Face of Christ (Holy Mandaylion)

The First Icon

The first icon, the MANDYLION or The Holy Napkin, sometimes called "Made without hands" is said not only to have been an authentic likeness of Christ, but one which Christ Himself willingly produced. It was thus often cited both as proof of the reality of His Incarnation -- as it had been in contact with His body -- and as justification for the iconophile position that Christ Himself has endorsed the making of His image.

"The Transfer from Edessa to Constantinople of the Icon of our Lord Jesus Christ Not-Made-by-Hands occurred in the year 944. Eusebius, in his HISTORY OF THE CHURCH (I:13), relates that when the Savior was preaching, Abgar ruled in Edessa. He was stricken all over his body with leprosy. Reports of the great miracles worked by the Lord spread throughout Syria (Mt.4:24) and reached even Abgar. Without having seen the Savior, Abgar believed in Him as the Son of God. He wrote a letter requesting Him to come and heal him. He sent with this letter to Palestine his own portrait-painter Ananias, and commissioned him to paint a likeness of the Divine Teacher.

Eusebius does not mention the Mandylion directly, but he does include the letters exchanged between Christ and Abgar, which have come down from us through tradition (the following is the translation from the Menaia (translation by Fr. Ephraim Lash); for the Eusebius' quote on Abgar and Christ

The existence of The Holy Napkin is first mentioned in the 6th Century. According to one story, Abgar V the Black, king of Edessa (capital of the Turkish province of Oshroene, important Christian and commercial center of the Islamic world until the 13th Century) had fallen ill and begged Christ to come and cure him. Instead of going to visit Abgar, the Lord asked water and a cloth be brought to Him. He washed His Face, drying it with the cloth, and His Divine Countenance was imprinted upon it. Ananias took the cloth and the letter of the Savior to Edessa. Reverently, Abgar pressed the holy object to his face and he received partial healing. Only a small trace of the terrible affliction remained until the arrival of the disciple promised by the Lord. The image was lost and then rediscovered and it remained in Edesa. In the year 944 Edesa was sieged and the Holy Napkin was demanded as a condition for withdrawal. It was then carried in procession to Constantinople, where it was placed in the Sultan's chapel in the Great Palace. The event is celebrated annually on August 16. Later it is said to have been purchased by King Louis IX of France, in 1247, and taken to Paris and placed in St. Chapelle. It disappeared during the French Revolution.

The features of Christ's face on the Holy Napkin are those of the Pantocrator. It is not a bust because it only shows the head and part of the neck; no shoulders are seen. The face is painted as though it is imprinted on a horizontal fringed strip of white cloth, hence the name "napkin." The earliest surviving example is said to date from the 10th Century and it is at St. Catherine Monastery in Sinai. This icon has no fixed place in the decoration of a church.

The image of the Holy Napkin was also known in the West under the name of The Veil of Veronica. The Veronica story is similar to that of King Abgar: Veronica was a woman who comforted Jesus as He was bearing the cross on the way to Golgotha. She offered Him a piece of cloth to wipe the blood and sweat off His face; later she found that she received a 'miraculous image. A building along Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem associated with Veronica is today the home of a community of sisters called "The Little Sisters of Jesus."

Re-establishment of Malankara Indian Orthodox Church

     Re-establishment of Malankara Indian Orthodox Church

This is a significant year for the Malankara Orthodox Church. We are celebrating the centenary of the re-establishment of the Catholicate  of the East in India. Some people due to their Lack of Understanding and many outside elements say that it is the 100th year of establishment of the Malankara Orthodox Church. It is as good as saying India was established 65 years back in 1947. In 1947, India became independent from foreign rule and had a government of its own to look after the affairs of the nation. Likewise the church existed before 1912, but the spiritual authority was established here, after which we do not need to depend on any foreign power for our spiritual needs. Here, the word reestablishment word is being used and not establishment. That we didn’t create anything out of blue. It existed somewhere else, it was re-established here.

We are all aware that St Thomas, the apostle commissioned by the Lord, spread the gospel in the east i.e Persia and India. Hence he can be rightly called as the Metropolitan of the East. St Thomas came in India in AD 52 and established our Church. From that period of time History of Malankara Indian Orthodox Church faced many wax and wanes. After the arrival of Portuguese in 15th centaury the Roman Catholic Church forced us to become a part of Roman catholic Church through the Most Infamous synod in the History of World Christianity, The synod of Udayamperoor. But we fought back in 1653 and pledged the famous “Koonen Kurish satyam”.  From their onwards the church prevailed and proliferated. In 1815 founded the first Theological school in Asia, Kottayam Old Seminary. Leaded by some of the most iconic personality of Indian Christianity. St Gregorius of Parumala, Pulikootil Joseph Mar Dionysius, Chepad Thirumeni played an Important role in shaping our Liturgy and tradition.

Patriach Abdulla came to Malankara, for the first time , not in 1909, but in 1876, as Metropolitan Abdulla Gregorius, along with Patriach Peter 3rd . He was infamous for his greed for money. In 1905 after the withdrawal  of Abded Messiah by Turkey sultan, Abdulla  came back from catholic church and became the Patriach. It is said that he paid huge amount for the remove Abded Messiah’s firman. In 1909 he came back to India. Right away his greed became obvious. He wanted all the Churches in Malankara to accept his supremacy. Majority of delegates clearly stated that the Patriach’s demand cannot be accepted.

Then he made another attempt to get temporal power. That is where the actual turn over started. Malankara Metroploitan , Vatteserril Thirumeni (StDionysius) was brave enough to say a big ‘No’. The furious Patriach gave threats of excommunication. But Still Vatteserril Thirumeni stood his ground.  The Patriarch the visited churches asking the to give written acceptance. Many Parishes gave acceptance while other did not. Patriarch also introduced another guileful tactic to get support. He offered Episcopal position and otherordinations to certain individual if they accepted his supremacy.

Even though Vatteseril thirumeni refused to sign the deed, he still respected the position of the Patriarch. He Instructed every churches to give him reception suiting that of Patriarch. But he never accepted his deed.  Outside, the party supporting the Malanakra Metropolitan Vatteserril thirumeni came to known as “Metran Faction” and the party supporting the Patriarch came to be known as “Bava Faction”. On 29th Idavom 1911, the Patriarch wrote a bull excommunicating Vattaserril Thirumeni.  Hearing this , a large number of believers gathered for the Holy Qurbana in Old Seminary. C.J Kurian sent a note inside Madbaha to Patriarch Abdulla not to read the bull (kalpana) because the believers may turn on them. So Patriach didn’t read the bull. And crowd chanted “these cheers to Mar Dionysius. The Metropolitan of Malanakara”. But Later on Patriarch sent the excommunication bull for Vatteserril thirumeni  to all the church and our Vatteserril thirumeni was excommunicated from Malanakara .

Despite the huge support that he got, Vatteserril thirumeni was well aware of the long term impact that this feud would have on the Church. He never wanted the Malanakra Church to be divided. He even pleaded kissed Patriarch’s feet and said weeping that he was ready to face humiliation and excommunication but don’t let the Church divide.  The Patriarch then demanded him to accept his supremacy. Vatteserril thirumeni replied”My conscience doesnot allow me to do so. How can I betray my church”.

In 1912, Vatteserril thirumeni along with excommunicated Canonized Patriarch Abded messiah re -established the Malanakra Indian Orthodox Church. After all this turmoil interfered, the Church consecrated the senior metropolitan as its head with the name Catholicose. H.H Mar Baselious Paulose1 was our first catholicose.

After the demise of the Catholicose Baselicose Paulose I, the Bishops in Malankara together with Mar Dionysius VI concentrated the second Catholicos with the name Baselius Geevarghese 1, Then Baselius Geevarghese 2 was elevated as his successor. The Patriarchal group questioned the validity of the Catholicate in law courts and the litigation went on up to the Supreme Court. In September 12, 1958, the constitutional bench of the supreme court of India recognized the validity of the Catholicate and unanimously declared that the Patriarch of Antioch does not have any authority over the Malankara church and that the Indian church is completely free under the Catholicos of the East. Moved by the final judgment of the Supreme Court of India, the Patriarch's group unanimously recommended to the Patriarch Ignatius Yacob III to accept the Catholicos as the head of the Indian church. In December 1958, the Patriarch and the Catholicos subjected to the constitution of the Malankara church and accepted each other by exchanging letters.After 1965 again the church got divided. Till now both these churches are having many issues. Spiritually both are same . We can only hope and pray for the  union of these Churches.

Malankara Indian Church as Stated by India’s First Prime minister, is as old as the Christianity itself. Our fore fathers have gifted this Church after so much suffering.  The Catholicate in India was a growth and development through centuries within the Malankara Church. Malankara Orthodox Church is a prominent house of worship of the Syrians Christians who have a history of nearly 2000 years in India. The centenary celebration of the church is expected to showcase the historical and cultural significance of the church and its people. Let’s keep this centuries old Tradition and faith in our Prayers.

JAI JAI CATHOLICOSE …………..


References: Article by Mr Kiran Raj (mgocsmdiaspora.org)

Understanding San Damiano Cross Icon

                      The San Damiano Cross Icon

Our beloved Saint Francis did not start out life as a fiercely devout and pious man. His early years were spent indulging in the extravagances available to those born to money and privilege. As he approached adulthood, however, he found himself in crisis, searching for deeper meaning in his life.

This inner conflict led him to the deserted church of San Damiano in his hometown of Assisi. It was here, praying before the San Damiano Crucifix, that Francis first heard the Word of God. "Francis, go and rebuild my house, which is falling into ruins."

When Francis heard these words, he responded by quickly taking up a collection to restore the churches of Assisi, which were in disrepair. Through his efforts, many chapels and churches were rebuilt.

Francis eventually realized that God was not merely asking him to restore chapels, but to rebuild His Church around the world as a community. Francis responded with decisive action. He embraced a life of poverty, prayer and service, and began to preach the Word of God.

Let’s understand this cross Icon:

·        Top of the Cross shows the resurrected Jesus arriving in heaven in glory, surrounded by angels and blessed by the hand of God (above).

·        The main figure show Christ both crucified and risen (his halo includes the glorified cross and his empty tomb can be seen behind his out stretched arms). Inscription above Christ’s head reads IESUS NAZRE REX IUDEORUM (INRI).

·        Head and shoulders of four angels can be seen along the crossbar discussing the wonders of resurrection. The figures at each end may represent angels or possibly John and Peter arriving at Christ’s empty tomb.

·        The five main figures standing beside Jesus are (L-R) St Mary, St John, St Mary Magdalene, Mary Clopas and the Centurion who professed his belief in Jesus. The smaller figure are of soldiers who pierced Christ and the one who gave him sponge soaked in wine.

·        Beneath the cross is a damaged section depicting six figures possibly John, Michael, Rufino, John the Baptist, Peter and Paul.

The San Damiano Cross is an "icon cross," meaning it contains not just a depiction of Christ, but icons of various people and scenes relevant to the story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The Cross is in the Eastern style and was crafted in Umbria, Italy (the region where Assisi is located) in the 12th century. It is made of painted walnut and measures 75 inches high, 47 inches wide, and slightly less than 5 inches thick. The original Cross is now located in the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi; a replica hangs in the San Damiano church.   

Kottayam Cheriapally Part 2 (Splitted from Kottayam Valliapally)

There were two types of Christians Thekkumbhaghar meaning southern (knanaya Christians) and Vadakkum bhaghar meaning northern worshipping at Valiyapally. Soon difference of opinion merged out, that united worship became impossible.

So Vadakkumbhaghar lead by Fr. Ouseph Kathanar met Thekkumkoor Raja explained him the plight. The generous Thekkumkoor Raja donated them 82 cents of land near to Valiyapally, thus leading to construction of a new church named after Mother Mary.

The church was completed in AD 1579, also known as Kottayam Cheriapally.

Kottayam Cheriapally Part 1( Christian Migration to Kottayam)

St.. Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ came to Kerala in AD 52 and established 8 churches  and converted locals into Christians before becoming a martyr at Mylapore near present Chennai. Kings of Kerala states were deeply impressed by the hard working Mar Thoma Christians, due to their financial background, good trading practices, great martial skills. The arrival of vast trading Christian community from Persia under the leadership of Thomas of Cana in the 4th century helped to boost this image.

There were few Christians in Thekkumkoor state till the early part of the 14th century based at Kadathuruthy. For various reasons some Christian families lead by Pulikal family from Poonjar migrated to Kottayam and settled nearby Eruthical temple belonging to Thekkumkoor Raja. Large scale migration of Christians from Kuruvilangad, Kaduthuruthi and Poonjar occurred in the 16th century and they settled nearby Thazhathangady, Pazhayachanda, and Valiaangady.

As the population grew, need for church aroused because the migrants still had to visit their mother churches to satisfy their spiritual needs. Arrival of Fr. Cherian Mathen Kathanar from Kadathuruthy helped it. Thekkumkoor Godavarma Raja was glad to provide the land free of cost, when the Christians approached him, very soon the construction of Valiyapally started and completed in 1550.

To be continued ................

Kottayam Cheriapally and Holy Soonoro of St Mary

Part of Holy Soonoro of St Mary (Holy Gridle) in Kottayam Cheriapally:

Apocryphal writings from the early church mention that St. Mary died in the presence of all the Apostles except St. Thomas. St. Thomas was brought to Jerusalem by Holy Spirit through 'Oyar' and saw St. Mary's body was taken to heaven by the angels. He got the girdle from St. Mary as a token to show it to other apostles that he actually saw St. Mary in 'Oyar' and to confirm asked the apostles to open the tomb and then there was no body in it. The Apostles concluded that she had been taken up to Heaven, body and soul.

Our Orthodox Church has the rare privilege to have with her the Girdle of St. Mary. The Holy Girdle of Virgin Mary which was handed over to Apostle St. Thomas, during her assumption to heaven. St. Thomas carried this precious treasure of Virgin Mary with him to India where he died a martyr.

In 394 A.D. together with the coffin of St. Thomas, this valuable Girdle of Holy Virgin Mary was also moved from India to Raha and was established in a Church.

Parts of the Holy Girdle was distributed all over the world.
one such part is kept in St Marys Orthodox Church Kottayam cheriapally

"Holy Soonoro (Holy Girdle) of our Mother" (Discovery)

According to the tradition of Orthodox church, Apocryphal writings from the early church mention that St. Mary died in the presence of all the Apostles except St. Thomas. St. Thomas was brought to Jerusalem by Holy Spirit through 'Oyar' and saw St. Mary's body was taken to heaven by the angels. He got the girdle from St. Mary as a token to show it to other apostles that he actually saw St. Mary in 'Oyar' and to confirm asked the apostles to open the tomb and then there was no body in it. The Apostles concluded that she had been taken up to Heaven, body and soul. This incident is one of the most mystical incident which is not written in present bible. So most of the believers don't know about this event. For many years no one knew where is this Holy Gridle.

In 394 A.D. together with the coffin of St. Thomas, this valuable Girdle of Holy Virgin Mary was also moved from India to Raha and was established in a Church.

Icon of the Holy Girdle is handing over to Apostle St. Thomas

During the discovery of Holy Gridle

In mid April 1953, while scrutinizing some manuscripts. Discoverer noticed a Garshunian book containing stories and speeches. It appeared to be bound with many papers piled up over each other. Orientals since 300 years ago used to bind some of their manuscripts in this way or with thick wood, then wrap it with leather or thick cloth because of scarcity of cardboard. When they opened the book cover, they noticed that it was composed of forty six letters in Garshunian and Arabic concerning the diocese of Homs and environs written a hundred odd years ago. One of them was Garshunian 29cm. long, 20 cm. wide written in 1852 by the notables of the archdicese of Syria to the notables of the city of Mardin (Turkey) close to za'faran Monastery, the patriaarchel see, implying the conditions of their archdiocese. They included that while wrecking their church called in the name of the Virgin the Lady of the girdle in Homs for purpose of enlarging and renewing it due to its oldness, smallness and its wooden ceiling, by the order of His Eminence of archbishop Peter Mousally, they found the girdle of our Lady the Virgin put in a vessel in the middle of the holy table in the altar. They were comprised with happiness and blessed by it.

The two stone plates, one with a hole inside where the Holy Girdle was kept, and the other one which was covering the first stone plate with an inscription about it.

According to this information, on the 20 th.of July 1953 A.D. When these discoverers opened the hole table where they found a stone inscription 46cm.long, 44cm. Wide 2 cm. thick written in a nice garshunian handwriting was the following:

“ In the year 59, this holy church was built in the days of the preacher Mala’s who is called alsoElija”

Then mentioned the date of renewing the church in 1852 A.D. in the days of the archbishop Julius Peter- and the cities and villages that donated for the structure expenses.

They found under it an old font covered with a thick old round copper sheet and inside it the vessel. And called His Lordship Alexandros the Greek Orthodox bishop of Homs and in his presence opened the vessel which broke due to its oldness and the holy girdle appeared wrapped on itself and the signs of oldness appearing on it. We gathered the pieces of the vessel and preserved them. His Lordship witnessed this fact and attested to it . In no time this news spread in the city, and a crowd from all Christian denominations infiltearated to receive blessings from the holy girdle.

Girdle spread out for measurement

During demonstration

HOLY SOONORO (Holy Gridle) of St Mary

Parts of the Holy Girdle was distributed all over the world, and now the remaining small part is rolled and covered with cotton and is kept in an "Arulikka", in a special place near to the Madbaho in this Church.

In Malankara some part of Holy Gridle is kept in St Mary Cheriapally and Manarkad church

1) Part of Holy Gridle in Kottayam Cheriapally
2) Part of Holy Gridle in Manarkaad Church

Rijo Geevarghese
rijo4iesus@gmail.com