Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Who Am I?

2. A Reflection

3. Prayer

Notes

Copyright

About the Authour

About Believers Eastern Church

More Resources of Believers Eastern Church

More Books by Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan

Dedication

To you my friend

for words of stimulus

that inspired me to sketch

images with words

to re-kindle kindness

for a broken world.

Acknowledgement

Fr Dr Daniel Johnson, Jeena Kochamma and Felix,

you made this little book a reality.

I remain grateful. Thank you.

Introduction

Kindness. There are no words that can give justice to the importance of kindness. Kindness overshadows truth, lies, wars, all forms of evil and values. Think about it: our very survival depends on the kindness of people around us, even the months we spent in our mother’s womb. We yearn for warmth, not an icy cold life as might be lived in the North Pole!

We are living in the ice age of emotions. The number one killer in this generation is loneliness.[1] Why do millions die of starvation? In part, it is because kindness has been dying out from the human heart and selfishness and greed are taking over.

Think about it; the world is full of pain, violence, devastation, yet we can go on because there are some who are kind and compassionate.

It has been scientifically proven that kindness and compassion are factors enabling people to live longer and happier lives. Psychiatrist Alberto Alberti said, “Love that is not expressed becomes hate; joy that is not enjoyed becomes depression.”[2]

It is interesting to note that Sri Buddha in his teaching talked about the many benefits of kindness. He basically said that if you are kind, you will sleep well; you will have happy dreams; you will be able to love. People love you; celestial beings love you; weapons will not harm you; your face will be radiant; your mind will be serene; you will have a happy ending.[3]

In this booklet is a poem that I wrote. The poem has everything to do with the present tense—the way in which we choose to live this day before us; everything to do with how we see others. It is a choice we must make to see the people around us which will in turn cultivate empathy, which then leads to compassion and kindness.

Aldous Huxley was a pioneer in the study of philosophies and practical ways to develop human potential and understand the meaning of life. When asked what the best technique for achieving happiness and transforming lives was, he responded by saying, “I have to say that the best answer is—just be a little kinder.”[4]

The Dalai Lama’s motto, “My religion is kindness,”[5] sounds so simple, yet it is so profound.

Do we not read in the Holy Bible, “God is love”?[6] And all of God’s revelation is summed up in this, “Love God and love others.”[7]

Regardless of caste, creed, nationality, colour of skin and religion, we all are created by the living God who made us in His image, and one of the reflections of that is love and kindness.

It was just hours before writing this poem that I was on the way to the airport to catch another 21-hour-long flight on a journey to another nation and another people. It is not fun anymore for this soul. I once told someone, “It looks like my home is the suitcase!”

My mind wandered throughout the many journeys I had taken before. I thought about the many people that I have met and visited with, from so many nations and peoples.

I could see the people I had met in the slums and in the leper colonies. I thought about the plight of women and young girls selling their bodies in prostitution. I remembered all I had read and learned about human trafficking, and of the thousands who commit suicide. My mind went to people who are dying from starvation, the millions of child labourers toiling without any choice. I recalled watching the movie Slumdog Millionaire that made me weep.

All of a sudden, I began to see myself in the shoes of those tens of thousands of broken lives that I had encountered over the years. I could feel their anguish. I was humbled. Out of that reflection, I wrote the poem included in this little book, “Who Am I?”

I hope this little poem that comes from my journey of imagination helps you go one step further in living more compassionately.

CHAPTER ONE

Who Am I?

Born I was, for sure . . .

but when,

where,

to whom—

I don’t know.

Who am I?

A beggar boy

An orphan

on the streets

A coolie

at a railway station

A servant

to a rich family

A seller

of peanuts and lottery tickets

A sick, dying man

on a government hospital veranda

A trash-picker

trying to make a living

An untouchable boy

who is a slave to a landlord

A thief

caught by police for stealing food from a shop

A scrap-buyer

striving to feed my family

A half-naked coolie,

for I own no change of clothes

An aborted child

for they did not want me

A beggar for a pimp[1]

I was kidnapped and blinded

A prostitute

in a cage with no freedom of my own

abused often for any kind of resistance

An untouchable,

hated by all

An outcast

afflicted with leprosy just like my parents.

What is life?

I walk all day long

for I have no money to board

a train or bus.

I own no cycles; I just walk.

Sometimes I eat,

often I go hungry.

I beg for food, my stomach is empty.

Many times I have survived by the mercy

of kind hotel owners;

they let me wash and clean

in exchange for food.

My nights are like the day,

for I sleep on lit-up shop fronts.

Often I awake with the sound

of barking dogs.

I look for work but find none,

I am too young or too old.

I own no phones.

Toothbrush and toothpaste

I have heard about,

but I never owned them.

Pounded more times than I can remember,

sometimes by police that mistook me for

the thief they were looking for.

I don’t read or write

for I have never gone to school.

I don’t have any friends.

I am alone,

a wanderer having nowhere to go.

I limp on one leg, for an auto rickshaw

ran over me.

Hospital I went to,

but they threw me out.

My past is present and my future is

present.

I pray but don’t know if God hears me—

a lonely shadow that no one notices

What is life?

I ask a hundred times,

I ask again.

Thoughts of killing myself under the

force of a speeding train.

How many kill themselves?

How many simply disappear

from streets and slums,

boys and girls like me?

Only God knows.

Who am I?

A dalit child eating mud to survive.

Wandering half naked on the streets

with many like me.

Sometime, I cry alone

while hundreds of flies crawling all

over me.

Drinking muddy, dirty water from the

sewage

to quench my thirst.

Crying

for the monkey snatched away

my bread.

Kicked and driven away by railway police

for I was picking food crumbs

from the railway platform.

I take a bath from public water taps,

but I cannot dry myself for the

lack of a towel.

The only clothing I have is the torn,

one-piece cloth I own,

black and dirty

for I have no soap to

wash it.

Who am I?

A runaway child, trying to find hope in a

mega city.

I get a verbal abuse from my mistress that

I work for in a kitchen.

I did nothing wrong—

but I cannot complain,

for where can I go?

They have a temple in their house,

but I am not allowed

to see their god.

I wonder: Who is this god they are praying to?

Is he only their god and not a

god to the poor and destitute like me?

Who am I?

I am one among the thousands of street children,

the ones who do not know

where they come from

or where they are going.

Sometimes on public street corners,

I hear a politician speak.

I do not understand what he says,

but others tell me

we will get food and clothes if we

vote for him.

Then others say, he is a liar, rich and

affluent—

do not trust one word he says.

The life of an animal is much better

and I wish I was born an animal

in India, my homeland.

Shivering from bitter cold in winter time,

for I own no blankets.

Forced to sell drugs by older kids.

Often bullied by bigger kids

Rejected

Molested

Accused

Maligned.

Failed more than succeeded.

Never been loved or accepted.

Called dumb by friends.

Often angry and bitter at being betrayed

by those I thought to be friends.

I cry myself to sleep from the

pain of loneliness.

Who am I?

A peddler of trinkets on the streets

for my living.

Tourists take pictures of me,

for them I smile

but they do not know on

the inside I cry.

In return for food,

sometimes I wash plates and cups

and clean latrines in hotels.

At night I sleep on the shop verandas.

Who am I?

A hired servant I am to a rich family.

My working hours are from sunrise

to midnight.

I collect my boss’ children from school

every day.

I ask them to teach me.

They mock me,

saying, “You have no brain;

you cannot learn.”

Who am I?

I am a common labourer,

a daily wage earner

trying to feed my mouth.

Days without end—

I find no job and we starve,

waiting for another day to

bring hope.

Who am I?

A homeless man living on the street,

still a meanderer,

picker of trash

for a living,

newspaper delivery man,

but my body is weak

and cannot walk fast anymore.

I wish I had a bicycle

that could help to save me—

but it is only a dream…

Now I cannot walk anymore,

I am sick

in every inch of my body.

I settled on one corner of the street,

people by the thousands walk by my

“plight.”

A few good and kindhearted people

give their coins.

Some joked and laughed, thinking I am a

con artist.

Some nights the dogs keep me awake.

There is one little dog that likes me,

and he is my only friend

in this world

When I sleep he watches over me;

sometimes he becomes

my pillow to rest on.

Looking into my deep, sorrowful eyes,

my dog cries and mourns,

and I know he cares.

From hunger pains, I curl up like a “C”;

drank the water I had.

My loving dog disappeared,

I do not know where he went.

He appeared with a large piece of bread,

like a bone in his jaws.

Dropped by my side, he woke me up

like a mother would do.

He wagged his tail in love

when I ate it all.

Where did the dog get the bread?

Did he steal it?

Or snatch it from somewhere?

I know he did not buy it.

Maybe a kind man gave it to him

seeing a hungry dog?

Kindness overshadows.

I am no doctor,

but the way my loving dog looks

at me,

he knows something

I don’t know.

My days on earth are coming to a close,

and now the only worry I have is

for my only friend—my dog—

what will happen to him

when I die?

I am sad,

he understands

and I hug him as often as

I can.

He does the same to me,

licking my tears.

He sleeps beside my lifeless body and

dirty old blanket.

Finally I fall asleep

and wish to myself

it would be eternal

I dreamt

Dressed in black,

galloping toward me—

the Angel of Death.

Frightened.

Gripped with fear,

in despair,

scared to death

afraid to die.

I cried out to all the gods and saints

I could remember,

including Blessed Virgin Mary,

Jesus Christ—

to take pity,

to have mercy on me.

For I felt, I was the worst human being,

at the bottom of the pit,

all so dark and gloomy.

Wonder of wonder!

Frightening joy!

Light so bright!

Glory unspeakable

—engulfed me in it.

Did not know whether

I should cry or laugh.

There beside my fragile body

the most beautiful,

incomparable,

so glorious

woman appeared.

Clothed in a pure white sari,

the end of her sari

covering her head.

Instantly I knew

it was the Blessed Mary,

the Mother of God.

Her eyes beamed with

love and kindness.

I wanted to fall at her feet

and worship.

I tried,

but she stopped me,

“I too am His creation like you,” she said.

“He, Jesus, sent me to you.”

Sitting beside me,

she stroked my forehead.

With her loving hand,

love began to flow

into my broken life.

When she spoke,

it penetrated my whole

being, like music

that I had never heard.

She got up, and I tried

to grab her feet,

for I did not want her to go.

Said I in desperation,

“Please, Mother, take me with

you.”

Smiling with love,

she simply said,

“It is Jesus you need.

He loves you—

enough to die for you.”

I sank down crying.

All of a sudden, I saw Jesus—

hanging on the cross.

His blood being poured out.

“For you, my son, I am

dying so you will live.”

Words so powerful

from His mouth.

My heart was bursting!

With love and hope!

I cried out, saying:

“Jesus Christ!

Have mercy on me.”

Voice so gentle,

I hear from the cross:

“You are healed of sin and death.

Come.

Follow Me.”

Awakened from my dream,

awestruck.

It took days for me to

believe

it was real.

Freed from sin and guilt!

Healed in body and mind!

Heart filled with love!

Even my dog looked changed.

A week goes by,

still walking in ecstasy,

thinking of the most beautiful

face of Mother Mary

and of the new life I now have.

I no more think of death,

for no more the death angel

has power over me.

A week later,

I was strolling along.

I saw a church so beautiful.

In front of it

was a statue of Blessed Mary.

I walk my dog to the door,

hoping to find someone to tell

what had happened to me.

I enter the church,

my dog and I,

surprised to meet the priest with

a smile as a welcome sign.

It was as though

he knew I was coming.

And hearing my story

he hugged me, saying:

“You saw Mother Mary,

and the Lord Jesus even spoke to

you!

You are so blessed,

more than I ever can be!”

Now I am not alone,

will never be alone.

For I am part of His Holy Church.

Slowly but surely,

the season of my life changed.

From poverty and nothingness,

a small business I started

with the help from my priest

flourished beyond words.

No more I am homeless.

Blessed with a family.

which I never had

I say, “God You are amazing!”

I still keep a piece of my old blanket,

a daily reminder, ‘who I am’.

Yes, my loving dog is still with me.

All seems like a beautiful dream.

Life is so beautiful

when overshadowed by God and His Holy Church.

I think in silence

and ask myself,

Who Am I?

The answer I hear,

deep within,

a dying body,

the dwelling place

of

my soul and spirit.

Invisible now

but it will not always be so,

and someday

the invisible

will be visible

and God I shall see,[2]

all the saints and hosts of heaven

where time shall no more be.

A world where

end is always the beginning

and there is no beginning or end!

Imagine!

CHAPTER TWO

A Reflction

I woke up from my daydream and the world of imagination. None of what I had imagined was true of my own life, but so much of it is a result of my encounter and conversations with hundreds of broken lives in my brief pilgrimage on earth. Empathy let me enter and walk into their world for those moments.

Earlier that night, a dear friend had called me and reminded me of some of the accomplishments of my life. My friend remarked, “How can someone do so much in such a short time of their earthly life?”

I never really stopped to think about things like that. While my loving friend was talking, all of a sudden, I was struck by a strange thought, Who am I without this list of accomplishments? Why was I allowed to do these things?

As I was reflecting, I thought about King David who made the confession, “Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that you have brought me this far?”[1]

I found myself thinking, I am the youngest of six sons, born and raised in a tiny village in a tiny state in India. Why, Lord, did You call me to serve You?

Think about this: You and I never made a contract with God Almighty, “If You let me be born in this particular home, nation and circumstance, then I will do all these good things for You and others.” We had no such choice. It was and is all God’s mercy and grace. There is no reason, nothing for us to be proud of or take credit for our accomplishments or success.

I am the least and the last in every way, and I never felt qualified to do what I am doing. It was only by God’s mercy and grace that any one of those stories I saw and imagined were not my own.

I looked at myself and was grateful to God for His great mercy in giving me a life of giving to others, a life blessed beyond what words can describe. I fell on my knees asking God for forgiveness for the sin of presumption. Here was another day, another moment to make a vow to embrace humility and learn. Who am I? A big ‘zero’ without God’s mercy.

So, who am I?

You tell me.

I am simply a few pounds of flesh hanging on some bones, yet deep inside and invisible there is a soul and spirit.

So, who am I?

Nothing… except the invisible.[2]

May God help all of us to embrace deep humility always and in all our ways![3]

CHAPTER THREE

Prayer

Dear God,

Our finite minds cannot fathom or understand why there is so much suffering in this world. We know that You created all that is visible and invisible. You have all power, yet there is a mystery that we grapple with: Why are some spared from suffering and pain, and others suffer like Job?

Even when we do not understand the mystery of Your doings, we choose to believe in Your sovereign grace and mercy.

Forgive us for so easily forgetting we are no different or better than anyone we meet or live with.

Those of us who are blessed with better health, finances, skills and circumstances have no reason to be proud of who we are and what we have. It is all Your mercy and grace.

Please help us to remember, we are blessed to bless others, to be the visible hand of the loving God for those who are less fortunate than us.[1]

May we grow in humility and compassion, in the way You lived on earth when You became one of us. Thank You, that You even chose Your name to be “Jesus”—“the One who saves.”[2]

We pray for the suffering millions without any hope. Please, in your great mercy and love, draw them to You by the Holy Spirit and we pray, if it takes a visit from the saints in heaven, angels or the Blessed Mother Mary to point them to You Lord Jesus, their only hope, please do it.

Almighty God, we ask of You to help us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus who is our example, as to how we must live during this brief time You granted us here on earth.

We say this prayer to You, Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray to You in His name. Amen.

If this book has been a blessing to you, I would really like to hear from you. You may write to: Believers Eastern Church Publications Synod Secretariat, St Thomas Community, Kuttapuzha P.O., Thiruvalla-689103, Kerala India. Please send an email to publications@bec.org.

Notes

Introduction

1. https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8294451-cigna-us-loneliness-survey. (Accessed October 25, 2018).

2. Piero Ferrucci, The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life, (New York, NY: Penguin Random House, 2016), p. 5.

3. Ibid.

4. Ferrucci, The Power of Kindness, p. 11.

5. Ibid.

6. 1 John 4:8 NIV*

7. St Matthew 22:35-40 NIV*

Chapter 1

1. Watch the movie, Slumdog Millionaire.

2. Job 19:27*

Chapter 2

1. Job 19:20*

2. 2 Samuel 7:18 New King James*

3. “May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)*

Chapter 3

1. “So teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)*

2. “As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” (Psalm 103:15–16)*

Copyright

Who Am I?

Faith and Tradition Series

by Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan

Copyright © Believers Eastern Church

All rights reserved.

No portion of this booklet may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the publisher. First Impression 2018.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the New International Version. THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Cover design by Binoy Simon

Illustrations by Sinoj V.

Typeset by Samuel Y.

Published by Believers Eastern Church Synod Secretariat, St Thomas Community, Thiruvalla - 689 103, Kerala, India.

Printed in India

For information about other materials, visit our website: www.bec.org.

H.H. Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I is Metropolitan of the Believers Eastern Church. He has authoured more than 250 books and is an internationally known speaker.

You can follow him on social media at facebook.com/AthanasiusYohan

Believers Eastern Church

Believers Eastern Church has its faith and practices rooted in God's Word, the apostolic doctrines, the Nicene Creed, and holy traditions of the ancient church. We are thoroughly evangelical in nature, eastern in worship, democratic in function and episcopal in governance.

Our church represents more than three-hundred languages, ministering inter-culturally, near-culturally and cross-culturally. We represent the orthodox faith in a relevant way, never compromising with the culture, but actively bringing Christ's love to all of humanity in word and deed, regardless of caste, creed or religion.

We follow the liturgical tradition of worship established by the church fathers, with Holy Communion as the central rite of regular worship. Worship should be Spiritfilled and personal. Simultaneously, the Spirit breathes life into the rites of community worship and unites us to worship Jesus as one Body. Believers Eastern Church believes that the sacraments are a means to receiving grace and are essential to the spiritual growth of God's people.

We are episcopal in governance, which means we affirm the ancient and traditional form of church leadership of episcopas, priests (presbyters) and deacons as demonstrated in the Book of Acts and brought to maturity by the church fathers.

For more information, visit www.bec.org

BELIEVERS EASTERN CHURCH

Faith And Tradition Series

A Journey with Jesus to the Cross

Season of Lent is a journey to spiritual growth, renewal and an opportunity to know the Lord Jesus more intimately and closely. We must hear the Lord speaking to us all along the way as the journey continues so that our heart-attitude will become more like His. The way to attain this is by deliberately choosing an attitude of confession, denying of self, fasting, meditation, prayer and supplication. And, the life is enriched with humility of Christ and service to others. This daily devotional will do just that: bringing the focus upon Jesus and enabling spiritual renewal in our walk with the Lord.

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/a-journey-with-jesus-to-the-cross-ebook

Believers Eastern Church

We live in a synthetic world of make believe and pretense. We long for reality, but lack of authentic information often leaves us confused. With tens of thousands of christian denominations, one wonders which one is authentic and represents the truth that we all seek. Is there a plumb line, a touchstone that will help us find what is real? The authour of this booklet believes that there is an answer to our dilemma. He explains where we may find guidance, and why that guidance is sure and true.

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/believers-eastern-church-ebook

Bible Reading Calendar

Reading and meditating on God’s Word is like oxygen for our spiritual life. Accordingly, this must become a daily habit for each individual and family. This Bible reading calendar will help you read through the entire Bible in a year, and be your guide on your journey through the seasons of the church year.

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/bible-reading-calendar-ebook

Celibacy and Church Leadership

Why some eastern churches mandate celibacy for their bishops? It is a reasonable question to ask since ‘Believers Eastern Church’ adheres to the Eastern ‘lineage of the church’, and in most of these churches, bishops are required to be celibate (that is, they don’t marry). Another question is regarding the official ceremonial outfit that bishops were, specifically the skull cap or masanapsa. Is it connected to this mandate of celibacy? What does the Bible say about bishops’ celibacy? Is there a holy tradition of the church to support this view?

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/celibacy-and-church-leadership-ebook

Censing in Worship

Why do some churches use incense during their worship service? Are we just copying what other religions do or are we just following the Old Testament pattern? If we are following the Old Testament pattern, is it still relevant today? Do we have any proof that the historical church used it? I’m sure when you read the title Censing in Worship, some if not all of these questions came up in your mind. Maybe you’ve asked these questions and received no answers or never been satisfied with the answers you received. In this book, not only will you get answers to these questions, but you will be taken on a journey; one in which you will come to appreciate the deep meaning of the use of incense, the relevance of it in our lives today and get a glimpse of what the orthodox fathers called “beautiful worship.”

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/censing-in-worship-ebook

Core Values

This booklet outlines the Core Values of Believers Eastern Church worldwide. Included with each core value is an explanation and practical application for godly transformation. In the measure in which each member of our church becomes devoted to Christ, they become godly in their life. And as they change more and more in the image of Christ, they will become more effective as living witness to the Lord Jesus. For this reason, we have developed the ten core values that are based on the Word of God and the teaching of the holy traditions of the ancient church.

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/core-values-ebook

Death of God

“Death of God” is a phrase coined by German atheistic philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. He used this phrase to express his belief that the enlightenment era had made man smart enough that there was no need for any God to govern human affairs. The truth is, God did die. Some 2,000 years ago, God who became a man, the Lord Jesus Christ, was crucified by Roman soldiers on the hill of Golgotha in Jerusalem. We can say for sure God died. He was buried, but on the third day He rose again. The question is, can God die? We believe that God became man for the purpose of being sacrificed and to shed His sinless, pure holy blood for the healing of mans’ sin. But why did this almighty creator God have to become a man? Why did God have to offer Himself as a sacrifice to save mankind? Since Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, who like us, was part of the sinful human race, how could He have remained without sin? Jesus was born without a human father and the Scripture says He was born of God. How is that possible? I’m sure questions like these have often come to our minds. In this booklet, the authour answers these tough questions while addressing the all-important question of how we, as humans, can live a life of freedom over sin and death.

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/the-death-of-god-ebook

Don’t Call Any Man Father

Is it wrong to use titles like Father, Priest, Vicar, Episcopa etc. who are leaders of the Holy Church? Some people are vehemently against using titles for church leaders such as Father, Priest, Reverend, Clergy, Metropolitan, Catholicos, Pope, Holy Father, Vicar General, Archbishop and so on. They insist that using these terms to refer to people is the same as taking God’s name for them. They have an argument against each title. Even calling somebody a priest, they say, is to live under the Old Covenant. But we read in St Matthew 23:9 that Jesus said “Do not call any man your Father” (NIV). What does it mean? Is it wrong to call our biological parents ‘father’ or our instructors in school and college 'teacher?' In this booklet we discuss the background and the meaning of Christ’s statement.

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/dont-call-any-man-father-ebook

Eucharist

Eucharist is one of the sacraments of the Holy Church that the Lord Jesus told us to do. The sacrament of Eucharist is the most important sacrament. Known as the crown of sacraments, Holy Communion is one of the holy mysteries of the apostolic church, which was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. In this booklet, we will explain this unexplainable and awesome mystery to the extent that we can understand it.

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/eucharist

Guiding Principles

Two harsh realities we must recon with. One - western Christians must come to grips with the harsh reality that they are living in the post-christian era. “Today” as Rod Dreher, the authour of the book ‘The Benedict Option’ says, “a new post-christian barbarism reigns. Many believers are blind to it and their churches are too weak to resist.” Is there any hope for recovery? Two – eastern nations are in the pre-christian era. The Himalaya size challenge is, how are we going to fulfil the Great Commission among these nations? Yet, the timeless, unchanging promise of Christ remains firm – “I will build my church” – not by human methods or strategy, but by the Holy Spirit and the suffering of His people. This is the true orthodox faith of the ancient church and the Fathers who taught us…if only we will obey. In this book, the authour explains timeless principles that will help us to find our way out of this maze we are in and become part of the 'one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic church.'

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/guiding-principles-ebook

Head Coverings

This book is for every sister who has ever been asked, “why do you wear that thing on your head?” and for everyone who has ever asked this question. In this simple yet informative booklet, Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan addresses the topic of head covering for the church today. In an era in which we are encouraged to question everything, he provides compelling answers from the Scriptures, showing how this long-standing symbol means much more than it seems.

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Holy Unction

There are times in our life when we need God’s help desperately. The Holy Unction is one of the sacraments meant to meet our needs during times of sickness, to bring hope and healing for body, soul and spirit through prayer and through anointing with holy oil.

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Hours of Prayer

The faith and holy traditions of the Believers Eastern Church go back to the directions and rituals that the apostles handed down to the church fathers, and the church fathers to us. The hours of prayer is one of the most significant aspects of the personal and co-operative spiritual lives of the people of God. This booklet explains the significance of the Hours of Prayer and how we can become part of this beautiful journey year after year.

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Thablitha

The symbols and godly traditions of our holy faith help us to retain our identity, which is based on the One Holy Church. The Thablitha is an important symbol and component of the celebration of the Eucharist, which speaks of the Cross of Christ and His eternal sacrifice for our redemption.

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Theosis

If I ask you, “Do you want to become godly,” I’m sure your answer will be a resounding “yes!” But how do you become someone who understands God’s ways and experiences Him in your life? Is there a road map for it? What should you do or which way should you go? How does God desire for us to know Him and what is your role in it? If you look through the teachings of the early Church Fathers, they taught that we can “partake of the divine nature” and that by one choice, our very nature and behavior can be fully controlled by the eternal life of God which is placed in us by the Holy Spirit. They called this ‘theosis’ and in this book, let me seek to explain the road map to experience it in your life.

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The Plumb Line

Our faith is based solely on the Word of God. While the Nicene Creed is not part of the Holy Bible. Its importance is second only to that of the Holy Bible itself. Every believer should endeavour to be able to recite it from memory. The Nicene Creed is a short and condensed one-page version of the Holy Scriptures. This creed contains the non-negotiable fundamental truths and doctrines of the bible, and it covers God’s revelation from eternity past to eternity future. This book gives a brief explanation of the importance of the Nicene Creed and the meaning behind each its statements. It is important to understand the background and uniqueness of this creed for the sake of our faith, both individually and as a body of believers.

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The Seasons of Lent

What is Lent? Why does the church observe Lent? How do we benefit by adhering to the Lenten faith? Are there practical guidelines for observing Lent? Questions like these and many more, find their answers in this booklet.

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The Sign of the Cross

In the history of the world, there is one event that stands above all others. That event is the crucifixion of Christ. He gave His life for our salvation. From the beginning of the church, the sign of the cross has been the symbol of Christian faith and hope. Making the sign of the cross is a ritual that binds us together as people of God. In this booklet, you learn the depth of meaning behind this symbol, and how this ritual can bring you blessing and hope.

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The Worship of the Church

The break-up of the church is one of the darker aspects of the Protestant Reformation during 1500 under Martin Luther of Germany. Now there are fourty-two thousand denominations, each of which claims to be the true and authentic church in their faith and practice! In this brief booklet, the authour tries to help the reader travel back in time to the first five-hundred years of the early orthodox faith of the church, to help us answer questions about a crisis of the modern-day church. The booklet explores how man has become the centre of worship instead of God, who should be the audience in our worship, and the follies of this new way..

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BELIEVERS EASTERN CHURCH

More Books by Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan

Crisis in Leadership

No one is completely immune to insecurity. Everyone faces it, regardless of education, family background, age or godliness. But it is in leadership that insecurity has the greatest potential to cause harm. Left unchecked, it can damage our lives and hinder the work of the Lord. This crisis is only compounded by the fact that many suffering from insecurity do not even realise it. But there is hope in Christ. Join Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan as he explores this present crisis in leadership and unearths the reasons why it manifests itself. This booklet is a beacon of light in the midst of the storm.

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Dependence Upon the Lord

Do you see yourself in light of all your qualifications and certifications and talents? Are all these clouding the God of impossibilities, of great wonders, who seeks to manifest Himself through your life and ministry? In order for your life and ministry to make a lasting impact, it must be maintained, kept and motivated by dependence upon the Lord Himself.

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Discouragement: Reasons and Answers

When faced with discouragement, these are the questions we ask ourselves. In these times, it’s difficult to see the road ahead of us, much less know the next step. However, it is absolutely possible for us to go beyond our self-focused world and leave discouragement behind us. We can be set free. In this honest and engaging booklet, Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan offers us clear and practical steps to defeat discouragement and move on. One by one, he resolves the issues that balloon in front of us. You will find renewed courage and the inner strength to experience an overcoming life. There is a clear highway to victory. The choice is yours!

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Hell in Your Mouth

It can break up the strongest of relationships; its poison can hurt you more than a scorpions sting; it can cut deeper than the sharpest sword; it can cause you to give up hope and drive you to desperation and taking your own life. I’m talking about gossip, talebearing, malicious talk—the horrible destructive power of our words. What the Japanese proverb says is true. “The tongue is only three inches long but it can kill a man who is six feet tall.” In this book, I take a deeper look at gossip—the reasons behind why someone gossips, how the enemy of our soul uses it to cause destruction, how to detect and evil report before it defiles you and in case you are already defiled, how to be cleansed. Kill gossip and you will live.

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Journey With Jesus

Peter, Andrew, James, John, Matthew, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Thaddeus, Simon and Judas. These names sound familiar? They are the disciples that walked, literally, with Jesus. From the day He called them from their fishing boats and tax collections, to the closing days of His life on this earth, these men lived with the Son of God. Hang around someone long enough and you’re bound to pick up their habits. And what were the “habits” of Christ, the characteristics that have changed your life and mine? In this book, Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan Metropolitan encourages you to accept the divine invitation and follow Jesus of Nazareth. Just as He called the twelve disciples, our Savior is welcoming us to walk the roads of this life with Him. You will never be the same again.

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Living By Faith Not By Sight

We are all familiar with the startling, faith-filled stories found in the lives of Biblical characters. Daniel in the lion’s den, Moses and the children of Israel, Paul’s amazing rescue from prison. On and on, pages full of blind eyes being opened and the deaf ears hearing, but how often do our lives really reflect all that we so often read about? The promises of God are still true today: “Anything is possible to him who believes!” So toss aside all the biblical head knowledge that so easily accumulates, and exchange it for simple child-like trust, mixed with faith in an all-powerful God. As you walk down this journey with Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan Metropolitan, learning from his own struggles and lessons, you too will grow to believe God despite what the eyes may see.

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Principles in Maintaining a Godly Organisation

Perhaps you recall your enthusiasm to serve one another. It might have been the love and family atmosphere you enjoyed, or your unity amidst great diversity. Whatever blessings you one had, they all seem to have vanished lately; and you are in danger of becoming “just another organization.” But it doesn’t have to happen! In this booklet, Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan takes you back to the Scriptures and shows you how God called people and empowered them. You will learn valuable lessons from their lives through both their successes and their failures. And you will gain insights on keeping the original vision the Lord gave you and maintaining vibrancy, life and joy within your ministry.

Download this book for free at www.bec.org/store/principles-in-maintaining-a-godly-organisation-ebook

Seeing Him

Jesus. A name that evokes thoughts of peace, mercy and love that can compare to no other. In Him are life and hope. He is the reason for everything. Yet how easily, even in the midst of Christian service, we can lose sight of the Lord. As a result, our lives become one daily struggle of striving to live on our own. But there is hope. Just as Jesus restored the blind man’s eyes in St John 9:6, so too can He restore your sight. In Seeing Him, Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan tenderly shows the signs of living apart from seeing Christ and takes you down the road of restoration, where Jesus becomes your everything.

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Stay Encouraged

Have you ever been discouraged? For most of us, it doesn’t take much to get discouraged – just one look or one word, someone’s silence or a telephone call that never came. Unfulfilled expectations and emotions can quickly slow our step and darken our skies. With understanding and truth, Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan shares how we can live in victory and stay encouraged as we learn to recognise God’s hand at work in each moment of our lives.

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The Lord’s Work Done in the Lord’s Way

Do your life and ministry flow out of love and simple obedience to your King? Or are you motivated deep within by the needs around you, the expectations of others, or by what seems good in your own eyes? Do you find yourself continually running dry, even in the midst of the ministry? It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, God intended for His streams of living water to flow unhindered out of your life, no matter what He has called you to do. Yet it is only when we do the Lord’s work in the Lord’s way that this can happen. Come and be refreshed as Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan teaches from the lessons he has learned in over thirty-five years of ministry. Allow the Lord to renew your love for Him and your role in the kingdom. Then you will know the freedom and simplicity of serving your first love, the Lord Jesus.

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The Missing Link in Contemporary Relationships

It is the glue that holds a family, a community or a church together. It is the missing jewel in contemporary society. It is the secret of the extraordinary bond between Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan and St Paul and Timothy: loyalty. Using inspirational examples of those who have demonstrated a life of loyalty—biblical characters and contemporary individuals such as St Teresa of Kolkata, the author helps us to understand the practical implications of loyalty, without which ‘love’ will remain, in essence, a non-word, a word not recognized and without meaning.

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