was human. They thought that God was too exalted to take a completely human
form. The heresy of Arius was different from this. Arius denied the Holy Trinity by
stating that God the Father alone is the True God; that Son has an origin and hence
is not equal to Father and Son’s position is inferior to that of Father.
The second paragraph of the creed is written as a reply to the heresy of Arius.
Four important statements regarding Jesus Christ are made here.
1. Jesus Christ is the only-begotten Son of God. He was begotten of the Father
before all worlds, in a manner incomprehensible to human intellect. There
was no time in which the Son was non-existent. The Son is not created. He
is equal in divinity (essence) to the Father.

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 2. Son of God is the Creator of everything. God the Father created everything
through His Son.
3. Jesus Christ incarnated for the salvation of human beings according to His
will. He was incarnate of Holy Virgin Mary. He was crucified and buried
during the reign of Pontis Pilate. He got resurrected on the third day. The
name of Pontis Pilate is mentioned in the Creed in order to show that Jesus
Christ’s death and Resurrection are historical truths. The statement that
Christ suffered and died shows that he was truly human in Nature. On the
other hand, the statement that he resurrected and ascended to heaven shows
that he was truly God.
4. Jesus Christ will come again at the end of the world for the Last judgement.
His kingdom is eternal. Here we confess our faith in the Last Judgement and
eternal life.
After Arius, a person named Appolinarius of Laodocia (present Turkey) taught
that even though Jesus Christ was fully God, He was not fully a human being. Though
Jesus Christ took the human form He did not possess a human soul. Instead, the Word
of God (Logos) resided in him. The Great Council convened in Constantinople in
381 AD declared that the teaching of Appolinarius was a heresy. In order to show
that Jesus Christ had a fully human form, the statement that ‘He became Human’
was added to the Creed.
Even though the Creed of the Church is known as the Nicene Creed, it is an
adapted and modified form of the creed which had been in use in the church of
Jerusalem. Those who received baptism in Jerusalem used to confess a similar creed
at the time of baptism. The creed formulated at Nicea contained only the first two
paragraphs of the present creed. It ended with the statement “We also believe in the
Holy Spirit.” This was followed by four sentences confounding the heresy of Arius
(Eg, the Holy Church confounds those who say that there was an age when the Son
was non-existent and that the Son is different from the Father in Nature and Essence).
But in later ages when the Creed of the Church began to be used in the liturgy, the
Church avoided the confounding words.
The practice of reciting the Creed in the Holy Eucharist was introduced by
Patriarch Peter the Fuller (+488) of the Syrian Church of Antioch. After the council
of Chalcedon (451 AD) there was a sharp division in the Eastern churches. Churches
like the Byzantine and the Latin churches supported the council. Whereas Egyptian
(Coptic) and Syrian Churches opposed it. Later the Ethiopian, Armenian and
Malankara Churches also rejected this council. Churches including the Malankara
Church reject this council because its decisions were contrary to the proclamations of
faith made in the three Ecumenical Councils of Nicea (AD 325), Constantinople (AD
381) and Ephesus (AD 431). Patriarch Peter the Fuller suggested that the creed of the
church should be recited in the Holy Eucharist in order to show that the Church clings
on to the Nicene Creed. Later the Byzantine and Latin Churches emulated this model.
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 Hymn
This hymn is recited during the Holy Eucharist on Danaha
(Christ’s baptism -January 6)
(Scaria Thanayan -Yoohanon...)
St. John, son of Zachariah
Stood upon the river bank
Came there for His baptism
Almighty Lord - of Angels
Arrived St. John to witness
And Christ for His baptism
Came in sky God the Father
To proclaim Him, “Beloved Son”
Praise to Father, formless God
And to Son the Baptizant
And to Holy Spirit who
As dove hovered over-head

Let Us Pray
O omnipotent, merciful, compassionate, patient and kind hearted God,
remember the incarnation, passion, blood and crucifixion of Your only
begotten Son and realize peace, unity and reconciliation in Your holy Church.
Wipe off all those who try to annihilate the faith, rituals, practices and laws
of the Church. Destroy all those who try to shatter the greatness, brightness
and beauty of Your Church and create divisions, debates and schisms in it.
Let Your Church be exalted and let Your Gospel reign in all its corners. Enrich
all the heads and authorities of Your Church with wisdom and strength. Let
gentiles believe in Your only begotten Son and assemble in Your Church for
worship. Amen.

Resolution
We have learned the declaration of faith regarding God the Son given in the
Creed of the Church. We would conserve this faith all our lives. We would
earnestly confess this faith in our prayers.

Let Us Think
1. Explain the circumstances that led to the formulation of the Creed of the Church.
2. Summarise in four sentences the description of Jesus Christ in the creed.
3. What are the qualities attributed to Father and Son in the Creed of the Church?

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4. Explain the circumstances that led to the inclusion of the Creed of the Church
in the Holy Eucharist.
5. Bring out the points of difference between the Oriental Orthodox churches and
the Byzantine churches.
6. List the churches that supported and opposed the council of Chalcedon.
7. Why do oriented churches oppose the council of Chalcedon?
8. What was the heresy of Arius regarding the Son of God?
9. State four cardinal truths of our faith regarding Jesus Christ.

Activities
1. Prepare a chart of the descriptions of Jesus Christ given in the Creed of the
Church.
2. The Council of Nicea was a milestone in the history of the early Church. Collect
more information about this council from history and from scholars and write
a mini project report.
3. Recite the first two paragraphs of the Creed of the Church by heart in the class.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Colossians 1:1-14
Monday Colossians 1:15-29 Colossians 2
Tuesday Colossians 3 Colossians 4
Wednesday 1 Thessalonians 1 1 Thessalonians 2
Thursday 1 Thessalonians 3 1 Thessalonians 4
Friday 1 Thessalonians 5 2 Thessalonians 1, 2
Saturday 2 Thessalonians 3 *

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 Chapter 24
The Creed of the Church – Holy Spirit,
the Life-Giver
Learning Objectives: To understand the meaning and significance of the third
and fourth paragraphs of the Creed of the Church. To understand the greatness of the
Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity and confirm ourselves in Orthodox
Faith. Let us recite the Creed of the Church understanding its meaning.
Verse to be Memorized: “God added his testimony by signs and wonders and
various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to his will”
(Hebrews 2:4).
Learning Aids: A chart containing descriptions of the Holy Spirit, a picture of
the tongues of fire on the day of the Pentecost, the Holy Bible, the Liturgical Book of
the Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.
Introduction
We learned about the first two parts of the creed of the church in the previous
lessons. What do you know about the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit leads us in all
truth. Today we learn about our faith in God the Holy Spirit and the Holy Church.

The Lesson
The third paragraph of the Creed proclaims our faith in the Holy Spirit and in
the Holy Church. The creed formulated in Nicea concluded with the statement “We
believe in the Holy Spirit” after the first two paragraphs. The parts related to the
Holy Spirit and the Holy Church were added in the Council of Constantinople in
AD 381. Macedonius, the Patriarch of Constantinople, taught that the Holy Spirit
was a creation of Father and hence not equal to Father. According to him the Holy
Spirit was lower in status than the Father and the Son. The Great Council of AD
381 was convened to proclaim the Apostolic faith against this heresy. The following
resolutions regarding the Holy Spirit were taken at the Council.
“The Holy Spirit is the Lord and the Giver of Life to everything. That means
He is the Creator, the True God and equal to Father and Son. Hence He is worthy
of being adored along with Father and Son. He proceeds from the Father (St. John
15:26) and takes from the Son. He has provided divine revelations through prophets
and apostles, that is, through the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The creed states that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and is worshipped
and glorified along with the Father and the Son.” However in the sixth century AD
the Roman Catholic (Latin) Church altered it as “proceeds from Father and the
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Son.” In Latin language the word for “from the Son” is ‘Filioque.’ The Orthodox
churches opposed the inclusion of this word in the creed. This is known as ‘Filioque
controversy.’ One of the reasons why the Byzantine (Greek) Orthodox churches
severed its fellowship in the Holy Eucharist with the Roman Catholic Church in AD
1054 is the inclusion of this word in the creed of the Church.
No one has the right to delete or add anything to the Nicene Creed, which remains
the sum and substance of the apostolic faith of the Church. If we say that the Holy
Spirit also proceeds from the Son, it will create misunderstanding regarding the Holy
Trinity. People might think that there are two sources of Origin in the Holy Trinity
and would think that the Holy Spirit is inferior to Father and Son. Moreover in the
gospels Jesus Christ describes the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of truth, which proceeds
from the Father” (St. John 15:26). Hence the world ‘Filioque’ is contrary to the gospels
and the teachings of the Church Fathers. However the Roman Catholic Church uses
this word in the creed on certain occasions.
The praise ‘Glory to Father, Son and the Holy Spirit’ used in our liturgy is a
very meaningful and significant. This praise of the Holy Trinity is a reply to Arius,
Macedonius and other heretics who challenge the faith in Holy Trinity. Through these
words of adoration the Church proclaims that the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are
equal in essence and Persons with equal divinity. A Bible passage which proclaims that
the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit are one is seen in 1 John 5:8 : “There are three that
testify in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one.”
In the beginning and end of our prayers and in the Holy Baptism we pronounce the
name of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. By doing so we are confessing their
equality and oneness.
Adoring the Father, Son ad the Holy Ghost is a tradition that exists from the New
Testament times. The community that praises in this manner is called ‘Orthodox.’
This Greek word means “praising God in the right manner.” The Holy Spirit makes
human beings good and makes them claimants for the kingdom of God. We receive
the Holy Spirit through the anointment of Holy Chrism (Mooron) during the Holy
Baptism. The Holy Spirit purifies us and resides in us through the Holy Eucharist
and sacraments. The fruit of the spirit is visible in those in whom the Holy Spirit
resides (Galatians 5:22-23).

The Holy Church

In the third paragraph of the creed we confess that “We believe in One Holy
Universal Apostolic Church.” The Holy Church is the community of believers who
have joined with Jesus Christ through the Holy Baptism. In order to indicate the depth
of relationship between the Church and Jesus Christ, the New Testament describes
the Holy Church as the ‘body of Christ’, and ‘the bride of Christ’. The Church is also
described as the ‘people of God’ and the ‘New Israel.’ During the Old Testament period

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God chose the Israelites to proclaim His love and mercy to the world. God founded
the Scriptures, offerings, practices of worship and priesthood for their sake. These
institutions were founded to worship God and live according to His will. But when
the Old Israel failed in that mission, God chose the Holy Church that is the ‘New
Israel’ to realize His purpose.
There are four descriptions given to the Church in the Creed. The Church is
Catholic (universal), Apostolic, One and Holy. The word ‘Catholic’ originates from
the Greek word ‘Catholike’. It means “with reference to the whole” and ‘comprehensive.’
The Church has spread to all continents and all tribes. Only the Orthodox Church
has the comprehensiveness and authenticity of faith. That is why it is known as the
Catholic (universal) Church. ‘Apostolic Church’ means the Church that preserves
the faith and tradition of the Apostles. Ours is the church founded by Apostle St.
Thomas. We follow the faith and tradition received from him. ‘One’ church refers to
the Church founded by Jesus Christ. Those who follow heresies are not members of
the One Church. God alone is holy. The Church is called ‘holy church’ because it is
the body of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit resides in it.

One Baptism and Eternal Life

We confess that “We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.” This
means that baptism cannot be repeated. All apostolic churches acknowledge the holy
baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity. But the Church teaches that the baptism
administered by heretics and Reformist communities is incomplete. Those who are
baptized in those churches are received into the Orthodox fold only after anointing
them with the Holy Chrism. Orthodox church admits those who are born and got
baptized in Marthoma, CSI and Anglican churches as members in to the Orthodox
Church only after anointing them with the Holy Chrism. The Christian life does not
end with death. Resurrection and eternal life are fundamental principles of our faith.
The Creed of the church ends with the proclaimation of that hope.

Hymn
(This hymn is recited during the Evening prayers of Easter season worship)
(Modikka visudha sabhe…)
Rejoice, ye holy Church! rejoice; our Lord
On the third day-came to life-and a rose from the tomb
Sin,-He killed-by His murder; death by His death
Cherub’s lance he effaced by-lance that He suffered
Tomb’s perdition removed by His
Tomb; gave life by Resurrection
He suffered all-and effaced all our transgressions

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 Let Us Pray
(This is the special prayer for church and its priests
given in the Book of Prayer)
O, One True God comprising of Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Bless all
metropolitans and priests of our Church who pray for us and instruct us in
the word of God. Enable all their words and actions to glorify Your name.
Let You be adored from all churches, monasteries and other sacred places as
well as from the homes of all the faithful and by the faithful individually. Let
You, Son and the Holy Spirit be praised and worshipped for ever incessantly.
Amen.

Resolution
We have learned the Creed of the Church; we firmly believe in the Holy
Trinity. We would recite the creed comprehending its meaning during our
prayers.

Let Us Think
1. What changes were brought about in the Creed of the Church during the Great
Council of Constantinople?
2. Describe the ‘Filioque’ controversy briefly.
3. What are the four descriptions of the Church in the Creed?
4. Explain the meaning of the word ‘Catholic.’
5. Why do we anoint members of some other churches with Holy Chrism before
receiving them as members of our church?
6. What was the heresy regarding the Holy Spirit?
7. What is the Orthodox teaching regarding the Holy Spirit?
8. How can we prove that the Holy Trinity is the One True God?

Activities
1. Prepare a chart of the descriptions of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Church given
in the creed of the church.
2. Write the descriptions of the church on cards and keep them in your folio.
3. Learn the creed of the church by heart and recite it in the class.
4. Recite the creed during prayers understanding its meaning.

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 Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * 1 Timothy 1
Monday 1 Timothy 2 1 Timothy 3
Tuesday 1 Timothy 4 1 Timothy 5:1-16
Wednesday 1 Timothy 5:17-25 1 Timothy 6:1-10
Thursday 1 Timothy 6:11-22 2 Timothy 1
Friday 2 Timothy 2:1-13 2 Timothy 2, 3
Saturday 2 Timothy 4 *

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 UNIT 7
GREAT MEN OF GOD
Chapter 25
His Grace Alvariz Mar Yulios
Learning Objectives: To read a brief biography of Alvariz Mar Yulios. Let us try
to emulate his good examples in our lives.
Verse to be Memorized: “For he has graciously granted you the privilege not
only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well- since you are having the
same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have” (Philippians 1:29).
Learning Aids: A biography of Alvariz Mar Yulios, Church Encyclopaedia, the
Holy Bible, the Liturgical Book of the Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
Almost all of the metropolitans consecrated in the Malankara Church till date have
been Malayalees born and brought up in this Church. But we have a Metropolitan of
our Church, who was not a Malayali. He is Alvariz Mar Yulios. He is a saintly Father
of our church. Today we are to learn about him.

The Lesson
Alvariz Mar Yulios was born in an elite Roman Catholic family at Verna in Goa
on April 29, 1836. His original name was Antonio Francis Xavier Alvariz. The family
was very religious. Alvariz showed sympathy and kind-heartedness to the suffering
people. He wanted to become a priest and studied in the Roman Catholic Seminary
of Goa. Later he went to Bombay and was ordained priest in 1862 by the bishop of
Bombay, Walter Eistein. The priests of the Roman Catholic Church are often called
‘Padre.’ Padre Alvariz returned to Goa and carried on his ministry at Panchim, Goa.
Along with parish ministry he also focused on charity, education and journalism.

From Roman Catholicism to Orthodoxy

Today several people in western countries, especially Europe and America, join
the Orthodox Church. However such a trend is not seen in India. Padre Alvariz was
strongly opposed to two practices he saw around him. Firstly he was opposed to the
mechanical insistence of the Roman Catholics on rituals and practices. Secondly he
disliked the Portuguese government’s support to the Roman Catholic Church and its
opposition to everything indigenous to India. He wanted to follow right spirituality
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and right nationalism. His purity of life and sense of justice prompted him to drift
away from the Roman Catholic Church and embrace Oriental Orthodox Spirituality.
Thus he became a member of the Orthodox Church.

Consecration as Metropolitan
St. Gregorios of Parumala who came to know about the spirituality and rigorous
life of Padre Alvariz professed him a ‘Ramban’ (a monastic priest). Ramban Alvariz
was consecrated Metropolitan under the title Alvariz Mar Yulios on July 29, 1889
at Old Seminary, Kottayam. His consecration was officiated by Mar Dionysius II of
Pulikkottil, St. Gregorios of Parumala, Paulos Mar Ivanios (Later the first Catholicos
Paulos I) and Paulos Mar Athanasius of Kadavil. He was put in charge of the newly
created outside Kerala Diocese. In those days there were not many Malankara
Christians residing outside Kerala.

The Opposition of Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church did not like a Roman Catholic joining the Orthodox
Church and becoming a Metropolitan there. Moreover they did not allow him to live
and work in Goa. He had to leave Goa and he went to a place called Brahmavar in the
Kanara region of Karnataka. There he worked together with his friend Fr. Nurono.
About five thousand families left Roman Catholic Church and joined the Malankara
Orthodox Church. However the Malankara Orthodox Church could not take care
of them well and majority of these families returned to the Roman Catholic fold.
However there are about 1000 families still remaining in the Malankara Orthodox
Church in this region. They are permitted to retain their language (Konkini) and other
practices except in matters of faith. Today our church has a diocese called Brahmavar
based on the church founded by Alvariz Mar Yulios.
The Ministry of Alvariz Mar Yulios
Eventhough Alvariz Mar Yulios had to shift to Brahmavar because of the
opposition of the Roman Catholics, he did not leave his relationship with Goa and
Panchim. He opposed colonial rule and argued for the independence of the country.
He fought for Indian nationalism and independence through newspapers like the
‘Times of Goa.’ Along with that he carried on social and charity work. He became the
apostle of the poor and stood for the weak and the suffering sections of society. He
had to suffer contempt from others. He literally begged on behalf of the poor. Once
he went to a merchant for alms. The merchant contemptuously spat into his begging
bowl. He replied calmly. “Dear friend, I take the spit as my share. Now give something
for the sake of the destitute.” This incident brought a great change in the merchant.
He became a supporter of the Metropolitan. Like Jesus Christ, the Metropolitan led
a simple life and underwent a lot of suffering. His biographer Dr. Carmo Azevedo,
who was convinced of his patriotism and renunciation gave the title ‘Patriot and
Saint’ to his biography.
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 The Roman Catholic Church and the Portuguese government persecuted him
because of his work. They prohibited him from wearing a Metropolitan’s vestments.
He was physically tortured and put in jail several times. Like the martyrs of the Early
Church, he suffered a lot physically and mentally. But he remained firm in his work
and was never tired.
He never forsook the Malankara Orthodox Church which he had joined, with a lot
of conviction. The Roman Catholics had calculated that persecutions would bring him
back of the Roman Catholic fold. But their designs didn’t succeed. However because
of the circumstances prevailing in those days, the Church in Kerala could not offer
him much support. He passed away on September 23, 1923. Even though the Roman
Catholic Church discarded him, the general public didn’t neglect his contributions.
His funeral at St. Ines Cemetery of Panchim muncipality was attended by elites like
the representative of Governor General, and Chief Justice.

From Oblivion to the Lime Light

Alvariz Mar Yulios was not remembered by many for about 44 years from 1923
to 1967. In 1967 Mathews Mar Athanasius, Metropolitan of outside Kerala Diocese
(Later Catholicos Mathews I) visited his tomb and tried to reclaim his relic. These
efforts bore fruit. On October 5, 1979 his relics were removed to a newly built church
at Ribandar. St. Mary’s Church, Panchim, Ribandar was proclaimed a pilgrim centre.
Every year on September 23, the Commemoration Feast of this Metropolitan is
observed. Hundreds of pilgrims come to his tomb seeking his intercession.
If we are asked to name a Church Father who has been persecuted for the sake
of Malankara Church, the first name that comes to our mind is that of the saintly
Alvariz Mar Yulios. After the Coonen Cross oath in 1653, Malankara Church was
administrated by Marthoma Metropolitans. Among them Marthoma V face many
persecutions from Dutch. Alvariz Mar Yulios suffered for the sake persecutions of
Orthodoxy, for destitutes and for the freedom of the nation. Indeed he parttook of the
passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence he would live in those who love Jesus Christ.

Hymn
(This hymn is recited after the Evangelion during the Holy Eucharist on the day of
commemorating the saints)
(Mar Yulios Siddha Bhagyam…)
Alvariz Mar Yulios -“Bliss to You” -says the Church,
“You will attain heavenly bliss-Jesus has promised”
Bliss since you have-eschewed the mortal world
Bliss since you have-embraced Lord Jesus
Blessed is the hour when-Lord Jesus calls us
“Come and inherit the world-of Eternal Life”
Haleluiah-Let your prayer guard us.
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 Let Us Pray
(This prayer is recited along with the Matins on the Sunday commemorating the priests)
O Lord Jesus Christ, our priests have borne Your yoke, loved truth and
laboured all their lives in the Holy of Holies when they had been alive. Let
these priests have their faces illuminated on the Day of Resurrection and let
them rejoice with You in Your bridal chamber. Barekmor.

Resolution
We would emulate in our lives the good examples Mar Yulios has shown us.
We would try to lead a simple life of renunciation.

Let Us Think
1. What were the areas where Alvariz Mar Yulios worked?
2. Point out an example of his suffering for the sake of the poor.
3. Why was he persecuted?
4. What did Malankara Orthodox Church do to retain his sacred memory?
5. What was his original name?
6. How does he differ in background from other Metropolitans of Malankara?
7. What are the fields in which he worked along with his parish ministry?
8. Why did Padre Alvariz join the Orthodox Church?
9. Who professed him Ramban?
10. Where was he consecrated a Metropolitan? Who officiated in his consecration?
Activities
1. Prepare a small project on the life and work of Alvariz Mar Yulios. Collect informa-
tion about him from scholars and the biographical sketches of Church Fathers.
2. Collect pictures of Alvariz Mar Yulios.
3. Prepare a chart based on the life line of Alvariz Mar Yulios.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Titus 1:1-5
Monday Titus 1:6-9 Titus 1:10-16
Tuesday Titus 2:1-11 Titus 2:12-15
Wednesday Titus 3 Philemon 1-25
Thursday Hebrews 1 Hebrews 2
Friday Hebrews 3 Hebrews 4,5
Saturday Hebrews 6,7 *
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 Chapter 26
His Grace Pathrose Mar Osthathios
Learning Objectives: There are different ways in we can bear witness to Christ.
To about our saintly Father Pathrose Mar Osthathios who worked for the liberation
of the downtrodden sections in the society. Learn to emulate the good examples set
by him and seek refuge in his intercession.
Verse to be Memorized: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of
these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (St. Matthew 25:40).
Learning Aids: Malankara Church Encyclopedia, The Church Fathers of Malankara
(Dr. Samuel Chandanappally), The biographies of Pathrose Mar Osthathios (P. P.
Varkey and K. V. Mammen), the Holy Bible, the Liturgical Book of the Holy Eucharist,
and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is the National Church of India. However
it was counted as a high caste within the caste system of India. Hence it had great
respect in the society but failed to evangelise the lower sections of the society. But
the Gospel exhort us to make all disciples of Jesus Christ. One of our Church Fathers
came forward to evangelise the lower castes and improve their social conditions. Today
we are learning about this Church Father -Pathrose Mar Osthathios who lived and
died serving the poorest of the poor.

The Lesson
Pathrose Mar Osthathios was born at Mookkancherry house, Thrippunithura on
June 20, 1886. His original name was M. P. Peter. He was very bright in his studies and
passed matriculation exam with high rank. He observed and understood about the
society around him even when he was a student. It was a period when untouchability
of lower castes was in practice. Young M.P. Peter opposed the social system that
discriminated people on the basis of caste. He used to visit the huts of lower castes
in his neighbourhood, communicated with them, loved and cared for them. It was a
revolutionary move as none among the higher castes in those days would do so. After
his graduation and Teacher Training course, he proceeded to Serampore College for
graduate studies in theology. He was ordained deacon by St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius.
He wrote an article against untouchability in ‘Malayala Manorama’ newspaper.
During these days Deacon Peter was appointed to a post which no one in
Malankara Church had held earlier. The king of Kochi appointed him as the special
officer of a project for the upliftment of lower castes. A Christian deacon was appointed
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to this post because his interest and sincerity in this field had been acknowledged. He
worked with the high officials of the government. As a result several children from
the lower castes joined schools for their education. The deacon tried hard to create
awareness against untouchability through his letters and speeches. The deacon also
joined the famous Vaikom Sathyagraha and took the leadership of the movement.
There had been very few priests who worked for the general public in this manner.
As a Priest and a Metropolitan
The first students conference held at Balikamadom School, Thiruvalla in 1908
changed the course of his life. The devotional took on ‘God’s calling’ by Fr. Gomes
moved M. P. Peter to tears. He decided to become an ascetic and serve the church
and society. He was ordained priest in 1926. In 1947 he was professed a ‘Ramban’
and on May 15, 1953 he was consecrated a Metropolitan. He was a missionary
bishop in the true sense of the term. He became the first metropolitan of the vast
and underdeveloped diocese of Malabar. He went with his message of the Gospel not
only to Malabar but to various corners of the country. His eventful life came to an
end at the age of 82. He passed away on February 2, 1968. His mortal remains were
interred in Carmel Dayara, Mulanthuruthy, the headquarters of Servants of the Cross
Society he had founded.
Servants of the Cross
In 1924 Deacon Peter founded the missionary society called ‘Servants of the
Cross.’ His evangelical work was unique and quite different from those of the western
missionaries. Like Lord Jesus Christ he empathized with people and their social
circumstances especially with those living in the lower strata of the society. The lower
classes lived in darkness in those days. They were illiterate, and lived in huts amidst
a lot of superstitions and evil practices. He travelled around in public transport
vehicles and on foot. People collected money to buy him a car, but he spent it on the
missionary work. He used scrolls containing bible stories, wick-lantern, and metal-
clapper for his evangelical work. He disregarded rain and cold, went from hut to hut
of the poor, sat on the bamboo mats laid on the floor and talked about Jesus Christ
and His gospels. His simple life of renunciation was in itself a great witness.
Through him, about 22700 people joined the church. All of them belonged to
lower caste. Unfortunately the other members of our Church could not see them as
brothers. Caste divisions were manifested even within the Church. Hence majority
of these new converts relapsed to their former faith. Others continue as members of
our Church even today. The ‘Servants of the Cross’ Society founded by H. G. Pathrose
Mar Osthathios functions even today looking after the spiritual and social welfare
of the depressed classes. Mar Osthathios has given us a perfect model of evangelical
work to be carried out in India, especially to the Dalits and the oppressed. Such a
style of functioning can be adopted only by those who practice renunciation in life.
We cannot see another Church leader in the history of Malankara church who has
done so much for the poor.
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 Liturgical Language
He insisted that the liturgical language should be Malayalam. However those in
the Church leadership were not willing to give up Syriac which had been our liturgical
language for centuries. (The Syriac language belonged to the family of Aramic, the
language spoken by Jesus Christ and we had inherited it from our relationship with
Oriental Churches.) Mar Osthathios overcame the opposition of the church leaders
and got the liturgy of Holy Eucharist and other sacraments translated into Malayalam.
When times changed all became convinced that his conviction was right.

The Architect of the Malabar Diocese

Malabar had a lot of migration from South Kerala. The migrants had to struggle
against nature and wild animals and depended entirely on agriculture for their
livelihood. Most of the churches were made of bamboo stalkes and were thatched
with grass. This good shepherd walked to even remote villages in search of his migrant
flock there. His Diocese extended to all regions covered by the present dioceses of
Malabar, Bathery and Brahmavar. The foundation laid by him was later built upon
by his successor H. G. Thomas Mar Thimotheos (Later H. H. Catholicos Didimos I)
who raised the diocese of Malabar to its present heights.

Hymn
(Bah’may Bar’vo...)
Resplendent both in heav’n and earth
Is Mar Osthathios memory
Celestial hosts behold in joy
Sons of men on earth rejoice;
At thy fight the Lord hath joy
Seeing thee in trial great-
“O good soldier”, sayeth He
Come, possess the Kingdom true
Which passeth not, nor fadeth.

Let Us Pray
O Father Pathrose Mar Osthathios, intercede for us. Pray to enable us to
follow your example. We seek refuge in your prayers. Grant us your help.
Inspire us with the spirit of a missionary. Amen.

Resolution
We respect the mission work of Mar Osthathios. We would follow his good
example and seek his intercession.

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Let Us Think
1. What was the social vision of Pathrose Mar Osthathios from his young days?
2. What were his contributions to mission of the Malankara Orthodox Church?
3. What did he do to make Malayalam the language of liturgy?
4. What welfare activities did he undertake as the architect of the Diocese of Malabar?
5. Explain the unique mission style of H. G. Pathrose Mar Osthathios.
6. What was the original name of H. G. Pathrose Mar Osthathios?
7. Where was he born?
8. What do you understand by untouchability?
9. What was the special post to which Deacon Peter was appointed?
10. What kind of social work did he do in this capacity?
11. Which incident can be considered a turning point in his life?
12. Summarize his life as a priest and metropolitan.
13. Where is the tomb of H. G. Pathrose Mar Osthathios located?
14. Who founded the Servants of the Cross society?
15. What is the style of evangelism practiced by Mar Osthathios?
16. Give examples of the Metropolitan’s life of simplicity.
Activities
1. Collect more information about Servants of the Cross society and prepare a diary.
2. In a map of Kerala, mark the areas where the Metropolitan worked and converted
several people to Christianity.
3. Discuss in the class how we can make use of the mission model of the Mar
Osthathios.
4. Pray seeking the intercession of the saintly Mar Osthathios.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St. Matthew 25:31-46
Monday Hebrews 8 Hebrews 9:1-10
Tuesday Hebrews 9:11-22 Hebrews 9:23-38
Wednesday Hebrews 10:1-8 Hebrews 10:19-39
Thursday Hebrews 11:1-16 Hebrews 11:17-40
Friday Hebrews 12:1-13 Hebrews 12, 13
Saturday Hebrews 14 *

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 Chapter 27

His Grace Dr. Geevarghee Mar Osthathios –

“The Jewel of the Malankara Church”
Learning Objectives: To appreciate the life and works of the Jewel of the church,
Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios and follow the good examples he has shown us.
Let us also appreciate the charitable works of the Metropolitan and develop social
commitment.
Verse to the Memorized: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word
of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith”
(Hebrews 13:7).
Learning Aids: A picture of H. G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios, pictures
showing various incidents of his life and the institutions he founded, the Holy Bible,
the liturgical Book of the Holy Eucharist and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
H. G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios, Metropolitan of Niranam diocese who
passed away in 2012. He is laid to eternal rest in St. Paul’s Mission Centre, Mavelikkara
founded by him. The church has honoured him by adorning thing with the title ‘Jewel
of the Church’. Today we are going to learn about him.

The Lesson
Even though the Malankara Orthodox church is two thousand years old, the
title ‘Jewel of the Church’ is not given to anyone other than H. G. Dr. Geevarghese
Mar Osthasthios. This title was given so him to that the coming generations would
appreciate his contributions. He was a Church Father who never desined any awards
or recognition.

A Short Biographical Sketch

He was born on December 9,1918 as the second son of Kochu Itty of Munduvayalil
house, Cherukol, Mavelikkara and Mariamma of Iezhakkadavil. His original name
was Georgekutty. He was a member of St. John’s Orthodox Church, Pathichira. After
his primary education in Cherukol and Pathichira he completed his High School
education from Bishop Hodges School Mavelikkara. He passed Teacher Training
course and had a short stint as a teacher.
He was not born in a rich family. But his mother used to help the poor and needy
in the neighbourhood despite their meagre resources. Little Georgekutty learned

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the primary lessons of love for God and human from her. He learned the gospel of
caring for the poor from the experiences of his life much before he could assimilate
them intellectually.
It was a period when the influence of spiritual awakening had spread from
missionary and Reformist churches to the Orthodox Church. Eventhough there
were several Reformist practices unacceptable to our true faith, there were certain
good and acceptable aspects as well. One was the personal experience of Jesus Christ
and the earnest desire to confess Christ. During his young days, Georgekutty had
an experience of dedicating himself to Lord Jesus Christ. This personal dedication
became the foundation of his life. On the other hand the turning point of his life came
when he got the opportunity to undergo his education in USA. He took his degree in
theology (Bachelor of Divinity) from Leonard Theological Seminary, Jabalpur. Then
he took MA degree from Drue University, New Jersey and STM from Union Seminary,
New York. He was ordained deacon in 1948 just before he left for the USA. When he
returned after his studies, he was ordained a priest on May 10, 1956. Moreover he
was appointed a teacher at Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam.
When he went for his studies the Theological Seminary had been functioning at
M. D. Seminary Kottayam. In the years that followed he was given the administrative
responsibility of certain churches. During this period he was a fiery speaker at Bible
conventions. He was elected to be a bishop in 1965, but the consecration didn’t take
place. He was reelected in 1974 and was consecrated Metropolitan in 1975. In 1976
he assumed office as the Metropolitan of Niranam diocese. In 2005 he abdicated as
Metropolitan of the diocese of Niranam. He had been active till a few days before his
demise. He spent his days in prayer, writing and reading. He passed away on February
16, 2012 and was laid to eternal rest at St. Paul’s Chapel, Mavelikkara.
We shall describe the eventful life of this Father briefly under three heads.
1. Orthodox Theological Seminary and Theological Reflections: He taught
in the Theological Seminary for fifty six years from 1952 to 2008. Most of the
Metropolitans of the Malankara Church including H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews
III Catholicos are his disciples. His tenure as a teacher at Orthodox Theological
Seminary raised him to the level of eminent theologians of his time. He authored
several books which were acknowledged internationally. They include ‘Theology
of a Classless Society’, ‘The Sin of being Rich in a Poor World’, ‘Sharing God and
a Sharing World’ and ‘One Religion of Love.’ He developed a world view based on
the concept that ‘God is love.’ He found out that all varieties and differences can be
bridged through love. He dreamed of a world of equality founded on love of God
and justice. He tried his best to fulfil this dream through his prayers and activities.
He observed that poverty is the best manifestation of sin. All those who try to remove
poverty try to please God. At the same time he stood against opposing sin with sin.
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He participated in several international conferences organized by World Council of
Churches, Faith and Order, and International Association for Mission Studies and
shared his ideas with others.
2. St. Paul’s Mission Centre: During his studies in the USA, he was often invited to
preach in the churches there. He used the honorarium got from these places to buy
the land for St. Paul’s mission centre in 1953. But about a decade before that, in 1943,
the mission centre had started functioning in a rented building. Several people have
attended the summer school run at this mission centre during summer vacation. They
give leadership to the church in different parts of the world in various capacities as
priests, metropolitans and lay preachers. This mission centre was a second home to
the metropolitan and he spent majority of his days at this centre. It is at this centre
that the Metropolitan was laid to eternal rest.
In 1979, this centre was declared as the Mission Training Centre of the Orthodox
Church. This also functions as the central office of Mission society founded in 1952
and as the headquarters of the Mission board of the Church. In 1984 an association
for Mission Studies was founded here-National Association for Mission studies
(NAMS). Even though these movements created a stir of mission in the Malankara
Church, the dreams of the metropolitan are yet to be fully realized.
Like the priests giving leadership to church services, the lay evangelists should
reside in the region of their mission and carry on the mission work. He used to
say that our mission work should reach all villages of India. He desired for the
development of a mission oriented Orthodox Community which would serve the
poor, the lepers, the Aids victims, the illiterate, the addicts, the destitutes and the
orphans. Even though the missionaries who got their training have started activities
in various places, the dreams of the Metropolitan are not fully realized. We should
all pray, support and volunteer for a generation bearing his dreams to rise up in our
Church.
3. Puthuppady Children’s Home and St. Paul’s Monastry: The Metropolitan
founded a children’s home at Puthuppady, It was the first project to realise his
dreams. Once Father M. V. George was moved to see a child’s corpse being pecked
at by crows. He decided that orphaned children should not be let to sleep in the
streets. He thought of a remedy and God showed him the way. Manalel family
of Puthuppady donated 25 acres of land to him and the Children’s Home started
functioning here. It was in a way the beginning of the organised mission and
charity work of Malankara Orthodox Church. It can undoubtedly be stated that
the Children’s Home of Puthuppady was the inspiration for the all the works of
charity that have been founded in Malankara in the subsequent decades. He got
two disciples Fr. V. M. Thomas and Fr. K. I. Philip from Theological Seminary
to assist him in his work. Fr. Thomas lived in Puthuppady and looked after the
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children whereas Fr. Philip extended the areas of activity. Both of them were
professed Rambans later. Ramban Thomas died even before the metropolitan
passed away. Ramban Philip continued with his work and passed away in September
7, 2020. Later a monastry and a convent were established in Puthuppady. The inmates
of these institutions Metropolitans, a group of dedicated priests and ascetic priests.
All of them are today rendering to praiseworthy service in various fields of the
Church.
Other new institutions followed. A girl’s home and convent were established in
Puthuppady itself. Then Children’s Homes were established at Panayampala, and
Haripad within the Niranam diocese. This was followed by Thiruvananthapuram
Guidance Centre, Rest House, St. Thomas Children’s Home, Neyyattinkara, St. George
Girl’s Convent Pune, Children’s Village, Snehabhavan and Dayabhavan, Bangalore in
Karnataka. Also the Children’s Village in Itarsi and Children’s Home, Kottayam were
founded by Mar Osthathios.
The metropolitan also gave leadership to the rehabitation projects following
the Tsunami, earthquake and famine in places like Orissa, Lathur, Kerala, Madras,
Andamans and Ethiopia. The goal of all his activities was to spread the gospel of love
to all suffering people despite their differences in terms of caste, religion or language.
He started various projects for people suffering from diseases and heart problems,
poverty and destitution. It was under his initiative that the Sunday coming after July
3 is observed as Mission Sunday. The donations collected on that day is spent on
missionary activities. The itinerant mission organ of the church “Message of Love”
is also a brain child of the metropolitan.
Mar Osthathios was an excellent preacher, prophet of social justice, writer,
theologian, apostle of the poor, a person who led a life of simplicity, social reformer,
ardent lover of the church, one who suffered for the sake of Gospel, and a Church
Father who loved children. He could realize all these because he held Jesus Christ the
greatest joy of his life. He could reconcile incessant prayer and a life of action. His
life shall be a great example for future generations.

Let Us Pray
(This prayer is recited along with the Vespers on the Sunday
commemorating the priests)

O Jesus Christ, grant good remembrance to Your priests in heavenly Jerusalem

since they have observed Your commandments and earned Your affection
above everything. Let them parttake of the Feast of Your kingdom. Since they
have entrusted their souls with You during their lives and hour of death,
adore them with glory on the day of your Second Coming. Amen.

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 Resolution
We would follow the good examples set by Mar Osthathios. We would
participate in the mission and charity projects of the church.

Let Us Think
1. Describe briefly the childhood of H. G. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios.
2. What were the social works under taken by Mar Osthathios?
3. What are the institutions founded by Mar Osthathios?
4. What is the life’s message of Mar Osthathios?
5. What are the circumstances that led to the founding St. Paul’s Mission centre,
Mavelikkara? Describe the various stages of its development.
6. What are the institutions founded by the Metropolitan outside Kerala? Describe
them briefly.
7. What are the factors that prompted the Metropolitan to give leadership to a
number of social service projects?
8. Name the parents of H. G. Gheevarghese Mar Osthathios.
9. Where did the Metropolitan have his primary education from?
10. What were the circumstances that made him a lover of humanity?
11. What are the important contributions of the Mar Osthathios as a teacher at the
Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam?
12. Explain the circumstances that led to the establishment of St. Paul’s Mission
Centre.
13. How did the mission centre become the headquarters of missionary activities
of the church?

Activities
1. Collects pictures of H. G. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios and the institutions that
he founded. Prepare an album using the collected pictures.
2. Prepare a chart of the epithets that can be attributed to the metropolitan.
3. Write a diary entry on the topic: “Geevarghese Mar Osthathios: The Prophet of
Social Justice.”
4. Visit St. Paul’s Mission Centre, Mavelikkara. Participate in the summer camp
there during vacation.
5. Participate in mission activities of the Church.
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 Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St. James 1:1-18
Monday St. James 1:19-27 St. James 2:1-13
Tuesday St. James 2:14-26 St. James 3
Wednesday St. James 4 St. James 5
Thursday 1 Peter 1:1-12 1 Peter 1:13-25
Friday 1 Peter 2 1 Peter 3
Saturday 1 Peter 4, 5 *

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 UNIT 8
GOOD HABITS
Chapter 28
We too are Farmers

Learning Objectives: To develop a love for agriculture and interest in farming.

To evaluate the role of nature in sustaining the equilibrium of life. To resolve to love
and protect nature.
Verse to be Memorized: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden
of Eden to till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15).
Learning Aids: Pictures of farm products and a paddy field, the Holy Bible, the
liturgical Book of the Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
God has given us plants and fruit bearing trees. They contain seeds. By
cultivating these seeds and raising the plants and seeds once again, we are
participating in God’s creation. Let us look at the importance of agriculture and the
joy it generates.

The Lesson
Haven’t you seen farm lands? How pleasing is it to see the farms teem full of crops!
Once upon a time agriculture was the only means of livelihood for human beings. We
have people like teachers, doctors, engineers, clerks, self employed businessmen and
farmers. Today people are reluctant to take up agriculture. They think that working in
fields and farms is demeaning. Moreover farming is no longer a profitable job in many
parts of the world. Hence most people today aim at salaried jobs rather than going
for farming. But farm produces are essential for us to meet our food requirements.
Today most of us purchase food grains and vegetables produced in various places
at a high price. One of the reasons for this situation is people’s lack of interest in
physical labour.

The Importance of Agriculture in the Holy Bible

References to agriculture are many in the Holy Bible. Figurative usages connected
with agriculture are used to describe theological ideas. Hosea 10:12 says “Sow for
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yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love”. Prophet Isaiah compares the manner
in which God nurtured Israel, to that of a vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7). The wealth of
patriarchal fathers was accounted in terms of the number of bulls and donkeys they
possessed. Abraham had herds of cattle and sheep, donkeys, male and female servants,
and camels. Job had 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 500 Oxen, 500 female donkeys and lot
of servants.
Lord Jesus Christ has taken several images from agriculture for his parables.
Examples are the parable of the sower and the parable of the mustard seed
(St. Matthew 13:1-9, 13:31). Jesus Christ used the image of grape wine to describe the
relationship between God the Father, Jesus Christ and the disciples of Jesus Christ
(St. John 15:1-11). Look at the description made by St. Paul “I have planted. Apollos
watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Agriculture in History
In olden days our ancestors lived in an agricultural background. Most Christian
homes had farmlands and most of them raised paddy for their need. Similarly Cassava,
Yam, Pepper, Sugarcane, Coconut and plantain were also cultivated. Rubber cultivation
was not known in India in those days. The wealth of a family was assessed on the
basis of their agricultural wealth. The criteria used to assess wealth are the quantity
of rice produced or the number of coconuts produced. Do you like agriculture as a
way of life? We need to appreciate and support the labour of agriculturists and
farmers.

1. Respect for our Forefathers: Since our forefathers were farmers, farming is part
of our culture. We who so we need to have an affinity for agriculture.
2. It is a Means of Exercise: But physical labour involved in farming is really
enjoyable. When we till land, or irrigate the plants, we not only get exercise but mental
pleasure as well.
3. It Provides Clean Food: We know that several crops grown for sale are polluted
with excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. If we maintain a kitchen
garden we can produce unadulterated food materials.
4. It Enables Us to Enjoy God’s Love and Beauty: When we see a flower we do
see and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. The fragrance of flowers, the music
of the first rains and the smell of earth enable us to praise God. When the plants bear
fruit, let us praise God for his wonderful creations.
5. Laying the Land Fallow is Sin: We should make good use of God-given resources
us. When several people suffer from hunger and poverty, laying the farm land fallow
is a sin before God.
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6. It Provides an Experience of Fellowship: Agriculture provides an
experience in fellowship. When all the members of a family work together in the
farmland, it will strengthen family bonds. The sight of father tilling the land, mother
removing the weeds and the children irrigating the plants is a beautiful sight.
Eventhough the farm lands are large, the members of a family can help labourers
in farm activities. Sharing the agricultural produces is another experience of
fellowship. For example if we have horticultural crops in our farm, we can give a
portion of vegetables to our neighbours. Thus we can share a portion of our farm
products with our neighbours or dependants. This experience of sharing gives a lot
of Divine joy.
7. “You will get in the same measure as you give”: We can give your farm products
to the poor. The poor people who come to our door step seeking alms can be given
a portion of the farm yield God has given us. If we do so, God will give us greater
rewards.
8. It Enables us to Submit the First Fruits to the Church: Every church celebrates
the Feast of First Fruits. The joy of giving a portion of our own farm products as first
fruits like rice, yam, cassava, coconut, plantain or pepper is beyond words. We need
to cultivate our farms.
9. Trees Provide Us Fresh Air: Trees take in the carbon dioxide we exhale and
give out life giving oxygen. When we raise trees and plants in our courtyard, the air
around us will be clean.
10. We are Part of the Earth: God created us from earth. Our food comes entirely
from soil. After our death we return to the earth. When the trumpets of the Last
Judgment are heard we would rise up from the earth and stand before God. Hence
our life is always connected with earth. Hence we need to develop a natural affinity
with the earth.
Hereafter our farmlands should not be laid fallow. As children you should create
awareness among our friends and family members about this. When your parents go
for farm work you shall also join them. You could find time along with your studies
for worship and for doing agricultural work. Children can raise a vegetable garden
in the courtyard of your house. Vegetables can be cultivated on terraces of houses,
flower pots and plastic bags. We too are farmers, children of farmers and are part of
the earth. Let us learn to love the earth and agriculture. All these are the creation of
God.

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 Let Us Pray
(This prayer is recited while we sow seeds.
It is given in the ‘Prayer Book of Syrian Christians’ or ‘Pampakuda Namaskaram’)
O God, who blessed the farms of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and gave them
thirty sixty and hundred fold yield, bless the seeds we sow today. Fill them
with your blessings. Let them germinate and grow without any diseases and
fill our granaries with their yield after a joyful harvest. Enable us to submit to
You, Lord of everything, our offerings, and tithes from them. Amen.

Resolution
We would raise crops and prompt others to do so; for we too are farmers.

Let Us Think
1. Why are people today reluctant to engage in agriculture?
2. Find out the references to agriculture in the Holy Bible.
3. Quote verses from the New Testament to substantiate that Jesus Christ gave
importance to agriculture.
4. ‘We should love agriculture’. Why?
5. Is it right to lay the land fallow. Why?
6. How do we strengthen our relation with nature through farming?
7. Explain in the importance of agriculture?
8. Pick out the references to agriculture given in the Holy Bible.
9. What types of crops were cultivated in olden days in your country?
10. Why we should love agriculture?
11. Why do we say that we should love agriculture?
12. What is the meaning of that we are part of the earth?
13. What can you do as children to strengthen our bonds with the earth?

Activities
1. Develop a small farm in your courtyard.
2. Love and appreciate farming.
3. Conduct a discussion in the class on the importance of agricuture.
4. Inspire your friends to love and undertake farming.

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 Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * 2 Peter1:1-11
Monday 2 Peter 1:12-21 2 Peter 2
Tuesday 2 Peter 3 1 John 1
Wednesday 1 John 2 1 John 3
Thursday 1 John 4 1 John 5
Friday 2 John 3 John
Saturday The epistle of Judas *

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 Chapter 29
Responsible Use of the Media
Learning Objectives: To understand the good and bad effects of the media. Also
to understand the dangers and traps hidden in the media especially the television.
Let us use the media responsibly.
Verse to be Memorized: “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait
for you” (Psalm 25:21).
Learning Aids: A Newspaper, pictures of Radio, and Television, the Holy Bible,
the Book of the Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
The media has become an indispensible part of modern life. Media is capable
reaching out everywhere beyond the limits imposed by time and space. Media reflects
the society. But media can mislead. Hence proper awareness of the media is essential
now a days. Today we are going learn us as well how to use the media responsibly
and profitably.
The Lesson
Today media plays an important role in our lives. Many people find it difficult
to begin a day without reading the newspaper. There are different types of media.
Newspapers, magazines and other periodicals are known as print media. Radio, TV,
Computer, and Internet are electronic media. Newspapers and magazines have opened
up a new world of reading. Later the radio became helpful in giving information and
entertainment. Then movies became a popular medium. Television gave priority to
information, education and entertainment. The growth in the number of television
channels provided the means to watch whatever we wish for. Computer and internet
opened up the treasure house of knowledge and communication. At the same time
they also threw up an unhealthy world to the viewers.

The Need to Discern Right and Wrong

The media are eternal sources of knowledge. They are a blessing to knowledge
seekers. But we need to use them carefully. Newspapers, magazines, Internet and
the television help us a lot in acquiring proficiency in mother tongue and in foreign
languages. Media contribute to the cultural development of the people by reporting
the cultural programmes that happen in various parts of the world. It provides us
with news from the world.
Media also contributes to the development of various art forms. Visual media
provide the window to various art forms of the world. In this age of information
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technology, the internet is an important part of our life. Internet provides us with
information and incidents from various parts of the world. We cannot ignore this
medium today. But we should not let our emotions conquer our reasoning. We
require a strong will power to discriminate between good and evil in the media. Those
who don’t have will power will fall into the trap of evil easily. Jesus Christ warns us
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to
destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is
hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (St. Matthew 7:13, 14).
In the new world opened up by the media, there are a lot of hidden dangers of
inmoral suggestions. We should be on our guard against them. Our resolve to tred
the path of goodness shall see us through. We require earnest prayer and training for
this. Let us pray along with King David. “For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my
guilt, for it is great” (Psalm 25:11).

Ill Effects of the Media

1. It Disturbs the Family Atmosphere: Reports and ‘spicy’ stories that appear in
contemporary newspapers, magazines and social media give a distorted picture of life.
Television programmes and social media often disturb the family routine. People often
find it difficult to assemble for prayer. Television programmes and webseries dictate
the time and duration of prayer and study. There are three fundamental principles
that sustain family. They are prayer, love and fellowship. When these three dry up,
problems will crop up in the family. The family shall fix its priorities and execute them.
2. It Affects Children’s Learning Adversely: Children who learn for five hours at
school need to study on equal stint of time at home. Good students would learn their
lessons for a day that day itself. There shall be a planning for study at home. But how
can one find time for study if one watches all the programmes on the television and
play mobile and internet games all the time? We shall choose certain good programmes
including the news and show a sense of discrimination in selection of programmes.
3. Children become Addicts to Sports, Movies and Games: Is it right to spend
most part of a day watching programmes? Games and arts are for rest and relaxation
in between serious work. Usually, they becomes the main topic of discussion in offices
and schools. Addiction that neglects responsibilities is detrimental even to life and
progress. If we participate in sports, it is beneficial to the body and the mind. Instead
if we sit glued to electronic screens it will distort our body and mind.
4. It Promotes a Counter Culture in the Name of Entertainment: We get
entertainment along with information from the media. But today we witness
subversion of social values in the name of entertainment. When visuals of suicide,
murder and betrayal are repeatedly displayed on the screen, the young generation
assimilate them as natural to life. In most films and serials there are scenes of drinking
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and drug abuse. This promotes a culture of alcohol and drug consumption. Solomon,
the wise, warns us that “Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the
cup and goes down smoothly” (Proverbs 23:31).
Women are represented as sex symbols in the media. The culture of looking upon
women as commodity is being promoted in the media. When media violates the value
system, the youth should become vigilant and be on their guard.
5. Advertisements and Consumerism: The financial back up of all media is the
income got from advertisements. Advertisements are necessary to sell off products.
Certain advertisements really impress us. When we hear lies repeatedly, we tend to
believe them. Advertisers know this secret. Several advertisements are unrealistic. We
fall a prey to their influence unknowingly. Advertisements have made fast food items
and energy drinks favourite food for children. Everyone can easily be influenced. What
our favoruite heroes tell us impress us a lot. In all these cases marketing techniques
are used and people who buy accordingly will fall into a debt trap. It is indiscriminate
consumerism and expenditure beyond the means that lead atleast some people to
suicide. Only simple life and high thinking will give us satisfaction. If we want to avoid
the vicious circle of consumerism, we require firm faith and spiritual rigours. King
David teaches us “You have put gladness in my hear more than when their grain and
wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make
me lie down in safety” (Psalms 4:7-8).
6. The Use of Mobile Phones: Everyone uses mobile phones now a days. It is
the most convenient means of communication as we can use it even while we are
travelling. Mobile phones can store information as well. We should handle this
capability of mobile phones carefully. Otherwise it will create a lot of ill effects in the
society. It will create unnecessary relationships and through excessive use of mobile
phones our valuable time will be lost. Not only that modern mobile phone can give
access to a lot of immorality as well. You should pledge that you would use it with
discernment and alertness. You will find the mobile phone useful when you go on a
tour or on a journey. No one shall use it during the hour of prayer or worship. Let
us recognize that the media are very useful to us. but if we don’t use them properly
and with discrimination they are dangerous too.

Let Us Pray
This prayer is part of the “Prayer for Students” given in the Book of Common Prayer.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who summoned children to You and blessed them
affectionately, turn Your love upon us and bless us. Send Your Holy Spirit
upon us and provide us with wisdom and sense of discrimination. Enable
us to be God - fearing and acquiescent to Your Will. Help us to learn and
disseminate true knowledge. Remove from us all bad habits that hamper
useful learning. Amen.
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 Resolution
We would use mobile phone, internet and other media only for useful
purposes. We would watch only educational and infortainment programmes
on the television. We would try to make the right use of media and encourage
others to follow our example.

Let Us Think
1. Trace the development history of the media.
2. Write an note on the benefits and drawbacks of the media.
3. Explain how we can make use of the media proper and useful manner.
4. What are the uses of the internet?
5. Explain the use and abuse of the mobile and the internet.
6. What are the benefits provided by the media?
7. How can we use the media in a proper manner?
8. How do the media affect us adversely?
9. How can we overcome the ill effects of the media.

Activities
1. Find out the proper and improper of the media and prepare a table.
2. Conduct a discussion in the class on the topic, “The Proper Use of the Media.”
3. Conduct a survey among ten students in your locality who posses mobile phones;
and collect information from them regarding “The use of mobile phones in
learning” and prepare a report.

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Acts 1
Monday Acts 2 Acts 3
Tuesday Acts 4 Acts 5
Wednesday Acts 6 Acts 7
Thursday Acts 8 Acts 9
Friday Acts 10 Acts 11, 12
Saturday Acts 13, 14 *

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 Chapter 30
Teenage: The Spring Season of Life
Learning Objectives: To component the physical, mental, emotional, social and
spiritual changes that adolescent children experience. To help them to make this
period the most joyful period in life; and to hold on to our faith in God.
Verse to be Memorized: “Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your
heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and
the desire of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into
judgment” (Ecclesiastes 11:9).
Learning Aids: A chart showing the various stages of development of child into
an adult, a chart containing the characteristics of adolescence, the Holy Bible, the
liturgical Book of the Holy Eucharist, and the Book of Common Prayer.

Introduction
The age between twelve and nineteen is known as the teenage. There are various
stages in human life. They are infancy, child hood, adolescence, youthhood and old
age. Teenage is a changes in stage of life. It is called teenage because the numerals
thirteen to nineteen end in the suffix ‘teen.’ If we don’t understand the physical,
mental, social and emotional changes taking place in children of this age group,
we are likely to conferred and anxious anxieties. Today we are going to learn about
changes during teenage.
The Lesson
The biblical statement “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth”
(Ecclesiastes 12:1) is significant. What we learn in youthhood will be retained
throughout our lives. Teenage and youthhood are turning points in one’s life.
Adolescence is a period of creativity, exciting experiences and idealism. It is a stage
of ideals, about freedom, social justice and vision. Let us see changes happen to us
when we move on from childhood to adolescence.

1. Physical Growth: There is fast physical growth and development during this stage.
Physical health gives us courage to undertake any work. It is a period of physical well
being. If we have work hard during this period we can acheive many great things in life.
2. Intellectual Development: This is an age in which children attain mental
development along with physical growth. The develop an improved ability to
understand. Thoughts and knowledge grow into a world wider than that of childhood
stories. They become trained in science and technology and learn how operate
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computer, social media and internet. Thus they are capable of leaping into the world
of knowledge independently. In olden days we had only books in place of computer
and internet. However, books one important during this stage too. Hence intelligent
children enter the world of knowledge through wide reading and discriminate use
of the media. Good reading habit in an indicator of great and successful youth hood.
3. Emotional Development: Childrens emotional development has to be
acknowledge and monitored. Children are often led by their own likes and dislikes.
When children move on to adolescence they need to learn to control their emotions.
Those who haven’t attained emotional maturity will still be at the level of children.
This condition will change if their personality develops in the right direction. They will
learn to analyse their emotions rationally. As they slowly attain emotional maturity,
they learn to respond reasonably to external stimuli.
4. Social Development: The world of children will mostly be limited within one’s
family. Their social relationships are mostly limited to their the family. As they enter
into a larger society when they go to school, their socialization begins. Teenagers would
notice differences of religion, caste, faith, financial status and class status. They would
start thinking about establishing healthy social relationship. Teenagers will neither
try to stay away from society nor dissolve their identity in the society around. They
will realize their identity and will try to develop healthy social relationships, as they
grow up.
5. Spiritual Development: Spirituality which had hither to been confined to
stories and emotions assume a wider meaning during this period. Till then religious
observances had been, mostly following the elders. But when children enter the
adolescent stage, they will start analyzing critically what they learned as a child. They
will start questioning things. Thus it they also affirming their convictions. They are
able to move from subjectivity to objectivity and then their spirituality will attain
more authenticity. All great teachers, saints and wisemen developed their convictions
and decided to dedicate their lives for the world and the society during this stage.
Lord Jesus Christ began his public ministry at the age of thirty. Some people consider
the age of Thirty as the end of youthhood.
6. Development of Imagination: It is said that while old people reflect upon their
past, teenagers and youth look towards the future. Teenage is an age of vision and
imagination. Teenagers develop a lot of expectations and desires. Everything in nature
including flowers, plants, rivers, moonlight, hills and seas kindle their of imagination.
Their intense imagination often decides their future. They dream of becoming become
poets, writers, scientists, administrators, ascetics, scholars, saint or a rich men.
The Problems of Teenage
Even though teenage is the spring season of life, it is not without problems. All
should be aware of these developmental problems. When physical growth takes place
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at a rapid rate, it has mental and emotional consequences. Physical growth takes
place at a rapid rate when sexual hormones become active in the body. Then the
teenagers will become conscious of their physical looks. Those who think that they
are beautiful will try to attract the attention of others by appearing foppish. Those
who think that they are not beautiful will develop inferiority complex and will try
to keep away from others. Teenagers should try to acknowledge fully what they are
and develop self esteem.
Another problem with teenagers is comparison. They would compare themselves
with others in terms of beauty, ability, smartness or money and would start worrying.
One should try to be what one is. Unnecessary comparisons may do a lot of harm in
emotional and personality development.
Another problem faced by the young world is the mutual attraction of young men
and women. Love affairs, reading pornographic literature and seeing pornographic
pictures, and premarital sexual relationships are likely to happen during this age.
Here Christian values should guide the youth. We should not think that feeling
attracted towards opposite sex or having sexual thoughts is unhealthy sin. Excessive
guilt feelings in this regard are not needed. But if we seek to derive more pleasure
from all these, we will not be able to develop the talents given by God properly. The
youth should develop the maturity to renounce temporary pleasures for the sake of
a prosperous future.
Bad friendships during this period might, lead a teenager to liquor and drugs.
So the teenagers should be careful while selecting friends.
Even though we need not show hatred to anyone, the teenagers should follow the
advice of the Psalmist “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;but their delight is in
the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). The
bad messages given by media like TV and the internet are posing great challenges to
the world of youth today.
The youth will become strong enough to resist the temptations of evil if they
have firm reliance in God, a family atmosphere of love, disciplined spiritual habits,
good reading and good friends. Besides they should always try to do good to others.
Then the teenage would indeed be felt as the spring season of life.

Hymn
(Enne thanne sannididhiyil...)
Kindly O Lord have mercy
To submit myself to you in faith
As an offering to you.
And incense that pleases you

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 Lord let me other my mind
Body and soul all to you
As lamps shining full of light
And illumine, all around

Let Us Pray
O Lord, have mercy upon me. O merciful Father, O Truthful Son and
O Respected Holy spirit, kindly help me. O good Lord, who Created and
conserved me, forgive me my sins and bless me. Kindly turn me towards
you. Enlighten me, support me in my weaknesses. Make me worthy of Your
love Amen.

Resolution
We have understood that the various mental conflicts and emotional tensions
during teenage are useful in the growth process. We will not fall into sin.
Instead we would rely on God. We would obey and respect parents, teachers
and elders. We would follow the good examples shown by greatness.

Let Us Think
1. Describe the ‘pain of growing up’ during adolescence.
2. Explain the various growth and developmental changes that happen during
teenage.
3. “Teenage is the spring season of life.” Substantiate.
4. Suggest certain ways to face the anxieties and confusions of teenage.
5. What are the characteristics of adolescence?
6. What physical changes which happen during teenage?
7. Explain the intellectual development taking place during teenage?
8. What are the emotional changes taking place at this stage?Pause and Reflect
9. What are social changes taking place during the teenage period?
10. Explain the spiritual development during adolescence?
11. Why do we say that teenage is one of imagination?

Activities
1. Conduct a discussion on the “problems faced by teenagers.”
2. Prepare a chart of the various changes and characteristics of teenage in the format
given below.
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Sl. No. Changes Characteristics
1. Physical
2. Intellectual
3. Emotional
4. Social
5. Spiritual
6. Imaginative

Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Acts 15
Monday Acts 16 Acts 17
Tuesday Acts 18 Acts 19
Wednesday Acts 20 Acts 21
Thursday Acts 22 Acts 23
Friday Acts 24 Acts 25, 26
Saturday Acts 27, 28

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