Suggested Reading

Suggested Reading

Thousands of Karens Flee Burma Offensive

Thailand: October mission to focus on Burma's eastern border on the plight of displaced Burmese families in the area.

I also suggest reading Faith Unbroken: Persecuted Christians In Burma by Crisis online magazine. And the article "Persecution of Chin Christians in the Union of Burma", from the Chin Human Rights Organization.

Other articles about the plight of Christians in Burma:

Burma's Christians caught in war - from OregonLive.com

International Christian Concern

Pray for Burma (there may be disturbing photographs on this website that might not be suitable for all viewers...this website shows examples of the harsh life that Burmese Christians and others suffer everyday).

Burmese Christian Yeh Zaw transferred to Pa-an Prison

Burmese Christian Yeh Zaw transferred to Pa-an Prison

Mar 20, 2006 (DVB) - A member of Rangoon Insein Township Phawkkan evangelical church, Yeh Zaw who was arrested at a police checkpoint in Karen State capital Pa-an on 25 February was transferred to Pa-an Jail on 16 March.

Yeh Zaw was arrested after he returned from the Burmese border town Myawaddy where his brother in law lives, to Rangoon and he was later separately interrogated and beaten up by the army personnel based in Pa-an. Although he was arrested for not carrying identity card with him, he was charged under Act (420-406) for lying, according to his wife Sa Eh who went to see him at the prison recently.

"I went to see him yesterday and as I was followed by the police, he dared not say much. He was afraid," said Sa Eh.

Yeh Zaw was arrested and detained because he wrote a letter with other church leaders to the ruling military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) chairman Gen Than Shwe to end religious persecutions of the local authorities on his church members. - Democratic Voice of Burma.

Faithful Unto Death

Charles Colson speaks about the plight of Burmese Christians in his article Faithful Unto Death. He says "But their valor will be for nothing if the documentation doesn’t produce action. And that’s where we come in. Christians in the West, especially in the United States, need to see the plight of Burmese Christians as a matter of the highest concern. While Burma is a pariah state, it is not immune to external pressure. This pressure is what has kept Burmese Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi alive. The place to start, of course, is to get informed."

New evidence backs claims of genocide in Burma - BBC & London Telegraph

New evidence backs claims of genocide in Burma - BBC & London Telegraph

Mar 06, 2006 (DVB0 - According to an article published in London-based Telegraph newspaper on 5 March, fresh evidence has emerged that Burma's military government has not been only waging a brutal war against rebel ethnic groups but also carrying out acts of genocide against their people.

The article starts by saying that there have been allegations that in the past decade, Burmese soldiers have burnt to the ground as many as 3,000 villages and raped, looted or killed many of their inhabitants - citing a Thai intelligence officer who claimed that there is proof that these were systematic atrocities ordered by the ruling junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

The Thai officer has spent several years studying intercepted Burmese military communications and analysing material found at the scene of horrific incidents inside Burma, the article says. He claimed that some leaflets found on the corpse of a Burmese officer said that the minority Shan people, meaning the whole Shan race whether they are armed rebels or not, ‘are the enemy and have to be destroyed.'

The article goes on to say that beheadings, beatings, the use of forced labour and rape of captured victims by troops of the SPDC are also common. "Growing use of amphetamines among Burma's 400,000-strong army is fuelling this violence," it continues, backed up by the comment of David Mathieson, a narcotics expert from the Australian National University who claimed that methamphetamine tablets were found on most dead Burmese soldiers who were killed during the clashes.

Moreover, "the brutality of the attacks is evident in video footage, taken by members of the evangelical Christian missionary group the Free Burma Rangers, of the burning of villages," says the article. "The video shows young men, armed with AK47s, setting fire to bamboo homes as residents flee in terror."

BBC correspondent Mike Thomson's reports on life in Burma will be broadcast on UK Radio 4's Today programme at 7.30am from Monday to Friday this week (6-10 March). For details visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/

Questions from Email

Questions from Email:
What is Nettara?

Nettara is the name given to the ecclesiastical territory where Mshikhanim and Christians live in and near Burma. Nettara is not a political organization and does not fight against the local government, although Brothers and Sisters do stand up for their human rights and more importantly their right to serve God in peace. The people in this area do not and never have requested financial aid from governments or from individuals or organizations. The people of Nettara work as "tent makers" to provide for their own communities and do not depend on the world to provide for their needs. The word "nettara" is Assyrian Aramaic and means "protected."

I was told to visit this site by a man who claims that Nettara is a fake kingdom and a scam or hoax. Is this true?

First, Nettara is not a worldy kingdom ruled under un-Scriptural methods. As stated above, Nettara is an ecclesiastical territory which consists of Nazaraeans and Christians who have sought refuge from persecution by the Burma Army, Burma's cancer. Nettara is not a scam or a hoax. A scam is a system that dupes people into sending money or other contributions. No one associated with Nettara has ever requested money or any other kind of contribution from anyone and contributions are refused. Those people who are making claims that Nettara is a hoax are usually uneducated about the serious political problems in the general area or they are the very ones the Burma Army praises, because they spread propoganda against the Christians in this area.

Sadly, because individuals that had once been part of the Church (that assist this area), and for their own reasons have sought to openly slander this very real, authentic and apostolic Church, its beliefs, practices and people, there are certain forums and online groups that provide those who should have been held in high esteem and failed to honor their vocation, a medium to vent. Caring little or nothing for the thousands of serious believers worldwide or for their safebeing.

The Church is real. Its beliefs are authentic and Nettara and its people are very real. Persecution takes many forms, sometimes its physical, other times it takes the form of slander. As the vast majority of believers of this Church (A not-for-profit organization), live in regions that live very simple lives and of simple means; they do not have the tools to defend themselves from all forms of attack. The claims about Nettara is proof of this.

Take no ones word; examine the evidence for yourself and come up with your own conclusion.

I heard that Nettara was a religion or church?

No, Nettara is not a religion or a church, and it is not a religious organization; Nettara is a community of Christian believers living along the borders of Burma and Thailand. There are people of different denominations in this area. There are Shan, Kachin, Chin and Karen Christians as well as Orthodox Nazaraeans. The people who live in these communities are expected to live according to the Scriptures and as upheld by the Church of Jerusalem.

One clergyman of the Church of Jerusalem, Rabban +Mar Andreos, said: "Nestorians now have a homeland...Nettara. Nettara is more than a land mass and a temporal kingdom. It is an Oasis of the Faithful; Nettara is an Idea of God. If evil forces overrun a landmass, Nettara, just like Nestorianism itself, will rise again. The vision of Nettara will stay adamantine, impenetrable, it can never be destroyed, as a Nestorian homeland transcends the physical. The angels of God watch over the faithful in the here and the hereafter.

Nestorianism (the dominant faith of the area) will not be killed by Evil Imperial Forces, Mongol Hordes, Communist regimes, predators that lie about peaceful submission to God or Deviant pseudo-religious entities that misrepresent the Faith of our Messiah. Too many have fought and died for this Faith, to simply allow their efforts and their memories to be ignored. Quite the contrary, we should be honoring them and following in their footsteps!"

Christian churches urge Burma junta to stop religious persecutions

Christian churches urge Burma junta to stop religious persecutions

Feb 20, 2006 (DVB) - Six Christian churches in Rangoon jointly urged Burma’s military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) chairman Gen Than Shwe, to stop religious persecutions on Christians, in a pleading letter dated 20 February.

The action was prompted by the continuing intimidations of evangelical Christians at Rangoon Insein, Phawkkan, Shwepyitha and Hlaing Thaya areas by the local authorities. They were forced to pledge not to attend the church and bible classes which were also threatened with closures.

"We told the low-level authorities about them, but there is no development," a church member told DVB. "Therefore, we directly appealed to Gen Than Shwe for all the churches in Burma".

He added that his church members are not involved in politics as they are only interested in freedom of worship. "It is not right for Burma for them (local authorities) to persecute, intimidate and extort money from us thus."

In defense of the Nazaraean Church of Jerusalem

In defense of the Nazaraean Church of Jerusalem - Part 1

I found these comments on a forum. I later learned that these comments were posted by Mother Karen Giuseppe, a highly respected nun in India.

In defense of the Nazaraean Church of Jerusalem, also known as the Nestorian Orthodox Church - Nasrani Church of the East:

My comments are in bold, the other comments in italics come from the postings of a former priest (he was never fully consecrated as a bishop) who ousted himself in November and now makes accusations and false claims about the Church:

According to the official statements of this church their origins began during the Second Temple era of Judaism.

The former priest is wrong. The Church states that it began at Sinai with the giving of Torah and sealed with the Blood of Messiah in the first century.

They now refer to themselves as the Nestorian Orthodox Church-Church of the East & Abroad in order to historically legitimize themselves. They liberally borrow from the history of the Assyrian Church of the East, which has historically been referred to as the Nestorian Church by their opponents.

The Church has always been known in the East as the “Nazaraean Church of Jerusalem” (and sometimes the “Nazaraean Orthodox Church of Jerusalem” or simply “Church of Jerusalem”) and in America as the “Nestorian Orthodox Church – Nasrani Church of the East” but even this American name has not been adopted elsewhere. The American “name” is seen only as an official description of the Church to identify her theology (Christology) and her heritage as Orthodox Nasranis (Nazaraeans). This former priest, now a member of a Western Rite sect of Greco-American Orthodoxy has even concocted what he now calls the “Nazaraean Orthodox Church”, which appears to be borrowing from the name of the Holy Church in which he excommunicated himself from even after taking a public oath before God and Messiah and the world.

The Nestorian Orthodox Church has also adopted the psuedo-Essene belief of being the "Guardians" (i.e. Notzrim) of true Religion, whom the original Nazarenes (i.e. Naztarim) of Jerusalem opposed.

The former priest’s facts are all wrong again. The name “Notzrim” was even used by him in his own writings when he came to this Church just a few years ago and in his writings he defended this name and told everyone that the Church should proclaim its heritage. But later, judging by his own writings and recent comments, he got himself involved with Western ideals instead of ancient Eastern Apostolic Faith.

They also use the name Nestorian Nasranis due to it's ancient connections with the missionary minded Assyrian Church of the East, which is also called the Church of the Oriental Nasraya (i.e. Nazarenes ) in Aramaic.

The former priest and now Western Rite Orthodox church member stretches the facts once again. The Church makes it clear that it is not Assyrian nor is it connected with the Assyrian Church.

This group also makes "Nasrani" connect to the Akkadian word "Nettara" which means "to protect, guard or watch." This fits into their church lore that they are the true and continuing ancient Church, and the authentic "Guardians" of the Faith of Jerusalem.

A childish, immature or lacking in knowledge statement if I ever saw one. The Church does not use the word “Nettara” in connection with the word “Nasrani”. Both mean something entirely different.

He goes on to say that the Church’s Holy See resides in Tennessee. This is incorrect. They have offices in West and Middle Tennessee but the private residence is in Westland, Michigan. The Catholicos also has a home in Jerusalem where I “heard” he is moving to soon.

The Holy See is stated to have been transfered from Portugal by way of South India and Burma. The Nestorian Nasranis affirm that their Catholicos Patriarch is a member of the surviving Desposyni (i.e. Relatives of the Lord Jesus Christ). This Desposyni Family is said to be of Hebrew-Burmese descent, and are called the Shemishqo in Aramaic.

The word “Shemishqo” is not Aramaic. It is Nasramit and is an acronym. The man who write the above comment even uses Nasramit on his free websites. This is quite ironic since Nasramit is now unique to the Nestorian Orthodox.

In Burmese their name is Yaza, which is Raja (i.e. King) in the Indian language. It is also stated that this Family is the royal family of ancient Burma, as well as the Davidic Desposyni in exile.

He got something right! Perhaps he should be given a cookie.

It is believed by all Nestorian Nasranis that their Catholicos Patriarch is above all human judgment, and that only Christ Himself can be his judge. A Loyalty Oath of fealty to the Catholicos Patriarch and his Desposyni Family must be declared and signed by all church members on pains of excommunication.

Another false statement. The Catholicos is bound to Apostolic Dogma and he nor any other individual has control over the Church. There are “checks and balances”. Lay members are not required to sign the oath that the former priest is referring to.

Since the Catholicos Patriarch is directly descended from James the Just and the relatives of the Virgin Mary, he is viewed as the sole and rightful Patriarch of Jerusalem and of all true followers of Jesus Christ world-wide. He is, in effect, the Lord's vice-regent on earth as well as His blood relative.

Another cookie perhaps?

The Kingdom of Nettara: In 2003 some 1000 Burmese Christians joined the Nestorian Orthodox Church-Church of the East & Abroad, and were granted the name The Burmese Orthodox Church of the East. They reside along the border of Thailand, which is where rebel forces control the territory of Burma, and where many refugee camps are located.

Burmese Christians from among Karen and Shan states came into full communion with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem which had Shemishqo representatives in China. The Burmese Church then requested to be called the “Burmese Orthodox Church” and their request was granted by the Holy See.

On May 22, 2004 the Catholicos Patriarch declared himself king of this rebel held territory and re-established the old Burmese kingdom on Nasrani principles with the name Kingdom of Nettara. This Nestorian Homeland exists, according to the church, "along the border of Thailand extending from Laos to the Adaman Sea." Some 25,000 church members are said to presently inhabit this kingdom, with Nestorian refugees from Iraq included.

The Catholicos did not proclaim himself the king of anything. The people of this highly persecuted, refugee area proclaimed the Catholicos and his deputy patriarch as the government rulers. The Catholicos and the Deputy Patriarch (Sar Patriarch) were very reluctant to be called by that name because of Western misunderstandings.

It seems, from their own various maps, that Nettara is actually the eastern states of Burma which are known to be presently under rebel control, near the the Golden Triangle.

The people in this area are persecuted by Laos and by Myanmar. People, including former clergy, undermine their efforts in bringing peaceful and better living conditions to this area by their false statements. There was a radio program on in Israel a while back that mentioned the commentator travelling to the area and visiting with some of the people on the border. Some of the people gave their experiences and it was broadcast later.

Official Recognition: No official recognition of this Nestorian Homeland has been granted by any of the governments of Burma, Laos, Thailand or any other member of the United Nations. It therefore must be considered a religious conviction promulgated by this church and their Catholicos Patriarch, who is believed to be the heir of the Burman and Hebrew thrones. Nettara is nothing more than the Burmese areas in which christian refugees, many who have become members of this church, reside under the protection of these rebel forces in Northeastern Burma, and nothing more.

The people do not seek recognition from the U.N. or any other such worldly political organization. They work with other refugees through refugee programs by providing food and shelter when possible but they want nothing to do with the U.N. or the corrupt governments of Laos and Myanmar. The people are not under the control of drug lords as was previously stated by someone else in the Wikipedia site.

Claims, Beliefs, Links and Aliases: The Nestorian Orthodox Church claims to be the only true church, and calls all other churches Klal Kristiani (i.e. all of Pauline Christianity), which it vehemently condemns as corrupted, westernized, paganistic and anti-semitic.

The Holy Church proclaims its heritage boldly but does not put history above Apostolic Teaching. Anyone who reads the article “Only Angels Have Halos” can clearly see that the Church does not condemn other Christians. But she will stand up when there is gross error and anti-Semitism.

The Nestorian Orthodox Church has past links to Interfaith Christians and holds to a Universalist belief system. Many off shoot Interfaith, Universalist and Gnostic Thomasine sects have their origins and received their Apostolic Succession from this church.

The Church is not connected with any “interfaith” groups. A casual reading of its books and websites should easily dispel that myth promulgated by two apostate members and now this former priest. The Church has never consecrated anyone who knowingly or even hinted at a Gnostic belief system.

It has adopted Judaizing among it's Gentile membership; and has begun to become Ebionite in it's theology.

“Judaizing”? Does this mean boldly proclaiming that the Church is the Judaeo-Nazaraean Orthodox Church of Jerusalem? or does he mean that the Church requires its members to be familiar with the Whole Scriptures (Torah and Brith Chadashah)? Ebionite? Sighhhhh. Again we see an entirely Western minded individual’s false label.

This church has used many other aliases, such as originally "The Malakara Iberian Orthodox Church"," The Universal Bible Church-St. Thomas Christian Church", "The Universal Bible Society", "The Mar Thoma Nasrani Church of the East & Abroad" and now "The Nestorian Orthodox Church-Church of the East & Abroad".

It was only known as the “Malankara” church among the Saint Thomas Christians in India and those who moved into Portugal. The name “Universal Bible Church” was used in reference to the Church being “Catholic – i.e., Universal” and the “Bible” as the Scriptures. The former priest is wrong to claim that the Church was known as the “Universal Bible Society”. This was once a publishing company in Colorado that was used by the Church to print Bibles and tracts. There was a branch set up in Syria under the care of a man named "Lombardi" who had an ulterior motive. He soon changed the mission statement and many webpages that belonged to the Church. The individual was quickly given the opportunity to repent but he chose to be excommunicated.

Though officially a jurisdiction of the Saint Thomas Christians out of South India, it has an become an eclectic blend of theology and customs from the Assyrian Church of the East, Charismatic Protestantism, Messianic Judaism, and the Essene Dead Sea Scrolls.

Only one group in India is even connected to the Saint Thomas Christians and they came into membership with the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in 1918 under Mar Dalin I who was consecrated as the Catholicos. It is widely known that the Church of Jerusalem was connected in the past with the Assyrians, but the Assyrians broke from the Church of Jerusalem and became independent and began ordaining their own bishops and patriarchs which was seen to be proper. They became known as the Patriarchate of Babylon, essentially. I do not know anything about “Charismatic Protestantism”. I assume this man is referring to a Western view (again) of what “Messianic Judaism” is all about. This is all in the history webpages of the Church and always has been.

Apostolic Succession: The Nestorian Orthodox Church make various claims as to their Apostolic Succession, such as their primary Apostolic Succession from the Church of Jerusalem through the Desposyni Line after 135 CE in Mesopotamia; their secondary line was received "sub conditione" from Assyrian Church of the East (1901) under Patriarch Benjamin Shimun, who was murdered in 1918; their third line was received "sub conditione" from the Syrian Orthodox Church by Metropolitan "Old Catholic" Metropolitan Archbishop +Mar Timotheos I (Rene Vilatte) in 1926, and their fourth line was recieved "sub conditione" from Chaldean Catholic Church under Patriarch +Mar Yusef Emmanuel II Thoma also (1930s?), and finally their secondary line is said to have been re-affirmed by "sub conditione" from the the late Assyrian Patriarch of the East, +Mar Eshai Shimun (1972-73).

The Church’s Apostolic Succession is outlined on the webpages of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Catholicos Patriarch Resource Center’s website. It was claimed by some that the Church received her Apostolic Succession from Joseph Rene Vilatte but this was never clear but it can be seen that the Church does not endorse him or any of his so called “ordinations.” Western and Eastern Orthodox always seem to use this claim against any religious organization that they do not like attempting to de-legitimatize the jurisdiction on any level they can even if they have to stoop to religious slander.

History: The Desposyni (i.e. Family of the Lord) and the Nazarenes left Jerusalem in 135 CE for Mesopotamia. In Mesopotamia they merged with the fledgling Assyrian Church of the East, and their Desposyni became Patriarchs of the early Church of the East (i.e +Mar Abris, +Mar Oraham, +Mar Yakov I, Mar Ebius M'shikha & +Mar Akhu d'Awu). Then in 223 CE, Metropolitan +Mar Yusif II, a Desposyni Archbishop, relocated the Nazarene community of Mesopotamia to far off Burma, there to re-establish their community as a semi-independent Mission of the Assyrian Church of the East. They claim that it is from this isolated Metropolitanate of Judeo-Burmese Nazarenes, once in communion with the Assyrian Church of the East, that their present church is descended. Although they do admit that they were established by and were in full communion with the Assyrian Church of the East at various periods in their long history,

The Church was never officially merged with any other jurisdiction. That false claim is a new one for me. The Church was associated loosely and received when necessary ordination from Assyrian clergy but they never made any formal pact or concordat of agreement.

they presently reject all ties to their ancient parent Church. This history is said to be recorded in a Book they possess called "The Annals of the Oriental Nasraya."

Again the Church is independent and always has been. One can read history concerning the Assyrians and it tells anyone that the Assyrians became independent of the Church of Jerusalem and not the other way around. In other words the Church of Jerusalem was the parent Church. The Assyrians’ books even state this.

They presently have several small communities in Syria, Israel, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Burma, Portugal, Brazil, Izmir and in the United States. Their numbers have never been given, so it can be assumed that they are a very small association of small communities world-wide. In the U.S.A. they are not registered as non-profit religious organization, but they do take donations and sell various products.

Should this man be given a third cookie? The Church, just like any other religious organization sells products. The Church has Scriptures, books, etc. They even sold his writings for a while but the store sales reports show that only a few people ever purchased the materials.

Theology, N.T. Canon and Practice: The Nestorian Orthodox Church's theology and rituals are an admixture of Assyrian Church of the East and St. Thomas Christian Orthodoxy blended with a Judaizing type of Messianic Judaism, as well as mix of some Essene and Charismatic Protestant notions. They state that they depend upon their Scriptures, Traditions, Revelations and the Magisterium of the Church for their Faith, Morals, Practices and Customs.

We have already gone through this point. He is repeating himself for the most part. Anyone can read the writings of the Church to know where she received her theology. There are no secrets about that.

Unlike the 8th Century Assyrian Church of the East's Monuments in China, Mongolia, Korea and Japan, which describe the New Testament Canon as containing the present 27 Books, this church states that it only accepts the 22 Books of the ancient Aramaic Peshitta New Testament, which excludes II John, III John; II Peter; Jude & Revelations.

Everyone who has been participating in the threads on this forum already know the stand of the Church as to the “New Testament” and the Church’s official canon is published on its webpages for all to see. Again false accusations.

As far as the original language of the New Testament is concerned they are adherents of "Aramaic Primacy."

The Church does not and never has concerned herself with the ideals or trappings of what this man calls “Aramaic Primacy”. He is also aware of the posted messages in other forums which I was an assistant manager, where senior clergy of the Church stated to him very clearly that the Church does not promote “Aramaic Primacy”. But, unfortunately for this former priest, the Church also made it clear to him that neither does it promote “Greek Primacy.” The Church holds a very balanced view on this debated subject.

More recently, however, they have determined that along with these five excluded books, all of the Epistles of St. Paul are Apocryphal. They have adopted the Ebionite position that St. Paul contradicts Christ and His Apostles, and is therefore at best of secondary value (Read "But what about Paul?" by H.G. Rabban +Mar Andreos Channer: The Nestorian Orthodox Congregation of Beaverton, Oregon USA).

I wonder what definition this person gives to the word “Apocryphal”. I have heard some Protestant people say that their understanding of “apocrypha” was basically the “junk yard books”. But the Church does not see it this way. “Apocrypha” are those other books that came to her late and were never counted among her official canon. In other words, the Church was unaware that some of these books became “canonical” in a sense to some of Roman, Greek and Hellenistic churches because she was isolated and never invited to any council.

The Nestorian Orthodox Church also practices a form of Torah Observance and Kosher (i.e. Kashrut) laws according to their peculiar Halakha.

Yeshua said that anyone who teaches against Torah Observance would be called “least in the Kingdom” (Matthew 5).

On November 9th, 2005 this church formed a Sanhedrin (i.e. Knesset) of 70 secret Rabbis, whose location is not declared; and the Catholicos Partriarch is the Nasi (President & Prince) of the Nestorian Nasrani Beit Din.

I seem to recall some my father talking about the Beit Knushta when I was a child. That was over twenty years ago. His father, and his grandfather and great grandfather were all members of the Beit Knushta. So in a huff this man has misconstrued the facts by stating that the Knushta was founded in 2005. Anyone who knows the history of the ancient sanhedrin knows that the members have always been anonymous to even Church members for the most part. The ancient Jewish Sanhedrin which no longer exists, its members were also anonymous. A casual reading of the Jewish Encylopedia explains this.

In defense of the Nazaraean Church of Jerusalem - Part 2

These are some more accusations posted by a former priest. Again my comments are in bold while his are in italics.

Former cleric said: I was a member and cleric of this Jurisdiction. I do not know who Budo really is, but he is on the mark when it comes to this church.

Budo is someone who made comments in Wikipedia (their site that recently got into some hot water over the fact the libelous information was posted about a man in the United States. Anyone with a computer, even a monkey, can post things on that site and if you look at some of the articles, it would remind one of the fact the internet is full of people who have nothing better to do than to write vulgar and false statements). Budo claimed that the Church was "new age" and this former "cleric" stated that Budo was on the mark. Interesting.

Former cleric said: I do know who Marcus Levine is, and I suppose the other commenter is familiar too.

Marcus Levine is an archdeacon in New Zealand who posted in that site to defend the Church. Budo made comments saying that the Church was "new age" and never gave any references, yet he requested that Archdeacon Marcus+ give references to his defense.

Former cleric said: I was from 2002 until November 15th, 2005 a prominant cleric in this church.

The fact is that this "prominant cleric" was not even known in most circles and his writings were so confusing to lay people that the real clergy threw them in the trash when they came in email. I know this for a fact because for a short time I volunteered work in the office of the Patriarch in India. The clergy believed that some of the writings contained what they called very strange and foreign concepts that the Church did not hold to.

Former cleric said: I have separated from this ever crumbling deck of cards. My church and missionary diocese is now once again independent, but I am in full communion with an Orthodox Jurisdiction.

This former "cleric", known mostly among a handful in America, was offered the opportunity to repent of certain statements (of which I have not seen personally) or he could walk away. The Church always gives someone the opportunity to repent or walk away with some kind of dignity and does not wish to make a big fuss over the individual. He sent out a copy of his self-excommunication email to people throughout the Church. In his email he said that he did not want the Church to say anything bad about him and he wanted his writings removed the Church's webpages. The Church has not spoken bad about him and his few writings have been removed from the webpages at his request. This basically took place within just a matter of an hour or so.


Former cleric said: I have recently tried to edit and corrected the article... as I was a spiritual counsel (i.e. Abuna-Qasha)...

The site was vandalized several times in fact. There was even a curse posted on there. The IP addresses and usernames are public and anyone can see who posted those things.

Former cleric said: The current Rabban, H.G. Mar Andreos, was my former archdeacon and Confraternity assistant general director.... I was training him myself, but that was fast tracked because he who sits upon the throne of Jerusalem and Nettara (LOL!) liked his heterodoxy when it came to Anti-Pauline Judaizing of Gentile believers, his Universalist Mysticism and his fanatical zeal to do the bidding of the catholicoi.

Well, His Grace, Rabban +Mar Andreos is the Bishop of Education and he is well versed in both Eastern and Western views and all can easily see how Rabban +Mar Andreos teaches which is in line with the Ancient Apostolic Dogma held by the Nazaraean Orthodox Church of Jerusalem. Personally, I am not sure what a Western minded clergy would be able to teach a fully qualified Rabban and Bishop, unless it is Western Antiochene Greek philosophy and anything that does not line up with ancient Apostolic Church teachings.


Former cleric said: Actually, I began to have my doubts about this juisdiction back in the spring of 2005.

Why did this man not bring his thoughts to the Synod? Why did he remain in something he felt was heretical?

Former Cleric said: By August I had found direct evidence that Chazak Yaza was once a member of a New Age online Community.... He clearly states therein that he is the "founder and director of the Universal Bible Society, which is an Interfaith Christian publishing company and world-wide ministry." His stated interests are:"World Scripture (?), Universal Interfaith Movements, Ancient Texts, Gnosis and Christ Consciousness." Now this is beyond the pale of Nazaraean or Christian Orthodoxy, and he described himself as "interfaith" when his Faith is asked.

This former cleric, who claims to have been "prominant", was given the evidence from a nun in Israel who works with students in Syria that the man who was once in charge of the "Universal Bible Society", known as Rex Lombardi, signed His Holiness up for all sorts of email groups and internet organizations without the approval of the Holy Synod, or even the Catholicos himself! His Holiness is not a member of any internet new age group and he has spoken many times and in his book "Faithful Unto the Messiah" about the dangers of syncretism and interfaith groups.

Former clergy said: I know all the early and present revised histories of the church and it's various incarnations and aliases.....when I found all these things out I began to ask for answers and received none. So I left....and if you read all their sites now, I am the evil one they are referencing in their defensive rants.

Almost all of the revised materials were made by the former member of the Church who was trusted but later showed that he had an ulterior motive.

Former clergy said: This group is not aligned or related to Spruit's Malabar Rite Cult. Nor is it gnostic or masonic......

I think I need to give him another cookie.

Former clergy said: In my humble, but well learned opinion, like "the Society for the Advancement of Nazaraean Judaism (SANJ)" of the Diploma Mill'd Dr. James Trimm, this group's leadership is Academically challenged, Theologically incoherent and Biblically illiterate.

"Humble" yet “well learned”? Anyway, the Church does not promote Mr. Trimm’s “SANJ” organization. I suppose if a Greek Orthodox or Western Orthodox Rite priest thinks that another jurisdiction is not Greek or Western enough they think they can call them incoherent and "Biblically illiterate". Again, I wonder why he stayed.

Former cleric said: When I sent an Apologetics paper called "Contra Salus Universalus" againts their heresy, they could not rebut it, nor exegete Scripture in defense of their own position.

I wonder when he sent this. I wonder if he even waited for a reply. Considering how the Holy See receives countless letters, emails and telephone calls all day long and has such a small staff (24 last time I knew), it would be impossible to respond in a short time span. I personally suspect this is just an excuse.

Former cleric said: They do not rely upon Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition (Patristic Witness), but are subjective and have an eclectic mish mash of contrary theological positions. I found this out too late, but I am now liberated from this disfunctional spiritual family.

The fact is the Church does not rely on faulty translation or solely on Greek translations and Greek philosophical interpretations of the Jewish Messiah’s doctrines. Yes, the Church’s theological position is in opposition to anything that is not held by Yeshua and His Apostles.

Former cleric said: Anyone who defends this sect is a sect member who has signed the loyalty oath thought up by my former Archdeacon turned Rabban.

The Oath of Loyalty is for clergy and those who are entering into the clergy but not for laity. The Oath of Loyalty was originally composed by H.G. Rabban +Mar Andreos and guess what….it was approved by this former cleric before it even got sent to Mishqana! All of this information is documented in clergy forum that I am assistant manager of. This former cleric even made it publicly known that he was the first to sign the Oath.


Former cleric said: Like James Trimm's fake Hebrew Roots Version Bible, and the Watchtower's New World Translation, this group is now making it's own Bible Canon and Version too! If you can't find it is Scripture, make your own Version to find it!

That is an interesting statement indeed! I find it interesting because this very same man, the former cleric, has endorsed this Version of the Peshitta in online forums. That is, until he self-excommunicated himself from the Nazaraean Orthodox Church of Jerusalem and made up his own party known as the “Nazaraean Orthodox Church” borrowing from the name of Messiah’s Holy Church.

Former cleric said: So Budo, here is my salute. I have all the htmls and documents saved from every year beginning from 2002 until today...it is quite a hoot.

Anyone can save a webpage but in doing so one can be selective or even change the text of any webpage if they wanted to. By the way, the Mishqana does not permit any of its webpages to be distributed without written permission nor unless the page says it can be printed out and shared or reprinted in some manner. Any other manner would theft. Even sharing in email or posting online.

Former cleric said: My Motto is Unity in Dogmatic Essentials, Liberty in Nonessentials and Charity in all things...they borrowed this from me and now have warped it.

This former cleric sent that statement in and it was requested that it be put on his webpages that were being hosted by the Church with the Church’s own meager means. Later it was realized that, even though the Church does hold to such a sentiment in one way or another, the phrase itself is quite “Protestant” sounding so the Church’s webmasters started removing it.

Former cleric said: They no longer sell my translation of the Didache, my Artwork or any of my intellectual property.

This is because he requested the Church not to sell his “Messianic” doodling and his paraphrases of what he was calling a “Didache”. I was one of the sisters in charge of reviewing the editing process of his paraphrase of the Didache and I found it very difficult to see how his paraphrases fell in line with Ancient Apostolic Dogma. I asked to be taken off the editorial board at that time.

It is sad to see a former cleric to go to no ends in order to bash the Holy Church he swore to defend, even forming an organization he called “Confraternity” in order to defend it. Many people in India, Israel and Turkey spent their life’s savings to purchase or rent buildings and other property in order to organize a branch office in their own countries of this “confraternity”. When this man left the Church he also ripped out the hearts of many poor brothers and sisters who were ready to do anything they could to organize such a “confraternity”. He set himself up under the name of what he called “nasi”. But no more. Those days are gone. We will not be gullible to the whims of such individuals. We will stand strong, and even though we have been wounded and many of us, including myself, have spent every penny we ever owned to assist his “confraternity” in growing worldwide, even though most never even knew him; we soon learned that the constitution he adapted for his “confraternity” was not in line with the proper headship of the Church.

I pray for this man every day and for his family like I always have and I know the sisters in my convent also pray for him. I do not judge him, even though he throws accusations around like rice at a wedding. I ask others not to judge him either. That is not our place. That is between him and the God and Messiah he swore to in the Oath of Loyalty.

Brother Stephen Pingha in Australia posted the following on the internet:

I think a lot of people don't realize that donations are not accepted by non-members of the Church by the majority of the ministries and apostolates. A non-member who wants to donate to the Church is usually directed to a reliable, reputable charitable organization that is not associated with the Church instead. Members are supposed to take care of each other and not rely on the world for their money. The idea is that God is the provider and He does this through the Scripturally mandated tithe. So, almost all donations come from within the Church membership, not the other way around.

What is a Nation?

Posted by Brother Stephen Pingha in Australia

What makes a nation? A nation has a common language, religion, it's own "higher power" (or more than one), its own foods, clothing, etc.

Is the Nasrani Church of the East and Abroad a "nation"?

We have a common language throughout the Church and it's called "Nasramit", an ancient tongue akin to Aramaic and Hebrew.

Nestorians have religion and its' Marga Mshikha (or Derekh Mshikha) = the Law of Messiah = the Way of Messiah.

We have our own God = Mar Yah made incarnate in the Son = Maran Yeshua Mshikha, One Body, Two Essences!

We have many different foods, but there are those certain foods that are common to almost all Nasrani = but our most important food is Peshitta = the Word of God. "You give food for the sustenance of humankind and they praise You for that food; but You also give us spiritual food, for which we praise You for that Food as well."

The Nestorian Nation also has a specific clothing and it's called "modest". Real Nestorians don't go around with highly expensive and gaudy attire. It's not in our nature to do that. But most importantly we have Spiritual Clothing = Holy Spirit!

So are Nasranis a "nation"? Yes! We are the Nestorian Orthodox Nation. A small minority in a sea of sin and paganism lifting up the Banner of Truth = the Marga Mshihka! Yes! Members of the Church are a part of THE Nestorian Nation and our Nation has a homeland and it's called Nettara and it's Law is the Torah and it's God is Mar Yah Yeshua! AMEN!

Nestorians from country to country – a jewel of pure Christianity

This article, from a non-Nestorian source, while with a few errors, is a very nice outline and introduction to the Nasrani Nestorian Faith.

***

Nestorians from country to country – a jewel of pure Christianity

(Translated off a radio program in Israel. Read by Eli Marx, an independent journalist who travels around the world writing about minorities, tribes and different ethnic groups.)

“You have probably never heard of the “Nasrani Church of the East” unless you have traveled to India or Myanmar. The Nasrani Church of the East and Abroad (also known in modern times as The Nestorian Orthodox Church) was founded in the first century A.D. by migrants who had been expelled from Jerusalem in 135 A.D. These were descendants from the family of Mary and Joseph who eventually migrated to Southeast Asia. Their church now has communities all over the world.

The Nasrani Nestorians have been persecuted in almost every country they attempt to settle and are denied their own state anywhere they travel. These Orthodox Nestorians look to their church for a quintessence of national identity.

Two years ago their church leader Patriarch Michai assisted in the purchase of land along the border between Thailand and Myanmar. This instantly gave a home to refugees from Karen, Mon and surrounding states. However as of to date no government entity has recognized their new country called Nettara, an Aramaic word meaning, "protected." In fact, the government of Myanmar has been very successful in spreading propaganda concerning their classification of the Nestorians along the border. Their campaign states the inhabitants of this geographical area are nothing more than farmers and dealers of cocaine products. Some have referred to the area as the "cocaine capital of the world" - the Golden Triangle. Those who have believed this propaganda state Nettara is a nonentity.

Traveling to Thailand three weeks ago I was able to see some of the people of the “Nestorian homeland” as they refer to it now. They have shops on their eastern border selling trinkets, wooden carvings of elephants, tigers and religious symbols. I interviewed two of the vendors who spoke broken English. I then spoke to several others in Hebrew, which they were able to understand since their national language is analogous.

The people of Nettara are real and their state is real. Their blood is real and the Burma Army has spilled it on more than one occasion. I heard stories of the Nettara people being raped and plundered by military officers from Myanmar; one elderly lady told me her grandchildren had become displaced after being kidnapped by two officers of the Burma Army. “If it were not for our Catholicos I never would have seen my babies again,” she told me.

The Catholicos Patriarch of the Nestorian Orthodox Church has recently made some minor agreements with Croatia, Armenia, Turkey, and Kazakhstan in providing peaceful refugee communities that are open only to members of their church.

History and facts tell us the Nasranis are the only Nestorian Church on earth. The Assyrian Catholics of Iraq are referred to as “Nestorians” by scholars in the West but this is a misnomer for Assyrians and they deny the name. The Nasrani Church of the East is the only church that is known appropriately as “Nestorian” but not according to the Western definition of the term.

They will continue to travel from country to country with their Nestorian missionary spirit and the world will continue to choose to ignore this great nation. What the world will miss by their preference of ignorance is alarming. For what lies within the Nasrani Church is a jewel of pure Christianity as in the days of first century Galilee and Nazareth.”

Burma Timeline

Historical Timeline

B.C. Timeline

1000. Origin of the Burman Kingdom. Founding of Tagaung by Abhi Yaza (Raja), a conquered Sakya king of Kapilavastu ("Kapilawut") in Audh.

865. Era of King Kawza begins. Thirty-two kings follow, ending with Binnaka Yaza.

825. King Kan Yaza-dyi is established at Kale on the Chindwin. His son Umidusitta migrates to Kyauppadaung in Arakan and establishes the Arakan Kingdom. King Kan Yaza-nge is established in Tagaung.

691. Era of King Kawza closes. Era of Bodaw Yuzana, Raja of the Sakyas, grandfather of Gawdama,begins.

623. Chinese irruption into Burma. King driven south to Male. Tripartition of kingdom. Prince Doza Yaza of Kapilavastu marries the chief widow of the king and founds old or northern Pagan. Seventeen reigns follow, up to 443 B.C.

443. Two Burman kingdoms, Tagaung and Pyu (Pye, Prum, Prome ?) Prince Labadutra of Tagaung hunts the great boar, which he kills at Wettokyun near Prome.

A.D. Timeline

82. New era of Pyu King Thamundayit. [Lasts till 638.]

104.The Muns destroy Thayekittaya. King Thamundayit driven north, where he establishes New Pagan. Eighteen reigns follow.

128. Rise of Magadu in Martaban (Mottama).

223. Patriarchal See from Jerusalem transferred to "Burma" by Patriarch +Mar Yusef II

450. Burma invaded by Shan Chinese

635. Thomas Christian (Nestorian) faith introduced to China with a missionary and educational post set up.

638. Era and dynasty of King Pupasaw--the present era.

781. Reign of Catholicos Patriarch Mar Khnanishu. Kienchung Tang Dynasty. Nestorian Monument erected in China on January 7 (The Monument is ten feet high by 3,1/3 feet wide and just under one foot thick and it weighs two tons. It is made of a black, sub-granular oolitic limestone). Church of the East missionaries set up missionary and educational post in Burma.

800. Irruption of Shans into Burma.

1017. Accession of King Anawyata Minsaw the Great.

1085. Southern provinces rebel, but are re-subjugated. King Kyansitthu of Pagan builds Ananda Paya and Shwe Ku Paya.

1160. King Kyansitthu of Pagan murdered by his son after reigning seventy-five years.

1167. Accession of King Narapati Sitthu the Great. Empire established over all the kingdoms except Arakan. Embassy sent to the King of Ceylon.

1204 Burma invaded from India. Burman sovereign deposed [Kala-kya-min.] Cambodia and Arayamana invaded from Ceylon.

1284 Burma invaded by China and tribute demanded. King Narashihepade driven south and pursued to Tarok-hmaw before Prome whence he fled to Pathein [Tarok-pye-min]. Pagan referred to by Marco Polo as the capital of a great kingdom.

1300. Burma invaded by Shans. King Kyawzwa of Pagan made a recluse. China interferes on behalf of Burma and besieges Myinzaing, but without effect. Pagan kingdom parcelled out among Shan leaders. Siam recovers Tenaserim. Pegu regains independence. Prome, Taung-ngu (Paung), Myinzaing, Pinya, Sagaing, Thayet assert independence. Pagan dynasty continues in name only. Shan dynasty of Beinnaka established in Burma Proper.

1306. King Zaw-aw Thin Hmaing of Pegu recaptures Tenaserim from Siam. Foundation of chronic hostility between Pegu and Siam

1330. Tenaserim recovered and Pegu made tributary by Siam (Siamese accounts).

1348. King Sinbyu Shin of Pegu. First mention of cannon. The Mun have fire-arms.

1364. Inwa ['Ava',Ratanapoya-'city of gems'] founded by Shan-Burman King Rahula (Thado Minbya).

1385. Accession of King Yazadlyit the Great, of Pegu. War with Burma. Chinese interfere on behalf of latter. Arakan supports Burma. Peace concluded, 1421, on the basis that Prome is Burman territory.

1423. Death of King Yazadiyit of Pegu.

1438. The calendar adjusted by moving the date back two years. Nicolo d' Conti, traveller from Italy, describes Thaton as a seaport. Other travellers from the West about this period were Ludovico Barthema of Bologna, Hieronimo Adorno, Hieronimo de San Stefano and the Russian, Athanasius Nitikin.

1444. Chinese invasion of Burma repelled.

1446. Queen Shinsawbu of Pegu.

1454. Ali Khan usurps the kingdom of Arakan. Burman kingdom weakened by inroads from the North. Adventurers from Europe in the service of the rival kingdoms.

1461. King Dammazedi of Pegu. (Buddhist)

1505. Shan Swabwa of Unaung overthrows the Shan-Burman king of Ava.

1530 Five independent kingdoms_Ava (Shan), Prome (Shan-Burman> Taung-ngu (Paung), Pegu (Mun) and Arakan. Taung-ngu begins to rise in power Thohambwa succeeds to the kingdom of Ava. Massacres of yahan and plunder of zed' take place. The king assassinated, 1542. Travellers of the period,Ruy Nunes d'Alcunha, I51I. Giovanni de Sylveira (Arakan) Antonio Carrea (treats with the King of Pegu on behalf of Portugal, 1519) Odoardc Barbessa (reports the King of Pegu to be very powerful,1520) Caesar Frederick Ralph Fitch. (Memoirs, ed. J. Horton Ryley. See Jardine, introduction to Sangermano's Burmese Empire.) Soldiers of fortune_Caspar d' Cruz, Boniface Damien Giovanni Cayero and Ferdinand Mendez Pinto.

1540 Martaban (Mottama) besieged by Siam

1550. King Tabin Shwe-ti of Pegu advances on Ava, but is repulsed by a confederation of the Shans. Pagan is occupied and the other Burman kingdoms subjugated. Siam recover Tenaserim. Nawratha (afterwards called Bayin-naung [next to the king] leads an expedition against Siam with assistance of the Portuguese adventurers, Seixas and Cayero, who bring five hundred Portuguese soldiers.Bayin-naung (brother-in-law of the last king of Pegu) succeeds, under the title of Sinbyumya Shin. Thamein Taw, representative of the ancient Mun dynasty, is beheaded. Expedition to and capture of Ava.
Advance to Zimme. Shan states subjugated, excepting Theinni. Advance on Laos, as far as the Mekong. 1562, Siam invaded and the capital Ayodaya captured. Tenaserim recovered from Siam.

1575, the Shan states re-subjugated. Troops sent to the aid of the King of Ceylon. Zenith of Mun empire.

1570. Pegu exhausted and depopulated. Muslim/Islamic butchers mentioned at this period. 1581, preparations for invading Arakan interrupted by the death of the emperor.

1581. Yuwa Yaza (crown prince) succeeds.

1591. Nanda Bayin succeeds to the empire of Pegu. Successful expedition against Ava. Advance against Siam with 5000 elephants and 300,000 men. Ayodaya besieged without success, and again in 1593. Pegu drained of men and resources. The emperor gives way to senseless savagery; immolates his relatives (witnessed by Gaspari Balbi, of Venice). Massacres of the people ordered and persecution of the yahan. Taung-ngu and Arakan league against the emperor. The Siamese invader is acclaimed.

1596. The Arakanese advance as far as Thallyin ("Syriam") on Pegu channel, opposite Rangoon. Sack of Pegu. Fabulous accounts of its wealth. Independence of Ava reestablished. Siam recovers Tenaserim and besieges Martaban. Taung-ngu attacked by Prome while engaged in repulsing the Siamese. Philip de Brito [a Portuguese shipboy who grew up in the palace at Arakan] deserts the Arakanese and seizes Syriam for the Portuguese. 1600, Philip de Brito recovers Yamethin for Taung-ngu.

1607. Ava re-subjugates Prome and (1610) Taung-ngu also, and obtains the tooth-relic of the Buddha. Travellers at this period, the Jesuit Boves, Faria y Souza.

1615. De Brito captures Taung-ngu but is attacked and defeated by the King of Ava and is tortured to death. De Brito's Portuguese comrades are sent to Ava. King Maha Damma Yaza of Taung-ngu reconstitutes the empire, with his capital at Ava. The help of Portuguese galleons obtained by sea. The Siamese ally with the Portuguese. Envoys sent to Burma from the Emperor Jehangir and the governor of Bengal.

1616. The Englishman Samuel dies in Burma; his property seized but afierwards restored. The English invited to settle. English factories at Syriam, Prome, Ava, Bamaw. Disputes of English and Dutch settlers. Both compelled to withdraw.

1632. The Mun Emperor Thado Damma Yaza on the throne, with the capital at Ava; a good and wise ruler. Builds Kaung-hmudaw Paya, below Sagaing.

1648. Bintale succeeds, and is succeeded by Maha Payawa Damma Yaza.

1658. An invasion from China repulsed with difficulty.

1661. The Kingdom of Ava usurped by Prome.

1664. The Arakanese advance into Bengal as far as Dakka.

1672. Accession of Emperor Thiyi Payawa Maha Damma Yaza of Pegu.

1687. Haindyi Island ("Negrais"), at the mouth of the Pathein river, is taken by Captain Weldon (British) on behalf of the Siamese. At the bidding of the East India Company the Siamese Governor of Mergui expels British traders ("interlopers"),seventeen British massacred in the scuffle that took place. The British fall into disrepute. A French mission follows.

1688. The Governor of Pegu sends a letter to the Governor of Madras asking for British traders to settle in Pegu

1695 The Burman Government confiscates the goods of Adrian Tilbury, an Englishman who died in Burma; and the ship SS. Antony and Nicholas. Messrs. Fleetwood and Sealy deputed by the Madras Government to recover the above, in 1697. Messrs. Bowyear and Alison deputed on the same duty in 1709.

1698. Accession of Emperor Sinbyu Shin Dipata. Non-Buddhist foreigners treated with contempt, but not molested.

1720. First Catholic mission.

1733.Accession of Emperor Sinbyu Shin Dipata 11.

1738 Manipuris advance as far as Sagaing and destroy temples there.

1740 Pegu-Burman Empire again disintegrating. Pegu exhausted by imposts; even the looms are taxed. The condition of the people wretched. The Muns rise against the Taung-ngu-Peguan dynasty, march north and capture the Emperor Kaungthit. The East India Company have an agent in Pegu.

1746 A Gwe Shan becomes King of Pegu, but abdicates. Binnya Dala elected in his place.

1750 The Muns under the Yuwa Yaza (crown-prince) and Dalaban march north in great force, with the co-operation of renegade Dutch and native Portuguese.

1752, Ava destroyed, the king taken to Pegu (where he was executed two years later on a charge of conspiracy).

1754. Aungzaya of Mosobo (later Shwebo), afterwards called Alaung Paya, rallies the Burmans to rise against the Mun garrisons, which are dispersed. The Burmans march on Pegu, take the city and capture the emperor. Rangoon [Yangon-the end of the strife] is founded and Burman empire proclaimed under Alaung Paya.

1755. Embassy of Captain George Baker to Burma. See his journal (Oriental Repertory, London, Dalrymple, 1791). The Emperor Alaung Paya sends a golden letter for delivery to King George 111., but it is intercepted.

1756. Murder of Bishop Nerini.

1757. Rising of Muns. Fresh Campaign, in which Pegu is finally subjugated. The name Talaing given to the Mun race. Dalaban, the Mun general afterwards called Nawratha, enters the service of the Burman Emperor on honourabl terms. The crew of the French ship Galate'e are seized.

1758 .Manipur is subdued. A rebellion of the Talaings is suppressed.

1759 The British settlers at Negrais are massacred at the instigation of the French.
Siam is invaded and siege laid to Ayodaya, without success.

1760. Death of Alaung Paya. His eldest son Naungdawdyi succeeds, under his father's will that his three sons should reign in succession. Palace intrigues The capital changed from Shwebo to Sagaing.

1761. Captain Alves deputed on a mission to the Burman Emperor.

1763. The Emperor Sinbyushin succeeds his brother Naungdawdyi. The capital changed to Shwebo.

1765. Manipur, now the ally of the British, is overrun by Burma.

1766. Burman expedition against Zimme. Tenaserim is recaptured, Siam invaded under t command of Dalaban, Ayadaya destroyed and the country laid under tribute. The Siamese defence conducted with the help of a British privateer.

1767. The Chinese invade Burma with 50,000 men. Their army is repulsed and destroyed.

1769 The Chinese invade Burma and are repulsed again. Their soldiers permitted to return disarmed.

1771 Siam throws off the Burman yoke and recovers Tenaserim. A force is despatched against Siam, of which the Talaing brigade mutinies and invests Rangoon. Failing to take the place they retreat to Martaban.

1774. An expedition is sent against Martaban, consisting of 20,000 men and twenty-four guns, which reduces the place.

1775. The Emperor Sinbyu Shin visits Rangoon. Judicial murder of the last Peguan Emperor Binnya Dala. The Schwedagon Paya is built over, to its present dimensions, and decorated with a magnificent hti. Siam invaded again, without effect. Manipur overrun again.

1776. Emperor Sinbyu Shin succeeded by his son Singu Min. Capital changed to Sagaing.

1781. Emperor Singu Min dies. Succeeded by Maung Maung, son of Emperor Naungdawdyi, contrary to the will of Alaung Paya, under which his own third son Maung Waing was designated. Maung Waing captures the palace, murders his nephew, and assumes the empire under the title of Bodaw Paya (also called Badon Min, Sinbyu-mya Shin, and Mantaya-dyi). Commits fearful atrocities against his opponents at Paunga where he destroys the whole of the inhabitants, yahan included. Capital changed from Sagaing to Amayapoya (Abode of Immortals).

1782. Rebellion of the Talaings in Rangoon suppressed. Surgeon W. Hunter visits Burma.

1783. Father Sangermano lands in Burma.

1784. Arakan invaded and subdued. The Maha-myammuni image brought to Amayapoya (cf. B.C. 150 and A.D. 1017) Arakanese take refuge in British Chittagong and from thence harass the Burmans.

1785. Expedition made against Junkseylon, without success.

1786. Siam invaded without success.

1787. Invasion from Siam repulsed.

1790. Tenaserim recaptured from Siam.

1793. Punitive expedition sent against the Arakanese refugees in Chittagong.

1795. Captain Michael Symes (see his work) sent on a mission to the Emperor of Burma by the Governor- General of India. Burma contends for an envoy from the King of England, on the precedent of the. envoy [Lord Macartney] sent to the empire of China. Efforts to negotiate a commercial treaty unsuccessful. Subsequent envoys-Captain Cox. 1803, Lieut. Canning,1811.
1803. The Amayapoya gaing of Burman yahan in Ceylon, protests against the intrusion of caste ideas in the Thinga there.

1804. Karen Christian congregation established.

1811. The filibuster Chin Byan overruns Arakan from the base of British Chittagong.

1813. Burman embassy to the Governor-General of India. Bible society work begins in Burma.

1817. The Burman government intrigues with the Mahrattas.

1819. The Emperor Bodaw Paya is succeeded by his grandson Badyidaw. Capital changed to Ava, 1823. Troubles with Munipur; the Raja erects a royal pyatthat over his residence. The British arm the Manipuris.

1823. Outrage committed by the Burman government on the British outpost at Shahpuri island, at Naf, Arakan. Burma warned by the British that war may ensue. The Burmans in reply advance to Kachar.

1824 (5th March). British declare war and land their forces. Burman resistance broken, not without aid of the Talaings, on the fall of the able General Maha Bandtila (24th April, 1825) Cost to British, 4000 men and 5 million pounds. Arakan, Martaban and Tenaserim provinces annexed. Indemnity of 1,000,000 rupees imposed on Burma, and a treaty of commerce exacted

1827. Talaing rising in Rangoon. Mission of Captain Crawfurd to Ava (see his work).

1829. Inroads made on British territory by Burman brigands, from the base of Martaban. Martaban government bound down by British to restrain Burman subjects

1837. King Badyidaw deposed and his son Thayawadi Min proclaimed king in Burma. Capital, Kyaummyaung and later Amayapoya. The reign disfigured by barbarities. 1841, the king visits Rangoon.

1845. King Thayawadi deposed and his son Pagan Min proclaimed. Massacres at the palace.

1851 Extortions practiced by the government of Rangoon, and the British traders Lewis and Sheppard ill-treated.

1852. Second British war, which lasts nearly twelve months. Pegu annexed; British Burma Commission organised by Colonel (afterwards Sir) Arthur Phayre, the first Chief Commissioner. Brigandage becomes rife, but is suppressed by degrees.

1853. King Pagan Min deposed and his son Mindon Min proclaimed in Burma.

1855. Mission of Capt. Henry Yule to Ava (see his work).

1857. The Burman capital changed to Mandalay.

1862. A fresh commercial treaty with Burma negotiated by Colonel Phayre.

1866. The rebellion headed by the Myin-Myinghndaing princes, quelled, with the assistance of the British. Embassy of the King of Burma to the Queen of England.

1872. Death of King Mindon Min. Accession of his son Thibaw Min. The young king a puppet in the hands of evil ministers. Massacres at the palace.

1878. Massacres in the jail and atrocities at the palace. Disorganization of the state. Approaches made by the Burman government to the French. Third British war. Burman resistance nominal only. The Burman government overthrown, the king deported and the country incorporated in the Indian Empire.

1885-87 Local outbreaks of resistance and general revival of brigandage, which are gradually suppressed.

1899. Dr Arthur Carson and his wife Laura, first arrived in Hakha from the United States (March 15).

1947. Burma independence.

1955. Dr Vum Ko Hau served as Ambassador for Burma to 1977

1965. Bible society founded in Burma.

1978. Bible Society of Myanmar publishes the Hakha Bible.

2003. 1000 Burmese Christians re-establish the Jerusalem Church in Burma and along the border of Thailand. Believers from Israel move into the area and in Laos to assist.

2004. Ecclesistical territory secured by Church of Jerusalem encompassing several refugee camps, people call it "Kingdom of Nettara" along the Western border of Thailand. 25,000 merge on this area into camps. Nasranis and some Assyrians in Iraq safely transported to the area for political asylum.

UPDATED: 2006. Christian churches in Burma urge Burma junta to stop persecutions

Some information above based on Chronology of the History of Burma Compiled from Spearman's Gazetteer of British Burma and Phayre's History of Burma.

Burmese Christians Seek Refuge in New Kingdom on Western Border of Thailand

Source: Baptist World Missions Association - USA to China

Up to a million people have fled their homes in eastern Burma in a crisis the world has largely ignored. Burma's refusal to release Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, and the boycotting of the constitutional convention this month by the main opposition, has thrust Burma into the spotlight again. But unseen and largely unremarked is the ongoing harrowing experience of hundreds of thousands of people in eastern Burma, hiding in the jungle or trapped in army-controlled relocation sites. Others are in refugee camps on the Thai-Burmese border. These people are victims in a counterinsurgency war in which they are the deliberate targets.

As members of Burma's ethnic minorities - which make up 40 per cent of the population - they are trapped in a conflict between the Burmese army and ethnic minority armies. Surviving on caches of rice hidden in caves, or on roots and wild foods, families in eastern Burma face malaria, landmines, disease and starvation. They are hunted like animals by army patrols and starved into surrender.

In interviews... refugees told Christian Aid of murder and rape, the torching of villages and shooting of family members as they lay huddled together in the fields. They recalled farmers who had been blown up by landmines laid by the army around their crops. This report, based on personal testimonies from refugees, tells the story of Burma's humanitarian crisis.

On the brink of the Burmese government's announcement of a 'roadmap to democracy' for a new constitution, Burma's Dirty War argues that any new political settlement must include the crisis on the country's eastern borders. Burma's refusal to free Aung San Suu Kyi promises more intransigence and an even slower pace of change - with predictable human costs. This report calls on the UK and Irish governments, the EU and the UN to use what opportunity remains from the roadmap to democracy to press for an end to the conflict in negotiations with ethnic minorities. It also argues that the UN must gain access to the areas in crisis - despite the Burmese government ban on travel there by humanitarian agencies.

Key recommendations include:

* that the Burmese government cease human rights abuses, allow access to eastern Burma by humanitarian agencies including UN special representatives, and engage in dialogue with ethnic minority representatives

* that the UK and Irish governments, the EU and the UN fund work with displaced people inside Burma and continue to support refugees in Thailand

* that the UK and Irish governments, the EU and UN Security Council condemn Burma's human rights abuses against ethnic minorities, demand that it protect civilians from violence and insist that Burma allow access to humanitarian agencies The report argues that governments must seize the opportunity presented by the roadmap to push for genuine negotiations between the government, the National League for Democracy and ethnic minority organisations which can bring out a just and lasting peace. (End ChristianAid newsletter).

The Thomas Christians in Burma, known as the Burmese Orthodox Church, through the efforts of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, has purchased an extensively large zone of land along the border of Thailand and Burma where it will be home to more than 20-thousand Burmese Christians and converts.

The local patriarchal leader, Andrew Yongsanan, originally from East Burma, said the land was acquired through a special contract by cooperation of three different governments including Burma, Thailand and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem ruled by Isagelos Michai Yaza from within the United States. Yongsanan told media that the new land is referred to as the "Kingdom of Nettara" under the control of the head of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem with representatives from Burma, Thailand, China and India.

Asked about... how something of this magnitude took place so quietly, Yongsanan said, "It was in God's hands..." "a short while ago." Yongsanan said, "The most important thing for us to look at right now is that God is in control and his people are in His protection."

Two hospitals, a radio station, and electrical system have been established as well as three water filtration systems throughout the zone.

The new government offers hope to those who were once persecuted by the ruthless military regime of Burma and could offer hope to others.

- Copyright 2004 by The Indian Daily Journal of Kerala, June 9, 2004. (Christian Aid Newsletter of May 24, 2004 contributed to this article)

Source: Baptist World Missions Association - USA to China