Main Page

MediaWiki has been installed.

Consult the User's Guide for information on using the wiki software.

Getting Started[edit]

Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch for Mor Afrem Jakarta - Indonesia[edit]

Mor Afrem is the prospective congregation of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Indonesia. This community is located in Jakarta and aims to promote the teachings and traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Community Overview[edit]

The community is led by:

Andrawus

assisted by

Yeheskiel Mangoto
Daniel Boy
Ericson Alviano Hutabarat
Ricky Banamtuan
Gabriel
Gunawan

Under their leadership, the community strives to promote the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church. The official license for this community was issued by the Directorate General of Legal Administrative Affairs, Ministry of Law and Human Rights - Republic of Indonesia for "BIARA SYRIAK ORTODOKS MOR AFREM" with SK Menkumham No: AHU-002106.AH.01.31.Tahun-2022, TIN/NPWP 601637184412000.

First Contact with Father Jis Mathew[edit]

The first significant contact with the Syriac Orthodox Church in Jakarta occurred through Father Jis Mathew. This unexpected encounter, which took place on October 7, 2016, ignited the spiritual journey for many Indonesians seeking to explore the Syriac Orthodox faith.

Father Jis Mathew’s guidance and mentorship have been invaluable to the growing community, particularly in their understanding of Syriac Orthodoxy. Through discussions, teachings, and personal counsel, Father Jis Mathew has played a central role in the formation of Mor Afrem Jakarta, especially in fostering a deeper understanding of the faith and its practices.

The Foundation of the Community[edit]

Mor Afrem Jakarta was officially formed in early January 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, the community emerged through online platforms, where members gathered and communicated regularly.

On January 13, 2020, the community received blessings from Father Jis Mathew, marking the official formation of the Syriac Orthodox Community Mor Afrem Jakarta. The founding members included four families and several individuals committed to growing in faith and fostering a deeper understanding of Syriac Orthodoxy.

Formation During the Pandemic[edit]

While the global pandemic posed significant challenges, the Mor Afrem Jakarta community adapted swiftly, moving all of its activities online. This digital approach allowed the community to continue worshiping, praying, and studying together, despite the physical distance. Through platforms such as WhatsApp and video calls, the congregation maintained spiritual unity and began to grow stronger in both numbers and faith.

Registration and Legalization[edit]

In 2022, the community took a crucial step forward by registering as a legal institution under the name "Biara Syriak Ortodoks Mor Afrem" with the Directorate General of Legal Administrative Affairs, Ministry of Law and Human Rights - Republic of Indonesia. This formal registration, with registration number AHU-002106.AH.01.31.Tahun-2022, marked a significant milestone for the community in Indonesia.

This legal recognition allows the community to perform religious activities with greater freedom and security, including holding worship services and conducting educational programs about Syriac Orthodox Christianity. The registration also enables the community to collaborate with monasteries and other Orthodox institutions worldwide.

The Role of Father Jis Mathew in the Development of the Community[edit]

Father Jis Mathew's influence within the Mor Afrem Jakarta community has been profound. Through his personal commitment and teachings, he has nurtured the spiritual growth of the congregation, helping many individuals understand the complexities of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Father Mathew's work includes:

Teaching the **Shimo** prayers to the congregation
Leading spiritual discussions and prayer meetings
Offering online catechism classes
Providing personal spiritual guidance to the community members

His guidance has led to the strengthening of the community's faith, helping them stay united despite the challenges posed by both the pandemic and the geographical distance.

Future Aspirations[edit]

With the registration of the community, the Mor Afrem Jakarta congregation has set its sights on further expansion. The next steps include:

Establishing a permanent place of worship
Printing daily prayer books and religious texts
Developing a website and mobile prayer applications
Continuing collaboration with the Syriac Orthodox monasteries and institutions worldwide

The community's leaders hope that these steps will ensure a stable and flourishing future for the congregation, as they continue to grow and contribute to the spiritual and cultural diversity of Indonesia.

Conclusion[edit]

The Syriac Orthodox Church in Indonesia, represented by the Mor Afrem Jakarta community, continues to grow despite the challenges it faces. With the help of dedicated spiritual leaders like Father Jis Mathew, the community hopes to spread the teachings of the Syriac Orthodox Church and make a lasting impact on the Indonesian religious landscape.

We pray that the Syriac Orthodox Community Mor Afrem Jakarta continues to prosper, offering spiritual support and guidance to its members and beyond.

References[edit]

Directorate General of Legal Administrative Affairs, Ministry of Law and Human Rights - Republic of Indonesia (SK Menkumham No: AHU-002106.AH.01.31.Tahun-2022)
Syriac Orthodox Church Indonesia Official Website (to be added)
Personal correspondence with Father Jis Mathew