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K’fiptho Sunday/ healing the crippled woman
The wounds of people’s infirmities rarely escape Jesus’ notice and he was always ready to offer a healing touch. The woman in the story was walking around the church bend over, to see how the world looks from her vantage point. How does it feel to walk that way? What are the burdens that weigh you down and bend you over? Take a deep breath and stand up straight, offering your burdens to God. Stretch out your hands in praise to God, who declares you have been “set free!” Feel the tightness and pain, in your heart and on your body parts. Breathe in and breathe out slowly. Each time…
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The Sacrament of Confession; 21st Century perspectives
Receiving Christ in communion during the Holy Eucharist is the foundation of living in communion with God, with people, with nature, and with the whole creation. Any act which breaks our communion with God and with God’s creation can be described as a serious sin. Sin is historically viewed as staying off the path, and getting lost from the communion of God. It is for this reason that in most of the Orthodox churches examination of conscience (if necessary going to sacramental confession) is an integral part of the preparation for communion. However, unlike an instant or ritualistic practice confession is an ongoing process of trying to see our life,…
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Passion Week and Easter Liturgy in Malayalam, English and in English Transliteration
Dearly beloved in Christ, With great gratitude to the Almighty Father, the long term need of Malankara Syrian Orthodox faithful living outside Kerala to have Liturgical translations especially for the younger generation who are not familiar with Malayalam has been fulfilled by the St. Gregorious Indian Orthodox Church, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This work has been originally compiled by Very Rev. Lazarus Ramban. We thank almighty Father for helping Very Rev. Lazarus Ramban for accomplishing this work. Although this is not an official or authorized translation of the Church, prima facie this is very helpful for the non-native speakers of Malayalam to meaningfully participate in the Passion Week and Easter Services. However,…