Another Memorable Sopana Satsang for the “Time of Creation”

MOTV – Indian Orthodox Malankara Church – John D. Kunnathu – 5/9/16

We had another memorable Sopana Satsang on Sunday 4th September at the Baselios Dayara, Njaliakuzhy with over thirty participants, who included several new faces.

We began at about 5 pm with the usual Sopana Arohanam, a meditative climbing of the steep path toward the Dayara as a prelude to the Satsang. Led by Fr. K.M. George and Fr George Philip, Superior of the Dayara, we had Sankeerthana Aalaapanam, chanting of Psalms (versified and tuned by J.Kunnathu), and we shared meaningful thoughts on what we saw around while walking, such as the plants and flowers. We noticed that when we climbed together singing, meditating and sharing our reflections, we didn’t feel the effort of climbing at all! Rather, it turned out to be a joyful experience– a very refreshing spiritual exercise of body and mind.

It was followed by the evening prayer in the chapel at 6 pm, which concluded with the prayer at the shrine of Metropolitan Mar Ivanios, the founder of the Dayara/Monastery.

At about 7, we gathered at the Sopana Academy Hall. Sitting in a circle as usual we talked about the special context of this Satsang, the Time of Creation, which is being internationally observed by the Orthodox Churches, the Roman Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches. A number of participants made insightful comments on our close relationship with the Nature and our responsibility to protect our little planet earth. Some participants recited meaningful psalms or poems related to the theme. The songs of Shreya and Shravya, the very young participants, were specially enjoyed by everybody.

At about 8, we had a special service for the Blessing of the Fruits of the Earth. Vegetables and fruits were brought by the participants. It was observed by Jose Kurian Puliyeril that we gather the first fruits of agricultural products from the believers in our parish churches once or twice in a year, and we auction them out (aadya phala lelam) with the sole intention of adding some substantial amount to the church fund. It, however, used to be an occasion to thank God for the gifts of creation and the products of earth. It is this ancient practice that we are reviving here in the service of blessing fruits and vegetables. It was suggested that this short and beautiful service should be revived throughout the church, particularly in this time of life- threatening forces against the natural environment.

The Satsang was concluded with a simple fellowship meal. We could relish the special pickles made by some participants with their own unique recipes. We are grateful to the Dayara and its members for their active support and participation.

(Pending official approval, the liturgy to bless fruits and vegetables is available at the Sopana Academy)

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