Bro. Ciniraj Mohamed, the Malankara Church Missionary

Ciniraj Mohamed is known as Paul Ciniraj. Date of Birth: 25 May, 1954. He was born and brought up in a Muslim family named "Kochera" at Kalloor in Thiruvanandapuram, India.

Kassim Pillai, a retired Headmaster of a Higher Secondary School and an Islamic Scholar was his father. Mother was a housewife named Fatima Beevi. They belong to a priestly family of Muslim community, called "Labba family". Labba (Al-Abba) means Father, that is "Father of the Community". In Greek it is called "Abba"; also in Syriac "Labo".

Paul Ciniraj studied at Kalloor Government Upper Primary School upto 7th standard. Then Pothencode Lekshmi Vilasom High School till S.S.L.C. Took graduation from Mar Ivanios College and Post graduation from University in Trivandrum.While he was a student he involved with the activities of Gandhi Peace Foundation, Sarvodaya Mandalam, Kerala Grandhasala Sangam and Alcoholic Prohibition Movement. He was fully participated with peace march conducted by the Gandhi Peace Foundation under the leadership of Mr. C. Achutha Menon, the Chief Minister of Kerala when a communal riot was held at Vizhinjam - Poovar area in Trivandrum District..A Dalit old widow Bhargavi and her children did a Satyagraha Strike against the Government in front of Kerala Secretariate under the leadership of Ciniraj Mohamed over a year during 1978 - '79 when they were expelled from their own house at Navaikkulam by previous land owner. At last the government gave Bhargavi and family two and half acres of land at Kilimanoor and solved the problem.He used to read all kinds of religious books and was sharing its contents to others. He believed Hinduism, Christianity and other religions too alongwith Islam. He approached religious leaders of Hinduism and Christianity to learn more from them. And he made a good contact with Benedict Mar Gregorios, the Archbishop of Trivandrum, Guriu Nitya Chaitanya Yati and Muni Narayana Prasad of Narayana Gurukula, Varkala, Swami Prakasananda of Sri Ramakrishnashramam, Swami Abhedananda of Abhedashramam etc. He shared with his friends what he learned. It provoked the leaders of Kalloor Muslim Jama'ath, where he was a member. They warned against his activities first and then excommunicated from the Jama'ath. So he came out from home.

While he was out from home he had certain personal experiences and with that he approached the Catholicose of the East Baselios Marthoma Mathews I and he enrolled him to the Indian Orthodox Church as a member upon request. He studied more about the faith and liturgy about Christianity, especially Orthodx Church. Holy Episcopal Synod under the presidentship of Baselios Marthoma Mathews II declared Paul Ciniraj as "MALANKARA SABHA MISSIONARY". It was first ever in the history, a laity, who was also a converted person appointed as the Church Missionary of the Indian Orthodox Church by the Holy Episcopal Synod.On 1988 January 17 he married with Mercy Ciniraj at Devalokam Catholicate Palace, Kottayam. They have two sons Besly Ciniraj and Lesly Ciniraj and a daughter Hepzy Ciniraj. Nearby the Catholicate Palace they owned a house and sheltered.His parents, brothers and sisters visited him at his house many years after his marriage. Though he was excommunitated from Kalloor Muslim Jama'ath, he was particularly called by Imam of Kalloor Mosque by the permission of the Jama'ath Committee to attend the funeral services of his father on 2001 and mother on 2004. It was unusual and a world record that an excommunicated man from Islam was called back by the Imam and Jama'ath committee of the same mosque to attend funeral services of the parents.Ciniraj's father Kassim Pillai died on the month of Ramadan 11 of 2001. Kassim Pillai's father Pakeer Vadhyar (Pakeer Maitheen Pillai Labba) was also had been died on Ramadan 11 of 1944. Kassim Pillai's eldor brother Ahamed Pillai was also died on Ramadan 11 of 1974.Paul Ciniraj served as the President of the Baseelia Foundation, Director of the Salem Voice Ministries, Secretary of the Kaduvakkulam United Christian Committee and the Organising Secretary of the Malankara Orthodox Church Prarthanayogam. He is active for world peace, national unity and charitable works among children, poor and illiterates.

He is a well known convention speaker in entire Orthodox Church and among Indian Christians.

He has written and published many books in Malayalam. Some of the books are:-- 1. Maranavum Roopantharavum (The Death and Transfiguration), 2. Itha Ninte Amma (Behold Thy Mother), 3. Swargeeya Ayiru (The Heavenly Ore), 4. Bible Tablet and Quiz, 5. Vishudha Qur'an Quiz (Quiz from the Glorious Qur'an). He published many articles in periodicals too.

Address: Paul Ciniraj, Malankara Sabha Missionary, Devalokam, Kottayam-686038, India.

email: ciniraj@in.com

The Great Saint Parumala Gregorios' 106th Feast on Nov 2 and 3

(Paul Ciniraj, Malankara Sabha Missionary, Kottayam-686038, India)

Kottayam (India), SVM News, 6 October, 2008: The Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Syrian Church celebrates 106th memorial festival of St. Gregorios of Parumala on November 2 and 3. The whole week till November 3 is being observed as 'Pilgrimage Week'. His Holiness Mar Baselios Marthoma Didymos I, the Catholicose of the East, H.B Paulose Mar Militheos Metropolitan, the Catholicose - Designate along with all other bishops of the church and other sister churches will be leading the festival programmes.

St. Gregorios of Parumala (1848-1902) is a great saint of Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Syrian Church. He is the first proclaimed saint of the Indian Christianity. He was canonized and proclaimed as a Saint on 1947 by the Holy Episcopal Synod. Many many years of the canonization he was accepted as a saint by the people of the church and the pilgrims of his tomb through his great intercession and miraculous healing.

St. Gregorios alias Parumala Thirumeni lived on a haunted island, called Parumala, on the banks of Rivers Pampa and Achencovil in Kerala in India at the fourth quarter of the 19th century till the beginning of 20th century. He was the prophet of his time, who set moral tone for his people. Powerful like Prophet Elijah and glittering like John the Baptist, he remains the beacon and a great Saint. Still his presence is there to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ by interceding for millions upon millions of people in India and abroad.

St. Gregorious of Parumala was born on June 15, 1848 in the priestly family of "Pallithatta Thanagattu" of Chathuruthy, Mulanthuruthy, Kerala. His parents were Kochu Mathai and Mariam, who had three sons and two daughters and he was the youngest one. They called him Kochu Iypera. After the birth of Kochu Iypera, his mother Mariam died. He was baptised as Geevarghese at his home Parish, Marthoman Church Mulunthuruthy. The disciplined life of Mar Gregorios enriched by prayer and fasting helped him to commune with God from his childhood days.

He had a thorough knowledge in Theology and Syriac, which he developed through his teachers, Pallithatta Rev.Father Gheevarghese Malpan (his uncle), Konat Malpan & the Patriarchal delegate Yuyakkim Mar Koorilose. His Grace was a man of prayer and made it clear to the world that Prayer and devotion is mightier than any worldly possession. Parumala Thirumeni's short life was remarkable in many respects. After the early days of education in Syriac and theology, Kochu Iypera was ordained as decon on September 14, 1859, by palakunnathu Mathews Mar Athanasios Metropolitan. He was only ten years old at that time.

One day Malpan became seriously ill with smallpox. Deacon Geevarghese was the only one who stayed and took care of him, while all others were sent home. On the eight day Malpan died and Deacon became ill. During this time he had a vision of St. Mary in his dream, descending to console him, and exhorting him to dedicate the rest of his life to the Lord. He pledged "He would". This was a heavenly vision that enables him to become a humble servant of God. Very soon the deacon recovered.

Deacon Geevarghese continued his theological training under Konat Malpan at pampakuda.Some times later, he joined Yuyakim Mar Ivanios, the Metropolitan of Syria who was sojourning in Malankara, as private secretary as well as learning Syric from him. He was blessed with the order of 'Korooyo' at the tender age of ten by Palakunnath Mar Athnasius at the Karingachira St.George church. At the age of 18, he was elevated as 'Shamshono' and in 1865 Mar Ivanios ordained the deacon as 'Kassisso' and 'Corepiscopa' by Yuyakkim Mor Koorilose. Later he stayed at the Vettikkal Dayra and led a strict monastic life. In 1872 he was ordained as Ramban Geevarghese (Monk-Priest) by Pulikkottil Mar Dionysius.

Fr. Geevarghese ministered in Mulanthuruthy church for a time residing at Vettikkal Dayara. It was here that the future Metropolitan trained his body and mind by ascetic virtues in gaining communion with God. Today it serves as head quarters of Kandanad diocese.

Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysios Metropolitan had established the frame of a future Seminary at Parumala in the south. Mar Dionysios soon put Fr.Geevarghese in charge of training deacons in theology and Syric. Mar Dionysios raised him to the order of monks (Ramban) in 1872.

When Patriarch Ignatius Mar Peter III visited Malankara in 1875, Ramban Geevarghese served as his secretary and interpreter, and traveled with him through out Kerala. Impressed by the simplicity, sincerity, commitment, and spirituality of Geevarghese Ramban.

The Patriarch of Antioch consecrated four (4) Metropolitans at St.Thomas North Paravur church, Kerala in December 10, 1876. The youngest among them was Geevarghese Ramban and who was named Mar Gregorios. Because of his age everybody called him "Kochu Thirumeni" (Youngest Bishop). Mar Gregorios was appointed as the bishop of Niranam diocese, Kerala. He started a monastery at Parumala, Kerala.

Mar Gregorios was a man of God, who lived not according to the way of the flesh but according to the law of God. He led a virtuous and austere life, like a monk, living on frugal diet enriched by prayer and fasting.

At Parumala Seminary he led a austere life. He woke up at 4 am in the morning and prayed till 5am. He taught deacons till 7 am followed by prayer and his light breakfast. From 9 am till 11 am he taught deacons again. From 11 am to noon he took care of administrative matters and again went to prayer at noon and then to lunch. He rested till 1:30 pm and taught till 4 pm with a brief prayer in between. From 4 pm to 5:30 pm he was busy with his administrative duties. After evening prayers and supper he taught Bible to the deacons. After the complaining, at 9 pm he would let the deacons go to bed, but he would still be praying until midnight. On Wednesdays and Fridays and lenten days, he would fast till evening. Besides, he observed his own special fasts. People came from far and near to seek his blessings and paternal advises.

In his own words "Prayer brings truth, religious faith, honesty and respect among the people. "In his life time, Mar Gregorios was known for strict observance of ascetic rigorous in the footsteps of St. Antony and had gained divine powers.

Mar Gregorios had a wider acceptance among all the sections of the Syrian Church. In the earlier part of his life, Mar Gregorios spent most of his time in North Kerala. But after becoming a Metropolitan for Niranam diocese, his activities continued in the south. Until then, marriages between people staying North and South of Kerala, were not common. On the insistence of Mar Gregorios, who had a wider acceptance among the entire Syrian Christian community of Malankara, many marriages took place among these people and this resulted in having a closer cultural contact.

Four years, the Metropolitan served the diocese and was a strong defence against the reform movement. Mar Gregorios became sick when he returned from Veeyapuram Church after blessing a marriage. Even from the beginning of his illness he knew that he was in his last days. The news of illness spread all over Malankara. Although he grew weaker day by day, his face shone brighter and brighter. It was on November 2, 1902, midnight he was ready to meet his heavenly father. He left his earthly abode and flew to his heavenly eternity.

In 1947, The Holy Episcopal synod canonized and proclaimed Mar Gregorios as a Saint of the Orthodox Church. The Saint's tomb at Parumala today is a pilgrimage center. There are hundreds of instances that proved his Saintliness. Countless people receive favours and blessings through his intercession.

The growing flow of pilgrims to his tomb, several years after his demise, tells a story of a man of faith, prayer, healing, and great intercession.

October 2 - Gandhi Jayanthi is the International Day of Non-Violence

(Paul Ciniraj, Kottayam-686038, India)

New Delhi, SVM News, 28 September 2008: October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is the International Day of Non-Violence.

The decision made by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 June 2007 to observe the International Day of Non-Violence every year on 2 October – the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. This day is referred to India as Gandhi Jayanthi.

According to the United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness." The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence."

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".

The late leader's "novel mode of mass mobilization and non-violent action" brought down colonialism, strengthened the roots of popular sovereignty, of civil, political and economic rights, and greatly influenced many a freedom struggle and inspired leaders like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr., Minister Anand Sharma stated.

The UN General Assembly, "desiring to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence," invited States, UN bodies, regional and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals to commemorate the Day, including through education and public awareness.

The first ever celebration of the International day of non violence was observed in Bangkok by United Nations ESCAP. Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister for Panchayati Raj, Youth Affairs & Sports and Development of North-Eastern Region of India presided over the programme.

In January 2004, Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi had taken a proposal for an International Day of Non-Violence from a Hindi Teacher in Paris Akshay Bakaya teaching International school students in Paris to the World Social Forum in Bombay. The idea gradually attracted the interest of some leaders of India's Congress Party ("Ahimsa Finds Teen Voice", The Telegraph, Calcutta) until a Satyagraha Conference resolution in New Delhi in January 2007 initiated by Sonia Gandhi and Archbishop Desmond Tutu called upon the United Nations to adopt the idea.

Gandhiji was a proponent of non-violent civil disobedience in India's fight against the British colonial rule, which ended in 1947.

He was born on October 2, 1869 and shot dead by a Hindu nationalist in 30 January, 1948.

Mahatma Gandhi was a practitioner of non-violence and truth, and advocated that others do the same. He lived modestly in a self-sufficient residential community and wore the traditional Indian dhoti and shawl, woven with yarn he had hand spun on a charkha. He ate simple vegetarian food, and also undertook long fasts as means of both self-purification and social protest.

India's National Anthem is best in the world: UNESCO

New Delhi, SVM News, September 27, 2008: It is being said that UNESCO announces the Indian national Anthem "Jana Gana Mana ...." is the best National Anthem in the world.

Jana Gana Mana is worthy to be the best national anthem in the world.

It was written in Sanskritised Bengali, it is the first of five stanzas of a Brahmo hymn composed and scored by Nobel laureate Rebinder Nath Tagore.

It was first sung at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress, on 27 December 1911. The Constituent Assembly of India (Vol.XII, 24-1-1950) officially adopted this song as the Indian National Anthem on 24 January 1950.

The music for the current version is said to be derived from a composition for the song by Ramsing Thakur, although some dispute this.

A formal rendition of Jana Gana Mana takes about forty-eight to fifty-two seconds.

INDIA'S NATIONAL ANTHEM

*******************************************
Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jaya He
Bharata Bhagya Vidhata

Punjaba Sindhu Gujaratha Marata
Dravida Utkala Banga
Vindhya Himachala Yamuna Ganga
Ucchala Jaladhy Taranga

Tava Subha Name Jage
Tava Subha Asisa Mage
Gahe Tava Jaya Gatha

Jana Gana Mangala Dayaka Jaya He
Bharata Bhagya Vidhata

Jaya He Jaya He Jaya He
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya He
*******************************************

The English rendition of the song goes like the following:

Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people
Oh! Dispenser of India's destiny

Thy name rouses the hearts of Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Maratha,
of the Dravid, and Orissa and Bengal;
It echoes in the hills of the Vindhyas and Himalayas,
it mingles in the music of the Jamuna and the Ganges
and is chanted by the waves of the Indian sea.

They chant only thy name.
They seek only thy auspicious blessings.
They sing only the glory of thy victory.
The salvation of all people waits in thy hands.

Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people
Oh! Dispenser of India's destiny.

Victory to thee, Victory to thee, Victory to thee,
Victory, Victory, Victory, Victory to thee!.

(by Paul Ciniraj Mohamed, A humble Indian, but proud of being an Indian)

Dr. Philipose Mar Theophilos Metropolitan

(Paul Ciniraj, Kottayam-686038, India)

Dr. Philipose Mar Theophilose Metropolitan was born on 9 May 1911 as the sixth son of Korah and Mariamma of Kallupurakkal, Puthanangadi, Kottayam. He took his B.A degree from Cochin Maharaja's College. He studied M.A in St.Augustine of Canterbury in England, T.H.M in Cardiff University, UK, and D.D from Harward University in Chicago, USA.

He became as a deacon in 1929, received from Vattasseril mar Dionysius Metropolitan and anointed as a priest in 1944 by His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II, the Catholicos of the East.

On 24 August 1966, at Kolencherry His Holiness Baselios Ougen Catholicose consecrated Philipose Mar Theophilos as Metropolitan. Then he was appointed as the head of the Ankamali Diocese. Many new schools, orphanages, hospitals etc. were started by him. He laid stones for hospitals at Kothamangalam, Chalad, and Pothanicad. Self employment projects for poor and School for blind at Alwaye were some of his ambitious projects in Ankamali.

On 1979 February 1 he took over the charge of Mumbai Diocese too. He initially established his headquarters near St. Gregorios Church, Chembur in Mumbai before moving out in the year 1988 to the present headquarters at the Orthodox Church Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. This Dicocese spread over the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, a tail portain of Karnataka, Bahrain, Qatar and Suadi Arabia.

At the same year on October 5 he translated the Holy Relics of Blessed Alvares mar Julius Metropolitan from the secluded corner of St. Inez Cemetery to the St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Ribander in Goa.

Philipose Mar Theophilos was known as the Ambassador of the Malankara Orthodox Church during his life time. He served as the Principal of the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam (Old Seminary). And he was the architect of the revamped Seminary.

The Metropolitan ministered among university students as the President of the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Students Movement (MGOCSM).

Mar Theophilos was one of the one of the associated with the founding of the World Christian Council (WCC). He worked as Secretary of Faith and Order division and central committee member of the WCC. He was the first person from the rank and file of WCC to visit eastern orthodox churches, which bore fruit when those churches took WCC's membership.

Theophilos was highly honored by Eastern Orthodox churches. He was the only one special invitee to attend the selection of His Holiness Peeman Patriarch of Russian Orthodox Church. He was given a grand honor when he was invited to attend the Republic day parade of Romania as chief guest along with Romanian President and Romanian Patriarch.


Philipose mar Theophilos passed away on 28 September 1997 and was laid to rest in Thrikunnath Seminary, Aluva in Kerala.

The memorial festival of 2007 was done in Mumbai under the leadership of His Grace Thomas mar Athanasios Metropolitan of Chengannur Diocese alongwith the Mumbai Diocesan Bishop Dr. Geevergese Mar Coorilose Metropolitan. There was held a four days diocesan convention too. Orthodox Church Missionary Brother Paul Ciniraj Mohamed conveyed the messages of the Gospel as the convention speaker.

86th Memorial Celebrations of Archbishop Alvares Mar Julius

(Paul Ciniraj, Malankara Sabha Missionary)

Panaji (Goa, India), SVM News, 18 September, 2008: The 86th memorial day of the Blessed Archbishop Alvares Mar Julius is celebrating on 23 and 24 of September at Ribander St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church in Panaji in Goa in India. Geeverghese Mar Coorilos, the Bishop of Mumbai and Kolkotha Dioceses will be leading the memorial day celebrations.

There will be a Padayatra (journey on foot by a large number of people) on September 23 from the cemetery where Alvares Mar Julius was buried to the Rebinder St. Mary's Orthodox Church where his Holy Relics were shifted later. Cemetery is located around 5 miles away from the church.

Bishop Alvares was born in a pious and noble Catholic family of Verna in Goa on 29 April, 1836 as the son of Joseph Baptista Alvares and Marino Expectaco Lorenco. The boy was named "Antonio Francisco Xavier Alvares".

After completing his studies in Rachol Seminary in 1859 he left to Bombay and there he was ordained as a Catholic Priest in 1862 by Bishop Walter Estin, the Apostolic Vicar of Bombay.

Rev. Father Alvares came to Goa in 1867 and resided in Panaji. After reaching Goa, he started an orphanage and later a college. He was a known social worker, journalist and educationist. During his stay there, he published some periodicals and through this he criticized the misgivings of the Jesuit Missionaries which was a known fact at that time. On seeing these articles, Archbishop of Goa excommunicated him from the Roman Catholic Church and he was forced to leave the place due to the continuous persecution against him risen out of the vengeance. He later escaped to Travancore.

While he was in Travancore he attracted towards the Orthodox Syrian Church. He left Roman Catholic Church and joined the Orthodox Church in 1887. Because he embraced the Orthodox Church he was persecuted by the Catholic Church and the Portugese Government (Goa was ruled by the Portugese Government at that time).

He was falsely abdicated, arrested, stripped off his Episcopal vestments and taken through the street, only with his underwear, to the police lockup. There he was put in a filthy room without a bed or chair wherein the floor smelt of urine and faeces. He was also forcibly deprived off his cross and the ring, the episcopal insigne he was wearing. He was beaten and presented in the Court.

But the Government could not prove the allegations and he was acquitted. After few days he was caught again on alleged charges of high treason but this time too the Justice found him innocent. He was not allowed to use his Episcopal Vestments till his death; he used only a black robe.

With the permission of His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Peter III, he was consecrated as a Bishop by Mar Joseph Dionysius (Pulikkottil), Geevarghese Mar Gregorios (St. Gregorios of Parumala), Mar Paulose Evanios of Kandanadu and Mar Athanasios (Kadavil) at Kottayam Old Seminary on 29 July 1889.

The new Metropolitan (Archbishop) Alvares Mar Julius was given the charge of the new Mangalore and Bombay dioceses with the jurisdiction of Goa, India (excluding Malabar) and Ceylon. Later many people, particularly the disillusioned Roman Catholics from other parts of India and Ceylon joined the Orthodox Church. Under the influence of Alvares, many from the old Catholic Church of America including one Rev. J. Rene Vilatte, a French Priest also joined the Church.

He was in Ceylon for more than five years. While He was there he consecrated René Vilattee as Bishop by name Mor Timotheos in the presence of Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala on 29 May, 1892. The consecration ceremony was held at the St.Mary's Church, Colombo. The Patriarch apointed Timothi Rene Vilatee as the Archbishop of America.

Because he embraced the Orthodox Church he was excommunicated and persecuted by the Catholic Church and the Portugese Government (Goa was ruled by the Portugese Government at that time). He was falsely abdicated, arrested, stripped off his Episcopal vestments and taken through the street, only with his underwear, to the police lockup. There he was put in a filthy room without a bed or chair wherein the floor smelt of urine and faeces. He was also forcibly deprived off his cross and the ring, the episcopal insigne he was wearing. He was beaten and presented in the Court.

But the Government could not prove the allegations and he was acquitted. After few days he was caught again on alleged charges of high treason but this time too the Justice found him innocent. He was not allowed to use his Episcopal Vestments till his death; he used only a black robe.

When persecutions in Goa increased, he concentrated in Canara region of Karnataka. He along with Rev. Father Noronha worked with dedication to spread the true faith among the people along the west cost of India from Mangalore to Bombay with the main base at Brahmawar and Honawar. About 5000 families joined the Orthodox Church. There he ordained two priests namely Rev. Father Joseph Kanianthra and Rev.Father Lukose of Kannamcode and a Deacon David Kunnamkulam at Brahmawar on 15 October 1911. The Brahmawar mission remains still as a symbol of his work.

Though Portugese Government dubbed him as a traitor, later he was considered by them and by all the Goans as an 'Apostle of Charity'. He started to help the wandering beggars. During the last ten years of his life he concentrated his activities in Panaji. Lepers, T.B patients, scavengers, beggars and all other destitutes became as inmates of his home.

Since he was not having any income he was forced to beg with a bowl in his one hand and a staff in the other hand for support. One day Mar Alvares requested a shop keeper for contribution. Instead of giving money, shop keeper spat in the bowl. Without getting angry Alvares told him, "All right, I shall keep this for me. Now, give something for the poor". In that respect he was very much ahead of Mother Teresa. By seeing the dedication and determination of the Arch Bishop the shop keeper contributed generously.

Arch Bishop's last days were in Ribandar Hospital at the mercy of a charitable institution, fighting against dysentery at the old age. It was his wish to be buried by any Orthodox designates but he was specific not to have any Catholic priest for the same. He breathed his last on 23 September 1923.

Since he was a well known journalist and social worker, he had a number of friends. The citizen committee lead by the Chief Justice, arranged to give a grand funeral to this Patriot and Saint. His body was kept in state in the Municipal Hall for 24 hours to enable the people to pay homage.

All the News papers were full of articles and homage about the departed Arch Bishop. The Governor General also sent his representative to pay tribute to him. Thousands of people especially poor and beggars paid their last respects.

Funeral speeches were made by high dignitaries. The funeral procession winding all the main roads of Panaji was taken and the body was laid to rest in the secluded corner (Themmadikkuzhi) of St. Inez (Panaji) cemetery on 24 September 1923 without any funeral rites.

Archbishop Alvares Mar Julius suffered alone as forsaken by everybody; just like his own Master, Jesus. As a true Christian, Alvares Mar Julius suffered like the Disciples and Martyrs of the early Christianity. None of the Orthodox Church People were nearby the bishop or resided in Goa when he was suffering persecutions.

Four years after his death, that is on 23 September, 1927, his bones were collected by his friends and admirers, kept in a lead box, buried in the same place, laid a marble slab with the inscription "Em Memoria De Padre Antonio Francisco Xavier Alvares, Diue Foimui Humanitario Missionario E Um Grade Patriota" (Padre Alvares a great Humanitarian Missionary and a great Patriot) and erected a big Cross. This is still the biggest Cross in that Cemetery.

Then next forty long years nobody visited the grave. Nobody knew where he was buried. But a jewel could not be hidden for long. His Grace Mathews Mar Athanasios, the then Metropolitan of out side Kerala Diocese (Later, His Holiness Catholicose Baselios Marthoma Mathews I) during his visit to Goa in 1967, after a lot of enquiries, found out the Tomb.

It was a coincidence that the first Holy Qurbana (Eucharist) of Orthodox Church was conducted by His Grace in the St. Inus Church where the Late Alvares Mar Julius was laid to rest. As per his and the Panaji Orthodox Parishners' wishes, a small Church was constructed in Ribandar and the Holy Relics were translated to the Church by His Grace Dr. Philipose Mar Theophilose, the Diocesan Metropolitan of Bombay on 5 October 1979.

When the St. Mary's Church was reconstructed in the same place, the Holy Relics were shifted to the present Sepulcher which was specially made on the side of the Alter, by the Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Church His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews II on 6 October 2001.

His Holiness Mar Baselios Marthoma Didimos I, the Catholicose of the East and Malankara Metropolitan has declared the Rebinder St. Mary's Orthodox Church as a pilgrim place. A large number of people are blessed through his intercession. So many visit his Sepulcher everyday with prayers and offertory seeking blessings and favours

Hundreds of children dies in MP due to malnutrition

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh, India), SVM News, September 15, 2008: Hundreds of infants under five years of age have lost their lives due to malnutrition in four districts of Madhya Pradesh in India since May 2008.
According to a petition filed in the Supreme Court by Right to Food Campaign in Madhya Pradesh, 64 Bhil children have died of malnutrition in Satna since late April.
Similarly, Spandan Seva Samiti, which works among the Korku tribe in Khalwa block of Khandwa, has reported the deaths of 39 children in the past 45 days and nearly 100 are still undergoing treatment in various government hospitals in the district. .
The Saharia Mukti Morcha, involved with the impoverished Saharia tribe in Shivpuri and Sheopur, said 16 children had succumbed to malaria in Shivpuri and five in Sheopur within the last few days because their immunity was destroyed by severe malnutrition.
Salem Voice Ministries says that there is a large number of malnourished children in all over the state of Madhya Pradesh and hundreds of children dying each month, but no action has been taken by the government.
But the local authorities and the government have stubbornly refused to accept that the deaths were due to malnutrition, attributing them to disease instead.
Kusum Mehdele, the state minister of Women and Child Development (WCD) says the deaths were caused due to diseases like pneumonia, viral fever and diarrhoea, but not due to malnutrition.
Vijay Anand Kuril, the District Collector of Satna insisted in his reply to the commissioner appointed by the Supreme Court to investigate seven infant deaths that occurred in Satna's Uchrecha block, that these were due to heat stroke, encephalitis and food poisoning.
S. B. Singh, District Collector of Khandwa, who ordered an inquiry after reports of the death of 21 children in Khalwa block were carried in the Bhopal edition of Hindustan Times also refused to concede that they were caused by malnutrition. He was blissfully unaware that the figure had risen to 39 since the report appeared.
However, the report of a survey by a committee appointed last month by the Divisional Commissioner, Indore, did concede that some of the deaths in Khandwa could have been due to undernourishment.
"I can categorically state that Jamwati, the four-year-old child who died on Thursday in our hospital, was suffering from acute malnutrition, along with pneumonia and septicemia," added Dr Laxmi Baghel, chief medical and health officer at the Khandwa district hospital. Another doctor also said that 68 malnutritioned children had been admitted to their hospital on September 4, a single day.
The NGO's were active in the state to ensure food security to the people and have conducted the two-month long family health survey to arrive at the figure of 125 deaths due to malnutrition in just four districts of Madhya Pradesh. Survey estimates that it affects in varying degrees around 33,000 children. The reasons are no mystery - most of these children belong to abysmally poor labourer families, whose daily earnings - when they are able to find work - rarely cross Rs 50-70.

Serial attacks by Hindu radicals on seventeen churches in Karnataka.

Karnataka (India), SVM News, Septmeber 14, 2008: Hindu militants attacked at least seventeen churches in and around Mangalore in Dakshin Karnataka (South Canara) in Karntaka State in India on 14th of September during the Sunday worship service.
It was lead by different groups of 20 to 50 radicals armed with tridents and swords, saffron flags barged into the churches and praising the Orissa action against Christians and attacked the churches, pastors and believers on or before 11 am on Sunday. Many pastors and christian believers injured seriously and admitted to the hospitals.
After the black Saturday in Delhi seriel of bomb blasts on September 13, neo fascist groups of Hindu radicals have unleashed terror against Christians turning Sunday, the 14th of September as a black Sunday for Christians in Karnataka.
A house church at Shiroor, near Niragadh in Udupi District was attacked by a gang of 50 Hindu militants on Sunday at about 11 am on Sunday during the worship service. Pastor Abraham and his wife Binsy seriously injured and admitted in the hospital. The militants set fire all the vehicles parked outside. Seven other churches also attacked nearby this area and 12 christians injured.
New Life Church in Udupi attacked. Five persons admitted in the Government hospital including Samuel, a two and a half year old boy:
A house church in Mudur attacked by a mob of 20 militants. Pastor Immanuel alongwith the believers and the orphan children got injured.
A group of Hindu radicals face masked arrived on 2 jeeps with swords and attacked the prayer hall at Kayarphaduka in Belthangadi Taluk with swords and attacked. The radicals using the sword and cut the neck, hands, legs of 40 year old Pastor Christudas. The pastor was rushed to the nearest Belthangadi taluk hospital, but they did not admit him there and was asked to take him immediately to Mangalore Medical College.
New Life Church at Modunpher in Belthangadi attacked and 5 believers injured during the Konkini worship service. It was also reported that some property of the church was also damaged. The injured are admitted to the local hospital.
Pastor Gunasekaran's house at Moodabiri attacked. His wife and children fearing ran for their lives. The radicals destroyed all the furniture and household items. Pastor’s daughter noticed the car number and informed the matter to the Police and based on the information Police arrested two people from the group of attackers.
Church at Yeshwantpur in Bangalore attacked.
Blessing Assemblies of God church in Kuloor attacked. Pastor Samraj, his wife and 2 believers seriously injured and to Wenlock Government Hospital. Musical Instruments and church furnitures damaged. A gold chain of a lady attendee was snatched.
A church of South India (CSI) church at Kodical attacked and broke the window panes, PA system and furnitures.
Miligrais Catholic Church, Major statue of Mother Mary at Hemanagatta attacked. Radicals destroyed statues of the church and broke the window panes and furnitures.

Horrible Christian Persecution in Orissa in India

Pray for the Christians in Orissa. Priests, pastors brutally murdered, Bible women burnt alive, believers killed, churches demolished, houses destroyed.

Death Toll of Christians in Orissa (exact death toll remain unconfirmed)
Kandhamal -19, Barakhama - 11, Tiangia - 2, Petapanga - 1, Tikaballi - 1, Parlakhemundi - 1, Bodimunda - 1, Bakingia - 1, Bargard - 1, Padanpur - 1.

Several Christians seriously injured and missing

Churches attacked, burnt and demolished
1. Petapanga Church, 2. Mondakia Church, 3. Rotingia Catholic Church, 4. Rotingia Believers Church, 5. Rotingia Diocese Church, 7. Gimangia Believers Church, 7. Gimangia Diocese Church, 8. Madhukia Church, 9. Raikia Catholic Church, 10. Badimunda Catholic Church, 11. Badimunda Pentecostal Church, 12.Breka Catholic Church, 13.Breka Pentecostal Church, 14. Pobingia Catholic Church, 15. Srasanaanda Catholic Church, 16. Phulbani Catholic Church, 17. Betticola Catholic Church, 18. Balliguda Catholic Church, 19. Sankrakhol Catholic Church, 20. Kanjamedi Catholic Church, 21. Kanjamedi Diocese Church, 22. Kanjamedi Pentecostal Church, 23. Jugapadar Pentecostal Church, 24. Tumudiband Baptist Church, 25. Tumudiband Pentecostal Church, 26. Narayanapatna JEL Church, 27. Narayanipatna SVM Church, 28. Muniguda Catholic Church, 29. Padanpur Catholic Church, 30. Dhanpur SVM Church, 31.Tiangia Catholic Church, 32. Tiangia Baptist Church, 33. Gabindapali Catholic Church, 34. Padua Catholic Church, 35. Maliput Catholic Church, 36. Duburi Catholic Church, 37. Tiangia Pentecostal Church, 38. Modhupur Catholic Church, 39. Nilungia Catholic Church, 40. Nilungia Pentecostal Church, 41.Boipariguda Catholic Church.

Houses damaged
1. Balliguda - 72 houses, 2. Mundasahi - 18 houses, 3. Raikia - 17 houses, 4. Gumagarh - 25 houses, 5. Badimunda - 9 houses, 6. Gimangia - 3 houses, 7. Tiangia - 160 houses, 8. Beticola – l0 houses, 9. Nilungia - 15 houses, 10. Raikia - 11 houses, 11. Mondakia - 14 houses, 12. Breaka - 21 houses, 13. Bodimunda - 27 houses, 14. Rotingia - 16 houses, 15. Sankharkhole - 19 houses, 16. Tikaballi - 8 houses.

Convents attacked and damaged
1.Sankharkhole St. Joseph's Convent, 2. Pobinga St. Ann's Convent, 3. Balliguda Mt. Carmel Convent, 4. Padangi St. Ann's Convent.

Hostels attacked and damaged
1. Padangi - 2, 2. Pobigia - 2, 3. Balliguda Convent -1

Institutions attacked and damaged
1. Konjamendi Pastoral Centre, 2. Konjamendi Janavikas, 3. Paburia Poly Shree, 4. Balliguda Gramya Pragati, 5. Raikia Ajka, 6. Raikia Xavier Institute, 7. Phulbani Niswass.

Vehicles
(innumerable)

FACT SHEET OF ORISSA HAPPENINGS WITHIN LAST WEEK
(from media sources)

1. (25-08-08) Kandhamal Dist. Yesterday at 0430 to 0500 PM, around 1000 perpetrators of Sangh parivar chased and killed 4 Christians by dagger and sword on the road whose names are ; Bikram Naik(38), Dasaratha Pradhan(38), Surendra Naik (40) and another Christian brother whose name is still not reported. The deceased were trying to protect their Church when the radicals tried to fire it. Tiangia village.
2. (25-08-08) Rev. Prakash Naik's prayer house at Raikia is burnt Yesterday. Raikia
3. (25-08-08) In Mandakia, Batingia villages the whole Christian Colony are bombed and destroyed this morning. In Raikia MP Dr. R.K.Nayaks house, Joy Mandal, Bro. Das, Santosh Naik and Santanu's houses are destroyed on bombing Yesterday at 10 PM Mandakia
4. (25-08-08) In many places till now when there is no police guard, the mob is furiously moving from one Christian village to another in C. Udayagiri area right now and damaging the Christian properties. Bodimunda, Gadhaguda, Telingia, Sukananda, Gracingia, Nuasahi, Kurmingia, Mallickpadi village of G. Udayagiri are under their attack right now.
5. (25-08-08) Pastor Khyamasila Bagh of Rudaangia of Raikia has been severely attacked and all his houses are damaged today. Rudaangia
6. (25.08-08) Many Christians in (1000 +)nos. in Phiringia are fled to the forest to save their lives but there they are under starvation now. Kandhamal
7. (25-08-08) In Jeypur, Koraput 2 Churches of Pastor Choudhury have been burnt by the radicals Yesterday. In Baipariguda, Koraput A Christian social welfare institute called "SEARCH" where 150 orphans were staying, are totally ransacked Yesterday ad the Father in charge is severely beaten by them. All Christian houses and properties of the Christians at Narayanapatna, Koraput are completely destroyed Yesterday by the Bajrangies Koraput
8. (25-08-08) Believers Church (FA) Missionary Birendra Harijan (29) and his wife was kidnapped by the Bajrangies at Naka Pola, Dharmashala, Jajpur Dist Yesterday Night after having tortured and beaten. Dharmashala
9. (25-08-08) One Christian have been burnt alive along with the complete Christian colony set onto fire Yesterday night by the Hindu extremists at Papadhandi village of Nawarangapur Dist. Nawarangapur
10. (25-08-08) Loyola School at Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar is attacked & damaged Yesterday. Bhubaneswar
11. (25-08-08) The name of the lady staff carataker at Missionary Orphan Center at Khuntapalli, Padampur, Bargarh burnt alive is Rajani Majhi (29). Padampur,Bargarh.
12.ln Balliguda at Divyo Jyoti Catholic Center at Kanjamindi, A Sister namely Mina Barua has been gang raped publicly and Father Thomas after he was beaten seriously, made naked also publicly and Petrol was put over him to burn him alive through matches by the perpetrators but it was not firing due to rain in the mean time, Police arrived and rescued both of them. Baliguda
13 A village called Khuntipalli in an Orphanage at about 1230 Noon, radicals entered, ransacked and set fire to the same today where 22 orphan students were staying with a Hindu lady Caretaker naely Rajani Majhi. Around 10 students fled to the nearby forest to save their lives. Bargarh Dist
14. Other 12 students have received burnt injuries and are admitted into the hospital at Bargarh town. But the Sister Rajami Majhi was locked by the radicals inside the kitchen and she was burnt alive there by the perpetrators. Bargarh Dist
15. Two Christians namely Jaka Naik (35) and Gapana Nayak (42) were killed in Budamaha village of Raikia. Their body is lying near Abasi Kupa road for the last 24 hours. From Budamaha village 400 Christians fled to the forest. Raikia
16. Lambar Pradhan of St. Pauls Orphanage, Kalhandi Mission, Udhitnagar was seriously injured in the attack Kalhandi
17. Dahalathadi Baliguda block 3 houses and Church burnt Baliguda
18 Bhagamunda 7 houses destroyed Bhagamunda
19. A Christian Nun was reported burnt alive by a group of Vishwa Hindu Parishad mob which stormed the orphanage she ran in the district of Bargarh (Orissa). Police Superintendent Ashok Biswall has told this to news reporters. A priest who was at the orphanage was also badly hurt and is now being treated in hospital for multiple burns. Bargarh
20. A young Catholic Nun of the Cuttack Bhubaneswar diocese working Jan Vikas Kendra, the Social Service Centre at Nuagaon in Kandhamal was reportedly gang raped on 24th August 2008 by groups of Hindutva extremists before the building itself was destroyed Nuagaon
21. Fr Thomas, director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Kanjimendi, less than a kilometer away from the Social Service Centre, and another Nun were injured when the centre was attacked. They were taken to the police station in a disheveled state as the armed mob bayed for their blood. The Pastoral centre was then set afire. Kanji mendi
22. On 24th August 2008 evening lynch mobs at the block headquarters of Balliguda, in the very heart of Kancihamal district, which had seen much violence between 24th and 26th December 2007, attacked and destroyed a Presbytery, convent and hostel damaging the 300 properties over 1500 Christians fled to the forest for safety. Baliguda
23. The mobs caught hold of two boys of the Catholic hostel and tonsured their heads. Baliguda
24. 25th morning followers of the late Lakshmanananda Saraswati damaged the Catholic Church in Phulbani, the district headquarter town. Phulbani
25. Mobs attacked the Mother Teresa Brothers residence and hospital in Srasanada, destroyed once before and rebuilt two months ago, and beat up the patients. Fundamentalists have targeted Priests, religious and also the Faithful in Pobingia also. Srasandal Pobingia
26. This morning violent mobs made several attempts to enter the compounds of Catholic Church and Archbishop's house in the heart of the Capital of the State of Orissa. They could not enter because of the police presence. They threw stones at the guesthouse of Archbishop's House, damaging windows. Bhubaneswar
27. Another group of fundamentalists entered presbytery in Duburi parish, managed by the SVDs and destroyed and damaged property. Two priests of the parish are missing Duburi Parish
28. Mr. Jamaj Pariccha, Director of Gramya Pragati, is attacked and his property, vehicle etc. damaged, burnt and looted.
29. A Baptist Church in Akamra Jila in Bhubaneswar is also damaged. Bhubaneswar
30. Christian institutions like St. Arnold's School (Kalinga Bihar), AND NISWASS report some damage Kalinga
31. Boudh (Adjoining Kandhamal): Fundamentalists enter the Catholic parish church and destroy property. People are fleeing to safer places. But nothing seems safe Boudh dist
32. Catholic Fathers and Nuns' residence have been damaged. Muniguda
33. HM Sister's residence (Ainthapalli) has suffered damage. Sambalpur
34. One priest is attacked and admitted to a hospital. Padanpur
35. Catholic Church currently under attack. Madhupur
36. Small Churches: Attempted violence on small churches in various districts, including Padampur, Sambalpur near GM College, Talsera, Dangsoroda, Narayanipatara, Muniguda, Tangrapada, Phulbani, Kalingia, Tumudibandha, Raikia, Balliguda, Nuagaon, Phiringia, Khajuripara, Tikabali, G. Udayagiri, Chakapada, Daringbadi and many other areas of Kandhamal District are extremely volatile.
37. Houses attacked on forest hamlets of Balliguda, Kanjamandi Nuaguam (K.Nuaguam), Tiangia (G.Udayagiri), Padangiri, Tikabali.
38. Houses burnt even though the district is more than 300 kilometers from the place where Swami Lakshmanananda was killed. Kalahandi Dist.
39. Pastor Sikandar Singh of the Pentecostal Mission beaten up and his house burnt Bhawanipatna
40. 3 Christian shops were looted and burnt. Pastor Alok Das and Pastor I M Senapati beaten up Kharihar
41. Pastor David Diamond Pahar, Pastor Pravin Ship, Pastor Pradhan and Pastor Bank beaten up and chased away with their families. Aampani
42.Mob surrounds village to attack Christians. The government has sent forces, it is reported. Naktikani
43. Bikram Digal and Willium Digal —two believers have been detained by the Nuagaon Police. Radicals have planed knives and black masks (Naxalite gear) on them and dragged them to the police Nuagaon
44.Regional Superior Sister Suma of Congregation of Missionaries of Charities said that MC sister of were going to participate Sunday mass, on their way to the parish they were blocked on the way and some of the youth who were protesting through stones to the vehicle, the glasses of the vehicle broken, they were also protected by the public and sent back to the convent. They are safe and no injury caused them. Dharmgard
45. 10 Shops belonging to Christians ransacked and destroyed Raikia
46. 25 Christian houses burnt at Rupagaon, Christians flee into the forest to save their lives Rupagaon
47. Christians shops burnt Paburia
48. Churches razed to the ground at Adaskupa and Sulesaru Churches
49. Christians are hiding in the forests, the trauma of the Dec '07 riots are being relived. The Women and children are starving there without food and water. Armed Radicals roaming on the village roads
50. Benagaberi village Church and believers houses are burnt Benagaberi
51. Amlapada street, the radicals are destroying the Christian houses. Bro Arup Jena, Journalist PTI's Mobike has been burnt along with few others in the neighboring houses in the mid night. Phulbani
52. Church and Christian houses have been destroyed this morning. Danguli's village
53. Church and Day Care Center have been burnt this morning. Lahabadi
54. Rashimundi Church burnt this morning.
55. Christian houses completely destroyed this morning. Keredi village
56. Church and Pastor's house destroyed this morning. Kambaguda
57. Tengeda padar village Church and Christian houses totally destroyed at midnight Tikabali
58. JEL Church and two nearby prayer houses at Talsara, Tentulipada, Sundergarh have been burnt few hours just after the death of Swamiji. Dumerguda
59. At Chiplima, Pastor S.P. Muna has been severely beaten in the midnight and his Moike has been burnt. Sambalpur
60. Mission India slum Churches were attacked from this morning and the radicals were trying to destroy and on report
61. (24-08-08) One man, a handicapped believer namely Rasananda Pradhan at Rupa gaon, was burnt alive. He could not run to the forest when others rushed and saved their lives. As his two legs doesn't function, he could not run and save himself when radicals out of rampage set ablaze that whole village and 25 huts Christians houses together last midnight Kandhamal
62. (24-08-08) The radicals Hindu completely burnt two Churches called JEL Church and SVM Fellowship Church. Narayanapatna
63. (24-08-08) The VHP radicals in 1000 nos. have created havock today Koraput
64. (24-08-08) They have forcefully detained the Pastor of the JEL Church Bro. Prabhudan Pangi (76) in captive in a locked room after firing the Church and beating him very badly with some injuries. Beside that all properties of the local Christians they found there like their vehicles, cycles etc are burnt by the radicals today.
65. (24.08-08) Houses of Adv. Pravat Kumar Bidika and his brother Bhaskar Bidika have completely demolished by the Sangh Parivar radicals. Narayanapatna.
66. In Bariniput, Kaligaon and Dhanpur villages 3 Churches are on fire. The believers houses are looted there. Koraput
67. Mission School is also ransacked by the same radicals today. Bramhani gaon
68. More than 11 nos of the Christian houses are completely ransacked and two Pastor's houses were also burnt today. Phulbani
69. This afternoon a Christian leader Ananda Pradhans house was totally ransacked along with the Christian Nua Sahi was also destroyed. All the Christian houses and Churches at Balliguda are destroyed by the radicals so far. Baliguda
70. The condition of the small Christian children during these rainy and dreadful days who are hiding are very precarious since Yesterday
71. In Mandakia village of Raikia, rampant damage has been done by the perpetrators to all the Christian families living there including which Kabita's native house is also there.
72. Tormentors are ransacking and destroying their Church and houses right now. Close to that in a forest, many small children along with their mothers and parents from Christian families are hiding since Yesterday to save their lives without food and water. Among them one pregnant sister is there whose time is just approaching and they are crying before me over a mobile to rescue them from that situation. They have not carried any clothes even when they hurriedly ran away to the forest Baiballi village
73. It is also reported that some riot expert executors of BHP and VHP are coming from Gujrat to Kandhamal to give it a final shape up to their satisfaction of completely smashing, destroying, ousting and killing the Christians there. Kandhamal
74. In the remote villages like Tiangia, Patangi of G. Udayagiri and many more where there is no Police force Tormentors are destroying and burning the Christians properties house by house right now. Situation tonight will be worst as reported. G. Udayagiri
75. The radicals had attacked the Pastor of Chiplima Church of Sambalpur Dist. and had burnt his mobike. Today they went back there and destroyed the same Church. Sambalpur
76. Bagibahal village Church at Deogarh Dist. has been burnt today. Deogarh
77. Main Baptist Church has been attacked and stoned today. Sambalpur
78. Kalinga Nagar, Jajpur Dist. Catholic Church has been ransacked today.
79. A small Believers Church at BDA, Chandrasekharpur, Siyon Sramika Slum at Bhubaneswar is ransacked today. The Christian families staying in the slum are threatened to bombed tonight. Bhubaneswar
80. Catholic Church of Bhubaneswar has been attacked and stoned twice during Bandh time today. Radicals were trying to enter by force but Police guards checked them. Satyanagar
81. IPC Faith Home Church at VSS Nagar, Bhubaneswar was stoned and front door damaged by the radicals today. Bhubaneswar
82. Actions Ministries State Coordinator Rev. Sangram Singhs rented house was ransacked today in his absence and his official papers and Christian literatures were burnt out side the house. His Hindu Landlord has been threatened to remove him soon from his house otherwise they will demolish the said house.
83. Congress Party during the course o Assembly session, has brought No Confidence motion against the BJD-BJP Govt. today. The CM is busy to clear that in their favor tomorrow hence not giving any appointment to discuss with him any more about the present situation getting to worst.
84. NISWASS, the institute of M.P. Dr. Radhakanta Nayak has been totally severely ransacked. Xavier Institute has also been partially damaged in Bhubaneswar today by the Sangh Parivar extremists. Bhubaneswar
85. An Independent Church in a slum behind May fair Hotel has been burnt by the radicals today.
86. Few Missnaries in Simar village, Baghamari of Nayagarh Dist. are hiding at present as they have been chased by the radicals to be killed.
87. The AG Pastor Pratyush Kumar Bank's rented house Church has been ransacked. The Land lord has been cautioned by the radicals to remove this Pastor's family at once. Many house Church Fellowships in Jagatsinghpur Dist. have been attacked and ransacked. Jagatsinghpur
88. Mission India Missionary Matthew Lima (28) at Jaraka Mission Field o Jajpur Dist. has been severely beaten in front of his wife by the Bajrangis this evening by 0530 to 0630PM. Finally they took them saying that they are taking him to the Police Station but ultimately it was found out that he has been kidnapped
89. Father Edward Seqira of Padampur Catholic Church, Deogarh Dist. has been brutally beaten and injured, admitted into local hospital, Doctor has referred him to Burla Medical College due to the seriousness of the wounds. There is nobody with him to attend and take him there now. Deogarh
90. In Narla of Kalahandi Dist, a Christian Pastor called Lalit Pattnaik has been severely beaten up and his house ransacked today. Alok Christian, an Evangelist has fled to the forest to save his life. Kalahandi
91. William Carey School of Dr. S.N. Patro at Janla, Khurda has been attacked this afternoon. Partially damaged and 2 school Buses are also damaged by 20 Nos. of radicals today. Janla
92. In Govindapally, close to Boipariguda, protestors entered the Convent and damaged the grotto of Our Lady and the Cross of the Church yard. In the same district Fathers and Sisters in Koraput, Jeypore and Semiliguda are in hiding. Govindapaily
93. (26-08-08) Dr. Prabin Togadia stated before a Press Conference that VHP (world Hindu Council) will organize Anti Conversion Christian Rallies throughout Orissa.
94. (26-08-08) Another JEL Church at Panasa pada, Sundergarh was burnt at O400PM today. Radicals are planning and have threatened to destroy the main Church there tonight. Panasa Pada
95. (26-08-08) At present firing is going on at Barakhama in which around 6 persons are died already and 20 are injured as per Govt. report. But at actual the casualties are expected to be more. Barakhama is totally cut off from all other corners in all means. Barakhama
96. (26-08-08) A Seventh Day Pastor namely Samuel Nayak (45) at Bakingia village of Raikia block at about 0230 PM today, stood in between and did not allow around 500 radicals to enter into his Church to damage it. Then they cut his throat by a dagger and he died on the spot and after that they destroyed the Church. Raikia
97. (26-08-08) Pastor Akbar Digal(45) at Totomaha, Raikia has also been killed at sight today afternoon Raikia
98. (26-08-08) A non Christian called Sidheswar Digal is killed by the radicals also during this afternoon at Sulesaru village for the reason of giving shelter to his own Christian son in law in his house. Sulesaru, Kandhamal.
99. In Pandarani village of Loinsingha PS of Bolangir Dist, at 5 PM Yesterday Sangh Parivar radicals completely destroyed the church there.
100. In Manahira village of Bolangir Dist. the Church was totally burnt by them Yesterday evening.
101. Chichida village Church at Bargarh Dist. is burnt by the extremists. Madhupur and Sohela area of Bargarh Dist. Christians properties are totally damaged by the radicals Yesterday.
102. A Catholic Church at Sankarakhole, Kandhamal is destroyed.
102.Badimunda Christian village at G. Udayagiri, Kandhamal is totally burnt Yesterday.
103. Breka Christian village near Tikaballi is being fired just now taday.
104. In Dodingia Christian village ãlose to Balliguda, just now the Hindu Extremists are destroying and firing the christian properties. No Police force is there protect the Christians there.

Rev. Shaji Ipe, Director,
Salem Voice Ministries
salemvoice@gmail.com
shajiipe@gmail.com

The Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) spreading Gospel among Muslims and Dalits in India and the third world countries through charities, childcare and relief services in the midst of persecutions.
Contact: http://salemvoice.org/contact.html

Paul Ciniraj Resigned from the Salem Voice Ministries

Kottayam (India), SVM News, August 05, 2008: We are sad to announce that Rev. Paul Ciniraj, the esteemed founder and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries resigned from the Directorship of the SVM.

Rev. Paul Ciniraj was under treatment for "leukemia" since last January. Recently it was found that the Lord has healed him from leukemia, but he was affected by liver cirrhosis and undergoing its treatment. Doctors say cancer medication and treatments are very hard on the body and they may cure the cancer, but can create other medical issues like liver cirrhosis and other major sickness.
Paul Ciniraj Mohamed resigned from the Salem Voice Ministries at the General Body which was held during the month of April. But the General Body compelled him to withdraw the resignation and unanimously re-elected him as its Director. So he was continuing the position.
Recently he found uncomfortable in the position of directorship because of unhealthy situation, he called for a special Governing Board meeting and declared his resignation again. Then he handed over all the records to Rev. Shaji Ipe, the secretary of the SVM.

Pastor Paul Ciniraj said in the meeting, "Lord Jesus has saved me from sin and death. And Lord has chosen me for His ministry. I believe I have faithfully and truthfully done it according the Word of God by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Whenever our Lord thinks my service is enough in this world, He has to call me back at any time to be with Him. I am always ready for it".
"I never earned or gain anything worldly for my wife and children from the ministry. I hand over the ministry and all of its assests, programmes and activities to the Governing Board in which my wife or children are not the members", Paul Ciniraj continued.
"Our Lord weighs our minds and hearts. He knows all of us very well. Do not misuse His physical and economical gifts for worldly pleasures like the sons of the Prophet Samuel. Do not misuse His spiritual gifts like Ba'laam. Yet we may be reviled, persecuted and experienced all manner of evil against us falsely. Certainly It strengthen our spirituality when it comes from gentiles and outcasters. But it is very difficult to tolerate if it comes from our dear brotheren of whom we love and trust in the name of Jesus. They may be called as missionaries, pastors and evangelists. Such experiences from them will make us desperate, depress and discourage. It affect both our body and spirit".
"This so called Christians may have power of money, power of the support of foreign agencies and power of human strength which they might have bought from money or throwing them some favours and small positions; but they may not belong to God. Those are false currencies or coins. They not know what they do. The Word of God teaches that they are the enemies of the Cross of Christ. Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" (Phil 3:18-19).
"But we must careful that there are true and valuable currencies. It is indeed necessary for any transactions. That's why false currencies are spreading widely. But realise the false currencies have no value and it is to be destructed. Also handling the false currencies is a big crime. So distinguish the good and evil spirits. Our Lord allows the tares with the wheat together until the harvest. So recognise them by their fruits. Don't be cheated. Our Lord is the Burning Fire too", Pastor Paul Ciniraj continued.
"The harvest is plentiful; but the labourers are few. So our Lord asked to pray to the owner of the harvest for sending suitable labourers. In certain places, there were such a vast and beautiful harvest to reap. But unsuitable labourers got down the field and reaped some of it for their own use (not for the Lord) and destructed the rest of the harvest and soil became hard by their feet and made the fields desert. Even no more cultivation is possible. Then how can we reap? India is a best example for it. 60% of the land of the Kingdom of Israel is desert. It is not too far those desert lands can be formed as gardens. It can be possible by culturing the sea-water and make it flow to the desert lands.
The Bride Church of our Lord is called as the Israel of the New Covenent. Certainly still there are plenty of harvest to reap, but not full of harvest. Harvest must be reaped. But at the same time 60% of the New Covenant Israel also keep going on desert land. We have to sow the seed. Before sowing the seed, the land must be plouged and watered. Water must be coming from the sea as cultured, useful drinking water.
Sea water is salty and it is the synonym of sin. The religions of Muslims, Hindus, Budhists, Communists, Nominal Christians etc.around us are great oceans. By our deep faith and prayer we can culture the salty oceanic water which is sins of this world by the precious blood of Jesus and make it flow to the desert minded hearts and plough it by our loving deeds and dedicated services by the Holy Spirit and sow the seed of the Word of God. The Kingdom of God is not barren. There is no desert. There is no sea. It is the tabernacle of God with HIS Bride and He will be dwelling among us. For that we have to serve the Lord. He is not a Godly labourer, if a person comes for harvest without thinking of how such a desert land makes plenty of harvest. So sow with tears and reap with cheers," Rev. Paul Ciniraj added in the meeting.

Paul Ciniraj was a Muslim by birth, accepted Lord Jesus as his personal saviour and converted into Christianity in his early twenties while he was studying in the university. Since last 33 years he was serving the Lord and won thousands upon thousands of souls unto the fold of Jesus Christ, especially from Muslim community. He is a prominent Gospel preacher in India. Many times he was beaten, attacked, burnt and poisoned. Still he is being threatened.
Mercy is the wife of Paul Ciniraj, a member from the Roman Catholic Church who accepted Lord Jesus as personal saviour and involving ministries with her husband. They have two sons and a daughter. Elder son Besly is a biginner student of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. Daughter Hepzy is a Bible College student as well as studying first year Degree Course. Younger son Lesly studying VIII grade in a Hih School.
Kindly pray for this family. Also pray for his good health and total healing. They have no income to maintain their family and educate their children. Due to the financial crisis, his family suffered a lot for his recent treatments too. SVM Governing Board requested him to be the Patron of the society. He did not give any reply. But we expect he will encourage us as a patron for the growth of its activities and evangelisation.

Once again we thank Paul Ciniraj and family and offer our prayers on behalf of the prayer partners and well wishers of the Salem Voice Ministries. We request his prayers and guidance again and again.

Contact Paul Ciniraj and family by email ID: mercyciniraj@gmail.com

Email ID of SVM (Salem Voice Ministries): salemvoice@gmail.com

Support SVM and its projects: http://salemvoice.org/contact.html

Indian Orthodox Bishop Thomas Mar Makarios Passes Away

(Paul Ciniraj)
London, SVM News, 23 February, 2008: Canada, UK and Europe Bishop of the Indian Orthodox Church Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios (82) died on February 23 at 11 am (Indian Time 4.30 pm) at New Castle General Hospital in London.
He was held in a serios road traffic accident on January 5 on his way to New Castle airport and was admitted in Newcastle General Hospital with critical condition.
Bishop Makarios was one of the senior bishops of Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church, residing at Episcopal Diocesan House in Buffalo in New York, USA.
The immediate arrangements are being processed to bring Bishop's dead body to India. Dr. Geeverghese Mar Coorilos, the bishop of Bombay Diocese will be arriving in New Castle to make necessary arrangements.

The funeral will be held at the specially constructed enclosure at Catholicate palace, Devalokam, Kottayam. The funeral services will be led by Catholicose Baselios Marthoma Didymos I, Catholicose designate Paulose Mar Milithios and other bishops.The funeral is expected to be delayed by a few days on account of the long procedures for autopsy of the body as per British law. Since the bishop is a US citizen and the funeral is planned in India, complicated rules also will be attendant to it.

Bishop Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios was born on May 26, 1926, the son of Mr.Chacko and Mrs. Mariamma Kuttikandathil in Kerala. He entered into the priesthood as a deacon in February 23, 1951 and ordained as a priest in 1952 by His Holiness Catholicos GeeVarghese Baselios II.

His death came on February 23, exactly at his 57th year of priesthood. Also it was 74th memorial day of St. Geeverghese Dionysius of Vattasseril.

Thomas Mar Makarios was the first vicar of the Orthodox Church in New Delhi after his ordination.

Then he studied in various religious institutions in England, Germany, Switzerland and France. He has been in the U.S since 1963 and earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Nashota House in Wisconsin, a Master's of Sacred Theology from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Theology from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond.

He returned back to India and worked as a professor of Church History at Orthodox Theological Seminary in India. Mar Makarios was consecrated as a Metropolitan by His Holiness Catholicos Ougen I in 1975. And he was appointed as the first metropolitan of Diocese of Bombay. Four years he served as bishop of Bombay.

In 1979 Mar Makarios was transferred as the metropolitan of the Diocese of America of the Indian Orthodox Church. Since 1985, he has been teaching religion at Alma College in Michigan. Although he is busy year around as senior metropolitan of his church in western hemisphere, he sets aside the time to come to Alma College.

He believes that he can help give students a deeper insight into the 'mysterious' insight of the Eastern Church. Inrecognition of Makarios' achievements and contributions to church and society, the college awarded him the degree of Doctor of Divinity Honorees Causa in 1990.

The American diocese was devided in 1992 as two dioceses by name Diocese of America and Diocese of Canada, UK and Europe. Since then he was ruling the diocese of Canada, UK and Europe as its bishop.

The family of Thomas Mar Makarios is noted for submitting themselves at the service of God through the Indian Orthodox Church. Rev K C Mathew Cor Episcopa is one of his brothers. Another brother, Lazarus Ramban is a monk. Sister Mary, one of his sisters is a nun.

Director and staff of the Salem Voice Ministries conveyed their condolences for the demise of Bishop Thomas Mar Makarios. Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) also conveyed deep condolences.

SVM News (with picture): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews295.html

Christian Preacher Dr. D.G.S. Dinakaran passes away

Chennai (India), SVM News, February 20, 2008: Popular Evangelist Dr. D.G.S Dinakaran died in Chennai at the age of 72, after a struggle with heart and kidney ailments.

He was admitted to Appollo Hospital in Chennai on January 29. The end came at 0630 hrs on Wednesday, the 20th of February. Family members were at his bedside when he breathed his last. His body was taken to his residence at Jesus Calls for public homage.

Dr.Dinakaran is the founder of the Jesus Calls Ministry.

He was Born on July 1, 1935, he had a very tough life being torn by the ailments of poverty and agony of unemployment. Unable to bear these problems, he decided to put an end to his life at his 20 years of age. On his way to throw himself in front of a speeding train, he was stopped by his uncle who introduced him to Jesus Christ. He said an immediate peace overwhelmed him, and he went home with hope and a new purpose for his life.

Then he worked at a bank and ended up becoming a top executive for the company. Yet he had a heart for ministry that compelled him to start the Jesus Calls ministry.

Later, he had a vision of the Lord Jesus appearing to him, asking him to train lay people like himself to reach the people of his nation and other parts of Asia with the good news of the Gospel through radio and television ministries. He also started other ministries related to Jesus Calls ministry, wrote books, and influenced many people in all walks of life for God.

He is also the founder of Karunya Institute of Technology in Coimbatore.

He is survived by his wife Stella Dinakaran and son Paul Dinakaran who is also a well known Christian preacher in Chennai.

Rev. Paul Ciniraj, President of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and the Director of Salem Voice Ministries conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved wife and family members

SVM News (with picture): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews294.html

Christian monastery and church vandalized in India; Priest and three inmates brutaly beaten

Narsingpur (Madhya Pradesh, India), SVM News, February 16, 2008: Sacchidananda Christian Ashram (Monastery), and Church were vandalized, and the priest, who is the head of the Ashram and three inmates were brutally beaten by a mob of radical hindus at Narsingpur in Madhya Pradesh in India on February 14, the valantine's day.

The priest and the head of the Ashram Rev. Father Anto Mundanmony and the inmates were immediately admitted at Jabalpur Hospital.

Rev. Father Verghese, an Ashram member told to Rev. Paul Ciniraj, Director of Salem Voice Ministries and SVM News Service that on thursday night, a mob of 50 activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarti Parishad (ABVP), and Bajrang Dal demolished the door of 62 year old nun's cottage and tried to attack her. At this time, the priest Father Anto and other inmates rushed to rescue her; but the attackers brutally beaten them and Father Anto and Richard Danial were thrown out on the floor.

"Few days ago, we requested the police for protection. So they appointed two constables and they were present on the scene, but just helpless onlookers. They did not even call for additional police force to prevent the attack", Pastor Verghese said.

Sacchidananda Ashram was entrusted in 1986 . Its activities are Dialogue with different traditions and cultures, Inculturation of lifestyle and worship models, Promotion of Indian Christian Spirituality and Theology, Healing ministry through prayer, Counselling, Herbal medicine, Acupressure treatment and Yoga Therapy, Yoga Sadhana, Silence and contemplation for expansion of awareness, wholeness and harmony. Courses on Indian Christian Spirituality, Yoga for holistic life, Yoga for physical and mental health. But the attackers accuse that the ashram involves converting people to Christianity.

Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries condemned the attack towards Narsingpur Sacchidanda Ashram and its inmates.

SVM News (with pictures): http://salemvoice.org/svmnews293.html

Foreign Women Molested in Kerala on New Year Night

Cochin (Kerala, India), SVM News, January 01, 2008: Foreign female tourists were molested on New Year night in Cochin in Kerala, India.

New Year festivities turned into a nightmarish experience at the Fort Kochi beach as some revellers allegedly harassed and molested some of the female tourists. When a few resisted the youth for their unruly behaviour, the miscreants beat them up.

A huge Santa Clause image was also burnt at the beach on the same night.

Police said that some of the youngsters allegedly misbehaved with the teenaged daughter of a Swedish tourist, Christon, who had come all the way to Cochin to celebrate New Year with his family.

Another foreign woman was also allegedly molested, police authorities said to the Salem Voice Ministries (SVM) News Service.

Many of the tourists made a hurried exit from the beach after virtually being driven to tears by the revellers. "It was a real New Year 'bash'. Some of us were really running for our life. It is really sad," a woman tourist shared her bitter experience.

"We had a terrible experience when my daughter was grabbed by some men. This is really bad. We respect Indian women and expect the same from Indian men towards our ladies too," said an angry Christon. "Such behaviour would only harm the state's interests," he added.

A big posse of police personnel posted at the venue was of little help as they failed to control the miscreants.

Manoj Abraham, Cochin City Police Commissioner said, "Though the tourists have not lodged any complaint, police however, has registered a suo motu case".

An young man below 18 years old has been arrested in connection with the incident. And also the government has asked the police to keep a strict vigil at tourist destinations.

Paul Ciniraj, the president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries condemned the attack towards foreign tourists.

SVM News: http://salemvoice.org/svmnews291.html