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Rev. Dr. Alex Thomas (Vicar)No. 2, Banaswadi Road, Bengaluru -560 033Tel: 25479408 (Res.), 25488188 (Office)Mob: 99168 80041E-mail: athomasachen@gmail.com

Rev. Liju John (Asst. Vicar)Flat No. 102, Sri Narida Apt., Bens Satya Enclave,

Geddelahalli, Hennur Main Road, Bengaluru 560 043Mob: 70222 70450

E-mail: lijuachen@gmail.com

e-mail: bemtchurch@gmail.com, parishherald@gmail.comWebsite: www.bemtc.org

PARISH HERALDApril - June 2016

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From the Vicar’s Desk...Dearly beloved in Christ,

The Lenten season has been reminding us to be aredeemed community of Christ. We are liberated from thebondage of sin to a Christ-centered life. We are remindedto follow Jesus Christ by taking the Cross and to lead thelife of the Crucified Christ.

We are also recollecting the events related to theresurrection of our Lord. Death is remembered as athreat—the power opposed to God—from whose clutchesGod has provided rescue. God’s deliverance from death isthe major theme of Resurrection of Jesus Christ and hencethe hope of every human being.

Resurrection of Jesus also creates a community, aninclusive new family, a new relatedness for mutual supportin a time of various trials. The beginning chapters of theActs of the Apostles unfold the formation of such acommunity, the close continuity between the risen Jesusand the emerging church. Since we are all incorporated intothis new family through baptism, our goal should be ofbecoming a caring, sharing, forgiving and a lovingcommunity.

I take this opportunity to thank the out-going executivecommittee and to welcome the new committee. I thank youall for your whole-hearted support to the parish activities,and the increased involvement in the Sunday worshipservices. I also thank you for your generous financialsupport to the activities of the parish as well as the missionfields. May God bless you all to continue the Mission ofGod that is entrusted to us.

Alex Achen28th March, 2016

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Parish : Every Sunday at 8.15 a.m.STC : Every Sunday at 7.30 a.m.

except on 1st & 3rd Sunday at 8.30 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

EDAVAKA MISSION

Intercessory Prayer : Every Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. at ChurchSwanthana & PalanaFellowship & House Visit : Every Friday at 10.00 a.m. onwardsBible Study : Every Thursday at 4.15 p.m. at Church

YUVAJANA SAKHYAMSunday : After 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion

CHOIRSaturday: Choir practice session in the Church during evening.

SEVIKA SANGAMEvery Friday at 4.00 p.m.

OUR WORSHIP SCHEDULEHoly Qurbana 7.00 a.m Holy Qurbana 9.30 a.m

1st Sunday STC (Mal) Parish (Mal)2nd Sunday Parish (Eng) Parish (Mal)

St. Mary's School (Mal) at 8 a.m.3rd Sunday STC (Mal) Parish (Eng)4th Sunday Parish (Eng) Parish (Mal)

St. Mary's School (Mal) at 8 a.m.5th Sunday ................ Parish (Divine Service Mal)

Finance : Mr. Mathew Varughese Mob: 9886749267Accounts : Mr. George Verghese Mob: 8050296960

TRUSTEES - 2016-'17

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Date Service Assisted by Read by Reading

WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE

2016 Less. 1&2Apr. 37 am Holy Communion (Mal.) John Philip (E1) Shiji Varghese (F)

(St. Thomas Centre) Thankachen (E1) Sara Kurien (E1) Epistle

9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Manoj Oommen (E2) Anu Mary Chacko (A) Gospel(Church) George Varghese (UTC) Thomas Joseph (A)

Less. 1&2Apr. 107 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Melvin Mathew Alex Kavya

(Church) Reuben Varghese Lincoln Epistle

8 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Shiji Varghese (F) Rani Mathew (F)(St. Mary's School) Binoy Abraham (F) Kurian Varghese (F)

Gospel9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Alex Kurian (A) Annamma Varghese (E1)

(Church) Cherian K.M. (C) Ashok David Jose (E1)

Less. 1&2Apr. 177 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Varghese K.J. (F) Moncy John Philip (E1)

(St. Thomas Centre) Alex Kurian (A) Diya Miriam Kurien (E1) Epistle

9.30 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Nishu Alex Kurian Bhavana Gospel(Church) Chris John Thomas (D) Lincoln

Less. 1&2Apr. 247 am Holy Communion (Engl.) Ani Alex (A) Gifty

(Church) Reuben Varghese MelvinEpistle

8 am Holy Communion (Mal.) K. J. Varghese (F) Shiney Ninan (F)(St. Mary's School) Biju Thomas Mani K. Abraham (F)

9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Alex Kurian (A) Rachel Abraham Sam(A) Gospel(Church) N. T. Easo (A) Akash Thomas Jose (E1)

Less. 1&2May 1 BHOOBHAVANA DHANAM7 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Aju Philip (F) Shine C. Simmy (E1)

(St. Thomas Centre) Thankachen (E1) Prabha Shiji (F) Epistle

9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Alex Kurian (A) Selin Maria Thomas (E1) Gospel(Church) Biju Varghese (C) Shiju Alex (A)

Less. 1&2May 87 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Melvin Mathew Keziah

(Church) Chris Joel (E1) Moncy Epistle8 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Ninan M.K. Thomas Cherian (F)

(St. Mary's School) Mani K. Abraham (F) Jyothi Sara Kurien (F)9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Alex Kurian (A) Reny Sara (A) Gospel

(Church) John Thomas I (B) Liju Abraham Jacob (A)

Gen. 28 :10 – 22Acts. 20 : 7-12

1 Thes. 1 : 2 - 10

St. Joh 20:24 - 29

2Chro. 34 :29 - 33Acts. 8 : 26 - 40

Phil.1 : 12 - 17

St. Luke 24 : 13 -27

Jer. 1 :1 – 101 Tim. 4 : 6-16

2 Tim. 2 :1 - 8

St. John 20:19-23

Exo. 34 : 1 – 9Ephe. 4 : 11-16

2 John : 7 - 11

St. John 17 : 1 - 6

Lev. 25 :1 – 17Acts. 7 : 54- 60

Gal. 4 : 1 - 7

St. Mat. 28:16-20

Eze. 36 :24 – 36Rom. 8 : 12 - 17

Acts. 1 : 12 - 14

St. John 14 : 25 -31

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WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE

Date Service Assisted by Read by Reading2016

Less. 1&2May 15 PENTECOST NJAYAR7 am Holy Communion (Mal.) John Philip (E1) Thankachen (E1)

(St. Thomas Centre) Alex Kurian (A) Merlin Koshy (E2) Epistle

9.30 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Nishu Alex Kurian (A) Jincy Gospel(Church) Chris John Thomas (D) Reuben

May 22 Less. 1&27 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Ani Alex (A) Chinnu

(Church) Reuben Varghese (F) Jibin

8 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Shiji Varghese (F) Reeja Sunil (F) Epistle(St. Mary's School) Roby T. Mathew (F) Godly Abraham (F)

9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Abraham Sam (A) Priya Alex (D)(Church) Kunjuvarghese (A) Rajan Varghese (D) Gospel

May 29 Less. 1&2

Bhavana Epistle9.30 am Divine Service Melvin Mathew Lincoln

(Church) Jibin Gospel

June 5 Less. 1&27 am Holy Communion (Mal.) John Philip (E1) Shiji Varghese (F)

(St. Thomas Centre) Thankachen (E1) Bindu Sajay (F)Epistle

9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Alex Kurian (A) Sindu John Thomas (E1)(Church) Sonu Varghese (E1) Ashish George (E1) Gospel

June 12 Less. 1&2

7 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Reuben Varghese Litty(Church) Chris Joel (E1) Jibin

8 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Cherian Thomas Jr. (F) Raji Abraham (F) Epistle(St. Mary's School) Kurian Varghese (F) John Mathew (F)

9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Abraham Sam (E1) Saramma Thomas (C)(Church) Biju Varghese (C) Thomas K.C. Lt. Col.(A) Gospel

June 19 Less. 1&2

7 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Varghese K.J. (F) Kurien John (E1)(St. Thomas Centre) John Philip (E1) Suja Jose Panakkal (E1)

Epistle9.30 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Ani Alex (A) Keziah

(Church) Sonu Varghese (E1) Manoj Gospel

June 26 Less. 1&27 am Holy Communion (Eng.) Melvin Mathew Alex Kavya

(Church) Jibin Lincoln8 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Ninan M.K. Vincy Biju

(St. Mary's School) Varghese K.M. (F) Mani K. Abraham (F)9.30 am Holy Communion (Mal.) Alex Kurian (A) Reena Jose (E1)

(Church) N.T. Easo (A) Boby Jacob (E2) Gospel

1 Kings. 8:26–43Rev. 14 : 1 - 7

1 Kings. 3 : 3–141 Cor. 1 : 18 - 25

1 John. 5 : 18 -21

St. Luke 2:41-52

Gen. 2 :1 – 17Rev. 21 : 1- 7

Col. 1 : 15 - 20

St. Mat. 6:25-34

1Kings. 19:15-21Rom. 15 : 22 - 29

Rom. 12 : 3 - 8

St. Luke 5:1–11

Gen. 35 :1 – 71 Peter. 5 : 1- 11Epistle1 John 4 : 1 - 6

St. John 10:1–6

Isa. 6 :1 – 11Acts. 2 : 1-13

Rom. 8 : 26 - 30

St. John 16:6-16

Gen. 18 :1 – 151 John 5 : 6-12

2 Cor. 13 : 11 - 14

St. Mark 1 : 1 - 11

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COTTAGE PRAYERS

Apr. 10 4 pm Mr. Thomas Mathai 10/7, Chinnappa Layout, 1st Cross,Opp. Sathya Hosp. KammanahalliMain Rd. Tel. 25451975, 9738501510

Apr. 24 6 pm Mr. Sujith Koshy 218, Antonite, Kammanahalli Main Rd.,HRBR Layout, 3rd Block, Kalyan Nagar,Tel. 25440546, 9482919561

May 15 6 pm Mr. John K. Thomas Bethenya, No. 36, 13th Cross,MangalaLayout, Oil Mill Road. Tel: 9742226444

May 22 6 pm Mr. George Mathew 158/174/1, 4th A-Cross, II Block, HRBRThondapurathu Layout, Kalyan Nagar P.O,

Tel: 25450233

May 29 6 pm Mr. Renin Raj No. 3, KKM Residency, UllasappaRoad, KammanahalliTel: 25454489, 9845094489

June 5 6 pm Mr. Varghese L-247, Sena Vihar, KammanahallyN. M. Lt. Col. (Retd.) Main Road, Kalyan Nagar P.O.,

Tel: 25421876, 9900704652

June 19 6 pm Mr. Thomas H.No.59, K.K. Villa, Sena Vihar,K.C. Lt. Col. (Retd.) Kammanahalli Main Rd.,

Tel: 25458919, 9632594430

GROUP - A

GROUP - BTo be announced later

GROUP - C

Apr. 24 4.30 pm Mr. Mani P. 26, High Street, Cooke Town, Benjamin Tel: 25471598

May 8 4.30 pm Mr. George Thomas 49, D'Costa Layout, Cooke TownTel: 25800516

Jun.12 4.30 pm Mr. Joseph P.D. 1407, Hennur Main Road, IndiaCampus Crusade for Christ.Tel: 9448276656

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Carol Service

GROUP - DApr. 24 5 pm Mr. Varghese M.O. 23/2, 1st Main Road, Chinnappa

Garden, Benson Town,Tel: 23330173, 9900643860

May 22 5 pm Mr. Aju Varghese Deepti Residency, 3rd A Main Road,Ratan Singh Layout, Kavalbyrasandra,Near Ambedkar College, R. T. Nagar,Tel: 23656658, 9739183780

GROUP - F ( Hennur - Kothannur Group )

GROUP - E1

Apr. 3 5 pm Mrs. Valsamma No. 523, Annaiah Reddy Layout, Mathew Banaswadi, Bangalore 560043

Tel: 9342261141, 8105684917Apr. 10 5 pm Mr. Sunil No. 18, Income Tax Colony,

Abraham Lt. Col. Sadanand Nagar, Indira Nagar P.O.Tel. 25383079

Apr. 24 5 pm Mr. Mathew K.M. V. V. Emarald Apt., 4A, 4th Floor, 22,2nd Crs, 7th Main, ChikkananjudappaReddy Layout, Agra Road,Babusapalya, Kalyan Nagar P.O.Tel: 25451872, 9945709833

May 15 6 pm Mrs. Anita Mathew 231, 10th B Main HRBR Layout, KalyanNagar, 1st Block, Tel:25421663

May 22 5 pm Mrs. Mariamma Perumpoikayil House, Chinnamma Philip Garden, Subbayanapalaya,

M.S.Nagar P.O. Tel. 25454495June 12 5 pm Mr. Anoop Varghese F-306, SMR Castle, Dodda Banaswadi

Main Road, Tel: 25455012

GROUP - E2To be announced later

May 15 4.30pm Mr. Sonney George #7, Balaji Layout, Kothannur, Mathew Tel: 9845673994

May 22 6 pm Mr.Varghese Samuel Christ Layout, Vaddera Palaya,9886206497 (special prayer)

June 5 6 pm Mr. John M.P. No.141, Kaveri Nagar, Agara MainRoad, Opp. D.J.Farm, Hormavu P.O.,9986851793 (special prayer)

June 19 4.30pm Mr. Shiji Varghese No. 27, SOLI DEO GLORIA, 7th Cross,Near A.K.R. School, Horamavu, AgaraPost, Tel: 9482515261, 28445261

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SENIOR CITIZENS COLUMN

kw`hw CXp kXy-am-sW¶v Dd-̧ n-̈ p-]-d-bm³aSn-bp-­v. Bdc ]Xn-äm-­p-IÄ¡p-ap¼v sslkvIq-fn t^mÀ v̄ t^man ]Tn-¡p¶ Imew. \mev]XvIp«n-IÄ. AXn-semcp Ipdp-̧ v. BÄ ImgvN-bn Hcp aÃ-\m-Wv.icn¡pw Hcp _pÅn. {]mb-̄ n Ihnª hfÀ¨. Bscbpw Iqkm-sX, Btcbpw shÃp-hn-fn-¡p¶ apJ-̀ m-hw. Nndn Aev]w tIm«n]pÑ-̀ m-h-̄ nÂ! Ipdp-̧ nsâ Ccn-̧ nSw F\n¡p t\sc ]pd-InÂ.A²ym-]-I³ ]Tn-¸n-¡p-¶-sXm¶pw {i²n-¡msX ap¶nepw ]pd-Inepw ASp-̄ p-an-cn-¡p¶ Ip«n-Isf tXm­pw. Xncnªp-t\m-¡p-t¼mÄ Ah-s\m-¶p-a-dn-bm¯ `mh-̄ nÂ!

Hcp-Zn-hkw thsdmcp ]Wn ]än-̈ p. Ahsâ ap¶nse UkvIvFsâ ]pd-̄ p-sXm-Sp¶ `mK-§-fn Imcy-ambn ajn ]pc-«n-h-̈ p.A¶p Rm³ [cn-̈ n-cp-¶Xv Hcp shÅ jÀ«m-bn-cp-¶p. ajn A¸msSFsâ jÀ«nÂ! ASp-̄ n-cp¶ Ip«n-IÄ Nncn-bm-bn. Imcy-a-dn-ªXpwRm³ A²ym-]-Isâ ASp¯v ]cm-Xn-s¸-«p. sXm­n-bmbn ajnkm£n. A²ym-]-I\v Acn-i-am-bn. Ipdp-̧ ns\ in£n-̈ p. NqcÂ{]-tbm-Kw. ASp-̄ -Zn-hkw Ah\v ]pXn-sbmcp ]cn-]m-Sn. Rm³ Ccn-¸n-S-̄ n Ccn-¡p-¶-Xn\v ap¼mbn Ah³ sUkvIv ]n¶n-te¡v]nSn-̈ n«v Rm\n-cp¶ tijw Ah³ sUkvIv hn«p. AXp iàn-bmbn h¶v Fsâ ]pd-̄ n-Sn-̈ p. \à thZ-\. ]cn-kcw ad¶v Rm³{]Xn-I-cn-̈ p. FSm ]¶ .......-tam-t\. \ns¶ Rm\n¶p ImWn-t¨-¡m-sa-Sm. ¢mÊp apgp-h³ tI«p. A²ym]-I³ CS-s]-«p. sXm­nbpwkm£nbpw aXn-bmb sXfn-hp-an-Ã. AXn-\m {]Xnsb shdp-sX-hn-«p. CtX ¢mÊn Fsâ ]nXr-k-tlm-Z-csâ ]p{X³..... Fsâ{]mbw. AXn-tesd R§-f-Sp¯ kvt\ln-X-cpw. A¶v D¨-k-abwCu kw`hw Rm³ Ah-t\mSp ]d-ªp. cà-_-Ôw, IpSpw-_-_ÔwFÃmw-IqSn Ah-\n Xnf-̈ p. Aan-X-t£m`w Df-hm¡n Ft¶mSp]d-ªp. ""FSm, Ahs\ C¶p-Xs¶ Hcp ]mTw ]Tn-̧ n-¡-Ww,Ahs\ shdpsX hn«p-Iq-Sm. Rm³ ]d-bp-¶Xv \o {i²n-̈ p-tI«p{]hÀ¯n-¡-Ww. \mepaWn¡v FÃm-hcpw kvIqÄ hn«p-t]m-Ip-t¼mÄ\o Ahsâ ASp-̄ p-sN¶v t]mcp-ambn Nndªv Nndªv \nev¡-Ww. X£Ww Rm³ ]n¶nÂ\n¶v Ahs\ Hcp hSw h v̈ sI«nbamXncn AS-§s\ ]nSn-¡pw. \o ap¶n-te¡v h¶v apJmapJw \n¶p-sIm­v ssI¸¯n \nhÀ¯n Ahsâ apJ-̄ -Sn-¡-Ww. I®pw

Hcp Ipdn-̧ Sn

Koshy Thomas

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aq¡pw sNhnbpw H¶pw t\m¡msX apJa-S¨v ASn-¡-Ww. ASnF¶p-]-d-ªm icn-¡pw \o kÀÆ-i-ànbpw kam-l-cn¨v ]S ]Sm]S ]Sm F¶v \nÀ¯m-sX. kÀÆ-iàn AXn-io-{L-am-bn-cn-¡-Ww.CXn\v Hm¸-td-j³ Ipdp¸v F¶v t]cn-S-Ww. Ah\v IpX-dp-hm³iàn-bnÃm F¶v tXm¶p-¶-Xp-hsc ASn XpSÀ¶p. ]nSn hn«v ASn\nÀ¯n. Ipdp-̧ v t\sc \nev¡m³ h¿msX {]m©n {]m©n \S-¶p-t]m-bn. R§fpw io{Lw Øew hn«p. A¶p sshIp-t¶cw \S-¶-sXÃmw HmÀ¯v Rmt\sd Akz-Ø-\m-bn.

Nn -́IÄ... Ipdp-̧ n-s\´p kw -̀hn¨p? AXp-aà ASp¯ ZnhkwAhsâ {]Xn-I-cWw F´m-bn-cn¡pw? Dd¡w sISp-̄ p¶ Nn -́IÄ. sNdn-b ab-¡-̄ n-em-b-t¸mÄ `oXn \ndª Zpxkz-]v\-§Ä.GXm-bmepw ASp¯ Znhkw R§Ä ¢mÊn-se-̄ n. A¶v Ipdp¸v¢mÊn h¶n-Ã. Fsâ kwi-b-§Ä Gsd-bm-bn. GXm-bmepwaq¶mw-Zn-hkw Ah³ ¢mÊn-se-̄ n. DXvI-WvT-tbmsS Rm\-hs\]pdw-Xn-cn-ªp-t\m-¡n. apJw-X-cmsX Ah³ sh«n-̈ p. H¶pw kwkm-cn-̈ n-Ã. ]n¶o-sSm-cn-¡epw!

Ah-\m-fmsI amdn-t¸m-bn. GtXm am\-kn-I-]-cn-hÀ¯\wh¶ Xc-̄ nÂ. Gsd kuay-\m-bn-sb¶p tXm¶n. Ahsâ kpJ-t¡-Sn\v Ipdn¨ acp¶v Gähpw ^e-{]-Z-ambn I­p. B acp-¶nsâ"Ipdn-̧ Sn' R§Ä a\-Ên kq£n¨p.

c­p-amkw Ignªv a²y-th-\ Ah-[n-¡m-e-am-bn. Fsâaq¯ ktlm-Z-co-Ip-Spw_w sImÃ-̄ v. Ah-[n-¡mew sNe-h-gn-¡m-\mbn Rm\-hnsS t]mbn. Fsâ {]mb-̄ n-epÅ Gsd kplr-̄ p-¡-f-hn-sS-bp-­v. A¶s¯ lcw Im¸-́ p-I-fn-bm-bn-cp-¶p. ASp¯sslkvIqÄ {Ku­n Iq«p-Im-cp-sam¯v Ifn-¡p-am-bn-cp-¶p. adp-h-i¯v X¦-tÈcn `mK-̄ p-\n¶p h¶ GXm\pw Ip«n-IÄ. AXnÂaq¶p \mev Bwt¥m-þ-C-́ y³kv. AXn amÀ«n³ AXn-hn-cp-X³.]´p-ambn apt¶-dn-bm adp-]-£-̄ n\v tKmÄh-ebw Ipep-§pw.AXv A¨-«m-Wv. R§fpsS Iq«-̄ n-semcp Ipkr-Xn-̧ -¿³ amÀ«ns\ImWp-t¼mÄ XpS§n Ip¯n-¡p¯n ]cn-l-kn-¡pw. amÀ«n³ ]´p-ambn apt¶-dp¶ kabw Ch³ Ahsâ ]n¶mse ]mªp-sN¶vAhsâ ]rjvS-̀ m-K¯v Hcp sXmgn. amÀ«n\v thZ\ tXm¶n-bXpXs¶-b-Ã, A[nIw £p`n-X-\mbn Xncn-ªp-\n¶v Ahsâ Ic-W-¯n-s\m-c-Sn. Ch³ Xncn-̈ -Sn-̈ p. aev]n-Sp-̄ -am-bn. FÃm-hcpw HmSn-¡qSn c­p-t]-scbpw ]nSn-̈ p-am-än. t£m`w amdmsX amÀ«n³ Cw¥o-jv-þ-a-e-bmfw {]mtZ-in-I-ssi-en-bn C{]-Imcw ]d-ªp. ""»UndmkvIÂ, tUm­v hm­v, tUm­v hm­v Xn¦nwKv þss¢w-]nwKvHm¬ ssa slUv''. ip²-a-e-bm-f-̄ n ]d-ªm "FSm t]m¡ncnss]te, th­... th­ F¶p Icp-Xp-t´mdpw Fsâ Xe-bnÂIbdn \nc-§p-t¶mSm?' C{Xbpw I­p-\n¶ Rms\sâ a\-ÊnÂ]gb B acp-¶nsâ "Ipdn-̧ Sn' HmÀ½ h¶p.

***

10

EXTRACTS FROM“MEMOIRS OF CLAUDIUS BUCHANAN.”

Contributed by George E. Mathew

Rev Claudius Buchanan DD FRSE (12 March  1766  –  9February 1815) was a Scottish theologian, an ordainedminister of the Church of England, and an evangelicalmissionary for the Church Missionary Society.“ PALACE OF TRAVANCORE, Oct. 19, 1806.”

“ I have been now a week at the palace of Trivanduram, where therajah resides. A letter of introduction from Lieut. Colonel Macaulay, the British residentat Travancore, procured me a proper reception. At my first audience his highness wasvery inquisitive as to the objects of my journey. As I had servants with me of differentcasts and languages, it was very easy for the Brahmins to discover every particular theymight wish to know in regard to my profession, pursuits, and manner of life. When Itold the rajah that the Syrian Christians were supposed to be of the same religion withthe English, he said he thought that could not be the case, else he must have heard itbefore ; if however it was so, he considered my desire to visit them as being veryreasonable. I assured his highness that their Shaster and ours was the same, and showedhim a Syriac New Testament which I had at hand. The book being bound and gilt afterthe European manner, the rajah shook his head and said he was sure there was not anative in his dominions who could read that book. I observed that this would be provedin a few days. The dewan (or prime minister) thought the character something like whathe had seen sometimes in the houses of the Sooriani.

The rajah said he would afford me every facility for my journey in his power. He putan emerald ring on my finger, as a mark of his friendship, and to secure me respect inpassing through his country; and he directed his dewan to send proper persons with meas guides.

“ I requested that the rajah would be pleased to present a catalogue of all the Hindoomanuscripts in the temples of Travancore to the college of Fort William in Bengal. TheBrahmins were very averse to this; but when I showed the rajah the catalogues of thebooks in the temples of Tanjore given by the rajah of Tanjore, and those of the templeof Ramisseram, given me by order of the rannie (or queen) of Ramnad ; he desired itmight be done : and orders have been sent to the Hindoo college of Trichoor for thatpurpose.”*

(* These three catalogues, together with that of the rajah of Cochin, which the authorprocured afterwards, are now deposited in the college of Fort William, and probablycontain all the Hindoo literature of the south of India.)“CHINGANOOR, a Church of the Syrian Christians, Nov. 10, 1806.“From the palace of Travancore I proceeded to Mavely-car, and thence to the hills atthe bottom of the high ghauts which divide the Carnatic from Malay-ala. The face of the

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country in general, in the vicinity of the mountains, exhibits a varied scene of hill anddale and winding streams. These streams fall from the mountains and preserve thevallies in perpetual verdure. The woods produce pepper, cardamoms, and cassia, orcommon cinnamon; also frankincense and other aromatic gums. What adds much to thegrandeur of the scenery in this country is, that the adjacent mountains of Travancoreare not barren, but covered with forests of teak wood the Indian oak, producing, it issaid, “the largest timber in the world.” The first view of the Christian churches in thissequestered region of Hindostan, connected with the idea of their tranquil duration forso many ages, cannot fail to excite pleasing emotions in the mind of the beholder. Theform of the oldest buildings is not unlike that of some of the old parish churches inEngland ; the style of building in both being of Saracenic origin. They have slopingroofs, pointed arch windows, and buttresses supporting the walls. The beams of theroof being exposed to view are ornamented, and the ceiling of the choir and altar iscircular and fretted. In the cathedral churches the shrines of the deceased bishops areplaced on each side of the altar. Most of the churches are built of a reddish stone,squared and polished at the quarry and are of durable construction, the front wall of thelargest edifices being six feet thick. The bells of the churches are cast in the founderiesof the country ; some of them are of large dimensions, and have inscriptions in Syriacand Malay-alim. In approaching a town in the evening, I once heard the sound of thebells among the hills ; a circumstance which made me forget for a moment that I was inHindostan, and reminded me of another country.“The first Syrian church which 1 saw was at Mavely-car : but the Syrians here are inthe vicinity of the Romish Christians, and are not so simple in their manners as thosenearer the mountains.They had been often visited by Romish emissaries in former times : and they at firstsuspected that I belonged to that communion. They had heard of the English, butstrangely supposed that they belonged to the church of the pope in the West. They hadbeen so little accustomed to see a friend, that they could not believe that I was comewith any friendly purpose. Added to this, 1 had some discussions with a most intelligentpriest in regard to the original language of the four Gospels, which he maintained to beSyriac ; and they suspected, from the complexion of my argument, that I wished toweaken, the evidences for their antiquity.*Soon however the gloom and suspicion subsided ; they gave me the right hand offellowship in the primitive manner ; and one of their number was deputed to accompanyme to the churches in the interior.“When we were approaching the church of Chinganoor, we met one of the cassanars,or Syrian clergy. He was dressed in a white loose vestment with a cap of red silk hangingdown behind. Being informed who he was, I said to him in the Syriac language, ‘ Peacebe unto you.’ He was surprised at the salutation ; but immediately answered, ‘ The Godof peace be with you.’ He accosted the rajah’s servants in the language of the countryto know who I was ; and immediately returned to the village to announce our approach.When we arrived I was received at the door of the church by three kasheeshas, that is

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presbyters, or priests, who were habited in like manner in white vestments. Theirnames were Jesu, Zecharias, and Urias, which they wrote down in my journal, each ofthem adding to his name the title of KASHEESHA. There were also present twoSHUMSHANAS, or deacons. The elder priest was a very intelligent man, of reverendappearance, having a long white beard, and of an affable and engaging deportment. Thethree principal Christians or lay elders belonging to the church were named Abraham,Thomas, and Alexandros. After some conversation with my attendants they receivedme with confidence and affection; and the people of the neighboring villages cameround, women as well as men.

“ The sight of the women assured me that I was once more (after a long absence fromEngland) in a Christian country. For the Hindoo women, and the Mohammedan women,and in short all women who are not Christians, are accounted by the men an inferiorrace; and, in general, are confined to the house for life, like irrational creatures. In everycountenance now before me I thought I could discover the intelligence of Christianity.But at the same time I perceived, all around, symptoms of poverty and politicaldepression. In the churches and in the people there was the air of fallen greatness.I said to the senior priest, ‘ You appear to me like a people who have known betterdays.’ ‘ It is even so,’ said he ; ‘ we are in a degenerate state compared with ourforefathers.’ He noticed that there were two causes of their present decay, ‘ About threehundred years ago an enemy came from the West bearing the name of Christ, but armedwith the inquisition, and compelled us to seek the protection of the native princes. Andthe native princes have kept us in a state of depression ever since. They indeed recognizeour ancient personal privileges, for we rank in general next to the nairs, the nobility ofthe country ; but they have encroached by degrees on our property, till we have beenreduced to the humble state in which you find us. The glory of our church has passedaway ; but we hope your nation will revive it again.

“ I observed that ‘ the glory of a church could never die, if it preserved the Bible.’ ‘ Wehave preserved the Bible,’ said he ; ‘ the Hindoo princes never touched our liberty ofconscience. We were formerly on a footing with them in political power; and theyrespect our religion. We have also converts from time to time ; but in this Christian dutywe are not so active as we once were : besides, it is not so creditable now to becomeChristian in our low estate.’ He then pointed out to me a Namboory Brahmin, (that is,a Brahmin of the highest cast,) who had lately become a Christian, and assumed thewhite vestment of a Syrian priest.‘ The learning too of the Bible,’ he added, ‘is in a low state amongst us. Our copies arefew in number, and that number is diminishing instead of increasing ; and the writing outa whole copy of the sacred Scriptures is a great labor where there is no profit and littlepiety.’ I then produced a printed copy of the Syriac New Testament. There was not oneof them who had ever seen a printed copy before. They admired it much ; and everypriest, as it came into his hands, began to read a portion, which he did fluently, whilethe women came around to hear.

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I asked the old priest whether I should send them some copies from Europe. ‘ Theywould be worth their weight in silver,’ said he. He asked me whether the Old Testamentwas printed in Syriac as well as the New. I told him it was, but I had not a copy. Theyprofessed an earnest desire to obtain some copies of the whole Syriac Bible, and askedwhether it would be practicable to obtain one copy for every church. ‘ I must confessto you,’ said Zecharias, ‘ that we have very few copies of the prophetical Scriptures inthe church. Our church languishes for want of the Scriptures.’ But he added,

‘the language that is most in use among the people is the Malayalim, (or Malabar,) thevernacular language of the country. The Syriac is now only the learned language and thelanguage of the church: but we generally expound the Scriptures to the people in thevernacular tongue.’“I then entered on the subject of the translation of the Scriptures. He said c a versioncould be made with critical accuracy; for there were many of the Syrian clergy whowere perfect masters of both languages, having spoken them from their infancy.

‘But,’ said he, ‘ our bishop will rejoice to see you, and to discourse with you on this andother subjects.’ I told them that if a translation could be prepared, I should be able to getit printed, and distribute copies among their fifty-five churches at a small price. ‘ Thatindeed would give joy,’ said old Abraham. There was here a murmur of satisfactionamong the people. If I understand you right, said I, the greatest blessing the Englishchurch can bestow upon you is the Bible. ‘ It is so,’ said he. ‘And what is the nextgreatest ?’ said I. ‘ Some freedom and personal consequence as a people :’ by which hemeant political liberty. ‘We are here in bondage like Israel in Egypt.’ I observed that theEnglish nation would doubtless recognize a nation of fellow-Christians, and would behappy to interest itself in their behalf as far as our political relation with the prince ofthe country would permit. They wished to know what were the principles of theEnglish government, civil and religious. I answered that our government might be said tobe founded generally on the principles of the Bible. ‘Ah,’ said old Zecharias, ‘ that mustbe a glorious government which is founded on the principles of the Bible.’ The prieststhen desired I would give them some account of the history of the English nation, andof our secession from their enemy the church of Rome. And in return I requested theywould give me some account of their history.“My communications with the Syrians are rendered very easy, by means of an interpreterwhom I brought with me all the way from the Tanjore country. He is a Hindoo bydescent, but is an intelligent Christian, and was -a pupil and catechist of the late Mr.Swartz. The Rev. Mr. Kohloff recommended him to me. He formerly lived in Travancore,and is well acquainted with the vernacular tongue. He also reads and writes English verywell, and is as much interested in favor of the Syrian Christians as I myself. BesidesMr. Swartz’s catechist, there are two natives of Travancore here who speak theHindostanee language, which is familiar to me. My knowledge of the Syriac is sufficientto refer to texts of Scripture ; but I do not well understand the pronunciation of theSyrians. I hope to be better acquainted with their language before I leave the country.”

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AT THE CORNERS OF THE WAY Lt Col (Retd) Thomas Varghese

Grrrr ! Grrrr ! rang the bell. Vallyamachi (hereafter Ammachy)tip toed towards the door as though she was anxiouslywaiting for someone. As soon as the door opened thereshe saw her granddaughter (Anna - officially Anna Varghese)about to step in with lot of carry bags in her hand. Grandmagave a smile, while looking at the antique clock, with hereye brows bit raised, which was promptly acknowledged bythe young lady hugging Ammachy tight. Pointing towards acorner, Ammacy told, “Mole, dump all these at that corner,have a quick shower, we will have your favourite “Appam –Stew, I have for you specially.” Leaving all the stuff, Annadashed towards the shower telling , “ Ammachy, you are great, my mouthwas watering even in my flight this morning for that, I love you, my day ismade! "Ammachy, (known as Mariam Ammachy to family), though in her mid seventiesis so agile and alert that she could manage most of her things without muchdependence, although she has an in-house maid (Kusum) to do cooking ,housekeeping, and more importantly be a friend to her. She was a well knownprofessor , a prolific writer and poet , with numerous awards to her credit ,who lived in an academic climate all through in Delhi , now living in herancestral home near the Arabian sea in Kerala, pursuing her pastimesbesides Bible studies, and also contributing her writings for certainpublications. Interestingly, she has been having a penchant for her pen,rather than a keyboard of a computer. She repeatedly asserts that a pen inher hand can be likened to a ballerina on the floor, and keyboard typing to ahip-hop dance. Strange, it may sound to many young people. Anna hasfollowed her foot steps and has already earned a big name in the literaryworld, her book “ Uncertainty In Certainty”, portraying human conflicts andcontradictions even at the time of death, is a fictional nominee for this year’sBooker prize.As a reader, you may have noticed Ammachy’s use of that specific phrase ‘ atthat corner ’. One always finds solace and solitude at a corner, even in busyplaces, because of the in-built security it offers, but one could get corneredtoo at places. A nook does provide coziness, but can be equally scary many atime. Just imagine our plight at a blind corner or in pitch darkness.Just as Ammachy was getting the dining table laid, Anna landed before her ina funny looking night wear, having motif of a monkey, reminding all that it isthe year of the Monkey for the Chinese. Ammachy had a hearty laugh andsaid, “ I agree Anna that the present world is more of a monkey- land,particularly our country , and so I was bit worried because you have gone tothe Lulu Mall on a week end and returned a bit late. I know you could takecare of yourself well, for your trust in Jesus is unquestionable as David sangin Psalm 16 and 18. In our childhood, we only had small open marketsworking for half a day , except a few grocery, clothe, beedi and murukkan(pan) shops open till evening. There were no electric bulbs, we depended onGod given solar lights for the day and kerosene lamps for the night. Usually,people came to the market with their fresh products, sold and went away inthe afternoon. Though there was a hustle and bustle, the market wentsmoothly. Instead, what we see today are monster looking mammoth edificeswhere people of all walks of life move helter - skelter, which also harbourshordes of evils and devils, waiting to prowl upon the innocents and the gullible.I do like modern facilities, and view these developments as quintessential

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elements of evolution. However, they add numerous dark corners on ourway. Wisdom’s clarion call signposts – prudence and restraint, as Proverbtells us. You remember the verses of Psalms 59 and 10, though the evildoers are hiding at those dark corners, how amazingly we go unscathedmost of the time, for our Lord deploy his Guardian Angels in place for our safepassage”.Ammachy continued, “ you know the first short story I wrote while I was intenth class, “ Me In The Market”, about my first visit to the market with Appachen(father) , where he had to bargain so much with those fisher women. Andhow the market went in to a stillness when Kochu- Thampuran ( Prince )came in his horse cart, and the way the young fisherwoman ran with her bestcatch to his cart and got her day’s money without any haggling , much to theenvy of all others squatting dabbled in their histrionics. Anna, I know you arehungry , but make sure you tell me about your date with the Mall after ourdinner, let me write a story on your Mall spree, which could be titled as “You InThe Mall”, or “ We In The Mall “.Sensing the nostalgia , Anna tried to change the topic by asking Ammachywhat was she doing in her absence. She said, “ I was reading for some time,then meditating on Psalm 23 along with Kusum, and was praying for yoursafe return. “ What was the prayer for me? “, asked Anna. To which Ammachytold, “complementing the Lord’s prayer , I have an equally powerful prayer,specially for all children of God for safeguards needed at the corners of theway “. Ammachy opened her good old daily prayer book ‘Springs in the Valley’ andasked, “shall we say that prayer and grace together before supper?” “Ofcourse Ammachy, I am with you”, Anna replied. Ammachy started reading,

This morning , Lord , I pray Safeguard us through the day, Especially atcorners of the way. For when the way is straight, We fear no sudden

fate, But see ahead the evenings ’ open gate. But few and far betweenAre days when all is seen Of what will come, or yet of what has been.

For unexpected things Swoop down on sudden wings And overthrow uswith their buffetings. And so, dear Lord, we pray, Control and guard this

day Thy children at the corners of the way.Meanwhile, Kusum was coming to the dining table with her lip smackingdishes, spreading aromatic smell all over. Ending the usual silence after aninvigorating prayer, Anna said the grace in a heartwarming manner, “ Ammachy,I thank you so much for telling me what a tight corner means in our lives, andwhat a wonderful friend HE is to all of us. Thank you Lord for the sumptuousdinner before us. . May you bless all around, more so, the hand that madethese scrumptious meals. Amen “.

No time lost, Appams vanished, chicken stew made its smooth flow down.Kusum cleared the table. Anna looked speechless for a while, and turningtowards Ammachy and Kusum, she exclaimed, “Oh! what a gastronomicaltreat and feat , real amazing grace! “. Ammachy smiled, but Kusum lookedfoxed, though she seemed to have got a wing of it that it was all about herculinary expertise. Spontaneously, she quipped “Thank you, Anna Mole, tellme what will you have for breakfast tomorrow ? Many delicacies I have foryou“. Saying good-night to Kusum , Ammachy and Anna moved to the drawingroom for their final tete-a-tete for the day , where Ammachy got her story linetoo. Sooner, hugging each other and saying good night, they retired to theirbeds.Courtsey : “ Springs In The Valley “ by Mrs Charles E Cowman

(Author is a British Council trained Trainer for IELTS . Mob – 9945114878.He feels that the story has a good potential for a play)

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Ente Prana Sakhi Yeshuvae…..Touch our grieving hearts….

I have not seen my great grand father but I haveheard a lot about him. As a child I neverunderstood why my grandmother was teachingme some of the Malayalam Christian Songs. AsI grew up I understood those songs were writtenby my great grandfather Mullasseril John Easow.He was a simple man born in 17th October, 1874in Pandanad, Chengannur. He was the fifth sonof his family.His career started as a health inspector in Malabar, Nilgiris, Coonoorand Ooty. Later he moved to Spencer’s as the manager. He was alsothe Immigration Inspector at Federated Malaya Estates. He wasinstrumental in starting youth meetings, Sunday school, and bible studyclasses in places where he worked. He was a good speaker and usedto preach the gospel among Aadivaasis and Dalits and financiallysupported them.On 15th February 1954 he left the world to be with God.It is almost 72 years since my great grandfather passed away but hissongs are still alive among us. His songs had a soul and we really feelwhen we sing the words that came from his heart. I would like thisarticle to be a tribute to my great grandfather who devoted many of hisyears in writing songs that bring us closer to God. Songs like Enteprana sakhi yeshuvae…., Nalla devanae…. are today so close to ourhearts that we re-live all his feelings on a daily basis when we singthose songs. His great grand children have brought out a collection ofdevotional songs in CD form for the Kerala Christian Community.Ente prana sakhi yeshuvae…. Sthothra Sankeerthanam…Nalla devanae… Rajaadhi raajaneshu….Paapanivarananaam…. Ninte thirunaamam…Nithya ninne….. Dhurithamam dharaniyathil…..Thanneedename nin… Ponneshu maarvil..Sthothram cheyyum njaan…A tribute by Anisha Saji Jacob (Great grand daughter of MullasserilEasow Mathew)

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Thomas Thomas, Plot D1/C, Sunrise Heritage Layout, Kylasanahalli, KothannurPost, Bangalore 560 077

Beena Mathan, Flat No. 112, Sri Narida Apt., Bens Satya Enclave, Geddalahalli,Hennur Main Road, Bangalore 560 043Libu George, A-250, Sumadhura Swan MTB, Near Euro School, Hoodi,Mahadevapura Post, Bangalore - 560 048Binu Alex, Flat No. B 102, Plama Heights, Hennur Main Road, Bangalore –560 043

HEARTY WELCOME TO THE NEW MEMBERSSaji John Mathew, No. 2, Maple Greens Layout, Chikkagubbi, Kothannur Post,Bangalore 560 077

Sosamma Mathew, No. 547/16, II Main, 3 rd Cross, Vijayalakshmi Layout,Kalkere, Bangalore 560 043

Thomas Mathew, #361, 1st Floor, 10th Cross, Byrasandra Road, GM Palya,Bangalore 560 075

George Thomas, Thundiyil House, Anagalpura, Doddagubbi P.O., Bangalore –560 077

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