MALANKARA JACOBITE SYRIAN

SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

TEXT BOOK CLASS – II

2009

Copy right reserved

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 PREFACE

We are thankful to our Lord Almighty in helping us and guiding us

through the work of these Sunday school books. These books are the trans-
lations of the “Padamanjari” published by Malankara Jacobite Syrian Sun-
day School Association.
Children of our community, unable to read and write Malayalam were
finding it very difficult to study and understand the faith of our church
taught in Malayalam. Even in Kerala, children studing in CBSE and En-
glish Medium schools are not able to assimilate Malayalam. Circumstances
forced us to have English verson for the text books. Now the syllabus has
changed that caused the second edition of the text books.
A number of persons contributed to this noble venture. We take this
opportunity to thank them all. Let God bless every person who contributed
to make these books available to His children. We are happy to submit
these books in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ .
We are also gratefull to St.Peters Jacobite Syrian Church Baharin who helped
us for publishing these text Books in English.

Puthencruz Che.Adv.P.Benjamin Paul & Baby Mathara

17.08.2009 Dr. Jos D. Kaippallil General Secretary
Convenor

Text Book Committee

1) H.G.Kuriakose Mor Dioscoros Metropolitan (President, M.J.S.S.A)
2) H.G..Geevarghese Mor Policarpose Metropolitan
3) H.G.. Dr.Geevarghese Mor Coorilose Metropolitan
4) Rev.Fr.Jacob Michael (Vice President)
5) Rev.Dr.Adai Jacob Cor-Episcopa (Principal, M.S.O.T. Seminary)
6) Rev.Prof. Mathai Padath B.Sc (Hons.)
7) Rev.Fr.Koshy P.George M.A., B.Th., B.Ed
8) Rev.Fr.M.T.Kuriachan M.Th.
9) Rev.Fr.Jossy Abraham M.A., B.Ed.
10) Chev. K.V.Paulose M.A., B.Ed.
11) Chev.Joy P.George
12) Mr. P.V.Alias
13) Mr.M.K.Lukose B.Sc, B.Ed
14) Dr.Jaimon Jacob M.Sc, Ph.D
15) Mr.M.J.Markose (Treasurer)
16) Mr.Baby Varghese (Secretary)
17) Dr.Jose D.Kaippillil M.Sc., Ph.D (Secretary)
18) Chev.Adv.Benjamin Paul B.Sc., LL.B, D.B.M.(Secretary)
19) Mr.Baby Mathara (General Secretary)

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* God is our Creator CONTENTS
PART I Pages

* God is our Father 1. PRAYER 5

* God loves us PART II

2. HOLY QURBONO SONGS 9

* Bow before God
PART III
* Love God OLD TESTAMENT

* Jesus is our Saviour 3 THE FLOOD 10

4. HUMAN EFFORT WITHOUT GOD 11

* Jesus was born for us
5. BROTHERLY LOVE OF ABRAHAM 12
* Jesus died for us 6. PROMISED SON, ISAAC 14

* Jesus loves us 7. JACOB AND ESAU 15

8. JACOB IN NATIVE LAND 16

* Live with Jesus
9. THE PROPHET ELIJAH 17

10. SOLOMON THE WISE 19

PART IV

NEW TESTAMENT

11. THE BAPTISM OF JESUS CHRIST 20

TEXT BOOK FOR CLASS II
12. THE FASTING AND PRAYERS 21
(English)
13. WEDDING IN CANA 22
Prepared by :
Text Book Committee 14. JESUS HEALS THE SICK 24
M.J.S.S.A. 15. THE GOOD SAMARITAN 25

16. OUR LOVING FATHER 26

PART - V
Printed & Published by:
MALANKARA JACOBITE SYRIAN 17. TRUE FAITH OF THE HOLY CHURCH 29
SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
PUTHENCRUZ - 682 308
PART - VI

18. HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 30

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 MALANKARA JACOBITE SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

Malankara Syrian Sunday School Association was formed in December 27, 1920 at
a meeting held at Piravom seminary presided over by St. Paulose Athanasious Metropolitan,
known as the” Protector of the True Faith”. In 1964 when peace was established in the
church M.S.S.A. joined the Sunday School Association of the catholicos faction and contin-
ued functioning in the name O.S.S.A.E. But the Catholicos ordained by H.H.the Patriarch in
1964, put forward the claim of a new throne in the church contrary to the true faith and
canons of the Church which resulted in the split in the Sunday Association also.

In 1973 a meeting of the Sunday school teachers held in connection with the Partriachal
day decided to reorganize the Sunday Schools which owed allegiance to the Holy Throne of
Antioch and All the East. Thus Malankara Jacobite Syrian Suday school Association was
formed in the meeting held at St. Peter’s Church, Ernakulam on February 20, 1974. The
association byelaw was passed in the meeting held at Baker Memmorial School, Kottayam
on October 2, 1974. The Association is governed by the byelaws amended and approved
by the Genereal Body from time to time and subsequently got registerd under the Charitable
Societies Act.

H.H. the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East is the Supreme Patron and H.B. the
Catholicose is the patron of the Association.

The “Atma Deepam” magazine, an organ of the Association enlightens the souls as the
name itself implies. There is an examination wing which controls and conducts the examina-
tion from Class I to XII including JSSLC. The JSVBS wing prepares study materials and
conducts training camps for teachers for the Vacation Bible School all over India. There is a
wing which conducts “Balakalolsavam” at Sundayschool, District, Diocese and Association
level. Another wing conducts camps for teachers and students. All these wings are function-
ing from the headquarters. Thus the headquarters at Puthencurz is the nerve centre of various
activities of the MJSSA.

M.J.S.S.A. has also started a charity scheme in the name “Mor Baselios Paulose II
Catholicose charitable Fund” for the poor and backward.

Plus two course was started for those who passed JSSLC. Syriac language is also
taught in Sunday School classes. Several counselling centres are functioning under MJSSA.
These were introduced as a Millennium Programe.Spread over in 74 districts there are 600
Sunday Schools, more than 8000 teachers and 60,000 students under MJSSA. No doubt
MJSSA has a very important place in the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church in India.

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 PART I
LESSON 1
PRAYER
I. KAUMA
V In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one true
God:
Glory be to Him; and may His grace and mercy be upon us for ever. Amen.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, by whose glory, the heaven and earth are
filled, Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He, who has come, and is to come, in the name of the Lord God;
Glory be to Him in the highest.
Holy art Thou, O God!
Holy art Thou, Almighty
Holy art Thou, Immortal
V O Thou who was crucified for us, have mercy upon us.

Holy art Thou, O God!

Holy art Thou, Almighty
Holy art Thou, Immortal
V O Thou who was crucified for us, have mercy upon us.

Holy art Thou, O God!

Holy art Thou, Almighty
Holy art Thou, Immortal
V O Thou who was crucified for us, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Lord, be kind and have mercy upon us.
Lord, accept our prayers nad entreaties, have mercy upon us.
Glory be to Thee, O God
Glory be to Thee, O Creator, Glory be to Thee, O Christ, the King, who
does pity sinners, Thy servants. Barekmor.
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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts and sins as we have forgiven our debtors. Lead us not
into temptation; but deliver us from the evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the
power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, our Lord Jesus Christ. O Holy Virgin
Saint Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, now and at all times, and at
the hour of our death.
Malayalam Version
+ Pithaavum puthranum parisuddha roohayum-aaya sathyamulla
eka daivathinte thirunaamathil thanikku sthuthi. Nammutemel thante
karunayum manogunavum ennekkum undayirikkatte. Amen.
Aakaasavum bhoomiyum thante stuthikal kondu niranjirikkunna
balavaanaaya daivam thampuraan parisuddhan, parisuddhan, parisuddhan
uyarangalil sthuthi.
Daivamaya karthaavinte thirunamathil vannavanum
varuvanirikkunnavanum aayavan vaazhthapettavanaakunnu. Uyarangalil
sthuthi.
Daivame nee parisudhanaakunnu.
Balavaane nee parisudhanaakunnu.
Maranamillaathavane nee parisudhanaakunnu
Njangalkuvendi kurisikkapettavane +
njangaludemel karunayuntaakaname.
Daivame nee parisudhanaakunnu.
Balavaane nee parisudhanaakunnu.
Maranamillaathavane nee parisuddhanaakunnu
Njangalkuvendi kurisikkapettavane +
njangaludemel karunayuntaakaname.
Daivame nee parisudhanaakunnu.

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Balavaane nee parisudhanaakunnu.
Maranamillaathavane nee parisuddhanaakunnu
Njangalkuvendi kurisikkapettavane +
njangaludemel karunayuntaakaname.
Njangalude karthaave! njangalodu karuna cheyyaname. Njangalude
karthaave! krupayundaayi njangalodu karuna cheyyaname. Njangalude
karthaave! njangalude susrooshayum praarthanakalum kaikkondu
njangalodu karuna cheyyaname.
Daivame ninakku sthuthi. Srushtaave ninakku sthuthi. Paapikalaaya
ninte adiyarodu krupa cheyyunna mashiha raajaave ninakku sthuthi.
Baarekmore.
Karthru Prarthana
Swargasthanaaya njangalude pithave, Ninte thirunamam
parisuddhamaakka pedaname, Ninte rajyam varaname, Ninte thiruvishtam
swargathilepole bhoomiyilum aakaname, Njangalkku avasyamaayirikkunna
appam, innum njangalkku tharaname, Njangalude kadakkaarodu njangal
kshamichathupole, Njangalude kadangalum papangalum njangalodu
kshamikkaname, Pareekshayilekku njangale nee pravesippikkaruthe,
Pinneyo dhushtanil ninnum njangale rakshichu kollaname,Enthukondennaal
rajyavum sakthiyum mahathwavum ennekkum, Ninakkullathaakunnu.
Amen.
Krupa niranja Mariyame ninakku samadhanam, Njangalude
karthaavu ninnodu koode, Sthreekalil nee vazhthapettavalakunnu, Ninte
udara phalamaya Njangalude karthaveshu mashiha vazhthapettavanakunnu,
Daivamathavaya visudha kanyaka Martha Mariyame, ippozhum, eppozhum
njangalude marana samayathum papikalaya njangalkku vendi apekshichu
kollaname. Amen.

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II. When do we make the sign of the Cross

1) When hearing the Church bell

2) When seeing a Chuch or the Cross
3) While entering a Church
4) When saying or hearing the words ‘the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit (Holy Trinity).
5) When speaking the word Cross (Sleebo) at the time of any prayer.
6) When the Bishops bless the congregation using the Cross, at the time
of kissing the hand of a Bishop and where it is instructed to make the
sign of the Cross during the HOly Eucharistic services (Qurbono) and
prayers.
III. What is the meaning of drawing the sign of the Cross ?
The forehead denotes heaven; the chest earth, the left shoulder sinful-
ness and the right shoulder the state of the children of God.Our Lord and sav-
ior Jesus Christ came down from heaven to earth, taking human form to save
us and change us from our sinful state to the state of the children of God by
His death on the Cross. When we make the sign of cross we think of our salva-
tion through the death of Christ on the cross.
IV. What is the prayer while entering the Church ?

Everyone entering the Chuch shall make the sign of the cross and say:
“With reverence will I enter Your house, and submit my offering before you
My Lord”.

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 PART - 2
LESSON 2
HOLY QURBONO SONGS

1. Velivinthattil vasikkum Thou who dwellest in the light

punnyanidhe-parisudha Manslons holy, pure;
Venda kashtatha Keep us from all hateful thoughts
veenchinthayumadiya reenozhikka From all passions vile
Salkriyakalkku mana:-su-dhia Grant us cleanness in our hearts
Sangathi varane njan-gal-kku. Deeds of righteousness to do.

2 Bhakthar pukazhchaa bhaajaname! Thou whose praise the church dotsing.

Ninniludicchorekasuthan Intercession for us bring
Thrikkaral njangalilalivaan than Unto Him, Thine only Son.
Pakkalapekshayanaikkenam That we may not mercy shun.
Sthoumen kalos, kurielaison Sthoumen kalos, kurielaison

3 Moraneeso kurisum nin By Thy cross, O jesus Lord,

Mathru janathin prarthanayum By Thy Mother’spraying word,
Adikaleyum nin kopathin Take from us and from our path
Vadikaleyum maycheedenam Punishments and rods of wrath.

4 Parisuddhanmare ningal Plead for us, ye holy saints,

Prarthippin karthavodai- Pray to Him whose will ye did,
Adikaleyum than kopathin That from anger we be spared
Vadikaleyum mayicheedan. That from scourges we be hid.

5 Sharanathaale nin krupayil They who served and died in hope,

Maranamadanjoru daasare nin Trusting in Thy mercy, Lord,
Jeeva swaramathunarthaname May Thy living voice them raise
kabareennudyaan atthinaai From their graves to paradise
Sthoumen kalos, kurielaison. Sthoumen kalos, kurielaison

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 PART - III
OLD TESTAMENT
LESSON 3
THE FLOOD
(Genesis 6:13 - 8:22)

Objective: To show that God protects the righteous.

The children of Adam multiplied in number throughout the world. But
they also became very evil and wicked. Because the people of that time were
so evil, God decided to destroy everything by a great flood. However, God
decided to save Noah and his family, since Noah was a righteous man. Noah
had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.
God told Noah to build an ark, 300 cubits (450 feet) long, 50 cubits (75
feet) wide and 30 cubits (45 feet) in height using gopher (cypress) wood. God
also commanded that the ark should have a window in the side. God said to
Noah to go into the ark with his wife, three sons and their wives. He also
ordered Noah to take with him seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, and
two of every kind of unclean animal - male and female. Noah obeyed the Lord,
and loaded the animals and enough food for all of them into the ark.
For forty days and forty nights, there was heavy rain. This rain caused the
water level on earth to rise, until all the land was covered with water. The ark
began to float on the water. All living beings on earth were destroyed, except
for Noah, his family, and the animals in the ark. After 150 days, the level of
the water receded steadily. The ark came to rest on the Mountains of Ararat.
To see whether the water had gone down, Noah sent out a raven. It flew around
looking for a place to sit, but returned to the ark because the water was still
very high. The next time Noah sent out a dove, it also returned to the ark.
After 7 days, Noah again sent out the dove, but this time it returned with a
green olive leaf. This was a sign that the water had dried up from the earth.
After seven days, as God commanded, Noah and his family and all creatures
came out of the ark. Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and sacrificed burnt
offerings. God blessed Noah and his children. Noah’s children multiplied and
filled the earth. God promised that He would never destroy the earth by flood
again. This story shows that God always protects the righteous.

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Memory Verse: Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be
ashamed (Psalms 34 : 5)
I. Fill in the blanks
1. The length of the ark was ............ cubits.
2. It was raining continuously for ............. days and nights.
II. Answer the following
1. The name of the mountain on which the ark came to rest?
2. Why did God flood the earth?
3. Whom did God rescue from the flood?
4. How did Noah and his family escape from the flood?
5. What was the size of the ark?
6. What is the moral of this lesson?
7. What promise did God make after the flood?

LESSON 4
HUMAN EFFORT WITHOUT GOD
(Genesis 11:1-20)

Objective: To show that God’s help is essential for success.

The children of Noah increased in number in the world. Everyone through-
out the world spoke one language at that time. The people came and settled in
a plain in Shinar. They decided to build a town with a tower reaching to the sky,
which would prevent them from scattering around the earth. They were
arrogantly proud of their decision. They decided to build a very tall tower,
using baked bricks and clay. They thought very high of themselves and said,
“We will soon build a city with a tower that reaches to the Heavens.”
They began the work without God’s directives. Therefore, God decided
to scatter the people all over the earth, and confused their languages. Now they
could not understand each other, since everyone spoke different languages.
The people were all scattered around the world, before the tower could ever be
finished. That is why the site was called Babel – because there the Lord
confused the language of the whole world.Without God’s support human ef-
forts will be futile.

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Memory Verse: Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in
vain.(Psalms 127: 1)
I. Fill in the blanks
1. The children of Noah lived in a plain in the land of .................
2. The place where the children of Noah began to speak different
languages was named ............
II. Answer the following
1. What did the children of Noah do to prevent themselves from being
scattered ?
2. What character of Noah’s children is revealed by their decision to
build a tower that touches the sky ?
3. How did God scatter the people through out the world ?
4. What is the moral of this lesson ?

LESSON 5
BROTHERLY LOVE OF ABRAHAM
(Genesis : 12, 13 & 14)

Objective: To show the greatness of brotherly love

There was a town called Ur in the land of Chaldea in present-day Iraq.
There lived a man named Abram who was faithful to God. His father was Terah.
Later Terah and his family moved to Haran. Terah died in Haran.
God called Abram and commanded, “Go to the place which I am going
to show you.” Abram did not know anything about the place. Abram trusted
God. Therefore, Abram, along with his wife Sarai and nephew Lot left every-
thing they owned - their house and land behind and began their journey. In the
middle of the journey, they stayed in Bethel for a short time. God revealed
himself to Abram and told him that his children would be given that place in the
future. Abram then built an altar there and they worshipped God.
Abram and Lot were immensely rich. Their wealth was in the form of
cattle. They lived a very rich and comfortable life by raising cattle in a very
vast pasture. Some time later, the herdsmen of both men began to argue since

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there was not enough space for the cattle owned by both Abram and Lot.
Because of this, Abram and Lot decided to separate.
Lot was allowed to select whichever place he wanted. “If you are to the
left I will go to the right. Or else if you are to right I will select the left,”
Abram suggested. Lot selected the more fertile land in the plain of
Jordan. Therefore, Abram lived in the land of Canaan. Lot’s new neighbors,
who were plunderers, soon took Lot as a prisoner. Hearing about this, Abram
followed these robbers with 318 trained warriors with him. He defeated them
and regained the wealth and released Lot and his family.
Because of Abram’s dedication to God, the Lord God entered into a
covenant with Abram and blessed him that his progeny will fill the earth. God
gave him a new name, Abraham, which means ‘father of many’ (nations). Also,
the Lord God blessed Sarai and gave her a new name, Sarah, which means
‘mother of nations’ (and kings).
Remember: Brotherly love is truely great!!.
Memory Verse: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
(Romans 12: 21)
I. Fill in the blank
1. The birthplace of Abram was .................
II. Answer the following
1. What did God command Abram to do?
2. What is the name of the place where Abram stayed in the middle of
his journey, which God promised would one day belong to Abram’s
children?
3. Why did Abram and Lot decide to live separately?
4. What did Abram say to Lot in the selection of land?
5. Who rescued Lot from the plunderers?
6. What is the moral of this lesson?
7. What are the new names God gave to Abram and Sarai?
8. What is the name of Abram’s Father?

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 LESSON 6
PROMISED SON, ISAAC
(Genesis 23 & 24)

Objective : Obedience to God and parents shall give blessings in abundance.

You were taught last year how God had saved the life of Isaac, Son of
Abraham - father of the faithful. God had also provided a ram to sacrifice as a
burnt offering instead of Isaac.
Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah 90. The prom-
ise of God to Abraham that he would have a son through whom a nation would
rise materialised through the birth of Isaac. Isaac grew obeying his parents.
Sarah lived hundred and twenty seven years, died and buried in cave Machpelah.
Abraham became old and it was time for Isaac to get married.
One day Abraham called his head servant Eliazer to find out a suitable
bride for his son from the land of his family. Eliazer went to Mesopotamia
along with ten of his masters camels, jewellery, beautiful clothings and other
precious things. He reached the outskirts of the city in the after noon and
made the camels, kneel down outside the city by the well of water. He prayed
God to show him a way to proceed and God granted success.
By evening maiden started coming to collect water from the well. Eliazer
decided to request them for drinking water. He decided to fix the maiden
whom shall reply ‘Drink and I will water your camels’ as the bride of Isaac.
Then came a beautiful lady. He asked to her for drinking water. She replied
“Lord Drink and I will water your camels also”. He asked her whereabouts and
found that she is Rebecca the daughter of Bethel son of Nahar who was the
brother of Abraham. Immediately he put the gold ring and bracelets on her.
The maiden ran away to her home and informed what transpired near the
well. Her brother Labn met Eliazer and took him home. They discussed and
sent Rebekah along with Eliazer to Isaac’s home.
By this time Isaac was praying God sitting in an open space. Looking at a
distance, he found Eliazer returning with a beautiful lady and took her to his
home. Their marriage was solemnised.Dear children, if we surrender every-
thing to God and pray he will bless us in abundance.

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Memory Verse: ‘Remember also your creator in the days of your youth”
(Ecclesiastes 12:1)

Answer the following:

1) Name the cave where Sarah was buried
2) Who was the father of the faithful
3) Name the head servant of Abraham
4) Name the wife of Isaac
5) What was Isaac doing when Rebekah was brought to his home ?

LESSON 7
JACOB AND ESAU
(Genesis 27,31)
Objective: God will greatly bless those who know God and work hard.
Isaac was the promised son of Abraham. Isaac’s wife Rebecca delivered
twins. Esau was the elder son and Jacob was the younger. Esau’s body was
very hairy, but Jacob’s skin was smooth. Esau was irresponsible. One day
when he was hungry, he sold his birth right as the first-born son to Jacob in
exchange for a bowl of stew.
Jacob was very shrewd and hard-working. Once Isaac, who was then very
old, asked Esau to go hunting and to bring some tastily prepared meat. Isaac
said, “Then I will give you my blessing.” However,their mother, Rebecca, wanted
Jacob to have this blessing from Isaac, since she loved Jacob more than Esau.
Before Esau brought his meat to his father Isaac, Rebecca killed and prepared
two lambs for Jacob to give to his father. In order to make Isaac, who was blind
due to old age, believe that Jacob was really Esau, Rebecca made Jacob wear
Esau’s clothes. She also put animal skin on Jacob’s arms and neck to make his
body as hairy as Esau’s. This was done to mislead Isaac, so that he would give
his blessing to Jacob instead of Esau.
Pretending to be Esau, Jacob approached his father with the cooked meat.
Because of the animal hair on his arms and neck, and because he was wearing
Esau’s clothes, Isaac believed that this was his older son, Esau. Thinking that it
was the game Esau caught while hunting, Isaac ate the tastely meat and was

15
very pleased. Therefore, Isaac gave all of his blessings to Jacob. Isaac said
that Jacob would be the chief between the two brothers.
After a short while, Esau came back with the game that he had caught. He
prepared some tasty food and brought it to his father. Then Isaac and Esau
realized that Jacob had cheated Esau by receiving all of Isaac’s blessings. This
made Esau very angry with Jacob. Because of this, Rebecca sent Jacob to the
house of her brother Laban.
Memory Verse: He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite
us according to our iniquities. (Psalms 103:10)
I. Answer the following
1. Who was the first one among the twins born to Isaac?
2. To whom did Jacob run, in fear of his brother Esau?
3. Why did Esau sell his birthright as the elder brother to Jacob?
4. How did Jacob get the blessings from his father Isaac?

LESSON - 8
JACOB IN NATIVE LAND
(Genesis 32 & 33)

Objective:God will bless and forgive us if we varient our mistakes and repeat.

Jacob stayed at Laban’s house, where he took care of Labans sheep. The
sheep increased in number so much that Laban game his elder daughter Leah
and later his younger daughter Rachel, in marriage to Jacob. After 20 years
there arose disputes between Laban and Jacob involving properties. God in-
structed Jacob to return to the land of his father. Laban was not ready to send
back Jacob. But Jacob fled to his own land. It is true that he had fear of Esau
in his mind for he had cheated him. Any how he travelled to his land with his
wifes, children men and maid servants and with all his belongings.
One night during his journey to Canaan, an angel of God wrestled with
Jacob. They fought until the morning, and then the man was going to leave.
However, Jacob said, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” God gave him
the name Israel, which means, ‘the man who struggled with God’. God blessed
Jacob. From this time on that place was known as Peniel, which means ‘saw
God face to face’.

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 To his surprise, Esau gave Jacob a very warm welcome. Jacob stayed
along with his brother Esau in Canaan. Jacob has 12 children who came to be
known as chief of tribes of Israel.
It is surprising to note that the word of God to Abraham to make him a
nation has come true. It is to be noted that the promise of God shall never be
failed.
Memory Verse: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, is a new creation, the old has
passed away, behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5 : 17)

Answer the following:

1) Name the place where Jacobs was conferred the name Israel.
2) What was the request made by Jacob to the struggled God man ?
3) Name of the youngest son of Jacob.
4) How are the sons of the Jacob known to the world ?

LESSON 9
THE PROPHET ELIJAH
(1 Kings: 18:20-40)

Objective: To show that God will reveal himself to those who serve God
faithfully.
During the reign of King Ahab, both the king and the people of Israel
violated the commandments of God by worshipping the idol of Baal. God’s
wrath fell on them. No rain fell on their land, resulting in crop destruction.
There was severe famine. The animals also perished due to severe draught.
God asked his prophet Elijah to go to Israel and convince the king and his
subjects that the Lord God is their only God.
King Ahab met Elijah. Elijah told Ahab that the famine was due to the
idol worship and that the people forgot the true God and abandoned His
commandments. Elijah asked Ahab to summon all Israelites and the priests
and prophets of Baal to Mount Carmel to test and see whether Baal or the Lord
God is the true God. 450 prophets of Baal and several Israelites assembled on

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Mount Carmel. The Prophet Elijah asked the people to bring two bulls to offer
as sacrifice. One was to be sacrificed by the prophets of Baal, and the other by
Elijah the prophet to the Lord God. Whichever sacrifice was burned by fire
from heaven would be considered as the sacrifice for true God.
At first, the prophets of Baal placed a bull cut into pieces on the altar on
which firewood was well packed. They prayed to Baal from dawn until noon.
They cried aloud to Baal, but nothing happened. Later Elijah packed firewood
on his altar to the Lord and placed the other bull, cut into pieces, over it. The
Prophet then knelt down and prayed to the Lord God, “Please answer me God.”
Suddenly fire from heaven came down and burned up the sacrifice, the
firewood, and even the soil beneath the altar. When all the people saw this
they fell prostrate and cried “The Lord is the true God.”
We should worship the Lord our God only, as he is the true God. If we
pray to Him with faith, God will hear us and answer our prayers.
Memory Verse: The eyes of Lordaretoward the righteous, and his ears toward
their cry. (Psalms 34 : 15)
I. Fill in the blank
1. At the time of King Ahab the idol of ...................... was worshipped.
II. Answer the following
1. What was the name of the mount on which Elijah made the sacrifice
to prove that Lord is the true God ?
2. What was the reason for the sufferings of the people during the reign
of Ahab ?
3. What did Elijah do to prove that the Lord is the true God ?
4. What did Elijah pray, for the fire to come down from heaven
5. What is the moral of this lesson ?

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 LESSON 10
SOLOMON THE WISE
(1 Kings 3:3-14)
Objective: To illustrate that God accepts prudent prayers.

There was a king in Israel whose name was Solomon.David, the great king
was Solomon’s father. Just like King David, Solomon also loved God and lived
according to the will of God. He prayed to God every day, and God blessed
him.

Israel used to sacrifice on the altar at Gibeon. Solomon came to Gibeon

and offered a thousand sacrifices of sweet incense. Seeing his love towards
God and his humility, God was very pleased with Solomon.

Lord revealed himself to Solomon while he was sleeping at Gibeon. “Ask

for whatever you want, and I will give it to you,” God said to Solomon. “I am
not able to reign over such a great people, which are too numerous to count.
So to judge your people, please give me a heart of wisdom that is capable of
discerning good and evil,” Solomon prayed. God was pleased at the prayer of
Solomon. God gave Solomon wisdom. God also gave him wealth and long
life, even though he had not asked for these things. Solomon was very glad that
God heard his prayer. Later he was known as Solomon, the wise. We also
should be capable of praying wisely before the Lord.
Memory Verse: “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”
(Proverbs 1:7)
I. Answer the following
1. Who was the father of Solomon ?
2. The place where Solomon offered a thousand sacrifices of sweet
incense.
3. Why did God bless Solomon ?
4. What did Solomon ask God to grant him ?
5. What sort of prayer should we offer before God ?

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 PART 4
NEW TESTAMENT
LESSON 11

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS CHRIST

(Mathew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21)

Objective: God reveals His Son, Jesus.

John the Baptist, who came as the forerunner of Jesus Christ encouraged
people to repent. In the river Jordan, he baptized those who had repented. He
advised people to save themselves from the wrath of God.
One day Jesus came to John along with the other people to be baptized.
While Jesus was baptized, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a
dove, came down upon Jesus. “You are my Dear Son. I am pleased with you,”
a sound echoed from heaven. At this moment the Father, Son and Holy Spirit -
the Holy Trinity - appeared together.
The date that we remember as the day of Baptism of Jesus Christ is Janu-
ary 6. The Church celebrates January 6th as the festival of Denaho. The mean-
ing of Denaho is to “Dawn.”
Memory Verse: “ Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God”
(Ephesians 5:21)
I. Fill in the blanks
1. .............................. is the forerunner of Jesus Christ.
2. John the Baptist baptized people in the river.........................
3. The meaning of the word Denaho is ............................
II. Answer the following
1. What happened when Jesus was being baptized?
2. What was the first occasion when the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit were witnessed together?
3. When does the Holy Church celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ?

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 LESSON 12
THE FASTING AND PRAYERS
(Mathew 4:1-11)

Objective: To stress the significance of fasting and prayer.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, after being baptized by John the
Baptist. As a preparation for his public ministry, he fasted for forty days and forty
nights continuously. After this, He was very hungry. Satan approached Jesus to
tempt him. “If you are the Son of God, order these stones to become bread,”
Satan challenged Jesus. “Man does not live by bread alone, but by
every word that comes from the mouth of God,” Jesus replied.
Later Satan took Jesus to the highest point of the temple in the Holy
City. Satan asked Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.
For it is written: ‘The angels of God will guard you from striking your feet
against a stone’.” Jesus said, “It is also written that you should not put the
Lord your God to the test”.
In these two attempts to tempt Jesus, Satan was defeated. Then Satan
took Jesus to the top of a mountain. Satan showed Jesus all of the kingdoms of
the world and their splendor. Satan told Jesus that if Jesus knelt down and
worshipped him, he would give all of these to Jesus. Jesus said to Satan,
“Satan, go away from me. For it is written: ’Worship the Lord your God, and
serve Him only.’“ Suddenly the devil left him. The angels of God came and
attended to him.
Thus Jesus Christ had victory over Satan through fasting and prayer. By
sincere fasting and prayer, we also can win over the temptations of this world.
Memory Verse: “ This kind can come forth by nothing, But by prayer and
fasting” ( St.Mark 9: 29 )
I. Fill in the blanks
1. Jesus fasted for ..............................
2. While fasting, Jesus stayed in the ..............................

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II. Answer the following
1. What happened after Jesus finished fasting in the desert?
2. What was the first attempt of Satan to tempt Jesus? What was the
reply of Jesus?
3. What was the second temptation? How did Jesus overcome it?
4. What was the third trial to tempt Jesus? How did Jesus win against
Satan?
5. What is the moral behind this lesson?

LESSON 13
WEDDING IN CANA
(St. John:2:1-11)

Objective: To learn that Jesus is the Lord of all things.

Jesus grew up with His mother, Mary and his foster father, Joseph in
Nazareth. As he grew up, he was strengthened by God’s blessings. Children
who obey their parents will get God’s blessings and long life as promised in
the fifth commandment.
When Jesus was thirty-years-old, He began his public ministry. As He
traveled through Galilee, Jesus taught about the kingdom of God, and about
repentance. Jesus had many followers. Among these followers Jesus chose
twelve people whom He called Apostles, which means, “People who were sent”
Cana is a small town in Galilee. Cana is near Nazareth. Once there was a
wedding in Cana. Mary and Jesus were invited to the wedding. Mary came
early to help prepare for the occasion because Mary was related to that fam-
ily. Jesus and His disciples arrived at the time of the wedding. While the feast
was in progress, they ran out of wine. In wedding feasts of Cana, it was cus-
tomary to serve wine to the guests. The host would not have expected wine to
run out. The feast would be ruined if wine could not be served. It would be
such a disgrace for the host. Mary realized that they needed help. She recog-
nized that her Son was the only one who could help them at that time. She
knew He was the Son of God. She had the freedom to ask Him. She told Him,
“They have no wine.” Jesus replied, “What does your concern have to do
with me? My hour has not yet come.”
Mary understood that He was not denying her request. She knew well

22
what her Son would do. Among the people there, Mary was the only one who
believed that He was the Son of God. Without any doubts in her mind, she told
the servants in the house, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
Jesus did not refuse His mother’s request. Even though His time had not
arrived, He fulfilled His mother’s request. There were six huge stone jars in
the house. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” He then said to
them, “Draw some out now and take it to the master of the feast.”
Only if the master of the feast is satisfied that the wine tastes good can it be
served at the feast. When he tasted what the servants brought him, he was amazed.
How good it tasted. He called the bridegroom aside and said to him, “Every man
sets out the best wine at the beginning, and when the guests have well drunk,
they set out other wine that isn’t as good. But you have kept the best wine until
now.”

When the servants and Jesus’ disciples realized that the water had turned
into wine, they were very surprised. The disciples began to believe in His di-
vinity. Jesus performed the first miracle fullfilling His mother’s request. The
Savior of the world is a caring son too. The skies, the earth, and all the powers
there in are under His control. This is what the first miracle of Jesus teaches
us.

Memory verse: The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His
hand.” (St. John 3:35).

I. Choose the correct answer

1. Name the village in which Jesus performed his first miracle?
a) Galilee b) Cana c) Samaria
2. What was happening at Cana?
a) Festival b) Concert c) Wedding
3. Who arrived early?
a) Jesus b) Disciples c) Mary, mother of Jesus
4. What happened as the feast was in progress?
a) The best man did not show up. b) Ran out of wine c) Rained

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II. Answer the following
1. What did Mary tell Jesus?
2. “Whatever He says to you, do it” Who said this? To whom?
3. “Fill the water pots with water.” Who said this? To whom?
4. “You have kept the best wine until now.” Who said this? To whom?
5. What was the source of this good wine?

LESSON 14
JESUS HEALS THE SICK
(Mathew 15:22-28, Luke 5:18-26, Luke 17:11-19)

Objective: To show that Jesus is capable of curing our illnesses.

Jesus was born and brought up in this world preaching and proclaiming
the gospel. He made people conscious of salvation. He gave authority to his
Apostles to proclaim the good news throughout the world. He also cured the
sick, and gave peace and consolation to the people who were living in misery
and suffering.
One day a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus by four of his friends.
Seeing their faith Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven”. Jesus then ordered him,
“take your bedding and walk home.” The man was totally cured and he took his
mat and went home.
One day a Canaanite woman approached Jesus. Crying out she told Jesus
that her daughter was possessed by an evil sprit. Jesus had mercy on her. “Since
you have great faith, your daughter is cured,” Jesus said. From that minute
onwards, her daughter was healed.
Memory Verse: “It is better to trust in the Lord that to put confidence in Man”
(Plsms 118:8)

II. Answer the following

1.What is the commendment of Jesues to the paralyzed man ?
2. What Jesues sid to the Cananite woman ?

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 LESSON 15

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

(Luke 10:30-37)

Objective: To understand who a true friend is.

One day a Jewish man was travelling alone from Jerusalem to Jericho and
fell into the hands of robbers. They beat him, robbed him and went away,
leaving him half dead. He was severely injured. Blood flowed from his wounds.
The robbers took all the money he had and the clothes he was wearing. This
poor man was then left lying by the side of the road.
After some time a Jewish priest walked through that road. Seeing this
helpless injured man, the priest went away without helping him. Later on, a
Levite came by on the road. The Levites were people who did services in the
Jewish Synagogues. He also saw the injured man and his bleeding wounds.
Without caring to help, the Levite ignored the man and proceeded to his
destination. Later a Samaritan came through the road. The Jewish people
considered Samaritans as outcasts, and had little to do with them. However,
the Samaritan got down from his donkey, and felt sorry for the injured man.
He examined the injured man, washed his wounds and applied oil to the
wounds. He then bandaged the wounds, and took the injured man on his donkey
to the nearest inn. The next day, the Samaritan gave two silver coins to the
innkeeper to make necessary arrangements for the injured man to rest at the
inn. He promised the inn-keeper that he would pay any additional expense that
may have been incurred when he returned.
Among the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan, only the Samaritan had
compassion on the injured man. Only the Samaritan helped the man in danger,
even though he was not even a member of his community. He alone showed
the love of God. God expects this love from all of us. We should show com-
passion for and help those who are in need.
Memory Verse: “ He that dwelleth in love dewelleth in God, and God in him”
I John 4:16

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I. Fill in the blanks
1. The traveler was going from ........................ to................
2. Levites are people who do....................... in the Jewish temple.
II. Answer the following
1. What happened to the traveler in the middle of his travel?
2. What did the priest do after seeing the injured man?
3. What did the Levite do for the injured man?
4. Who helped the injured man?
5. What did the Samaritan do for the injured man?
6. What is the moral behind this lesson?

LESSON 16
OUR LOVING FATHER
(St.Luke 15: 11-32)

Objective: To learn that God is our loving Father.

God is our Father. He loves us. Jesus is the Son of God, who came down
from heaven to save us from our sins. When we sin, God grieves; when we
renounce sin and return to God, He rejoices. When we confess our sins and
ask for forgiveness, God pardons and happily receive us. Jesus taught us about
God’s forgivenes through the parable of the prodigal son.
Once a certain rich man had two sons. The younger one asked his father
his share of the property. So the man divided the property between his two
sons. The younger son sold his part of the propery and left home with the money.
He surely thought that he could have an easy life, without his father to control
him. He went to a place far away. There he made a lot of friends. He wast ed
his money by recklessly spending it. Whn he ran out of all his money, his friends
left him. This shows us that we have to be careful when we choose our friends.
Then a severe famine hit that country and he was left without anything. He
wanered without food. He could not bear his hunger. He went to work for a
farmer. The farmer sent him to take care of the pigs. He worked there for
food. But he was still hungry. He wished he could eat the bean pods that the
pigs ate. But he was not even allowed to eat that.

26
 Then he thought of his home and his father, all the sins he had committed
and then he repented. He said, “In my father’s house servants have enough to
eat and to spare, while I starve here. I will go back to my father and say, “Fa-
ther, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am not longer worthy to be
called your son; treat me as one of your servants”. This is true repentance. He
got up and went back to his father.
His father saw him from far away. The father was waiting for his son’s
return for a long time. His heart was filled with compassion. He ran towards
his son and threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son wept and said,
“Father, I have sinned against heaven and againsgt you. I am no loner worthy to
be called your son.”
But the father called his servants and told them, “Bring the best robe and
put on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Then go and get the
fattened calf and kill it. Let us eat and be merry, because my son was dead, but
now he is alive; he was lost and now he has been found.” And so the celebra-
tion began.
In the meantime the elder son was out in the field. On his way back, when
he came near the house, he heard the music and dancing. He called one of the
servants and asked him what was going on. When he found out the news he was
so angry that he would not go into the house. So his father came out and re-
quested him to come in. The elder son answered his father, “All these years I
have served you and I never disobeyed you. You never gave me anything to
celebrate with my friends. But your younger son wasted all your property, and
whe he came back home you killed the fattened calf for him.”
The father replied, “My son you are always here with me and all my prop-
erty is yours. But your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost and
now he has been found. So we have to celebrate and be happy.”
When a person sins , he is dead to God . But when he repents and comes
back to God, he lives again. God, the Father gladly receives him and angels in
the heaven rejoice over him.
Memory Verse : “ In the same way, I tell you, the angels of God rejoice over
one sinner who repents” (St. Luke 15:10)

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I. Choose the correct answer
1. What did the younger son demand from his father ?
a) To send him to school b) To give his share of the property
c) To send him for a vacation
2. What did the younger son do with his share of property ?
a) Sold that b) Rented that c) Improved that
3. What did the younger son’s friends do when he was out of money ?
a) Supported him b) Left him C) Send him home
4. What did the younger son do when he couldn’t bear hunger ?
a) worked in a store b) Went home c) Worked for a farmer
II Answer the following.
1. How did the Younger son end up in such a sorry state ?
2. What did the younger son do when he repented ?
3. What did the father do when he saw his younger son far away ?
4. What did the younger son tell his father when he returned ?
5. How did the father welcome his son back ?
6. Who got angry and stayed out side the home ? Why ?
7. What did the father tell his elder son ?

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 PART 5
HOLY FAITH OF THE CHURCH
LESSON 17
TRUE FAITH OF THE HOLY CHURCH

1. Who is God?
God is the creator and protector of all. God loves man. God acts as the
guardian and companion of man.
2. What do you mean by one God in trinity?
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make up the Holy Trinity. One God is
the fellowship of the Trinity that is the same God.
3. Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, incarnated as man for the
salvation of the human race. Jesus Christ is perfect God and perfect
man.
4. What is the meaning of the name Jesus the Messiah?
Jesus means “savior” and Messiah means “the Anointed One.”
5. What is the purpose of the incarnation of the Holy Son?
The Holy Son, Jesus Christ incarnated for the redemption and
salvation of humanity.
6. What is Jesus Christ doing now?
Now Jesus Christ is sitting at the right hand side of the Holy Father and
intercedes for us.
7. Will Messiah come again to this world?
Yes. He will come again in great glory to gather all those who live
according to the will of God.
8. How did Jesus Christ redeem us?
Jesus Christ redeemed us by His passion, crucifixion, death, and resur-
rection.

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9. Why does the Church insist facing to the east while praying?
In the second coming Jesus, the Sun of Justice will come from the east.
Therefore, we pray facing to the east to watch and wait for his arrival.
10. Who are the ordained clergy in the church?
Metropolitans, Priests and Deacons are the ordained clergy in the
Church.
11. Meaning of,
Kuriaelaieson - God have mercy upon us
Ameen. - That is the truth.
Baraekmor - God bless us

PART 6
LESSON 18
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

1. What is the name of our Church?

The Holy Syrian Orthodox Church. (Jacobite Syrian Christian Church)
2. Who is our Diocesan Metropolitan?
(Teach the name of the concerned Diocesan Metropolitan )
3. Where were the followers of Christ called Christians first?
Antioch.

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