Astaric or Star (Kaukbo) This is made of silver or gold, in the shape of a cross like, star with the four ends bending downwards and is used to support the veil above the Paten, so that the veil (Kabilana) may not touch the Holy Bread. It is the symbol Read more
Kabilana Kabilana is small piece the richly embroidered cloth coverings of the Holy Vessels, the Paten and Chalice. The name means receptacles. There is a word in Syriac ‘Mcbilon’ meaning receptacle or accepting. The correct name for this is ‘Hoofoyo’ or ‘cover’. They are square in shape, richly stitched embroidered Read more
The Paten (Peelasa) and Chalice (Kasa) are the sacred vessels in which the Eucharist Elements are kept, before and after consecration. The chalice and paten occupy the first place of importance and significance among the sacred vessels, for in the chalice the precious blood of Christ is consecrated, and in Read more
This is a rectangular, miniature, and portable altar measuring 18″ long, 12″ broad and 0.5″ thick. Thus, the Thabilitho can be said to be a Mini Altar (Thronos). The word means plate or tablet. It is kept in the middle of the Holy Altar and is made of wood or Read more
Mar Thoma VII was a bishop of the Malankara Church from 1796 and Malankara Metropolitan from April 1808 to July 1809. Mathen, as he known in his childhood, was born in Pakalomattom family, one of the oldest families in Kerala. He became a deacon and a priest at a very early age. Read more
In the early centuries of Christianity, first lamps and then candles were used for lighting. Light is symbol of the presence of God. Light symbolises Divine presence. Israel experienced presence of Jehovah through the pillar of fire at night. “God is light (1 Jn. 1: 5) and in Him is Read more
Altar Cloth The Altar cloths are special cloths, used to cover the Holy Altar during worship services and celebrations. They often left on the altar when it is not in use. They consist of a white linen, Chitola, the front draping and the Corporal (Virikoottam) White Linen The Holy altar Read more
Paul is seen as a new being in the Christian Church and an architect who worked hard for building the Church. Paul knew more about the work of Jesus only through relation with the Church and life in the Church. His knowledge of Christ deepened through Church life. He talks Read more
Saul was brought up as an exact Jew. His religious nature, deep rooted Jewish piety and Jewish faith made him a persecutor of the Christian Church, with a fanatic zeal and raging fury. His aim was to destroy Christian Church. Paul played a vital role in bringing St. Stephen, before Read more
St. Paul is the invaluable wealth of Christian Church, just after Christ and Scripture. It is said that while Christianity begins with Jesus, there is a second beginning to Christianity in Paul. He who is remembered as the Pharisee who admitted that, ‘I am the first among sinners’, started his Read more