THE ARAMAIC PROJECT

Part I
SYRO MALABAR CHURCH
JESUS & INDIA A CONNECTION THROUGH ARAMAIC LANGUAGE AND MUSIC

By

Dr. Joseph J. Palackal

A program to honor, cherish, and preserve the unparalleled legacy of an ancient language and music tradition that are part of the history of India, and an intangible treasure in the world’s cultural heritage .

Syriac Inscription Church Bell Kuravilangad Church bell at Martha Mariam (Lady Mary) Church at Kuravilangad, Kerala, with two rows of inscriptions in Syriac (Aramaic)
Fr. Emmanuel ThellyFr. Emmanuel Thelly, C. M. I., Syriac scholar and lexicographer
Syriac east meets Latin west youtube The Syriac East Meets the Latin West in Kerala, India
Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt . Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt, the only bishop in India who celebrates solemn Qurbana in Syriac.
Sister Kochu Thresia Melody of "Maaran Iso". by Sr. Kochu Thresia SST
Fr. Koonammakkal Syriac scholarKoonammakkal Thoma Kathanar, Syriac scholar and founder of the Beth Aprem Nazrani Dayra.
Fr. SankoorikkalFr. Sebastian Sankoorikkal in conversation with Dr. Joseph J. Palackal
Dr. Varghese Pathikulangara . Dr. Varghese Pathikulangara in conversation with Dr. Joseph J. Palackal
Joseph palackal teaches Syriac chant Dr. Joseph J. Palackal teaches the Syriac chant "Bar Maryam" at the conference on Christian Congregational Music. Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Thoma Malpan  photo Image at the Shrine dedicated to Palackal Thoma Malpan at his birthplace. Courtesy: Shiji Photos, Ottappunna.
Palackal Malpan Cenotaph Mannanam Cenotaph for the Malpan at the Monastery of St. Joseph, Mannanam, beside the tombs of FF. Porukara and Chavara
Mannanam Manuscript A manuscript showing the title of the acrostic hymn in Syriac by “Alexander the Indian." St. Joseph’s Monstery, Mannaanam. Photo courtesy: Fr. Antony Vallavanthara, C.M.I. 1942-2008 .
St. Chavara letter in syriac Letter written and signed in Syriac by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara to Pope Pius IX 1792-1878, on 25 April 1870. The letter is kept at the archive of the Oriental Congregation, Rome ref: Scrit. Rif. Mal. 1875. Courtesy: Fr. Thomas Panthaplackal, CMI
 Cradle of Christainity DVD DVD Release- kerala the Cradle of Christainity in South Asia
Fr. Paul KodamullilFr. Paul Kodamullil. Santhinilayam, Muvattupuzha, India.
Nationalshrine Washington qurbana National Shrine, Washington, D. C. Chants in Syriac and Sanskrit were sung here for the first time on 7 September 2013 during the celebration of the Syro Malabar Qurbana in English.
Fr. Jacob Vellian Dr. Jacob Vellian, scholar of Syro Malabar liturgy
Syriac Inscription Persian Cross Persian cross with inscriptions in Syriac at the bottom, and in Sassanian-Pahlavi at the top and sides. Waliyapalli, Kottayam, Kerala.
Syriac English Malayalam Lexicon EThelly The Syriac- English- Malayalam Lexicon by Fr.Emmmanuel Thelly C.M.I.
Syriac Inscription JarlyBeena House Thalikasthanam Thoma Mathai Jarly with his wife Beena, at the ornate front door of their home. On the sides of the Cross at the top of the teakwood door appears the words of St.Thomas the Apostle from right to left "Maar w'alaah" My Lord and my God in Syriac script.
Syriac Inscription Cemetery Chapel MarGeevarghese SahdaChurch Cemetery chapel of Mar Geevarghese Sahda Church - Church of the East. "O the One who raises the dead, praise to Thy holy name." In Malayalam and Syriac scripts. Panampilly Nagar,Eranakulam, Kerala.
Persian cross Persian Cross - Granite cross with inscriptions in Sassanian-Pahlavi (Middle Persian). Circa 7th century AD. St. Thomas Mount (Periyamalai), Mylapore, Chennai, India.
Tony Augustine Allenchery Tony Augustine Allenchery in conversation with Dr. Joseph J. Palackal
Joseph Palackal's Interview Vatican Radio Vatican Radio. Dr. Joseph Palackal's 3rd Interview in full
St.Jude Syro Malabar Catholic Church USA Recital of the Lord's Prayer in Syriac, "Awun d'wasmayya" by the First Holy Communion & Confirmation candidates at St.Jude Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Northern Virginia, USA
Notable sayings Syriac heritage youtube Notable sayings on the Syriac heritage in India -Selections from recorded interviews
Trisagion in Syric Qandīšā Ālāha Trisagion in Syric during Qurbana in Malayalam. Tolworth, London
SEM Annual meeting 2016 Dr. Joseph J. Palackal sings Syriac chants at the SEM Annual meeting 2016
Narivelil Mathayi Kathanar Narivelil Mathayi Kathanar in conversation with Jarly Mathew Thalikasthanam
Ammini John Anamthuruthil Ammini John Anamthuruthil in conversation with Dr. Joseph J. Palackal
Bilingual singing Syriac and Malayalam Suwhalaawa." Bilingual singing in Syriac and Malayalam. Commemoration Hymn
Fr. Mathew Mattam Fr. Mathew Mattam in conversation with Dr. Joseph J. Palackal
Goodness TV interview Dr. Joseph J. Palackal's interview on Goodness TV. Interviewed by Sunny Vempilly
St. Thomas Postal Stamp First day cover of St. Thomas India Postal Stamp
Letter to Mr. Cyriac Kandathil Letter from the secretary to Bishop Mar Augustine Kandathil to Mr. Cyriac Kandathil. Signature is in the Syriac script
Letter to Mr. Cyriac Kandathil Syriac writings on the main altar at St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha
Letter to Mr. Cyriac Kandathil Syriac writings on the main altar at St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha
Letter to Mr. Cyriac Kandathil Syriac writings on the main altar at St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha
Aramaic Chants Chicago Children sing Aramaic during First Holy Communion at St. Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese of Chicago on 26-May-2018
Introduction

The Aramaic (Syriac) language in which Jesus and His disciples preached the Gospel reached South India in the early Christian era. Until the 1960s, the St. Thomas Christians in Kerala, who trace the origin of their faith to St.Thomas the Apostle, celebrated liturgy in this language. Since the vernacularization of the liturgy, the language and the melodies are on the path to extinction in the Syro Malabar Church (3.25 million members). The Syro Malabar Church, which is one of the eight independent churches among the St. Thomas Christians (6 million out of about thirty million Christians in India), follow the Chaldean (East Syriac) liturgical tradition. The immediate goal of this project is to locate as many singers as possible in the Syro Malabar Church, who were born in the 1950s or earlier, and record their memories of the language, melodies, and experiences in order to preserve them for posterity. This project is time-sensitive because of the advancing age of the resource persons. The sound and the memory of the language, and the rich and varied melodic repertory, will soon die with them. Preserving these aspects of this Semitic language is important not only for the history of Christianity in India, but also for the history of Christianity itself.

The vestiges of the Syriac chant repertoire in India fall under the category of “intangible cultural heritage,” as defined in Article 2 of the UNESCO convention held in Paris (2003) that need to be safeguarded by all means.

Purpose & Action plan

The Aramaic project is a part of a larger plan of a digital library of Christian music in India under the auspices of the Christian Musicological Society. This library will be beneficial to the general public, as well as academic departments that specialize in such topics as South Asian and West Asian studies, Indology, musicology, anthropology, theology, religion, Church history, Syriac Christianity, liturgy, and linguistics. The action plan includes a documentary film in English, a digital encyclopedia of Syriac chants in India, a memory bank of life experiences of the practitioners of this music, attempts to reintroduce a few chants in the vernacular liturgy, transference of melodies from the transitional generation to the next through seminars and workshops, and comparative studies of extant melodies in India and the Middle East. We hope that all these efforts will draw attention to the Christian dimension of India, and extend the geographical domain of early Christianity and music to the Indian subcontinent. The detailed action plan is as follows:

1. A digital library of Christian music in India. There are about thirty million culturally and linguistically diverse Christians in India, who form about 2.5 % of the total population of approximately 1. 25 billion. The variety of musical traditions of these Christians is a reflection, albeit at a microcosmic level, of the cultural diversity of the country. These traditions hold key to our understanding of the cultural interactions that went into the formation of local, regional, and national histories. We hope the digital library will become a valuable resource for researchers around the world.

2. A documentary film. The world has the right to know India as a country that continues to safeguard a unique cultural heritage that originated in West Asia. With that in mind, an edited version of the recordings will be used to produce a 60-minute documentary film in English with the title Jesus and India: A Connection through Language and Music.

3. A digital encyclopedia of Syriac chants. The texts and melodies of the Syriac chants have histories of their own and, therefore, deserve proper accounting. The texts have accumulated specific sonorities, phonetic variations, and even shades of meaning from use over an extended period of time in different communities. Occasionally, anonymous authors/performers have interpolated the texts with words or vocables to suit a particular theology, or a specific poetic meter, or even certain aspects of the local history. Some of the chant texts have multiple melodies. For example, the Syriac translation of the Latin litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary used to be sung in certain religious communities in Kerala with a different melody for each day in the month of May which is dedicated to different expressions of Marian devotion. The same is applicable to the Syriac translation of the famous Pange Lingua by St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) that used to be sung during the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Christian Musicological Society of India is grateful to the Nasrani Foundation for providing the digital version of the Chant texts in the Syriac script and their transliteration in the Malayalam script.

4. To create a memory bank. A language is embedded in the real life experience of its users; those experiences are an integral part of the collective memory of a community. The loss of that memory is like the loss of a valuable treasure chest. The generation that lived through the transition of liturgy from Syriac to the vernacular in the 1960s continues to own an extensive memory base of sounds, melodies, and meanings of the Syriac chants; these were once significant markers of identity of the St. Thomas Christians, also known as Syriac Christians. This transitional generation is the last link to the legacy of a centuries-old tradition. If we do not capture their memories and their life stories now, they will be lost forever. The memory bank we create surely will bring big dividends for future researchers from various fields.

5. To preserve the unique sound of the Syriac language. A language is also a sonic entity. Over the centuries, the sonority of the Syriac language has assumed both a regional and a communal character in Kerala. This transformation was mediated by the vocal inflections of Tamil and Malayalam. Thus, the Syriac language constitutes a singular sonic presence among the sounds of the other languages, and adds to the sonic diversity in India. The particular sonority of a language can be compared to a particular species of a plant or a bird. In order for those sonorities to survive, they should become a part of the sound-experience of the present generation. It is our hope that the Aramaic project will help resuscitate the language by helping children and young adults to acquaint themselves with the sound of the Syriac language, as well as some of the traditional chant texts and melodies.

6. To transfer melodies from the transitional generation to the next. While many of the chant texts are available in books and manuscripts, the melodies, which were mostly transmitted orally, are fading from the memories of the transitional generation. It is imperative that we capture as many of those melodies as possible, and transfer them to the younger generation as much as possible through seminars and training sessions. It is up to that generation to own those melodies and pass them on to the next. The future is unpredictable, but that is not a valid reason for inaction.

7. A reintroduction of Syriac chants in the vernacular liturgies. It is our hope that the Aramaic project will help the younger generation to rediscover its identity as members of a Church that carries a reference to an ancient language in its official name the prefix, “Syro” in the “Syro Malabar” stands for the Syriac language. We also wish to resuscitate the language by helping the children and young adults to acquaint themselves with the sound of the Syriac language, as well as some of the traditional chant texts and melodies. Kindly refer to this section - Reintroduction of Syriac chants to know more about the progress in this area.

8. A biography of prominent personalities in Syriac chants. Life stories of individuals who served the Syriac cause in the past, and those who serve in the present in one way or another, are part of the continuing cultural narrative of the country. Among them are performers, poets, composers, teachers, scholars, researchers, and promoters. The documentation of their lives and times, and the circumstances in which they served, will be a great asset.

9. To digitalize copies of chant texts. The highly humid climate conditions in Kerala is far from congenial to the preservation of paper products. If we do not transfer the chant texts available in manuscripts and out-of-print books into a digital format now, they may be lost in the not so distant future.

10. A photo gallery. The digital gallery will include images of individuals and institutions that promote the Syriac heritage, cultural artifacts, Syriac inscriptions on the facade and altars of churches, burial places, Christian homes, palm-leaf manuscripts, etc. Indeed, a picture will speak a thousand words.

11. A comparative study of melodies in India and the Middle East. The Syro Malabar Church inherited the Syriac liturgy from the Chaldean Church in West Asia. A comparative study of the melodies in the The Syro Malabar Church and the Chaldean Church will be a worthy undertaking. The liturgy of the Hours in the The Syro Malabar Church continues to preserve some of the ancient melodies from the East Syriac tradition. For sure, melodies in both churches have undergone changes due to various reasons, but it is possible that the The Syro Malabar Church preserves earlier versions of these melodies. It is up to future researchers to substantiate that hypothesis.

In conclusion, Aramaic is not just another endangered language; it is the language in which Jesus and his followers announced the Good News. St. Thomas Christians used to take pride in the fact that they knew the "language of Jesus." When their priests chanted the Institution narrative during the Eucharistic celebration, the celebrants and laypeople alike felt a special connection with the original event that took place at the table at the Last Supper in Jerusalem; the very same words sounded almost in the same manner within the walls of their local churches in Kerala. Familiarity with the Syriac language and melodies might instill a similar sense of pride in the younger generation.

As long as reference to the Syriac language remains part of the names the churches of the St. Thomas Christians, the Syriac heritage cannot be dispensed with. A complete disconnect from the past may not be in favor of the self-awareness of the future generations; we will be creating a generation without an umbilical cord. Therefore, retaining at least a part of the Syriac heritage is essential to the continuing history.

The Syriac heritage of the St. Thomas Christians is an essential component of the colorful cultural fabric of India. The Aramaic Project will draw attention especially to the pre-sixteenth century history, and layers of cultural interactions that went into the formation of the unifying diversity that is India. It will also raise respect for India among the cultural leaders around the world as a country that continues to preserve a world heritage of humanity. Overall, the Aramaic Project is highly ambitious to say the least, and yet is time-sensitive; it is like aiming at the stars, hoping to reach at least the treetop. A concerted effort from people of all backgrounds, and a pooling of resources from all possible corners, are essential to achieve these goals. The current political upheavals in the Middle East, which is the geographical and cultural source of the Syriac heritage, are adversely affecting the preservation of these linguistic and musical treasures of humanity. For that reason, the Aramaic Project in India is an imperative.

Dedication

This website is dedicated to Fr. Chandy Kadavil (1588-1677), a great son of India and a celebrated St. Thomas Christian from Kaduthuruthy, in central Kerala. He was also known by his nickname in Syriac, “Alaksandros hendwāyā” Alexander the Indian. Fr. Kadavil was a great scholar, orator, and a prominent leader of the St. Thomas Christian. He lived at a tumultuous period in the history of the St. Thomas Christian, who reacted vehemently against the religious dominance of the Jesuit missionaries (who represented Rome) in Kerala, in 1653. Fr. Kadavil commanded respect from the local Hindu Kings, as well as the Portuguese missionaries. His scholarship was so well known that the European missionaries in Kerala wrote about him in their letters to Rome and the King of Portugal. Fr. Kadavil mastered the art of the Syriac language so well as to write acrostic poems that were known even in West Asia cfr. Istvan Perczel, “A Syriacist Disciple of the Jesuits in 17th-Century India: Alexander of the Port/Kadavil Chandy Kathanar,” Journal of the Canadian Society for Syriac Studies, vol. 14, 2004; P. J. Thomas, Malayāḷasāhityawum kṛistyānikaḷum Malayalam Literature and Christians, 3rd ed., with an appendix by Scaria Zacharia, 1989, Kottayam: D. C. Books, pp. 36, 143, 149.

Fr. Kadavil’s nickname, Alexander the Indian, is interesting. The Portuguese missionaries may have given him that name because they did not want to use the Malayalam adaptation of his first name "Chandy," (Chāṇṭi), the short form for Alexander. Locally, we know about Fr. Kadavil’s nickname from an eighteenth century manuscript that is currently in the archive at St. Joseph’s Monastery, the Motherhouse of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, at Mannanam, Kerala. This 336-page manuscript was copied (copying was completed on February 9, 1734) by Pilippose, son of Thomas, known as Kraw Yambistha (Syriac, “near” or “on dry land,” probably a translation of the Malayalam word Kariyil or Karayil); the copyist lived near the Martha Mariam (Syriac., "Lady Mary," i.e., St. Mary's Church at Kalloorkkad, presently known as Champakkulam) in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The manuscript starts with the Hours for Sundays for the liturgical season of Śūbārā (Syr., "Advent"). cfr. Emmanuel Thelly, “Syriac manuscripts in Mannanam Library,” Journal of Eastern Christian Studies, vol. 56, 2004, pp. 257-270

Folios 146r to 157v of the manuscript contain Fr. Kadavil’s acrostic poem. The poem’s title, possibly given by the copyist, reads: Mēmra dawīd l'qaśīśā aleksandrōs hendwāyā deskannī l'mēnāyā d'al qurbān m'śīhā, nemmar b'qal sāgdīnan (“Poetic homily by Father Priest Elder Alexander the Indian, who is called ‘At the Port’ Kadavil, about the sacrifice of Christ holy Eucharist, in the tune of Sāgdīnan”). In the Syriac literature, the terms India and Indian used to be referred to respectively as hendo and hendwāya. The copyist (Pilippose) also used the Syriac equivalent, l'mēnāyā (literally, "connected to the port") for the house name of Fr. Kadavil, (literally, “near the jetty,” i.e., he lived near a jetty or port) in Malayalam. The title of the poem also includes musically important information; the poem is composed in the meter and melody of a popular chant, Sāgdīnan. There are 22 strophes, one for each letter in the Syriac alphabet. There are twelve syllables in each verse, with rhyme on the ultimate syllable. The rhyming syllable is rēś, the twentieth letter in the alphabet. The first strophe begins in the middle of the seventh line on folio 146, on ālap, the first letter of the Syriac alphabet (see the letter in red color, in Estrangela script, separated by two asterisks).

A note on the photo of folio 146 of the manuscript: Fr. Antony Vallavanthara, C. M. I. (1942-2008) gave me this photo during my visit to St. Joseph's Monastery, a few months before his untimely death. He wished that I would include it in my future publication, and draw attention from Syriac scholars to the many literary treasures that are yet to be examined at the archive of the Monastery. A zealous promoter of the Syriac traditions of the Syro Malabar Church, Fr. Vallavanthara wanted the world to know that there were Christians in India who could compose acrostic poems in Syriac with rhyme. He also told me that he was planning to translate Fr. Kadavil's poem into Malayalam. May his soul rest in peace!

Source of inspiration

The source of inspiration for the Aramaic project is the life story of the saintly Palackal Thoma Malpan (Pālackal Tōmmā Malpān, circa 1780-1841), my collateral ancestor, a teacher and scholar of the Syriac language and liturgy, founder of the first seminary of the Syriac Christians in India, founder of the first indigenous religious congregation for men in India (see video), and a father to the Syro Malabar Church. The honorary title Malpān (from the Syriac word malpānā, meaning “teacher/scholar;” in today’s academic language, “Doctor of Divinity”) refers to his additional priestly role as a teacher of the Syriac language and liturgy, and as a preceptor of aspirants to priesthood. Thoma Malpan was the founder of the first seminary among the St. Thomas Christian, at our native village, Pallippuram, in 1818. Until this time, aspirants to priesthood followed the gurukula (literally, “home of the teacher”) system in which the students lived at the home of their teacher to receive formation to become priests. A significant part of that formation was the acquisition of proficiency in the Syriac language. One of the daily activities at the “Pallippuram Seminary,” as it came be to known, was the communal celebration of the liturgy of the Hours in Syriac. In the absence of printed books, the Malpan embarked on a difficult venture of preparing written copies of the liturgy, compiling the prayers and readings from manuscripts available from other Malpans in Kerala. The Pallippuram Seminary became a move toward the renewal and self-reliance of what eventually came to be known as the Syro Malabar Church. The Malpan’s prestigious protégé, and the dearest disciple whom he loved like a son is Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805-1871). See the image of the postage stamp issued by the Government of India, on the right side of the page. The Blessed Disciple later became the right hand of the Malpan and his close friend, Porukkara Thomma Malpan (1799-1846) in founding the first religious congregation for men in India that is currently known as the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (C.M.I.). Inspired (or tired?) by the copying activities at the Seminary, St. Chavara established the first printing press in India, with facilities for printing Syriac texts, at the premises of the mother house of the Congregation at Mannanam in 1844, three years after the demise of his guru, Palackal Malpan.

The stories about the Malpan that my father, Palackal Kurian Joseph (1915-1983), told me almost on a daily basis instilled such awe and respect in my young mind that, when I became an altar boy in the early 1960s, I was afraid to step on the Malayalam epitaph on the Malpan’s tomb at the main altar of our parish, St. Mary’s Forane Church. The epitaph was callously destroyed during the reconstruction of the Church in 1979. Later, my father’s accounts were corroborated by reading the only biography of the Malpan that the Blessed Disciple wrote and incorporated into one of the most significant historical documents of the 19th century, Nālāgamangal (“Chronicles”) in the Malayalam language. St. Chavara’s biography of the Malpan is believed to be the first in this literary genre in Malayalam, authored by an Indian with an Indian as the subject matter. Much later, I followed in the footsteps of the Blessed Disciple, and became a devotee of the saintly Malpan. St. Chavara, who was also a Malpan at the time of writing the Chronicles, introduced himself in the opening sentence with utmost humility as “Priest Chavara Kuriakose, one of the disciples, the lesser one, of our respected Malpan, who was called by the name Thomma, of Pallippuram Palackal” May the blessings of the Malpan and St. Chavara be on all the collaborators and contributors to the Aramaic project.

Special thanks & Acknowledgements

Special Thanks

We would like to express our gratitude to each and everyone who helped to launch this project, especially Rev. Paul A. Wood, Pastor, and the parishioners of St. Stanislaus Kostka and Transfiguration Churches in Maspeth, New York, Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, Dr. Verghese Kannarkat, M. D., and Rev. Fr. Provincial, S. H. Provincial House of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, India.

Acknowledgements

Felix Simon : Program Director
Rosy Kurian : Filed work coordinator
Jarly Mathew : Research associate
Alain Godbout : Calligraphy
Sherin Joby : Office Assistant
Raina Wong : Copy editor
Joseph Thekkadath Puthenkudy : Research Assistant
Please donate

At present, the idea of a Digital Library of Christian Music in India sounds like an overambitious project, yet it is something that should be done without delay. It is possible that the Aramaic project itself may amount to about 300 hours of recordings. As the scope of the project expands, so do the expenses. Expenses include remuneration to research assistants, their travel and accommodation expenses, partial remuneration to economically disadvantaged singers (which most of them are), studio expenses, recording equipment, remuneration to videographers and film editors, etc.. This can be achieved only by the concerted efforts of many generous people. To make a donation to the project, click the donate button present on the top right hand corner of the page or click here.

Those who are familiar with the region and the musical tradition can contribute to this project by sending information on individual singers, institutions, songs, books and articles, manuscripts, researches, and any other item that can be posted on this web site, and eventually added to the Digital Library. Please email the information to info@TheCMSIndia.org

Reintroduction of Syriac chants in the Syro Malabar liturgy

Liturgical celebrations could be the ideal forum to introduce a few Syriac chants to the younger generation that was born after the vernacularization of the Syro Malabar liturgy. It was quite heart-warming to see how the 130 young singers from the Syro Malabar communities across North America sang the response to the introductory chant, Puqdaankon ("With your command") and the Trisagion, Qaddisa Alaaha ("Holy God") with great enthusiasm. This occurred during the solemn celebration of the Syro Malabar Qurbana in English at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. D. C., on 7 September 2013. This was the first time the Syro Malabar Qurbana was celebrated at the National Shrine. Cardinal George Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church, was the celebrant, with Cardinal Donald Wuerl (Archbishop of Washington, D. C.) and Bishop Jacob Angadiath (Bishop of the St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago) as co-celebrants. (See my correspondence with the Major Archbishop's Office regarding the inclusion of the Syriac chant in this liturgy). Incidentally, this was the very first time a Syriac chant was heard within the walls of this magnificent and, probably, the biggest Catholic Church in the USA. The revised edition of the Music Notation of the English version of the Syro Malabar Qurbana will include the notation of the two chants mentioned above.

Earlier, these two chants were introduced, on an experimental basis, during the Qurbana in Malayalam at St. Joseph’s Church, at Kadavanthara, in Ernakulam, Kerala, on July 28, 2013 (See Video 1 & Video 2). The occasion was the feast of St. Alphonsa. The positive response from the choir and the congregation prompted the Vicar, Fr. Thomas Perumayan, who is also a singer and composer, to include those chants (Video 3 & Video 4) during the celebration of Qurbana for the Sunday School students. The practice continues. This is probably the only Parish in Kerala where these chants are part of the liturgy for the catechism students every Sunday.

The grand celebration at the National Shrine in Washington, D. C., on 7 September 2013, had positive repercussions among the Syro Malabar communities in the USA. For example, the St. Jude Syro Malabar Parish at Northern Virginia included, for the first time, two Syriac chant (Awūn d’baśmayyā / Our Father, and Tālāk ruhā / Come O Spirit) as part of the celebration of the First Holy Communion, on 02 Aug 2014. The Celebrant, Bishop Jacob Angadiath, who grew up in the Syriac tradition in Kerala, was pleasantly surprised, and complimented the Pastor Fr. Tijo Mullakkara, Felix Simon and the parents for making Syriac chants a part of the religious experience of the new generation of the Syro Malabar Catholics. The Parish community has resolved to continue the practice in the coming years.

Also, the second, revised edition (forthcoming, 2015) of the musical notation of the English version of the Solemn Qurbana will include the two Syriac chants that were sung at the National Shrine. If the younger generation takes a liking to the sound and melody of these chants, more Syriac chants may be added to Sunday celebrations in the future. Thus, the children of expatriate Syro Malabar Catholics will have an opportunity to connect themselves to the very source of Christianity as well as to experience the first part (“Syro”) of the name of their Mother Church in a special way. Indeed, history is in the making.

Field work

After a year-long preparation, the field work started in July 2013. The experience gained from earlier researches for the Syriac CD, Qambel Maran (PAN Records, Netherlands, 2002), my doctoral dissertation, Syriac Chant Traditions in South India (Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 2005), the DVD Kerala the Cradle of Christianity in South Asia (2008), and my chapter in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook Music and World Christianities (Oxford University Press) was helpful in formulating questions for the interviewees. With the help of a dedicated team of research assistants and technicians, we have about 60 hours of video recordings of interviews and performances by a number of resource persons. Geographically, the focus was mainly on the central and southern parts of Kerala. One of the most resourceful interviews was with Fr. Emmanuel Thelly, C. M. I. (b. 1925), author of several books on Syriac, including the Syriac-English-Malayalam Lexicon (1996). Fr. Thelly also respected our request to read for the camera from the poem he wrote recently in Syriac, and the famous acrostic hymn of St. Ephrem the Syrian (d. 372) on the name Īśō m’śīhā (Jesus the Anointed). Reviewing, editing, and archiving of these recordings are in progress. A few samples are posted below.

Pleasant surprises from field work 2013

In spite of over twenty years of research in the geographical area, and among the Syro Malabar Christians , I had quite a few pleasant surprises; I shall briefly mention two. First, the performance practice of “Holy, holy, holy” during the Eucharistic liturgy in Syriac on Holy Thursday used to be a unique musical and dramatic event. The reference to this event came during a preparatory conversation with Lonappan Arackal who currently serves as sacristan at St. John Nepomucene Church at Konthuruthy, Kochi, in central Kerala this is the only church in Kerala that is dedicated to this saint. Lonappan used to be the leader of music at this church when the liturgy was in Syriac. The hymn begins solemnly with melodic and rhythmic instrumental accompaniment (harmonium, violin, drum, and triangle), and continues so during the first half. In the middle of the hymn, however, instrumental accompaniment is stopped abruptly; the sacristan rings a wooden bell for a few seconds, portending the change of mood from joyful to sad; and the choir sings the rest of the hymn (“Blessed is He who came …”) in a sad, requiem manner without melodic or rhythmic accompaniment. The rest of the liturgy continues in this manner. The wooden bell replaces the church bell to mark liturgical time from this point onward, until Holy Saturday. Thus, this hymn becomes a transitional point in the observance of the Easter Tridium.

Future plans

What we encountered during the field work this year is only the tip of the iceberg. The scope of the project is larger than we envisaged. Each interview hinted at more resource persons to be contacted, and themes to be explored. Obviously, many musical treasures are hidden in the memory of the older generation of church singers that are yet to be excavated. A preliminary review of the recorded materials shows that there is a need to revisit some of the singers to clarify certain points and to record more songs, if possible. We plan to start preparations soon for the next stage of the field work in 2014. Next year, the focus will be on the singers in the northern parts of Kerala, including the hilly regions of Malabar.

Resources
Academic Resources
[1-10] [11-20] [21-30] [31-40]
# Description Useful links
1

Did St Thomas Come To India?
Aramaic Project Video 163 -Dr. Joseph J. Palackal reveals historical facts based on the CNN Documentary DOUBTING THOMAS to Mr. Cyriac Scaria.The interview was recorded during the 2019 Syro Malabar National Convention, Houston, Texas held in August 2019 .

This Video can be used for research and reference.

Video
2

North American Story - The story nf Bilingual Qurbana in North America

Reclaiming Syriac chants to Reaffirm Identity - An American Story By Dr. Joseph J. Palackal . 2019

Pdf

Link

3

The Library of Congress Webcast - Syriac Chants & Aramaic Christianity in India

SPEAKER: Joseph J. Palackal
EVENT DATE: 2018/05/31
RUNNING TIME: 56 minutes
TRANSCRIPT: View Transcript (link will open in a new window)

DESCRIPTION:

Joseph J. Palackal discusses Aramaic Christianity, an essential component of India's religious diversity. Christian faith came to the shores of South India from its source in West Asia, through the medium of the mother tongue of Jesus and the apostles. Christian Aramaic came to be known as Syriac, and due to unusual historical circumstances its tradition survived in India.

Pdf

4 ARAM Conference on Syriac Christianity, Oriental Institute, Oxford University. From 11 to 13 July 2018 Pdf
5 Syriac lessons (Courtesy: Church of the East, India) Pdf

Pdf

6 Knebel, Don. 2016. "The Language of Jesus in Ma'Loula. Current in Westfiled. August 16, 2016. Pdf
7 Palackal, Joseph J. "The Survival Story of Syriac Chants among the St. Thomas Christians in South India" in The Oxford Handbook of Music and World Christianities, edited by Jonathan Dueck and Suzel A. Reily. Oxford University Press. PDF Forthcoming. Abstract.
8 Garshuni Malayalam: A Witness to an Early Stage of Indian Christian Literature.” Hugoye: Journal of Syriac Studies, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 263-323. See a musical reference on p.302: “… a metrical poem by a certain Priest Mathew Matthu Kattanar about the travel and death of Joseph Kariattil.” The title of the poem includes a reference to the melody, “to be sung up on the tune of the chant ‘Little Boat.’”

Istvan Perczel. 2014.

 
9

Journal of the Canadian Society for Syriac Studies, vol. 14 -A Syriacist Disciple of the Jesuits in 17th-Century India: Alexander of the Port/Kadavil Chandy Kathanar.

Istvan Perczel - 2014.
 
10 Worth, Robert F. "In Syrian Villages, the Language of Jesus Lives." New York Times International. Tuesday, April 22, 2008. Pdf
11.

Kerala, the Cradle of Christianity in South Asia: The Cultural Interface of Religion and Music DVD.

Palackal, Joseph J. 2008.

 
12.

Syriac Chant Traditions in South India. - Palackal, Joseph J . 2005.

A study of the contemporary practice of model melodies of the Chaldean rite in the Syro Malabar Church, and the oktoechos "eight voices" of the Antiochene rite in the Orthodox churches. Ph.D. dissertation. The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Director: Stephen Blum. ProQuest ID 888835631.

Abstract. Proposal
13

Continuum Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World, vol. 5: Asia and Oceania- Palackal, Joseph J. 2005. Kerala, Kochi, Trivandrum.

Edited by John Shepherd, et al. London and New York:

The Continuum International Publishing Group, pp. 91-92, 104-105, 117-118.

 
14.

Oktoechos of the Syrian Orthodox Churches in South India. Ethnomusicology, Palackal, Joseph J. 2004.

vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 229-250.

Abstract
15

"Interface Between History and Music in the Christian Context of South India." -Palackal, Joseph J 2004.

A survey of the musical history of the Syro Malabar Church in Kerala, India, shows the mutuality of musical and historical inquiries in which musicological discourse assumes a significant role as a tool in historiography. in Christianity and Native Cultures: Perspectives From Different Regions of the World. Cyriac Pullapilly, et al., eds. Notre Dame, Indiana: Cross Cultural Publications, pp. 150-161. Booklet: 2002.

 
16

An Introduction to Malayalam Karshon. The Harp vol. xv, pp.99-106

Koonammakkal, Thoma Kathanar. 2002.

Pdf
17 Palackal, Joseph J 2002. Reprint 2009. Qambel Maran: Syriac Chants from South India. CD with 29 chants, 16-page booklet in English, map, 7 photographs, and bibliography. Chants in Syriac Aramaic from the Chaldean liturgy of the Syro Malabar Church of the St. Thomas Christians. Includes chants from the liturgy of the Hours, Raza, funeral services, Syriac translation of Latin chants by St.Thomas Aquinas, and chants for special occasions such as wedding and celebration of the feast of the Blessed Virgin and saints. Performers include Fr. Abel Periyappuram, C.M.I. 1920-2001, Fr. Probus Perumalil, C.M.I., et al. Recorded in Kerala, South India, in 1999 and 2000. PAN 2085. Library catalogs & Reviews
18 The Liturgical Contributions of Blessed Chavara. -Vallavanthara, Antony. 2001. Article
19 Palackal, Joseph J. 2001. India: Christian Music. The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. 2nd edn., vol. 12, edited by Stanley Sadie, John Tyrell. London: MaC.M.I.llan Publishers, pp. 233-34, 237.  
20 Palackal, Joseph J. 2000. Kerala Christian Musical Traditions. The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, vol. 5: South Asia: the Indian Subcontinent, edited by Alison Arnold. New York and London: Garland Publishing, pp. 944-947.  
21. Palackal, Joseph J 2000. Kerala Jewish Music. The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, vol. 5: South Asia: the Indian Subcontinent, edited by Alison Arnold. New York and London: Garland Publishing, pp. 948-949.  
22. Douglas Jehl. 1999. "Passing on History by Word of Mouth." - The New York Times International. Saturday, September 4, 1999. p. A4
23. Palackal, Joseph J . 1999. Problems and Issues in the Study of the Syriac Chant Traditions in South India. The St. Thomas Christians in India continue to preserve the Chaldean and Antiochene liturgies and chants in Syriac Aramaic that originated in the Middle East. The richness and the diversity in these chant traditions demand more scholarly attention than what they received in the past. A history of Indian music may be incomplete without the history of Syriac chants. Christian Orient, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 176-81.  
24. Palackal, Joseph J 1999. Sangeethawum sabhaacharitrawum gaweshana weekshanathil Music and Church History: Research Perspectives Musical memories handed down from generation to generation through oral transmission among Christians in Kerala preserve the stories of cultural and religious interactions between South India, the Middle East, and Europe. Sathyadeepam, vol. 73 August 18, 1999, pp. 5, 11. Language: Malayalam.  
25 Letter from Fr. Abel Periyappuram, CMI to Fr. Joseph Palackal, CMI Pdf
26 Palackal, Joseph J . 1995. Puthen paana: A Musical Study. An analysis of the intercultural processes that influenced the singing styles of Puthen paana, an eighteenth-century Malayalam poem by John Earnest Hanxleden, in the historical context of Christianization and religious colonization in South India. Master's thesis. Hunter College-CUNY. Director: Barbara L. Hampton. ProQuest ID: 740455261. Abstract.

 

 
27

Fr. Amos, C. M. I (1991).
Nammute ārādhanakṛama gāna pāramparyam pāramparyam (Malayalam, "Our liturgical music tradition")
Letter to the editor of Carmela Sandesham (December 1991)

Letter to the editor of Carmela Sandesham December 1991 (English Translation)

This letter from Fr. Amos CMI to the editor of Carmela Sandesham (for private circulations among members of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate worldwide) is valuable to music scholars because it draws attention to the Syriac melodies that were prevalent within the CMI communities. It also points to the differences between the melodies of the same chants among the diocesan priests and the CMI priests.

Letter (Malayalam)

Letter
(English Translation)

28 P. J. Thomas Parakkunnel Ouseph Joseph Thomas. 1935 1989. Malayāḷa sāhityawum kṛistyānikaḷum Malayalam Literature and the Christians. 3rd ed., with an appendix pp. 311-540 by Scaria Zacharia. Kottayam: D. C. Books. First published in 1935 under the title Kēraḷattile kṛistīya sāhityam. Athirampuzha: St. Mary's Press.  
29 J. P. M. van der Ploeg. 1983. The Christians of St. Thomas in South India and Their Syriac Manuscripts. Rome & Bangalore: Center for Indian and Inter-Religious Studies & Dharmaram Publications.  
30 Miller, Judith. 1983. "Aramaic, Jesus's Language, is still Spoken in Syria. The New York Times. December 25, 1983. pdf
31 Cody, Aelred. 1982."The Early History of the Octoechos in Syria." In East of Byzantium: Syria and Armenia in the Formative Period. Nina g. Garosian, Thomas F. Mathews, and Robert W. Thomson,editors. Washington, D. C. Dumbarton Oaks. Pp. 89-113.  
32 Palackal, Joseph J . 1980. Aaraadhanakramatthil sangeethatthinulla sthaanam The Role of Music in Liturgy The ancient Syriac Aramaic chant tradition is one of the identity markers of the Syro Malabar Church in Kerala, India. Preservation of these chants should go hand in hand with adaptation of Indian classical and semi-classical styles of music in liturgy. St. Mary's Forane Church Souvenir, Pallippuram, India, pp. 71-77. Language: Malayalam.  
33 East Syriac Liturgical Poetry of the St Thomas Christians -Joseph Alencherry Pdf
34 Emmnuel Thelly's Letter on the Kottayam Cross Pdf
35 Emmanuel Thelly's Letter on Lā tekre lāk Pdf
36 SAFEGUARDING THE MUSICAL TRADITIONS OF EASTERN CHRISTIANITY

Chants from East Syriac Tradition of the Syro Malabar Church - HANDOUT

THE NAZRANI CHOIR, ROME

Pdf
BOOKS
[1-10] [11-20] [21-30] [31-40]
# Book Title and Description Useful link
1

Introduction to Syriac - An Elementary Grammar with Readings from Syriac Literature.

Thackston, Wheeler M. 1999
Publishers - Maryland. Ibex
Cover page
2

The Aramaic Edicts of Asoka

Book by Mukherjee, B. N. 1984. Culcutta. The Indian Museum

 
3

Dewaalya geethangal Malayalam, “Church hymns”,

Edited by - Fr. Basselios of St. Theresa, T. O. C. D.

Printed at St. Mary’s Press, Elthuruth 1902. 172 pages 10 cms x 15 cms. The book contains text of Syriac hymns for various occasions, for the use of the church choir. A large number of hymns are translations of Latin chants that were composed anew in Kerala. Names of translators and composers of the melodies are unknown. The text is printed in Malayalam script, indicating that Syriac literacy was on the wane among the lay people in the Syro Malabar Church, by the end of the 19th century.

Title page.
4

The Syriac-Malayalam Hymnal,

Compiled by Rev. A.Saldanha S.J., 1937.

Printed at Codialbail Press, Mangalore, for the Cathedral Church, Calicut, in 1937. Pp. 27 + 181 + x + v. Part I: Syriac chants of the solemn high mass of the Chaldeo-Syrian rite of Kerala text transliterated in Malayalam, music in Western staff notation. Part II: Malayalam devotional songs in Western staff notation. This is the first publication of Syriac melodies in staff notation in India. Probably, these melodies were composed in Kerala. The Preface in English and Malayalam, pp. 9-18 by Rev. Saldanha is quite informative, among other things, on the status Christian music in Kerala in the first quarter of the twentieth century.

Foreword, Preface, and Table of Contents
5

Husmann, Heinrich, ed. 1971. Die Melodien der jacobitischen Kirche, ii: Die Qāle gaoāniāie des Beit gazā. Sitzungsberichte der Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Philosophische- historische Klasse, 273 (4). Vienna: Hermann Böhlaus Nachfolger

  • Part I: Die Melodien des Commune des Chaldaischen Breviers, ach der tradition des vorderen orientes. Gesungen von P. Ephrem Bede, Chaldaischer Chorbischof, Patriarchalvikar in Kairo.Husmann, Heinrich, ed. 1969a. Die Melodien der jacobitischen Kirche, i: Die Melodien des Wochenbreviers (śhīmtā) gesungen von Qurillāos Ja’qub Kas Görgös, Metropolit von Damaskus. Sitzungsberichte der Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Philosophische- historische Klasse, 262 (1). Vienna: Hermann Böhlaus Nachfolger. (Review by Josef Kuckertz in Die Musikforschung 23 (1970): 371– 373.)
  • Husmann, Heinrich. 1969b. “Die Tonarten der Chaldäschen breviergesänge.” Orientalia Christiana Periodica 35: 215– 248.
  • Part II: Die Melodien des commune des Chaldaischen Breviers, nach der tradition der Indischen christen der Malabarkuste. Gesungen von P. Amos C. M. I., Generelakonom des Ordens Carmelitarum Mariae Immaculatae, Prior General’s House, Ernakulam, Kerala.
Cover page.
6

Die Melodien des Chaldaischen Breviers Communenach denTraditionen Vorderasiens und der Malabarküste

Edited by - Heinrich Husmann.
Publisher
- Orientalia Christiana Analecta, no. 178. Rome: Pontificum Institutum Orientalium Studiorum, 1967.

 
7

Kerala Kaldaaya Suriyaani Reethile Thirukkarmma Geethangal Liturgical hymns of the Chaldeo-Syrian rite of Kerala,

Edited by - Fr. Mathew Vadakel and Fr. Aurelius.
Published by- S. H. League, Aluva. 1954.

 

Syriac texts transliterated in Malayalam script; music in staff notation. Printed at Codialbail Press, Mangalore.

Cover page and Table of Contents.
8

Syro-Chaldaic Grammar by Fr. Gabriel of St. Joseph, T.O.C.D., 5th edition,

Revised by Fr. Emmanuel Thelly, C.M.I. Mannanam:

St. Joseph's Press (1961)

Fr. Sajji Mattathil singing the Syriac alphabet

Cover page

and

Table of content

9.

Ref. Code-008-040

The Akkadian Influences on Aramaic by Stephen A. Kaufman

Pdf
10.

Ref. Code - 008-041

1957 Pontificial

Pdf
11.

Ref. Code-008-042

Order of the Mysteries

Pdf
12.

Ref. Code - 008-046

Thukasa

Pdf
13.

Ref. Code-008-047

Thaksa d' Qudasa - Printed in - Puthanpally Seminary , Printer – Fr. Andrews Kalappura Malpan

Imprimatur – Mar Makil Mathew , Vicar apostolic of Changanasseery,Mar Menacherry John,Vicar apostolic of Trichur,Mar Pazheparambil Alosious .Vicar Apostolic of Ernakulam.

Content - Propriya , Readings of the day Mass

Pdf
14.

Ref. Code - 008-048

Kudasha d' sleeha thuvana (Sleehanmaarude Kudhasha Kramam) - The Qurbana order of 1945

Printed by - Malpan Mathew Vadekkal, Mangalappuzha Seminary

Printer-: Mar Thomas Sleeha Press, Aluva (1945)

Re-Imprimatur-: Mar Augustine Kandathil , (Metropolitan Arch Bishop of Ernakulam)

CONTENT

  • · Reading for Sunday
  • · Preparation for the Mass
  • · The ordinary of the Mass
  • · Servers part of the Mass
  • · The common of Saints
  • · Reading for the result of Saints
  • · Huthama (Final blessing of the feast of blessed Virgin Mary)
Reading for the three ninivian lent (Bautha abstinence days)
Pdf
15.

Ref. Code -008-049

Awsar Slawotho 2 Takso d Qurobo

Published By - St. Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute (SEERI), Kottayam

Printed at - St. Joseph's Orphanage Press, Changanserry

Year - 2014

Pdf
16.

Ref. Code-008-050

The Qurbana Book of 1901

Pdf
17.

Ref. Code - 008-051

Bedjan Acta MartyrumEtSanctorum V2

Pdf
18.

Ref. Code - 008-052 | 008-053

The Rite of the Divine Mysteries of the Chaldean Church of East

Pdf

Pdf

19.

Ref. Code - 008-054

The Liturgy of the Echarist according to the Chaldean Church

Pdf
20.

Ref. Code - 008-055

Hallelujah A Syriac Hymnal

Edited by - PERRY O. DANIELS (Minster of Clayton Presbyterion Church)

Published by - ASSRYIAN PRESS - GARY ,INDIANA

Year - 1930

Pdf
21..

Ref Code - 008-058

Taksa D Qurbana Mar Thoma Nasrani - 1963

Pdf
22.

Ref. Code- 008-062

Treasure Of The Syriac Language Year - 1985

Pdf
23.

Ref. Code- 008-063

 

COMPENDIOUS SYRIAC GRAMMER

BY THEODOR NOLDEKE

Translated by James A. Crichton, Year - 1904, Printed by Williams Norgate, London

Pdf

24.

Ref. Code- 008-064

COMPENDIOUS SYRIAC GRAMMER

BY THEODOR NOLDEKE

Edited By J. PAYNE SMITH, Year - 1904, Printed by Williams Norgate,London

Pdf
25.

Ref. Code- 008-072

Bedgan (Hudra)

It is briviary (Hudra) of the chaldean catholic church and Syro malabar church
Printed in Rome , 1886
Composed by : Rt. Rev. Msgr. Paul Bedgan

Pdf
26.

Ref. Code- 008-073

Bedgan (Hudra-2)

It is briviary (Hudra) of the chaldean catholic church and Syro malabar church
Printed in Rome , 1887
Composed by : Rt. Rev. Msgr. Paul Bedgan

Pdf
27.

Ref. Code- 008-074

Bedgan (Hudra-3)

It is briviary (Hudra) of the chaldean catholic church and Syro malabar church
Printed in Rome , 1887
Composed by : Rt. Rev. Msgr. Paul Bedgan

Pdf
28.

Ref. Code 008-076

SYRIAC GRAMMER with BIBLIOGRAPHY, CHRESTOMATHY AND GLOSSARY By Dr. EBERHARD NESTLE.

Second enlarged and improved edition of the Brevis Linguae Syriacae Gramatica.
translated from the German
by
ARCHD. R. S. KENNEDY, B.D.,
Prof. of Oriental Languages, Univ. Of Aberdeen.

Pdf

Pdf

Pdf

29.

Ref. Code - 008-077

Aramaic (Semitic Languages Outline of a Comparative Grammar

Pdf
30.

Ref. Code- 008-091

Pattu Qurbana of Syro Malabar Church in Syriac

സിറോ മലബാർ സഭയുടെ ആഘോഷമായ പാട്ടുകുർബാന
സുറിയാനി ഭാഷയിൽ

വിശ്വാസ പരിശീലന കേന്ദ്രം
പാലാ രൂപത

Pdf
31.

Ref. Code- 008-093c

Institution narrative in the Thaksa edited by Fr. Mathew Vadakel (1946)

 

Pdf
32.

Ref. Code- 008-093b

Institution Narrative Thaksa of 1960

Published from Ernakulam (for private circulation only).

Year -December 5, 1960.

Imprimatur- Archbishop Joseph Parecattil

Pdf
33.

Ref. Code- 008-093a

Institution narrative in Syriac in the Malayalam Thaksa of 1968


Published by
- Liturgical Committee. Aluva, Mar Thoma Sleeha Press.

 
34.

Ref. Code- 008-093

Institution narrative Assyrian Church of the East 2003

Second edition.

Printed at Mar Narsai Press, 2003.

First published in 1959

 
35

Ref. Code- 008-094

ANAPHORA of St Nestorius Chaldean

Pdf
36.

Ref. Code- 008-095

ELEMENTS OF SYRIAC GRAMMER BY AN INDUCTIVE METHOD<

BY

R. D. WILSON (ROBERT DICK WILSON), Ph d

Printed at -Charles Scribner's Sons Press, NewYork 1891

Pdf
37.

Ref. Code- 008-096

PARADIGMS AND EXCERCISES IN SYRIAC GRAMMER

BY

THEODORE H. ROBINSON

Fourth Edition revised by L.H. Brockington

Printed at - CLARENDON PRESS, OXFORD, 1962

Pdf
38.

Ref. Code- 008-097

MOIS DE MARIE BY Paul Bedjan, P.D.L.M.

Pdf
39.

Ref. Code- 008-098

RAZA - ASSYREAN CHURCH OF EAST

Pdf
40.

Ref. Code- 008-099

BIBLIOTHEQUE SYRO CHALDEENNE

Pdf
41.

Ref. Code- 008-100

Chaldean Language Elementary Course

By

Mar Sarhad Y. Jummo

Rights reserved by - Chaldean Media Center Publication , San Diego, California, 2008

Pdf
Manuscripts

Manuscript of Syriac chants in staff notation by Fr.Aiden Kulathinal, C. M. I.


Copied in 1948 from an earlier manuscript now lost by Fr. Aiden Kulathinal, C. M. I., at St. Theresa’s Monastery at Ampazhakkadu, Kerala. So far as we know, this manuscript contains the earliest transcriptions of model melodies from the liturgy of the Hours in the Chaldean rite of the Syro Malabar Church, India. The 27 pages are divided into three sections: pages 1-14 contain 51 Syriac melodies from the Hours; pages 15-19 consist of notation of what looks like Western melodies to be verified without text underlay; and pages 20-27 contain Marian litanies in Latin with Syriac translation. The Syriac texts are written in Malayalam script. The original copy is at the library at Acharaya Palackal Jeevass Kendram, Aluva, Kerala. See more details in Palackal 2005, pp. 134-135.

See page 1 and page 2

Speeches / Press reports

[2020] [2019][2018][2017][2016]
Date Title Author Source Link
June 2019

അബ്രഹാത്തിന്റെ , ഇസഹാക്കിന്റെ , ഇസ്രായേലിന്റെ ദൈവം

( The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob )

A Review by Fr. John Vinayi about the lecture by Dr. Joseph J. Palackal, CMI at the American Library of Congress on 31 May 2018. . pubished in Carmela Sandesam (CMI Bulletin) No. 242 June 2019 ( Page 14 to 21)

Fr. John Vinayi Carmela Sandesam (CMI Bulletin) No. 242 , June 2019 Pdf
26-7-2018 Protect Aramaic heritage

Staff Reporter - THE HINDU

 

THE HINDU

 

Pdf

Link

26-5-2018 Children sing Aramaic during First Holy Communion Zoey Maraist The Arlington Catholic Herald

Pdf

Link

24-5-2018 ഫാദര്‍ ഡോക്ടര്‍ ജോസഫ് ജെ . പാലക്കല്‍, അമേരിക്കന്‍ ലൈബ്രറി ഓഫ് കോണ്‍ഗ്രസില്‍ അംഗീകരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു Korasan Marunadan Malayalee

Pdf

22-May-2018 ഫാ. ജോസഫ് ജെ. പാലക്കലിന് അമേരിക്കൻ ലൈബ്രറി ഓഫ് കോൺഗ്രസിന്റെ അംഗീകാരം Korasan us.manoramaonline.com

Link

Pdf

22-May-2018 ഫാദര്‍ ഡോക്ടര്‍ ജോസഫ് ജെ . പാലക്കല്‍, അമേരിക്കന്‍ ലൈബ്രറി ഓഫ് കോണ്‍ഗ്രസില്‍ അംഗീകരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു Korasan, NewYork KalavediOnline

Link

Pdf

22-May-2018 ഫാദര്‍ ഡോക്ടര്‍ ജോസഫ് ജെ . പാലക്കല്‍, അമേരിക്കന്‍ ലൈബ്രറി ഓഫ് കോണ്‍ഗ്രസില്‍ അംഗീകരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു Korasan, NewYork emalayalee.com

Link

Pdf

21-May-2018 ഫാദര്‍ ഡോക്ടര്‍ ജോസഫ് ജെ. പാലക്കല്‍, അമേരിക്കന്‍ ലൈബ്രറി ഓഫ് കോണ്‍ഗ്രസില്‍ അംഗീകരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു Korasan ,NewYork malayaladailynew.com Link

Pdf

21-May-2018 ഫാദര്‍ ഡോക്ടര്‍ ജോസഫ് ജെ. പാലക്കല്‍, അമേരിക്കന്‍ ലൈബ്രറി ഓഫ് കോണ്‍ഗ്രസില്‍ അംഗീകരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു   JPMNEWS.com
joychenputhukulam.com
Link

Pdf

18-April -2017 C N N അന്വേഷിക്കുന്ന ക്രിസ്തു ?

മനോഹര്‍ തോമ

Manohar Thomas

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18-April -2017

യേശു ക്രിസ്തു സംസാരിച്ചിരുന്ന ഭാഷ മരിക്കുകയാണോ ? (മനോഹര്‍ തോമസ്)

( Is the language spoken by Jesus Christ dying ? )

മനോഹര്‍ തോമസ്

Manohar Thomas

ജോയിച്ചൻപുതുക്കുളം.കോം

JPMNEWS.com
joychenputhukulam.com

Link


PDF

18-April -2017

യേശു ക്രിസ്തു സംസാരിച്ചിരുന്ന ഭാഷ മരിക്കുകയാണോ ? (മനോഹര്‍ തോമസ്)

( Is the language spoken by Jesus Christ dying ? )

മനോഹര്‍ തോമസ്

Manohar Thomas

emalayalee.com

Link


PDF

05 Nov 2016 "For the Love of Christ and Music" - The New Indian Express Shevlin Sebastian The New Indian Express PDF
30 July 2016 "Abha, Why Have You Forsaken Me" Viju B The Times of India, Page No.2 PDF
1 August 2015. Celebrant and speaker at the Festival of Eastern Churches, Ukranian Greek Catholic Cathedral, Central London. Appachan Kannanchira

Deepika.com

(Pravasi Varthakal)

PDF PDF
29 July 2015 Celebrant and speaker at the Syro Malabar Day at the Sacred Heart Church, Liverpool, Warrington, England. - Appachan Kannanchira

BritishMalayali.co.uk

Deepika.com-Pravasi Varthakal

UKMalayalam.com

PDF PDF PDF PDF PDF
23 April 2014 "St. Stan's pastor to screen film on Aramaic language" Andrew Shilling Queens Ledger
PDF-Print Edition
PDF-Internet Edition
1 May 2014 Reverend dedicates work to Language Preservation Sarah Iannnone Queens Examinar Link
17 April 2014 "Maspeth Priest Resurrecting Ancient Language" Eric Jankiewicz The Courier Sun
PDF
PDF-Print Edition
PDF-Internet Edition
29- Sept -2014.

Koottaymayute prakaashana wediyaayi Washington, D. C. theerthadanam -(The Washington, D. C. Pilgrimage became an occasion for highlighting the unity of the Church during the visit of Major Archbishop George Cardinal Alencherry Sunday Shalom, -

 

Deepika

Link
12-August 2012

Christava ganangalude Sushrukshakan (CareTaker of Christian Songs)

  Deepika Link
12 Nov-2009 Kerala , the Cradle of Christainity in South Asia - DVD

 

-World Premiere at Queens International Film Festival

  Deepika News Link
17-Nov 2009 East meets West by ,Holly Tsang-   Queens Ledger 'Link'
Nov-2009

DVD Review -

Kerala , the Cradle of Christainity in South Asia - DVD

 

  Deepika.com

page1 ,

page2

Nov-2009

DVD Review -

Kerala , the Cradle of Christainity in South Asia - DVD

Fr. Joseph Palackal's documentary nominated for Award-

  Manoram-online Link
Nov-20-2009

Kerala , the Cradle of Christainity in South Asia - DVDD

Indian Priest's documentary selected for International Film festival to be held in New York city

  PCTV NewsDesk Pakistan-Christian-TV Link
Nov-20-2009

DVD Review

-Kerala , the Cradle of Christainity in South Asia - DVD

Documentry on Chrsitain music picked for Queens film festival-

A Corrrespondant - India- Abroad
    Link
Nov 2009 Performance in OffBroadway show    

Pic1

Pic2

Nov-11-2009

DVD Review

-Kerala , the Cradle of Christainity in South Asia - DVD

-An documentry by Fr: Joseph Palackal - an Non-resident Indian selected for an award

  Joyachan Puthukkulam -eMalayalee Link
2-Aug-2008

Discovering Christainity's First Home in India -DVD Screening Launch

Kerala , the Cradle of Christainity in South Asia - DVD

Invitation by -

Kerala Tourism Dept.

   
2-Aug-2008

DVD Review -

Kerala , the Cradle of Christainity in South Asia - DVD

  Deepika News Link,
3- Nov -2006. Demystifying a Musical Tradition V. Kaladharan:The Hindu V. Kaladharan The Hindu PDF
Oct- 4- 2005 Christianity in India: Faith in a Multireligious Milieu." 37th Annual National Catholic Development Conference. St. Louis, Missouri.     Link
May-8-1998

Joseph J Palakcal speaks about Two Traditions of "Chant in India" .

From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Church, 1525 Newton St. NW. Free. (202) 546-1477. (MJ)- Washington CityPaper

Mark Jennins Washington CityPaper

Pdf

Link

 

Two angels holding a banner with inscription in Syriac. Wooden reredos of the main altar at St.Joseph's Church, Vaikkom, Kottayam Dt. Photo: 7 July 2013.

Syriac Writing at St. Marys Forane Church,Pallippuram
Syriac writing at St. Joseph Forane Church, Vaikom
Female Voice/Sisters of St.Thomas

Don Tom Francis, the smiling face of the Syriac language. Photo: 4 August 2014.
Rebecca accompanied by the neighbourhood birds sings the syriac hymn "Tālāk Ruhā"(Come O Spirit).

Qaddisa Alaaha (Kandisa alaha). Trisagion in East Syriac.

The First Communion candidates singing syriac hymns at St Jude Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Northern Virginia on 02 Aug 2014.

The Children’s Choir at Suriyanippally, Palluruthy, sing the Malayalam and Syriac versions of B’eda d’yawmaan” (hymn to the Blessed Virgin)

Josetta Jarly teaches the Syriac chant "We hu nehade" from Raza. 15 June 2015.

Sebastian Menachery in conversation with Dr. Joseph J. Palackal. 19 July 2014.

St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam, Kottayam Dt.,Kerala. St. Chavara (1805-1871) established the first press in India with facilities for printing Syriac texts at the campus of this Monastery, in 1844.

Maar w'alaah "My Lord and my God" (Jn 20: 28). Words of St.Thomas the Apostle of India. Calligraphy in Estrangela script by Alain Godbout, Nov 2013.

The Institution narrative in Syriac as it appears in the Malayalam missal of the Syro Malabar Church, printed in 1989 (p.88). See Melody#1 & Melody#2


Seminary at Pallippuram (1818-c. 1855) founded by the Malpan; merged to the Seminary of St. Joseph, Mannanam (1833-1894); the edifice was pulled down c. 1978, together with the Pallippuram Church; Photograph: P. J. Kuncheria, Changanacherry.

Qambel Maran: Syriac Chants from South India The first commercial CD of chants from the liturgy of the Syro Malabar Church.


The Syro Malabar choir at the National Shrine , Washington D.C. singing Syriac and Sanskrit chants. 7 September 2013.

Fr.Thomas Perumayan teaches the Sunday School Children the Syriac hymn 'Laaku Maara' at St.Joseph Church, Kadavanthara. 19 July 2015.

Paul Vathappallil sings "B'eda d'yaawmaan" (On this festival day), in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Statue with inscription in Syriac at Marth Mariam Church at Kuravilangad.

Road sign to Beth Thoma (Syriac, House of Thomas floatrightthe Apostle), the first Dayra for women in the Syro Malabar Church. The name is written in Malayalam, Latin, and Syriac scripts. Photo 29 July 2013

The choir at St.Joseph Church, Kadavanthara. Picture courtesy: St Alphonsa Unit, Kadavanthara.

Fr. Abel Periyappuram, C.M.I. (1920-2001), lyricist and a transitional figure in the transference of some of the Syriac melodies to the vernacular (Malayalam) text.






Major Arch Bishop's House, Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly

CMI Sacred Heart Provincial House, Rajagiri

Bilingual singing of Qambel Maran by Josy Palackal at St.Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Bronx, New York.

Catherine sings the Solemn form of the Lord's Prayer (Awund'wasmayya)

Cardinal Alencherry compliments Dr Joseph J Palackal

A Granite cross with syriac Inscriptions

Suwhalaawa Suwhalaawa." Bilingual singing in Syriac and Malayalam. Commemoration Hymn

Aramaic_edicts_of_asoka Studies of Aramaic Edicts of Asoka - Reference book by B.N. Mukharjee

syriac-inscriptions-found-in-pallipuram-church Syriac inscriptions found on the Altar at St. Mary's Forane church, Pallipuram

syriac-writing-at-St-Marys-forane-Church-Athirampuzha Syriac writings on the main altar at St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha

syriac-writing-at-St-Marys-Forane-Church-Valiapally-Kaduthuruthyl Syriac writing at St. Mary's Forane Church Valiapally, Kaduthuruthy

syriac-writing-at-St-Antonys-Church-Thycattussery Syriac writing at St. Antony's Church, Thycattussery

Marriage-Invitation-of-Wilson-Muriyadan-in-Syriac A Unique Marriage Invitation of Wilson Muriydan printed in Syriac along with English

Letter to Mr. Cyriac Kandathil Syriac writings on the main altar at St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha

Letter to Mr. Cyriac Kandathil Syriac writings on the main altar at St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha

Letter to Mr. Cyriac Kandathil Syriac writings on the main altar at St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha

Aramaic Chants Chicago Children sing Aramaic during First Holy Communion at St. Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese of Chicago on 26-May-2018

St-Marys-Forane-Church-Thazhathupally-KaduthuruthySyriac script on the altar - St. Mary's Forane Church Thazhathupally, Kaduthuruthy

St-Marys-Forane-Church-Thazhathupally-KaduthuruthySyriac script on the altar - St. Mary's Forane Church Thazhathupally, Kaduthuruthy

St-Marys-Forane-Church-Thazhathupally-KaduthuruthySyriac script on the altar - St. Mary's Forane Church Thazhathupally, Kaduthuruthy

St-Marys-Forane-Church-Thazhathupally-KaduthuruthySyriac script on the altar - St. Mary's Forane Church Thazhathupally, Kaduthuruthy

St-Dominic-Cemetry-Chapel-CrossHoly Cross at St. Dominic Cemetry Chapel, Kaduthuruthy

St-Dominic-Cemetry-Chapel-Syriac-ScriptSyriac writting at St. Dominic Cemetry Chapel, Kaduthuruthy

List of Interviews and performances

To view the Quick list of interviews and performances click here.
To view the complete list of songs recorded as part of the Aramaic Project, click here.

Interviews

Date Title Author Source Link
07 Aug 2016 "Akam Niranj Aramaya" Hari Prasad Sunday Edition, Deepika, Page No.3 PDF
7-Sept-2015

Queen's Public Television Presents - Culturel Express

Loui Gasparro inteviews Dr. Joseph Palackal about the Aramaic Language that was once spoken by Jesus Christ and his apostles.

 

Link

15-Aug-2015 3rd-Interview on the Vatican Radio  

  

Web Resources
Youtube Entries:
Commercial Media releases
 

Personalities & Institutions

# Personalities
1 Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara
2 Fr.Abel Periyapuram, C.M.I.
3 Fr. Aiden Kulathinal, C.M.I.
4 Alexander the Indian “Alexandros hendwāyā,” Fr. Chandy Kadavil
5 Fr. Alexander Kattakkayam, C.M.I.
6 Fr. Alexander Koolippura, C.M.I.
7 Fr. Augustus Thekkanath, C.M.I.
8 Fr. Aurelian, OCD Mangalappuzha Seminary
9 Fr. Charles Pyngot, C.M.I.
10 Fr. Emmanuel Thelly, C.M.I.
11 Fr. Gabriel Aranjaniyil, C.M.I.
12 Fr. George Plathottam Diocese of Palai
13 Dr. Heinrich Husmann Germany
14 Fr. Henry Suso Padiyara, C.M.I. 1918-2008
15 Fr. Jacob Vellian
16 Justin Menachery Koonammavu
17 Lonappan Arackal Thevara
18 Fr. Ludovic Kunianthodath, C.M.I.
19 Fr. Mathew Vadakel Mangalappuzha Seminary
20 Paily Vathappillil Pallippuram, Cherthala
21 Fr. Palackal Thoma Malpan
22 Fr.Paul Bedjan 1838-1920
23 Fr. Paul Kodamullil Diocese of Kothamangalam
24 Fr. Placid Podiara, C.M.I.
25 Fr. Probus Perumalil, C.M.I.
26 Fr. Saldanha, SJ Syriac Malayalam Hymnal
27 Fr. Sebastian Sankoorikal Diocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly
28 Dr. Thomas Koonammackal
29 Wilson Muriyadan Thrissur Collector of manuscripts.

Institutions

  1. Beth Aprem Nazrani Dayra
  2. St. Joseph’s Monastery, Mannanam (Library and archive)
  3. St. Joseph’s Press, Mannanam: The first printing press in India with facilities for printing Syriac texts. Established by Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara.
  4. Mar Thoma Sleeha Press, Aluva
  5. Mar Narsai Press, Thrissur
  6. SEERI, Kottayam
 

 

User comments and reviews

Ref. Code From Comments
009-66

C. J. Lazar

Nov 6, 2019

Dear Fr. Joseph ,

I watched several of your interviews and read articles on your website. I am amazed at the amount of material you have collected and presented. The way you unpack complex subjects to an international audience is remarkable. Case in point being your address to the American Library of Congress, which made all Indians proud.

This website is a treasure house of information on church history and it’s rich heritage. I’m certain that the future generations will thank you for this fascinating endeavor you have taken on by racing against time. Thank you for your contributions in preserving our rich heritage. Please continue the stupendous work and I wish you all success.

CJ Lazar
Houston, Texas, USA

009-65

Amel Antony

Oct 9, 2019

Subject : Fr. Cyril Thayyil: A Promise to the future of Syriac chants in India

Thayyil Cyril Kathanar is indeed a beacon of hope for all of us who cherish our Syriac tradition and earnestly wish for a revival . From the interview , its clear that the lamp lit by Rev Palackal Ousep Kathanar is going to enlighten many , through the likes of Thayyil Kathanar and Mattathil Kathanar . What differentiates Thayyil Kathanar is his ardent passion for the language and East Syriac Liturgy . At the same time he is willing to experiment , to make it more appealing for the youth . Solemn Qurbana should be sung in the traditional manner , but new tunes should be encouraged to extend the reach . I'm glad that efforts are on in Chicago and also in Pala to that effect .


The next logical step would be to bring out an album of traditional Suriyani songs to the accompaniment of modern instruments . From our side the laity should petition our Holy Synod to start teaching Syriac in our Major Seminaries . If Greek , Hebrew and Latin can be taught , how can Syriac be left behind ? It's a matter of shame that most of the Syro Malabar Priests do not even have a working knowledge of Syriac . On the contrary Syro Malankara Church is steadfast in its allegiance to West Syriac language and traditions . Lets hope that Bilingual Qurbana would gain much acceptance among the faithful .
May the Almighty bless Palackal Kathanar and Thayyil Kathanar to continue with their efforts.

009-64

Tensen kalarickal

Oct 3, 2019

Subject : Fr. Cyril Thayyil: A Promise to the future of Syriac chants in India

Rev. Fr. Thaiyyil is a blessing to the Syro Malabar church especially for those who love Syriac liturgy. A great talent... soulful singing! Another dedicated, devoted and talented priest like Rev. Fr. Saji Mattathil. The topics discussed in the interview are very relevant, informative and inspiring. Many thanks to Rev. Fr. Joseph Palackal for his great initiative and tireless effort in preserving, propagating and popularizing the rich Syriac liturgy! I am sure that Rev. Fr. Palackal’s interviews would be a great asset for the generations to come! Congratulations and God bless!!!

009-63

Anu James

September 30, 2019

Subject : Marriage of Ribin Jose and Reshma: Reclaiming an old custom

I honestly can't get over how beautiful and meaningful this ceremony is ! ? The Syriac chants sung in malayalam are also heavenly and the choir has done a Great job in that !

009-62

Sijo Mathews

August 1, 2019

Subject : Marriage of Ribin Jose and Reshma: Reclaiming an old custom

Really brave step of incorporating old customs. Also Achans earthly voice really stands out... very nice

009-61

Edwin Jose

August 1, 2019

Subject : Marriage of Ribin Jose and Reshma: Reclaiming an old custom

വേരുകൾ ദുർബലം എങ്കിൽ വൃക്ഷം തീർച്ചയായും അധഃപതിക്കും. എന്നാൽ വേരുകൾ ശക്തമെങ്കിൽ മരം മുകളിൽനിന്നു വെട്ടിയാലും വീണ്ടും തളിർക്കും. ഇത് നമ്മെ പ്രകൃതി തന്നെ പഠിപ്പിക്കുന്ന പാഠമാണ്. ഇത് എന്നെങ്കിലും ഒരിക്കൽ സിറോ മലബാർ സഭ മനസ്സിലാക്കട്ടെ എന്ന് ഞാൻ മാറാൻ ഈശോ മിശിഹായോടു പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നു<

009-60

Amal Antony

August 29, 2019

Subject - Sophia Chirayil sings Syriac chant during personal prayer

There is nothing more heartening than seeing one's efforts bearing fruit and I'm sure Rev Palackal Kathanar would have felt so , interviewing Sophia Chirayil. Our only prayer is that , let a thousand flowers bloom in the garden of Aramaic heritage & Chants !

009-59

Amal Antony

August 15, 2019

Subject - Qandisa alaha during bilingual Qurbana at Syro Malabar Convention in Houston

Yet another proud moment for the faithful of SMC . Bilingual Qurbana is catching on and yes the enthusiasm of the youngsters is so heartwarming . Let me place on record my deepest appreciation for the sincere efforts and perseverance of Rev Palackal Ousep Kathanar in making this possible When a section of the SMC in Kerala is still unable to come to terms with the history , identity and unique Patrimony of the Church , St Thomas Diocese of Chicago stands tall as a beacon of hope . Lets pray that these videos would be watched by many and they would in turn get inspired to demand bilingual Qurbana in their Parishes Even as we edify ourselves in reclaiming our liturgical heritage , its a time for introspection as well. His Beatitude is unable to celebrate a Bilingual Qurbana in Ekm Angamaly Archdiocese for obvious reasons . For that matter even the Qurbana as decreed by the Holy Synod is an anathema for a section of the clergy and they indulge in wanton additions and deletions . However lets dream and hope for a day when the SMC - would stand united as a church of the East Syriac tradition enriching this great Catholic Communion

009-58

Sebastian S

August 14, 2019

Subject - Institution Narrative in Syriac during bilingual Qurbana at Syro Malabar Convention

This was one of the most memorable moments of this Qurbana! To hear the words of consecration in the language of our Lord... It felt like I was there on the night of Passover with the disciples.

009-57

Micky Finn

August 13, 2019

Subject - Aramaic Project 143- Dr Joseph Palackal introduces two Syriac chants during Qurbana in Houston (Armaic Project)

Dear Fr. Joseph,

Thank you for the English captions....so appreciated by your English speaking followers...the chants, always soul reaching, are more meaningful.

( Source - Comments from -facebook/aramaic-project page

009-56

Arnold Gregory Alphonso

August 4, 2019

Subject - Mr. Jerry Amaladev

Dear Mr. Joseph,

Very delighted and thank you so much for your reply. (I hope I have addressed you properly).

I will surely send an email to Mr. Jerry Amaladev about it.

Thank you again for the wonderful videos. I was fascinated by the Christian heritage of Kerala and it has been very helpful understanding the history behind the various forms of sacred music in Kerala, and how it evolved over time.

Kind regards,

Arnold

009-55

Abin Koovaplackal

April 15, 2019

Subject: CD of Syriac chants: Qambel Maran

Dear Palackal Acha,

I am Abin Koovaplackal from Melbourne, Australia. Originally I am from the Eparchy of Palakkad. I am a nurse by profession and has migrated to Australia in 2011. I am married to Simi. She is also working as a nurse here. We got a kid Thomas - to be 3 yrs in May and Simi is carrying now. Firstly I would like to congratulate you for the great work you are doing through the Aramaic Project. It is really inspiring and courageous. I pray the Holy Spirit guide and help you in your endeavours. I have attended a Mass celebrated by you in Canberra years before I remember buying the Margam CD and some posters. However, I recently came to see your youtube channel which is a great source of exciting information Truly we study history of people around the world, but know little about our own history. Though we Syro Malabar Christians claim that we have a faith that hails from St. Thomas the apostle, It is really eye opening that historical evidences that connects us to the Apostle are fading away unnoticed. It is really sad that our generation has no clue about any clue of the rich heritage we had.I still remember my late father used say that in his childhood days the mass was in Suriyani and later it was changed to Malayalam. But he didn't had any further idea regarding it. Not to blame anyone, we Indians are generally poor in documenting and transferring our history.Now regarding the CD, I can buy the original CD and booklet. I am happy to bear the postal charges too. Please let me know how to make payment. Do I just click through the donate button? But acha I would like to have the electronic version of tracks too if its possible for you.

Secondly, I would like to tell you that I am interested to learn Syriac language also. I came to know through your videos the initiative of priests like Koonammakkal Thoma Kathanar to teach Syriac to the common people. However, being living here in Australia, what are our options here. I truly look forward to learn the language so that at least I can pass it to my kids.

Moreover, I would like to extend my full thoughts and prayers for your great mission and I wish you success.

Thank you very much Acha

CD- Qambel Māran Syriac Chants from South India

009-54

Robert George

Feb 11, 2019

Subject - Dr. Joseph J.Palackal, CMI introduces Syriac chants at his native parish.

ഒരു പാത്രം പായസത്തിനു വേണ്ടി കടിഞ്ഞൂൽപുത്ര സ്ഥാനം കൈവിട്ട ഏസാവിനാപോലെയാണ് സിറോമലബാർ സഭ ... പിന്നീട് അവകാശം പ്രാപിക്കുവാൻ ആഗ്രഹിച്ചപ്പോൾ അവൻ തിരസ്കരിക്കപ്പെട്ടു..കണ്ണീരോടെ അവൻ അത് ആഗ്രഹിച്ചെങ്കിലും അനുതപിക്കാൻ അവന് അവസരം ലഭിച്ചില്ല നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടുപോയ സുറിയാനി പാരമ്പര്യം വീണ്ടെടുക്കാൻ അവൾ എത്രമാത്രം ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു ..കഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്നു..

009-53

Joy Kaniamparambil

March 3, 2019

Subject - Josetta Jarly teaches the Syriac chant "We hu nehade" from Raza

Really good & interesting. Congratulation to the teacher & her student. Both are equally good Thank GOD. Our second generation is also equally good in Suriyani Songs. Best Wishes to both.

006-52

Abu Alex

March 17, 2019

Subject - Syriac chants during the Nuptial Qurbana for Abu Alex and Stephy Joy

My sincere thanks to Christian Musicological Society of India and Fr.Joseph Palackal CMI. This YouTube channel is a real inspiration for me and so many others.

008-051

Theresa Poganik

March 05, 2019

Subject - Aramaic Project 121 - Dr.Joseph J Palackal, CMI at the AMERICAN LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Thank you for sending these links. I enjoyed watching your interview with Ms. Groce from the Library of Congress. I enjoyed hearing you sing. This all helped me to understand what you are accomplishing. Father, you are a national treasure !!!

006-050

Don Bosco

March 2, 2018

Subject - Aramaic Project 70 Solemn Sung Qurbana in Syriac. Fr. George Plathottam

fr george plathottam of blessed memory....he is the inspiration behind the revival of syriac language in syro malabar church......thank u father....poosh bashlamma kahna dakya.....

006-049

Mary Alex

March 2, 2019

Subject - Aramaic Project 70 Solemn Sung Qurbana in Syriac. Fr. George Plathottam

We must have Syrian Mass at least once in a month. Else, how are our youth and children going to know their rich heritage,? Already so many people are ignorant. It is truly sad.

006-048

Amel Antony

Feb 18, 2019

Subject - Aramaic Project 121 - Dr.Joseph J Palackal, CMI at the AMERICAN LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Informative and interesting. Listening to this interview , I do hope that many would be motivated to rediscover our Heritage and Patrimony. Rev Palackal Ousep Kathanar can see his efforts bearing fruit- more groups coming into Social media, discussions on FB and so on. Its so heartening to know that Qambel Maran is going to be redone . At the same time many of us look forward to a book from you- to start off , it could be your Doctoral Thesis !

006-047

Amel Antony

Feb 3, 2019

Subject - Aramaic Project-116. Mebin John (Rooha Media), on a mission to promote the Syriac heritage

An inspiring interview indeed ! The story of Mebin John is going to have a cascading effect on the younger generation . For those who thought that Syriac tradition is irretrievably lost , Rooha Media is a befitting reply. Mebin has imbibed the true spirit and passion of HE Late Eugene Cardinal Tisserant - " I love your Church , because I know its history ". Also it shows that , if you are determined and passionate regarding Syriac traditions and language , you can make a difference in your own way. With the huge success of the Syriac Music competition and the on going Speech competition regarding Ecclesiastical vision of Mar Paremakkal, its great going . Lets pray to Almighty that this movement acquires a critical momentum, that can sweep away the cobwebs of Latinisation and help us reclaim our identity as a Church of the East Syriac Tradition

006-046

Ahmed Shameer

Jan 24, 2019

Subject - Aramaic Project 115 - Syriac words in Malayalam prayer vocabulary: Antony & Elamma Pathinaril

It is very important to record this so that we know and understand how a language and its vocabulary is evolved over a period of time. Great effort.. This will be very helpful for scholars..

 
 
006-045

Prema Antony

Dec 11,, 2018

Subject - Aramaic Project-109. Dr. Joseph J. Palackal's lecture at The American Library of Congress

To revive a dying tradition , it is important to create a wider audience and that too among the intelligentsia. Dr Joseph Palackal's lecture is a conscious effort in this direction. The Portuguese Missionaries ( Franciscans were an exception ) , and the historians that followed painted Mar Thoma Christians as Nestorians and Schismatics.' Sagdinan Mar and Bar Mariyam' are the living traditions which attests to the orthodoxy of Mar Thoma Christians. Languages become extinct when they are no more spoken /used by the concerned. Despite a low level of Syriac literacy the language survived thus far because it was the liturgical language and the faithful made the connection to 'Isho Mishiha'. For Syriac to regain its lost glory , liturgy has to become bilingual with introduction of syriac chants wherever possible. Simultaneously there has to be a campaign to spread this awareness about the rich Syrian tradition and heritage Let us give up this dichotomy - Being a proud Syro Malabarian and at the same time denying the Syriac Patrimony !

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Akhil John

Oct 26, 2018

Subject: Comment posted in youtube Aramaic project 71- Fr. Varghese (Saji) Mattathil in conversation with Dr. Joseph J. Palackal

Those memorable days...I can't forget... evening practices...Sajiachan...and also I thank God for selecting me for even I have no background of singing...and be there as Shamshana....for an uncountable number of masses.....

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Dr. Amel Antony

Oct 2, 2018

Dear Mr. Joseph Puthenkudy,

Greetings from Kochi !

Your interview with Rev Palackal Ouseph Kathanar was really impressive and I'm sure would evoke great pride and prestige in concerned SMC members , regarding our Syriac patrimony and heritage.

If you happen to come to Ernakulam , would like to meet you

Heard from Rev Palackal that you would be in India for some time

Regards,

Dr. Amel Antony

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Chris Thomas Chacko

Sep 24, 2018

Praise be to the holy name of the almighty

I feel extremely proud of you because, you stand along the traditions of the Mar Thomas Christians.

Traditions whether it is of an ecclesia or a society are to be safeguarded. Mar Thomas Christians are in need of this quality, because traditions are our asset and it is our Syrian Tradition. Mar Thomas Christians use two Syrian traditions, East and West.


The eastern tradition is followed by the Chaldean states of the Persian kingdom, which is followed by the Syro-Malabarites of India. The west tradition was followed by ancient Orthodox Church of Roman Empire, which is adopted by the Syro Malankara church in the relationship between Malankara Orthodox church and the Antiochean church.


Bro.Joseph in his Aramaic project highly says about Syro Malankara Catholic church. As a member of the Syro Malankara church I feel proud of it. The greatest treasure of the Syro Malankara church is her ancient liturgy and culture. Therefore the great emphasis on the use of Syriac language the celebrating Holy Qurbono and Daily Prayers as per traditions, the addressing of holy things of church in Syriac. By all these the Syro Malankara church can strive to hold the Antiochean tradition and Syriac.
When the Malankara church reunited with the Catholic Church, Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios had demanded for ‘an unchanged liturgy ‘which was accepted by the apostolic see.

With heartfelt gratitude, I remember Fr.Palackal and Bro. Joseph who are accomplishing this Aramaic project. Let the Almighty God bless us for safeguarding our traditions.

Yours,
Bro. Chris Thomas Chacko
Kurishumuttathu
Syro – Malankara Catholic Church
Archi- eparchy of Thiruvalla

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Akhil George

Sep 19, 2018

Subject- Joseph Thekkedath Puthenkudy (Rocky)-Interview

Rev. Father

Am writing this email to express my opinion about the interview of rocky brother that I watched on youtube. I really liked the video very much, and it was so informative for me as a Catholic, I found it's so interesting the fact he shared and his interest in learning Syrian Catholic, I know him personally for years,we met in a retreat centre called Makkyad in Wayanad, now am working as an workforce analyst in New Brunswick, Canada, he is my best friend or I would say, my brother, we contact once in a week and he is there for me for giving advises and prayers . AM really thankful to you for making such an impressive interview with Rocky brother and it is so informative. Am glad that I found the video on youtube and got an opportunity to contact you as well, looking forward to your reply. With all respect and proud as Catholic

Thanks
Akhil George

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Babu Lonappan

Sept-12-2018

Subject - Reply to the comment posted by Amel Antony (Below comment post)

Only a week back, I came across this video. It was really reassuring to see that our ancestral roots are deeply routed in our faith irrespective of continents. My mind goes to the His words that " My Gospel would be preached from one end to other...Till the end". Proud to see that the Syro Malabar church, in its all abundance showering blessings to her children.Special thanks to Choir and Clergy who took pains to stand up to the desired levels. Good work...will be appreciated, forever.

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Dr. Amel Antony

Sept- 10 -2018

 

Subject: Comment posted in youtube Aramaic Project 100 Video- A Historic Event - Solemn Qurbana in Syriac Dukhrana Perunal Celebrants Rev. Fr. Varghese (Saji) Mattathil

"Indeed it was an experience worth cherishing in everyway - not only in terms of evoking piety and elevating one into higher levels of spirituality, but also the way the Syriac language strikes an inner chord Heart felt thanks to Rev Mattathil Varghese Kathanar and the choir lead by Jones Kalarickal. Also appreciate the untiring efforts of Rev Palackal Ouseph Kathanar, who leaves no stone unturned in the path of revival of this ancient heritage of ours. As mentioned its a historic event and a heavenly blessing that happened on the feast of Dukhrana. Probably it would be the Diaspora thats going to be in the forefront of this movement. - This event being a source of inspiration for the young Syro Malabareans to reclaim their patrimony. Syriac could after all turn out to be a unifying factor and I suppose the concerned holding responsible offices would consider this -instead of pushing Malayalam. Even in Kerala , the new CBSE generation is not comfortable with Malayalam

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Robert George

Sept-5-2018

Thanks Father for your wonderful works.

Your works have really helped me to learn more about my roots. I pray to Alaha that your efforts will be recognised and you will get necessary monetary support.

I hope you have some interviews/videos or other resources to share about the songs of the Liturgy of Hours of Syro- malabar church.

I’m eagerly waiting for new updates in the youtube channel.

Regards,

Robert

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Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy

Aug -24 -2018

 

 

Hello Joseph,

How are you managing in the disastrous floods??? Where are you???

Your projects are truly inspired and inspiring. What a marvelous website!

I hope you have an opportunity to access Bake's 1938 recordings of Syrian Christians in Kerala, whether at AIIS in Gurgaon, or in Calicut University, where I deposited digital copies in January 2018. They might provide some insights into the history and audio documentation of Syrian Christian liturgy.

With my sincere prayers for your safety and wellbeing,

Yours,

Amy Prof. (Adjunct) Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy,
Ph.D. Department of Ethnomusicology
Herb Alpert School of Music
UCLA

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Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy

Jan -10-2018

 

Dear Joseph,

Thank you for your response. We do miss dear Choomar Choondal, and would love to see his 1989 letter. We saw him last in 1994, after working with him again in 1991.

I do hope his daughter "Binty" (?) is doing well now. I'm at AIFF right now on the jury and can't open your website, but hope to learn more about your project.

Must rush to the screenings. Perhaps you can make use of the Kerala materials we have archived at ARCE.

This includes Syrian Christian recordings made by Bake in 1938, and our own either from 1984, 1991 or 1994.Bishop Mar Aprem was most helpful.

Congratulations on the talk at Oxford, and best wishes for your field work in Kerala!

Yours,

Amy Prof. (Adjunct) Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy,
Ph.D. Department of Ethnomusicology
Herb Alpert School of Music
UCLA

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Dr. Amel Antony

Aug-7-2018

Subject -Aramaic Project-93. Fr Issac Chackalaparampil, CMI

Youtube posted comment

Thank you Fr Palackal for interviewing Fr.Isaac Chackalaparampil. Listening to the recital of Hail Mary in Aramaic is a totally unique experience . What is heartening for the present generation is the verve and passion for Syriac prayers. And the call for respecting every rite is a noble ideal- though in practical terms it is unidirectional; respect for the dominant rite , neglect curbs and restrictions for others !

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Amel Antony

Aug-14-2018

Subject -Aramaic Project -100 A Historic Event - Solemn Qurbana in Syriac

Youtube posted comment

Indeed it was an experience worth cherishing in every way - not only in terms of evoking piety and elevating one into higher levels of spirituality, but also the way the Syriac language strikes an inner chord Heart felt thanks to Rev Mattathil Varghese Kathanar and the choir lead by Jones Kalarickal. Also appreciate the untiring efforts of Rev Palackal Ouseph Kathanar , who leaves no stone unturned in the path of revival of this ancient heritage of ours. As mentioned its a historic event and a heavenly blessing that happened on the feast of Dukhrana. Probably it would be the Diaspora thats going to be in the forefront of this movement. - This event being a source of inspiration for the young Syro Malabareans to reclaim their patrimony. Syriac could after all turn out to be a unifying factor and I suppose the concerned holding responsible offices would consider this - instead of pushing Malayalam. Even in Kerala , the new CBSE generation is not comfortable with Malayalam Qurbana text and the Suriyani Qurbana with its soothening melody and the appealing spiritual mood can be a game changer. Imagine a time when our liturgy through Suriyani Qurbana would no more be a matter of discord, factionalism or disunity , and on the contrary leading to an overall spiritual renewal and organic growth , enabling SMC to claim its due worth as an authentic Eastern Church May God bless Rev Elambasseril George Kathanar and let many emulate his pro active steps for a cause which many of us thought 'is beyond redemption'.

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Robin Jacob

Aug-14-2018

Subject - Aramaic Project -100 A Historic Event - Solemn Qurbana in Syriac

Youtube posted comment
കേരളത്തിൽപ്പോലും സുറിയാനി കുർബാന വളരെ കുറവാണ്. അമേരിക്ക പോലുള്ള ഒരു രാജ്യത്ത് സുറിയാനി കുർബാന മനോഹരമായി അർപ്പിച്ച സജി അച്ചനും അതിനു മുൻകൈ എടുത്ത വികാരി അച്ചനും അഭിനന്ദനങ്ങൾ. കുർബാനയിലെ ഗീതങ്ങൾ ചുരുങ്ങിയ സമയം കൊണ്ട് പഠിച്ചു ഭംഗിയായി പാടിയ ഗായക സംഘത്തിന് പ്രത്യേക അഭിനന്ദനങ്ങൾ.
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Erica Hunter

July 14, 2018

Subject - SOAS-University of London Presents Aramaic Chant and Liturgy in India

A belated note to say thank you for your most interesting talk and video recording which you presented to CWC at SOAS last Monday evening. The ARAM conference has kept me busy hence the tardy replyt. Your efforts to maintain the Aramaic (Syriac) chant are making an important contribution in ensuring that this vital component of Indian Christianity will continue; after all it has had almost a 2000 year trajectory. In this way, the Aramaic chant is 'living heritage'. Speaking on behalf of the members of CWC, I am sure that they found it fascinating and giving them an insight into this rich dimension of Indian culture, as well as Indian Christianity. My one regret is that, despite my efforts, Music did not respond. Always happy to host another performance when you are next in London and hopefully there will be synergy with Music.

With best wishes

Erica Hunter

Dr. Erica C.D. Hunter,
Associate Dean of Research (Arts & Humanities)
Senior Lecturer in Eastern Christianity
Co-chair, Centre of World Christianity: www.soas.ac.uk/cwc
Dept. of History, Religions and Philosophies
SOAS
Thornhaugh St, Russell Square,
London WC1H 0XG.

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Groce, Nancy

June 5, 2018

Subject - Botkin Lecture presentation at Library of Congress (LOC),WDC

Joseph,

Just a short note to thank you for coming to Washington last week and presenting such an excellent Botkin Lecture. I thought your presentation was perfect – filled with interesting information and nicely geared for a general audience. We also appreciated your agreeing to take part in the interview. It was fascinating to speak with you and your conversation will enrich and inform future archival researchers. It will probably take a few months for ITS, our technical division, to edit and post your talk online, but I will let you know when it goes up.

Again, thank you for coming to Washington – and sorry we missed each other on the train back to NY!

Best wishes Nancy ,

Nancy Groce, Ph.D.
Senior Folklife Specialist
American Folklife Center
Library of Congress

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Savant Sebastian

Subject - About Joseph Palackal's efforts to revive Syriac Mass

Hi all, let me introduce myself, I am a dentist from Kottayam Dr Savant Sebastian, MDS; endodontist.. I am the young man Binu Chettan so kindly mentions in this video, who wanted Cyriac mass for his wedding.. I have hardly any knowledge in the language itself.. It’s the music and the feeling it evoked that got me fascinated years back when I first attended holy kurbana in Syriac language at Athirampuzha church.. The powerful, yet tender voice of the priest (Fr Joseph Pathil) and the passion with which he celebrated the mass was so moving that it stirred such deep emotions in me.. I was keen not to miss a single Syriac mass at Athirampuzha, ever since.. I believe that’s what every celebration of holy Eucharist should be like; the priest and the community as a whole trying to be one with Him..! Sad to say, despite the feeble attempts by the archdiocese of Changanacherry, the celebration of holy communion in Syro Malabar rite has dwindled away to mere music concerts; priests and the choir both trying to impress the community with ear deafening beats and voice modulations.. We attend countless holy Eucharists with the air of grim reality show judges with our arms folded across our chests..! At the end we leave, busily discussing among us: this priest was good; the communion song was a classic; the sermon was delivered well; the male voice was not that great, and so on..! If only the few hours we spend weekly in a church wouldn’t end up as such meaningless facades..! When will our kurbanas become something with deeper meanings, that touches our insides in a way only He can? I have always envied jacobites and those of Syro Malabar rite.. The whole community is the choir there.. the priest does not recite prayers, he sings his heart out, to lift the hearts of the community and together they become one in god..! That is what fr Saji mattathil, fr Joseph Pathil, fr Jose palackal, Binu chettan, Deepa Chechi and all these Syriac lovers are trying to say.. the music composition is amazing, powerful enough to move our stone hearts.. Slowly our eyes begin to well up, and our hearts fill with a myriad of emotions, a spectrum ranging from deep sorrow to pure joy...! The prayers and hymns are in perfect harmony, in a continuum, that our attention does not waver even for a second.. It’s like the whole world comes to a standstill..! An amazing journey in a short time that keeps reverberating in our hearts..! It changes us from within and that’s what I think the whole point is..! As the soft spoken friar, Fr bobby Jose says, ഇത് ആരുടെ മിഴികളെയാണ് ഈറനണിയിക്കാത്തത്..!

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Fr. Joseph Patthil

December 23, 2017

Subject : Syriac Hymns from Raza Qurbana

Dear loving Palackal Acha,

Wish you a warm greetings of Christmas and New Year.

Hope you are fine. I watched Achan's interview with BinuDeepa , with great joy and happiness. It is really wonderful! Super! Highly informative and vibrant . Worth witnessing and deeply convincing. Inspiring and thought provoking. Simple and attractive. I believe that it is just "God's Plan and His Intervention".

Acha it is very interesting to say that your special talent, or I would rather say "a gift of observation" and a very natural way of asking an apt questions to the right person, as you did in all the previous interviews, played a very important role here also.

Yes, altogether it is really fascinating and fantastic! May Good God make your efforts fruitful, fulfilling your dreams and visions, in and through the future generations. I talked with Sajiachan yesterday. He is also very happy about it. I'm planning to visit him during Christmas holidays. (I would like to say a humble suggestion acha. If possible, it would be better if you could add the KNDISHA CD cover also to it, anywhere in the interview-the one I gave you when we met in Germany.

It contains all the Hymns of Syiac Rasa Qurban fully and completely. The Malayalam transcript also is inserted. I think, it can be added, for example, as an additional contextual information, when they speak of the Sunday school competitions. And the CD is available in Sandesa Nilayam office, Changanacherry.) I am fine here.

Besides the regular classes in the university I learn piano and a Stimmbildungkurs' (voice training course) which helps a singer to produce voice scientifically, and sing using the staff notation. And also I am trying to notate the Hymns and Chants of the Syriac Qurbana with the help of a great musician here.

As you know it is not an easy task. Time consuming and difficult, but not discouraging. As a matter of fact- 'miles to go before I sleep'!

I do pray, may Good God bless us all.

Wish you once more the peace and joy of Christmas to all your family members also.

 

lovingly

Fr. Pathil

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Joseph Johney

August 4, 2017

Subject: - Contact Us Message

 

Reply-To - Christianmusicologicalsocietyofindia
Name
-: Joseph Johney
Country- India
How did you find us?- Web search
Message:

 

Hi CMSIndia,
I am proud of your efforts in reviving our traditions and culture. I have been following your youtube channel for while and I am very glad to see the variety of our traditions being portrayed well there.It was like digging out my own soul from your channels as I am very much attached to these Syriac language and the hymns. This is where I thought how I can contribute to the society. However, I might not be able to contribute much financially for this project, I have decided to contribute myself for this project.

 

Also, I would like to give one suggestion, which I observed while searching through our church's history. I have read that there were few representations/parishes in TamilNadu (Dindigul and Madurai) areas and even Cylone (current Sri Lanka) which were following our liturgy. However, there were no features found in CMSindia or our church (Syro malabar ) about these. These parishes were later taken by the Latin rites.

 

I would like to be in touch with the society and would like to contribute to it based on the leads provided from your side.

 

Thanks and Regards,

Joseph Johney
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Ginto J. Pottackal

July 25, 2017

Subject: - Q& A in Rome

Dear Joseph Acha,

Just completed watching the Q&A session in Rome. It was a great experience for me to learn on the golden treasures of our tradition. Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. Praying for success in all your endeavors and may God reveal more hidden truths to you. Acha, I am also drawn to the explore more on the Sacred Art. In the beginning of the session, you alluded to the writings of Prof. George Menancheri and his works about the Christian Art in Kerala. I would like to learn more on our artistic tradition of early Christians. Could you please provide me some more guidance and insights on this area? I have added some of my works here: www.gintoart.com.

Thank again for your outstanding efforts,

Ginto Pottackal

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Fr. Joseph Patthil

July 11, 2017

Subject: - Dear Loving Palackalacha

 

you are a “Chosen one by God’’​

Greetings from Salzburg. I am fr. Joseph Pathil. We have talked once in SEERI during a Syriac conference.How are you dear Acha? Hope you are keeping well. First of all may I congratulate you very sincerely for the valuable contributions you have given to our Church through “the Aramaic Project’’. How committed and dedicated you are! You are doing a wonderful work. The continuing endeavor to preserve the remaining relics of Syriac musical tradition in our land is really appreciable. If you had not made such an attempt, then of course, no doubt, we would have lost it forever. I really enjoyed most of the interviews very well. It is really a great source of information for the future s research scholars. And I was really amazed to find that no one made an attempt before, to preserve this TREASURE, except one from abroad who do not belong to this Tradition at all. So it is definite that you are a “Chosen one by God’’ for this special mission. These words I write from the very bottom of my heart.


yours lovingly,


Fr Joseph Pathil.
Salzburg, 5020

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Lijo Pathikal CMI

April 15, 2017

Subject - Finding Jesus: Faith, Facts & Forgery Dr. Joseph J. Palackal appears on CNN on 2017 Sunday, 9th April, 9 PM.

Dear Palackal Achan,

Happy Easter! My sincere congratulations on your great accomplishment. I felt so proud to watch and share your CNN - Finding Jesus documentary. I have invited a few of my parishioners and few other friends to watch it and they all enjoyed it. Fr. Ampat and Fr. Sebastian Kallarackal shared their joy and salute to you on your dedication and persistence into this project. As always you are my inspiration. Thank you for all that you do. Some of them asked me about the possibility of downloading the video and showing it at the church. I tried but I could not find it in CNN site. How is your health? Hope you feel better. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I really like the new design of our website. Excellent work.

Love and prayers,

Lijo

Fr. Lijo Thomas CMI,
LA 71220

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Jos Boban Thottam

April 12, 2017

Subject - Finding Jesus: Faith, Facts & Forgery Dr. Joseph J. Palackal appears on CNN on 2017 Sunday, 9th April, 9 PM.

Dear and Rev Father Joseph.

I watched the CNN program with your commentary, it was very gratifying to see a prominent news source CNN featured Kerala Catholics and acknowledge the historical fact that St.Thomas came to India. Thank you hope we can see many such contributions towards our heritage from you

Jos Boban Thottam

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Anie Thaila

April 12, 2017

Subject - Finding Jesus: Faith, Facts & Forgery Dr. Joseph J. Palackal appears on CNN on 2017 Sunday, 9th April, 9 PM.

Your presentation on CNN was excellent. It was a proud moment for all of us.I expected you to sing in Aramaic too.Hope to see you again on the world 's biggest and favourite TV platform CNN. Congratulations on your amazing performance. Anie Thaila
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Dr. Martin Thomas Antony

April 5, 2017

Subject:- Re:Our story on CNN

Dear Father,
Great News.Iam waiting to watch the programme, but it will be at 02:00 am on Monday UK time.
Would the programme be uploaded in the CMS India website?
Would you be able to get the full recordings of the SyriacRaza at Champakulam to upload to CMS India website? This will be a great present to Champakulam Church as it has become a Basilica now.

Thank you very much for your efforts to uphold our mother Church and our traditions in the International level. No one has ever done such an effort. After Placid Joseph Podipara CMI, it is Palackal Joseph CMI who is taking our Church to the next level.

I don't have any special instructions. I just wanted to say that I have been following your work for the past two years and I really appreciate your work and I have learned a lot! In terms of music, liturgy, church history, Kerala culture. Thanks!


With regards and prayers
Martin Antony

Dr. Martin Thomas Antony,
WA6 0FH

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ANIL METHIPARA

April 5, 2017

Subject - About thecmsindia.org and youtube videos

Dear Father Palackal,

I first want to apologize for my delayed response. I was surprised but very glad that my note was able to have that impact on you and your team! I would have never imagined. Your very personal reply to my message was a pleasant surprise for me too. Thank you for sending it. I could have elaborated a bit more on my note if not for the character limit but my note captures my general feelings. I have always been interested in learning more about Kerala and church history, but I stumbled upon your website and youtube videos after staying one summer in Kerala a couple years ago. I also took a class in college later that year about music in India and got a chance to read a couple of your articles.

I do not mind if you post my note onto the homepage. I have attached a photo to the email.

Also, I was wondering if I could share your email address with a very close friend of mine who is also familiar with your work, and I am sure he would love to connect with you. He is currently studying Syriac at SEERI in their masters degree program. He also recently took up voice lessons with a Jacobite priest there. He was telling me a couple weeks ago that he has started to learn to sing the Nicene Creed in Syriac. He has several interests related to Syriac, but some that he has mentioned to me include helping make the Syriac language and grammar more approachable and compiling Syriac music texts with their transliterations, and ultimately making it easier to re-incorporate Syriac into liturgical and daily practice. I know that his interests have significant overlap with your Aramaic Project which is why I think it would be great if he was able to connect with you. Please let me know if that is okay.

Best,
Anil

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Jerry Amal Dev

April 5, 2017

Father, nobody thinks in the terms you are thinking about these things. Nobody pays attention to these things in the historic perspective, in the growth of events , growth of institutions in the church and are. So it requires people like you to bring these things up. Otherwise we will just keep floating.
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Mar. George Cardinal Alancherry

April 5, 2017

Subject - Syriac Chants

I will request you one thing that you propose certain Hymns in Syriac like Puqdana kon’ , Thesbotha Alaha , Lagumara, Khandisha Alaha and some text words that could be introduced during the celebrations in Malayalam or any other language. Please create a recording of these chants and i can propagate.

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Rev. Fr. Sebastian Sangoorikkal

April 5, 2017

(Thank you so much for extracting the knowledge of Syriac language which is melted into my blood....) Only people like you, not many, not many at all, should take these things out of me. Otherwise I can’t express these Syriac chants are in my blood.
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Fr. Paul Kodamullil

April 5, 2017

I really appreciate the effort you are making for the promotion of Syriac language. Thank you Fr. Joseph Palackal for planning this program and interview. There are not many priest who has doctorate in Music and we may not have someone like you with the talent, knowledge and passion in the Syro Malabar Church, in the CMI congregation or in the whole world. I am happy and proud of associating with you.
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Mr. Sebastian Menachery

April 5, 2017

Mr. Sebastian Menachery I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your presentations. Very Well done. I am sure God’s blessings will be in abundance with you for your project
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Mr. Tony Augustine Allenchery

April 5, 2017

I look forward to another opportunity for interacting and meeting with you. Thank you father, it was wonderful listening to you, this morning. My tradition is Syriac tradition and reviving that is reviving and finding my roots. Primarily, if we can provide the meaning of the Syriac chants and prayers, that can be included in the daily prayers.Wonderful Father, and all the best and I look forward to another opportunity for interacting and meeting with you.
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Paul Varkey Parayil

December 29, 2015

 

Subject: Reply- donation inquiry

Dear Fr. Joseph,

Thank you for your quick response and the Paypal details -- I will email back later again when we finalize plans and set it up.

I discovered the Syrian Christian roots and heritage of my own church (the Marthoma Church) after my college days. I was attracted by the beauty of our heritage and how the liturgies (both East Syriac and West Syriac) adorn and proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus so clearly. It was also fascinating to learn that the Kerala Nasrani (Syrian) churches span all denominational families (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Assyrian).


I am very interested in doing my small part to contribute to preserving this heritage, esp. with the Kerala churches being somewhat of a bastion for it, given the intense persecution experienced by our brethren in Syria, Iraq and Iran. One of my core passions is to see faithful translations of the liturgies into English --- in a way that does not lose the original melodies of the chants. I know that the Marthoma church has come a long way in this project, but there is much work yet to be done.

I learnt about your work first through the Youtube video of your beautiful, almost angelic, rendition of "Qaddisa Alaha" at the National Shrine in Washington DC.

It is curious that the Syro Malabar hierarchy has yet to officially support your work or recognize its importance. I pray that the doors will open in that direction as well.

Have you ever sought to collaborate with SEERI? It would seem like an ideal place to house your project.

Thank you for your scholarship, passion and work in the Lord.

With regards,
Paul

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Tobin Thomas

November 9, 2015

 

Subject: - Thank You

 

Dear Palackal Acha,

I am a Knanaya Catholic living in Houston, Texas. I just wanted to say thank you very much for your Aramaic project and all that you do to preserve and protect our Syro Malabar musical heritage. I am a History Education major (I will be a teacher in one years time) and I absolutely love both history and the humanities. With this in mind, I fell in love with the musical heritage of the Syro Malabar Church and our Syriac Roots. At first I was only researching the history of our Church and the Knanaya Community but later the Syriac roots of the Church and our liturgical music truly astounded me. I have watched many of your videos on Youtube and they have really given me so much knowledge that I did not have before. Perhaps one of my favorite hymns is the Knanaya Wedding Chant Bar Mariam and I was wondering if you could send me a Syriac to English side by side translation. Also I was wondering if you could share some knowledge with me on the old Knanaya Purathana songs, I have always wondered the deep meaning and origins of these old wedding songs that we sing. Once again Palackal Acha, you are truly a gift to the Syro Malabar Church and I really hope you continue your mission.

Best Wishes

Tobin Thomas

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Martin Thomas Antony

November 1, 2015

 

Subject -In response to the video : Aramaic Project-52

Dear Father,

I have watched the latest upload of Mr Sebastian Menacherry. It was wonderful. Thank you for identifying and introducing such a wonderful person to the community. I feel so envious about him. His knowledge and interest in our heritage is so commendable. He even remembers such chants used only once in an year in our Church.The talents and knowlegde of such resource persons should be used well to recapture our lost heritage. Let the Lord shower him all the Graces. Thank you once again Father, you are doing a historical task.


Dr. Martin Thomas Antony,
(MBBS, FRCS, Dip in Lap. Surgery, Dip. in Health Management.)

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Sherring Thekekkara

October 20, 2015

Subject: - Appreciation and thanks from a member of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Dear Dr. Palackal,
I chanced upon the Aramaic project a few weeks ago and since then would have listened to most of the renderings . God Bless you for taking this noble mission on and preserving these musical gems and heavenly language for our next generation. My church and yours carry the same apostolic and unbroken faith rooted in tradition, we are but the same people separated more by twists of history rather than doctrines and dogmas. Hope your efforts will inspire some of our elders to revive the West Syriac rites too in a systematic way on the web. Just a small gift for you to listen when you have time Video

Best regards

Sherring Thekekkara

Dubai
PS: It will be a pleasure to host you if you pass by Dubai, please let me know
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Johny P David

October 16, 2015

 

Subject - In response to the video : Aramaic Project-50A

Excellent It is so touching. The sanctity of Aramaic and the beautiful translation into Malayalam both achived its intended purpose. Sincere appreciation to Rev Dr George

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Varghese Pathikulangara

October 10, 2015

 

Subject - In response to the video : Aramaic Project - Part 44;

Prayerful greetings!

Priy Joseph Acha,
Prayerful greetings! Hope you are doing well! Only recently I happened to come across our interview uploaded in youtube. Thank you so much for this noble work! May the Lord be always with you in all such noble effort to promote our culture and tradition. My health condition not much better. Wishing you all the best, with special prayers, thanks and regards, pathikulangarayachan. A Chavara style prayerful reflection on ISHO is attached for convenient consideration!

Varghese Pathikulangara CMI
Dharmaram College
Bangalore - 560 029, INDIA.
www.pathikulangara.in

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Martin Thomas Antony

August 2015

Subject - In response to the video : Aramaic Project - Part 26

It is wonderful to watch these young children singing syriac chants.Very glad to know that their master, Mr Baby Anamthuruthil is handing over what he experienced in his childhood to the young generation. I hope these children also keep this tradition alive and active. These children are really the hope of our community. I think the Lord is working through Mr Baby and these children to make changes in the way of our worship by using the sacred language of or Lord. The Holy Spirit is now really working and influencing the church through these ordinary children (Lucky children) and their master. God bless them.

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Amel Antony

July 13, 2015

Subject:-- Compliments about Aramaic Project

Dear Rev Palackal Ouseph Kathanar,

Greetings from Kochi!

Hearty congrats for taking up this Aramaic project !!. It was an eye opener and thanks to your efforts it rekindled my interest in Suriyani. I stand in awe at the stupendous achievements of Rev, Emmanuel Thelly , Rev Thomas Arayathanal & Guru Yohend. Listening to Rev. Koonamackal on Youtube, the next thing to do was to meet him . Dropping in at his Dayara and interacting with him on our history and suriyani heritage was indeed remarkable. Its a matter of joy and pride that Rev Kallarangatt can offer Qurbana in Suriyani. As I would see it , yo've preserved our heritage for posterity and I'm sure that future generations would refer to you as a zealous missionary who breathed vigour & vitality into the ailing body of Eastern Suriyani. Has the CD of Suriyani Qurbana been released? Would like to purchase one .

Love, regards & prayers,

Dr. Amel Antony

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Joju Jacob

July 9, 2015

Subject:- On Syriac and B'eda d'yawmaan

Dear Fr. Palachal,

I have seen the video "Aramaic Project-Part 26. Children's Choir at Suriyanippally, Palluruthy, sings "B'eda d'yawmaan".

"B'eda d'yawmaan" had been singing in Thuruthy St. Mary's church belongs to Changanacherry as some of the elders are aware of it. I am not sure who all are alive now.
You can read the story here: http://mtnazrani.blogspot.in/2012/04/blog-post_5188.html. But unfortuately I couldn't hear that in my childhood as by that time they had switched to Malayalam song in the same tune...but not a translation of the orginal. It is being sung still there during the feasts.

O Mathave...Svarga Rajgni..nin prakasham sooryanekkal.
Fr. Immanuel Thelly has translated this to Malayalam and you can read this here:
In Major feast, they used to take the statue of Michael outside the chappel at that time they used to sung some Syriac songs. According to my knowledge that was some parts of Rosary in Syriac.
Any way thanks for all the work that you are doing to support Syriac and document the Syriac heritage in the form of videos.

In the love of Isho M'shiha,
Joju George Jacob

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Isaac Chackalaparampil

July 19,2015

Subject- About Syriac Songs

പ്രിയ പാലക്കലച്ചാ,
ഞാൻ അങ്ങയുടെ ഇ-മെയില് കണ്ടായിരുന്നു. അതിൽ ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തി വിട്ടിരുന്ന വിഡെയോയും കണ്ടു. ആ ശങ്കൂരിക്കൽ അച്ചൻ സുറിയാനിപ്പാട്ട് പാടിയത് േലായിരിക്കുന്നു. പക്ഷെ, ചുമ്മാ അവിടേം ഇവിടേം ഓർത്ത് പാടിയതാണ് കണ്ടത്. അദ്ദേഹമൊക്കെ ചത്തുപോകുന്നതിനു മുൻപ്, അങ്ങേർക്ക് വശമുള്ള പാട്ടുകൾ അതിന്റെ ടെക്സ്റ്റു വെച്ച് ഓരോന്നും മുഴുവനായിട്ട് പാടിച്ചു പിടിച്ചെടുക്കാൻ പറ്റിയാൽ നല്ലതെന്ന് പറയുകയായിരുന്നു.ആ പെണ്‍കൊച്ചിനെക്കൊണ്ടു കമ്പേൽ മാറൻ പാടിപ്പിച്ചതും കൊള്ളാം!

എന്റെ സുറിയാനി വിജ്ഞാനം അത്രക്കില്ലാ! എന്റെ നോവിസ്യാത്തും ജൂനിയാരേറ്റും കഴിഞ്ഞപ്പോൾ, സഭയിൽ സുറിയാനിയും നിന്നു! നാട്ടിൽ നിന്നൊക്കെ ഇറങ്ങിപ്പോന്നതുകൊണ്ട്, സുറിയാനിപ്പുസ്തകങ്ങളും കണ്ടിട്ട് കുറെയായി. എന്റെ കയ്യിൽ മേന്പോടിക്കു ഒരു ചെറിയ പുസ്തകമുള്ളതു "ക്സാവ ദ് തെശ്മെശ്താ ദഹലാപ് അന്നീദെ" എന്ന അച്ചന്മാരുടെ ശവമടക്കു ക്രമമാണ്. അതൊക്കെ ശരിയായിട്ടു പാടാൻ എനിക്കെങ്ങും അറിയാനും മേലാ!! ഇപ്പോൾ സുറിയാനി വായിച്ചാൽ അത്രയ്ക്ക് മനസ്സിലാകുകയുമില്ലാ! ആളുകളെ പറഞ്ഞു വിരട്ടാൻ മാത്രം സുറിയാനിയേ ഇപ്പോൾ കൈവശമുള്ളൂ! 'ആകാശങ്ങലിളിരിക്കുന്ന'തും 'നന്മനിറഞ്ഞ മറിയ'വും അറിയാം! ആളുകളുടെ കണ്ണ് തള്ളിക്കാൻ ഇപ്പോൾ അത് മതി!!

ഞാൻ ഏതായാലും ഇക്കൊല്ലത്തെ സീയെമ്മൈ കണ്വെന്ഷന് പേരും കൊടുത്തിട്ടില്ലാ, വരാനോക്കുകേം ഇല്ലാ. എന്റെ ഈ എഴുപത്തൊമ്പതാം വയസ്സ് തീരാറാകുന്നതുകൊണ്ടു, ഈ മാസം 25 നു, പാസ്റ്റരുദ്ധ്യോഗം വിട്ടൊഴിഞ്ഞു, കുറച്ചുനാൾ പുതിയതായി വരുന്ന പാസ്റ്ററിനു (Palamattam) അസ്തേന്തിവേലഎടുത്തു, നാട്ടിൽ വല്ലിടത്തും ചെന്ന് ചുരുണ്ടുകൂടി കിടന്നു, സമയമെത്തുമ്പോൾ വടിയായി, സ്വർഗം വരിക്കുക എന്ന ഒറ്റ പ്രോജെക്ടും കൂടിയേ ബാക്കിയുള്ളൂ! ആകയാൽ നാട്ടിലോമറ്റോ വെച്ച് കാണാമെന്നു ശരണപ്പെടുന്നു.

സ്നേഹത്തോടെ,

ഐസക്കച്ചൻ

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Yawsep Mathai

July, 2015

Subject - In response to the video : Project - Part 19

syro malabar sabhayukkuu nashtapettu kondirikkunnaa suriyani bhashyayum aradhanakramavum veendum orrkan oru avsaram tharunna dhanuu Malpan Joseph Achan arambhichaa aramic project... achaa, ee project nannayii munnotuu pokan ee eliyavan ennum prarthikkunnunduu... Malpan George Koyilparambil oru nallaa suriyani pandidhanuuu... adhum ernakulam angmaly roopadhayil suriyani ariyavunnnaa achan marundu ennuu parayumbol adhu syro malabar sabhaykku pradeeesha nalkunnnadhannuu... syro malabar ennaa peeril SYRO ennaal syriac anennuu polum ariyatha sabhamakkallee ee projectinnuu unarthan sadhikkatee..


eeshoo mishihayikku sthudi ayirikkattee

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Johny Mathew

March 2015

 

Subject - In response to the video : Aramaic Project - Part 18

Father, I really appreciate your hard work to get back our Syriac heritage in the community and all the best to you father

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Ajay Mathew Jose

 

January 2015

Subject - In response to the video : Aramaic Project - Part 15

It would be great if some Aramaic chants and prayers were incorporated into the Syro-Malabar missal. It takes you back to your roots. Listening to songs like 'Qaddisha' evokes in me, a fragment of memory that must have passed on to me through my genes which makes it quite familiar even though I have no knowledge of the language.

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Saju Chackalackal, President, DVK

July 21, 2014
Subject - Denha Endowment Lectures given by Dr. Joseph J .Palackal

Dear Father,
Greetings.
I write these few lines to thank you for your gracious presence and excellent lectures that you offered at DVK for the Denha Endowment Lectures.I could be present only for the first lecture after the inauguration (as I had to go for another meeting of the moral theologians). This lecture which I participated was excellent and insightful. I thank you for the same, especially for the painstaking research that has gone into this work. I am sure that the second one was equally well received. I hope that Fr. Francis Thonippara wlll take the measures to see that your lectures are published.I had to leave for Pune as I was part of the group that went for the Lavasa blessing; so, I could not be present for the afternoon.As usual, everyone was mesmerized by your singing and chanting; and your Excellent English pronunciation and the play with apt idioms also were well received by our audience. To be very frank, I felt proud of having such a great confrere and I thank the Lord and our beloved Congregation for the wonderful gift that you are.

Thanking you once again, and wishing you all the best and God's abundant blessings,

Saju

 

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