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It also provides information on Research Reference Resources for Christianity in INDIA, e.g.:

The St. Thomas Chistian Encyclopaedia of India

The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopaedia : The PURPOSE

It encompasses within a single work our present knowledge of every aspect of Indian Christianity... Its faith,liturgy,scripture....the culture,habits,trends it has given birth to its contribution to art, architecture, language, literature, music, education.. to art, philosophy, social service... every other feature of the great Christian Tradition in India... from the most distant past to the present day... from its hold on the far North to its heroic story in the far South... its origins and spread in the West and East of the subcontinent... and its successes and failures in taking the message to hitherto unapproachable areas especially under the changed Indian circumstances now obtaining.

The St.Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India is a reference work on India in general and on Indian Christianity in Particular. In addition to a wealth of statistical information and directory material, specialist essays have been contributed by hundreds of Archaeologists, Anthropologists, Artists, Historians, Educators, Biographers, Lexicographers and Researchers.

" Whatever your interest in the world of Indian Christianity you will find it in this vast word and picture library."

To bring together the vast store of knowledge required to fulfill the Encyclopedia's purpose, an editorial board was constituted consisting of some of the best minds in the field. In order to ensure the authenticity of each entry the editors enlisted the aid of an editorial advisory board of scholars representing the most distinguished men in the world of Christianity. The most brilliant authorities in India and abroad have contributed their special knowledge through hundreds of definitive articles. Whenever possible the person most closely associated with a particular subject was chosen to write upon it.

" The classic often considered as the begetter of most recent books and reference works in the field."

Separate articles on each Church, Denomination, Mission, State, Area , Organization, Movement, Saint, Pioneer, Missionary Many articles on land, people, history, culture, scripture, liturgy, art, architecture, archaeology, dialogue, Indianization, evangelization, ecumenism, anthropology, sculpture, education, social service, Indology, traditions, customs, manners, world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam,

"A comprehensive word and picture gallery."

The pages of the Encyclopedia are illustrated with vivid, on the spot photographs and paintings in glorious full colour and striking black & white reproductions, in addition to the many sketches, charts, maps, tables and diagrams.

Indian Church History Classics (ICHC) - Volume 1


The NAZRANIES
15 Church History Classics On India's Ancient Malabar Christians Of St. Thomas

Here are 15 of the most oftquoted RESOURCE CLASSICS describing authentically the origins, history, culture, personalities, divisions and unions, spread, vicissitudes, and achievements of the unique Nazraney ("ney"as in honey or money) Christians of Kerala, claiming their origin from Apostle Thomas at the dawn of the Christian Era in 52 AD, as well as their manifold contributions to Indian and World Christianity in particular and in general to Humanity at large. The publishers have added pleasure in fulfilling a long felt need of scholars, at a time when great tidings are arriving from these Indian Oriental Christian communities.

The volume contains special introductions to each individual work/author by scholars who have devoted a lifetime to the study of these works. For example Dr. Mundadan introduces the work of Medlycott while Dr. Vellian introduces the twin volumes of Farquhar. Others who have contributed introductions include:The volume contains all the material such as indices, prefaces, dedications, and introductions contained in the original edition.

Produced To The Specifications Of The Best World-Class Libraries


Now for the first time all these well-known works are available in a single, compact, ENCYCLOPEDIC, volume, newly type-set in easy-to-read, modern type faces, and printed in an attractive format, making use of the best available materials and craftsmanship. In the giant pages of the present work measuring 9 in. by 12 in. you can now browse through or deeply study the complete story of these Christians and their contacts down the centuries with various civilizations and peoples across the Arabian Sea and along the Western Indian Coast from the Near East, Middle East, and the West not to mention their interesting rendezvous with various races and cultures in India itself from beyond the mountain ranges known as the Western Ghats.

Lasting open-bound hard-cover library edition with Gold leaf printed and embossed front and spine with a glorious full colour jacket and a thick transparent "overall".

There are perhaps only a dozen or so usable copies of most of these works now available in the whole world. This volume is being brought out at 'the specific request of many libraries and scholars who would like to have their own complete, uncut copies of these It provides a rare chance collections. Also it is a con to institutions and faculties interested in the depend on short and/ t quotations from these of guiding Masters and Doctoral candidates.

Volume ONE Containing 15 complete books on sale now


The Nazranies

A whole library containing 15 costly books plus lengthy extracts from 22 more.

Detailed autographed introductions ranging from 1000 to 3000 words to each book plus a 10,000-word General Introduction by noted authorities

Indices.

Library bound with gold-leaf stamped and embossed cover and spine.

Protective full-colour jacket and transparent "overall".

Over 600 large size pages of 12" x 9" each containing more than a thousand words.

Some 500 First-ever" photographs, art reproductions and other visual aids-hundreds in glorious full colour-including many in the giant page size.

The full set will be in three uniform volumes:

Vol. I The Nazranies. (on sale now)

Vol. II The Catholics (other than the Nazranies in the press)

Vol. Ill The Christians (other than the Nazranies / Catholics in the press)

Media Talk about The NAZRANIES

India Today ( October 12,1998)
"A detailed history of the various Christian sects of Kerala. One of those perennial reference manuals"

The Hindu Daily (Tuesday, August 4, 1998)
" This volume attempts to trace back to the source , the traditions, customs,cultural trends and historical insights relating to the Nazranies, i.e the St Thomas Christians of Malabar (Kerala)"

Dr. Mar Aprem - Metropolitian
".... In addition to the indices, prefaces, dedications etc contained in the original books this volume provides a lengthy general Bibliography and a Chronology. Further each book is introduced by well known scholars. All theological scholars and history Departments of secular Universities should have a copy of this encyclopedic work"

Dr. A.M Mundadan
"Another bold attempt by a person of the calibre of Prof. George Menanchery- a new set of publications under the mast of South Asia Research Assistance Services (SARAS). The professor has already established a name by publishing Vols. 1 & 2 of the St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India- two weighty volumes both in content and style. This volume reproduces 15 classics in full and lengthy extracts from some 22 other such classics."



Books reproduced in full:

GEDDES: A short history of the Church of Malabar together with The Synod of Diamper.

G.T. MACKENZIE: Christianity in Travancore.

GEORGE CATHANAR: The Orthodoxy of the St.Thomas Christians.

MEDLYCOTT: India and The Apostle Thomas.

A SYRIAN CATHOLIC: A Synopsis of the history of the Syrian Church in Malabar.

PANJIKARAN: The Syrian Church in Malabar.

BERNARD: A Brief Sketch of the History of the St. Thomas Christians.

FARQUHAR: The Apostle Thomas in North India.

FARQUHAR: The Apostle Thomas in South India.

DCRUZ: St. Thomas the Apostle in India.

PLACID: The Syrian Church of Malabar.

JOB: The Syrian Church of Malabar.

KAITHANAL: Christianity in Malabar.

DANIEL: The Syrian Church of Malabar.

JUHANON MAR THOMA: Christianity in India and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church.

Lengthy extracts included from:

ADRIAAN MOENS: The Dutch in Malabar.

JAMES HOUGH: The History of Christianity in India.

FRANCIS DAY: The Land of the Permauls or Cochin its past and its present.

C.M.AGUR: Church History of Travancore.

LADISLAS-MICHEL ZALESKI: The Apostle St. Thomas in India.

J.N. OGILVIE: The Apostle of India.

W.S. HUNT: The Anglican Church in Travancore & Cochin.

GILLE A.: Christianity at Home.

K.P. PADMANABHA MENON: History of Kerala.

K.M. PANIKKAR: Malabar and the Dutch.

L.K. ANANTAKRISHNA AYYAR: Anthropology of the Syrian Christians.

A. MINGANA: Early Spread of Christianity.

JOHN STEWART: Nestorian Missionary Enterprise.

H. HOSTEN: The Song of Thomas Ramban.

GEORGE SCHURHAMMER: The Malabar Church and Rome during the
Portuguese period & c

P. CHERIYAN: The Malabar Syrians and the Church Missionary Society.

H.HOSTEN S.J.: Antiquities from San Thome and Mylapore.

H.W. CODRINGTON: Studies of the Syrian Liturgies.

D. FERROLI, S.J.: The Jesuits in Malabar.

GERARD GARITTE: The Georgian Narrative of the Martyrdom of St. Thomas.

S.S. KODER et al: The Cochin Jews.

ALEXANDER MAR THOMA: The Marthoma Church Heritage and Mission.





ARAS (Profile): South Asia Research Assistance Services provides information, resources, and research here on (esp.)Christianity in India, Malabar Syrian Christians of St. Thomas of Kerala, most North Indian and South Indian Churches, Missions, Missionaries....c.v.of the Editor.
ICHC (Indian Church History Classics): Ed. by Prof.George Menachery, Ollur. Vol.I the Nazranies, (1998),Vol.II the Catholics, Vol.III the Christians (In the Press). The Nazranies gives exhustive information on the Syrian Christians of Kerala, 100s of Photos, ...Details of the 37 books represented in the Vol.I
STCEI (St.Thomas Christin Encyclopaedia of India): All about Indian Christianity.Ed. Prof. George Menachery, Vol. I 1982, Vol II 1973. Hundreds of pictures.
Reviews (World Recognition): Opinions of world authorities and journals including: Paul Verghese Paulose Mar Gregorios, Valerial Cardianl Gracias, Joseph Card.Parecattil, Mar Anthony Padiara Major Archbishop and Cardinal, Mar Aprem, P.Thomas, M.M.Thomas, M.G.S.Narayanan, All India Radio, The Hindu, Indian Express, The Universe, Eastern Churches Review, Eastern review, Revue D' Histire Ecc.,Oost K.Studion, ....
Order Forms for STCEI, ICHC
Feedback for your questions, comments, enquiries...
News Digest on Pope John Paul II, Alan De Lastic Archbishop of Delhi, Varkey Vithayathil Major Archbishop, Thoomkuzhy, Pawathil, Kundukulam,...Seminars, Conferences, Exhibitions, Museums...

This site will present our organization's cause or ideas to the world. As communicating isn't always easy, we'll try to include photos and images that convey our message (remember, a well-chosen picture is a great way to get a point across). We'll also include specific information about our organization and its members, so no one forgets the people behind the pictures.

On this home page, we'll introduce our cause or message. We'll also try to include a picture or two that represents the kind of work we do.

MISSION STATEMENT
SARAS provides information and research assistance for topics dealing with India in particular and South Asia in general. It provides information to research scholars and guides via E-Mail, air mail post and through the world wide Website http://www.indianchristianity.com


The Editor of the St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India (ISBN 818713206X, Lib. Cong. Cat. Card. No. 73-905568 ) and the Indian Church History Classics (ISBN 81-87133-04-X, Lib. Cong. Cat. Card. No.98-908360 BX4714.120 ) Prof. George Menachery was born at Kattur on April 2, 1938. After teaching university classes for thirty years he gave up the job as Head of the Department of Post-Graduate Teaching in order to concentrate on research and publication. At present he spends some time every year as Professor of Christian Art at the Pontifical Institute, Alwaye.

Connected with many institutions and organisations interested in the study of history and culture, he was executive member of the Kerala History Association (1975-90), Kerala Government Advisory Board of Archaeology (1975-82), University Senate, University Statutory Finance Committee, Kerala Sahitya Academy...

He was also the national vice-president of the Newman Association of India-Pax Romana (1964-72), founder director of the Institute for Lay Leadership Training (1967-1999), founder director and curator of the Christian Cultural Museum (from 1980), member of the (Arch)diocesan Pastoral Council (from 1978), president of Kalasadan (1984-1992) ...He has to his credit a large number of publications, research papers, articles, radio talks and TV programmes. His research activities and lectures have taken him to more than 20 countries in 4 continents. At present he is engrossed in the work of completing the Christian Encyclopedia, and the Church History Classics, and in setting up a comprehensive Indian Christian Museum. While not traveling in connection with one of these projects he is to be found at the ancestral family seat in Ollur, browsing in his huge library of rare books or pottering around the orchard. Detective stories and Parippu Vada are major weaknesses. Recently he was awarded the Darsana Award for achievements in the cultural field and the coveted Mar Thoma Puraskaram for contributions towards the study and propagation of Indian and Eastern Christian heritage.

A SARAS publication:
INDIAN CHURCH HISTORY CLASSICS

Vol 1 - The Nazranies
Vol 2 - The CATHOLICS (other than the Nazranies)
Vol 3 - The CHRISTIANS (other than the Nazranies & the Catholics)




Ancient coin counter used in churches
Silver Processional Cross
Palanquin used by Bishop







SARAS (Profile): South Asia Research Assistance Services provides information, resources, and research here on (esp.)Christianity in India, Malabar Syrian Christians of St. Thomas of Kerala, most North Indian and South Indian Churches, Missions, Missionaries....c.v.of the Editor.
ICHC (Indian Church History Classics): Ed. by Prof.George Menachery, Ollur. Vol.I the Nazranies, (1998),Vol.II the Catholics, Vol.III the Christians (In the Press). The Nazranies gives exhustive information on the Syrian Christians of Kerala, 100s of Photos, ...Details of the 37 books represented in the Vol.I
STCEI (St.Thomas Christin Encyclopaedia of India): All about Indian Christianity.Ed. Prof. George Menachery, Vol. I 1982, Vol II 1973. Hundreds of pictures.
Reviews (World Recognition): Opinions of world authorities and journals including: Paul Verghese Paulose Mar Gregorios, Valerial Cardianl Gracias, Joseph Card.Parecattil, Mar Anthony Padiara Major Archbishop and Cardinal, Mar Aprem, P.Thomas, M.M.Thomas, M.G.S.Narayanan, All India Radio, The Hindu, Indian Express, The Universe, Eastern Churches Review, Eastern review, Revue D' Histire Ecc.,Oost K.Studion, ....
Order Forms for STCEI, ICHC
Feedback for your questions, comments, enquiries...
News Digest on Pope John Paul II, Alan De Lastic Archbishop of Delhi, Varkey Vithayathil Major Archbishop, Thoomkuzhy, Pawathil, Kundukulam

To ensure people get the right idea, we'll include a brief statement here that describes our organization. We'll tell people what we want to accomplish and exactly how we plan to do it.

Rock Cross in front of a typical old Kerala Church (Mattom, facade is Portuguese type)

Our nonprofit is dedicated among other things to saving Christian landmarks of India. We have displayed more than 1000 pictures of the interesting christian landmarks, monuments, architectural wonders connected with Christianity in India in our four volumes already published viz. The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopaedia of India Vols. I (1982) and II (1973), The Indian Church History Classics Vol. I i.e. The Nazranies (1998), and The THOMAPEDIA (2000). STCEI Vol. III will have lots of pictures of Christian as well as Indological significance.

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