August 2015 - St. Mary, Prophets, Apostles and Fathers of the Church

The month of August is quite a treat for the faithful.

August begins with the Soonoyo fast (falling asleep and transfer of Virgin Mary), the feast of Priest Eleazar, Marth Shmooni and her seven sons who were martyred for their unwavering faith (2 Maccabees 7). The Feast of transfer (Soonoyo) of Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15.

On August 6 we celebrate the feast of Transfiguration (the feast of tabernacles) and we remember the great father H.G Alexious Mar Theodosius (50^th anniversary) who stood firm with our Church when his compatriot left the Orthodox faith.

This month we also celebrate the memory of three other great fathers of Malankara Orthodox Church: Mathew Mar Ivanios (Pampady Monastery), Joseph Mar Pachomios (Mulakkulam Carmel Monastery near Cochin), and PauloseMar Pachomios (Ranni Perunad Monastery).

We also celebrate the feast of all the Prophets, Prophet Samuel, Apostle Labi (Judas Thaddeus), Apostle Matthias, and Feast of St. John the Baptist (his beheading).

2015 August is also the 100^th dukhrono (memorial) of Patriarch Abdul Mesiha who helped with the re-establishment of the Catholicate of the East in India.