Malabar Coast on west tip of India, with seven churches of St. Thomas [i]
Malabar Coast – The Song Christ said, “Go to the ends of the Earth,” [ii] so Thomas Eastward went from Indus’ mouth, bound to Socotra isle, Year 52 arrived in merchant ship at Malabar.... That western coast of India still had its Jews and Synagogue and, as each place before, after the Lost Sheep, then natives had their turn The Syrian Church at Malabar still has a Song of Thomas [iii] chanted in churches there for centuries, 1060 written down by Priest named Thomas A sample from this Song: “He built a church surmounted by a cross, first priest ordained was Rajah’s son-in-law next stop they plant a cross, baptize 2000, even more .” Departure was his Method, says the Song, “He started for another Tamil land, expecting no return. Impossible to tell his works at Malabar by Sign of Cross from Hand that touched the Wounds….” [i] Illustration: Map Showing the Seven Churches at Malabar : In the Steps of St. Thomas, main source for this poem. (Page number varies by edition. See Endnote 4 above). [ii] Acts 1:8-9, Jesus says – “ ‘But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.” [iii] In the Steps of St. Thomas, main source for this poem. (See Endnote 4 above), pp 17-19. His Cross rests in the Chalice of a Flower Comments are closed.
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Poems by Janet
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von Gumppenberg | Meet me at the Passage |
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