6099 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL Ph: Denaha (Baptism of our Lord) Beheading of St.

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1 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- DEESIS Christ is the icon of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation (Col :) On entering our Church, the Holy Icon of Jesus Christ enthroned is prominently visible and seen from every direction. Jesus Christ is presented as a classical philosopher, holding a Gospel book symbolic of His teaching with the alpha (Α or α) and omega (Ω or ω) which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, and a title of Christ and God in the Book of Revelation. Christ is surrounded by St. Mary, St. John he Baptist and the angels. JA N UA RY Comme. of St. Stephen, the first Martyr st Sunday after Epiphany nd Sunday after Epiphany Feast of St. Mary for Seeds Martin Luther King Day Memorial of H.H. Baselios Geevarghese II Catholicos Devalokam Aramana Denaha (Baptism of our Lord) Republic Day rd Sunday after Epiphany 0 Memorial of H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews II Catholicos (Sasthamkotta) th Sunday after Epiphany Jan St.John :- Jan St.Luke :- Jan :- Genesis :- Isaiah :- Acts :- Ephesians :- Jan St.John :- Isaiah :- Proverbs :-: Peter :- Hebrew :-: Jan St.John :- Joel :-: Jeremiah :- Peter :- Cor. :-: St.Mark :- Deuteronomy :- Samuel :- John :-; :- Cor. :- Jan New Year's day First Sunday after Christmas Circumcision of our Lord (Chelakarmam) Beheading of St. John the Baptist Memorial of Philipos Mar Eusebius (Pathanamthitta) Genesis :- Acts :- Romans :-: Isaiah 0:- Isaiah :- Genesis :- Acts :-0 Titus :-: Jan : H.H. Baselios Geevarghese II ( ) The rd Catholicose, from to Laid to rest at Devalokam Aramana, Kottayam Jan : H. G. Philipos Mar Eusebius ( 0) Metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese Laid to rest at St. Basel Aramana, Pathanamthitta Jan : H. H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews II ( 0) The th Catholicose, from to 0 Laid to rest at Mount Horeb Chapel, Sastamkotta, Kollam.

2 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- HEALING OF THE SICK And the whole multitude sought to touch Him: there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all (Luke :). This icon shows Christ blessing and healing those who came out to meet Him with faith and love. They came out of Syria, Judea, Galilee, and even beyond the Jordan, and were dumb, palsied, demon-possessed, blind, epileptic, paralytic, and afflicted with every other manner of illness, seeking His healing touch that soothes the heart and quickens the mind. Christ was not ashamed of their illnesses, and was able to heal them from whatever ailed them. However, as He told the paralytic man (Mark :-) before He healed him of his physical sickness, our Lord came to heal us from our sins and bring an end to death, bringing us eternal healing. Feb Feb F E B RUA RY th Sunday after Epiphany All Departed Bishops & Priests All the Departed Faithful Pethratha First Sunday of Great Lent (Feast of Cana) Day Lent begins President's Day All Departed Spiritual Fathers Day Lent Ends Memorial of Mathews Mar Epiphanios Memorial of Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Comme. of St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius (Old Seminary) Memorial of Thomas Comme. of Apostle St. Matthew Mar Makarios Great Lent Begins Acts :- Leviticus :-;:- Isaiah :-: Ephesians :- Genesis :- Acts :- St.Mark :- Psalms :- Cor. :- St.Luke :-0 Feb St.Luke :: Genesis :- Joshua :- James :- Ephesians :- Feb St.Mark :- Numbers :- Job :- James :- Cor. :- Feb St.Luke : Deut. :- Joshua :- James :-: Cor. :- Feb St.John :- Genesis :- Exodus :- Acts :- Ephesians :- Mayaltho (Entry of our Lord into the Temple) Comme. of Patrose Mar Osthathios Feb : H. G. Pathrose Mar Osthathios ( ) Founded The Servants of Cross (Sleeba dhasa samooham) Laid to rest at Carmel Dayara, Kandanad Feb : H. G.Mathews Mar Epiphanios ( 0) Metropolitan of Kollam diocese, Laid to rest at Kollam Aramana Feb : H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios ( - ) Sabharathnam Metropolitan of Niranam diocese Founder of St. Paul s Mission Center of Mavelikkara Laid to rest at St. Paul s Mission Centre Chapel, Mavelikkara Feb : St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius ( -) Known as Malankara Sabha Bhassuran Malankara Metropolitan from - Instrumental in establishing Catholicate in Malankara Canonized as a saint on February, 0 Laid to rest at Old Seminary Kottayam H. G Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios (- 0) st Metropolitan of American Diocese Laid to rest at Devalokam, Kottayam

3 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- ANNUNCIATION Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you (Luke :). The icon of the Annunciation is one that presents the joy of the announcement of the coming of Christ. It is an icon of bright colors, depicting the Archangel Gabriel (left), who has descended from heaven, and the Virgin Mary (right), who has been chosen to be the Mother of God. The Archangel is shown with his feet spread apart as if he is running to share the good news with Mary. In his left hand is a staff, the symbol of a messenger. His right hand is extended toward Mary as he delivers the message and announces the blessing bestowed upon her by God. At the top of the icon the segment of a circle represents the divine realm, from which three rays emerge. This demonstrates the action of the Holy Spirit coming upon her. In other depictions of the same icon, Christ Himself as a man is shown in this semi-circle. This icon marks the crowning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery before all ages. For the Son of God becomes the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaims to the ever-virgin Mary. M A RC H nd Sunday of Great Lent (Lepers ) Daylight Savings begins rd Sunday of Great Lent (Paralytic) th Sunday of Great Lent (Canaanite Woman) Mid-Lent Comme. of 0 Martyrs of Sebaste 0 th Sunday of Great Lent (Crippled Woman) Annunciation to St.Mary (Suboro) March St.Luke :;:0- Genesis :- Isaiah :- Acts :- Romans :-: Amos :-: Isaiah :- Acts :- Romans :- March St.Mark :- March :- Samuel :- Haggai :- Acts :- Romans :- March St.John :-; :- Numbers :- Psalms :- Acts :- Cor. :- March St.Luke :- Deut. :-: Isaiah :-: St.John :- Hebrews :: March St.Luke :- Jeremiah :- Isaiah :-0: Peter :- Romans :-

4 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- HOLY WEEK/RESURRECTION Thou was crucified for us, Christ who art our Lord and God; Thou did trample death by death, ending this our death (From the hymn By thy mother s earnest prayers ) Through the icons of the Holy Week, we remember that by His death and Resurrection, our death was defeated (Isaiah :-). Angels are often seen in the icons of the Crucifixion. Some angels cover their faces to shield themselves from the sight, or cover their hands ready to serve the Lord. Some seem to be announcing our salvation with trumpets. But, the Icon of the Risen Christ clothed in white and gold reminds us that the most joyous event for all Christians is the glorious Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This event is the heart and center of the Christian faith. In the Icon of the Resurrection, Christ is depicted with bright garments and having descended into Hades with authority.he is seen with a firm footing and a powerful stance upon the gates of Hades, which have fallen in the shape of an X. The Cross, which had been an instrument of death and torture, is now and forever the symbol of victory. We see in the icon that Christ is raising both Adam and Eve (symbolizing our fallen human race) from Hades (the place of the dead), and does so with such vigor and authority that His garment is blown upwards. In the dark cave of Hades, the locks of death, the age-old bars and chains are seen as if shattered by a supernatural power. Often shown surrounding the victorious Christ are those who predeceased Christ s crucifixion and had descended to Hades, where they had waited for the coming of their Messiah. Often St. John the Baptist, Abel and other figures are shown in this icon. This is to remind us that we know today that all the prophets, saints and our departed are not found any longer in the underworld, but are with Christ and His angels. APRIL th Sunday of Great Lent (Blind Man) Catholicate Day Hosanna (Palm Sunday) Easter Sunday Comme. of St. George New Sunday (st Sunday after Easter) Memorial of Geevarghese Mar Philexinos (Puthencavu) Memorial of H.G. Kuriakose Mar Gregorios (Pampady Thirumeni) Memorial of Geevarghese Mar Ivanios (Njaliyakuzhy) Pesaho April St.John :- Deut. :-: Job :- Peter :- Romans :- April :- Deut. :- Isaiah :- Peter :- Romans :-: April St.John :- Numbers :- Isaiah :- Peter :- Ephesians :-: April St.John :- Procession: St Luke :-0 Genesis :- Samuel :- April St.Luke :-0 Exodus :- Jeremiah :- Leviticus :- Numbers :- John :- Romans :- Acts :- Corinthians : Acts :0-: Cor. :- April :- 0 st Sunday after New Sunday 0th Day of Great Lent Lazarus' Saturday Good Friday Gospel Saturday Comme. of St. Mark the Evangelist April : Genesis :- Amos :- Acts :- Romans :- April St.Mark :- Exodus 0:- Numbers :- Acts :- Cor. :- April St.John :- Genesis :- Numbers :- Peter :- Romans :- April 0 St.John :- Exodus :- Joshua :- Acts :- Ephesians :- April : H.G. Kuriakose Mar Gregorios (Pampady) ( -) Metropolitan of Kottayam Diocese Laid to rest at Pothenpuram Dayara, Pamapdy April : H. G. Geevarghese Mar Ivanios (0 -) Metropolitan of Kottayam Diocese Laid to rest at Mar Baselios Dayara, Njaliyakuzhy, Kottayam April : H. G Geevarghese Mar Philexinos ( -) Ratna Deepam Metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese Laid to rest at St. Mary s Orthodox Cathedral, Puthenkavu

5 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- SAINT GEORGE St. George is depicted in thousands of holy icons found in all parts of the world, and venerated by Christians from the earliest centuries. St. George was a Roman soldier born in the late rd century A.D. in Cappadocia, and brought up as a Christian by his widowed mother in her hometown of Lydda, in Palestine. Under the emperor Diocletian, a persecution of the Christians arose, and being a Roman commander by this time, George was ordered to take part. He refused and confessed his faith. Terrible tortures failed to weaken the young George (he was still in his twenties), but instead converted some of those who witnessed his confession, including Diocletian s wife Empress Alexandria. Finally, George was beheaded. The year of his martyrdom was 0 A.D. However, St. George is most recognized as the soldier who slayed the dragon. Although there are stories of killing a dragon and saving the princess, from a theological perspective the dragon and the serpent are both descriptions given to the devil by St John in his Revelation (Rev :). St George s appearance also deliberately evokes Biblical symbolism i.e., And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. (Revelation :). This is the image and icon the miracle of St George presents us with: the Martyr who has become a conquering hero. St George sits atop his conquering white steed, red cloak of martyrdom billowing behind him, with the blessing of Jesus Christ indicated by the hand reaching forth to bless him. He rides forth conquering the devil in the form of the dragon. nd Sunday after New Sunday Mother's Day rd Sunday after New Sunday th Sunday after New Sunday Sunday before M AY Comme. of St. James the Apostle Memorial of Yuhanon Mar Severios (Koratty) 0 Memorial of H.H. Baselios Paulose I Catholicos Ascension of our Lord (Suloqo) Memorial Mar Baselios Marthoma Didymos I Catholicos Memorial Day May St.Mark : Exodus 0:- Acts :- Hebrews :- May St.John :- May St.Luke :- May St.Mark :- May St.John :- Joshua :- Exodus :- Kings :-0 Deut. :- Joshua :0- Deut. :-: Samuel :-: Joshua :- Kings :- John :-: Hebrews :- Peter :- Hebrews :-0 Acts :- Ephesians :- Acts :- Philippians :- May : H.H. Baselius Paulose I ( -) st Catholicos (-) Laid to rest at Pampakkuda Cheriya Pally May : H. G. Yuhanon Mar Severios (- ) Metropolitan of Kochi Diocese Laid to rest at Sion Seminary Chappel, Koratty May : H.H. Mar Baselius Marthoma Didymos I ( -) th Catholicos (0-) Laid to rest at Mount Tabor Dayara, Pathanapuram

6 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- THE APOSTLES Icons are written as windows into Heaven, and therefore show Heavenly (rather than earthly) reality. Icons are made of the heroes of the faith who are remembered and loved, and whose earthly lives are considered instructive and worthy of imitation. This icon depicts the Holy Apostles appointed by Christ to sit and judge the twelve tribes of Israel in the Kingdom of God. They were with Christ during His ministry on earth and were eyewitnesses of many of the miracles that the Lord Jesus Christ wrought and teachings that He brought for our salvation. Often in depictions of these Holy Apostles, St. Paul is added to those mentioned in St. Matthew :-, even though he became an Apostle only later when Christ appeared to him on the road to Damascus. May we all look with hope at these seemingly ordinary men whose obedience and love for God changed the World. JUNE st Sunday after Comme. of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Father's Day nd Sunday after rd Sunday after Memorial of H.G. Augen Mar Dionysious June St.John :- June St.Luke :-0 June St.Luke :- June Golden Friday Apostles' Lent begins 0 Feast of St. Peter & St. Paul Feast of the (Apostles' Lent ends) Apostles Birth of St. John the Baptist :-: June St.John :- June :- Exodus :- Acts :- Cor. :- Joshua :- Genesis :- Jeremiah :- Acts :- Cor. :-: Genesis :- Exodus :-0 Acts :- Cor. :-: Leviticus :- Samuel :- Acts :- Ephesians :- Genesis :- Judges :- Acts :- Galatians :- Genesis :- Jeremiah :- Acts :- Cor. :-: June : H.G. Augen Mar Dionysious ( -0) Metropolitan of Idukki Diocese Laid to rest at Vallikkattu Dayara, Vakathanam

7 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- BLESSING OF ST THOMAS St. Thomas, the Apostle of India, is sometimes improperly referred to as Doubting Thomas, on account of his refusal to believe the accounts of the other disciples that Christ had risen (John :-). However in Orthodox teaching it is recognized that through his initial doubts, Thomas came to confess Jesus Christ as My Lord and My God a greater confession of faith than any of the Apostles had previously uttered. Sometimes this confession of faith is held in Thomas hands in icons depicting him, though more commonly it is the scroll denoting his rank of Apostle that is shown. Often St. Thomas is written in icons as a beardless youth, which is worthy of consideration when thinking about his doubts. 0 th Sunday after th Sunday after th Sunday after th Sunday after th Sunday after Memorial of Geevarghese Mar Diascoros (Ranni) J U LY Dukrono US Comme. of St ThomIndependence Day as the Apostle Memorial of Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius II (Founder of MD & Parumala Seminary) Memorial of Zachariah Mar Dionysius (Pathanapuram) Comme. of Elijah the Prophet Comme. of the Martyrs St. Kuriakose Mother Marth Yuliethi Comme. of Mary Magdalene July :- Deut. :- Acts :- Cor. :- July St.John : July Joshua :- Kings :- Daniel :- Acts :- Cor. :-: St.Mark :- Exodus :- Zachariah :- Acts :- Cor. :- July St.Luke : Exodus 0:- Joshua :- Acts :- Cor. :- July St.Mark :-0 Leviticus :- Samuel :- Acts :- Ephesians :- July 0 St.Mark :- Exodus :- Job :- Peter :- Hebrews :-: July : H.G. Zachariah Mar Dionysius ( -) Metropolitan of Madras Diocese Laid to rest at Mount Tabor Dayara, Pathanapuram July : H. G. Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius II ( ) Malankara Sabha Thejas Malankara Metropolitan ( -) Founder of MD & Parumala Seminary Laid to rest at Old Seminary, Kottayam July : H.G. Geevarghese Mar Diascoros ( -) Metropolitan of Thiruvananthapuram Diocese Laid to rest at Holy Trinity Ashram, Ranny

8 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS On August, the Dormition of the Mother of God is celebrated by most Christians in the world.the Icon of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos shows her on her deathbed surrounded by the Apostles. Christ is standing in the center looking at His mother. He is holding a small child clothed in white representing the soul of the Virgin Mary. With His golden garments, the angels above His head, and the mandorla surrounding Him, Christ is depicted in His divine glory. The posture of the Apostles direct attention toward the Theotokos. On the left Saint Peter censes the body of the Theotokos. On the right Saint Paul bows low in honor of her. Together with the Apostles are several bishops and women. The bishops traditionally represented are James, the brother of the Lord, Timothy, Heirotheus, and Dionysius the Areopagite. They are shown wearing episcopal vestments. The women are members of the church in Jerusalem. In front of the bed of the Theotokos is a candle that helps to form a central axis in the icon. Above the candle is the body of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. Standing over His mother is Christ holding her most pure soul. Above Christ the gates of heaven stand open, ready to receive the Mother of God. This great Feast of the Church and the icon celebrates a fundamental teaching of our faith the Resurrection of the body. August St.Luke :- Transfiguration Memorial of Alexios Mar Theodosios (Perunad) st Sunday after Transfiguration st Sunday after Shunoyo nd Sunday after Shunoyo AU G U S T day Shunoyo Lent begins Comme. of the Martyrs Marth Smooni & her Children and Mar Eliazar, their teacher Memorial of Paulose Mar Pachomios (Perunad) Indian Independence Day Shunoyo Feast of the Dormition of Virgin Mary Memorial of H. H. Patriarch Mar Ignatios Abded Meshiha 0 Comme. of St. Mathias the Apostle Comme. of St. John the Baptist Deut. :- John :-: Romans :- August :- Joshua :- Deut. :- Samuel :- August St.Luke : Exodus :- Joshua :- Acts :- Hebrews :- August St.Mark : Exodus :- Samuel :- John :- Ephesians :- August St.Luke :- Genesis :- Ecclesiastes :- Peter :- Thess. :- James :-: Philippians :- August : H. G. Paulose Mar Pachomios ( -) Metropolitan of Mavelikkara Diocese Laid to rest at Bethany Ashram Chapel, Perunad, Ranny August : H. G Alexios Mar Theodosios ( ) Metropolitan of Kollam Diocese Laid to rest at Bethany Ashram, Perunad, Ranny August (Originally L.L. on Aug. 0th): H. H. Patriarch Ignatius Abded Meshiha ( -) Instrumental in moving the See of St. Thomas to Kottayam in and establishing the Catholicate

9 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians :) Large granite Crosses are typically seen in the front of ancient Churches in India, reflecting the importance and glory given to Christ. September th is celebrated as the Feast of the Holy Cross. On this holy day of fasting and repentance, the faithful make dedication to the crucified Lord and pledge their faithfulness to him by making prostrations at the Lords feet on the life creating Cross. For the feast, the Cross is placed on a tray surrounded by flowers or branches of basil, and placed in the center of the Church for veneration.the veneration of the Cross is not idol worship, as that would imply we are worshipping a creation rather than the Creator. Though a Cross may be made of wood or any other material, Christians use the Cross as a reminder of Christ s victory over death. SEPTEMBER Sept :- Exodus :- James :- Cor. :- Sept St.Mark :- Sept St.Luke :- Numbers :- Joshua :- Sept St.Mark :0 Hosea :- Daniel :- Acts :- Cor. :- Sept :- Kings :- Isaiah :- Acts :- Cor. :-: Samuel :- Exodus :-;- Job :- Peter :- Cor. :- Acts :- Galatians :: rd Sunday after Shunoyo th Sunday after Shunoyo st Sunday after the nd Sunday after the Labor Day Thiru Onam Feast of the Birth of Comme. of St. Mary's St Mary - the Mother Parents - Yuyakim and Hanna of God Memorial of Philipose Mar Theophilos (Aluva) Memorial of Alvaris Mar Yulios 0 Sept : H. G. Alvaris Mar Yulios ( ) Bishop of Goa Laid to rest at St. Mary s Orthodox Church, Goa Sept : H. G. Philipose Mar Theophilos ( ) Metropolitan of Angamaly diocese Laid to rest at Thrikkunnathu Seminary, Aluva

10 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- SAINT LUKE (FIRST ICONOGRAPHER) The Orthodox Church is inconceivable without icons, lit candles and burning incense. The Orthodox Church is a Church of tradition, and the presence and use of icons in the Orthodox Church is a reflection of this tradition. The word ICON comes from the Greek word EIKONA, meaning image. In its broadest sense an icon is any representation of a sacred personage, produced in many media and sizes. In the narrower sense, it refers to a hand-painted sacred image. All icons are drawn with fasting and prayer, and the first iconographer is said to be Saint Luke. From the prayer of the iconographer O Divine Lord of all that exists, You have illumined the Apostle and Evangelist Luke with Your Most Holy Spirit, thereby enabling him to represent the most Holy Mother, the one who held You in her arms and said: the Grace of Him Who has been born of me is spread throughout the world. Enlighten and direct our souls, our hearts and our spirits. Guide the hands of your unworthy servant, so that we may worthily and perfectly portray your icon, that of Your Holy Mother and of all the saints, for the glory and adornment of Your Holy Church. Forgive our sins and the sins of those who will venerate these icons, and who, standing devoutly before them, give homage to those they represent. Protect them from all evil and instruct them with good counsel. This we ask through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Apostle Luke, and all the saints, now and ever and unto ages of ages. rd Sunday after the Comme. of EvangeGandhi Jayanti list St. Adai, St. Abhai the Martyr, (International Day of Non-Violence) Mar Malke th Sunday after the th Sunday after the th Sunday after the O C TO B E R Columbus Day Comme. of St. James the Apostle, Son of Alphaeus 0 Comme. of St. Yeldo Mar Baselios Comme. of St. Luke The Evangelist th Sunday After the Comme. of St. Athanasios of Alexandria Oct St.Luke :- Proverbs :- Acts :- Romans :- Oct St.Luke : Numbers :-0: Kings :-0 Acts :- Colossians : Oct :- Leviticus :- Job :- Acts :- Timothy :- Oct St.Luke : Genesis :- Joshua :- Acts :- Cor. :- Oct :- Exodus :- Job :- Acts :- Cor. :- Isaiah :- Oct : St. Yeldo mar Baselius ( ) Canonized as saint in Laid to rest at Marthoma Cheriapally, Kothamangalam

11 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- SAINT GREGORIOS This is one of the first icons of St. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios (ParumalaThirumeni).He is the first canonized Christian saint from India, in theoriental Orthodox tradition. The image is familiar to many as the portrait done by one of the most celebrated painters of India, Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore Royal family. Whereas a painting represents how a person looks in real life, a Holy Icon of a Saint is a sacred art that is drawn to emphasize the image of Christ within the Saint and has distinct elements that teach about the person. Hands are drawn with fingers that are longer to teach that the Saint was a caring person. The icon of ParumalaThirumeni depicts him holding his cross in his right hand and his staff in his left representing his role as a shepherd to his flock, the church. His large forehead signifies his wisdom. The wisdom of Mar Gregorios of Parumala truly makes him a blessed Saint of the Orthodox Church. Let his words guide us as we seek unity in Christ - Avoid arrogance, quarrel and pride while dealing in Church matters; instead, let your humility shine before others. Those who place their trust in God, and satisfy the people are blessed. Nov :- Kings :- Job :- Kings :- Nov Ezekiel :- + ::- Exodus :-: Nov St.John :- Kings :- N OV E M B E R Daylight Savings ends Qudosh Idto (Sanctification of the Church) Beginning of the Liturgical Year Memorial of Stephanos Mar Theodosios (Calcutta) Hoodosh Eetho (Dedication of the Church) Revelation to Zachariah Annunciation to St. Mary Memorial of Iyoob Mar Philoxenos Comme. of St. Philip the Apostle Feast of the Entrance of St Mary to the Jerusalem Temple Kerala Piravi Memorial of H. H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews I Catholicos Comme. of St. Gregorios (Parumala Seminary) Thanksgiving Day 0 Memorial of Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius I, Paulose Mar Gregorios Comme. of St. Andrew the Apostle Acts :- Hebrews :- Nov St.Luke :- Genesis :- Numbers :- Peter :- Romans :- Nov St.Luke :- Deut. :- Judges :- John :- Heb. :-;:- Acts :- Hebrews :: Acts :- Hebrews :- Veterans Day Nov : St. Gheevarghese Mar Gregorios Of Parumala ( ) Canonized as saint in Laid to rest at Parumala Church Nov : H. G. Stephanos Mar Theodosios ( 0) Metropolitan of Kolkata diocese Laid to rest at St. Thomas Ashram, Bhilai Nov : H. H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews I ( ) th Catholicos ( ) Laid to rest at Devalokam, Kottayam Nov : H. G. Iyoob Mar Philioxenos ( ) Metropolitan of Delhi diocese Laid to rest at Mount Tabor Dayara, Pathanapuram Nov : H. G. Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius I (0 ) Malankara Sabha Jyothis Established Old Seminary in Kottayam Laid to rest at Old Seminary, Kottayam H. G. Paulose Mar Gregorios ( ) Metropolitan of Delhi diocese Laid to rest at Old Seminary, Kottyam

12 0 N Northcott Ave. Chicago, IL-0 Ph: -- NATIVITY OF OUR LORD The icon of the Nativity tells the story of Christ s birth. Everything in this icon encourages us to deepen our understanding of the mystery of the Incarnation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Through this act God became man so that humankind can attain the kingdom of God. As this icon represents the significance of the Nativity, it tells an important story. Mother Mary and the Infant Lord Jesus Christ are at the center of the Nativity Icon. The Wise men, who are led by the star, are riding horses to bring their gifts to the newborn Christ.The three wise men are of various age and appearance, meaning the news of Christ s birth was given to everyone. Opposite the Wise men is the scene with the humble shepherds. An angel proclaims the glad tidings. The shepherd plays a reed instrument. The scene reveals that both humans and angels were singing hymns of praise and giving glory to God. The tree in the lower part of the icon is the Tree of Jesse. This tree refers to Isaiah :-. King David was often mentioned as the son of Jesse and Jesus was from the House of David. The Holy Icon of the Nativity reminds one to praise and glorify the Birth of Christ. The celebration of Christmas each year serves to remind each and every one of us that Christ came for you and me. DECEMBER st Sunday after Christmas St. Mary's Visit to Elizabeth Memorial of Thoma Mar Dionysius (Pathanapuram) Birth of John the Baptist Comme. of Martyrs St Behnam, his sister Sarah and other Martyrs Revelation to St. Joseph Memorial of Mar Baselios Geevarghese I Catholicos Comme. of St. Thomas the Apostle (The day St. Thomas was pierced by the lance of heathens) Sunday before the Feast of Nativity Yeldho (Feast of the Nativity of our Lord) Nativity Lent ends Glorification of Mother of God Memorial of Daniel Mar Philoxenos (Pathanamthitta) Nativity Lent Begins Memorial of Mar Baselios Augen Catholicos Martyrdom of St. Thomas Feast of Holy Infants (Shishu Vadha Perunal, Shishu Sahadenmarude Orma) Memorial of Mathews Mar Barnabas 0 Dec St.Luke :- Dec St.Luke :-0 Dec :- Dec :- Dec :- Dec St.Luke :- Dec :- Dec St.Luke :0- Genesis :-0 Peter :- Romans :- John :- Gal. :-0 Peter :- Gal. :- Acts :- Romans :- John :-: Heb. :- Acts :0- Romans :- Acts :- Romans :- Peter :- Heb. :- Exodus :- Gen. :- Ruth :- Gen. :- Sam. :- Gen. :- Kings :- Job :-: Kings :- Exodus :- Sam. :- Exodus :- Jeremiah :- Judges :-: Zach. :- Dec : H. G. Thoma Mar Dionysius ( ) Metropolitan of Niranam diocese Dec : H. H. Mar Baselius Augen Catholicos ( ) th Catholicos ( ) Laid to rest at Devalokam, Kottayam Dec : H. G. Mathews Mar Barnabas ( ) Metropolitan of Idukki, American diocese Laid to rest at St. Peter s and St. Paul s, Valayanchirangara Dec : H. G. Daniel Mar Philexinos (0 ) Metropolitan of Thumpamon diocese Laid to rest at St. Basil Dayara, Pathanamthitta Dec : H. H. Mar Baselius Geevarghese st ( ) nd Catholicos ( ) Laid to rest at Vallikkattu Dayara, Vakathanam