FOLLOWING ARE EXTRACTS FROM MOR MICHAEL RABO HISTORY BOOKS ON DIFFERENT EVENTS {E.G. MIRACLES, STRUGGLES ETC…} THE MIRACLE THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THE OPENING OF THE WATER CANALS AT MOR BASROUM MONASTERY {LOCATED NEAR MALATYA} DURING THE REIGN OF MOR MICHAEL RABO TO THIS MONASTERY AT THE TIME WHEN HE WAS STILL A MONK.

At the time when Mor Michael Rabo was the Head of Mor Barsoum Monastery in Malatya, at which time he was still at the monk's rank. Whilst working on diverting the water in streams to the Monastery several miracles took place; one of which was: -

During the construction work, the laborers came through a huge rock, which they teamed together in an attempt to move and remove this rock. All those present at the time heard a great noise that moved the huge rock. One of the workers slipped and went underneath the huge rock.

All those around ran to the scene to assess the damage, and found that the laborer {Barsoum} survived the crash; who became stuck between two small stones underneath, and totally survived the crash without any scratch.

Mor Michael Rabo writes on this miracle in his book saying "We have witnessed the event, and touched the laborer {Barsoum} at the time!" Mor Michael Rabo's Biography is considered a great proof on the truth of whatever took place at St. Barsoum The Syriac Monastery the Head of Hermits who departed this earthly life to the heavenly chambers on3rd February 457.

MOR MICHAEL RABO, AND IN HIS HISTORY BOOK SAYS: "NO MATTER HOW LONG WE TALK ABOUT THE OPENING OF THE WATER CANALS; THERE IS INSUFFICIENT PLACE TO INCLUDE ALL THE MIRACLES THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THIS WORK; WHEREAS I ONLY DOCUMENTED ONLY PART OF THOSE SEVERAL MIRACLES. YET, HEREUNDER IS ANOTHER OF THE MIRACLES THAT TOOK PLACE WHILST BUILDING UP THE WATER CANAL: -

 Mor Michael Rabo says: I have to mention; and even briefly that miracle that took place towards the end of the work on the water canals; which goes as follows: whilst they were working towards the final stages of opening the canal towards the Monastery; a huge rock appeared to them, and they were unable to move it or even build around it; and they were all frustrated of what happened, and were about to give up on the whole project. This happened when Mor Baroum appeared to one of the monks and told him: "Go and advise the laborers and the head of the Monastery "Mor Michael Rabo" not to give up on completing the project; as they will find another route to the water leading to the Monastery; and Mor Barsoum gave specific details of the way to reach this new route".

When the Monk advised others of his revelation; no one believed him at first; whereas looking at the site directed to by Mor Barsoum was a mountain of rocks that would never be easy to go through with the primitive construction tools they had at the time. Yet, the Monk did not give up and went solely to dig through that rock/mountain; and he came face to face with a canal of 500 feet; when all were surprised with this saying that this is an old canal; whilst others said it is God’s work; thus they all thanked and glorified God the Almighty.

Mor Michael Rabo goes on talking about this miracle saying: As for me; I said no matter if the canal was an old or a new one; it is God the Almighty’s strength in Mor Barsoum declares that this work is Almighty God’s work; and it is not our work.

THE THREE MIRACLES THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THE GREAT FIRE THAT CAME ON MOR BARSOUM MONASTERY THAT IS LOCATED NEAR MALATYA

Mor Michael Rabo writes about these incidents saying: -

On Saturday 30^th July 1183 a great fire came on our envied Monastery {Monastery of Mor Barsoum}. On Sunday the remainder of the building came down as a result, and a person from Gargar who was at the time in the Monastery for the purpose of stealing the Monastery was killed as a result. Three miracles took place during this gigantic fire: -

 

 THE FIRST MIRACLE: No matter how far the Monks or servants of the Monastery went into the Monastery as it was on fire; trying their best to salvage whatever they are able to salvage from the destruction of fire. They all were saved despite the fact that the walls and ceilings were coming down on them whilst they were inside as a result of the gigantic fire.

Mor Michael Rabo comments on this miracle saying: This miracle in a way seems similar to the life of Mor Barsawmo who asked God The Almighty for help thus hail came and destruction was all over the fields surrounding the faithful’s fields and no drop of hail on those faithful’s fields or even the faithful themselves. Today, and through this gigantic fire; I feel that Mor Barsawmo is asking God The Almighty to burn the properties and keep the souls of people; to teach us a lesson as we become totally materialistic eager to gather and always love money.

 THE SECOND MIRACLE: Despite the immense impact of the gigantic fire on the Monastery and its contents; the wooden box that contained the relics of Mor Barsawmo was maintained and did not suffer any harm as a result of this fire.

Mor Michael Rabo comments on this miracle saying: What happened to this wooden box is very similar to what happened to the three men who were thrown in the oven at Beblon; and despite the boiling temperature within the oven they came out from the oven unharmed {Daniel : Chapter three}? This what exactly happened with these relics as Our Lord Jesus Christ guarded these relics from being damaged of fire; thus granting strength to the faithful around.

 THE THIRD MIRACLE: Despite the fact that the fire was surrounding the books that were on circulation, and being read by the faithful for more knowledge and benefits were not burnt with fire; yet the books that were not on circulation were burnt and damaged. The Books that survived the fire were the Three Bibles; the Volumes of Religious Lectures; Books of Mor Yacoub of Sroug and two Phinkitho {books of prayers throughout the year}.

TRANSLATION OF EXTRACTS FROM MOR MICHAEL RABO'S GREAT BOOK ON THE EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF MOR HANANYA MONASTERY {ZA'FARAN MONASTERY}. THIS MONASTERY HAS A VERY PLEASANT AND FAMOUS REPUTATION AROUND THE HOLY SYRIAN CHURCH, BEING THE HOLY SEE OF ANTIOCH FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.

 In the year 793, H.H. Mor Koryakous the Patriarch ordained an Archbishop to Mardin and Cphartootha in the name of Hananya. This Archbishop was originally amongst the thousands of Monks who used to live and worship at St. Matthew the Monk's Monastery that is located of Alfaoi Mountain {that means Thousands Mountain} .

This Archbishop Hananya took a personal interest in building a Monastery on the mountains of Mardeen. He was known to be a rich man who loved to care and entertain strangers. This Archbishop found an old castle that was originally built at the time of the Roman Empire, thus he bought that castle and converted it into a Monastery. He established vineyards, planted olives, and extended several gifts to the rulers. Further, he was able to silent the opposition of the Church.

Archbishop Hananya built a church and an altar in this Monastery, and gathered a number of Monks to whom he extended great care and understandings.

Mor Michael goes on exploring on this great Archbishop Hananya saying; that Archbishop Hananya did all what he did seeking the Almighty God's blessings, and he never thought of the earthly glory. In appreciation to this Archbishop the Monastery is called Mor Hananya Monastery in addition to other names such as Mor Awgein or Za'faran.

 

MOR MICHAEL RABO TALKS ABOUT DARA

Dara is a village located at the foot of the mountain between Nuseibeen and Mardeen. Was established in the year 506, and continued to be the Holy See for the Syrian Orthodox until the end of the first half of eighteenth century. Today Dara is considered one of the small villages in the area.

Mor Michael Rabo and in his famous history books tells us about the constructions of this DARA. He talks about the constructions of this city {now village} following his description of the unpleasant activities that took place in Amed {Dyar Baker} as a result of the war between the Romans and the Persians saying: -

When King Anastasius {491-518} with the unpleasant actions against Amed {Dyar Baker} he felt the sorrow, and great unhappiness, and blamed the leaders who fought the Persians without his consent of such unpleasant actions. Thus, he sent five of his leaders to fight Nisbis, yet those five leaders failed to occupy Nisbis; thus they requested the King to order the construction of a city at the bottom of the mountain, that would serve as a refuge to the soldiers.

As a result instructions were issued and constructions went ahead at the place where Darius was killed, thus the name DARA. The King offered Archbishop Touma gold to obtain the legal right to own this property that was fully owned by the Church. Timon bought this property, and commenced construction. The city was constructed over a period of three years. The city was named after King Anstopolos thus the name ANASTOPLE. Kings came and went, King Anastas constructed at the heart of the city a memorial statue on the head of a pillar, thus all would see it. This statue was first built by King Theodosios but was the victim of an earthquake in the area.

Mor Michael Rabo commands Archbishop Touma, mentioned above, and considers him the force behind the ability of those Kings to built and construct statues at DARA.

MOR MICHAEL RABO WRITES ABOUT THE VIRTUOUS MARTYRS OF THE WOMEN OF DARA AND THE CITIES SURROUNDING DARA.

Kisra the King of Persia {531-579} who used to drink plenty of alcohol happened to be drunk, and felt over confident and prejudice. This happened following a war {that happened between the Persians and the Romans, bearing in mind that Dara and the surrounding areas were under the Romans reign} with the city of Dara, as he was expressing his happiness with the gains he reached at following this war.

Thus and with such a state of mind he ordered that two thousand virgins from Dara and the surrounding areas be brought forward, with the best clothes and golden accessories, and be sent as a gift to BARABIRA, who are the Turkish within Persia. The gifts were meant to pay those BARABIRA people for participating in the war that he usually conducted against the Romans.

Kisra orders went ahead and those virgins were given the utmost expensive clothes and gold accessories, and were travelling to their new destination on the best way of travel at the time, thus they will arrive their destination in the best shape ever. Despite all the materialistic glory surrounding their trip, those virgins were suffering from within as they were Christians, as they were sure that the ultimate will be the degradation, disgrace, and dishonour as they arrive to the BARABIRA, and within themselves they were sighing and calling for God the Almighty to take their souls.

When they were a league; {i.e. parasang 3 1/4 miles} away from their destination {that is 16,25 miles}; the convoy was faced with a huge and rough river, thus they camped there. At this stage those two thousand virgins agreed to take their own lives thus not giving a chance for the BARABIRA to disgrace their bodies and souls, as they preferred to depart this life with innocent and pure souls rather than mingling with the non-believers that they were scheduled to meet shortly. They all took a vow to do so.

Thus they requested their guards to give them their space, as they expressed their wish to have a bath in the area. The guards complied; and at this time the two thousand virgins addressed God the Almighty requesting the strength through the sign of the Holy Cross on their faces, and shouted all together saying: Our Lord Jesus Christ, bless us, and accept us then they threw themselves in the rough river and drown.

As their voice was very loud the guards came to see them all drowning in the river.

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN THAT WAS MENTIONED BY MOR MICHAEL IN HIS BOOK.

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This virtuous woman is the mother of the great Patriarch of Antioch Mor Athanasius the first {known Gamolo} {595-631+}, And Mor Severus the Archbishop of Edessa.

Mor Michael states and whilst writing on the life of Patriarch of Antioch Mor Athanasius: He is from Samosata {which is a village located on the western bank of Euphrates to the north of Edessa}. His father departed this earthly life to the eternal life, leaving him and his brother Severus orphans with their mother the virtuous Yanya, who was known of her continuous fasting, and care to strangers.

She distributed the wealth left behind by her late husband to the poor, needy and the Churches. She raised up her two children on righteousness and virtuousness. As they were too young at first, they were unable to accompany her during her tours around the Churches, the houses of the poor, and during her visits to the graves and relics of the Saints. Thus, she used to place her robe on the graves and relics thus on her return she would place that same robe on her children's heads thus bringing the blessings of those saints to her children.

At any time she passes by an Archbishop, priest or monk, she would directly spread her head cover and request the clergymen to draw the Holy Cross sign on this head cover three times. Then she folds that head cover, and carefully carries this head cover hiding it away to reach home, and place this head cover on the heads of her two children.

Thus, as a result of this careful upraising these two children grew up to be faithful, and she ensured that they are always near the church and monasteries thus she offered them to God the Almighty at Qenneshrin Monastery. At this Monastery they both obtained high education, and exerted every effort to help and assist the people in the Monastery.

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Yes from the above we notice that this virtuous mother, is a great example on the best way to upraise children, leading them to a satisfactory spiritual life, thus let us learn a lesson on upraising our children from this woman, the widow, the believer and the mother of the Patriarch and the Archbishop.

THE ELECTION OF BISHOP ATHANASYOUS TO BECOME THE PATRIARCH OF ANTIOCH. HE SAYS:

When Patriarch Julyan {591 - 595+} departed this earthly life to the heavenly chambers, the Archbishops at the time gathered in one of the Monasteries fasted for three days, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit to elect Patriarch. Thus, they requested God the Almighty to grant them the necessary strength to elect the most suitable person to become Patriarch.

On the third night, some of this gathered Archbishops talked about revelation saying to them: promote and install the first monk who enters the Monastery as the doors open in the morning. Thus, when the morning came, the Archbishops went out to monitor who will be the first Monk to enter the Monastery, and they saw Monk Athanasyous, who was leading his camels to Gabla {where he used to gather salt for the Monastery}.

Those Archbishops talked to him, and became to recognize the depth of his knowledge, and came to know that he is originally from Kinshreen Monastery, a very famous monastery. In line with their revelation, they forcefully took him inside the Monastery where they were gathering, and promoted him thus installing him a Patriarch. He was crying and weeping at the time of his promotion; however, he placed a condition for his acceptance to become a Patriarch that he will continue the roster as the collector of salt for the Monastery until the term of one-year ends to which they agreed.

He kept the matter of his promotion and installation as a Patriarch a secret even to his brother Athanasyous, and continued to gather salt for the Monastery for the remainder of the one-year period that was allocated to him to do this job.

When time came; the Archbishop went to him to accompany him for the completion of the ceremonies of promotion; to their surprise they saw him helping out the workers at the area giving them the necessary mud to enlarge the place where they used to keep the camels, which he used to run to gather the salt.

At this time, and when the one-year roster was finalized he advised the other monk and his brother Severous who blamed him for keeping such a great matter as a secret for such a long period.

This is considered one of the best virtuous of Mor Athanasyous {i.e. keeping secrets}. Later he promoted his brother Severous to the rank of Archbishop to Samosata. Both faced with great faith and strength the excessive persecution against our church and faith by the Roman and Persian Empires.

When their mother Yanya departed this earthly life to the eternal life; both participated in the funeral service. Yes, such a great lady deserves to have a Patriarch and Archbishop {who are her children} to participate in the funeral service.