മാര്‍ത്തോമ നസ്രാണി സഭ പിതാക്കന്മാര്‍ (സിറോ ചാല്‍ഡിയന്‍) 1910 -2010

The Vicars-Apostolic appointed for the St. Thomas Christians on 11th August 1896 (consecrated bishops on 25th October 1896) for the Vicariates as reörganised on 28th July 1896: Left to right: Mar Louis Pazheparambil (Ernakulam), Mar Matthew Makil (Changanacherry), and Mar John Menachery (Trichur).

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The Hierarchy of the St. Thomas Christians re-established on 21st December 1923 Left to right: Mar Francis Vazhapilly (Trichur; appointed: 5 Apr. 1921), Mar Thomas Kurialacherry (Changanacherry; appointed: 30 Aug. 1911), Metropolitan Mar Augustine Kandathil (Ernakulam; appointed 29 Aug. 1911), and Mar Alexander Choolaparambil (Kottayam (Southist); appointed: 16 Jul. 1914).

കണ്ടത്തില്‍ മാര്‍ ആഗസ്റ്റിന്‍ (1923 - 1956)

The First Metropolitan Of The Syro - Malabar Hierarchy, Archbishop Of Ernakulam, Assistant At The Pontifical Throne And Roman Count.

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പാറേക്കാട്ടില്‍ മാര്‍ ജോസഫ്‌ (1956-1984)

He attended the Second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965, and served asPresident of the Syro-Malabar Episcopal Conference, of the Kerala Catholic Episcopal Conference, and of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (1972–1976).

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പടിയറയില്‍ മാര്‍ ആന്റണി (1984-1996)

When the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly was elevated to the rank of a major archdiocese on December 16, 1992, Mar Anthony Padiyara became the first Major Archbishop.

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വിതയത്തില്‍ മാര്‍ ഗീവര്‍ഗീസ് I

(1996 - 2011)

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ആലഞ്ചേരീല്‍ മാര്‍ ഗീവര്‍ഗിസ്- I I

(2011-Present)

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വിതയത്തില്‍ മാര്‍ ഗീവര്‍ഗീസ് I (1996 - 2011)

മാര്‍ത്തോമ നസ്രാണി സഭ അതിന്റെ വിഷമ ഘട്ടങ്ങളിലൂടെ കടന്നു പോയ തോന്നൂരുകളില്‍ സഭയെ നയിച്ച ശ്രേഷ്ഠ ഗീ വര്‍ഗീസ്‌ ബാവ സുറിയാനി സഭയുടെ ചരിത്രത്തിലെ മഹത് വൈക്തി ആണ്

എറണാകുളം ജില്ലയിലെ വടക്കന്‍ പറവൂരില്‍ ജസ്റ്റിസ് ജോസഫ് വിതയത്തിഇല്‍ - ത്രേസ്യാമ്മ ദമ്പതികളുടെ എട്ടു മക്കളില്‍ രണ്ടാമനായി 1927-മേയ് 29 നാണ് വര്‍ക്കി വിതയത്തിഇല്‍ ജനിച്ചത് . വി.ജെ.വര്‍ക്കി എന്നായിരുന്നു ആദ്യനാമം. വടക്കന്‍ പറവൂർ, തിരുവനന്തപുരം എന്നിവിടങ്ങളി ഇല്‍ നിന്ന് സ്കൂൾ വിദ്യാഭ്യാസവും തൃശിനാപ്പള്ളി സെന്റ് ജോസഫ് കോളേജ്, തിരുവനന്തപുരം യൂണിവേഴ്സിറ്റി കോളേജ് എന്നിവിടങ്ങളിലായി കലാലയപഠനവും അദ്ദേഹം നടത്തി. രസതന്ത്രത്തിലായിരുന്നു ബിരുദം നേടിയത്. 1947 ഓഗസ്റ്റ് 2-ന് ദിവ്യരക്ഷക(റിഡംപ്റ്ററിസ്റ്റ്) സന്ന്യാസസഭയിഇല്‍ അംഗമായി ചേർന്നു. ഫിലോസഫി, തിയോളജി പഠനത്തിനു ശേഷം 1954 ജൂ 12-ന് പൗരോഹിത്യം സ്വീകരിച്ചു.വിശുദ്ധ തോമസ് അക്വിനാസിന്റെ നാമധേയത്തിലുള്ള റോമിലെ ആഞ്ചലിക്കം സര്‍വ്വകലാശാലയിഇല്‍ നിന്നും സീറോ-മലബാർ സഭാ ഭരണക്രമത്തിന്റെ ഉത്ഭവവും വളര്‍ച്ചയും എന്ന വിഷയത്തിഇല്‍ ഡോക്ടറേറ്റ് നേടി .ബാംഗലൂര് റിഡംപ്റ്ററിസ്റ്റ് സെമിനാരിയിൽ 25 വര്‍ഷക്കാലം ഷക്കാലം കാനോൻ നിയമത്തിഇല്‍ പ്രഫസറായിരുന്നു. 1978 മുതൽ 1984 വരെ റിഡംപ്റ്ററിസ്റ്റ് സഭയുടെ ഇന്ത്യ- ശ്രീലങ്ക പ്രൊവിൻഷ്യാൾ, 1984 മുതൽ 85 വരെ ഇന്ത്യന്‍ കൊണ്ഫരന്‍സ് റിലീജിയസുകളുടെ(സി.ആർ.ഐ) പ്രസിഡറ്, 1990 മുതല്‍ 96 വരെ ബാംഗ്ലൂര്‍ ബനഡിക്റ്റൻ മൊണാസ്ട്രിയുടെ അപ്പോസ്തോലിക അഡ്മിനിസ്ട്രേറ്റർ എന്നീ നിലകളി ഇല്‍ സേവനം ചെയ്തു.

1996 നവംബര്‍ 11-ന് സീറോ മലബാര്‍ ആർക്കി എപ്പിസ്കോപ്പ സഭയുടെയും എറണാകുളം-അങ്കമാലി അതിരൂപതയുടെയും അപ്പോസ്തലിക് അഡ്മിനിസ്ട്രേറ്ററായി. ഒപ്പം റോമിലെ ആന്തിനോയിലെ സ്ഥാനിക മെത്രാപ്പോലീത്ത എന്നീ നിലയിലും റോമിഇല്‍ നിന്നും നിയമിക്കപ്പെട്ടു.

1997 ജനുവരി ആറിന് റോമിലെ ഓഹ്റിദിഇല്‍ സ്ഥാനിക മെത്രാപ്പോലീത്ത, ഒരു വര്‍ഷത്തിനു ശേഷം കീഷ്- ആ ബ്ദേ സ്ഥാനിക മെത്രാപ്പോലീത്ത എന്നീ നിലകളിൽ സേവനം അനുഷ്ഠിച്ചു.

1999 ഡിസംബര്‍ 18-ന് സീറോ മലബാര്‍ സഭാ മേത്രോപോലിത നിയമിതനായി.എറണാകുളം സൈന്റ്റ്‌ മേരീസ് ബസിലിക്കയിഇല്‍ 2000 ജനുവരി 26-നു നടന്ന ചടങ്ങില്‍ അദ്ദേഹം സുറിയാനി

സഭയുടെ പരമാധ്യക്ഷന്‍ ആയി സ്ഥാനാരോഹണം ചെയ്തു.

2001 ജനവരി 21 നാണ് ജോണ്‍ പോള്‍ രണ്ടാമന്‍ മാര്‍പ്പാപ്പ അദ്ദേഹത്തെ കര്‍ദ്ദിനാളായി നിയമിച്ചത്. 2005- ബെനഡിക്റ്റ് പതിനാറാമാന്‍ മാര്‍പ്പാപ്പ തെരഞ്ഞെടുത്ത കോണ്‍ ക്ളേവിൽ പങ്കെടുത്ത ഏക മലയാളിയുമാണ്.

ഹൃദ്രോഗത്തെതുടര്‍ന്ന് ന്ന് 2011 ഏപ്രില്‍ 1-ന്കൊച്ചിയില്‍ അന്തരിച്ച മാര്‍ വര്‍ക്കി വിതയത്തിലിന്റെ ഭൗതികശരീരം ഏപ്രില്‍ 11-ന് എറണാകുളം സെന്റ് മേരീസ് ബസിലിക്കയില്‍ കബറടക്കം ചെയ്തു

പിതാവിന്റെ കബറടക്ക ശുശ്രുഷക്ക് എത്തിയ നൂറുകണക്കിന് വൈദികരും ചെറുസംഘങ്ങളായി കൊന്തചൊല്ലി എത്തിയ കന്യാസ്ത്രീകളും പിതാവിന് അന്ത്യാഞ്ജലി അര്‍പ്പിച്ചു. വിവിധ ഭക്തസംഘടനകളുടെ നേതൃത്വത്തില്‍ പ്രാര്‍ഥനകളും റീത്തുകളും
സമര്‍പിച്ചു

.ഉച്ചയോടെ പള്ളിയും പരിസരവും ജനങ്ങളാല്‍ നിറഞ്ഞു. മാര്‍ക്കറ്റ് റോഡും കടന്ന് ജനക്കൂട്ടം ഷണ്മുഖം റോഡിലെത്തി. കബറടക്ക ശുശ്രൂഷകള്‍ തുടങ്ങിയപ്പോഴും പിതാവിനെ കാണാനായി ആയിരങ്ങള്‍ കാത്തുനിന്നിരുന്നു.പള്ളിയോട് ചേര്‍ന്ന് തയ്യാറാക്കിയ പ്രത്യേക പന്തലില്‍ നിന്ന് ആയിരങ്ങള്‍ കബറടക്കശുശ്രൂഷകളില്‍ പങ്കുചേര്‍ന്നു. ചടങ്ങുകള്‍ തുടരുമ്പോള്‍ ആളുകള്‍ വന്നുകൊണ്ടിരുന്നു. നഗരി കാണിക്കലിനുശേഷവും ഭൗതികശരീരത്തില്‍ ആദരാഞ്ജലികളര്‍പ്പിക്കാന്‍ അവസരമുണ്ടായിരുന്നു. നൂറുകണക്കിനാളുകള്‍ സന്ധ്യവരെ ഇതിനായി കാത്തുനിന്നു.

പ്രാര്‍ത്ഥനയുടെയും അനുസരണത്തിന്റെയും ജീവിതമായിരുന്നു വര്‍ക്കി വിതയത്തിലിന്‍േറത്. ഭിന്നതകള്‍ ഇല്ലാതാക്കി ഐക്യം വളര്‍ത്താനുള്ള പ്രത്യേക വരം ദൈവം നല്‍കിയിരുന്നു. വിയോജിപ്പുകള്‍ പോലും സൗമ്യതയുടെ ഭാഷയിലാണ് പ്രകടിപ്പിച്ചിരുന്നത്. .അദ്ദേഹം വാചാലനായിരുന്നില്ല, എന്നാല്‍ പറയുന്ന കാര്യങ്ങളില്‍ വിവേകവും വ്യക്തതയും പുലര്‍ത്തിയിരുന്നു. അഗാധമായ വിശ്വാസവും മനുഷ്യസ്‌നേഹവുമാണ് വര്‍ക്കി പിതാവിന്റെ നിലപാടുകളില്‍ പ്രതിഫലിച്ചിരുന്നത്

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സിറോ മലബാര്‍ സുറിയാനി സഭയുടെ(മാര്‍ത്തോമ നസ്രാണി സഭ ) മിഷന്‍ രൂപതകള്‍

A Rite which has no possibility for to evangelical work is not worth preserving.

The ever-vibrant Syro-Malabar Church.

It should not be forgotten that more than 70 per cent of the total missionaries, working m different parts of India, is from the Syro-Malabar Church..

ഭാരതത്തിലെ പ്രേഷിത പ്രവര്‍ത്തനം മാര്‍ത്തോമ നസ്രാണികളുടെ ജന്മാവകാശം ആണ് കാരണം കടല്‍ കടന്നു ഏറ്റവും വിദൂര ദേശത്ത് പോയി വിശ്വാസം പ്രക്യപിച്ച ക്രിസ്തു ശിഷ്യന്‍ ആയ മാര്‍ത്തോമ സ്ലീഹയില്‍ നിന്നും വിശ്വാസം സ്വീകരിച്ചവരാണ് നമ്മള്‍!!.10 നൂടാണ്ടോട് സത്യാ വേദപുസ്ഥകള്‍ ആയുധം ആക്കി ലോകത്തിന്റെ അതിര്‍ത്തികള്‍ വരെ പോയി വിശ്വാസം പ്രക്യപിച്ച പൌരസ്ത്യ സുറിയാനി സഭയുടെ ഭാഗം ആണ് നമ്മള്‍!!

മാര്‍ത്തോമ നസ്രാണി സഭയുടെ (സിറോ ചാല്‍ഡിയന്‍) ഭാരതത്തിലെ മിഷന്‍ രൂപതകളെ ഈ ഒരു ലേഖനത്തിലൂടെ പരിചയപ്പെടാം .

Eparchy of Jagadalpur

Bastar, was the southernmost district of Madhya Pradesh till 2000 which covered an area of about 39,171 sq. kms. Presently Bastar comes under Chattisgarh state. Bastar was made a separate ecclesiastical unit named Jagdalpur in 1972 and was entrusted to St. Joseph’s province, Kottayam. Mar. Paulinus Jeerakath CMl was appointed Exarch and later in 1977 he was ordained the first Bishop of the diocese. His excellency Mar. Simon Stock Palathara CMI, the present bishop, succeeded Bp. Jeerakath in 1993.

The CMI region of Jagdalpur was erected in 1976 and the XXX General Chapter in 1978 raised it to the status of a vice-province and the XXXV General Chapter in 2002 rasied it to the status of a Province which is called Nirmal Province, Jagdalpur. The inspiring and efficient leadership of the first fathers made the way clear to achieve remarkable progress in various activities in the Diocese.

Patron Saint :Mar Joseph

Eparchy of Kalyan

The history of the Diocese of Kalyan is very much intertwined with the history of the Syro - Malabar Church itself in India. Having it s roots in the Apostolic Ministry of St. Thomas the Apostle himself who established seven communities of the Christian Church in Kerala in the first century itself. These Christians migrated to different parts of India. They concentrated mainly in the big cities of India. In Bombay, Pune and Nasik regions, they are found in large numbers. The spiritual care of these regions are assisted by lay association like Kerala Catholic Association (Bombay). St. Thomas Christians of India (Pune), etc.

On September 8, 1978 Pope John Paul II appointed His Eminence Antony Cardinal Padiyara, the then Archbishop of Changanacherry as the Apostolic Visitor to study the situation. The visit of Pope John Paul II to India in 1986 gave him a first hand experience of the living faith of the Syro - Malabar Christians of India.

Syro-Malabar Catholics:100,000 C

Eparchy of Rajkot

The Diocese of Rajkot stretches over the northwestern part of India, which is the peninsula of Saurashtra and Kutch; it has an area of 1, 09,990 sq. kms. and a population of 16 million. By the Papal Bull “De Recta Fidelium” of Pope Paul VI the Catholic Diocese of Rajkot came into being on 25 Feb, 1977. It comprises the civil districts of Amreli, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Rajkot and Surendranagar, jointly known popularly as Saurashtra and the district of Kutch in Gujarat State.

Faced with the shortage of priests the Jesuits invited the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), the first indigenous religious congregation for men in India, to work and develop this mission territory in Saurashtra and Kutch. In 1972 the then Superior General Rev. Fr Theobald Pothanikat CMI accepted the invitation and sent a few pioneering missionaries.

In 1977 Bishop Jonas Thaliath CMI was appointed the first Bishop of the newly created diocese of Rajkot. With a dream of integral development, he led the diocese for four years. He was called to his eternal rest on November 7, 1981. On April 24, 1983, Mar Gregory Karotemprel CMI was ordained Bishop to succeed Bishop Jonas and he has been guiding the destinies of the Diocese ever since.

Syro Malabar catholics:13,000

Eparchy of Sagar

The Catholic Exarchate of Sagar was created in 1968 bifurcating parts from the dioceses of Bhopal, Ajmer and Jaipur. It became a diocese in 1977. Msgr. Clemens Thottungal, cmi was its first bishop. Msgr. Joseph Pastor Neelankavil, cmi then succeeded him. Msgr. Anthony Chirayath is the present bishop, who is also the first diocesan priest of the diocese. He became bishop on 25th March 2006, Feast of the Annunciation. He is also the first Diocesan Bishop of North Indian Syro-Malabar Dioceses.

Syro Malabar catholics :7,000

Eparchy of Satna

The history of the diocese of Satna speaks volumes on the missionary enterprise of the Syro-Malabar Church in North India. It is the result of the stern and bold step taken by the Holy See to give the ever-vibrant Syro-Malabar Church an opportunity for mission work, as a Church. It should not be forgotten that more than 70 per cent of the total missionaries, working m different parts of India, is from the Syro-Malabar Church.

On 26 February, 1977 by the Papal Bull Ecclesiarum Orientalium of Pope Paul VI, the Exarchate was raised to the status of an Eparchy. Mar Abraham D. Mattam was appointed as the first Bishop of Satna. On 30 April, 1977, in the presence of bishops, priests, religious and a large number of faithful, Mar Abraham D. Mattam was consecrated bishop. His Grace Eugene D'Souza, Arch Bishop of Bhopal was the main celebrant, who was assisted by His Grace Leobard D'souza, Arch Bishop of Nagpur and Right Rev. Theophine, Bishop of Jabalpur. After the consecration and the concelebrated Qurbana, a small congregation of the faithful gathered to felicitate the newly consecrated bishop. Installation and /the erection of the Diocese of Satna took place on 31 July, 1977. At the beginning of the concelebrated Mass, Right Rev. Theophine read the Papal Bull, appointing Mar Abraham D. Mattam, V.C. the first bishop of the diocese of Satna.

Eparchy of Thuckalay

The Diocese of Thuckalay was erected by the papal Bull “Apud Indorum” on November 11, 1996. It was created separating the area of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry that extended over to the state of Tamilnadu. Fr. George Alencherry was appointed the first bishop of the new Eparchy. He was the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry at that time. The establishment of the diocese and the appointment of the first Bishop were promulgated on December 18, 1996. Very Rev. Fr. George Alencherry was ordained Bishop on February 2, 1997. The total number of the catholic faithful in the diocese is 30,000.

HISTORY OF KANYAKUMARI MISSION

On April 29, 1955 the Holy Father Pius XII by the Bull “Multorum Fidelium” extended the territory of the Diocese of Changanacherry beyond the river Pamba in Kerala up to Kanyakumari, the southernmost boundary of India. Then onwards the Bishop of Changanacherry sent priests to be pastors of the Syro-Malabar faithful who has settled in different parts of the extended area. Among the parishes and mission stations instituted by these priests, there were the five Catholic communities of Arukani, Pathukani, Netta, Penu and Anamukham in the district of Kanyakumari. The faithful of these communities were mainly Syro-Malabar Catholics who had migrated from Central Keralam. From 1960 onwards priests from the Archdiocese of Changanacherry started mission work in the area of the Kanyakumari District. As a result of this missionary work people by and large got converted to Catholic faith. The missionaries trained them in Syro-Malabar Liturgy and spirituality and by and by these developed into parishes and mission stations mainly in the Vilavancode and Kalkulam Taluks in Kanyakumari District. From 1967 onwards the priests from the Congregation of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.) also joined the Syro-Malabar mission work in Kanyakumari District.

The Bishops who have contributed to the mission work in Kanyakumari District up to the formation of the diocese are Archbishop Mar Mathew Kavukatt, Archbishop Mar Antony Padiyara and Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil.

Patroness: Holy Mary, Mother of Christ and Image of the Church Second Patron: St. Geevarghese Sahada

• Eparchy of Ujjain

• Eparchy of Adilabad
• Eparchy of Belthangady
• Eparchy of Bhadravathi
• Eparchy of Bijnor
• Eparchy of Chanda
• Eparchy of Chicago
• Eparchy of Gorakhpur
• Eparchy of Mandya
• Eparchy of Ramanathapuram

Marthoma Nasrani Web Ring!

♠Warm welcome to "Marthoma Nasrani Web Ring" (Blog Directory)♠

If your link is below, please add the widget and display it proudly on your blog. If your link isn't below, please let me know so I can share it here!

Mission & Principles

☛ Comprehensive directory of Marthoma Nasrani Blogs(Syro Malabar ).

☛ Increase the cooperation between Independent catholic nasrani bloggers.

☛ Preserving the rich heritage of our church.

Marthoma Nasrani Web Ring (Blog Directory)

1)http://margeorgealencherry.blogspot.com/(Tags:Nasrani history,Syro chaldean catholic church,Patriarch Mar Gevarughese Alencherry).

2)http://thesyromalabarchurch.blogspot.com/(Tags:Nasrani history, Syro malabar church).

3)

Important Marthoma Nasrani Websites

1)http://www.syromalabar.com/

2)http://www.smcim.org/

3)http://www.smcnews.com/

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St Thoma Cross(മാര്‍ സ്ലീവ ) The symbol of the Nasranies

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God............ 1 Corinthians 1:18

The interpretation of the inscriptions in Pahalavi by Dr. Burnnel (former Archaeological Director of India)

"In punishment by the cross (was) the suffering on this one; He who is true Christ and God above, and Guide ever Pure."

As a Symbol of Nasranies

The symbol of the Nasranis is the St Thomas cross, also called the Nasrani Menorah (മാര്‍ത്തോമ സ്ലീവ). It is based on the Jewish menorah, the ancient symbol of the Hebrews, which consists of a branched candle stand for seven candlesticks. (Exodus 25). In the Nasrani Menorah the six branches, (three on either side of the cross) represents God as the burning bush, while the central branch holds the cross, the dove at the tip of the cross represents the Holy Spirit. (Exodus 25:31).

In Jewish tradition the central branch is the main branch, from which the other branches or other six candles are lit. Netzer is the Hebrew word for "branch" and is the root word of Nazareth and Nazarene. (Isaiah 11:1).

Note that the Christian cross was not adopted as a symbol by Mediterranean and European Christianity until several centuries had passed.

Symbolism of the St Thomas Cross

Unlike crosses in other traditions, the St. Thomas Cross does not carry the effigy of the Christ. This is one of its very unique qualities. More over, each of its elements carry symbolic meanings. The Cross generally symbolizes life rather than death and suffering.

1) Resurrection of our lord Jesus Christ.

The cross is the symbol of resurrection rather than death. It exalts the resurrection of Jesus. One of the Biblical proof for Jesus resurrection was the 'empty tomb.' The St. Thomas Cross that does not have the effigy of Jesus is equal to the empty tomb and therefor glorifies the resurrection of Christ.

2)Heavenly afterlife with our lord Jesus Christ

The four edges of the cross are in flower shape. This again symbolizes the fruition and thereby life.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."Revelation 21:4

3) Sufferings of our lord Jesus Christ .

The three steps below symbolizes Golgotha where Jesus was crucified. Thus death of Jesus also is cleverly brought out symbolically.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Matt 5:10-12.

4) HolySpirit proceeds from the Father& Son

Finally, the shape of the Dove above the cross indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit- the third person in the Holy Trinity.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you . John 16-13:15

Varying degree of Indian Symbolism can be find in St. Thomas Cross. The cross rises from a lotus blossom which forms its base. represents the ancient civilization symbolizing purity and spontaneous generation. It also symbolize divine birth.The cross itself represents God the Son, and a dove, representing the Holy Spirit, is at the top of the cross. Some critiques has pointed out a Buddhist influence, as lotus is a widely used symbol of divinity in Buddhism.This symbolism and tradition are not find in Persian or Middle East or even in Byzantine art.

The Empty Cross

As like any traditional reformation efforts certain mis guided people for undermining the reformation efforts tried linking this as Unchristian .

The interpretation of the inscriptions in Pahalavi by Dr. Burnnel (former Archaeological Director of India)

"In punishment by the cross (was) the suffering on this one He who is true christ and God above,and Guide ever Pure.".

These inscriptions are against the basic faith of Nestorians, who believed that the God was never crucified (punished) in the Cross and only the Jesus the man was crucified. There are nearly two dozen crosses as fossils of our antiquity. Its neither a symbol of any particular Nasrani Church, it’s a common heritage.

The empty cross should remind me of where I stand and Who I can be with,right here, right now! (By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.-1 Corinthians 6:14 )

Location of the Saint Thomas Crosses

The crosses are at the following locations,
•St. Thomas Mount, Tamil Nadu- The Cross is at Our Lady of Expectations Church under the Latin Catholic diocese of Chingelpet ( Madras-Mylapore). This Cross is considered as the oldest cross in India.
•Kadamattam, Kerala. This Cross is at St. George Syrian Church of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church.
•Muttuchira, Kerala. This Cross is at Holy Ghost Church under the diocese of Palai of the Syro Malabar Church.
•Kottayam, Kerala. This Cross is at St. Mary’s Church under the Southist diocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church. One cross is considered of late origin ( Ca 10th century).

•Kothanalloor, Kerala. This Cross is at St.Gervasis and Prothasis church under the diocese of Palai of the Syro Malabar Church.

•Alangad, Kerala. This Cross is at St. Mary’s church under the diocese of Ernakulam- Angamaly of the Syro Malabar Church.

Locations [out side kerala ]

1) Agasaim, Goa. The Cross is now kept at Pilar Seminary Museum. This Cross is dated of 6th Century. The cross has been discovered by Fr. Cosme Costa S.F.X near River Zuari at Agasaim in 2001.
2) Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The cross is kept at Anuradhapura museum. It was found during excavations in 1912 Anuradhapura . Anuradhapura, was one-time capital of Sri Lanka. Based on the available studies on this cross, it seems to be identical to Indian crosses. There is also a baptismal fonts dating 5th century discovered from Anuradhapura.
3 )Taxila, Pakistan. The cross is kept at Anglican cathedral at Lahore. It was found in 1935 in a field near the site of the ancient city of Sirkap. The Taxila cross is similar in shape with a common characteristic that they are more or less equilateral. Some Pakistani scholars have pointed out similarity between Taxila cross which are dated ( ca 2-6 century) and St. Thomas cross.

മാര്‍ത്തോമാ സ്ലീവായും മറ്റു ചില സ്ലീവാകളും.

Khachkar next to the Prelacy of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese.

Photo-A Armenian khachkar meaning cross-stone) is a carved, cross-bearing, memorial stele covered with rosettes and other botanical motifs.Most early khachkars were erected for the salvation of the soul of either a living or a deceased person. Otherwise they were intended to commemorate a military victory, the construction of a church, or as a form of protection from natural disasters.The most common location for early khachkars was in a graveyard.

fist one :

The sarcophagus of Archbishop Theodore,Ravenna, Italy.List of Roman Catholic bishops and archbishops of Ravenna

6th century(Latin Catholic),third one Armenian cross

Today is Good Friday, and they await there a dove, winging down from Heaven. It brings a small white wafer, and leaves it on the stone. Then, shining white, the dove soars up to Heaven again. Always on Good Friday it brings to the stone what I have just told you, and from that the stone derives whatever good fragrances of drink and food there are on earth, like to the Perfection of Paradise. I mean all things the earth may bear. And further the stone provides whatever game lives beneath the heavens whether it flies or runs or swims. Thus, to the knightly brotherhood, does the power of the Grail give sustenance."Wolfram von Eschenbach (c. 1170 – c. 1220).

[Photo:Traditional Armenian khachkar unveiled in 2009 as a sign of Polish-Armenian friendship, at the church of Sts. Peter and Paul, which serves as the parish church for the Roman catholics as well as Armenian catholics.]

Armenian khachkar unveiled in Rome[December 13, 2011 - 21:41 AMT]

On December 13, in the framework of a working visit to Italy, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met with Rome's Mayor Gianni Alemanno.During the meeting, President Sargsyan stressed friendly ties and current productive cooperation between the two states.Armenian President further noted that Rome will host an opening ceremony of 13-century khachkar exhibition as a symbol of Armenian-Italian long-term friendship and means to familiarize with Armenian culture.Later mayors of Yerevan and Rome unveiled the Armenian khachkar, with President Sargsyan present.
After meeting with President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Gianfranco Fini, Serzh Sargsyan is due to meet with Head of the Italian delegation to OSCE PA, Mr. Riccardo Migliori, and Italy’s business representatives, presidential press service reported.

Khor Virap in Armenia