Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Where Is the Progressive Jewish Community Right Now?

by Charles Lenchner

Published December 31, 2008 @ 08:45AM PST

The progressive Jewish community (as it relates to Israel) is made up of a handful of pressure groups that actually do political work: J Street, Americans for Peace Now, the Israeli Policy Forum, and Brit Tzedek. They all follow the same basic line: A two state solution is good for Israel, and the American Jewish community should reject AIPAC's rightward tilt in favor of a US policy that pressures Israel more publicly and forcefully to make peace.

Over the past weeks, all of these groups came out with nearly identical "online actions" aimed at influencing the next Administration. All of them have come out in favor of US pressure to force Israel to halt it's assault. This is pretty good, in light of the fact that the Zionist parties they are most closely linked to - Labor and Meretz - have come out in favor of the assault. Labor's Ehud Barak is Defense Minister, and as such he is actually leading the Israeli war effort.

New AA meeting starting

AA & 12-Step Classes Schedule

The schedule of meetings and 12-classes at St. Mary’s Orthodox Community starting in 2009 is as follows:

AA Meetings:  Sunday 3 pm; Wednesday 10 am; Wednesday 97 pm
This are open meetings and all are welcome.

Christian 12-Step Classes:  Sunday 2 pm; Tuesday 10 am; Tuesday 7 pm
These classes are open to all no matter what faith or no faith.

These are part of St. Mary’s free life’s recovery program which is open to all faiths and those of no faith. Additional AA, NA, Al-Anon, and other support groups will be added.  If at least two people are interested in any area at any time, the group will be started. We have already have already been asked to start an Al-Anon group during the morning hours.  There is also been interest for a group for caregivers during the day. If you have any interest or need more information, please contact the church at either 574-540-2048 or 574-952-4672.

During the day the community will be open as a day drop in center for assistance and study and prayer. We keep the coffee on and most time there is homemade soup and bread. Father Theodosius is available to meet with those in need or hurting.

We can also use your help.  Those interested in volunteering some time, please call the church.  Also, we need additional recovery material. If you have some extra AA, NA, Al-Anon, or other materials, we can put it to use. A well worn Big Book works just as good as a new one.  That extra Bible you have that is not being used, can be read by someone here.  This program is free and open to all. So if you would like to donate a $1.29 (or more) to help us, please do.

St. Mary’s Orthodox Community is a community of people who had given up on church. We are a community of people who have been there, and are now on a journey home. The community works hard to show all the unconditional love and grace of Jesus without any reservations due to their lifestyle or religion, past or present. This love has no agenda behind it (1Cor:13-5).  This grace sets no timeline on personal agenda or standards for spiritual growth (Rom 4:4-5).  The simple idea is to be a part of people’s lives because we truly care for them rather than to fulfill a religious duty; to walk with them through all their struggles as a part of their lives, not as a religious outsider. For this community, religion is not a false perception of holiness that focuses on law and kills the true message of Christ Jesus.  Jesus loves you.  Jesus heals you.  We invite you to join us.

We invite you to join us in how ever you are comfortable and for what ever your need. In addition to the AA meetings and 12-Step Classes, there are daily worship services.  The Holy Qurbana is celebrated every Sunday starting at 10 am.



Join us Saturday for prayers for Gaza

Saturday Prayer Service for Gaza

This Saturday St. Mary's Orthodox Community, 1000 South Michigan Street,
Plymouth, Indiana, will celebrate a special prayer service at the community
for peace and justice in Gaza and the rest of the Holy Land as suggested by
the heads of the Christian Churches in Jerusalem. The Saturday service will
be celebrated starting at 10 am. Father Theodosius asks that those who are
unable to join them, to raise their voices and prayers with them, wherever
they are at the time. The service will be repeated following the Holy
Qurbana on Sunday. The Sunday Holy Qurbana starts at 10 am. The community¹s
pastor, Father Theodosius Walker also suggested that there should be a time
of fasting in the days before the prayer services. According to Father
Theodosius there is great power in fasting and prayer.

Yesterday the Patriarchs, Bishops and the Heads of Christian Churches in
Jerusalem issued a statement calling for prayers for peace and justice in
Gaza this Saturday. In the words of these Holy Land bishops "...we raise
our prayers to the Child in the manger to inspire the authorities and
decision makers on both sides, the Israelis and Palestinians, for immediate
action to end the current tragic situation in the Gaza Strip. We pray for
the victims, the wounded and the broken-hearted. May the Lord God Almighty
grant all those who have lost loved ones consolation and patience. We pray
for all those living in panic and fear, that God may bless them with calm,
tranquility and true peace."

The St. Mary the Protectress Orthodox Community is under an allegiance to
the hierarchy of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church under His Holiness
Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. St. Mary the Protectress Orthodox Community is
located at 1000 South Michigan Street, Plymouth, Indiana. For more
information, please contact the pastor Father Theodosius Walker at (574)
952-4671.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Saturday Prayer service

This Saturday at St. Mary's Orthodox Community will celebrate a special
prayer service at the church for peace and justice in Gaza and the rest of
the Holy Land as suggested by the heads of the Christian Churches in
Jerusalem. If you are unable to join us, please raise your voices and
prayers with us. The services will be repeated following the Holy Qurbana
on Sunday. Perhaps in the days before this we can have a time of fasting.
There is great power in fasting and prayer.

In the words of these Holy Land bishops" "...we raise our prayers to the
Child in the manger to inspire the authorities and decision makers on both
sides, the Israelis and Palestinians, for immediate action to end the
current tragic situation in the Gaza Strip. We pray for the victims, the
wounded and the broken-hearted. May the Lord God Almighty grant all those
who have lost loved ones consolation and patience. We pray for all those
living in panic and fear, that God may bless them with calm, tranquility and
true peace."

Statement on Gaza

Jerusalem on 30 December 2008

Statement by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem
 On the current devastating situation in Gaza

We, the Patriarchs, Bishops and the Heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem, follow with deep concern, regret, and shock the war currently raging in the Gaza Strip and the subsequent destruction, murder and bloodshed, especially at a time when we celebrate Christmas, the birth of the King of love and peace. As we express our deep sorrow at the renewed cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians and the continued absence of peace in our Holy Land, we denounce the ongoing hostilities in the Gaza Strip and all forms of violence and killings from all parties. We believe that the continuation of this bloodshed and violence will not lead to peace and justice but breed more hatred and hostility - and thus continued confrontation between the two peoples.

Accordingly, we call upon all officials of both parties to the conflict to return to their senses and refrain from all violent acts, which only bring destruction and tragedy, and urge them instead to work to resolve their differences through peaceful and non-violent means. We also call upon the international community to fulfill its responsibilities and intervene immediately and actively stop the bloodshed and end all forms of confrontation; to work hard and strong to put an end to the current confrontation and remove the causes of conflict between the two peoples; and to finally resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a just and comprehensive solution based on international resolutions.

To the various Palestinian factions we say: It is time to end your division and settle your differences. We call on all factions at this particular time to put the interests of the Palestinian people above personal and factional interests and to move immediately toward national comprehensive reconciliation and use all non-violent means to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

Finally, we raise our prayers to the Child in the manger to inspire the authorities and decision makers on both sides, the Israelis and Palestinians, for immediate action to end the current tragic situation in the Gaza Strip. We pray for the victims, the wounded and the broken-hearted. May the Lord God Almighty grant all those who have lost loved ones consolation and patience. We pray for all those living in panic and fear, that God may bless them with calm, tranquility and true peace.

We call on all to observe next Sunday, January 4, as a day for justice and peace in the land of peace.

+ Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
 + Patriarch Fuad Twal, Latin Patriarchate.
 + Patriarch Torkom II, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate.
 Fr. Pier Battista Pizzaballa, ofm, Custody of the Holy Land
 + Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate.
 + Archbishop Swerios Malki Mourad, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate.
 + Abune Matthias, Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate
 + Archbishop Paul Nabil Sayyah, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate.
 + Bishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem & the Middle East.
 + Bishop Munib Younan, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan & the Holy
 Land.
 + Bishop Pierre Malki, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate
 + Bishop Youssef Zre'i, Greek Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate.
 Fr. Raphael Minassian, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

Jerusalem on 30 December 2008

-

Jewish Voice for Peace Gaza statement

Jewish Voice for Peace joins millions around the world, including the 1,000 Israelis who protested in the streets of Tel Aviv this weekend, in condemning ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza. We call for an immediate end to attacks on all civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli.

Israel's slow strangulation of Gaza through blockade has caused widespread suffering to the 1.5 million people of Gaza due to lack of food, electricity, water treatment supplies and medical equipment. It is a violation of humanitarian law and has been widely condemned around the world.

In resisting this strangulation, Hamas resumed launching rockets and mortars from Gaza into southern Israel, directly targeting civilians, which is also a war crime. Over the years, these poorly made rockets have been responsible for the deaths of 15 Israelis since 2004.

Every country, Israel included, has the right and obligation to protect its citizens. The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza shows that diplomatic agreements are the best protection for civilian life.

Moreover, massive Israeli air strikes have proven an indiscriminate and brutal weapon. In just two days, the known death toll is close to 300, and the attacks are continuing. By targeting the infrastructure of a poor and densely populated area, Israel has ensured widespread civilian casualties among this already suffering and vulnerable population.

This massive destruction of Palestinian life will not protect the citizens of Israel. It is illegal and immoral and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. And it threatens to ignite the West Bank and add flames to the other fires burning in the Middle East and beyond for years to come.

The timing of this attack, during the waning days of a US administration that has undertaken a catastrophic policy toward the Middle East and during the run-up to an Israeli election, suggests an opportunistic agenda for short-term political gain at an immense cost in Palestinian lives. In the long run this policy will benefit no-one except those who always profit from war and exploitation. Only a just and lasting peace, achieved through a negotiated agreement, can provide both Palestinians and Israelis the security they want and deserve.

source: http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/publish/article_1146.shtml

The word is stop

The first word to say to the violence against Gaza is ‘Stop’. Over 300 lives lost, more than 1,000 people wounded, uncounted thousands traumatized, bombardment of one of the most densely populated places on earth… this must stop immediately. Governments in the region and abroad, the Arab League, the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations must use their good offices to see that all those who are at risk are protected, on both sides of the border, and must ensure access for emergency and medical aid. The deaths and suffering of the last three days are dreadful and shameful and will achieve nothing but more deaths and suffering.

People around the world are looking for change that brings peace closer in the Middle East. A terrible period of deadlock and deprivation has now erupted into greater violence. Policies that rely on cutting off shipments of food, medicine and fuel for 1.5 million Gazans and on sending rockets across borders at random or ‘surgically’ only confirm how far from the path of peace the current authorities have strayed. To use ground forces would deepen the current disaster. Collective punishment against one’s neighbors is illegal and has no place in building peace.

In the countries involved in this conflict, churches and church members are looking to their governments to take up the urgent work of securing a viable future for Palestinians, Israelis and their neighbors. The tired logic of public officials blaming others while denying their own government’s responsibilities has led to the loss of many lives. Governments need now to be accountable for peace.

At the beginning of 2008, the World Council of Churches central committee condemned attacks on civilians in and around Gaza, called for all who exercise authority over Gaza including the government of Israel and Hamas to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, and urged member churches to pray and work for a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

At the end of 2008, in this season of religious celebrations, it is a tragedy that the same measures are more necessary than ever. Our prayer is that the New Year will bring new courage, new leadership and new commitment to the difficult work of peace in the Middle East.



Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
World Council of Churches

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Join us New Year's Eve For AA Meeting

Christmas is a time of celebration, but it is also a time to renew our faith and live our lives as Jesus Christ taught us.  That means to show all people the unconditional love and grave of Jesus without any reservations. All of us at St, Mary’s invite you to join us in doing just that.  And as part of the community’s efforts to live our faith, we have expanded our recovery program.  The expanded program will be kicked off New Year’s Eve with a AA meeting starting at 7 pm and last until the last person leaves.  Our new coffee maker will keep the coffee hot.  Begin our Bible and Big Book.  And some cookies would be nice too. But most important begin ourselves and invite your friends.  We might even have some of that awesome homemade soup. It will be a sober evening of insight and fellowship.

Below is the news release which went out recently which more about New Year’s Eve’s AA meeting and the expanded program. If you can not join in our fellowship, pleas pray for us.

St. Mary the Protectress Orthodox Community in Plymouth, Indiana, will kicked off its expanded recovery program New Year’s Eve with a AA meeting starting at 8 pm and lasting until the last person leaves. This is the start of the parish’s commitment to offer free recovery services and programs to those living in Northern Indiana.

Besides regular AA and NA meetings, 12-Step classes will be offered during the day and evening. There is also all day drop in center at the community for those working their recovery Monday through Friday. Currently, AA meetings are held on Wednesdays at 10 am and 7 pm. There is also a meeting at 3 pm on Sundays. The parish is committed to hold 12-Step support meetings seven days of the week, on any day there are two people wanting a meeting.  All meetings are open meetings. Those attending do not need to be Christian or of any faith at all.  All are welcome.

The all day drop in center at the church will help people working their recovery providing them a place to meet and talk and find support with all issues.

The community’s pastor, Father Theodosius stressed that a person does not have to be Christian or of any faith or religion to take part the program or any of the community’s recovery services. He said that it is merely the community’s desire to live their faith and to show all people the unconditional love and grace of God without reservations due to their lifestyle or religion past or present. The idea is to be part of people’s lives because we truly care for them rather than to fulfill a religious duty.  According the Father Theodosius, we walk with them through all their struggles as part of their lives, not as a religious outsider, but as one who has been there ourselves.  He said that religion too often becomes a false perception of holiness that focuses on law and kills the true message of Jesus Christ.  Jesus called us to live our lives a certain way. That is the goal of the community and the goal of the recovery program.

The program is helped and staffed by volunteers and Father Theodosius.  Father Theodosius has over 15 years in recovery and has also been a counselor working with additions and abuse survivors. Those wishing to help are invited to contact the community. All the volunteers in this program are those who wish to live their recovery in all ways, to take the message they have learned and give it to others. Father Theodosius pointed out that all of us are the Prodigal Son come home and wishing to help his older brother in the door also. He said we live our recovery by our example to our brothers and sisters.

The community is under an allegiance to the hierarchy of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church under His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. St. Mary the Protectress Orthodox Community is located at 1000 South Michigan Street, Plymouth, Indiana.  For more information, please contact the pastor Father Theodosius Walker at (574) 952-4671.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Massacre in Gaza

I received the following email a few moments ago. Maria Khoury is the wife of an Orthodox priest who serves in the Holy Lad where they both live.   Many of you have most likely heard on American broadcast media about the Israeli attack.  You have heard one side.  Read directly from the battleground.

------ Forwarded Message
From: Maria Khoury <khourymaria@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:57:45 -0500
To: webpage taybeh church <saint-george-taybeh@saintgeorgetaybeh.org>
Subject: [Saint-george-taybeh] Massacre in Gaza

Christ is Born!  Glorify Him!
 
Dear Friends of Saint George Taybeh,
Just wanted to let you know the following information in case you do not see it on your local news today
since more than 200 people were killed within two hours and more than 400 injured
let us pray that people will come to the Light of Christ, maria
---------
 
Please forward to media immediately and pick-up the phone and call media outlets immediately to condemn the atrocities being committed in Gaza (Using US taxpayer money and International and Arab Government Acquiescence).  Demonstrations are ongoing throughout the West Bank. Here is the press release for the one in Bethlehem

A demonstration to condemn the massacres being committed in Gaza

Palestinian Civil Society organizations in the Bethlehem area, people of various political affiliations, Christians, and Muslims, and all people of conscience in the Bethlehem area are gathering at 5 PM in front of the Church of Nativity and Omar's mosque in Bethlehem.

Nearly 200 people were reported massacred so far by Israeli war planes bombings of the besieged Gaza strip.  Hundreds were reported injured so far. The victims include men, women, and children and the number of victims are expected to rise rapidly.  Join us today as we call for ending the massacres, ending the siege on Gaza, for reconciliation between all Palestinians, and for freedom.

For more information:

Khalid AlAzza 0545439263
Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh 0598939532
Dr. Abdelfattah Abusrour 0599255573

-

Israeli siege takes toll on Gaza Christians

Someone wrote me privately asking why I posted the videos and articles about violence against Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land.  Apparently, the writer never heard what is being done against Christians there.  The writer also thinks that any violence against the Holy Land Christians is from the Muslims.  I guess the writer believes everything they read and heard and see on American national media.  And lets not forget all the comments on talk radio.  According the writer, what ever happens is only the result of their own actions.  In other words, the residents of the Holy Land are forcing the Israelis to do what they are doing.  Will today, it appears that we can read about how the Israeli were forced to fire many more missiles into Palestine.  The article below tells what Israeli did over Christmas, or failed to do. I wonder how many Americas would just set quietly by when told they could not worship Jesus’ birth at the church, or visit their families.  Read below and see what you think.  Is this how a nation should be acting?

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/25/content_10559703.htm

Israeli siege takes toll on Gaza Christians
www.chinaview.cn 2008-12-25 22:51:20   
 by Saud Abu Ramadan

GAZA, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- When Christians all over the world rushed to churches for Christmas midnight mass, some 300 followers of the small Roman Catholic community in the Gaza Strip gathered at the Holy Family School in Gaza for a silent ceremony.

"This year, Christmas comes under a siege without anything supportive. No cloths, no shoes, no food and no gifts due to the (Israeli) blockade and the hard economic situation," said Gaza Latin Church pastor Manuel Musallem.

Israeli sanctions on the Gaza Strip, aimed at isolating the Islamic Hamas movement, have taken toll on the Christian community in the Gaza Strip, home to a total of 1.4 million largely aid-dependent residents.

The tiny Christian community in Gaza called off the midnight mass to protest Israel's blockade and show their solidarity after Israel prevented most of them from traveling to the Church of Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus Christ.

About 4,000 Christians live in the besieged Gaza. Most of them belong to the Greek Orthodox Church, while the rest follow the Latin Church Christmas calendar, which falls on Dec. 25.

According to sources, about 900 Orthodox and Catholic followers applied to travel to Bethlehem from Gaza, but only 280 were granted permission, or less than a third.

"I would have been very happy if only few monks and families attended this gathering while the other majority could make it through to the cradle of Jesus in Bethlehem," Musallem.

"Those who remain silent and don't shout in the face of the world: Yes to life, No to death, can not be human beings," Musallem said.

The silent ceremony at the Holy Family School was held in candle lights due to electricity shortage caused by the Israeli sanctions.

Instead of serving chocolates, strawberry was distributed to the participants to deliver support to local farmers who found their products unable to be exported to European markets.

Israel imposed the blockade on Gaza last year after the Islamic Hamas movement seized control of the coastal territory from security forces loyal to moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

In June 2008, Israel eased the sanctions after Egypt brokered a ceasefire between the Jewish state and Palestinian militant groups led by Hamas.

But since early November, Israel restored the tight restrictions after the ceasefire was rocked by a resumption of violence. The lull expired on Dec. 19.

Fouad Ayyad, 28, was denied permit to leave the Gaza Strip. "I miss the holy city and want to pray in the Church of Nativity and see my relatives who live there," he said.

Last year, the Israeli intelligence told Ayyad that he would get the permission to the West Bank if he cooperates with them by providing information from Gaza.

"I rejected their offer and still wait for the permission," he said.


 

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Genocide in India

Recently, there has been a mass persecution against Christians throughout India. It started out in the state of Orissa but has quickly spread throughout the country because of authority apathy. Christians have been falsely accused of many crimes, and have been burned, maimed or suffered other atrocities. Churches, schools, orphanages and homes of Christians have been burned. Parents have been ripped from their children and thousands of families are now displaced and have been forced to live in refuge.

The most important thing for us in America to do is to raise awareness about this horrific situation. You may feel as though you have nothing to offer, but you CAN DO SOMETHING. We have the opportunity to give these victims a voice when their voices are being silenced.

Matthew 5:10
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for their's is the kingdom of heaven."

Indian Christians at risk

In the eastern Indian state of Orissa, thousands of Christians are living in camps after deadly attacks forced them to leave their homes.

The violence erupted in August, following the murder of a prominent Hindu priest.

Al Jazeera's Kamal Kumar reports from a camp in Kandhamal, the district at the eye of the storm.

[Saint-george-taybeh] Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Christ is Born!
Glorify Him!
 
This is the 41st year that Christians in Bethlehem celebrate Christmas under Israeli occupation.
Let us remember to pray for peace for the whole world and especially
for Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Lord and Savior.  
 
The Greek Orthodox Christmas Liturgy will be celebrated
in thirteen more days according to the Old Julian Calendar.
 
As I am shopping, eating and entertaining my three college children in Boston,
it is so easy to forget the extreme humanitarian crisis in Gaza,
although I have tried to raise awareness of these crimes against humanity
and bring more support for our Taybeh projects in solidarity of
our Christian presence in the Holy Land by visiting fifteen churches
and six university classrooms in the last six weeks.  

Thank you for your prayers.

This Holy Christmas season, the Israeli army allowed only 300 Christians
to have permits to visit their families in the West Bank.  
 
Please give glory to God for all of your blessings
and seek your salvation.  
I hope you will have a most blessed and holy Christmas celebration.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
 
With sincere good wishes in Christ, maria

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Palestinian Christians


The Palestinian Christians consider themselves the forgotten faithful. The media around the world outlets do not portray the lives of Christians in Palestine, so the truth does not get delivered on the doorsteps of everybody's homes. Furthermore, the complicated politics and persistent violence in the region make people hesitant to start learning the facts. The big picture doesn't come quickly, and it takes time to become comfortable with the new issues. Many organized Christian Churches recognize the crisis facing the future of the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

Our Palestinian Christians' Goal:
• Educating people about the plight of Christians in the Holy Land.
• Building Christian solidarity between Christians all over the world and Palestinian Christians through pilgrimages, publications, and communications.
• Developing church-to-church, family-to-family, and person-to-person partnership programs in order to bring people of the world and Palestinian Christians together for future cooperation.
• Selecting, funding, and overseeing specific projects that provide better living conditions for Christians in the Holy Land. Project areas focus on employment, education, and housing.

HELPFUL LINKS:
A majority of fifty-six percent of Palestinian Christians are found outside of their country. - http://www.al-bushra.org/holyland/sab...
On October 30, 1948, the Israeli Army marched into the northern Galilee village of Eilaboun (عيلبون). My uncle Badia and 17 other men from the village, who had been hiding with the rest of the village in two churches, were marched to the village square. - http://www.sonsofeilaboun.com
News about the Palestinian Christians and Support: http://www.hcef.org/

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

FW: [SOCM-FORUM] Christmas message of Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas

BY THE GRACE OF GOD

Ignatius Zakka I Iwas
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church

No.E255/08
12-December-2008

Apostolic Benediction to our beloved Metropolitans and to our beloved
spiritual children: the Reverend Vicars and the Parishioners of all
our Malankara churches and congregations in the Arabian Gulf Region,
Europe, Australia and Singapore.

By the Mercy of God, we have once again come to the Feast of the
nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and we have great joy
in sending you this message on this blessed occasion. At the birth of
Jesus, the wise men came from far off places by suffering all the
pains of the difficult journey to see him and to get blessed by this
child who is born as the Saviour of the world. "They saw the child
with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then,
opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and
frankincense and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). At this Christmas time we
also have to submit to Him the most valuable that we have. But He is
God and He came to this world in search of the lost sheep ˆ the human
kind. St. Paul says "Do not be conformed to this world but be
transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is
the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans
12:2). So the most valuable and acceptable gift that we can offer Him
is nothing other than ourselves ˆ our soul and our entirety. When we
submit ourselves to Him, we shall follow His path truly and
sincerely. Thus we will be transformed to the true image of God. As
we celebrate this Christmas, let us rededicate ourselves to Him and
turn to be the true followers of Him. May the baby Jesus grow through
our lives and we be the bearers of Him.

Our dearly beloved, we pray that May the coming New Year also be a
year when through each of you, the qualities of Jesus Christ are
being truly revealed to the world, and testifying Him through your
lives. Then, through each of us the world will see the light of God
and receive the peace of Christmas. We wish you all a Merry Christmas
and an evermore blessed New Year. This celebration may bring peace
and spiritual happiness to your churches, homes, and to all your
endeavours.

We extend our Apostolic Blessings to you. May the Grace of God be
with you all through the intercession of St. Mary the Mother of God,
St. Joseph the Righteous and all the other Saints. Amen.

Copy of the Apostolic Encyclical is available at
http://www.socmnet.org/Bull_HH/08_255_HHs_Xmas_Message.pdf

Christmas message from Catholicose Aboon Mor Baselious Thomas I

CHRISTMAS ˆ THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Let's thank god for giving us an opportunity to commemorate the birth
of Jesus Christ our savior. Christmas is the time of happiness and
celebration all over the world. The celebration has become a business
for the people in the modern world. In the midst of celebrations, the
spiritual meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ has often been
forgotten. In true sense, Christmas is the celebration of Life. The
birth of Jesus Christ reveals the life giving God's involvement in
history. Verses John 10.10 gives the great message of birth of Jesus
Christ. "I have come that they might have life, and they might have
it more abundantly." In this verse lord has given us the purpose of
His coming. Jesus Christ was born in this world to give His life for
all.

Life is an important subject in the Holy Bible it is used more than
35 times in the gospel of St. John. In the holy bible, life is
considered as the gift of God because the base of nature and life is
God himself. In Old Testament God is represented as a living god.
(1st Samuel 17: 26 to 36) The concept of living God clearly assures
us the fact that God provides life. Only God can provide life and
sustain it.

The incarnate birth of Jesus testifies that the living God dwelt
among us. The living God of Old Testament is completely seen in
Jesus. Jesus Christ makes the subject more clear in St. John 14:6 "I
am the way the truth and the life"

Jesus Christ provides life by fighting against all the evil forces.
The purpose of god's kingdom is re-construction of life. The ministry
of Jesus Christ displays that all the obstacles were taken away to
keep life in its fullness. St. Like 4:18, 19 clearly gives the
message of the birth of Jesus Christ and that all facts that object
life is revealed and given to men.

The Christmas celebration of this year is an invitation for all of us
to be a part in Gods ministry for providing life .Many lives are
being aborted due to the reformation of world economy and
consumerism; it is the main hindrance for the prosperous growth of
man's life in this modern society. This truth reinforces that
abortion is an act against God himself.

Today not only is man's life but also nature's existence in danger.
We must work hand in hand to put into practice the important purpose
of the birth of Jesus Christ. Let a Christian's duty be celebration
of life. The Christmas celebration of this year challenges us to keep
life prosperous which is given by god. Along with that let us pray
for the people who lost their life in Mumbai terrorist attack and
other crisis in this modern world.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

H.B. MOR BASELIOUS THOMAS IST
Catholicose Of India & Metropolitan Trustee
Jacobite Syrian Christian Church
 

Mom's Christmas Party












My mother, the great lady who makes the awesome soup for every Sunday after the Liturgy had a Christmas party today. Maybe there were left overs for Sunday. You will have to visit us to find out, however.

The hall was filled with more than 40 people and volunteers who served everyone. And of course good old Saint Nich arrived with something for everyone.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Imminent Problems Facing The Syriac Monastery Of St. Gabriel

Report On


The Imminent Problems Facing The Syriac Monastery Of St. Gabriel In
Midyat, Turkey

Timotheos Samuel Aktas Metropolitan Of Turabdin, Turkey

November 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION

2 MOR GABRIEL MONASTERY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

3 BRIEF HISTORY OF SYRIAC MONASTERY OF MOR GABRIEL

4 THE CURRENT CRISIS OF UNJUST AND ILLEGAL ACQUISITION OF
MOR GABRIEL MONASTERY'S REAL ESTATE


4.1 PROCEEDING BY SURROUNDING VILLAGES AGAINST CADASTRAL [PROPERTY]
SURVEY OF MOR GABRIEL MONASTERY

4.2 MOR GABRIEL MONASTERY REAL ESTATE BEING ACQUIRED AS "FOREST
LAND"

4.3 FALSE CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS

4.4 THE RIGHT OF COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS TO ACQUIRE REAL ESTATE VIA
ADVERSE POSSESSION

ANNEXURES

ANNEXURE 1 – District Private Administration Records ANNEXURE 2 – Cadastre
Maps ANNEXURE 3 – Boundary Diagram, signed and sealed by surrounding village
mayors ANNEXURE 4 – Tax Records ANNEXURE 5 – Court Decision 2008/42 ANNEXURE
6 – Complains dated 20.08.2008 ANNEXURE 7 – Complaints dated 27.08.2008

1. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to inform the reader of the alarming
concerns the Syriac Monastery of Mor [Saint] Gabriel in Midyat, Turkey ('Mor
Gabriel Monastery'), is currently facing. The great injustice that may occur
within the following weeks demands an immediate attention and satisfactory
response by Turkish authorities to ensure that real estate rightfully owned
by Mor Gabriel Monastery is not illegally occupied and acquired by locals
surrounding the monastery.

As a result of the new initiative taken by the current government of
Turkey since 2004, in 2005 the cadastral [property] land registry work begun
at Mor Gabriel Monastery. In 2005 attempts were made by surrounding villages
to occupy some of the lands of the Mor Gabriel Monastery: the incident was
brought to the attention of the Turkish Government and to the European
Union. Following the intense pressure that came from Europe and with the
support of the Turkish government the occupation attempt was stopped, but
the cadastral land registry works were not finished.

In July 2008 the cadastral land registry works restarted in the lands of
Mor Gabriel Monastery and its surrounding villages. Whilst the cadastral
works to determine the boundaries between Mor Gabriel Monastery and its
surrounding villages were continuing, the surrounding villagers again
occupied the centuries old lands of Mor Gabriel Monastery. These acts are
being supported especially by the local tribe leaders (Aghas), where even
the judge of the Cadastral Court who came to the area for investigation to
determine the disputed boundaries was threatened. Also, in order to succeed
with their attempt of occupation, the occupiers are instigating the local
Moslem population against Christianity and are groundlessly accusing the
Archbishop of Mor Gabriel Monastery with being against Islam. This attempt
of occupying the historical lands of Mor Gabriel Monastery is a joint and
organized effort by the surrounding villages together with the local Aghas.
However, their real ambition is to occupy all the lands and properties of
the historical Monastery of Mor Gabriel, so that they could abolish an
important Christianity centre in the region, which is also of historical
significance to Turkey.

2. MOR GABRIEL MONASTERY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

It is well known in Turkey that non-moslem Community Foundations1 were
founded during the Ottoman period; and have been servicing their communities
in religious, educational and charitable fields.

The latest list for Community Foundations operating in Turkey is found in
the official gazette, "Regulation regarding the Acquisition, Disposition of
Immovable Properties [Real Estate] and Registration of the Immovable
Properties which are disposed by Such Foundations in the name of Community
Foundations"; issued by the State Ministry and Vice Prime Ministry dated
24/01/2003; Official Gazette; Publication No. 25003 ("Official Gazette"). In
line 151 of the Official Gazette, the Community Foundations noted as still
active is the "Foundation of Syriac Monastery of Deyrulumur (Mor Gabriel) in
Midyat", i.e. Mor Gabriel Monastery.

Mor Gabriel's Community Foundation pre-dates the Ottoman empires' rule in
Byzantium many hundred years and was actually founded in 397 A.D. (the
history of Mor Gabriel Monastery is dealt with further below in Chapter 3).
It is a monastery which acts, and has been doing so since its inception, as
a theological seminary for training Syriac clergy; and, in recent years,
also taking part in being a very important tourism centre for Turkey.

3. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SYRIAC MONASTERY OF MOR GABRIEL

Mor Gabriel Monastery was founded by Mor Shmuel in 397 A.D. It is arguably
one of the oldest Christian monasteries in service to date, where scholars
and historians say, its existence is nothing short, but of a miracle. In
comparison to other famous monasteries, Mor Gabriel Monastery is at least
400 years older than any monastery located in Mount Athos; the mountain
which is well reputed with its monasteries and churches. Additionally, it
was founded approximately 80 years before Saint Saba Monastery in Palestine;
and one and a half century before the Saint Katherine Monastery in Sinai.
Hence, the monks and nuns leading monastic life with their hymns and prayers
have sustained a tradition which has continued for over 1600 years (except
for periods when it was abandoned after plunders). On this essential fact
alone, Mor Gabriel Monastery deserves to be held in high esteem by the
entire Christian

world. Since its inception, Mor Gabriel Monastery has been a focus point
of the liturgical language and tradition of the Syriac Church, and is of
significant importance for Syriac Orthodox Church. Throughout the centuries,
the names of many significant Christian personalities have been identified
with Mor Gabriel Monastery. These include, but definitely not limited to,
the following: Mor Akhsenoyo (St. Philoxenos of Mabbug); Mor Shemun d'Zeyte
of Hapsus (St. Simon of Olives, named after planting olive trees for the
monastery); and Mor Gabriel of Beth Kutsan (the monastery owing its current
name to him).

As stated above, Mor Gabriel Monastery has been of significant importance
for the Syriac Church throughout history: a torch continuously flaming both
for Syriacs in Turabdin and for those in Syriac Diaspora for the last 40
years. In recent years Mor Gabriel Monastery has been taking an active role
in attending to the social problems of the Syriacs in Turkey. With the ever
dwindling population of Syriacs in Turkey, and increasing problems, this has
only heightened the importance of Mor Gabriel Monastery as a focus point.

4. THE CURRENT CRISIS OF UNJUST AND ILLEGAL ACQUISITION OF MOR
GABRIEL MONASTERY'S REAL ESTATE

4.1 PROCEEDING BY SURROUNDING VILLAGES AGAINST CADASTRAL [PROPERTY]
SURVEY OF MOR GABRIEL MONASTERY

In accordance with Article 4/7 of the Cadastre [Property] Law, the
boundaries of the property survey area must be determined for the
residential area when any cadastral activity is started within any
residential areas. Mor Gabriel Monastery is located within the
administrative boundaries of Güngören village in Midyat District, Mardin
Province (being the far south east of Turkey next to the borders of Syria).
The monastery is situated in the west of Güngören where its boundaries
extend to the villages of Yayvantepe (Qartmin), Eğlence (Zinol), Çandarlı
and Tulgalı. The location of Mor Gabriel Monastery is best put into
perspective by referring to the Cadastre Map attached and marked as Annexure
2. The boundaries of Mor Gabriel Monastery are further defined in the
government records of Provincial Private Administration (attached and marked
Annexure 1) ("Administration Records") as follows:

East -Germik Külki Mico and Keveri Ceyzo;

West -Berihi Bessaani;

North -Miştaka Pire Kefiri Hizni (side facing to village of Eğlence); and

South -Keküla Hamziki.

As stated in the Introduction, previous attempts were made by the
surrounding villages to illegally occupy and acquire Mor Gabriel Monastery's
real estate; however, this was fortunately repelled through international
pressure and Turkish authority intervention. Of alarming concern, in the
current crisis, the same villages are using intimidation and fear tactics
through use of the legal system to legitimize their attempts to unjustly
acquire the real estate of Mor Gabriel Monastery. The villages attempting to
carry out this illegal act, and the basis of their woefully inadequate
grounds for doing so, are as follows:

Eğlence village -The boundaries of the Eğlence village and Mor Gabriel
Monastery cross in the northern point of Mor Gabriel Monastery. The northern
boundary of Mor Gabriel Monastery located in the administrative boundaries
of Güngören village extends to, and includes, "MIŞTAĞA PIRE". Upon analyzing
the sketch of the area between the villages of Güngören and Eğlence issued
for the cases "Objection Against the Cadastral [Property] Survey Area"
before Midyat Cadastral Court, it is clearly evident where the point of the
location read as Mıştağa Pire extends. At that time when the maps were drawn
according to such sketches, the reaching points of the locations of high
importance for the villages were added into the maps drawn according to the
photographs taken from the air. When the boundaries of property survey area
were determined, the legal entity of the village of Güngören also indicated
"Miştağa Pire" as the farthest reaching point of its administrative
boundaries.

The frivolous and vexatious nature of the claims by the Eglence village is
further evidenced by the boundary diagram of Mor Gabriel Monastery's
boundaries, formerly approved and registered as true and correct by the very
surrounding villages (refer to Boundary Diagram, signed and sealed by
surrounding village mayors attached and marked as Annexure 3). The diagram,
developed according to the Administration Records submitted as per Annexure
1, clearly delineates the boundaries of Mor Gabriel Monastery. This plan has
then been registered into official records after being accepted and approved
by the Mayors and councils of the Güngören (Keferbe) Village, EĞLENCE
(Z�NOL) Village, Tulgalı (Hırbe Halit) Village and Çandarlı (Devrik) Village
(refer to Annexure 3 which confirms the signature and seal of the
surrounding villages). It is unequivocal that the plan was also approved by
Eğlence village; however, with great concern this village is now contesting
the veracity of very plan it approved.

In addition to the above, there is further objective evidence confirming
Mor Gabriel Monastery as the legal owners of MIŞTAĞA PIRE and ÇALA DREJ2.
Tax records, show that Mor Gabriel Monastery have paid taxes regarding
several portions of real estate since 1937 (refer to the Tax Records
attached and marked as Annexure 4): the period when attempts were made to
formally determine the administrative boundaries of the village. It is clear
beyond all doubt that tax payments have been made by Mor Gabriel Monastery
for the real estate located in ÇALA DREJ and M�ŞTAĞAP�RE, which, with great
confusion, are now subject to dispute by the surrounding Moslem villages.
Accordingly, one may safely conclude that the real estate, in the locations
named above, is undisputedly within the legal boundaries of Mor Gabriel
Monastery.

However, the submissions of Güngören Village and therefore of the
Monastery of Mor Gabriel are rejected by the decision, as it can be seen
from the copy attached to Annex-5, rendered by the Midyat Cadastral Court
under the file number 2008/42 and thus the cadastral survey area boundaries
determined ex officio by Midyat Cadastre Directorate is considered as
convenient. Thus, many of the immovable properties in different attributions
are included in the cadastral survey area boundaries of Eğlence Village.

Yayvantepe village -In addition to the unfounded claims raised by Eğlence
village, Yayvantepe (previously known as Qartmin) is also causing concern
with its boundary dispute against Mor Gabriel Monastery. In the diagram
(attached and marked as Annexure 3), the boundary between the village of
Yayvantepe and Mor Gabriel Monastery is accepted as Hete Raza. During the
property survey boundary determination proceedings between Yayvantepe
village and Mor Gabriel Monastery, the boundary determined ex officio by the
Midyat Cadastre Directorate is now accepted as the property survey area
boundary between two villages.

With great alarm, much real estate which was in fact within the boundaries
of Mor Gabriel Monastery has now incorrectly been included within the
boundaries of Yayvantepe's property survey area. The decision made by Midyat
Cadastre Directorate does not contain any sound reasoning; and appears to be
based on hollow suppositions, disregarding the colossal evidence produced by
Mor Gabriel Monastery confirming legal ownership of its real estate.

As a result of the grossly erroneous decision made by Midyat Cadastre
Directorate, the legal real estate of Mor Gabriel Monastery shall now
unjustifiably and unfairly be registered under Eğlence and Yayvantepe
village names thereafter. Consequently, the villagers of the Eğlence and
Yayvantepe shall enjoy the right to dispose of Mor Gabriel Monastery's real
estate, which Mor Gabriel Monastery had legally and rightfully held for in
excess of 1600 years. This illegal act blatantly violates the right to
property of Mor Gabriel Monastery's Community Foundation secured under both
national law and European Convention on Human Rights and its protocols (this
shall be discussed further below).

4.2 MOR GABRIEL MONASTERY'S REAL ESTATE BEING ACQUIRED AS "FOREST LAND"
-Inside, and outside, the outer wall of the Monastery, there is much real
estate owned by the Mor Gabriel Monastery since its foundation.

Forest land restrictions are made according to the Article 4 et seq before
commencement of restrictions on the immovable properties subject to private
property. When the forest land restrictions were implemented, much of the
real estate owned by Mor Gabriel Monastery that was outside the outer wall
of the monastery was not registered in the name of the monastery's Community
Foundation. Thus, real estate was held to be within the boundaries of the
area depicted as forest land in the Forest Management and Homeland map drawn
in the 1950's. This is a heavy blow to Mor Gabriel Monastery given that the
relevant area that extends to the outer wall equals approximately 250
decares (i.e. 250,000 square metres). Thus hundreds of decares utilized and
in possession of Mor Gabriel Monastery's Community Foundations for years
have now been classified to qualify as forestry and registered in the name
of the Treasury; as a result of the forest cadastrate of the Güngören
Village that was announced on 24 September 2008. The relevant real estate
parts are included in section 101, parcel 1 and section 101, parcel 7.

In practice, the Forest Management and Homeland map mentioned above are
strictly applied for the determination of forest cadastres, i.e. land that
actually is forest land and not owned by any person or entity. However, in
the current situation the so called "forestry" real estate is ipso facto
under the private property of Mor Gabriel Monastery. There is nothing at
odds, with a monastery, or any entity for that matter, possessing real
estate not being cultivated for agricultural purposes for whatever time
period, due to a change in its circumstances (for example, the number of
people able to work the land has decreased). If Mor Gabriel

Monastery chooses not to cultivate its real estate, then this is perfectly
within its legal right as the owner.

National legislation aside, recent international treaties and court
decisions have afforded protection in respect of real estate under the
possession of long-established entities. Article 42/3 of the Treaty of
Lausanne, states that, "The Turkish Government undertakes to grant full
protection to the churches, synagogues, cemeteries, and other religious
establishments of the above-mentioned minorities. All facilities and
authorization will be granted to the pious foundations, and to the religious
and charitable institutions of the said minorities at present existing in
Turkey, and the Turkish Government will not refuse, for the formation of new
religious and charitable institutions, any of the necessary facilities which
are guaranteed to other private institutions of that nature".

There are also European Court of Human Rights decisions held against
Turkey regarding the rights to property of Community Foundations being
deteriorated or eliminated from the strict national rules. Likewise, under
the Article 90/final of the Constitution of 1982 it is stated that the
provisions of international agreements shall prevail in the case of a
conflict between international agreements in the area of fundamental rights
and freedoms and the domestic laws due to differences in provisions on the
same matter. Accordingly, the decision on what constitutes forestry land
should not be based on Turkish Forestry Law provisions alone, but should
also consider international treaties and decisions determined by
international Courts in connection with Turkey.

4.3 FALSE CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS

Upon reviewing the petition submitted on 20.08.2008 to Midyat Public
Prosecution Office by the Mayors (Muhtars) of Yayvantepe, Eğlence and
Çandarlı villages (attached and marked as Annexure 6, it has been falsely
claimed that Mor Gabriel Monastery have cut oak trees by occupying the
forest land. Further to this, submitted to the Midyat Public Prosecution
Office by Mahmut DÜZ, Fethullah ACAR and Abdullah �NAN on 27.08.2008 (refer
to attached document marked Annexure 7 are a series of unfounded and wild
allegations that Mor Gabriel Monastery Community Foundation has: occupied
the forest land; settled on such land as an occupant without having any
permits; conducted missionary activities through children between ages
10-12; that no identity declaration was made regarding such children; the
Mor Gabriel Monastery building owned by the Community Foundation is a
historical

museum and therefore required to have permission for prayer; children
undergo religious education in the Monastery and anti-Turkish activities are
carried out; the Community Foundation acts in contrary to Unity of Education
Law; monks and metropolitans of the monastery are trying to destroy national
unity and incite people to insurgency; the Community Foundation receives
funds with from doubtful origins; and, that the bank accounts of the
Community Foundation should be confiscated. Upon examining each allegation
it is immediately noticeable that most have nothing to do with the land
boundary claims. All the allegations are frivolous and vexatious; devoid of
any logic or evidence, solely aimed with the malicious intent of rousing
anti-Christian sentiments by the surrounding Moslem villages.

It is pertinent to briefly examine each false allegation to expose the
sinister intent of the complainants and groundless nature of the
allegations. This is dealt with below as follows:­



(a) Allegation that Mor Gabriel Monastery Community Foundation occupied
real estate attributed as forest land of the villages, Yayvantepe, Eğlence
and Çandarlı -No harm was ever caused to the lands attributed as forest and
neither village has provided any evidence to support this false claim. If
anything, the evidence establishes the opposite that the villages in
question are attempting to unjustly acquire the forest and agricultural land
of Mor Gabriel Monastery.

(b) Allegation that outer wall of Mor Gabriel Monastery Community
Foundation has lead to the destruction of forest land -None of the trees
within the boundaries of wall have been destroyed; on the contrary, the
trees have been under protection. Mor Gabriel Monastery Community Foundation
places the highest of importance to nature, history and culture within its
boundaries. Mor Gabriel Monastery is visited by numerous local and foreign
people including senior bureaucrats of the Turkish state, Europe and United
States of America and wins unanimous approval as a result of its acute
attention to culture, history and nature. On the other hand, unfortunately,
trees and forest land outside of the boundaries of Mor Gabriel Monastery
Community Foundation are open to abuse and hazard by the surrounding
villages. Unlike the surrounding villages, Mor Gabriel Monastery Community
Foundation has been actively involved in planting more trees within its
boundary walls for the greater good the environment.


(c) Allegation that animals were unable to pasture on forest land because
of the

boundary wall -Firstly, Article 19/1 of Forestry Law regulates the pasture
of animals in forest land and deem this as a criminal offence, hence the
complainants openly admit to violating the law. Secondly, the complaint
flies in the face of all real estate rights, namely, being permitted to
protect your property from all intrusions, so long as this is not in breach
of any state or international law. Farm animals from surrounding villages
are definitely an intrusion which Mor Gabriel Monastery, like any other
person or entity, is entitled to prevent entering its property.

(d) Allegation that Mor Gabriel Community Foundation settles anywhere as
an occupant without having the requisite permits -Clearly this allegation is
based on pure ignorance of the fact that Mor Gabriel Monastery was founded
in 397 A.D, being many hundreds of years before Yayvantepe, Eğlence and
Çandarlı villages ever existed. If anything, Mor Gabriel Monastery should be
making a claim against all three villages, as all the villages till the
1800's were mostly inhabited by Syriacs or were previously owned by the
foundation of Mor Gabriel Monastery.

Mor Gabriel Monastery is of paramount importance, not only for the history
of Turkey, but also the world history, as it is a significant centre for
Christianity. As previously stated, the status of community foundation had
been ascribed to Mor Gabriel Monastery in the Ottoman period where it was
granted the right to acquire real estate. Thereafter, the Law of Foundations
dated 05.06.1935 and numbered 2762, made it a legal entity like any other
community foundations (as stated above, this status is confirmed in the
Official Gazette).

The wall of Mor Gabriel Monastery is very old and no one, until now, has
raised any objection against the location of the wall despite having ample
opportunity to do so. The Community Foundation has not occupied any foreign
land and has built the boundary wall enclosing area in its possession that
it rightfully owns. This is further confirmed with the payment of real
estate taxes by the Community Foundation (refer to previous comments above).

(e) Allegation that children/students, whose identity is not being
declared, between the ages 10-12 with of unknown origins have conducted
missionary activities -Missionary can briefly be defined as any activity
aiming to spread a religion. Regular declarations are made to Gendarmerie
Station of Yayvantepe village regarding all people in the Community
Foundation and Mor Gabriel Monastery. The relevant people are members of the
old Syriac community and children/students of Syriac families in the
villages of Midyat and �dil

districts. The children/students residing at Mor Gabriel Monastery are
given education opportunities their families cannot afford: and all reside
in the Monastery only by consent of their families and/or custodians. .
Given that Mor Gabriel Monastery Community Foundation is a charitable
organization; necessary opportunities are provided for children of the
Syriac community who have graduated elementary school in their villages in
order to complete years 6 to 8 of elementary school and high school
educations, since 8 years of education is not provided for in almost any of
the villages within the region. Furthermore no schooling is available at
high school level. Thus the statement, "children of unknown origin", is
completely incorrect and is in fact the children of the families, who are
willing, but unable to provide access to an education for them due to the
remote location of their village.

The claims that our Community Foundation conducts missionary activities
are outright absurd and groundless. The false complaints put forward by the
complainant party have only one objective; to incite hostility of the
surrounding villages, and the Turkish public in general, against Mor Gabriel
Monastery. In doing so, it is feared that an incident similar to the murders
of SANTORO, the priest of the Santa Maria Church in Trabzon, Hrant Dink, and
Tilmann Geske, victims of the slaughter in Zirve publishing house in
Malatya, Uğur Yüksel and Necati Aydın, may be repeated against individual of
the Community Foundation. If such an incident were repeated, this will
definitely raise questions on whether Turkey is still the liberal and
secular state it claims to be, or whether, it is slowing heading toward
fundamentalism. If the latter is happening then this will compromise its
image in the international arena; hampering its effort to enter the European
Union. Of great concern in these examples is that the victims were first
accused of carrying out missionary activities by locals; then they were
falsely accused as missionaries via press; and finally allowed to be victims
of violent attacks. It would appear that the same proponents against the
Turkish state are following the same sinister strategy.

(f) Allegation of violations of the Unity of Education Law -. Articles 1
and 2 of the Unity of Education Law state that the Ministry of National
Education is delegated with the authority in providing education and
training services within the boundaries of Turkey. Additionally, schools
administered by the Directorate of Religious Affairs and Foundations and by
private foundations also fall within the authority of Ministry of National
Education. The allegation of breaching Unity of Education Laws is
superfluous and totally groundless. Students of education age are sent to
school in Midyat every day, with all the requirements facilitating for their
secular education and training being provided by Mor Gabriel Monastery. The

Community Foundation places great importance on the secular education
provided by the Turkish State hence endeavouring to continually provide for
the students needs. The students residing in Mor Gabriel Monastery only
engage in further developing the Syriac language and culture. This is not
forbidden by means of the Unity of Education Law, or any law for that
matter. One need only examine the relevant regulations and treaties which
confirm the same, and reads as follows:



(a) Article 40 of the Treaty of Lausanne; "Turkish nationals belonging to
NON-MUSLIM minorities shall enjoy the same treatment and security
[guarantee] in law and in fact as other Turkish nationals. In particular,
they shall have an equal right to establish, manage and control at their own
expense, any charitable, religious and social institutions, any schools and
other establishments for instruction and education, with the right TO USE
THEIR OWN LANGUAGE AND TO EXERCISE THEIR OWN RELIGION FREELY therein"

(b) Again, Article 42/3 of the Treaty of Lausanne; "The Turkish Government
undertakes to grant full protection to the churches, synagogues, cemeteries,
and other religious establishments of the above-mentioned minorities. All
facilities and authorizations will be granted to the pious foundations, and
to the religious and charitable institutions of the said minorities at
present existing in Turkey, and the Turkish Government will not refuse, for
the formation of new religious and charitable institutions, any of the
necessary facilities which are guaranteed to other private institutions of
that nature".

(c) Finally, Article 37 of the Treaty of Lausanne; "Turkey undertakes that
the stipulations contained in Articles 38 to 44 shall be recognized as
fundamental laws, and that no law, no regulation, nor official action shall
conflict or interfere with these stipulations, nor shall any law,
regulation, nor official action prevail over them". Likewise, according to
Article 90/final of the 1982 Constitution; "International agreements duly
put into effect bear the force of law. No appeal to the Constitutional Court
shall be made with regard to these agreements, on the grounds that they are
unconstitutional. (annexed clause: 07.05.2004 – Law No. 5170/Art.7) In the
case of a conflict between international agreements in the area of
fundamental rights and freedoms duly put into effect and the domestic laws
due to differences in provisions on the same matter, the provisions of
international agreements shall prevail". Clearly there is no violation of
the Unity of Education Law. The claims put forward are entirely slanderous
and in contrary to the applicable laws and international treaties which
Turkey is a party thereto.




(d) Allegation that Mor Gabriel Monastery is engaging in anti-secular
activities against the Turkish Republic -Mor Gabriel Monastery Community
Foundation fully supports the secular ideology adopted by the Turkish
Republic and its fundamental principles thereof. Mor Gabriel Monastery
Community Foundation and other non-Muslim citizens have been allowed to
practice religious freedom because of the Turkish Republic's protection and
opposition to anti-secular activities. Thus to allege that Mor Gabriel
Monastery is engaging in activity against the very protection the Turkish
Republic is providing, is completely illogical. In any event, this issue has
no relationship with the boundary dispute, and evidently, aimed at vilifying
Mor Gabriel Monastery.

(e) Allegation that Mor Gabriel Monastery is a historical museum and does
not have permission for prayers -Mor Gabriel Monastery, as stated above, has
been in service for prayer over a millennium. It has continued to enjoy the
vested rights granted even since creation of the Ottoman State. Whilst
principally, it is a religious site, it is also a centre of tourism for
Turkey and of great cultural and historical significance. Since its
inception from the year 397 A.D, Mor Gabriel Monastery has never been
considered, or classified, as a museum. It has been continuously a place of
Syriac clergy and other ecclesiastics, as well as serving Syriacs to perform
their religious commitments.

(f) Allegation that Syriac clergy and other unidentified people are
engaged to incite people to insurgency and to destroy the spirit of national
Turkish unity -As stated above, since early years of Christianity, Syriac
clergy have resided in Mor Gabriel Monastery performing their religious
commitments. The situation is the same in nearly all monasteries around the
world where monks and metropolitans maintain a vow of celibacy and are
purely devoted to their religious duties inside the monastery. All the
monks, together with our Reverend Metropolitan, in Mor Gabriel Monastery are
from the villages within the boundaries of Mardin and have been performing
their duties for decades without any objections or complaints.

(g) Allegation that Mor Gabriel Monastery Foundation receives funds from
questionable origins -The assets of Mor Gabriel Community Foundation are
regularly audited by Directorates of Foundations according to the Law of
Foundations and other relevant regulations. If there was any breach of the
regulations, this would have been detected during the audits. Mor Gabriel
Monastery Community Foundation is sustained by the donations from the
general community and philanthropists. This does not entail breaching any
criminal or fiscal regulations. Yet again, this is another malicious
allegation that has no relationship


whatsoever with the boundary dispute.

4.4 THE RIGHT OF COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS TO ACQUIRE REAL ESTATE VIA ADVERSE
POSSESSION

Although the Article 12/1 of the Law of the Foundations numbered 5737 with
the publication date of 27.02.2008 states that "The Foundations may acquire
property, may dispose on their properties in any manner", in practice, there
arise undecided situation for community foundations regarding the
acquisition of immovable property via possession such as a real person.

As mentioned above, the property survey is still in progress in Güngören
Village, within the administrative boundaries of which Mor Gabriel Monastery
is located. It is presumed that the relevant survey will be completed soon.

The Law No. 5737 which is implemented in the frame of European Union
adjustment laws, as stated above, grants the right for the community
foundations to acquire real estate without having the permission of the
General Directorate of Foundations. However, we consider that the extent of
the acquisition of the real estate is required to be subject to broader
interpretation by taking into account the scope of the Law and the decisions
held by the European Court of Human Rights (in particular, the decision held
for Fener Greek High School for Boys case3) regarding the community
foundations in Turkey. But, unfortunately, there is a practice against the
acquisition of real estate by the Community Foundations during the cadastral
survey proceedings. In this case, uncertainty is experienced regarding the
acquisition of property by our Community Foundation. If the applications
proceed as such, a territory in size of hundreds of decares under the
property and possession of our Community

3 According to Article 1, "Protection of Right to Property" of Protocol
No. 1 annexed to the European Convention on Human Rights; every natural or
legal person is entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of his possessions. No
one shall be deprived of his possessions except in the public interest and
subject to the conditions provided for by law and by the general principles
of international law. In this particular case the Community Foundation of
Fener Greek High School for Boys, claimed violation of its right to property
regulated under Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 annexed to the European
Convention of Human Rights. The Grand Chamber of Supreme Court, in its
decision dated 1974, concluded that difficulties are encountered by legal
entities incorporated by non-Turkish persons regarding acquisition of real
estate by them and that Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 regarding the right to
property is in breach of Article 14 of the European Convention on Human
Rights regarding the non-discrimination rule by considering the claims that
the Community Foundations of Greek Orthodox Minority, which are Turkish
Foundations in law, are assumed "foreign legal entity" in practice. The
Court continued to conclude that any foundation incorporated by Turkish and
Muslim citizens enjoys the right to acquire real estate by means of
donation, purchasing and de jure registration etc. and any failure to grant
such rights to the minority foundations including Fener Greek High School
Foundation results with a violation of the Article 14 of the European
Convention Human Rights which regulates the non-discrimination. The European
Court of Human Rights, in its decision regarding the application, has
concluded there was a violation of the right of the applicant's community
foundation to the property which is secured under Article 1 of the Protocol
No. 1.

Foundation may not be determined or registered in the name of our
Community Foundation.

Another problem arises from the provision under the Article 14/1 of the
Law of Cadastre [Property] which states; "One or more immovable property up
to sizes of 40 decares for irrigated lands and 100 decares for dry lands (40
and 100 decares are included) which have not been registered to land
registry, on condition being located in the same survey area, may be
determined in the name of the possessor if the same, titling to the property
as the owner, proves this situation with documents, experts or witness
statements that the peaceable possession has continuously lasted at least
for twenty years". As can be seen in this regulation, it is possible for the
possessor to acquire the immovable property in dry land up to 100 decares
(100.000 m2). As you can see, an area of 100 decares is a very restricted
area for an organization which has more than 1600 years of history. However,
our Community Foundation hosts many people such as the religious men,
children continue their education with our foundation, civil visitors who
temporarily reside in our Monastery. On the other hand, it is one of the
tourism centres, a great place of worship in which religious men are trained
as well as being a significant centre of Christianity. Therefore, we say
that the restriction of 100 decares for charity organizations such as our
foundation may even be too little.

Here, the difficulties encountered from current practices are unfolded.
However, a tendency, as non-recognition of the RIGHT TO PROPERTY VIA
POSSESSION that is regulated under Article 14 of Law of Cadastre, arises due
to reason that our Community Foundation is a legal entity. On the other
hand, while we are not provided with the opportunity under the Article 14 of
the Law of Cadastre, the restriction of 100 decares regulated under Article
14 is being invoked. When we approach the case with the sense of law and
human rights philosophy, we are in opinion that the restriction above may
not be applied for our Community Foundation.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Iraqi Christians Flee Violence In Ancient Homeland

Iraqi Christians Flee Violence In Ancient Homeland

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The Nineveh Plain
Corey Flintoff/NPR

The Nineveh Plain, as seen from Mar Mattai Monastery. The plain has been home to Christians for 1,600 years.

Mar Mattai Monastery
Corey Flintoff/NPR

Mar Mattai Monastery clings to the side of Jebel Maqloub, "the mountain of acceptance." Parts of the building date to the 4th century, when Christianity first came to this region. Some 40 families have taken refuge here.

St. George's
Corey Flintoff/NPR

Displaced Christian families from Mosul are living in curtained-off sections of a building at St. George's Assyrian Catholic Church in the village of Bartillah. As many as 175 people are living within the church grounds.

Weekend Edition Sunday, October 19, 2008 · A campaign of violence has forced thousands of Iraqi Christians to flee their homes in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

Iraqi officials say gunmen have killed more than a dozen Christians in the past weeks and blown up several Christian homes after their occupants fled.

The displaced people are crowded into churches and homes in villages north of the city in the Nineveh Plain, the ancient center of Christianity in Iraq, and they're asking for help from the United States.

St. George's Syrian Catholic Church is normally a serene place, with gardens and a quiet grotto where worshippers light candles to the Virgin Mary.

Now the church, in the village of Bartillah, is crowded and chaotic, packed with about 45 families — more than 175 people — who left everything behind when they fled their homes in Mosul.

"These families came here with nothing but the clothes on their backs," says the head of St. George's cultural center. Like the displaced people he's caring for, he refused to give his name, fearful of retaliation. "Local people have been donating food and bedding, and some of the vital stuff they need to survive until more aid arrives."

The climate of fear is so pervasive that refugees insisted their faces not be shown in photographs, for fear that they might be identified by their persecutors in Mosul. "Mosul is a very dangerous city," says one young mother. "I can hardly describe the condition there."

The woman is staying in a small, curtained-off section of the cultural center with her husband and three children. She says the fear has infected her young son, who speaks often about Muslim fighters, the mujahedeen. "He is always afraid, even when he goes to school, he is very afraid."

She touches her throat, where she says she used to wear a gold necklace. "I sold this piece of gold and spent it on my children and family."

The Crisis Strikes The Christian Middle Class

The church official takes us to a conference room, where 28 people have been sleeping on mats on the floor. A photo of Pope John Paul looks down on the scene where platters and dirty dishes are piled high in one corner.

A woman who identifies herself only by her nickname, Um Reyan, says the danger of her situation didn't really sink in until gunmen murdered a pharmacist and a 15-year-old boy in her neighborhood, and strange cars began prowling the streets.

"Then my neighbor came to tell me that she noticed a gray sedan with three young men inside, and that one of them was pointing at my house" says Um Reyan. "We felt so scared after hearing this, and my neighbor said, 'Are you waiting for your turn to come? Do you want to stay here until they come and kill your husband and children?' "

Um Reyan is in her late 20s, with light brown hair and green eyes. Here in the safety of St. George's, she wears a gold cross around her neck, something she says she was afraid to do in Mosul.

"It's so hard for us — to be forced to leave our homes, our schools, the nice life we had in Mosul," she says. "Our lives have completely changed. We used to live in a nice house with five bedrooms. Now, we have to share one room with five other families."

One striking thing about Um Reyan is that despite the wear and tear of a week of living as a refugee, she's nicely dressed, in a respectable print skirt with a matching blouse and jacket. Like nearly all the people here, her remaining clothes reflect her status as a middle-class person, forced into a crisis that she couldn't have imagined just a few weeks ago.

In the afternoon, the refugees gather in St. George's Church, and the strain in their faces eases as they chant the familiar prayers.

Some Take Refuge In An Ancient Monastery

Across the plain, refugees share a different experience. A 44-year-old mathematics teacher named Abu Sara has come to a Christian settlement, where he and his family share a room in the house of some relatives. With them is his nephew, whose father was shot to death in the street near their home in Mosul just a few days before. Abu Sara pats the boy as he speaks.

"My brother came home from work around 3 in the afternoon," he says. "He was at a nearby shop, when suddenly gunmen turned up and asked for his ID. He said he didn't have it on him. Then they told all the other guys to stand aside. They shot him dead and left. The very next morning, we fled the city."

Abu Sara says all his relatives in Mosul — 15 families — fled the city. Some are with relatives, some sleep in the village school, and some are staying in a nearby monastery.

That monastery, called Mar Mattai, can be seen from the village, clinging to a craggy mountaintop at the end of a winding road high above the plain. It was established in the fourth century by one of the first monks who brought Christianity to this region.

The normally meditative silence is broken by the voices of about 40 families who've taken refuge here. Their laundry adds an incongruously bright note to the sandstone balconies under the onion dome with its cross.

A Monk Questions The Response From The West

Father Fadi Khaleel is one of six monks here, a quiet man with a brown beard and soft eyes. He studied two years in Italy, he says, and he says he saw how Westerners deal with what he calls "Eastern pain."

"The Westerners in general get affected by Eastern pain as if it were a story that he might feel sad about," he says, "but they don't make any move to cure this pain. Jesus taught us that we share the pain of others by making that sharing practical and effective, not just emotional."

Father Fadi sits in a vaulted stone room dominated by an icon-like painting of the monk who founded his monastery. "We don't want sympathy," he says. "We don't want demonstrations tomorrow in the United States for the Christians in Iraq. These demonstrations don't do us any good."

The mountain to which the monastery clings is called "Jebel Maqloub," the mountain of acceptance. Tradition says that this is a place where the prayers of every faith are accepted. Father Fadi says that Muslims come there often to pray. He says that he often goes to the crypt where the holy men of the monastery are buried.

"I pray and say, 'Oh Lord! Protect Iraq, and protect Iraqis from any danger, and surround the lives of the Christians, the Muslims, the Kurds and the Arabs with a fence of safety and peace."

No one here knows when that peace will come.

source: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95876316