SS Class6-Eng

ORTHODOX SYRIAN
SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

OF THE EAST
Galilee Division
Class VI
(English)
Sunday School Central Office

Devalokom, Kottayam-4
Ph: 2572890
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AN OSSAE PUBLICATION
Sunday School Padavali-6
First Revised Edition December 2013
Copies 5,000
Price ` 50.00
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Preface
Education is a continuing and refreshing endeavour which attempts to train and

equip kids and the young people for a spiritual, active and successful life; and hence
it is an ‘investment’ for today and tomorrow. The myriad possibilities of education
have encouraged religion, countries and ideologies to adapt it for furthering their
objectives and long term aims. In the Christian tradition “Christian education’ is a
ministry of the Church.
Secular education programme in every situation and country has undergone
enormous transformation through the years. More and more study and research is
going into the philosophical base, content, techniques of teaching and learning,
learners’ participation, technique of evaluation etc. So it is only natural that ‘revisions’
happen from time to time.
“Christian Education”, for which the Sunday School lays the foundation and
prods nurture, is never intended to be a carbon copy of what happens in the world
of secular education. Christian education has its unique aim and objectives,
philosophy, ethics and vision. However, it is not irrelevant to learn from the relevant
and succesful ‘techniques’ available and adopted in the secular front. But we must
be constantly careful, never to slip away from our firm Orthodox foundations!
It is highly commendable that the Orthodox Syrian Sundayschool Association
has taken the bold step to completely revise the whole curriculum, trusting in God,
who loves children. Every lesson and every detail is prepared after a pretty long
stretch of study, discussion, correction and revisits by a team of people who have
the interest and expertise to engage in this exacting and time-consuming exercise.
Provisions are made to give proper guidelines and direction to teachers. All this
study materials are being prepared in Malayalam and English simultaneously. The
regional schools, especially, those outside India, shall adapt these basic materials to
suit local situations, linguistic and cultural variances; and aptitudes of children but
keeping the broad structure and basics intact.
These revised study materials are dedicated to the Church, with the fervent
expectation that all those who love the Church, and our children who are dear to
our Lord Jesus Christ, shall certainly welcome this venture.
Devalokom Yakob Mar Irenious Metrapolitan

20-10-2012 President, OSSAE
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Preparation of lessons
Fr. Dr. O. Thomas
Fr. K.V. Thomas
Fr. Dr. Reji Mathew
Fr.Youhanon John
Fr.P.V.John
Fr. Thomas Varghese
Prof.Varghese Mathew
Prof. Cherian Thomas
Dr. Ipe Varghese
Translated into English by
Sri. George Joseph
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Introduction
We are living through a period of rapid changes. The educational sector reflects
these changes to a great extend. Secular education is undergoing a lot of revisions
and children are greatly influenced by secular education. Therefore Sunday School
Curriculam also requires to be revised according to the new learning methods. The
comprehensive revision of the curriculum is undertaken in the light of this reality.
We have no notion that just by implementing the secular methodology of
learning, we can reform the character of our children. The fundamental principle
there should be the teacher-student relationship modelled on the love between
Christ and his disciples. The method of presentation followed in this book would
help teachers and students alike in the transaction of the topics discussed.
This textbook comes as a product of the strenuous efforts of the Curriculum
Revision Committee headed by H.G. Dr. Yakob Mar Irenius, President, OSSAE.
The contributions of those who wrote various units are invaluable. This textbook,
on its completion, owes much to all members of the curriculum committee, especially
H.G. Mar Irenius, President OSSAE and executive editor Sam V. Daniel. Suggestions
to improve this book are welcome.
Let me pray for this New Curriculum to inaugurate a new age of Spiritual
Enlightenment in Sunday School education. Let me also place on record
the gratitude to all those who worked for it. We are highly obliged to Prof.
Jose K. Philip for preparing this English edition.
Devalokam Fr. Dr. O. Thomas

01-11-2013 Director General
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Dear students,
We are undertaking a comprehensive revision of the Sunday School
Curriculum. Relevant changes have been brought about in the content
and structure of the lessons. We are preparing a teachers’ Handbook
along with the textbook for students. We expect that this arrangement
will be more helpful to teachers and students alike.
The period of learning from Pre-School to Class XII is divided into
5 stages
1. Bethlahem Preschool class Upto Age 5

2. Nazreth Class I to III Age 5-7
3. Galilee Class IV to VII Age 8-11
4. Jerusalem Class VIII to X’ Age 12-14
5. Tabor Class XI and XII Age 15-16
This is the textbook for Class IV in the Nazareth category. Let us

look into the structure of the lessons given in the textbook.
1. Theme: The central idea that should be sensitised through each
lesson is given here. We should give special emphasis to this idea while
transacting a lesson.
2. Verse to be memorized: A biblical verse related to the central
theme of the lesson is given for memorizing. The teacher shuold read
out this verse from the Holy Bible at the end of the class and the students
should say it aloud several times. Prompt the students to learn the verse,
including its reference, by heart.
3. Learning Aids: Take care to provide pictures and books, connected
to the central theme as well as the Holy Bible in the classroom.
4. Introduction: This section helps in making the presentation of
the lesson attractive and enjoyable. Simple questions, ancedotes
connected with the life-experience of children and the things we see
around are given here.
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A simple and enjoyable introduction alone ensures easy learning
further. Hence read and present the ideas given here with diligence.
5. Reading Passage or text: This is the content of the lesson. We
have tried our best to make it student-centred. The ideas should be
presented in a participatory manner. There should be good student
involvement. The teacher should take the Holy Bible to class. He should
readout the biblical passages. The descriptions made should have the
quality of a narration. The students should be encouraged through
interaction questions. When important ideas come let the students recite
them in Chorus. Questions given in the ‘Pause and reflect’ section must
be posed before the students. Song or hymns, picture stories, short plays
etc. are given in the lesson.
The students should be made to sing songs and inact plas stores
should be readout to them. There are separate units of or Prayer, Hymns
of Worship, My Church, Good habits etc. The unit ‘prayer’ aims at
making the students say prayers int he evening and in the morning
regularly. Students should be encouraged to do that. Directions for doing
so are given clearly in each lesson. The students should be encouraged
accordingly.
6. Let us think: These are evaluation questions given to examine
how for the students have grasped the ideas in the text. The teacher
should ask these questions in the class. Space for writing the answers
are also provided. Either teacher or parents can write answers for the
students.
7. Activities: Most of the tasks given in the section are for enacting,
drawing, physical action or narration. Take care to make children do
these tasks. The number of lessons have been reduced. Hence we think
that there will be ample time for these activities as well.
8. Song or Hymns: A song or hymn connected with the lesson is
given here. The teacher should sing it aloud and the students should
recite it in chorus. Many songs a quite simple and familiar. So the
students can sing them easily. Songs of OVBS classes are also included.
So most of the songs will be familiar to students. The teacher seek the
help of others who have musical aptitude. It will be better if the teacher
can supplement suitable actions while reciting the songs.
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9. Let us Pray: A simple prayer connected with the thme of the
lesson is given here. The teacher and the students can say this prayer in
the class together. All should stand up and cross themselves before the
prayer. The teacher can recite it aloud and the student can repeat the
prayer.
10. Our Decision: An idea that can touch the students’ mind like a
decision and that can be implemented in their lives is given in this section.
Make the students say aloud this concept.
11. Further Reading: Various biblical passages connected with the
lesson are given for reading in the evening and in the morning of all
days of a week. If the students are unable to read them on their own,
elders should read it aloud for them. The biblical passages are arranged
in such a manner that a student can read it form one Sunday evening
till the next Sunday morning. Parents should encourage their words to
read the prescribed passages along with the prayers at home. We hope
that this practice will prompt regular family prayers and meditation of
biblical verses.
The examination for Nazareth category is oral examination. Hence
students should be encouraged to say the answers well in the class. the
students should be enthusiastic in the class. The teachers should be
able to create a student friendly atmosphere in the class.
The service rendered by our Sunday School teachers in imparting
spiritual training to the growing generation and confirming them in
right faith and right worship is invaluable. Full co-operation of all
students and teachers is essential for the successful implementation of
the New Curriculum. Since the new system is different to a great extend
from the old, teachers should handle the new curriculum and methods
of learning carefully and diligently. Be kind enough to let your valuable
suggestions and encouragement known to us. Let there be abundant
blessings of the benevolent God on this righteous endeavour of Sunday
School teachers and other authorities for the sake of the Holy Church.
Dr. Sam V. Daniel

Executive Editor
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Contents
Unit 1: Bible Stories

Chapter 1: Institution of Holy Qurbana .......................................................... 11
Chapter 2: Prayer at Gethsemane .................................................................... 16
Chapter 3: The Trial of Our Lord .................................................................... 19
Chapter 4: The Crucifixion of our Lord .......................................................... 23
Chapter 5: Resurrection ................................................................................... 27
Chapter 6: Ten Commandments...................................................................... 31
Chapter 7: Journey through the desert and the worship life of Israelites ..... 36
Chapter 8: Joshua, the Successor to Moses .................................................... 41
Chapter 9: The Jericho Wall Falls .................................................................... 46
Chapter 10: Dividing the Land of Canaan....................................................... 50
Unit 2: Prayer
Chapter 11: Psalm 51 ........................................................................................ 54
Chapter 12: Psalm 91 ........................................................................................ 57
Chapter 13: Psalm 121 ...................................................................................... 60
Unit 3: Liturgical Hymns

Chapter 14: The Vision of Isaiah ..................................................................... 63
Chapter 15: Becoming Children of God .......................................................... 67
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Unit 4: My Church
Chapter 16: Church and the Community in the Early Centuries ................ 70
Chapter 17: The churches founded by St Thomas......................................... 74
Unit 5: Holy Qurbana

Chapter 18: Holy Qurbana – Continuation of eternal worship .................... 78
Chapter 19: Bible Readings in Holy Qurbana ................................................. 82
Unit 6: The Basic Dogmas

Chapter 20: Role of sacraments in Spiritual Growth ..................................... 86
Chapter 21: Fruits of Holy Spirit and Spiritual Growth ................................. 91
Unit 7: Introducing Great men

Chapter 22: St Anthoniose (St Antony of the Desert) ................................... 95
Chapter 23: St Pakomiose ................................................................................. 98
Unit 8: Good Habits

Chapter 24: Sacrifice – The Noblest Quality ................................................ 101
Chapter 25: Respect and Observe the Law .................................................... 105
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Unit 1
Bible Stories
Chapter 1
Institution of Holy Qurbana
(St Luke 22:7-30)
The Message: Our Lord, who came down to earth as man, instituted Holy Qurbana
by giving His flesh and blood to disciples at the Upper Room, prior to His
crucifixion. As such, we must be in fellowship with Holy Qurbana in our day
to day life.
Verse to be memorized: “I tell you the truth, unless you can eat the flesh of the Son
of Man and drink his blood, you can have no life in you.” (St John 6:53)
Teaching aids: A picture of the Last Supper, the Service Book of Holy Qurbana and
a picture of the Holy Sanctuary
Text acquaintance: The Last Supper of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the
Feast of Passover is a most crucial incident during his public service. We are
all familiar with the painting ‘Last Supper’ by Da Vinci which hangs on the
walls of most of our houses. Our Lord instituted Holy Qurbana for us during
that night Judas betrayed him. And he gave us his flesh and blood. Then, as a
noble model of humility, he washed the feet of his disciples.
Introduction
Why did God come down to earth as man? What was the purpose? His purpose
was to liberate the sinners. God sent His begotten son to us as a ‘sin offering’, for
the emancipation of human beings who were fully immersed in sin, moving towards
perdition and non – existence. And, Jesus was born as son of virgin in the lineage of
King David. He accepted Baptism from John the Baptist at age thirty. He preached
to and healed the sick among the people for three and half years. And now, as his
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earthly sojourn was about to end, just before his death on the cross at Calvary, he
gave his flesh and blood to us through the institution of Holy Qurbana. This was
preceded by washing the feet of his disciples like a servant, teaching them and us
lessons in humility. Today, we are going to learn the details of this important incident.
The lesson
Do you remember the occasion when you received Holy Qurbana for the first
time? No, because you were small babies at that time. When you were about three
months old, your parents had carried you to the church. By accepting the first
sacrament of ‘Baptism’, we all became members of the Christian Church. Along
with this, we received Holy Qurbana also. Subsequently, we have been participating
in the Service of Holy Qurbana every Sunday. Is it not interesting to learn how and
when this very important sacrament was instituted?
It is the last part of our Lord’s public ministry. The main festival of Israel, the
feast of ‘Passover’ was round the corner. Right from the time of Mosses, they have
been observing this feast, also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread, to remember
the great liberation from Egyptian slavery. Our Lord sent two of his disciples to
make preparations for the Feast, according to Jewish tradition. They reached
Jerusalem and a well arranged mansion was ready for them. It is believed that this
was the house of evangelist Mark, which is also called Sehion. The disciples arranged
the Passover feast there following Jewish religious tradition.
Teacher: Do you know why this Passover meal is called the ‘Last Supper’?
In the evening, Jesus and his twelve disciples sat together to eat the ‘Last supper’,
the Passover meal. While they were eating, Jesus gave them a warning – ‘One among
you will betray me’. On hearing this, they were shell shocked and felt too sad that
they could not say anything. Not knowing who this deceiver was, they were perplexed
and looked among themselves. Jesus gave enough indication that it would be Judas
Iscariot. We must remember that we are always answerable to God for each of our
deeds.
After the Passover meal, Jesus took the bread, blessed, broke and gave them,
saying, “Take and eat; this is my body”. Then he took the cup, gave thanks and
offered it to them saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this,
whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me”. Jesus gave them bread as his own
body and wine, as his blood, symbol of the new covenant. He also taught them that
he was the new Passover lamb. This sacrament commenced at the Sehion Mansion
and got completed with the crucifixion at Calvary. The Holy Qurbana we celebrate
today is the very same that was instituted by Jesus at the Sehion Mansion and
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completed at the Calvary. Before, instituting the Holy Qurbana, our Lord washed
the feet of his disciples. This noble act was an answer to a silent dispute among the
disciples as to who was the greatest in the group!
Teacher: Who is washing the feet of the master? Yes, the slave. Here, Jesus takes
on the role of a slave!
‘Perhaps, you have attended the feet washing service held on the Holy Tuesday
afternoon, where a Metropolitan of the Church washes the feet of twelve people: a
very moving moment for those who participate in this service. Through his action
of washing his disciples’ feet, our Lord taught an unforgettable lesson that we are to
serve others, even those who are below us or enemies and this alone makes us
noble and Godly.
The word Qurbana originates from the Syrian word ‘Qurbono’. This means
offering, sacrifice, offertory etc. Even before our Lord instituted Holy Qurbana at
the Sehion Mansion, he had taught his disciples its purpose and importance. (Refer
St John chapters 5 and 6). Our Church, therefore, attaches a lot of importance to
celebrating and receiving Holy Qurbana. Holy Qurbana is considered as ‘Sacrament
of Sacraments’, ‘medicine of immortality’, ‘Living Sacrifice’ etc. To experience the
mystery of Holy Qurbana in its fullness, one must take part in it with complete
faith and piety. St Paul has stated, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this
cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Holy
Qurbana is blessing, peace, sacrifice and thanks giving; we must be careful to take
part in it with proper preparation.
Hymn
Savior has thus spoken-My body and blood
Those who receive them-in them i reside
By the faith so pure-he who receives Me
And keep my command-is he not My friend
Body be your food-blood be you-ur drink
Those who accept them- I will dwell in thm
Salvation of soul-that we may attain
Sacred blood body- O Saviour You give
By the bodyThin-seek we remedy
Certainly attain-our eternal life
Having eaten Thin- sanctified elements
Do not sentence us-on Thy judgment day
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Let us pray
Oh! Lord, the Word who has come down as man, we receive you through
Holy Qurbana. Enable us to eat your body and drink your Holy blood with
a pure conscience. May this serve to forgive our debts and sins and lead us
to eternal life. Amen.
Resolution
We shall participate in the Holy Qurbana and partake of it with
full devotion and in humility.
To Think Over
1. On which Jewish festival, did our Lord institute Holy Qurbana?
2. Write down the words of institution of the Holy Qurbana.
3. What is the meaning of the term, Qurbana?
4. What are the adjectives our Church fathers have given to Holy Qurbana?
5. Is the Holy Qurbana we celebrate today a ‘repetition’ of what our Lord
had instituted at the Sehion Mansion?
6. Is Holy Qurbana just a remembrance of an incident or an institution?
If not, explain what it means.
Activities
1. In chapter 14 of the Book of Genesis, we see a high priest making an offering
in the presence of Abraham with bread and wine. Try to find out his name.
2. Have you ever participated in a feet washing service? Discuss what all things
caught your attention there.
3. What is the warning St Paul gives to those who participate in Holy Qurbana
carelessly? (1Corinthians 11:26)
4. Make an attempt to identify the twelve disciples by looking at a picture of
the ‘Last Supper’.
5. Find out the different words used to describe Holy Qurbana.
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Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Exodus 12:1-11
Monday St.Matthew 26:17-29 Exodus 12:21-28
Tuesday St.Mark 14:12-25 Exodus 13:1-10
Wednesday St.John 13:1-20 Leviticus 16:3-10
Thursday St.John 6:26-40 Ezekiel 45:18-25
Friday St.John 6:47-651 1 Corinthians 11:23-30
Saturday Romans 12:1-8 Hebrews 10:19-25
Sunday St.Luke 24:13-35 *
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Chapter 2
Prayer at Gethsemane
(St Mathew 26: 36-56)
Message: Our Lord gathers strength through prayers, to face crucifixion, which is
just a few hours away. This is a great example for those who pass through
crisis situations. Total submission to the will of God is the essence of spirituality.
Verse to be memorized: “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup
from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (St Mark 14:36)
Teaching aids: A picture of our Lord praying at Gethsemane, Hymns.
Text Aquaintance: The incidents we learn here are related to the great mental conflict
our Lord experienced in the previous night of crucifixion; and the strength
he received in fellowship with Father through prayer at Gethsemane.
Introduction
Some of us have experienced moments of terrible fear and anxiety in our life
once in a while. Your experiences can be shared with the class such as a major
surgery of a very close relative, a road accident involving someone who is quite
close to you, unexpected demise of friends or relatives and similar incidents. Events
like these create tremors in our life. How do we face them? Here, the way our Lord
faced such a situation, shows us the path to follow. He was sure that he was going
to be crucified the very next day. That being the will of God, our Lord prays and
gains strength and courage from God, the Father. We will try to understand the
extreme agony undergone by Lord Jesus Christ during the hours prior to his
crucifixion.
The lesson
In the life of Jesus, the Gethsemane experience is perhaps the most moving and
agonizing. Gethsemane is a garden close to the Mount of Olives. The meaning of
the word Gethsemane is ‘oil press’. Do you remember the name of that garden
where the first man Adam disobeyed God? Because of his disobedience, the humans
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have been ‘tasting’ condemnation and death. Here, in another garden, Son of God
subjects himself to obedience in its fullness so that we are blessed and that we are
led towards eternal life. At the mount of Transfiguration, three disciples namely
Peter, James and John were with Jesus to witness the glory of God; and now Jesus
enters Gethsemane along with the very three disciples.
At Gethsemane, Jesus is seen to be sharing the feelings of his heart with these
three disciples. He advised them to be awake and be vigilant. Jesus alone goes a little
forward. He prayed to Father with a heavy heart. He fell on the ground and prayed,
not once, but three times. St Luke records drops of blood tickling through the
sweat glands. On coming back after the prayer, he found the three disciples sleeping.
He admonished Peter who had assured that he would stand by his master in all his
trying circumstances. Jesus warned them that those who fell asleep when they ought
to be awake and praying are doomed to fail.
Our Lord prayed in deep sorrow and grief that the cup of tribulation should
move away (Isaiah 51:17), but that was not to be. His prayerful submission to the
will of God must be emulated by us.
After he finished his prayer, Jesus talked like a hero who had won a battle, ‘get
up, we are going’. The power of prayer is immense. The secret behind the successful
spiritual life of all our saintly fathers is nothing but their committed prayer habits.
The more and more you pray, the more and more strength you earn. Let us memorize
this saying in English: ‘more prayer, more power; less prayer, less power; no prayer,
no power’.
Our Lord got himself strengthened through prayer, but those disciples failed at
the crucial testing time as they could not remain awake and pray. Peter denied his
master thrice, but repented and was forgiven. But Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus
for money, instead of repenting, chose to commit suicide, where his money or his
own abilities failed to protect and console him. Judas is a warning signal to those
who deviate from true faith for worldly gains.
Hymn
Teacher may help the student to sing an english hymn connected
with this lesson
Let us pray
Oh! Lord Jesus, you were in great agony and grief on our behalf at
Gethsemane; help us to emulate your prayer in our crisis. Show us your
mercy that we too submit fully to the will of God when we are to drink the
cup of affliction. Amen
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Resolution
With the help of God, we will not fail in difficult situations.
With Christ, we shall take crises into opportunities
To Think over
1. What does the term ‘Gethsemane’ mean?
2. Who were those disciples who accompanied Jesus to Mount Tabor as
well as to Gethsemane?
3. The ............................. is willing, but the ................................... is weak.
Activities
1. Compare the experiences at the gardens of Eden and Gethsemane.
2. Have a discussion on this topic: While you pray, which is given
importance? Will of God or our own interests.
3. Let your teacher share an experience of his having overcome a problem
through prayer. You too come up with similar experiences you have
come across in your life.
4. Jesus was praying at Gethsemane with a very heavy heart, but his
disciples were in deep slumber. Is it proper to sleep during prayer time?
Learn to exercise vigil while praying.
5. Let us meditate Jesus who was undergoing deadly pain for us.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St.Mark 14:32-42
Monday St.Luke 22:39-46 St.John 18:1-9
Tuesday Psalm 1:1-11 St.Mark 10:35-45
Wednesday St.John 12:27-36 Psalm 31:1-14
Thursday Hebrews 5:1-10 Psalm 31:15-24
Friday St.John 5:30-36 Psalm 43:1-5
Saturday 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Isaiah 51:9-17
Sunday Psalm 20:1-9 *
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Chapter 3
The Trial of Our Lord
(St Mark 14: 53-65)
Message: Don’t we engage in activities which cause pain to Jesus? Jesus is pained
when we do evil. Instead, we must engage in good and virtuous deeds so that
the name of Jesus is glorified.
Verse to be memorized: “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.” (Isaiah
53:4)
Teaching aids: Pictures of Jesus being tried.
Text acquaintance
Our Lord underwent a whole lot of abuse and before crucifixion. He faced the
unjust trials and manipulated allegations with patience. Pilate announced, ‘here is
that man’; let us try to meditate on the persecutions our dear Jesus suffered only for
our sake, as described by the gospel writers.
Introduction
Have you ever seen a court in session where an accused is undergoing a trial?
There is always an advocate who argues for the accused. Our judicial system has a
dictum that even if a thousand criminals are let free, an innocent should never be
punished. But the trial of Jesus was one where law and justice were given the go by.
The Jewish leaders forced a trial on Jesus, the symbol of justice and innocence
personified. Surely, this happens to be the darkest episode in judicial history. Our
Lord was subjected to severe harassment physically and mentally and he went through
all such torture patiently for saving us from the slavery of sin and eternal punishment;
he was slapped on his face by sinful men and was subjected to the most unjust
judgment as if he was a proven criminal. And all this was for our sake.
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Text acquaintance
Jesus, who earned strength through his prayer at Gethsemane, was arrested by
the Roman soldiers and the temple guards deputed by Jewish leadership. That traitor
Judas showed them the way. Judas was quite familiar with the location because he
had been there frequently with Jesus and other disciples. He kissed Jesus and thus
the soldiers identified him. Jesus faced the situation calmly and with a gentle
composure. Peter who could not pray with Jesus at Gethsemane took a sword and
attacked a guard of the high priest cutting off his ear. This incident made Jesus
teach a new lesson to Peter and others present there by healing the guard who was
attacked and commented, “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword”.
The unjust trial of our Lord was carried out in four stages. Jesus was dragged
before Annas, Caiaphas, Jewish ruling council and Pilate for carrying out their farce
which they called a trial.
From Gethsemane, Jesus as a captive was produced before previous year’s high
priest Annas. He, as the father in law of current year’s high priest Caiaphas was an
elderly leader of the community and was highly respected. Caiaphas would have
thought that his job could have been made easy had the sharp minded Annas
succeeded in identifying some serious and punishable charges against Jesus. Annas
raised two allegations against Jesus namely, one – Jesus had been organizing his
disciples against the Roman government and, two – he was misleading the people.
Jesus replied to these allegations with absolute confidence and courage that he was
teaching the people in public and that those who have listened to him during his
teachings may come forward to testify against him. This response irked the soldiers
and they slapped him on his face. Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas as he could not find
any charges against Jesus as alleged. It was during the trial before Caiaphas that
Peter denied Jesus thrice.
While Jesus was being tried before Caiaphas, experts in the law, and leaders of
people were all present. Many false witnesses came forward to testify, but no concrete
evidences were forthcoming. To the question of Caiaphas, “Are you then the Son of
God,” Jesus replied, “You are right in saying I am”. He continued to tell them about
the glory and power, Son of God was going to have in future. At this, they all came
to the conclusion that the statement of Jesus was a clear case of blasphemy deserving
death penalty. They started spitting on his face, beating him with their fists and
slapping on his face.
In the morning, Jesus was tried before Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council.
This was a 72 member supreme body of Jews apart from the high priest, which was
enjoying full authority of Jewish Law. To their questions, Jesus affirmatively answered
that he was Messiah and Son of God. The council decided to award death penalty to
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Jesus on charges of treason, claiming to be Son of God and for blasphemy. Then, he
was sent to the Roman Governor Pilate as he alone had the power to impart a death
penalty.
Pilate was Roman Governor for Judea from AD 26 to 36. His head quarters
were at Caesarea. However, being the Passover festival season, to oversee law and
order situation at Jerusalem, he was present at the palace here. St John describes in
detail the various stages of Jesus being tried at the different locations of this palace
(St John 18:28 – 19:26). Pilate utilized a chance to befriend Herod of Galilee by
sending Jesus to him for his trial as recorded by St Luke. Pilate was quite convinced
that Jesus was innocent and that he needed to be set free. Even Herod did not find
anything wrong with Jesus. However, Pilate knew that he himself was not in the
good books of Jewish community and therefore, it was safe to entrust them to take
the final decision and save his position. There was a tradition among Jews to liberate
a prisoner every year during the Passover festival and Pilate gave them a choice as to
who should be freed this year; Jesus or Barabbas, the murderer? They shouted favoring
Barabbas; but Pilate made one more attempt. The multitude gathered there
threatened Pilate that they would lodge a complaint against him if he decided to set
free Jesus who had moved against the emperor Caesar. With this, Pilate surrendered
meekly as he was not ready for any step that might endanger his position of power.
Thus, Pilate surrendered his better judgment and awarded death penalty to Jesus.
‘It was the day of preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour’ (St John
19:14). At the same time when the Passover lamb was to be slaughtered, the Lamb
of God too was handed over for sacrifice.
The King of Kings was now thoroughly exhausted with blood drained out and
with the physical torture. Who had beaten up our Lord? Only Jews and Romans?
The late His Grace Dr Geevarghese Mar Osthathiose sings,
“En Hastham thane thalli,
Ennittum Snehichenne”
Hymn
with this lesson
Let us pray
Oh my Lord, it was for us you accepted the judgment in silence; for our
trespasses, you, the Judge of judges subjected your body to torture, and your
face for slapping and in all these, we all see your divine love; Lord, make us
love you always and live as per your will. Amen.
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Resolution
I will live as the obedient child of my Lord who was obedient
till the death on cross, only to save me
To Think Over
1. Jesus was tried by two priests and two rulers. Name them.
2. .....................betrayed Jesus; ..........................denied Jesus thrice, but
repented.
3. What is the name the Head Quarters of Pilate at Jerusalem?
4. Find out the name of the guard whose ear was cut off by Peter (St John
18:10)
Activities
1. Name of Pilate, who had awarded the death penalty of Jesus, is included in
one our prayers. Which prayer? He knew the truth, yet he passed the
judgment of death on the innocent. Discuss the possible reasons behind
this.
2. During the time of Mosses, we see such a person in the Old Testament, who
took a wrong decision like Pilate because of pressures from public. Who was
that? Explain that incident.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St.Matthew 26:47-56
Monday St.Matthew 26:57-75 St.Matthew 27:1-10
Tuesday St.Matthew 27:11-26 St.Luke 22:47-71
Wednesday St.Luke 23:1-12 St.Luke 23:13-25
Thursday St.John 18:12-27 St.John 18:28-40
Friday St.John 19:1-16 Isaiah 50:1-9
Saturday Isaiah 53:1-101 Corinthians 1:18-31
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Chapter 4
The Crucifixion of our Lord
(St John 19: 17-42)
Message: Let us meditate on the cross and submit ourselves in sacrifice and
perseverance to understand the redemption our Lord earned for us through
the cross.
Verse to be memorized: “Who, being in very nature of God, did not consider equality
with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very
nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in
appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death –
even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2: 6-8).
Teaching aids: The Good Friday Service Book.
Text acquaintance
The tribulations and sufferings of Jesus and his death on the cross are so moving
and heartbreaking; we shall meditate those events with great reverence and devotion.
Introduction
We participate in the day long Holy service at our church on Good Friday and
try to assimilate the sufferings and agony of our Lord and experience for ourselves
the pain of the cross. The last moments of Son of God on this earth were really
grievous, but while undergoing such unbearable pain on the cross, Jesus was prayed
for those who tortured him. This certainly is the real and divine model for all times.
The lesson
The Roman Governor Pilate handed over Jesus to the soldiers for crucifying.
Death by crucifixion during the Roman regime was a cruel mode of punishment,
practiced by Romans for punishing slaves and those who rebelled against the empire.
The soldiers started beating up and ridiculing Jesus. He was made to wear a cheap
red colored cassock and a crown made of hard thorns pressed on his head. He was
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made to hold a stick as if that was a scepter (symbol of kingly power) and was made
a subject of mockery. They started spitting on his face in addition to severely beating
up. But our Lord accepted all this in absolute silence. Jesus, who was quite tired
after the lengthy trials at four different places as well as due to the cruel physical
torture, was forced to carry the heavy cross on his shoulders, to Calvary. He was
being beaten up continuously with leather belts on which lead balls were stuck,
which made blood flow from all over the body. A virtually drained out Jesus slowly
walked his way to Calvary carrying that heavy cross, his body drenched in blood.
And while he fell down on the way out of sheer exhaustion, a person, Simon of
Cyrene came that way and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross. A big crowd
was following Jesus to Calvary. The women folk among them were crying aloud,
but Jesus tried to console them.
They reached ‘the place of Skull’ outside the city walls of Jerusalem, which is
called Golgotha in Aramaic and Calvary in Latin. On this hill, Jesus was crucified by
midday. There was a practice of writing on the top of the cross the crime committed
by the convict; it was written, ‘Jesus, of Nazareth, king of Jews’ in Hebrew, Latin and
Greek languages. Two robbers were also crucified, one on his right and the other
on his left. The Jewish priests and the teachers of law were still continuing to ridicule
our Lord. Meanwhile, the one crucified on the left side of Jesus scoffed at him; the
other one repented and came to inherit Paradise. See, how great and noble is our
Lord listening to the prayers of sinners even as he himself was in deep agony on the
cross and was about to die.
For the three hours, Jesus was suffering from unbearable pain on the cross.
The seven statements of Jesus from the cross are the true enlightenment of love of
God. Let us read those sayings.
1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.(St Luke
23: 34)
2. “I will tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise”. (St Luke
23: 43)
3. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son” and to the disciple, “Here
is your mother”. (St John 19: 26,27)
4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (St Matthew 27: 46)
5. “I am thirsty”. (St John 19: 28)
6. “It is finished”. (St John 19: 30)
7. “Father, into thy hands, I commit my spirit”. (St Luke 23: 46)
These verses of our Lord on the cross were overflowing with hope and courage.
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During the time of crucifixion, many supernatural incidents took place such as
earth quake, rocks splitting into pieces, tombs getting opened and the dead getting
resurrected. Jesus accepted death on cross as the will of God. The guards present
there including the Roman centurion testified openly that Jesus was truly the Son
of God. With the crucifixion of Jesus, the whole Universe was saved. Cross is the
flag of victory over Satan, sin and death. The cross has the central place in all our
worships services.
Pilate got confirmation through the centurion that Jesus was dead. Next day
(Saturday) was Sabbath and therefore the funeral was to take place in the evening
itself. Joseph from Arimathea met Pilate and obtained permission for bringing down
the body of Jesus and burying it. Joseph, a disciple of Jesus in private, buried Jesus
according to Jewish rites in a tomb that was made for his own use. (St Matthew 27:
57-61). Nicodemus, another private disciple too was present along with Joseph. A
big stone was placed at the mouth of the tomb to seal it. Mary of Magdalene and
Mary, mother of Josses were also present and witnessed all these.
For our worship on Good Friday, all the incidents which took place through the
trials to the funeral are systematically and devotionally laid down. We are to participate
in this service from morning till evening with piety and repentance.
Let us pray
Oh Lord, you have, out of your eternal love suffered unbearable pain and
died for us on the cross. We meditate on your sufferings. Let the love of cross
show us the right way to live and die. Amen.
Resolution
Jesus, we adore the Holy Cross; we meditate on your suffering on
our behalf. Your love is boundless and amazing. Forgive our sins
and sanctify our souls and bodies. We thank for the great
redemption you have achieved for us.
To Think Over
1. Name the person who helped Jesus to carry the cross.
2. What was the writing on the cross? In which languages was this written?
3. What was the promise Jesus gave to the robber crucified on his right
side? (St Luke 23: 43)
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4. ‘Golgotha’, ‘Calvary’ – These words come from which languages? What
are their meanings?
5. Which two private disciples of Jesus made arrangements of the funeral?
Activities
1. Find out the expansion of ‘I N R I’.
2. Memorize the seven verses on cross.
3. Sing the hymn of dialogues of the two robbers in the Good Friday service,
first in your class and later in the Sunday School.
4. Examine whether the robber on the left side of Jesus’ cross scoffed at Jesus
and the one on the right side repented as per the Holy Bible.
5. During the Good Friday service, while bowing before the cross in reverence,
there is a prayer “We adore the cross . . . . . “ Complete this.
6. Study the changes on the Golgotha that is erected at the middle of the church
during mid lent to Easter day and have a discussion in the class.
Hymn
Tune: en natha nin kripa nine
“Thy Grace brought thee down, O Lord,
Unto Thy servants, sinners,
Thy Church now doth cling to the
Wings of Thy Cross have mercy.”
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St.Matthew 27:27-44
Monday St.Matthew 27:45-66 St.Mark 15:16-32
Tuesday St.Mark 15:33-47 St.Luke 23:26-43
Wednesday St.Luke 23:44-56 Psalm 22:1-21
Thursday Hebrews 13:8-17 Leviticus. 4:1-7
Friday Numbers. 19:1-10 Isaiah 1:1-12
Saturday Psalm 35:1-17 1 Corinthians 4:12-19
26
Chapter 5
Resurrection
(St Luke 24: 1-12)
Message: Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis of Christian faith. We experience

in our life, the hope of salvation conveyed to us by Resurrection of Jesus.
a\:]mThmIyw: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he
has risen!” (St. Luke 24: 5,6)
Teaching aids: The Service Book of Holy Qurbana and the service book of Major
Feasts.
Text acquaintance
Have you understood what makes Jesus Christ unique from other religious
leaders? Whereas the life of others came to an end with their death, Jesus overcame
death and rose from the tomb. The resurrection, thus, is the glorified completion
of the activities of our Lord who became incarnate as a human being.
Introduction
Let us look at the incidents those took place following the death of Jesus on
cross and the funeral. By order from Pilate, the tomb was sealed and soldiers were
entrusted to guard it. The disciples returned disappointed and in deep anguish.
This was a situation like “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered”.
(Zechariah 13:7) The disciples were really perturbed whether it was the end of the
road for them. But we do realize, “The light shines in darkness, but the darkness
has not understood it” (St John 1: 5). After his death, our Lord went into the world
of the dead and preached the gospel to all the dead beginning from Adam. (St Peter
3: 19, 4:6). The Orthodox churches believe this entry to Sheol and they observe
Holy Saturday as a day to remember all the departed souls.
The lesson
It was Sunday, the first day of the week. Early morning, Mary Magdalene and a
few other women went to the tomb to apply perfume on the body of Jesus. It was
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customary for Jewish women to apply perfume on dead bodies after burial. They
were moving towards the tomb with great enthusiasm and unparalleled devotion to
their dear master, but they were also a bit anxious how they would enter the tomb
because they had seen the heavy stone with which the tomb was sealed on Friday.
They were iwondering as to who would remove the stone for them.
They were in for a surprise. The heavy stone at the tomb was already moved
away! Yet another and more fascinating surprise was in store – at the mouth of the
tomb, there was an angel in a pure white rob! The angel explained to them why the
tomb was empty. “He is not here; he has risen.” The angel asked them to convey the
glad news of Resurrection to the disciples. While they were moving out with fear
and joy, Jesus appeared before them. He told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell
my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me”. (St Mathew 28: 10)
Teacher: Who announced the birth of Jesus? Angels. O.K. Here too, the angel
announces the news of Resurrection of the Lord.
Immediately on hearing that Jesus had risen, Peter and John rushed to the
tomb. The young John reached there first, and saw the empty tomb and the clothe
which was used to wrap the dead body, lying there. It was sure that nobody had
removed the body from the tomb. Peter was the first to enter the empty tomb and
became a witness to the resurrection. Later, Peter declared, “...........but God raised
him from the dead. We are witnesses of this” (Acts 3: 15). Books in the New Testament
testify risen Jesus appearing to his disciples at many places several times. It was
Mary Magdalene, to whom risen Jesus appeared first and who had the fortune to
announce the good news to his disciples. How Jesus talked to Mary Magdalene is
described in the hymn sung during the Easter procession in the Church.
Truly am I the gardener, Oh Mary,
I only planted Paradise, the Great One!
Oh, Mary am I life of all living things,
I am the Resurrection and new life,
I am who was killed; I was in the tomb,
Touch me not for I, have not gone to my Father,
With glory have I ascended from the tomb,
Good news this, carry to my disciples.
Risen Christ allowed his presence occasionally to disciples for forty days. On
the fortieth day, he blessed them on the Mount of Olives and commanded them to
spread the Good News throughout the world and then ascended to Heaven. Ten
days later, on the feast of Pentecost, Holy Spirit was sent to the disciples. And our
Lord lives even today with us.
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Let us sing
God in glory - arose from the death, and gave life to
Adam and all his - children
Angels on high adored their Lord
Earth was made bright
And trembling stood wa - tchers then.
Stop to think
What did the disciples who entered the empty Tomb understand? Don’t
you think it amazing that the angel himself announced the Resurrection
of the Lord?
Had the death of Christ on cross ended with crucifixion, it would have
been a failure. But Christ overcame death and rose as he had said earlier.
Jesus resurrected on Sunday and therefore the Church assembles on
Sunday instead of Saturday (as Jew do), and this continues till now.
The empty tomb perhaps is the strongest evidence of the Resurrection.
It was the power of Resurrection that strengthened the helpless disciples
and equipped them for preaching the Good News. Resurrection is the
central point of the faith of believers. Again, it is Christ’s Resurrection
that is the basis of our own resurrection and eternal life. “And if the
Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who
raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies
through his Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8: 11)
To think over
1. ‘And if Christ has not been raised, our .................................................is
useless and so is your ....................................... ‘(1 Corinthians 15: 14)
2. To whom did the Risen Christ appear first?
3. What would have been the reason why Peter and John rushed to the
tomb?
4. On the 40th day of Resurrection, there happened a very important event.
What was that? What is its significance?
Activities
1. In the Orthodox tradition, we use the plain cross and not one with the image
of a crucified Jesus. What must be the reason for this?
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2. Go through the Service Book of Holy Qurbana and find out five hymns
illustrating the great happiness and importance of Resurrection of Jesus.
3. The Declaration of Resurrection’ is a very important part of the service on
the Easter Day worship. Read it out in the class.
4. Sing together the hymn “Vismayasahithamkabarupilarnnu ...........” in the
class, all joining together.
5. Jesus went down to the Sheol and preached good news to the dead. What do
you understand from this? Could the dead listen to him and be benefitted by
it?
Resolution
Jesus died for my sake, and gave me freedom from sin and death.
I shall live for Him, serving Him and His Church.
Let us pray
Oh Jesus, you rose from the dead and thus ensured our resurrection at your
second coming. Give us the wisdom and humility to seek, understand and
be blessed by your Resurrection from the dead. Amen.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * St.John 20:1-18
Monday St.John 20:19-31 St.John 21:1-14
Tuesday St.Matthew 28:1-15 St.Mark 16:1-8
Wednesday St.Mark 16:9-18 St.Luke 24:13-35
Thursday St.Luke 24:44-53 1 Corinthians 15:3-19
Friday Isaiah 60:1-15 Isaiah 61:1-11
Saturday Acts 2:22-36 Romans 4:17-25
30
Chapter 6
Ten Commandments
(Exodus 20: 1-17)
Message: The Lord God gave commandments to His people, the Israelites, to help
them live a righteous life as well as to enjoy the presence of God. It is for us to
obey God’s commandments always.
Verse to be memorized: “Now, if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out
of all nations you will be my treasured possession.” (Exodus 19: 5)
Teaching Aids: The ‘Ten Commandments’ written as two big charts, pictures
depicting the Commandments being handed over to Moses by God.
Text acquaintance
We shall try to understand the wonderful experience in the life of Moses when
he had been in the awful presence of God. The commandments given to mankind
for the first time are to be obeyed and followed by us throughout our lives.
Introduction
We have a police force and a judicial system in our country. Have you ever
thought of the reasons as to why they are there? This is for ensuring justice and law
and order. Neither the judicial system nor the police force can act on their own.
They have to co ordinate their functioning within the Indian civil code and criminal
procedure code. The Indian constitution oversees the effective implementation of
these rules and regulations. In your secular schools, you would have learnt how
these systems have developed over a period of history and got well established within
the administrative framework. We shall try to to understand how such systems
came into existence in Israel.
The lesson
The Israel as community can be said to have had its origin with Abraham,
father of faithful, being obedient to God’s call. This is followed through the life
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history of Isaac, Jacob and their descendents. We have already learnt how Joseph,
the son of Jacob got elevated to top administrative position in Egypt. He saved his
family from the acute famine and made them settle down in Egypt. They were there
for a few generations, but later rulers of Egypt, the Pharaohs, conceived plans to
subjugate them. As they were undergoing very cruel persecutions in Egypt, God
chose Moses to liberate them from their slavery. Moses, forsaking all the palatial
comforts, threw his lot with his people. His brother Aaron was there to help him.
They appealed to the Pharaoh many times to set free the people, but the hard hearted
Pharaoh did not yield. God sent down ten calamities to the land of Egypt. Ultimately,
the Israelites moved out of Egypt, and proceeded to Canaan, the Promised Land.
The content of the book of Exodus is the history of this great journey. This Hebrew
community took 40 years to accomplish this. It was Moses who led the people. “For
no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that
Moses did in the sight of all Israel.” (Deuteronomy 34: 12)
Moses led the people as leader, prophet and priest. It was through him that God
gave the rules and regulations for the people of Israel. This is indeed, a true indication
of the love and care of God for his people, who had been liberated from slavery.
In the third month of their exodus from Egypt, God gave the Ten
Commandments to Moses atop the Mount Sinai. Tradition says that these
commandments were given on the fiftieth day of the day of liberation or Passover
i.e. on the day of the feast of Pentecost. To witness the Glory of God, Moses purified
the people for two days. On the third day, amidst thunder, lightning and sound of
trumpets Moses climbed up the Mount Sinai. The people waited at the foot of the
mountain. Moses faced God in the darkness of the cloud. Moses fasted for forty
days on the mountain. God gave him the Ten Commandments, which form the
center point of all moral practices. These commandments are recorded in Exodus
20: 1-17 and also in Deuteronomy 5: 6-21. Following are those commands God
gave to His own people as the code of morality.
1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven
above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long.
6. You shall not murder.
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7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
10.You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Stop and think

How did God ‘prepare’ His people to receive the Ten Commandments?
What does that show? That God is holy and the commandments are to
be kept and that would make the people holy.
In the history of mankind, especially of Israel, the Ten Commandments
are important moral codes. The first four among these indicate the
relation of men towards God. Faith in ‘one God’ is insisted here and
discarding of idolatry is affirmed. The remaining six commandments
are for strengthening man’s social relationships. When we respect and
obey our parents, we are only keeping a commandment of God. In the
New Testament, we read that Jesus Christ acknowledged the Ten
Commandments and gave new interpretations for them. Based on
Deuteronomy 6: 5 and Leviticus 19: 18, Christ gives the summary of
Ten Commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind ............... Love your neighbor
as yourself ”. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two
commandments. (St Matthew 22: 37-40). The Old Testament Law has
its base in the Ten Commandments. In the New Testament, we get the
Old Testament Laws and Rules fulfilled through Jesus Christ. In this
context, St John says, “For the law was given through Moses; Grace
and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (St John 1:17)
Stop to think
What must have been God’s intention in giving the Ten
Commandments? What do we mean when we say Jesus re – interpreted
the Ten Commandments?
While Moses was with God on Mount Sinai for forty days, the Israelites
forgot their Lord God who liberated them from the slavery of Egypt.
They chose to turn towards idolatry and forced Aaron to make a golden
calf for them to worship. Moses as he came down from the mountain
was terribly shocked to find his people worshipping a golden calf. He
became very angry and threw away the stone plates on which the Ten
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Commandments were engraved by God Himself. As atonement for the
sin of the people, Moses burnt the golden calf, powdered it, mixed the
powder in water and made the people drink it. Then Moses interceded
before God to save his people from His wrath. God acceded to the
intercession of Moses. The Covenant was renewed and God blessed
them and continued to guide them in their onward journey to Canaan.
To think over
1. What is the content of the book of Exodus?
2. Among the Ten Commandments, which one is accompanied with a
promise?
3. Fill up the blanks: “For the law was given through .........................;
Grace and truth came through........................”
4. Explain Ten Commandments.
Hymn
with this lesson
Activities
1. Classify the Ten Commandments into two, like for e.g., the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’
2. The history of Israelites’ exodus is recorded in detail as a sermon in the book
of Acts. Name the chapter and also the preacher.
3. Read the book of Exodus 19: 16-18 and based on these verses, find out what
were the incidents on Mount Sinai.
Resolution
I will live as a child of God under all situations without getting
diverted from the commandments of God.
I shall be beware of the attractive temptations of the world.
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Let us pray
Oh Lord, kindly guide us and show us the way to live according to your
plans for us and following the commandments you have given us instead of
getting attracted to the worldly comforts. Amen
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Monday Deuteronomy 5:6-21 Exodus 19:1-13
Tuesday Exodus 19:14-25 Exodus 21:1-19
Wednesday Exodus 21:20-36 Exodus 23:1-17
Thursday Exodus 23:18-33 Exodus 24:1-18
Friday Exodus 31:18-32:14 Exodus 32:15-35
Saturday St.Matthew 5:1-20 St.Matthew 5:21:48
Sunday Romans 9:1-18 *
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Chapter 7
Journey through the desert
and the worship life of Israelites
(Exodus 40: 1-16)
Message: God was in their midst during the journey of Israelites through the desert.
They believed that God travelled with them in a tent. The cluster of clouds
during day time and pillar of fire in the night were the indicators of the
presence of God. Even today, to those who worship Him, God is close by with
His helping hand.
Verse to be memorized: “Be holy, because I am holy”. (Leviticus 11: 45)
Teaching aids: A map of the exodus (a sort of diagrammatic representation showing
the route).
Text acquaintance:
The Israelites, having liberated from Egypt, reached the Promised Land of
Canaan after a sojourn of 40 years through the desert. Imagine a large group of
people numbering a few lakhs travelling on foot through the desert year after year
aiming to end up at the Promised Land. In this lesson, we learn about their
experiences, their responses to different happenings, the inimitable leadership of
Moses, the care of God which was unparalleled and the like. We would also learn
about their religious life.
Introduction
You might have carried out journeys to distant places from your home or from
the school. Just think about the preparations you make for such a trip. Before you
commence the journey, you plan out in detail many aspects such as the places you
intend to visit, time schedule, arrangement of convenient vehicles, places of rest on
the way, need of food, finance for meeting the expenses, necessary clothing and so
on. The group would be relatively small, each one knowing each other, and all
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would be happy to carry out the trip with all the time for getting ready individually.
Now what we see at the exodus from Egypt to Canaan is totally different; lakhs of
people are commencing a journey with fear, with no time to properly prepare, taking
all their possessions including their animal wealth too and starting in a hurry. The
multitude of people includes aged ones, the sick, children and pregnant women.
And the journey is through a desert and that too lasting a good 40 years (though,
originally, this was to get completed within just 40 days or so). This was a fascinating
exodus, where lots and lots of experiences of the care of God came up for us to
learn.
The lesson
The Israelites were liberated from Egyptian slavery by God through Moses. About
six lakhs of men and their family members along with their assets including animal
wealth started a great journey to the Promised Land on the 14th day of Abeeb month
of Jewish calendar. They started their journey at night after observing the Passover.
In all the Egyptian families, the first bourns were struck by Lord including those of
animals and there were loud wailings everywhere. The houses of Israelites were
spared wherever the blood of the lamb was applied on the top and sides of their
doors. After 430 years of slavery, they commenced the journey with great enthusiasm
and happiness of God’s liberation under the leadership of Moses as well as the
heads of tribes.
The route of their ‘exodus’ identified by Moses was note worthy. The shorter
coastal path through which they could have reached the promised Canaan within a
year was not chosen because God had other plans. The idea was to avoid the area of
Philistines who were strong warriors. These Israelites during those days never had
any experience of waging battles. They proceeded to south through the desert
adjoining Red Sea. Moses was well experienced in theses sort of terrains, as he was
wandering through similar areas as a shepherd of his father in law Jethro’s flock.
The people who left Egypt were experiencing continuous providential care.
They were protected from the extreme heat of the desert by the pillar of cloud and
for light at night, the pillar of fire accompanied them throughout. We must believe
that those who rely on God will be taken care through all calamities by the mysteries
of God. Moses and the whole people were praising the Lord throughout their journey.
Psalm 136 is one that illustrates God’s care. They camped at Sukkoth and Edom,
and then they were in for the big obstacle, the Red Sea right in front of them! And
the Egyptian army following them was strikingly close! In this crisis, there was that
wonderful interference from our Lord. God made a dry path in the middle of Red
37
Sea and the Israelites walked across safely, but the Egyptians almost caught up with
them. And they too stepped into the dry path within the sea, but suddenly, the sea
came back to its original state. The enemies got drowned and perished inside the
Red Sea. Thus, the Israelites crossed Red Sea and walked along the border of Paran
desert. But they faced another problem; there was no drinking water. At Mara, they
had water, but the water was very bitter to taste. God answered Moses’ prayer and
the water turned sweet. Thereafter, at Eleem, they enjoyed pleasant atmosphere.
They relaxed, people and animals, after sufficient rest, proceeded further.
Now, they had to confront fresh calamities as they entered Seen desert. They
started murmuring against their Lord as they didn’t sufficient food for all. They
thought over the meat they enjoyed in Egypt and felt, it was a blunder leaving all
those ‘comforts’. But, here too they had their Lord taking care of them. They were
provided with Manna from the skies (Exodus Ch. 16). When they cried for meat,
Moses too got perplexed and worried. Moses went to the extent of asking God
whether He could provide meat sufficient to feed this multitude (Book of Numbers
11: 21, 22). And now, God showered quails from the skies and satisfied them. After
a month, they reached Rephidim and faced shortage of water once again. The
people, started murmuring against their Lord and that place was called ‘Massa’ as
they tested God and also ‘Mareeba’ as they quarreled there. Moses cried before God
and as directed, beat the rock at Horeb, which then produced sufficient water. This
followed by the attack from Amalekites and God saved them from this enemy. Moses
constructed an alter there and called it “The Lord is my Banner” (Jehovah Nisei).
Now, the family of Moses – wife Zipporah, sons Gershom and Eliezer – joined
Jethro. Jethro witnessed, “Jehovah greater than all gods”. The enviable task of leading
the multitude of people was found quite manageable once Moses implemented the
suggestions of Jethro.
Worship of Israelites: To ensure a systematic and disciplined worship, as directed
by God, Moses made the Tabernacle, Ark of Testimony and the Tent of Meeting.
Tabernacle is the small house where God came down and stayed. The Ark of
Testimony is the chest where the stone tablets and the book of laws are kept. And
the Tent of Meeting is where God and people meet together. As the representative
of people, Moses used to enter this. The book of Exodus chapters 25 – 27 illustrates
how this Holiest of Holies was to be made. Whenever Israelites settled down in the
desert at night, the Tent used to be spread and when journey commenced, Levites
used to carry it. The Tabernacle and the Tent of Meeting are considered the same,
but described differently in different contexts.
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Further, God gave the people a system for worship to live a holy life and defined
the responsibilities of priests to give proper leadership to the people. Book of Leviticus,
the third among the books of Moses contains these instructions. The book describes
in detail different types of sacrifices and how they are to be offered. In worship,
Levites are to play the key role and therefore their responsibilities are very important.
The most common offerings are burnt offering, grain offering, fellowship offering,
sin offering and guilt offering. The offering of Christ on the cross at Calvary turns
out to be a completion of all the Old Testament offerings. We have learnt earlier
that our Holy Qurbana is the observance and performance of that supreme offering
of Christ on the cross. The book of Leviticus chapter 23 narrates the order of
observing various festivals of Israel. These are their main festivals. (1) The festival
of Passover is to remember how Israelites were saved from being struck off by Lord.
This is also the feast of unleavened bread in relation to the exodus from Egypt to
the Promised Land. (2) Then there is the harvest festival or the festival of Pentecost
falling at the beginning of harvest. (3) Then, they have the festival of tabernacle
which is the festival to remember the Lord’s protection during their sojourn through
the desert. The Jews observe this festival with devotion even today along with their
other festivals. (4) The festival of trumpets is a feast to express thanks and gratitude
to our lord. (5) They also observe the festival of atonement of sins where the sins of
people are atoned. In addition, two more festivals came up later namely the Purim
(Book of Esther 9: 29 – 32) and the Feast of Dedication (St John 10: 23)
Observance of Sabbath: As commanded by Yahweh, the Israelites kept aside
the seventh day of the week for God and used to observe that day exclusively for
worship. There used to be specific commands as what to do and what not to do. On
a Sabbath day, no worldly work was to be done, but the day has to be kept for
prayers, devotion of book of Law and to attend synagogue worship. Which day we
have kept aside is similar to the Sabbath of Jews?
Yes, it is the Sunday. But how do we spend this day?
On Sunday, we stay away from all sorts of worldly work and participate in church
worship as well as Sunday school. We do not engage in playing on Sundays.
Our Lord as per His covenant promise protected His people in their journey
through the desert. They were provided with those commandments so that they
would lead a life of justice, truth and holiness; and they were given orders of worship
too so that they could go on with a life of worship throughout. “Therefore be holy,
for I am holy” (Leviticus 11: 45). This central theme of Old Testament is expected
to be followed by us all always.
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To think over
1. ‘There is no leader ever in Israel like Moses’. What are the main
characteristics of the leadership style of Moses?
2. Narrate five incidents of providential care during the exodus through
the desert.
3. Explain briefly those five important festivals of Israel including their
background.
4. Try to screen the famous movie ‘Ten Commandments’ in the Sunday
School using a projector or at least download the important scenes
from internet and view from a lap top.
Sing along
The journey through desert is too taxing,
Every moment, adversities prop up;
The pillar of cloud at day time, pillar of fire at night,
Day by day, I am led in the true way.
Let us pray
Oh my Lord! The loving care you showed towards the Israelites leading
them miraculously through the desert be with us too in our lives. Amen.
Resolution
I shall obey Lord and enjoy his loving presence always.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Monday Exodus 33:12-23 Exodus 36:1-10
Tuesday Exodus 37:1-16 Exodus 40:16-38
Wednesday Leviticus 1:1-17 Psalm 78:1-28
Thursday Psalm 78:29-51 Psalm 78:52-72
Friday Leviticus 23:1-14 Leviticus 23:33-44
Saturday Psalm 106:1-24 Psalm 106:25-48
Sunday Hebrews 10:1-18 *
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Chapter 8
Joshua, the Successor to Moses
(Deuteronomy 34: 1 – 12)
Message: God will raise those who are committed and dependant on God, to positions
of leadership. God will find suitable persons capable enough to lead His people.
Verse to be memorized: “Be strong and courageous; do not be terrified, do not be
discouraged, for the Lord, Your God will be with you wherever you go”.
(Joshua 1: 9)
Text acquaintance
As desired by God, Moses liberated Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. He led
them for forty years and took them to the Promised Land. Moses, the one beloved
to God passed away at the doorstep to Canaan. He is known as one who was buried
by God. A strong leadership was needed to lead the people of God further forward.
Joshua, who learnt from Moses was well equipped, took over the mantle. What we
are going to learn now is the eventful and continuous history under the leadership
of Joshua.
Introduction
Who is the President of our country now? Yes, you know him. But can you tell
who will succeed him? Looks difficult to give an answer? Change of power from one
hand to another sometimes creates unpleasant situations too. But in spiritual history,
God chooses suitable persons and trains them. Elisha succeeding Elijah and Solomon
succeeding David are all examples. Even in our Church, we choose the successor of
the Catholicose in advance and call him Catholicose designate.
Moses, who was leading lakhs of Israelites, died at the land of Moab. The people
mourned the death of their loving leader. They now needed a capable person who
was committed to the will of God to go and occupy the Promised Land and establish
the community there. But God had chosen Joshua for this role well in advance and
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the way the mantle is handed over to him is noteworthy. This further gives us a
message that the leaders should aim at the glory of God and welfare of people only.
The lesson
The Ten Commandments were give to Israelites at Mount Sinai and then, the
first ever censes of Israelites were taken as desired by God. They found the number
of soldiers aged above twenty years as six lakhs. After thirty eight years, a similar
censes was taken once again and the number remained almost the same. The reason
why the population did not increase during these thirty eight years is that many of
the people perished in thousands as they rebelled against God and perished in the
wrath of God. The fourth book of Moses (Pentateuch) describes these in chapters
1 and 26 and this is the reason why this book has come to be known as the ‘Book of
Numbers’. Many incidents took place before their entry into Canaan. The
murmuring and quarrelling of people continued; however, God continued to protect
His people. Moses was standing between God and the people. Moses survived many
challenges relying exclusively on God. There are many incidents narrated in the
Book of Numbers such as the sin of Miriam (chapter 12), the quarrel of Korah,
Dathan and Abiram (chapter 16), death of Aaron (chapter 20), the venomous snakes
and bronze snake (chapter 21), Balaam and the donkey (chapter 22), the
disobedience at Baal of Peor and the punishment (chapter 25) and so on. In chapter
33, the places where they used to stay during those forty years of journey is listed
out and numbered. The Book of Numbers ends up with the description of the
boarders of Canaan, the Promised Land and the cities of refuge.
Just before the end of their forty years’ exodus, they reached the plain land of
Moab. Among those who commenced the exodus from Egypt, nobody survived
barring Moses, Joshua and Caleb. Based on his memory, Moses talks to the new
generation in detail. And this forms the content of the fifth book of Moses called
the Book of Deuteronomy. This book is an abridgment of the sweetening words of
God such as the recital of the sacred history, commandments from God, the rules
and regulations to be observed at the Promised Land, the calling based on God’s
care to the people and last words of Moses. The last chapter of this book gives an
account of the end of Moses.
Moses could not make his entry into the Promised Land. He climbed the Pisgah
peak on Nebo Mountain and saw the whole area of Canaan to his satisfaction. And
he died there. Can you explain why Moses could not enter the Promised Land? The
Bible says that God Himself has buried Moses somewhere opposite the valley of
Baal Peor. The Israelites wept and mourned 30 days for Moses. Moses carries many
an adjective with him like, ‘the liberator of Israel’, ‘the leader’, ‘the law giver’ and the
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‘moral advisor’. God repeatedly says about him, ‘My servant Moses’. Moses was so
obedient and trustworthy. He suffered forty years with his people confronting
different calamities. He took them in his stride with patience and led them to Canaan
silently following the way of God. The very last verse of the Book of Deuteronomy
records who Moses is; “For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed
the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of al Israel.” (Deuteronomy 34: 12)
What do you think about the personality of Moses?

Moses had, as commanded by God, ordained Joshua, son of Nun of the Ephraim
clan as his successor (Deuteronomy 34:9). Joshua has been assigned the role of
leading Israelites in their war against Amalekites earlier. We read in Exodus 33: 11
about this young man as one who was totally committed: “. . . . . but his young
assistant Joshua, son of Nun did not leave the tent”. Moses had assigned twelve men
to spy on the land of Canaan of whom only Joshua and Caleb declared their faith in
God without fearing adversities. After the death of Moses, Joshua took over the
leadership of the whole Israel. Moses had the permission only to view the Promised
Land from a distance, but Joshua had the call, as per God’s will, to occupy the
Promised Land. God has been repeating to Joshua the very same advice He has been
often giving to Moses: “Be strong and courageous”. Even in our own adversities, this
verse will strengthen us: “Be strong and courageous”.
The Book of Joshua is one that links the five books of Moses to the subsequent
history of Israel. The content focuses on taking control over Canaan under the
leadership of Joshua and distributing the land to different clans and making them
settle down at their specified assigned areas. Thus Joshua took over the mantle
effectively from Moses. God strengthened him to lead the people. The people took
a pledge that they would obey Joshua as they obeyed Moses.
The entry point to Canaan was a town called Jericho. Joshua sent two of his
men to spy on this town, but the palace guards got the information and came down
to arrest them. But a woman called Rahab saved them. We can see later when Jericho
was defeated and taken over, Joshua took care to protect Rahab and her family.
The Israelites continued their journey and reached Shittim on the banks of
Jordan. They were carrying with them the Ark of Testimony, the symbol of the
presence of the Lord. Now, they were to cross Jordan. A miracle was in store for
them similar to what they had at the crossing of Red sea by Moses. Joshua purified
the people. The Levites walked in the front carrying the Ark of Testimony and the
rest followed them. When the priests stepped into the river, flow of the water stopped.
Water stood like an embankment, and the Levites stood firm in the middle of the
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river till the whole people crossed over. Joshua took twelve stones from the place
where the Ark of Testimony stood and erected them on the shore. Once the priests
crossed over to the shore, Jordan came back to original state. Thus, the people
realized Joshua as a man of God just as Moses was. On reaching Gilgal, Joshua
submitted everyone to God and observed the Passover. They ate from the produce
of the land, and with this, the supply of Manna ceased. In short, the exodus was
completed and the Israelites reached the Promised Land.
To Think over
1. What are the reasons for the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy
getting these names?
2. Where did Moses die? Who buried Moses?
3. Deuteronomy is the last of the five books of Moses. Quote the last
verse of this book.
4. Among those who started from Egypt, only two entered Canaan. Who
are they?
5. Discuss three qualities you see in Joshua, the successor of Moses.
Activities
1. There are certain incidents namely, the sin of Miriam, the quarrelling of
Korah and followers, the bronze snake and Balaam and the donkey where
there are many dramatic moments. Read the relevant Biblical passages and
prepare ‘poetic stories’ or a skits and present them in the Sunday school
general class.
2. Jesus has quoted certain verses from the Book of Deuteronomy as recorded
in the Gospel according to St Matthew. With the help of a concordance New
Testament, find out these verses.
3. “Be strong and courageous”. This advice is one that is repeated quite often.
Try to identify ten references those are reflections of this advice from the
Books of Deuteronomy and Joshua.
4. ‘Joshua, son of Nun’ is a usage that is repeated quite often. Can you find out
some other characters of the Bible where a name is linked with that of a
person’s father?
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Hymn
with this lesson
Let us pray
Oh God, please raise noble leaders like Moses and Joshua for our Church
and community. Bless our leaders to lead us relying on God and with
dedication. Amen.
Resolution
Whatever responsibilities are coming to me,
I will carry out them according to God’s will being strong and
courageous following Moses and Joshua.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Deuteronomy 1: 1-22
Monday Deuteronomy 1: 23-46 Deuteronomy 4: 1-25
Tuesday Deuteronomy 4: 26-49 Deuteronomy 5: 1-21
Wednesday Deuteronomy 6: 1-17 Deuteronomy 15: 1-15
Thursday Deuteronomy 31: 1-19 Numbers 13: 21-33
Friday Numbers 14: 1-12 Joshua 1: 1-18
Saturday Psalm 136: 1-26 Acts 7: 20-34
Sunday Acts 7: 35-45 *
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Chapter 9
The Jericho Wall Falls
(Joshua 6: 12-20)
Message: Children of God can overcome any problem, howsoever big that may be.
Our God will help implement good decisions taken after prayers.
Verse to be memorized: “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and mu cup; you
have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant
places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” (Psalm 16: 5, 6)
Teaching Aids: Download ‘Joshua and Jericho – Images’ from the internet and present
them in the class.
Text acquaintance
Joshua took over the leadership of the people of God. He was to confront a
series of challenges. Joshua developed a habit of consulting God for everything he
had to undertake; he received guidelines from God. Joshua’s biggest challenge was
to capture the Jericho city. The city was protected by very strong walls, and was
known as the walled city. To enter the city, those strong walls were to be destroyed.
Now you are all impatient to understand the strategy employed to achieve this.
Indeed, let us see how they did it.
Introduction
You must have read about different kinds of ‘walls’ in history. The Great Wall of
China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Berlin wall which separated
West Germany from East Germany is nonexistent now as the two blocks have joined
together as one nation. The famous drama, ‘Mathilukal’ (which means walls) by
Basheer was quite popular in Malayalam. In Bible, you have come across the
enthusiasm shown by Nehemiah for constructing the walls of Jerusalem and how
God made it possible for him. One of the most noteworthy incidents in the Old
Testament is the destruction of Jericho walls. This was a shining achievement among
all missions undertaken by Joshua.
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The lesson
The first step for Israelites to occupy the Promised Land was to overcome the
city of Jericho. This was an old city protected by very strong walls. Joshua had a
revelation before commencement of the battle (Joshua 5: 13-15). Yahweh’s
commander of army stood before Joshua with a sword stretched out. Joshua sought
for instructions from Yahweh and he was told to remove the shoes from his feet as
the place where he stood was Holy. Joshua followed the commands of God in letter
and spirit which made him victorious in all the battles. The term ‘Yahweh of the
army’ used by Jews in their worship is based on such events in their history.
People of Jericho came to know that Joshua had crossed Jordan and that he was
about to attack them. They were terribly afraid at these and closed all the doors of
the city. All the instructions from Yahweh were totally obeyed by Joshua and all
Israelites. The priests walked ahead with seven trumpets. People followed them.
The priests blew the trumpets and the people gave loud shouts. They circled the
city once and returned. This was repeated for six days. On the seventh day, they
circled the city seven times and the priests blew their trumpets followed by loud
shouts from people. With this, the walls of Jericho, thought to be impenetrable, fell
into pieces. The destruction of the walls of Jericho is considered as a great wonder
that has never occurred before or after this. People entered the city and took
possession of it. They struck the residents with their heavy hands. But, the family
of Rahab, which saved the spies from Israelites, was taken care of and protected.
Israelites believed the fall of Jericho as a great miracle performed by the Lord.
This was the beginning of many victories to follow. Joshua’s leadership was accepted
totally. He turned out to be a great hero of Israel. When we work relying on God
absolutely, victory is ours always. In the absence of God we are a big zero. And
there is a saying, “With God, You are a Hero; Without God, You are a Zero”.
With the over confidence of their victory over Jericho, Israelites attacked the
town ‘Ai’ without proper preparation and they were easily defeated. Many lost their
lives. Joshua and the people, with great sorrow, cried before the Lord. God told
them the reason why they failed in the battle against Ai. When they looted Jericho,
they were instructed not to lay their hands on certain articles, but someone disobeyed
this. The reason for their failure was revealed as their disobedience of Lord’s orders.
Joshua identified the culprit. It was Achan, son of Carmi of the Zerahites from the
clan of Judah. He had hidden a beautiful robe, two hundred shekels of silver and a
wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels. Achan and his family were stoned to death in
the valley of Achor. We must always remember that those sins committed by
individuals would destroy the community also. Entertaining small sins too is a big
sin. It is a great sin to love small sins.
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When the sin was removed, God was happy. They got God’s guidance to capture
Ai. The battle was won. They built an alter to Yahweh and did burnt offering and
fellowship offering. The priests blessed the people. They heard the books of Laws
being read and worshipped God. Subsequently, they entered into a covenant with
Gibeonites, which was not to God’s liking. They had to wage battle against Amorite
Kings for Gibeonites. It was in this war over the valley of Aijalon, Joshua made sun
and moon stand still for a day. The sun did not set for one full day. “There has never
been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man.” (Joshua
10: 14). We must understand that God’s anointed men possess mysterious gifts.
This was followed by a series of battles. They set up their main camp at Gilgal to
plan strategies. The Bible witnesses that God waged battles for Israelites. They
defeated Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Hivites and Anakites and occupied
their land. Chapter Twelve of the Book of Joshua gives a list of those 31 kings who
were defeated by Israelites. However, tired with wars for seven years, peace descended
on the land. Chapter 24 of Book of Joshua summarizes how Canaan was taken over
and occupied.
To Think over
1. Give a dramatic narration of the strategy employed by Joshua that
resulted in the destruction of Jericho wall.
2. When Israelites defeated the city of Jericho, they saved one family. Whose
family was it? This person has found a place in the genealogy of Jesus
Christ. Locate that particular verse and its importance from St Matthew
chapter 1.
3. What was the reason for failure in the battle against Ai? How this
problem was solved?
4. Read Joshua 10: 12-14 and discuss the great miracle at the valley of
Aijalon.
Activities
1. When Israelites were overcoming Jericho, how many times, the number
seven is repeated? This number is a symbol of fullness and as such assumes
significance in Church as well as in Bible. Find out ten examples for this.
2. Joshua had made sun and moon stand still. Now, there is another prophet
who has made the sun dial of a time piece move backward, by his prayer.
Who is this prophet? (Read 2 Kings chapter 10)
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3. Find out the similarities and differences between Moses and Joshua and
arrange them in a tabular form.
Hymn
Sing Halleluiah to the Lord (2)
Sing Halleluiah (2)
Sing Halleluiah to the Lord
(a) Jesus has conquered sin and death
(b) Jesus is Lord of heaven and death
(c) Jesus is coming back again.
Let us pray
Oh Lord! who is trustworthy in promises, kindly make us good enough to
receive your many holy gifts. We will obey your commands steadfastly.
Amen.
Resolution
We will not fall behind the attractions of this world; instead, like
Joshua, we will hold on to God’s commands and march forward.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Joshua 3:1-8
Monday Joshua 3:9-17 Joshua 4:1-15
Tuesday Joshua 4:16-24 Joshua 5:9-15
Wednesday Joshua 6:1-11 Joshua 6:12-27
Thursday Joshua 10:1-142 cmPm. 20:1-11
Friday Isaiah 38:1-9 Joshua 10:38-43
Saturday Joshua 11:1-15 Joshua 11:16-23
Sunday Joshua 12:1-24 *
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Chapter 10
Dividing the Land of Canaan
(Joshua 14: 1-5)
Message: God shall shower countless and immeasurable gifts upon those who believe
in His promises.
Verse to be memorized: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
(Joshua 24: 15)
Teaching aids: A map illustrating the land allotted to different clans / tribes
Text acquaintance:
The Israelites occupied the Promised Land, all for themselves, but after series
of battles. Now, the envious task of dividing the Promised Land among the twelve
clans, about 25 lakhs of people, equitably and justly had to be undertaken. Today’s
lesson tells us how Joshua fulfilled this responsibility as directed by God.
Introduction
Parents usually divide their wealth among their children. But it is not unusual
that disputes occur in this exercise even if the family is very small. Israelites have
taken possession of the whole of Canaan by uprooting those thirty one kings, the
hitherto rulers of the land. Twelve clans and thousands of people! A proper and
justifiable settlement for this multitude is a tough task, but Joshua has to accomplish
it. Let us learn how Joshua managed this job, fully relying on God.
The lesson
The Book of Joshua chapters 13 to 21 describes the division of the land. During
the time of Moses himself, the land lying to the east of Jordan was assigned to two
and a half tribes namely Ruben, Gad and half of Manasseh as they had so requested.
But this was on a condition that the people of these two and a half tribes must move
with their brothers and take part in all future battles actively for the sake of the
fraternity. It is found that they did so and acted in total obedience to Joshua.
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The exercise of dividing the land was carried out by Joshua, the priest Eliezer
and the tribal heads. They put lots at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to fix the
rights of each tribe. The heirs of Joseph namely Manasseh and Ephraim were treated
as tribal heads and were assigned shares equivalent to others. Even though this
division was being done tribe wise, it is seen in chapter 14 that a small portion is
given to one individual. This is to Caleb, the trustworthy servant of Moses. Remember
that among those who started the exodus from Egypt, only two, namely Joshua and
Caleb could reach the Promised Land. It was only Joshua and Caleb, while spying
on the Canaan submitted them to God in faith and encouraged the people to be
courageous. Caleb stood with Joshua and fought all the battles and was given the
Mountain of Hebron. Being confident and faithful in all assignments is very
important. Once Mother Teresa said, “It is not being victorious, but being faithful
is important”.
Please look closely at the map where the tribes of Israel are identified. (This is
an annexure to most Bible versions.) This map makes us understand as to how the
division of land was done. The area where Bethlehem is located can be seen to be
given to the tribe Judah. But the tribe of Levites is not to be seen anywhere in the
map. Moses did not give any right to Levites. “But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had not
given any inheritance; The Lord, the God of Israel is their inheritance, as he promised
them”(Joshua 13:33). Joshua followed the instruction of Moses. Though they were
not given the rights, they were given 48 towns and the grasslands surrounding
them. These towns were given among all the twelve tribes. The purpose was to
ensure that the study of the books of Law and priestly service are available to all
tribes. When Aaron made the golden calf at Sinai, it was only Levites opposed it and
stood apart. Moses had advised that Levites were not to take part in battles and that
they should be given tithes. Wherever the people of God stayed, it was expected
that the service of Levites were available for priestly services.
Among the 48 towns given to Levites, six were earmarked as cities of refuge as
commanded by God. Three each on the east and west of Jordan were thus set apart.
In case one kills another accidentally, he can stay in a city of refuge till the case is
examined and decided. If it is proved during the examination that the murder indeed
was an accident, he can continue to stay there. Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer,
Ramoth and Golan were those cities of refuge. Remember, our God is just and
always shows mercy and takes care of us.
It took seven years to annex the land of Canaan. Almost the same period was
needed to divide the land among different tribes and make them settle down. The
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land was assigned tribe wise and arrangements were made for their peaceful co
existence. A system of worship too was formulated. In the present era, to fulfill a
task of this magnitude could be achieved only by unprecedented hard work of great
administrators and military force round the clock for a long time. Ultimately, Joshua,
who spent his life fighting battles and shedding sweat for his people, standing close
to God got aged and realized that his end was near. He summoned the whole Israel
and reminded them of the blessings they had received from God during the past.
And he warned them of the impending punishments in case they break their covenant
with God.
Before his death, Joshua addressed the whole Israel at the valley of Shechem.
He spoke to them at length recalling the history of the people of God right from the
call of Abraham up to the annexure of Canaan. God has given us the land where we
have not toiled, the towns we have not built, the wine yards and olive gardens we
have not planted. If we were to continue in the God’s plan of salvation, we must be
obedient to God. Joshua asked the people would you serve the Lord faithfully. Or
would you go after other gods? Here Joshua gave a clarion to call to them for a
strong resolve. And he declared, “But as for me and my household, we will serve
the Lord”. The entire multitude of people rededicated themselves by joining Joshua
in his declaration and renewed their covenant with God. The Shechem pledge is
one of the blessed moments in the history of Israel. A totally and fully content
Joshua died at the age of 110. And the curtain falls down to a most crucial era of
Israel.
To Think over
1. Which are those tribes who were given inheritance during the time of
Moses? What were the conditions they were to comply with?
2. What are the particularities of the rights of Levi tribe? What are the
reasons for such specialties?
3. When the land was being divided among tribes, one individual was
given a special right. Who was he? Why he was given such a special
right?
4. What are cities of refuge? How many such cities were there? What
were they?
5. What was the Shechem pledge? What was its importance?
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Activities
1. Manasseh and Ephraim, sons of Joseph were given equal rights as other
tribes. Discuss what could be the reason for this. (Refer the history of Joseph
in Egypt from Genesis 49 and Deuteronomy 33)
2. When the assets your families are to be divided in future, what would be
your five priorities?
3. In our life this world, we strive hard for our rights and inheritance. Our
Church reminds us about our rights in the most important Heavenly Canaan,
in the funeral service. Find out this from the service book.
4. Arrange a service of a pledge in your class or Sunday School or even at the
parish modeled on the Shechem pledge.
Resolution
I and my family will certainly live loving and obeying our Lord.
Let us pray
Our loving God, we have been able to study the history of Israelites who
were liberated from the slave house of Egypt and assigned rights in the
Promised Land after a lengthy journey through the deserts. Kindly lead us
through the desert journey of this life and bless us inherit Heavenly Canaan.
Amen.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Joshua 13:15-33
Monday Joshua 14:1-15 Joshua 18:1-10
Tuesday Joshua 20:1-9 Deuteronomy 19:1-13
Wednesday Joshua 21:1-12 Joshua 21:34-45
Thursday Joshua 22:1-12 Joshua 22:13-20
Friday Joshua 23:1-8 Joshua 23:9-16
Saturday Joshua 24:1-10 Joshua 24:11-25
Sunday Joshua 24:26-33 *
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Unit 2
Prayer
Chapter 11
Psalm 51
Purpose of this lesson: To understand the meaning and purpose of Psalm 51

Verse to be memorized: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast
spirit within me.” (Psalm 51: 10)
Teaching Aids: The Holy Bible
Introduction
We know that worship is central to Orthodox life. A lot of Psalms and other
Bible portions are being used in Orthodox liturgy and prayers. Psalms consist of
prayers, supplications and praises. These are written in an adulatory style. The Bible
we use has 150 Psalms of which 73 are known in the name of King David, the sweet
musician of Israel. We are now going to study the 51st Psalm.
Text acquaintance:
We know that worship is central to Orthodox life. A lot of Psalms and other
Bible portions are being used in Orthodox liturgy and prayers. Psalms consist of
prayers, supplications and praises. These are written in an adulatory style. The Bible
we use has 150 Psalms of which 73 are known in the name of King David, the sweet
musician of Israel. We are now going to study the 51st Psalm.
The lesson
You would be quite familiar with the recitation of Psalm 51 beginning, “Have
mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love . . . . . . . “. Not only that you
have heard this, but you would have even recited it. Psalm 51 is known as ‘the
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Psalm of repentance’. This is sung by David in repentance when the Prophet Nathan
pointed out the sin committed by him. (2 Samuel 11, 12)
This Psalm has been part of the liturgy of Christian Church for many centuries.
In our Church, all services and prayers commence with the recitation of Psalm 51.
Thus this Psalm opens into worship with a sense of repentance. Our Lord taught
His disciples that repentance is a precondition when we submit ourselves before
God. (Recall the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee of St Luke 18: 9-14)
Now, we will try to understand the important thoughts contained in this Psalm.
1. The Grace of God heals sin. (verse 51:1) Our body often gets plagued by
different deceases. Similarly, as our fathers have taught us, sin is a decease
that affects spirit, body and mind. Our sins are erased by Grace and abundant
mercy of God. It is God who can cleanse man from sin.
2. All sins are against God. (verse 51:4) “Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight”. Our actions which are against the will of
God are called sin. Sin separates us from God. Whatever evil we do against
our fellow beings or nature, is sin against God.
3. We need a pure heart. (verse 51:10) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they
shall see God”. (St Matthew 5:8) The reference here is not the heart as an
organ. In Biblical language, heart is taken as the center of human thinking
and decision making.
4. We need the continuous guidance from the Spirit. (verse 51;10) We need
help from Holy Spirit to live in goodness without being defiled by sin. “The
Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26) When we are filled by Holy
Spirit, we feel joyous and happy. Our tired bones will get strengthened. (51:8)
5. God is the source of all wisdom. (verse 51:6) The Psalmist is praying, “You
teach me wisdom in the inmost place”. All wisdom and knowledge come
from God. God is the mystery that is not revealed by all the knowledge of the
universe. To know God is the greatest of all knowledge.(Psalm 14:2, 53:2)
6. God does not despise a broken and contrite heart. (verse 51:17) Let any
sinner submit before God with a broken heart; God will never hate him.
When we go to pray or go to offer our sacrifices, we should go with
repentance.
Activities
1. Who among these Prophets made David realize his sin? (Samuel, Nathan,
Isaiah)
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2. Psalm 51 is a Psalm of ....................... (repentance, mourning)
3. Which word is used for Psalm in Syrian language?
4. Why do we recite Psalm 51 at the commencement of our service and prayers?
5. Write a paragraph on the message of Psalm 51.
Hymn
(Tune: Njan anvchunnen papathil)
Afraid am I for my sins
Garden joyous – that is kept for saints
Let my sins be no hurdle
For me to enter therein
Lift me from hell and save me
Let me dwell in – mansions at your will.
Let us pray
O merciful Lord, we submit before you and repent for our sins and confess
them before you; give us the Holy Spirit for ever to live with a pure heart;
kindly do not take away your grace from us. Amen.
Resolution
When I recite Psalm 51 henceforth, I will concentrate on each word
and meditate with a humble heart.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday Proverbs 10:1-12
Monday St Matthew 5:43-48 St James 1:19-27
Tuesday Ephesians 5:15-21 Psalm 103
Wednesday Psalm 84 St Matthew 23:1-12
Thursday Jonah 2:1-10 Acts 2:37-47
Friday St Matthew 7:1-5 1 Timothy 6:11--16
Saturday Isaiah 43:1-3 St.John 2:1-11
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Chapter 12
Psalm 91
Purpose of this lesson: We shall try to understand the meaning of Psalm 91 which
we use daily in our prayers every day.
Verse to be memorized: “Because he loves me”, says the Lord. “I will rescue him; I
will protect him, for he acknowledges my name”. (Psalm 91: 14)
The message: The man, who is under the protection of God, is beyond persecution
by anyone.
Introduction
Does your family pray together in the evening? Do you recite Psalm 91 in your
evening prayers? We will try to understand more about Psalm 91 today.
The lesson
This Psalm is one which convinces a believer that he is always under the
protection of God. In our prayers and liturgy, the recitation of this Psalm is done
with great devotion. This Psalm declares beyond any doubt that no forces in this
universe can overpower children of God. If we recite Psalm 91 daily, our confidence
in the providential protection shall keep us going. Now, one of you may read out
this Psalm aloud. (After the reading)
Let us try to understand the core message contained in the Psalm.
1. We must always lead our life under the care and love of God. Verse 2 of this
Psalm calls upon us to live with God as our refuge and fortress, relying on
him totally. The words Most High, Almighty, Omnipotent are all used to
indicate the greatness of God.
2. A faithful who relies on God has nothing to fear. If we place our faith in
God, we are relieved of all sorts of fears and anxieties. We do not have to
bother about the enemy’s snare, deadly pestilence and terror of night, the
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arrow that flies by day and the plague that destroys at midday, serpent, lion,
cobra, python and other disasters or calamities. In other words, those men
who depend on God need not be afraid of the forces of nature or temptations
brought by Satan, the wild animals or deceitful motives of men because we
are protected under His wings. Let us be confident that God always takes
care of his people just like a bird protects its offspring by covering them
under its feathers.
3. One who depends on God is taken care of by the angels of God. “For He
will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they
will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a
stone.” (91: 11,12)
4. During the times of trouble, God keeps company with His children. “I will
be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him”. (91:15)
5. “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”(91: 16) A
healthy and long life was considered as a gift of God. We must acknowledge
that whatever be our life span, it is a great gift from God.
Now that you have learned the message of Psalm 91,try to do the following
activities.
Activities
1. What is the main assurance that Psalm 91 provides to a believer?
2. Write down the message of Psalm 91 in five sentences.
3. Learn to sing the versified form of Psalm 91 from the service book of Holy
Qurbana.
Hymn
with this lesson
Let us pray
O God of the Most High, you are our refuge and fortress. Remove all the
fears from us. Shower your Grace upon us that we may live fearlessly. Amen.
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Resolution
From now onwards, I shall pray reciting Psalm 91
carefully and with true faith, every day.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * Psalm 91
Monday 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 St.Mark 4:35--41
Tuesday Proverbs 2:1--12 St Matthew 5:1--12
Wednesday St Luke 12:1-7 Psalm 27
Thursday Hebrews11:1--6 St.John-. 15:1-7
Friday Psalm 53 Proverbs 3:1:12
Saturday St Luke 11:5-13 St.James 5:13--20
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Chapter 13
Psalm 121
Purpose of this lesson: 121-mw k¦oÀ¯\¯nsâ AÀ°Xe-§sf a\-kn-em-¡p-I.

Verse to be memorized: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and
earth.” (Psalm 121:2)
Introduction
This Psalm is used in our Soothara prayers along with Psalm 91. This prayer is
one we do just before going to sleep. The word Soothara indicates prayer prior to
sleeping. The meaning of the word Soothara is ‘vigil’ or ‘guard’. Through this prayer,
we are soliciting the care and protection of God, before getting to sleep.
The lesson
Psalm 121 is a pilgrimage hymn. The Bible describes it as a ‘Song of Ascent’.
This was one of those Psalms the Jews used to sing while going up to the Jerusalem
temple. As members of the Holy Church, we are all pilgrims looking up to heaven
as we continue the journey of life. This Psalm is one that helps us to affirm our
faith during this journey.
The Psalm begins saying that I lift my eyes up the hills and from where does
help come to me. And the answer is ready that my help comes from the Lord who
has made heaven and earth. This is the expression of deep faith in the protection of
God, the creator of all. In our journey of life, God the creator guards us from our
foot slipping. (121:3)Our God who watches us doesn’t sleep. He will neither slumber
nor sleep. (121:4)His power takes care of us in the night as well as during day.
(121:6) He keeps us away from all sort of harms and watch our life through. He
shall keep coming and going safe. (121:8)
This Psalm helps us to think and meditate the manner in which our Lord takes
care of us.
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Let us think over
1. What do you mean by a ‘Song of Ascent’?2. What is the meaning of
the word Soothara?3. Examine the ideas contained in Psalm 121.
I lift up my eyes to the hills. (121:1). All religions give importance to
mountains. This idea was prevalent among Jews too. In the history of
Israel, God revealed Himself to Moses on Mount Sinai. We see the
Prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel offering a sacrifice and fire coming
down from heaven. In the New Testament, the Sermon on the Mount
by Jesus Christ was given on a hill. The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ
was on another mountain and the Ascension of Jesus took place on the
Mount of Olives. Thus lifting one’s eyes to the hills is with the hope
and expectation of the Grace of God descending on us. Likewise, on
raising our eyes with hope, we expect help from God who has created
the heaven and earth. Such hope is the essence of this Psalm.
He will not let your foot slip. (121:3). Our God is close to us and
always give protection. He ensures that we do not land up in troubles
or dangers. He is like a mother who moves with a child who is learning
to walk.
He will neither slumber nor sleep. (121: 4). This is a verse which gives
us courage to sleep soundly. Our God who watches us will neither
slumber nor sleep. He takes care of us day and night.
The Lord will watch over your coming and going. (121: 8). This Psalm
ends by saying “the Lord will watch over your coming and going both
now and for evermore”. In our travels, God is with us, when we go out
and come back home.
Think again
The courage and hope expressed by King David in this Psalm is great.
Likewise, do we have hope and courage in God?
Hymn
‘While my body silent lies
May Thy power its vigil keep
Let my breath like incense rise,
T’ward Thy greatness in my sleep’
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Let us pray
O Lord, do take care of us without our foot slipping and without any dangers.
Help us to realize this so that we remain thankful to you always. Amen.
Activities
1. Learn Psalm 121 by heart.
2. Every day, before you get to sleep, recite this Psalm devotionally.
3. Find out other passages in the Psalms which reveals God’s care for us.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday Romans 12:1--15
Monday Psalm 123 Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Tuesday St Luke 18:1--8 Colossians 3:1--10
Wednesday Psalm 119:129-136 Romans 8:26-30
Thursday St Matthew 6:5--15 Proverbs 4:1-15
Friday Philippians 4:4-7 St.Mark 10:46-52
Saturday St Luke 9:28-36 Galatians 5:16-24
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Unit 3
Liturgical Hymns
Chapter 14
The Vision of Isaiah
Purpose of this lesson: To learn the hymn, “Seraphim of Fiery line............................”

which is sung when the Celebrant of Holy Qurbana performs the Fraction
Ceremony of the Bread secretly
Verse to be memorized: “Here I am. Send me.” (Isaiah 6: 8)
Introduction
During the celebration of Holy Qurbana, there are certain occasions when the
Holy Sanctuary is closed. After commencing the Holy Qurbana in public, on the
very first such occasion, the hymn “Hearken Gracious Lord...................................”
is sung and we meditate on certain incidents in the life of Christ. We had learnt
about this earlier. This is a very important moment during the holy service as we
remember the death and resurrection of Christ. But, we sing certain other hymns
too here instead of “Hearken Gracious Lord...................................................”and one
among them is “Seraphim of Fiery line...................................”In this lesson, we shall
learn this hymn and understand its context and meaning.
Lesson proper
The Book of Isaiah chapter 6 narrates a vision Prophet Isaiah had. Let us read
chapter 6 verses 1-3 from the Book of Isaiah.
(A student reads the portion)
It is this incident that we sing as a hymn. There are nine hosts of angels. Each
host has separate assignments in Heaven.
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Isaiah, in his vision, sees the legion of Seraphs. They are assigned to praise God
continuously in heaven. They are always with God who shines with glory. These
are explained here.
“Seraphim of Fiery line
Saw Isaiah in the shrine
Each six - winged, round the corner
Ever serving God alone”
The hymn starts with a statement that Isaiah has seen the seraphs in the Holiest
place. We know it pretty well that Holy Qurbana is a Heavenly worship. While
participating in the Holy Qurbana, we have the feel that we are in Heaven. We
meditate on God from whom all the glory emanates and we are to stand in the
church with absolute reverence. The Syriac word Beskudisha means Holy place.
Seraphs are angels each having six wings. Isaiah saw them as shining like fire.
The following lines describe how the Seraphs cover their face and body with wings.
“Covered each with two his face
Lest he sees that Holy Grace
Covered each with two his feet
Lest they burn in Holy heat”
Not to see the emanating glory from God, they cover their face with two wings.
To escape being burnt from the glory of God, they use two other wings to hide their
legs (body).
“Flapping their other two wings
They all shout and proclaim so
Holy, Holy, Holy, Thou
Holy art Thou Son of God”
They clap with the remaining two wings and sing in loud voice O Lord, you are
holy, holy, holy. They praise and salute the ‘Son of God’.
“Holy art Thou Lord of Hosts
Praise to Thee be, all our boast”
This last stanza of our hymn is glorifying the Lord Almighty as Cherubim
glorifying God. In class 4, we have already learnt about Cherubim and how they
glorify God. This too is a chant of glory continuously heard in Heaven.
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Stop and think
1. What is the name of that group of angels having six wings each?
2. Whose praise do they sing loudly?
3. Why do they cover their face and body?
The hymn is sung in the church incorporating halleluiah meaning ‘glory
to God’, barekmor meaning bless us Lord and Kuriyelaison meaning
Lord, have mercy on us, in between stanzas.
While this hymn is sung, we should meditate on the seraphs glorifying
God in Heaven as also the death and resurrection of Christ which is
being observed inside the Holy sanctuary at that time.
The revelation to Isaiah is a very important topic for devotion during
the Holy Qurbana. Now let us read Isaiah 6:4-8 also. The vision of God
and Heaven filled Isaiah with repentance and he cried out, “For I am a
man of unclean lips”. Then a seraph took a live coal with tongs from
the altar and touched his mouth. And the seraph told him, “Your guilt
is taken away and your sin is atoned for”. This purification with the live
coal taken from the altar symbolizes Holy Qurbana. Once he was
absolved of his sin, Isaiah got transformed and submitted himself to
the call of God saying, “Here I am, send me.” In a similar way, we too
are transformed after taking part in the holy Qurbana.
Activities
1. Read Isaiah 6: 1-10 carefully.
2. Find out the names of nine hosts of angels.
3. What are special about the Cherubim?
4. Don’t you feel that the beauty and symmetry and fullness of this hymn gets
lost if we stop singing after the verse “they all shout and proclaim so” just
because the Holy sanctuary is ready to be opened? Discuss.
Resolution
While we take part in worship, we will sing hymns, understanding
their meaning and the importance.
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Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday Psalm 91:9-16 Isaiah 6:1-5
Monday St.Matthew 18:15-20 Isaiah 6:6-10
Tuesday St.Luke 1:11-20 Isaiah 6:11-13
Wednesday Daniel 7:13-14 Acts 12:6-11
Thursday Judges 13:2-7 St Matthew 13:24-30
Friday Psalm 91:1-16 Daniel 10:7-12
Saturday 2 Samuel 24:10-17 Judah 1:17-23
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Chapter 15
Becoming Children of God
Purpose of this lesson: To study the hymn “In Oblations and in Prayers” being sung
just before the intercessional hymns called “Kukkulion” in the Holy Qurbana.
Verse to be memorized: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to
you. Consider the outcome of their life and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews
13:7)
Introduction
The following prayer has been used in our homes during our morning prayers
daily.
“We shall remember our forefathers who when alive taught us true faith and
helped us grow as children of God. In the Kingdom of God they are atoned by our
Lord and are in fellowship with all our saints and righteous, praising God in all
perfection. Oh Lord, have mercy on us.”
It is the poetic version this prayer, we sing during the Holy Qurbana beginning
“In Oblation and in Prayers”. We will learn this hymn understanding its meaning.
The lesson
Here is the hymn that we learn today
“In oblation and prayers

Mention we our blest forbears
Taught they us the truth to see
Children of our God to be
Christ’s atonement be their stay
In God’s realm of endless day
With the righteous and the just
Praising God in perfect trust”.
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We saw that this hymn in the Holy Qurbana is sung just before the Kukkulion.
All the Kukkulions we sing in Holy Qurbana are intercessional prayers, where we
remember the living and the departed. Here we beseech the intercessions of St
Mary and saints and then pray for the departed priests and believers. In this prayer,
we say that we remember all those who taught us the true faith when they were
alive and then we express our hope that Son of God will take them along with the
saints and the righteous in Heaven.
This hymn reminds us the need to pray for our departed souls. Then we start
singing Kukkulions whence we are in communion with St Mary, the saints and the
departed.
Let us stop a while and think

What do you mean by Kukkulion?The meaning of the word Kukkulion
is a ‘cycle of prayers’. In the Orthodox liturgy, there are several
Kukkulions in use. In each Kukkulion, there will be a verse from one
of the Psalms, a prayer, a couple of hymns called Kolo and a final
concluding prayer. Sometimes, Kukkulion is sung descriptively adding
up Promion and Sedra.In our morning worship, when we recite
Kukkulion in general, the hymn we are discussing in this lesson for the
departed souls is used. This is one of such hymns which reveal the
special feature of Orthodox liturgy. Here, stress is not for so many
supplications. The only one supplication is that believers shall live in
true faith. That is, “Oh Lord, have mercy on us and help us”. We use
the Syriac terminology, namely “Morio rahe me lain oo adarayin” in
the above hymn.
Activities
1. Locate this hymn in our Sleebo and Kymto orders of liturgy.
2. Conduct a study comparing the different versions.
3. Make an attempt to learn the Syriac version of this hymn.
4. Find out the word used in place of ‘righteous’ and understand the
meaning.
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Resolution
We will remember and pray for all our departed in all worship.
We believe that they are alive and do pray for us.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday Romans 8:12-17 Hebrews 13:1-9
Monday Acts 28 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Tuesday Romans 9:1-12 2 Peter 1:12-15
Wednesday Hebrews 2:11-18 Hebrews 2:7-14
Thursday Hebrews 11:1-6 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Friday Hebrews 1:2-6 2 Timothy 2:22-26
Saturday Proverbs 3:1-10 2 Timothy 4:1-8
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Unit 4
My Church
Chapter 16
Church and the Community in the Early Centuries
Purpose of this lesson: In this lesson, we are trying to understand the circumstances
under which the Church originated and started growing.
Verse to be memorized: “The spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the
Lord has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor” (Isaiah 61: 1)
Introduction
We do take certain preparations and precautions before planting some saplings
in our courtyards. We take such precautions to ensure that the circumstances are
conducive for the proper growth of the plants. For the growth and expansion of the
Christian Church too, the socio religious scenario in the early centuries have been
helpful. We are trying to understand these things in this lesson.
The lesson
It would be beneficial to understand the social situation when God chose to
become man. Let us examine them.
The political scenario: Jerusalem was under the control Roman Empire then.
People of different languages, different religions and cultural variations were held
together under one banner by Roman emperors. It was the administrative efficiency
of Romans that there used to be mutual co operation and effective communication
and transport facilities. All these stood to the advantage of the growth of early
Christian Church.
Intellectual scenario: Roman Empire was then dominated by Greek language
and culture. Christian Church came up with answers to many questions raised by
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Greek philosophers and also with sensible interpretations to their intellectual
arguments which were found beneficial to scholars. Church expanded fast as Greek
language spread across the length and breadth of the Empire. It was quite helpful
that the preaching of disciples as well as the gospels were in the Greek language.
Religious Scenario: During that time, blind and irrational belief was dominant
in religions along with a cult of worshipping the emperor. The people worshipped
unknown gods and goddesses. But many were attracted to Christianity because of
the availability of specific answers to their thoughts like eternal life, life after death,
resurrection and such other issues.
Stop a while and think

1. How was the political climate helpful to the growth of Christian
Church?
2. How was the Greek language helpful in the growth of the Church?
3. How did Christianity respond to superstitions and meaningless rituals?
Social situation
Wealth was a very important social life. Values never had any significance. Truth,
justice and morality were totally ignored. Fear of God and concern to fellow beings
were simply absent in the community.
In such a situation, Christian Church which upheld virtues like truth, justice
and morality was found a relief for many. The Christian philosophy was acceptable
to intellectuals and ordinary people alike.
The Jewish background

The Jews were under Roman rule. They were looking forward to the advent of
a Messiah to save them from the foreign powers. The disciples showed the people
that Jesus indeed was the Messiah. The uncompromising worship life of Jews
including their synagogue prayers, faith in one God, sense of morality and regular
reading of the Holy book were all helpful factors for the Christian Church to grow.
Thus, it is clear that the Greco – Roman influence as well as the Jewish culture
served as fertile soil for the growth of early Church.
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To Think Over
1. What were the immoralities prevalent among the community during
those early days?
2. How did the Church play a different role in the community?3.
How come that the Jewish background was helpful in the growth of
the Church?
Activities
1. Prepare a table showing the Greek – Roman – Jewish influences in the
Christian Church.
2. Find out the Biblical references illustrating Greek – Roman – Jewish
traditions.
3. Find out a few names of Greek and Roman scholars of that time.
4. Work out a note briefing how would you work towards the growth of
the Church in an area where different religious and cultural
circumstances are prevailing.
Hymn
Messiah rose from the dead
Guards and watchers were ashamed
Bride of Christ most holy Church
Jubilant; worship her Lord
Let us pray
Oh God, just like you prepared the community for the coming of your
begotten son and for the growth of the Church, prepare us too to receive
your life giving words.
Resolution
I will do my best to live according to the Gospel.
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Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday tbmthÂ 2:28-32 Acts 2:1-13
Monday Acts 9:26-31 Acts 2:14-21
Tuesday Acts 9:32-43 Acts 2:37-47
Wednesday Acts 10:24-33 Romans 16:1-16
Thursday Acts 13:1-12 Romans 16:17-20
Friday Acts 14:8-15 Acts 8:1-8
Saturday Acts 14:19-28 Acts 8:14-24
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Chapter 17
The churches founded by St Thomas
Purpose of this lesson: We are going to learn about the churches founded by St
Thomas in South India (Malankara)
Verse to be memorized: “For the zeal of your house consumes me.” (Psalm 69: 9)
Introduction
We have learnt in the previous class that St Thomas founded seven and a half
churches in South India. Of these, our Church is in possession of two of these
churches namely, Niranom church and Thiruvithamkodu ‘half ’ church. We are
learning about these churches founded by St Thomas in this lesson.
The lesson
The seven and a half churches founded by St Thomas are Kodungalloor, Palayur,
Paravoor, Gokkamangalam, Kollam, Niranom, Chayal and Thiruvithamkodu.
Kodungalloor
This church, perhaps, can be called the ancestral church of Indian Christians,
This place in history is also known as Muziriz, Mahodayapuram, Thiruvanchikkulam
and Maliankara. Those who were here were converted by St Thomas. In the course
of time, this church was taken away by sea.
Palayur
Palayur is located between Guruvayur and Chavakkadu. Being an ancient
commercial center, there was considerable Jewish presence here. It is believed that
a Hindu temple was transformed as a Christian church here. May be because of
this, the conservative Brahmins left this place and settled elsewhere. Consequently,
this was also known as Shapakkadu, meaning ‘cursed land’, which over a period of
time got changed as Chavakkadu.
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Paravoor / Kottakkavu
This was a commercial center and a port. Paravoor is a town on the lake side
west of Aluva. Kottakkavu church is located close to this town. It is believed that St
Thomas proceeded to Mylapore from here.
Gokkamangalam
This place is located between Alappuzha and Thanneermukkam on the western
coast of Lake Vembanadu. Many people were converted by St Thomas here and
erected a cross. Maliyekkal Thomas Ramban who was ordained by St Thomas was
entrusted with this responsibility. But enemies destructed the cross later and the
church too was destroyed in due course.
Kollam
This was the second commercial port of ancient Kerala. In the Ramban songs, it is
stated that St Thomas arrived at Kollam from Kodungalloor accompanied by a disciple
Kaeppa. This church too is believed to have been lost to sea in the course of time.
Niranom
This again was a commercial center located close to the sea. St Thomas erected
a cross here, but enemies pulled it out threw away to the nearby river. But the cross
instead of sinking in the river travailed and settled at the banks a little away and the
present church came up there. This church is being taken care of by our Malankara
Orthodox Syrian Church. What we see today at Niranom is the renovated church.
Nilakkal / Chayal
St Thomas had established a church at this commercial center, but the same
was annihilated later. The residents too migrated away, may be due to the threat
from robbers or due to furies of nature. This would have made the area deserted
and caused the destruction of the church. Anyhow, an ecumenical church has
come here.
Stop a while and think

1. What is the peculiarity of the church ay Kodungalloor?
2. What information we do get from the Ramban song about the church
at Kollam?
3. How the church at Niranom got established at its present location as
we see today?
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Thiruvithamkodu
This is known as the ‘half church’ established by St Thomas. The church is
located close to Kanykumari. This small church under the possession of Malankara
Orthodox Syrian Church contains plenty of remains of the ancient church. The
name ‘half church’ (Malayalam version is arappally) is attributed to the tradition
that this was built with the help of a king (built by ‘arachan’) – May be half of a
Hindu temple was converted as a church; another possibility; – half of a family
became Christian and built a church.
Thus, we can sum up the common characteristics of churches established by
St Thomas, like this.
· All these churches were established at main commercial centers.
· These places are located quite close to the sea.
· There was Jewish presence at all these centers.
· In all these places, considerable sections of the people were converted to
Christian faith.
· Wherever believers resided, initially crosses were erected and gradually, they
were transformed as churches.
To Think over
1. To whom did St Thomas assigned the charge of Gokkamangalam
church?
2. What was the reason for Palayur came to be known as Chavakkadu?
3. Name those churches established by St Thomas possessed by M O S C.
4. What are the common characteristics of churches established by St
Thomas?
5. How can we explain the term “Half church”?
Activities
1. How come that the Thiruvithamkodu church is called a ‘half church’? Explore
more than one possibility.
2. Work out a project on ‘Churches of St Thomas’.
3. Pay a visit to the churches established by St Thomas.
4. Identify the names of the dioceses of our Church where the churches
established by St Thomas and related places are located.
5. On a map of Kerala, mark the seven and a half churches.
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Hymn
Oh St Thomas, as in heaven,
Keep we here thy memory;
Hear us as we honor thee,
Thy entreaties be our aid.
Let us pray
Oh Lord, like St Thomas who worked hard for building up your Church,
enable us capable to work for the welfare of our Church. Amen.
Resolution
I will strive hard for spreading gospel like St Thomas and work hard
for the stability of our Church.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday Acts 13:41-52 Ephesians 1:15-23
Monday Acts 16:1-5 St.Mark 16:14-18
Tuesday Acts 16:11-15 1 Corinthians 14:26-33
Wednesday Acts 16:19-34 Acts 15:1-5
Thursday Romans 4:9-13 Acts 9:26-43
Friday Romans 4:14-20 Galatians 1:11-18
Saturday Romans 5:1-13 Romans 14:14-23
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Unit 5
Holy Qurbana
Chapter 18
Holy Qurbana – Continuation of eternal worship
Purpose of this lesson: To understand that Holy Qurbana is the continuation of

our eternal worship.
Verse to be memorized: “For Christ did not enter a man made sanctuary that was
only a copy of the true one; he entered Heaven itself, now to appear for us in
God’s presence.” (Hebrews 9: 24)
Introduction
We believe that worship goes on before God every day, who is the creator of the
whole universe, protector and the one who completes everything. God commanded
Prophet Moses to set up everything in the manner similar to this worship, in the
Tent of Meeting made by him. Prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel and Daniel were all men of
God to whom this heavenly worship was revealed.
Eternal worship in New Testament

This heavenly worship is described in the Book of Revelation chapters 4 to 6.
There, we see God the Father on the Heavenly Throne around which the slain
Lamb is holding a scroll. Standing around this, there are 24 elders wearing crowns.
They represent the twelve patriarchs of the Old Testament and the twelve apostles
of the New Testament. We can see these elders removing their crown and prostrating
before the Lamb in between because this is the Lamb of God bearing sin of the
world. (St John 1: 29). As stated in Isaiah chapter 53, He took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows, but he was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for
our iniquities (Isaiah 53: 4-8). Those twenty four elders while prostrating before
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Him sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to
come”. (Revelation 4: 8). They also chant continuously, “You are worthy, our Lord
and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by
your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4: 11). Letter to
Hebrews 9: 23-27 shows that the worship we conduct in earth is a shadow (or
copy) of this Heavenly worship. In this continuous worship, the Bible teaches that
the departed souls, the saints and the angels participate with us. (Revelation 6: 9, 7:
1-12).
The Lesson
Holy Qurbana, the continuance of eternal worship

In our Holy Qurbana also, all those who are in heaven and on earth are taking
part, about which we remember through the hymns we sing. As an example, we are
now going to study the hymn, ‘With Mary, virgin blest.................’. We will learn the
meaning of this hymn in all its details by singing it carefully with total concentration.
1. ‘Nishtayil Ninneppeta...’
Meaning: Oh Lord, make us sing in praise along with the Holy virgin who
gave birth to you in pure virginity.
2. ‘Munnam Ninnagamanam...’
Meaning: Oh Lord, make us sing with praise along with the good prophets
who prophesied your coming quite earlier.
3. ‘Dandanapeedakaletta...’
Meaning: Oh Lord, make us sing with praise along with the martyrs and
saints who suffered lifelong infirmities and penalties.
4. ‘Mahithanmar...’
Meaning: Oh Lord, make us sing with praise along with the Cappadocia
fathers Baselios, the Great and Gregoriose of Nyssa who taught us true faith
strongly.
5. ‘Parumala Mar Gregoriose...’
Meaning: Oh Lord, make us sing with praise along with the saints of
Malankara namely, Parumala Mar Gregoriose and Vattasseril Mar Dionysius.
6. ‘Ujjwaladeepa ...’
Meaning: Oh Lord, make us sing with praise along with the five wise virgins
who took lighted lamp with oil.
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7. ‘Vishwasathal parudeesa...’
Meaning: Oh Lord, make us sing with praise along with the thief on the
right side who was promised to be in paradise by his faith accepting you at
the last moment, though he had been committing mistakes in his past life.
8. ‘Anavarathasthuthi...’
Meaning: Oh Lord, make us sing in praise along with the heavenly angels
who are habituated in praising you continuously.
Our Participation in eternal worship

Based on what are stated above, we shall understand certain basic things about
Holy Qurbana, which are summed up below;
* In the Holy presence of Lord God Almighty, worship is taking place
continuously without break.
* Our Holy Qurbana is an earthly shadow (or copy) of the eternal worship in
Heaven.
* In this Heavenly worship, St Mary, Old Testament fathers, saints of New
Testament Church, Holy angels and those departed souls who lived in Christ
all participate.
* It is great privilege and blessing for us to have got the opportunity to participate
in this Heavenly worship.
As such, if we participate in this Heavenly worship with repentance realizing
like St Paul that we are wretched men, or like Isaiah, we are men of unclean lips, we
will be blessed.
Activities
1. Get acquainted with the hymn ‘With Mary, virgin blest........................’ from
the service book of Holy Qurbana.
2. Let all children come to church on time for the morning worship so that all
can sing this hymn together.
3. Who are the Cappadocia fathers? Though they are three, only two names
are mentioned in this hymn. Discuss the reason for that.
4. In the hymn ‘With Mary, virgin blest...................................’ two saints our
Malankara Church are remembered. Write down their full names.
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Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday St.Matthew 1:18-21
Monday St.Luke 2:1-7 St.Matthew 1:22-25
Tuesday St.Mark 14:12-25 Isaiah 7:10-17
Wednesday St.Luke 22:7-13 St.Luke 22:14-23
Thursday St.John 13:21-30 St.Luke 1:26-38
Friday 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 St.Luke 1:46-56
Saturday St.Matthew 25:1-13 1 Corinthians 11:27-32
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Chapter 19
Bible Readings in Holy Qurbana
Purpose of this lesson: To study about the Bible readings in Holy Qurbana and
understand the arrangement of the Lectionary
Verse to be memorized “The spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed
me to preach the good news to the poor.” (St Luke: 4: 18)
Introduction
Bible reading is an important part of our Holy Qurbana. Unfortunately, most of
us are not aware of the Biblical foundations of our worship. Apart from the Bible
readings in worships, many prayers taken from the Book of Psalms are incorporated
in our Canonical prayers, sacraments and service orders for different Feasts. In this
lesson, we focus only on the Bible readings in the Holy Qurbana. Do you know the
name of that Sunday on which our Church year commences? This Sunday is called
Koodosh-Eetho. With the Feast of Koodosh-Eetho, our Church enters a new year.
If October 30 or 31 happens to be a Sunday, that is Koodosh-Eetho, otherwise, it is
on the first Sunday in November. Commencing from that Sunday, the Bible reading
passages prescribed for the coming year are pre planned by the Church and this is
called Lectionary.
The Lectionary
According to Jewish tradition, commencement of Lectionary began at the time
of Moses. They hold the view that the readings for their main feasts namely Passover,
Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles were arranged with the Mosaic Laws. But
the oldest Lectionary known today is the Jewish Lectionary worked out around 200
BC. In this, there are readings from the Books of Moses as well as from the Books of
Prophets. Our Lord Jesus would have read from the Book of Isaiah from a scroll of
this type. (Luke 4: 16-20)
Many scholars argue that in the history of Christian Church, the systematization
of bible readings had been the book form of readings prescribed for worship.
However, the earliest Lectionary of Christian Church is understood to be the one
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worked out by Syrian Church Father Tatian which is called Diatessaron. This would
have been introduced by mid second century AD. In this we have a gospel where
the contents of the present four gospels are combined together. The life history of
Jesus is illustrated in 55 paragraphs. You would have listened to the gospel readings
on Good Friday where some repetition occurs. The view held by some pundits that
these Good Friday readings are borrowed from the Diatessaron of Tatian, need not
be dismissed altogether. Even then, the oldest known Syrian Lectionary is the one
worked out by the monk Daniel of Edessa and his disciple and Bishop Benyamin in
411 AD. This is archived at the British Museum. There have been many modifications
to this Lectionary in later years.
The Lectionary we use now has been arranged beginning from the Sunday of
Koodosh-Eetho. Within this there are many seasons. For example, from the Sunday
of Koodosh-Eetho to Christmas, preceding the feast of Christ’s birth, there are
eight Sundays. For all these Sundays, the Bible readings would relate to the
preparations for the birth of Jesus. In these, we have annunciation to Zachariah,
annunciation to Mary, meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, birth of John, revelation to
Joseph and the genealogy of Jesus coming up one after the other following the
Koodosh-Eetho Sunday and Hoodos-Eetho Sunday. After Christmas, we have the
season of Epiphany. This is followed by the seasons of Big Lent, Pentecost, Sleeha
and Sleebo. In each of these seasons, there are about eight Sundays. The Bible
readings for each of these seasons are related to the theme of such seasons. Western
churches have their Lectionary spread over three years (cycle ABC), but we have it
for one year.
The Bible Readings in Holy Qurbana

As indicated above, for each Sunday, we have a main topic of thought. The
reading passages assigned from Old Testament and New Testament are related to
this. All the three important readings from Bible are arranged at the beginning of
the Holy Qurbana.
In earlier times, the three readings were followed by the sermon. This part of
the Holy Qurbana is called the Liturgy of the Word. Non believers and catechumen
were allowed to participate in the service only up to this. As such, this portion of
the Holy Qurbana was also known as the Liturgy of catechumen, in the early Church.
Now let us think about each of these readings from the Bible.
1. Readings from Old Testament: Usually, there are three passages to be read
from Old Testament. Of these, the first one would be from the Books Moses (Genesis,
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers or Deuteronomy) and the second would be from
writings (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes etc.) Apart from these, readings from
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Deutererocanonical books (Maccabeus, Tobith, Judith etc.) are also included. The
third reading will usually be from the prophetical books. The Book of Isaiah is
known as the ‘Old Testament Gospel’ and for this reason, most of the days the third
reading is from the prophet Isaiah, who is introduced as ‘from Isaiah, the glorious
prophet’. As decided by our Holy Episcopal Synod, even those who are not entering
the Holy Sanctuary can also read the Old Testament, including women.
2. Readings from New Testament Epistles: Shortly on commencement of Holy
Qurbana, New Testament Epistles are read. On the north side of the opening to the
Sanctuary, Acts or general epistles (James, 1and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and 3 John, Judah) are
read. On the south side, portions from the epistles of St Paul, 14 in number, including
the one to Hebrews are read.
3. Readings from the Gospel: Reading of the gospel during the Holy Qurbana
is a very important occasion and only a priest or high priest has the right to read it.
A deacon or an altar boy can never do it. Among the four gospels in the New
Testament, the one matching the thought for that day prescribed in the Lectionary
is read out. The term Evengelion is the Greek equivalent to Gospel. The other
readings for that day, New Testament as well as Old Testament, would be matching
with the thoughts of the Evengelion reading.
In short, let us understand that there is a theology behind the readings from
Bible. For each day, the Lectionary is prepared based on these theological insights.
The readings do not follow a random pattern, but are made to suit the significance
of the day of worship. During the New Testament readings, the congregation remains
standing, and candles will be held on either side when the gospel reading is done.
The gospel contains the word of God. We must listen to the Bible readings with full
concentration and meditate on them with the help of the sermon for that week
delivered by the celebrant. This will certainly help us in our spiritual development.
Activities
1. Try to get a Lectionary from your church and understand the contents.
2. Discuss the Bible portion read by our Lord at the synagogue in Nazareth
3. What do you understand by the term ‘Liturgy of the word’?
4. Which is ‘Gospel of the Old Testament’?
5. Prepare a list of the books which are read at the northern side of the door of
the Holy Sanctuary.
6. How do you decide the day of Koodosh-Eetho?
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Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday Psalm 116:12-19 St.John 13:1-10
Tuesday St.John 6:32-40 St.John 13:18-30
Wednesday St.John 6:41-46 St.John 13:31-38
Thursday St.John 6:47-51 St.Luke 22:1-13
Friday St.John 6:53-59 St.Luke 22:14-20
Saturday Psalm 50:7-15, 23 St.Luke 22:24-32
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Unit 6
The Basic Dogmas
Chapter 20
Role of sacraments in Spiritual Growth
Purpose of this lesson: To appreciate the fact that meaningful participation in the
sacraments of the Church helps one to grow spiritually.
Verse to be memorized: “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do
not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (St John 20: 23)
The lesson
Last year we studied about the holy sacraments. Can you name the sacraments
of the Church? The students shall share in the class what they know.
What do we mean by spiritual growth? In the human person, there are three
components namely mind, body and spirit. There are people who consider that
spirituality is related to the third component only among these. But, Orthodox
spirituality does not think about such a differentiation. Good and evil exist in the
human person. Growing in goodness by eradicating evil can be called spiritual growth.
There was only one person in this world who possessed goodness alone and that
was Jesus Christ. Though, there was temptation of evil, he could overcome all of
them. St John witnesses that “in him there is no darkness at all”. (1 St John 1: 5). It
is God’s will that everyone shall reach this state in life. We may not reach the fullness
of that stage in our worldly life, but our aim shall never be less than that. Jesus has
given us the direction: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect”.
(St Matthew 5: 48).
The transformation from evil to goodness is called ‘Theosis’ or ‘Deification’ in
Orthodox theology. This is to share the nature of God. When we grow into the
nature of God, we become ‘spiritual’.
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How do sacraments help in this growth? We have seen that Sacraments are
available in the Church. By analyzing the growth of a person from his birth, we can
understand how the Church and sacraments help a person in his spiritual growth.
A child is born into a family; the family contributes to the growth of the child. The
contribution of Church and sacraments in one’s spiritual growth is similar to this.
Here, Church is the great family. In this Church, we have the Triune God,
Mother of God, Apostles, Saints as well as the departed souls and all those who are
alive in body. Sacraments are rituals performed by all of them together as we have
learnt earlier. For each believer to grow spiritually, they must be born again. This
spiritual birth is similar to a physical birth. And this happens in baptism. For such a
re birth, the baptismal font is the uterus, and Church is the mother. As the parents
give food for their child’s physical growth, Church gives spiritual food for the child’s
spiritual growth.
How many sacraments are needed for one’s spiritual growth? Indeed, this is a
quite meaningful question. The Roman Catholic Church has limited the number
of sacraments to seven. In the first sixteen centuries, there was no such numbering.
The Western reformist churches initiated by Martin Luther treated Baptism and
Holy Eucharist alone as sacraments and discarded all others which were sacraments
followed by ancient churches. Catholic Church fixed the number as seven in their
Trent synod of sixteenth century. But Orthodox churches have not limited
sacraments to a specific number. However, the seven sacraments finalized by
Catholics are recognized by Orthodox churches too, which are Baptism, Holy Chrism
(Mooron), Confession, Holy Qurbana, Marriage, Priesthood and Anointing the sick.
Of these, Baptism, Mooron and Priesthood are not to be repeated. Priesthood is
only to those who are specifically called for that. Marriage too is not to be repeated,
but in certain specific circumstances, second marriage is allowed.
Apart from these, consecration of a church, consecration of Mooron, blessing
of a house, are all considered as sacraments by Orthodox churches.
Does each of these sacraments bring blessings to help spiritual growth? Yes
and that precisely is the reason for the need of different sacraments. We will now
look at each one of them briefly.
* Holy Baptism: Baptism is the very first sacrament received by a faithful.
Usually, this is done within very few months of the birth of a child. The
child is not aware of its birth. The child doesn’t know even the way it is fed
with mother’s breast milk. Just because the child is not aware of these, the
physical growth of the child is not hampered. In a very similar way, even if
the child is not aware, its baptism takes place and it is spiritually born again.
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It is here that the process of Theosis commences. During baptism, the child
discards Satan and accepts Messiah. The godfather or godmother, representing
the Church takes this pledge for the child. The new life in Christ begins
here.
* Holy Mooron or Anointment of Holy Spirit: This anointment is done along
with baptism. It is through Holy Spirit, the child is born again. The specially
purified and consecrated Mooron symbolizes anointment of Holy Spirit.
When the child being baptized is anointed with Mooron, the Holy Spirit
comes live in the child. Holy Spirit once received shall be renewed, but is not
to be received again. That is the reason why a baptized person who discards
the true faith and goes elsewhere is not re – baptized, if he returns. The
Church teaches that it is enough that he confesses his wrong and repents. It
is the Holy Spirit who transforms a born again child from evil to good.
* Holy Confession: One’s spiritual growth is similar to the physical growth of
a child. But, spiritual growth is a never ending process. At best, we can say
‘growing to fullness’. The child which starts learning to walk falls quite often
initially and in a similar manner, the believer too falls among the evils of this
world. But he has to get up from such falls. For this, he has to repent about
his wrong doings. He has to accept that he has erred. He has to confess his
wrongs. Then, he should have full conviction that he has been absolved of
his sins. It is for this, the Church has instituted the sacrament called Holy
Confession.
* Holy Qurbana: The Orthodox Churches teach that Holy Qurbana is the
sacrament that completes all other sacraments; it is the queen of all
sacraments. The sacraments are accompanied with Holy Qurbana. Among
all the food for spiritual growth, Holy Qurbana is the most important because
through this we receive the flesh and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. There
may not be another nutritious food better than this to transform us. “Whoever
eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” At the same time, it shall
be remembered that unless one is not slowly transformed, receiving Holy
Qurbana will end up as a routine exercise.
* Priesthood: The holy sacraments are performed by the Church. If so, we
need ordained ministers to perform and administer them. If everyone in the
Church becomes celebrants, the situation will resemble a country where all
the citizens are coming up as rulers. Just similar to elected rulers for the
governance of a country, there must be celebrants in a Church to perform
the sacraments for the believers. Our Lord has shown us the way for this
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too. He has chosen apostles and the Church has been choosing deacons,
priests and bishops and training them and empowering them to be celebrants
of sacraments. They make the believers grow spiritually. The clergy have the
responsibility to look after the flock as the good shepherd Jesus has been
doing.
* Marriage: The Book of Genesis tells us that family is a creation of God.
(Genesis 1: 26, 2: 18). If a man and woman have to live life long as husband
and wife and also as parents, they need God’s Grace in abundance. This
Grace is showered upon the couple through the sacrament of marriage.
* Anointment of the Sick: Our Lord has conferred the apostles and evangelists
the specific grace of healing the sick. This grace is given to the Church as
well. St James (5: 14-19) writes, “Is any one of you sick? He should call the
elders of the Church to pray over him and anoint with him with oil in the
name of the Lord”. Sickness denotes a disorder and imbalance in the mind
or body or both. Also, sickness is a situation where people are most helpless.
Under such conditions, healing is necessary and God does it in His Grace.
Anointment of the sick results in healing for the body, mind and spirit. Sins
are forgiven and disorders of the body are removed. This sacrament is not
the ‘extreme unction’ to be performed just before death. But this sacrament
is one for healing and absolution of sins.
In house blessing, consecration of a church and consecration of Mooron
(Chrism) the Grace of Holy Spirit is being showered aplenty. Through the funeral
service, the departed souls receive protection of the grace of God because, “he has
not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead”. (Ruth 2: 20). The
Orthodox Churches teach that the sacraments contribute to our healing, absolution
from sin and continued spiritual growth.
Activities
1. Try to understand more about the graces in different sacraments.
2. Share your personal experiences of having received graces through
sacraments such as Holy Confession, Holy Qurbana, Anointment of the
Sick and so on.
3. Identify certain benchmarks to ascertain whether the process of Theosis
has commenced in you, like the willingness to love an unfriendly class mate.
4. Have a combined discussion to study the statement, ‘Holy Qurbana is the
queen of all sacraments’ or ‘Sacraments of Sacraments’.
5. Find out evidence to prove that child baptism is Biblical.
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Resolution
We shall try to study more about Sacraments and
lead a sacramental life.
Let us pray
Holy Spirit, open our minds to understand the great meaning of the holy
sacraments. Amen.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday St.John 14:1-7 1 Peter 4:1-6
Monday St.John 14:8-13 1 Peter 4:7-11
Tuesday St.John 14:14-24 1 Peter 4:12-15
Wednesday Hebrews 11:1-6 1 Peter 4:17-19
Thursday Hebrews 11:7-12 St James 2:14-26
Friday St James 2:1-6 1 Peter 1:3-12
Saturday St James 2:7-13 1 Peter 1:13-25
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Chapter 21
Fruits of Holy Spirit and Spiritual Growth
Purpose of this lesson: The power of Holy Spirit reaches us through the sacraments.
Let us find out how do the graces of Holy Spirit help in the spiritual growth of
the faithful.
Verse to be memorized: “And now, these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the
greatest of these is love”. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
The lesson
The Bible passages dealing with the operation of the Holy Spirit shall be referred
to in the class. (John 14: 16, 16: 12-13, 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 13, Galatians
5: 22)
How do we get to know the help we receive from

Holy Spirit in spiritual growth?
In our previous lesson, we saw that Holy Spirit helps us to grow into Divinization
or ‘Godlikeness’ through sacraments. Administration of the sacraments is not an
individual act, but it involves the Church, i.e. the community of believers. Those
who partake in the sacraments receive God’s unseen Grace. But each individual
shall examine whether such a Grace does exist in him / her. The details are examined
in this lesson.
What are the signs of operation of the Holy Spirit?

Two perceptible signs are identified. (1) Different graces or gifts and (2) Fruits
of Holy Spirit.
What are graces or gifts?

This world has to be transformed to the likeness of God for which the faithful
have to do their part. Towards this, Holy Spirit gives gifts to individuals who are
prepared to receive them. These are not the same in all individuals. “There are
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different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit. . . . . . . . Now to each one, the manifestation
of the Spirit is given for the common good”. Gift of healing, gift of prophecy and
similar other gifts are given to different individuals as we see here. (1Corinthians
12: 4-31)
Graces or gifts may not be given to different individuals in the same measure
and kind. They are bestowed to them so that everyone derives the benefits out of
them. For example, one may get the gift of healing; but this is not to be used for
selfish purposes or to earn name and fame. Such gifts are expected to be used for
the benefit of others without fan fare and also without a desire for worldly profit. It
shall be recalled that after performing miracles, our Lord strictly warned the
beneficiaries not to tell others about them.
Worldly nature is transformed

Though graces or gifts do not come to everyone in the same measure or kind,
fruits of Spirit can come to everyone. With this, the worldly nature gets transformed.
Desires of the flesh always stand related to death. “For the wages of sin is death, but
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6: 23). Here the
word death indicates not the physical death, but being removed from God’s Grace.
Even when the body is alive, spiritual decay and death can happen. If we carry on
our life in obedience to evil or Satan, certainly it is life controlled by desires of the
flesh. St Paul teaches us about this: “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:
sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord,
jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness,
orgies and the like. I warn as I did before, that those who live like this will not
inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5: 19-21). When evil increases the acts of
Holy Spirit are weakened. But, when Holy Spirit is active, worldly nature gets
transformed to spiritual nature. St Paul says further: “But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self
control.” (Galatians 5: 22). This can be considered as the criteria to find out whether
an individual has grown spiritually or not. We can say that wherever these nine
fruits are produced, Holy Spirit is active in that person. The faithful shall earn these
fruits and gifts by taking part in the sacraments and prayers, observing lent and by
fasting, and loving our neighbor as they love themselves.
The fruits of the Spirit are classified into three groups. This is done indicating
our relation to God, to other human beings and to ourselves.
1. Relation with God

Through the relation with God, a believer reaches spiritual conditions of love,
joy and peace. The Bible tells us, “God is Love” (1 St John 4: 9, 16). The eternal
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nature of God is Love. Love unites everything and everybody. The late H G Dr
Geevarghese Mar Osthathiose taught that there must be a single religion of love in
this universe.
Joy doesn’t mean a sensual feeling of happiness derived from material objects.
Instead it means that experience of being content and happy in God in spite of the
abundance or shortage of material comforts or the experience of good and bad
coming up one by one in one’s life. Likewise, Holy Spirit gives peace to true devotees,
which is not available in the material world.
2. The relation between men

The true sign of spirituality is loving God and neighbor. We know that Jesus
was fully God and fully man. As we grow in the likeness of Christ, the relation with
men also will be set right. The relation with man grows deep and strong through
patience, kindness and goodness. Our Lord has taught us to forgive our fellow beings
seven times seventy and also to love our enemy. This is possible only if one possesses
patience. Similarly, kindness that gives rise to empathy and sharing the sorrow of
others, as well as extending a helping hand in their need, are all essentials of keeping
good human relations.
3. Relation with self

There are gifts of the Spirit which reveal an individual’s spiritual condition in
relation to one’s self. Those who are humble always succeed in keeping good relations
with others. The faithful shall be able to overcome evil temptations of Satan and
will be able to exercise self control. They are to stay away from drinking and smoking
and be controlled in food habits. Many fail to control their desires because they are
not strengthened by Holy Spirit. We shall introspect our behavior in the light of
these nine gifts to gauge our spiritual growth.
Activities
1. How do you differentiate between gifts of Holy Spirit and fruits of Holy
Spirit? What do we need more among the two for our spiritual growth?
2. Du you feel the gift or graces like healing shall be advertized? How do we
evaluate the gift of healing we see in Television shows? Have a discussion on
these.
3. What do you understand by the term ‘worldly desires’ or ‘desires of the
flesh’?
93
4. Arrange a role play in the class where nine students take up roles as the
fruits of Spirit and let them come out with the peculiarities of different fruits
as they understand.
5. Among all the gifts of Holy Spirit, which is the greatest? Have a discussion
about this based on 1 Corinthians chapter 13.
Resolution
We shall try to live a life of Christian perfection and
try to acquire the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Come Holy Spirit, strengthen us in good life that we may love God and our
neighbor. Amen.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday Acts 8:14-18 St.John 14:12-17
Tuesday St.John 16:7-15 St.John 16:7-15
Wednesday Ephesians 1:1-7 Galatians 5:16-26
Thursday Ephesians 1:15-23 Romans 8:12-17
Friday Ephesians 6:1-9 Ephesians 1:7-14
Saturday Ephesians 6:10-18 Acts 1:4-5
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Unit 7
Introducing Great men
Chapter 22
St Anthoniose (St Antony of the Desert)
The Message: The Christian monks follow a life of abstinence, renunciation and
self control. They renounce the world, their family and possessions. As ascetics,
it is their attempt to follow the two commandments – Love of God and love of
neighbor. St Antony is considered as the Father of monks or the first Christian
Monk (Sanyasin) May his intercession be of refuge to us. Let us, in this lesson,
try to understand more about Orthodox Monastic tradition.
Verse to be memorized: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or
father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred
times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29)
Text acquaintance
Monks are those who have accepted St Paul’s admonition (Rather, clothe
yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the
desires of the sinful nature: Romans 13: 14) and neglecting material comforts with
all their temptations and live exclusively for Jesus Christ. Their contributions to
the growth and stability of the Church, sustenance of faith, development of orders
of worship and so on are quite substantial and invaluable.
Introduction
Teacher: have you heard about Dayaras or Monasteries?
Students: Yes, teacher.
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Teacher: Can you name some of the Dayaras?
Students: Yes, we will. Mount Tabor Dayara at Pathanapuram, Bethany Ashram
at Ranni, Vallikkattu Dayara at Vakathanam, Pampadi Dayara.
Teacher: Right, we have many saintly fathers who have come up to the leadership
of our Church from our monasteries. St Parumala Thirumeni, Pampadi
Thirumeni, Geevarghese II Bava Thirumeni, Mathews II Bava Thirumeni,
Didimos I Bava Thirumeni are all such saintly fathers. In this lesson we shall
learn about St Anthoniose, who is considered as the one who instituted the
monastic life in the Church.
The lesson
Anthoniose was born at Keman, an Egyptian town, in 251 AD to Christian
parents who were quite wealthy. But both his parents were called to heavenly abode
before he completed 19 years of age. Anthoniose and his lone sister, inheriting large
ancestral wealth continued to live at their parental house.
One day, Anthoniose while attending the church worship, listened to the gospel
of the day which read, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give
it to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew
19: 21). This gospel passage was the narration of the incident where Jesus was
talking to a rich man. It struck Anthoniose that Christ was talking to him direct.
He, then, decided to obey what Jesus told him.
Anthoniose distributed all his wealth to the poor and the oppressed. But he
took care to earmark part of it for his sister and entrusted her to a Christian family
known to him. Thereafter, he proceeded, initially for 24 years, to Egyptian deserts
to live as a monk and spent the time there in prayer and manual work. Whenever
he planted a seedling, he used to recite Psalms, prayers and hymns. He renounced
all worldly things and interests and led a life of prayer and meditation. The hard
monastic life led by Anthoniose astonished the people and so, many people came to
follow him and emulate him. St Antony visited his parent town twice. Once it was
to encourage martyrs and to argue their cases in the courts of justice. His second
home coming was at the age of 90 and this was to fight against the heresy propogated
by Arius, and he stood behind the Nicene Creed strongly. Towards the end of his
life, he came to be known all over the world and earned unprecedented acclaim.
The number of those who followed him to the desert kept on increasing. Thus,
St.Anthoniose came to be known as the ‘Father of Monks’ in the Christian
Church.
96
To Think over
1. What was the birth place of St Anthoniose?
2. In which year was he born?
3. When did his parent die?
4. Which Biblical verse inspired him to choose monastic life?
5. What did he do thereafter?
6. Which place was chosen by him for his monastic life?
7. How many years did he continue this monastic life?
8. How many times did he visit his parental town?
9. How is he known the world over?
Activities
Try to visit some monasteries close to your place. Try to identify the names
of those fathers of the Church who has taken the name Anthoniose.
Let us pray
Oh Father Anthoniose, you have left the world for the sake of our Lord and
lived a life of monastic discipline in the desert; remember us in your prayers
that we earn sufficient self control to defeat evil desires and ward off
temptations. Amen.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday Romans 12:1-15 Galatians 3:5-10
Monday 1 Peter 2:1-6 Galatians 3:11-22
Tuesday 1 Thessalonians 2:13-15 Galatians 3:23-28
Wednesday 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Galatians 4:12-15
Thursday Ephesians 5:1-6 Galatians 4:16-20
Friday Ephesians 4:7-13 Galatians 1:3-14
Saturday Ephesians 5:13-21 Galatians 1:15-23
97
Chapter 23
St Pakomiose
The Message: One’s life becomes meaningful when he /she realizes God’s will. St
Pakomiose realized that God called him to enter monastic life and he did
exactly that by throwing away the powerful military career he had. May the
intercession of this saint help us understand what plans God has for each one
of us. We shall, in this lesson, try to learn what these early Christian monks
valued more than the worldly life.
Verse to be memorized: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” (St John
17:16).
Text acquaintance
To be successful in life, the characteristic called single – mindedness is an
absolute necessity. To attain single – mindedness, one should practice unqualified
self control. To attain self control, spiritual discipline such as fasting and
contemplation are to be practiced. This is the principle of life for all. For our normal
actions to succeed there should be an absolute concentration of mind and soul. It is
a fact that the mind of a man is always wavering, and to bring it under control is
really difficult. The ancient Indian sages had achieved the great divine power of
releasing mind from the five senses by the chanting of the name of God. The sage
Vatmeeki is a great example for this. The sage who was sitting in meditation for a
long time didn’t even know that he was covered by a termitary. We have to try hard
to be single minded so as to fully absorb what we learn. For this, it is necessary for
us to practice the self discipline of our sages. This was the reason why students
used to be called ‘Brahmacharies’ (celibates) during ancient times. St Pakomiose
was a saintly monk who practiced this ascetic discipline and charity.
Introduction
Teacher: Whom did we learn about in the last class?
Students: St.Anthoniose
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Teacher: Right; we learnt about him in the previous lesson. You would remember
we had mentioned about the monasteries of our Church. We also learned
that St Anthoniose is considered as the father of Christian monks. But it is
St Pakomiose who formulated monastic life as a systematic institution. We
are going to learn about this saint in this lesson.
The lesson
Pakomiose was born at Esna, a town in Egypt in 290 AD. His parents were non
Christians and were also idol worshippers. During his youth, he was a soldier in the
Roman Army. One day, he was sent to Ethiopia along with other soldiers. During
this journey, they met many Christians in the rural areas. These people invited the
soldiers to their houses and they washed their feet and fed them. Pakomiose was
attracted by the hospitality of these Christians and was excited at their noble dealings.
After the war, Pakomiose received baptism and became a Christian. He met a well
known monk of that time called Palaemon and followed him.
Whenever a person came forward to join the monastery, Pakomiose used to
examine his sincerity and commitment as well as the strength of his intention.
Moreover, he used to test his disciples on their capacity to withstand worldly desires
and temptations.
Pakomiose taught that to become a true monk, one should possess obedience,
love of God, penury, celibacy, and piety. He gave importance to study of Bible and
memorizing the Psalms and other Bible verses. He also taught the monks to read
and write the Christian Creed of faith.
In AD 320, he set up a monastery on the banks of River Nile. He instituted
certain common rules and regulations for monastic life. It was in this way the
monasteries took shape and turned out to be the spiritual power houses of the
Church. We do not know exactly when St Pakomiose died, but May 24 is observed
as his day of remembrance.
To Think over
1. Which is the birth place of St Pakomiose?
2. In which year was he born?
3. Who were his parents?
4. What was his profession?
5. How was he attracted towards Christian life?
6. Who was responsible for Pakomiose to choose the monastic life?
7. What are the qualities of a true monastic life?
99
Let us pray
Our father St Pakomiose, pray for us that we are able to exercise sufficient
self control to overcome worldly desires and sins, and grow in Christ likeness.
Amen.
Resolution
We shall practice self discipline and try to overcome
the temptation of this world.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday Hebrews 11:17-20 Hebrews 12:1-9
Monday 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Romans 12:1-10
Tuesday Romans 6:1-8 St.John 17:20-23
Wednesday St.Mark 2:13-28 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Thursday 1 St.John 5:1-12 Ephesians 6:10-20
Friday Ephesians 4:7-15 St.Mark 11:20-26
Saturday Ephesians 2:8-9 St.Matthew 7:7-12
100
Unit 8
Good Habits
Chapter 24
Sacrifice – The Noblest Quality
The Message: Having got inspired by our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross at Calvary, it
should be the responsibility of we Christians to practice the spirit of sacrifice.
Verse to be memorized: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working
for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
Introduction
Do we have the habit of helping others in difficulty? Let us prepare ourselves
for a selfless life extending our hands of love to the needy. Let us be inspired to do
so by the Holy Spirit.
The lesson
How much of our time can we spend effectively for our Lord? God acts in this
world through those who surrender their life to the will of God. In fact, God wants
us to be His co workers. Are we prepared for this? If so, we must forsake selfishness
and be ready to serve others. This is the beginning of a life of sacrifice.
We have heard people sacrificing their lives for noble causes. The greatest
sacrifice is on the cross at Calvary. It is the sacrifice on the cross that saved humanity
from perdition. He sacrificed His life for us. Let us recall the words of Jesus Christ
here, “Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.”
(John 15: 13). We see the height of true love and sacrifice in Jesus Christ. Jesus
knew his mission clearly which was to lay down his life for others. “. . . Just as the
Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for
many.” (Matthew 20: 28). It is this love that attracts people to Jesus. This love has
101
inspired many people. There are many disciples of Christ now in this world serving
the oppressed and consoling the sick by forsaking their comforts for the sake of
Jesus.
We learn several good things from nature. Birds and animals strive hard to take
care of their offspring. Even by sacrificing their life, they ensure the survival their
offspring out of any impending danger. But for those who sacrificed for the sake of
others, this world would not have remained as we have it today.
Let us look at the lives of a few individuals who are great examples of sacrifice
for the sake of others. Such great personalities are real sources of inspiration for all.
A Catholic nun was travelling in train from Darjeeling to Kolkata late in the
night. It was in the year 1948, shortly after India got independence. She had heard
about the lepers who were wandering around in the city of Kolkata. She had also
heard about infants being abandoned in the streets of Kolkata. But that night the
voice of Jesus pierced her heart like a lightening. “I will tell you the truth, whatever
you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”. (Matthew 25:
40). The nun took a bold decision instantly. ‘I will go to these slums and try to give
a decent life to these orphans and the poor’. She implemented this resolve in letter
and spirit. This nun is none other than Mother Teresa, who came to be known as
the ‘Mother of Destitutes’ later. It was Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that inspired
Mother Teresa and thousands of such other servants of Christ to live for the poor
and the neglected.
Dr Albert Schweitzer, a great scholar, philosopher, doctor, and musician
abandoned all the worldly comforts and social standing and went to the unexplored
interior forest areas of Africa to serve the uneducated and uncivilized tribal people.
This great sacrifice made him known all over the world. And through him, many in
Africa could come to know about Jesus.
Fr. Damien was yet another great soul who sacrificed his life for lepers. The
teachings of Jesus got embedded in this young man very deeply, which made him
sacrifice his life for the lepers in the Island of Molokkoi. His life is a great symbol of
a life of sacrifice. He cherished a thought that he would carry out his service as an
unknown man to this world. But against wishes, his name spread across the world
far and wide. A news paper in Hawaii wrote about him in 1881, “Fr Damien, who
set apart his life for lepers who were considered untouchable and unapproachable
by all the people, is a great lover of humanity in the history mankind and the epitome
of sacrifice to mankind”. Fr Damien lived with lepers and died as a leper; serving the
lepers, he laid down his life for them. He has been beatified by the Roman catholic
Church.
102
In the Malankara Church, there were great Church fathers who led a life of
service worth emulating. Let try to know more about some of them.
* The late HG Pathrose Mar Osthathiose moved among the marginalized

segments of our society where many of the ‘untouchable’ people were
suffering a lot not only out of poverty, but also because of neglect and
contempt from the higher caste people. His Grace spent the whole of his life
for the upliftment of such oppressed people and founded the Missionary
society called ‘Sleeba Dasa Samooham’ (Servants of the Cross Society)
* All over India, there are many children born to parents suffering from leprosy
as well as children of parents suffering from aids. Though these children
have not been affected the dreaded decease, they were not welcome in the
mainstream of the society. The late Sabharatna HG Dr Geevarghese Mar
Osthathiose set up institutions at many places to look after these children
which helped them to grow as healthy children and many have built up
good career and are occupying responsible positions in society.
* The late HG Mathews Mar Barnabas was a model of humility and was serving
among the sick and marginalized providing them assistance as well as working
hard among youth for their spiritual growth.
These were three of our fathers among others who showed us how to live to
the call of God sacrificing our time and talents, and even life for the poor and the
suffering.
If we are living a life of comfort today, it must be born in mind that it
would have not been possible had it not been for the hard work and sacrifice of
many others. Our parents have made a lot of sacrifices on their part for our better
future.
There can be sacrifice only if there is love. Love without sacrifice can never be
true love. Love without sacrifice becomes weak.
God has given us talents which are to be used in His service. We should not
expect some gain for us, but look forward to do something for God. “But seek first
his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
(Matthew 6: 33). “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in various forms.”(1 St Peter 4:10). We shall
surrender before God all those gifts, talents, hopes and dreams so that he will enable
us to put them for Godly purposes.
103
Activities
1. Which is the greatest of all sacrifices in this world?
2. From world history, mention three examples of great sacrifices. Write down
the names of those three individuals.
3. Try to look for a few other people who are examples of such sacrifices and
make short notes on each of them.
4. Identify a few models of great sacrifices in Malankara Church.
Let us pray
Oh God, enable us to experience your love and do good for others sacrificing
our self interest. Amen.
Resolution
We shall use our God given talents for the glory of God and work in
the Church to spread the message of Kingdom of God, and through
such selfless service, please our Lord.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday St.Matthew 19:27-29
Monday Philippines 1:1-11 St.John 3:10-16
Tuesday Hebrews 10:8-18 St.Luke 18:28-30
Wednesday Romans 8:28--30 St.Luke 17:33-37
Thursday Isaiah 55:9-13 1 St.John 3:16-18
Friday Romans 8:37--39 Romans 12:1-5
Saturday 2 St.Peter 3:8-18 2 St.Peter 1:1-7
104
Chapter 25
Respect and Observe the Law
The Message: We need to observe the Laws given by God and laws of the land for
the development of our families and society at large.
Verse to be memorized: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority
instituted among men.” (1 St Peter 2:13)
Introduction
We need to follow certain guidelines in this world where we live. In the absence
of some sort of guidelines, our individual and social lives become miserable. It is the
will of God that we shall lead disciplined lives. By enforcement of law, certain
restrictions fall on everyone. Why should there be such laws? This lesson will make
us realize the significance of laws and how beneficial they are for social welfare.
The lesson
Very often we reach school before time and if so, what do we do there? Some of
us spend the time playing whereas some others keep talking to friends. There are
some others who may go to the school library and read some books or news papers.
But when the bell rings indicating school time, everybody rushes to their class rooms.
Why do we do so? We do so because that is the rule at the school. If we obey the
school rules, our teachers will appreciate us. Laws maintain a general discipline,
which is for the common good.
The Law in the Bible

After creating man and placing him in the Garden of Eden, God gave man
freedom of will. But there was one restriction: “..........But you must not eat from
the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die”
(Genesis 2: 17). Man was created with freedom of will - to choose good or evil. But
this restriction was imposed on him to make him understand that he had to depend
on God for everything.
105
During the time of Moses, God gave Laws to His people for them to lead pure
and disciplined lives. God provided people of Israel the Ten Commandments through
Moses (Exodus 20: 1-17). Further, as and when the need arose, God used to pass
on directives through His prophets. Later, Jesus interpreted these commandments
in a simple way.
Peter one day came to Jesus and told him about the demand of tax collectors,
but Jesus said, he being the Son of God was not bound to pay tax to the temple.
However he said further to Peter, “But so that we may not offend them, go to the
lake and throw your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will
find a four drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours” (Luke
17: 27). Here we see the one who is the creator of the universe, subjecting Himself
to the law of the land.
Any community needs certain laws for its sustenance and existence.
The community has the authority to implement it through a system formulated by
it. Members of that community are bound to obey them and be subject to those
laws.
Unwritten laws
Nature is sustained by adherence to certain laws. The sun, moon, stars, water,
stone, soil and all such objects are controlled by laws of nature. It is as per these
laws we see water flowing only downwards, the earth moves around the sun and so
on. These laws of nature form the basis for scientific laws and principles.
Compared to material objects, living objects are subject to certain other laws
too. These laws can be called laws for living beings. It is a law of nature that pollination
takes place in plants through butterflies. There are laws of ethics practiced among
men. Such laws prompt men to desist from evil and live in goodness.
Written laws
Human beings live as a community and as nations and therefore laws are
necessary for protecting the rights of men, which is the responsibility of the nation.
By birth, men are selfish and this prompts men to deny the rights of other men
resulting in disorders in public life. If someone threatens the safety of life and property
of fellow beings, that disturbs the harmony of the community. Under such
circumstances, laws are necessary for keeping order and protecting the rights of
men. And, these gave rise to written law.
106
Why do we need laws?
All the laws are meant for the well being of the society. Those who walk on the
road or drive vehicles shall obey the traffic rules. The rules are meant for the safety
of road users. Law curtails evil; and can also breed the good.
To follow all laws of the land is obligatory. This is not to respect the nation
alone but also to respect our fellow beings. Once we do everything as per our choice
alone, we may be causing inconvenience and disturbance to others. Laws are
formulated to protect the interests of all.
Laws are to ensure justice

Justice makes sure that one gets what he / she deserves. When justice is denied
to a person, law comes to his relief. The constitution of the country ensures that
everyone gets his due of justice as fundamental right. To have a welfare nation,
there must be a legal system in force for everyone to enjoy justice.
Law enforcement departments

Even if men are aware of the law of land, there are tendencies to ignore law.
This results in breaking of law in the society quite often. Under such situations,
authorities need to act.
Law given by God

All powers come from God (Romans 13: 1-3), but some powers may turn satanic
too (Book of Revelation 13: 1). Our civil laws must be formulated in such a way
that they are in line with God given laws. Always, remember that our obligation to
God is the most important.
Hymn
Teacher may help the student to sing an english hymn connected with
this lesson
Let us pray
Oh Lord our creator, kindly take us through the path of truth and justice so
that we live in line with your Laws. Amen.
Resolution
We will obey the law of the land as well as show respect to them
subjecting ourselves to God given laws throughout our lives.
107
Note
* Have you heard about the Right to Information Act (RIA) implemented in
India? By this law, a citizen has the right to know everything that happens in
the country expect certain matters of confidentiality particularly related to
the defense of the nation.
* Laws are meant for the welfare of people. God’s commands too must be
understood the same way. God gave the Ten Commandments to Israelites so
that fear of God, love, love of fellow beings, justice, truthfulness and such
virtues shall prevail. The Beatitudes in Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:
1-11) can be said to be an explanation for the Ten Commandments. All laws
are aimed at the good of the people. Laws are also for controlling evil. We
have to appreciate the laws of the land as well as God given laws in this
background. All laws are for good. Laws do not curtail our freedom. On the
other hand, they are for protecting our freedom.
Further Reading
Day Morning Evening
Sunday * 1 St.Peter 5:1-11
Monday 1 St.Peter 2:13-17 Romans 13:1-7
Tuesday Exodus 22:1-3 Romans 9:19-26
Wednesday 1 Corinthians-. 10:23-33 St.John 18:28-32
Thursday 1 Timothy 2:22-26 Romans 16:17-0
Friday St.Matthew 5:43-48 Ephesians 4:25-32
Saturday 1 St.John 4:19-21 St.Matthew 5:21-26
108

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ORTHODOX SYRIAN

SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Sunday School Central Office

Education is a continuing and refreshing endeavour which attempts to train and

Devalokom Yakob Mar Irenious Metrapolitan

Devalokam Fr. Dr. O. Thomas

1. Bethlahem Preschool class Upto Age 5

This is the textbook for Class IV in the Nazareth category. Let us

Dr. Sam V. Daniel

Unit 1: Bible Stories

Unit 3: Liturgical Hymns

Unit 5: Holy Qurbana

Unit 6: The Basic Dogmas

Unit 7: Introducing Great men

Unit 8: Good Habits

Message: Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis of Christian faith. We experience

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

Stop and think

What do you think about the personality of Moses?

Purpose of this lesson: To understand the meaning and purpose of Psalm 51

Purpose of this lesson: 121-mw k¦oÀ¯\¯nsâ AÀ°Xe-§sf a\-kn-em-¡p-I.

Purpose of this lesson: To learn the hymn, “Seraphim of Fiery line............................”

“In oblation and prayers

Let us stop a while and think

Stop a while and think

The Jewish background

Stop a while and think

Purpose of this lesson: To understand that Holy Qurbana is the continuation of

Eternal worship in New Testament

Holy Qurbana, the continuance of eternal worship

Our Participation in eternal worship

The Bible Readings in Holy Qurbana

How do we get to know the help we receive from

What are the signs of operation of the Holy Spirit?

What are graces or gifts?

Worldly nature is transformed

1. Relation with God

2. The relation between men

3. Relation with self

* The late HG Pathrose Mar Osthathiose moved among the marginalized

The Law in the Bible

Laws are to ensure justice

Law enforcement departments

Law given by God

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