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MOR Michael Rabo (St. Michael The Great)

{1126-1166-1199}


A BRIEF TRANSLATION OF THE CONTENTS OF THE CHRONICLE JOURNAL BY MOR MICHAEL RABO THAT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE GATHERINGS AND ACTIVITIES OF ST. EPHRAIM SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, PERTH – WESTERN AUSTRALIA UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF V. REV. FR. BOUTROS TOUMA ISSA IN LINE WITH H.H. MORAN MOR IGNATIUS ZAKKA I IWAS APOSTOLIC BULL TO CELEBRATE THE 800TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEPARTURE OF H.H. MOR MICHAEL RABO FROM THIS EARTHLY LIFE TO THE HEAVENLY CHAMBERS

Mor Michael Rabo, the Patriarch of Antioch’s chronicle journal – translated into Arabic from Syriac by Mor Gregarious Saliba Shamoun – the Archbishop of Mosul – edited and presented by Mor Gregarious Youhanna Ibrahim – Metropolite of Aleppo in the year 1996, published by Mardeen Publishing House, Aleppo, Syria. This book was presented to the three shining moons in the sky of Antioch the glory, to their Holinesses Mor Ignatius Afram I Barsoum (1957+), Mor Ignatius Yacoub III (1980+) and Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas the current Patriarch of Antioch – the successors of Mor Michael Rabo.

Throughout the LIGHT {The St. Ephraim Syrian Orthodox Church’s weekly bulletin in Perth} and the several gatherings in line with H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas instructions per H.H. Apostolic Bull of March 1999 we heard a great deal about the chronicle journal of Mor Michael Rabo. As the numbers of copies of this valuable book are very limited in Australia; we felt it prudent to summarize the contents of this journal to give our readers an idea of such a great reference from creation to the year 1196.

Mor Michael Rabo wrote this chronicle journal in Syriac; and this was translated in different other foreign languages; in line with what Mor Gregarious Youhanna Ibrahim mentioned in his preface to this chronicle journal {information extracted by H.E. from the Catalogue of Syriac Books at the British Museum}.

As for the handwritten Syriac journal; this was written by Michael Al-‘Orbeishi at the time he was a monk in the year 1558. This same copy continues to be held at the library of St. Georges Syrian Orthodox Church, Syrian Quarter – AleppoSyria.

Mor Michael Rabo’s references for this chronicle journal on several resources of Greek origin {e.g. Youhanna Rofos of Antioch, Bishop of Mayouma in the year 515}, the history of Osabyous, Youlyous the African, Andrewnicos, Osabyous, Enyanous the Monk, Socrates, Bar Sleibi and other {please refer to page 26 of the first volume of Mor Michael Rabo’s chronicle journal}.

According to the oriental scholars, and as mentioned in the preface written by H.E. Mor Gregarious Youhanna Ibrahim, that our forefathers, and when they became Christian they sacrificed everything to ensure that they, and after them their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will continue to be Christians; they destroyed everything they used to own prior to becoming Christians including the books that were written by our forefathers and scholars. They acted in this manner in order not to have the non-believers ideas included therein impacting on their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in any way. However, those successors were able to learn, benefit from their studies and even write several of the books that became great reference in any topic in science; literature etc… Therefore, we should consider ourselves as lucky to have such a great reference {i.e. Mor Michael Rabo’s chronicle journal} available these days.

The Arabic translation of Mor Michael Rabo’s chronicle journal comes in three volumes: -

 VOLUME (1): Includes eight articles of 24 chapters that talk about the historical events from creation until Marikyan. This volume is of 446 pages. Please find to follow a brief of the contents therein: -

  The First Article: of eight chapters that talk about the historical period from creation until the year 2416 {i.e. the flood at the time of Noah}. Through this article Mor Michael Rabo mentions that Adam lived 930 years on this earth.

  The Second Article: of eight chapters that talk about the flood. The division of properties amongst the children of Noah. Babylon Tower, and how they spoke different languages when they were on the tower, yet Noah insisted on keeping his mother tongue thus preserved the Syriac {Aramaic} Language that is considered the first language from which other languages such as Hebrew were extracted. Through this article Mor Michael Rabo advises us of the names of the kings who ruled during the period that is covered by this second article. Further, MOR Michael Rabo talks about the different discoveries and innovations that were done by our own forefathers. These same innovations and discoveries were referred to the occupiers of our land; no wonder those occupiers who occupy the land would not find it difficult to occupy even the works of the land’s legitimate owners.

  The Third Article: of eleven chapters that covers the period from Abraham {i.e. the year 3336 from Adam until the end of the year 4000. This talks about the children of Abraham, Moses, Joshua and others {i.e. covering a period of 680 years}.

 The Fourth Article: of 21 chapters that covers a period of 835 years {i.e. towards the end of the year 5000. Throughout those chapters Mor Michael Rabo talks on how to periods of different periods of history were calculated. Thus, this articles talks about the judges the first of whom was Joshua the son of Nun and other judges and kings who followed. Further this article talks about Prophets Micah, Daniel, Habakkuk, Ezekiel, Haggi, Zechariah, and Malachi whom we read about in the Old Testament.

 The Fifth Article: of ten chapters that were gathered from very well known sources. This article covers the period from the year 20 of Darius the Persian’s reign, the first of Alexander of Macedonia which coincides the beginning of the Romans reign, and the return of the Jew People who were detained by Nebuchadnezzar of Assyria; until the death of Caesar Tiberius. Thus this article covers the period of 476 years through which Our Lord Jesus Christ suffered. In the last chapter of this article Mor Michael Rabo lists the names of the Seventy Evangelists, and the Disciples as extracted from the book of Mor Yacoub Bar Sleibi.

 The Sixth Article: of ten chapters that start with the period following the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the heaven {i.e. the year 5534 from Adam, the year 349 according to the Greek Calendar. Through this article Mor Michael Rabo lists the names of the Roman Kings who ruled during this period, the destruction of Jerusalem, the killing of the disciples, and other kings who ruled in different areas during the same period. Thus, this article talked about a period of 373 years which coincides the year 5826. During the period covered in this article thirty Roman Kings ruled.

 The Seventh Article: of nine chapters. Commences in the year 6817 from creation. Talks about 84 years {i.e. from the commencement of Constantine's ruling until the end of King Thawdosyous ruling}. Mor Micheal Rabo tells us in this article about the great earthquake that rocked Alexandria during the reign of Constantine; then he talks about the Council of Nicaea where Arius and his companions expressed their own opinion on the divinity of the Son of God. Further, this same council dealt with other issues such as the day when Christians need to celebrate the Resurrection Day; it was agreed that this should be celebrated on Sunday. Moreover, during this same council it was agreed on the wording of the Creed; and the participants laid down other several canons. This article also contains some information about other councils that were held between the Western and Eastern Archbishops to discuss several issues; and mentions Julius the non-believer who persecuted the Christians at the time. Mor Michael Rabo mentions the second Nicaea Council that took place 57 years after the first council, through which several faith issues were discussed and agreements were reached.

  The Eighth Article: of eight chapters, that talks about MOR Ivanius, the commencement of the reign of King Theodosius; King Theodosius the second. The first and second Councils of Ephesus, the work papers presented in these councils that talked about the one or two natures for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Also in this same article, Mor Michael Rabo talks about the different discussions that took place during the Constantinopole's Council. The events that took place during the last days of Marcus's reign. Towards the end of this article MOR Michael Rabo writes about the Nestorius followers who were spreading dramatically in the Babylon region.

Thus comes the end of the first volume of MOR Michael Rabo chronicle journal.

 VOLUME (2): Includes four articles of 29 chapters, and some unnumbered chapters that talk about the historic events from the commencement of the reign of King Leo until the commencement of reign of Ma'moun the Prince of Islam. This volume is of 464 pages. Please find below a brief of the contents therein: -

 The Ninth Article: of 29 numbered chapters and eleven unnumbered chapters. This article is of 168 pages that talks about the period of 118 years through which six Roman Kings ruled, and five Persian kings. That was the year 6703 from Adam {Creation} and the year 467 according to the Christian calendar.

1.       The first chapter of this article talks about the reign of King Leo quoting extracts from correspondence between our forefathers and some of the kings that ruled during that period.

2.      The events that took place during Leo ruling. Then talks to us about the young Leo; King Zeno, King Anastasius who ruled for 27 years. The events after Anastasius.

3.      The building of the city of Dara in Mesopotamia.

4.      The work of St. Severius the Great

5.      Mor Michael Rabo advises us about Makdonyous the Heretic and Archbishop Shamoun AlArshami {The arguer}. Further he tells us about the several saints that became known towards the end of Anastasius ruling period; then he tells us about the corruption that prevailed during the reign of Justanian.

6.      Youhanna {John or Yohanon} of Asia's statement on the Archbishops that were persecuted during this same period. The persecution that our monks and their monasteries were faced with.

7.      The departure from this earthly life to the eternal life of Mor Yacoub the Bishop of Batnan, and the evil doings of the heretic towards the faithful at the time.

8.      The flood accompanied the persecution that took place in Edessa and Antioch that at the time.

9.      What happened to Justanian with the kings of India and Ethiopia and all the sorts of persecution that the faithful were faced with during this period.

10.  Mor Michael Rabo also talks about the Indian, Ethiopian and Hemyareen kingdoms at the time; and those who became martyrs in the year 835 {according to the Greek Calendar} during the reign of Justanian the Christians persecutor.

11.    Mor Michael Rabo tells us about the final days of Justanian the first and the marriage of Justanian the second to Empress Theodora the daughter of a Syrian Orthodox Priest at the time.

12.   Mor Michael Rabo advises us in this article about the different and several meetings that were held between the heads of the churches and some of those meetings were at the request of the ruling King at the time.

13.   The contents of the letters exchanged between Severius and Theodosius and other forefathers in the Church at the time that deal with the important issues threatening the church at the time.

14.   The events that took place during the reign of Justanian the second.

15.   Several innovations in relation to misleading faithful from the right track became apparent during this same period, and Mor Michael Rabo mentioned those innovations in this article.

16.   The pestilence that spread in the areas at the time

17.   The reign of Justanian the second, the destruction of Rome, the departure from this earthly life to the heavenly chambers of Empress Theodora, and Severius the Great Patriarch.

18.   The Fifth Council that was held by Justanian the second in Constaninopole

19.   The other persecution against the orthodox.

20. The fact that Justanian became attached to some of those belief innovators, and the Church's scholars and leaders testimony against those innovators.

 The Tenth Article: of twenty-three unnumbered chapters, and one numbered chapter that is known as "Chapter Six". Of 122 pages, it starts with the strange events where the Romans support the Armenians. Justanian's attempt to spread peace in the Holy Church; and other events that took place in between until the submission of the Apostolic Bull of Patriarch Athanasius the Syrian to the Archbishops of the East, and a part of the Alexandrian Pope's letter to Patriarch Athanasius that talked about the union between the Churches of Syria and Egypt. All these events were over a period of 43 years {i.e. from the year 838 to the year 927 according to the Greek Calendar, which is the year 6114 from creation, and 592 from Christ}. During this period four Roman Kings ruled and three Persian Kings. This article includes in addition to the above the following: -

1.       The results of the visit of Patriarch Youhanna to the East

2.      The struggle that erupted between the Archbishops of Severius; and the mess that resulted from their disagreement with regards to the Fast.

3.      The Royal Decree submitted by King Justanian in relation to the Heretics; and what the Orthodox people suffered as a result of the persecution led by Justanian who was, with regret, assisted by some of the Archbishops who were misled by power; yet following their dreadful actions they asked for repentance from the Church and wanted to join the Orthodox again.

4.      Mor Michael Rabo also talks to us about the persecution against the Christian soldiers and faithful in Persia.

5.      The second year of Justanian's reign and the several events that took place between the Persian and the Romans.

6.      Mor Michael Rabo also tells us about the misfortune that hit Youhanna Sarmi, Justanian and others who played a great role in persecuting the faithful and through them the Holy Church.

7.      Then he goes back to tell us about the different sorts of persecution that took place during this period; such as that story about the Christian Virgins who were presented as a gift to the Persian King; yet they threw themselves in the huge river to run away from what they were about to face

8.      Mor Michael Rabo tells us here about the events that took place during the illness of Justanian the second; at which time Caesar Tiberius used to run the affairs of the Romans.

9.      The doubt that was inherited from Peter of Alexandria; that resulted in disagreement amongst Yacoub and Boulos.

10.  The Council of Domian Pope of Alexandria

11.    The reign of Tiberius the first King of Greece; who is considered the 51st king of the Romans. The death of Chosroes King of Persia; and the commencement of his son's reign Hoormezda; and the impact of all this on the Holy Church at the time.

12.   The deceive of the Romans to the Arab Christians. The death of Tiberius, and what impact all this had on the Churches and their Holy Leaders.

13.   The wars between the Persian and Barbarics. The history of the Patriarch who was nicknamed Talmahri.

14.   The reign of Moriki the second Greek King.

15.   The differences that surfaced in our Church due to Domian Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch Boutros of Antioch disagreements during the reign of Moriki

16.   The Peace with the Persians, and all the events that took place in the Holy Church during this peace period.

17.   The actions of Moriki, the events that took place between him and the Church and also Mor Michael Rabo tells us about the killing of Moriki.

18.   The ruling of Youka the Roman. The war that was led by Chosroes King of Persia at the Roman's property to kill Moriki, and what impact those events had had on the Holy Church.

19.   The union that was reached by Patriarch Athanasyous the Syrian with Anastasius Pope of Alexandria; thus healing the division that was resulted from the difference between Domian and Boutros {the Coptic and Syrian previous Patriarchs respectively}. Mor Michael Rabo also mentions the agreement that was signed as a result between these two Patriarchs.

 The Eleventh Article: of 26 chapters that talks about the events that took place over a period of 145 years {i.e. from the year 922 to the year 1087 according to the Greek Calendar}. During this period the area saw the ruling of 13 kings for the Romans, 5 kings to the Persians a kingdom that was perished at the time; 20 Arab Kings, 15 Patriarchs of Antioch, and 11 Patriarchs for Egypt. The subjects covered in this articles are: -

1.       Mor Michael Rabo commences this article with the events that took place during the reign of King Herceulus the Roman King.

2.      The appearance of Mohammad

3.      The reply of Patriarch Athanasius to Herceulus

4.      The Persian's situation following their successful war against the Romans that resulted in occupying their property. Yet, the Persians became divided and lost all the reward of their successful war against the Romans.

5.     The Persecution against our Holy Syrian Church from the Romans

6.     The commencement of the Arab Kingdom {The Moslems} in the year 12 of Hereculus reign; that is the year 32 of Chosreos; which is the year 933 according to the Greek Calendar, the year 6130 from Creation, and the year 604 from Christ.

7.     Then moves to tell us about how the Moslems moved around the Roman and Persian areas.

8.      The unity between our Patriarch Athanasius and the People of Tickrit, Iraq.

9.     Then he moves to tell us about the events that took place with the commencement of the Arab Moslem Kingdom. The departure from this earthly life to the heavenly chambers of Patriarch Mor Athanasius

10.  The events that led to the Kingdom of Persia being perished.

11.    The death of Hereculus. The killing of Yazbarjad the King of Persia at the time, and the killing of Omar the Moslem Khalifah then.

12.   The destruction of Ceaseriah in Palestine, going through the names of the Church heads at the time.

13.   The first translation into Arabic of the Holy Bible.

14.   The exchange of correspondence between Patriarch Youhanna and Marootha Bishop of Tickrit

15.   The innovation of Makimanous; and how this was accepted in the Capital then. How he was denied faith and expelled from the Church.

16.   The reign of the grandson of Constantine the Roman, and Othman the Moslem Khalifah.

17.   The occupation of Moslem to Ceaseriah, Kabadokya and the islands

18.   The departure from this earthly life to the heavenly chambers of Mor Youhanna, and other Church's affairs. Then he goes on telling us on the different attacks {wars} of Moslems against the Romans. The Romans defeat in the sea. Kastas who killed his own brother. The humans who ate the meat of other humans. The killing of Othman; the division of the Moslem Kingdom. The unity of this same Moslem Kingdom later.

19.   The Sixth Council that was held in Constantinpole.

20. The killing of Kastas. The commencement of the reign of the sons of Kastas for the Romans and the reign of Mo'aweah the Moslem Khalifah. The differences that erupted between the Patriarch and the Archbishops. Extracts from the exchange of correspondence between Patriarch Severius and other Archbishops with regards to the differences that erupted between them.

21.   The death of Mo'aweah the Moslem Khalifah; when the Moslem Kingdom once again became divided.

22. The installation of Athanasyus as Patriarch. The return of Justanian after being exiled for ten years; he ruled for another six years. The death of Abdel Malek, Moslem Khalifah, and others who succeeded him. The Christian Arab Martyrs. The Moslem war against Constantine {for the second time}. Omar the Moslem Khalifah who hated Christians, his death, his successor Yazeed, Leo King of the Romans. The unity between the Syrian and the Armenian on the hands of Patriarch Athanasyus. Innovations that took place at the time in specific Maximus who argued about the phrase {who was crucified for our sake}. The death of Leo the Armenian King. Hashem the Moslem Amir. King Constantine the son of Leo. All this happened at the time when the Arab Kingdom was divided. The installation of Patriarch for the followers of Khalqeedon Council in Syria by the order of Moslem Amir. The struggle that happened between the Patriarch and the Archbishops at the time. The letters exchanged between parties on this matter at the time. The killing of Marwan and the unity of Moslem Kingdom.

23. The Seventh Council in Constaninopole. The situation of the Orthodox Church and all the events that took place at the time. The disagreement that the Church inherited from Athanasius. The commencement of the reign of Abu Ja'far, Moslem Amir. The departure from this earthly life to the heavenly chambers of Patriarch Georgie who was exiled for a period from his Holy See. The building of Baghdad that was considered the kingdom of the Arabs.

24. This article comes to its end with the talk about the death of Constantine the Roman King, the death of Abu Ja'far Moslem Amir, and the jailing of Patriarch Georgie in Baghdad for nine years.

 The Twelfth Article: This article starts in the year 1088 according to the Greek Calendar, which is the year 131 for the Arab Moslem kingdom, the year 6260 from Creation and the year 758 from Christ. This article is of nine chapters that start with the reign of Leo the Roman, the Mahdi the Moslem Amir, the release of Mor Georgie the Confessor from the jail in Baghdad after spending nine years. Other subjects included in this article are: -

1.       The division in the Church in relation to the phrase "we break a heavenly bread".

2.     The commencement of the reign of Haroon {Aron} the Moslem Amir. The commencement of the reign of Constantine. The departure from this earthly life to the heavenly chambers of Patriarch Georgie.

3.      Mor Michael Rabo tells us about who succeeded Mor Georgie, and other events that took place around the church during this period.

4.      The end of King Constantine and his mother's ruling. The end of King Nickfore, and what was done by Haroon the Moslem Amir.

5.      The treasure that was discovered in Edessa. The revolution led by the Monks against Patriarch Qoryakous. The unity and the cancellation of this unity between the Syrians and the Julians.

6.      The miracle in Maboog and other events that took place during this time.

7.     The divisions in the Arab Moslem kingdom following the death of Haroon. A division echoed that in the Romans Kingdom.

8.      Mor Michael Rabo then tells us about the wars that were led by the Moslems. The killing of two Roman Kings.

9.     The building of the walls of Edessa, Keeshoom, Sameisat, and the increased strength of those acting against Patriarch Qoryakous.

10.  The revolution against Moslems; and other events during that period.

11.    This article ends talking about Ma'moun the Moslem Amir. The killing of Leo. The council that was held to discuss the issue of "we break the heavenly bread". The installation of Patriarch Historian Dyonosyous.

Thus comes the end of the second volume of Mor Michael Rabo chronicle journal.

 VOLUME (3): This volume differs from the other two; and it includes things that are somehow different in their presentation than what we read about in the first two volumes and goes as follows:-

1.       The recommendation and decisions taken in Kalynyoukos Council; the letter for the installation of Sotateekoon; add to this the different events that took place during this same period in the Moslem and Roman Kingdoms that had their impact on the Holy Church.

2.      The commencement of Thawofelous, Roman King. The corruption that was spread in Egypt during the reign of Ma'moun {Moslem Amir}. The events that took place in the church and the disagreement with Philoxinous Bishop of Nisbis at the time. Other events that took place during that same period.

3.      The war led by Thawofelous against Armenia. The appearance of the pretending Christ. Patriarch Dyonosyous visit to Egypt. The death of Ma'moun. Thawofelous war against Moslems. The disagreement between the Nestorius followers and Khalqedoon council's followers in Antioch. The destruction of Moreen. The departure from this earthly life to the heavenly chambers of Mor Dyonosyousp; and some of his writings. The period of the reign of Leo and Basil of Rome, and Muhtadi Moslem Amir. The commencement of Romanos, Roman King's reign. The reign of Constantine and his successor Romanos. The departure of Armenian people form Armenia to Kabadokya. The exile of Patriarch Mor Youhanna Bar Abdoon to Constantinopole. The end of Romanos.

4.      The Turkish ruling {this part of the article is named chapter fourteen}.

5.      The Turkish attacks and occupation of Persia, Assyria, Armenia, Syria, Palestine, Kelekya and Egypt. The struggle between the Orthodox and Khalqedoon Council followers {this part of the article is named chapter fifteen}.

6.      Romanos reign and his defeat by the Turkish. The reign of Michael the son of Constantine Roman King. The commencement of the Turkish ruling. The actions against Abdoon by the Archbishops. The reign of Alex the Roman King and the deterioration of the Church's situation at the time. The story of the construction of Fisqeen Monastery. The visit of Patriarch Athanasyous to the Khalifah in Baghdad. The Turkish occupation of Malatya. The second siege of Malatya. The increased suffering of the people of Malatya. The destruction of Mar'ash as a result of an earthquake. The deterioration in the Church's situation. The appearance of a group of robbers from the Armenian community {Basil the thief etc..} The foreign churches to the East.

7.      The commencement of the reign of Eiwani the Greek King. The attack on Albeer. The death of Baleq. The ruler of Aleppo, Najem Elddine AlArtaki. The siege of Malatya {this part of the article is named chapter sixteen}. The confiscation of the city of Soor in Lebanon by the Egyptian Arabs. The death of Mond. The departure from this earthly life to the heavenly chambers of Athanasyous Patriarch of Antioch. The departure of Zinki from Baghdad and the ruling of Zinki on Mosul. The installation of Patriarch Youhanna.

8.      The death of Jusleen the first and the installation of Jusleen the son. The death of Baghodeen King of Jerusalem. The massacre that took place in Damascus. The war between the Sultans then. The events that took place between the kings around the world at the time. The death of Sultan Kharasan and his son's attack on Mesopotamia. The installation of Patriarch Mor Athanasyous. The death of King Mohammad and the death of Eiwani the Greek King.

9.      The seventeenth chapter talks about the attack on Edessa that was considered the city of the Christians. The events between the kings on earth and the Orthodox Church. The death of Zinki. The second destruction of Edessa. The innovation that evil is amongst the Greeks. The ruling of Toros in Kalikya. The attack of Jusleen to Mor Barsawmo Monastery in the year 1459. The deaths of the owner of Antioch, Baghdooni, Arghas Anghad the owner of Keesoom.

10.  The Turkish occupation to all the surrounding areas that were ruled by foreigners. The end of Jusleen.

11.    The return of the right hand {part of the relics} of Mor Barsawmo to the Monastery.

12.   The period following Jusleen's attack, and the ruling of the Turks on all the areas. The Church that was built and named after Mor Barsawmo. The miracle of Mor Barsawmo in Antioch in the year 1462 according to the Greek Calendar. The death of Malatya ruler and the differences that appeared between the Catholicos Ignatius and his followers. The occupation of Askalan by the foreign troops.

13.   The death of Yacoub and Catholicos Ignatius. The death of Mosul Ruler and the Khalifah in Baghdad. The stealing of Mor Mattai Monastery. The Council of Mor Hananya Monastery. The fight against Mosul by Nour Eddine. The arrival of Sultan Kaleegh to Malatya. The killing of Ismail the ruler of Kabadokya and the ruling of his uncle Thanoun and the appearance of Nour Eddine. The starvation that hit the area.

14.   The death of Nour Eddine, and King Amri. The departure from this earthly life to the heavenly chambers of Catholicos Narsees.

15.   Chapter Twenty: the perish of the ruling of the Tonshmans in Kabadokya. The ruling of Sultan. The killing of Malatya's prince. The killing of Tor Abdin Bishop. The appearance of Salah Eddine who ruled the Arabs. The ruling of Salah Eddine on Damascus, and the defeat of foreign troops who used to rule Aleppo.

16.   The death of Najmeddine the ruler of Mardine. The war between Sultan Megharslan, and Manu'eel the Greek King. The defeat of Manu'eel by Megharslan who later ruled Malatya. The defeat of Salah Eddine in Palestine and his run away to Egypt. The Pilgrim to Jerusalem.

17.   Chapter twenty-one, the death of Manu'eel the Greek King. The astrologists at the time predicted that there will be a strong storm that will destroy the land.

18.   The wars between the Turks and Kurds and its impact on the Church. The cleansing of Jerusalem by Salah Eddine from the foreign troops; and included this city under the ruling of the Moslems. The Italians who did pilgrimage to Jerusalem felt sorry for the city.

19.   The death of the king of the Turks. The Aramean Kingdoms the sons of Aram who later were called Syrians {the sons of Syria}. Mor Michael Rabo goes on stating the names of kings and heads of church at the Armenian Church. According to St. Yacoub of Edessa that nine kings ruled the Armenian people.

20. Mor Michael Rabo and towards the end of this article lists the names of all the Patriarchs, Archbishops, heads of parishes and others who had their impact on the events during that period. For full lists please refer to the end of volume 3 of Mor Michael Rabo's chronicle Journal.

Thus comes the end of the third volume of Mor Michael Rabo Chronicle Journal. This excellent encyclopedia according to the Arabic translation that we have handy.

Thank you.

St. Ephraim Syrian Orthodox Church, Perth - Western Australia - October 1999; this brief translation forms part of the handouts distributed to the participants in the gatherings and activities of the Church on the 800th anniversary of Mor Michael Rabo's departure from this earthly life to the heavenly chambers. May God benefit us with the prayers of this great saint in our Church.


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