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Gentle Monster Bratz Exclusive Rare Trending Now

What encompasses the Gentle Monster x JENNIE venture?

It’s an ongoing eyewear alliance between Korean brand Gentle Monster alongside BLACKPINK’s Jennie that merges high-fashion optics and playful, collectible aesthetics. The collaboration arrived in themed collections—Jentle Home (2020), Jentle Garden from 2022, and Jentle Studio (2023)—each with unique visuals, packaging, plus accessories. Fans pursue them because they’re wearable, limited, while being tied closely alongside Jennie’s personal vision.

The partnership sits at the meeting point of K-fashion, mainstream culture, and high-end eyewear, which demonstrates why items often sell out fast at retail then then cycle onto resale. Each drop typically includes both sunglasses and optical glasses, plus a theme-driven accessory component. Gentle Monster’s retail network facilitates global launches using immersive pop-ups and flagship displays, that fuels demand beyond the core BLACKPINK fan audience. The result becomes a series with strong identity with broad style variety, from slim cat-eye frames to bolder acetate silhouettes. If one is choosing your initial pair, start by matching frame forms to your facial width and bridge fit, then evaluate lenses and add-ons.

Collections history and key designs

The three drops are distinct concerning theme and build while remaining distinctly Gentle Monster. The Jentle Home collection (2020) introduced this collaboration with an dollhouse concept with pastel-forward packaging, blending slim, feminine forms with glossy acetates. Jentle Garden from 2022 pivoted to floral motifs, launching eyewear alongside a international activation and an casual mobile application where fans grew virtual flowers linked to the promotion. Jentle Salon (2023) focused on individualization, debuting charmable frame chains and decorative add-ons that clip to frame arms.

Across the chronology, Gentle Monster maintained a balance with sunglasses and optical frames so the bratzgentlemonster.com partnership works year-round, instead of just in warm months. Materials skew toward premium cellulose acetate and stainless-steel components, with adjustable silicone nose pads for metal builds with comfortable integrated bridges on acetate styles. Colorways often offer black, tortoise, and seasonal tinted glass, with clearer opticals offered for corrective use. Packaging changes with each theme, with complete sets featuring original box, paperwork, and accessories typically command higher secondary market value. If one is collecting, pick 1 hero frame every drop and preserve the kit intact for long-term investment.

How much do they cost with what affects pricing?

At retail, eyewear in the Jennie capsules generally match with Gentle Monster’s core line, typically often in mid-range mid-$200s to mid-$300s USD. Accessories range underneath, with premium chains and charm collections landing higher versus simple pouches and cords. Sets with limited colorways sometimes price above regular frames.

Final price depends on material (thicker acetate and treated metal hardware cost more), lens variety (tinted, gradient, and special coatings), and whether an extra is bundled. Local pricing varies due to of taxes and duties, and certain stores receive limited colorways that can push resale markups. On the aftermarket market, condition, wholeness of packaging, plus timing matter; products in 9–10/10 condition with full extras tend to maintain 20–60 percent over retail when supply is thin. Plan for prescription lens fitting separately, since optician pricing plus lens tech can easily add $80-$200 plus to your total.

Where can one buy Gentle Monster x JENNIE today?

Your most trustworthy sources are the Gentle Monster website and flagship locations, followed by a short list with authorized luxury vendors. After sell-out, established resale platforms plus consignment boutiques become the safest resale options. Be careful of social platform DMs and suspiciously cheap listings.

Start with GM Monster’s online shop and flagships like as Haus Dosan in Seoul, that often run their most complete assortments during launch phases. Depending on your region, authorized vendors like SSENSE, Selfridges, Lane Crawford, and Farfetch have stocked collaboration stock; availability changes quickly but may be location-limited. Once retail concludes, look to authenticated marketplaces and secondary stores with clear return policies and authentication processes. Maintain original receipts where possible, since proof of purchase helps both guarantee claims and future resale. When buying internationally, factor delivery insurance and customs duties so the “deal” doesn’t end up more costly than local MSRP.

Fit, materials, and build quality

Expect premium cellulose acetate and steel construction, UV-protective lenses, and sturdy hinges which feel smooth, not loose. Acetate frames suit average to wider faces, whereas metal frames including nose pads adjust better to low bridges or narrower fits. If you wear prescription, choose optical variants or sunglass frames where your optician verifies can take your RX.

Gentle Monster typically uses UV400 or equivalent protective glass on sunglasses plus clear demo optics on optical frames to be swapped by your eye doctor. Look for comfort details like refined edges, balanced weight distribution at the temples, and bridge pads that sit without pinching. Glasses sizing is typically printed inside the temple as optical width-bridge-temple length using millimeters; if you’re between sizes, select the model featuring the more generous bridge or flexible pads. The brand’s finish quality remains high for its price tier, including consistent lamination, uniform polish, and solid hinge action out of the box. If a piece creaks, arrives showing poor printing, and has misaligned sides, pass and purchase from a different seller.

How to identify fakes and purchase safely

Authentic pairs show crisp, consistent text printing inside the temples, accurate model and color numbers, and high-quality hardware. Packaging aligns to the collection theme and includes a branded hard box, microfiber pouch, plus documentation card. Items with blurred text, off-center hinges, and misspelled printing indicates a red alert.

Compare the item code and colorway on the side to the brand product page or archived imagery; replicas often mix numbers and colors which never released. Inspect acetate depth with clarity—real acetate shows a rich, textured look, not basic plastic. The pivot feel should be smooth with precise resistance, not rough or overly slack. If buying secondary, insist on detailed photos of frame inside temples, box, and the entire kit, and pay through methods offering buyer protection. During in-store purchases, request staff to adjust fit on same spot; professionals will also spot build defects before you leave.

Quick comparison across collections

Use this summary to see exactly how the three releases differ in emphasis, pricing, and locations where you’re most apt to still find stock. The spreads reflect typical launch retail and typical post-launch availability trends.

Collection Release window Core focus Typical retail range (USD) Notable extras Where you’ll still find it
Jentle Home 2020 Dollhouse visuals, slim acetates, pastel tints $250–$330 Themed packaging, optical and sun Resale only; occasional in-store returns
Jentle Garden 2022 Floral concept, bolder shapes, gradients $260–$350 Campaign mini-game, limited pop-ups Resale and select consignment
Jentle Salon 2023 Customization with charms and chains $260–$380 (frames), $30–$180 (accessories) Charmable temples, jewelry-like add-ons Occasional retailer leftovers; resale widely

If you’re selecting between them, decide whether you need a clean everyday pair (Jentle Home), a statement silhouette (Jentle Garden), or a customizable system (Jentle Salon). Eyewear with original accessories and complete packaging tend to maintain value best. With optical use, verify your optician can lens the eyewear you like ahead of you commit. When in doubt on sizing, measure your current favorite glasses and match frame lens width and bridge within 1-2 mm. Keep receipts and receipts—provenance helps both service and resale later.

Expert tip: optimize your shot toward retail pricing

Move early, sync your alerts, and be flexible about store and shade. Most pairs which sit online for hours still disappear within the initial day once information spreads. If one miss your primary colorway, a backup shade at MSRP beats a secondary market premium on the exact one.

“Set alerts on Gentle Monster’s platform, sign up with emails from 2 authorized retailers within your region, and call your local flagship the day stock lands. Question about same-day caps and restock cadence, then be set to buy a second-choice color at the spot when your first is gone.”

Planning matters since time zones and staggered retail releases can create peaceful windows when stock is live yet not widely recognized. Store staff typically know whether extra units will land that week, this can save one from panic-buying aftermarket. If a color is hot, check neighboring cities and be ready toward ship-to-store. Keep your payment and shipping info preloaded to avoid checkout delays. In conclusion, watch Jennie’s with Gentle Monster’s media feeds; their posts often precede inventory updates or special launches.

Little‑known facts regarding the collaboration

Beyond the frames, the campaigns doubled as immersive lifestyle moments that benefited fans for paying attention. Jentle Garden debuted with a basic mobile game that users “grew” virtual flowers tied to the collection’s aesthetic and activations. All series included optical frames, not merely sunglasses, which shows why items remained relevant year-round. Cases changed dramatically per theme, and complete kits with paired cases and cards tend to trade for more on the secondary economy. Gentle Monster’s artistic flagships, including Store Dosan in Korea, staged large-scale exhibitions for these releases that became photo destinations and quietly boosted demand.

If you collect, archive the cases flat and store accessories in marked pouches to preserve sets complete. Observe that some geographic colorways or pop-up exclusives surfaced at very small amounts; those are exactly the ones that turn hardest to replace later. When examining listings, scrutinize container type and text color against the correct theme to avoid mismatched kits. Keep screenshots of official product listings for reference because retailers sometimes delete pages once sold out. A organized personal archive will save you effort every time you verify or trade.

Will there be restocks or new drops?

Gentle Monster occasionally restocks collaboration pieces shortly after release, but timing plus depth are uncertain. Once a series window passes, fresh production stops with inventory shifts into resale and aftermarket. Future collaborations are announced through Gentle Monster and JENNIE’s official channels instead than long pre-announcement cycles.

If you’re waiting on a restock, monitor the main site and reach out to nearby flagships for local shipment dates. Authorized retailers might receive staggered deliveries even after primary brand sells completely online. Historically, this brand prefers fresh themed capsules over broad reissues, this keeps each line distinct. That approach suggests it’s better to buy what you like within the current collection rather than assuming a later reissue. Set alerts now, because the best sizes and colors rarely return in volume.

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GENTLE MONSTER Luxury Label Frames Gentle Monster ✕ TEKKEN 8

Are Gentle Monster Sunglasses Worth It in 2025?

Certainly—if aesthetic excellence, comfortable nose fit, and solid build quality at premium fashion pricing matter to you. The brand combines distinctive shapes with everyday durability, but you pay for aesthetics and cachet as much as well as materials.

The brand occupies in a precise lane: bold Korean design, strong acetate execution, and nose beds that tend to suit more naturally low or medium bridges than many Western labels. The quality stays consistent across the segment, with immaculate finishing, consistent alignment, and standard UV400 shielding throughout current sunglasses. Pricing lands below couture fashion houses yet above mass-market icons, which makes value feel reasonable when the shape and fit are tuned for your face. If you demand heirloom metalwork or crystal optics, look elsewhere; if you want fashion-grade acetates that genuinely remain secure without sliding, this brand hits the brief.

How did things shift in 2025?

The 2025 environment doubles down on essential designs with carryover collabs, with pricing that largely tracks recent seasons and subtle material refinements. Look for steady availability of bestselling black acetates, increased colorway refreshes, and persistent emphasis on comfortable bridge design.

Market rates for core sunglasses usually remains in the upper-$200s to low-$400s USD, with collabs landing higher. The brand maintains seeding capsule lines with creative directions, while mainline frames keep everyday lens tints and everyday-friendly sizes. Vision collections plus lighter metal-acetate hybrids expand for those who need all-day comfort without sacrificing the sculptural appearance. In stores, fit tweaks and aftercare remain included in the experience, gentlemonsterdada.com which matters if you’re between sizes. The net outcome: fewer gimmicks, more polish of what already works.

2025 Picks: The Models That Perform

These are the frames that consistently balance design, functionality, and build, and are commonly stocked so you can try them on. They cover the key style archetypes—geometric, rectangular, micro, and bold—without veering into difficult runway territory.

Her 01 remains the gateway GM option: a sharp-angled rectangle with sufficient lens height for daily wear and an easy, comfortable nose saddle. The Lang 01 offers the cleaner, more minimal rectangle if you want less edge and decreased visual weight. Lilit 01 delivers a softened upswept design that works on circular plus elliptical faces where severe edges overpower. The Tambu 01 offers a chunkier, style-leading presence that still balances weight and clamp well when sized right. For collab appeal with real utility, the Maison Margiela collection (e.g., MM010 family) keeps forms architectural but functional for more head types versus what the photos indicate.

How Will They Fit Different Faces?

Gentle Monster’s acetate nose beds and geometry tend to suit low to moderate nose structures plus rounder cheeks, decreasing slip and pinch. Dimensions is predictable: check the lens-bridge-temple numbers and match them precisely to a frame that presently fits you.

Start with your best-fitting frame’s stamped size (for example, standard measurements) and target within 1–2 mm for lens width and bridge, and 0–5 mm for temple length. People with low bridges generally do best at bridge sizes of 18–20 with thicker nose beds; higher bridges can push to 21–23 if slipping is an issue. If temples clamp behind the ears or cause marks, step up five mm in temple size or ask a store to add a minor outward bend. Circular plus heart-shaped faces pair nicely with rectangles like the Her/Lang series, while square faces work better with the softened corners of Lilit. If your nose is very narrow, consider metal or hybrid models with moveable pad arms from the optical line for micro-adjustments.

Durability and Materials That Hold Up

Manufacturing stays confidently mid-to-high tier: thick acetates, clean surface work, and sturdy connections suited to everyday use. The feel is intentional—substantial but not overly thick.

Most sunglasses use high-quality acetate fronts with steel-supported temples for shape retention and straightforward servicing. Joints are smooth and steady, with tight hardware specs that don’t rattle if you avoid over-loosening. Optics provide UV400 coverage; tint densities keep in an daily sweet spot across dark plus earth-tone variants. Mixed-material pieces reduce mass and increase fine-tuning for sensitive noses. With normal care and periodic screw checks, frames preserve alignment and finish for seasons, not weeks.

How Do You Verify Authenticity Eliminating Guesswork?

Source from official retailers or authorized dealers, then cross-check the product number, color code, and dimensions on the temple against the package marking plus product page. Examine finishing: properly placed logos, crisp printing, smooth hinge operation, and aligned lenses are baseline for the genuine item.

Packaging should include a branded container, cleaning cloth, and documentation; inconsistent fonts, off-center marking, and misspelled style identifiers remain immediate red flags. Cross-reference product photos on the official site to every detail on the actual frames, including logo location and temple interior patterning. If you bought online from a marketplace, use high-resolution images and natural light to inspect polish quality and rim transitions—counterfeits cut corners here. When in question, contact customer care with the model number and retailer information for validation.

Pro advice: “If you need to buy on a platform, request a photo of the side imprint, box marking, and a scale reading of the frame’s bulk; counterfeits often miss the exact size code and vary noticeably in weight even when they look similar.”

GM Against Competitors: Worth Snapshot

Versus heritage and high-end peers, Gentle Monster typically costs less than fashion houses and more than budget staples, while providing better low-bridge accommodation than many Western brands. The sweet area is design innovation you can wear daily without high-end pricing.

Label/Collection Typical MSRP (USD) Low-Bridge Fit Options Warranty Light Protection Notes
Gentle Monster (Core) ~$270–$420 Strong across acetates Limited; regionally ~1 year UV400 Aesthetic-driven thick frames
Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela Around $380-$550 Good; collab-dependent Regional coverage ~1 year UV400 Architectural shapes, premium finishes
Ray-Ban Approximately $150-$250 Available (some Asian fit) 2 years UV400 Traditional designs, wide sizing, reduced weight
YSL ~$350–$550 Limited Two-year coverage UV400 Minimalist luxury, slimmer profiles

Are They Comfortable for All-Day Wear?

Yes for most faces if you match size and nasal accommodation correctly; definitely not if you choose a look you prefer without checking measurements. Frame weight is noticeable but manageable when temples and nose geometry are right.

Those having delicate noses or head sensitivity often do well in metal or mixed-material frames, or in acetates with slightly expanded bridge numbers. If glasses drift forward, add small rubber stick-on pads or get a professional adjustment at a retailer to tweak temple position. Check ear contact: temples should lie evenly, not pressure-focus behind the ear or contact the mastoid. For screens and combined indoor-outdoor use, consider lighter tints to reduce eye strain without abandoning style. If you sport hats frequently, mind temple bulk to avoid discomfort where the band sits.

Care, Warranty, and After-Sales Reality

The brand covers manufacturing defects with a basic warranty and provides in-store adjustments that meaningfully improve comfort. Standard care extends durability more than any solution you can buy.

Wash lenses with lukewarm water before drying to avoid micro-scratches, and use a pristine microfiber—avoid paper towels. Adjust screws gently every several months or have a shop do it; too much force can crack acetate around hinges. Thermal adjustments are better left to professionals to avoid warping. Coverage omits wear-and-tear like scuffs, so treat lenses carefully and store frames in the case. If you want replacement parts, going through official channels preserves dimensions and finish consistency.

Fast Details Most People Miss

These four concise truths complete the picture for 2025 buyers. They help you divide hype from actionable detail.

Initially, Gentle Monster was created in Seoul in two thousand eleven and is recognized for immersive, gallery-like retail that mirrors the brand’s aesthetic-driven design ethos. Two, the company’s sister labels include Tamburins (fragrance) and Nudake brand (dessert), and multi-brand concepts often guide eyewear launches. Three, the Maison Margiela joint venture created distinct numeric product numbers plus subtle co-branding that collectors track for authenticity. Fourth, many core frames use thick acetate and metal temple cores that hold modifications longer than lighter, hollow constructions.

Ultimate Assessment: Who Should Buy—and Who Should Skip

Choose if you want fashion-grade acetates that actually fit low-to-medium bridges, enjoy sculptural design, and expect wearing them hard as everyday drivers. Pass if you need featherweight metals with flexible pads, glass optics, or budget pricing.

The best worth lands on core designs like Her 01, Lang 01, Lilit 01, and Tambu 01, which pair strong silhouettes with reasonable weight and dependable sizing. Collaborations add design flair and collectability, but just pay the premium if the form flatters your face and you intend keeping them. Proper fit dominates: match your known size codes and get a trained adjustment before you judge comfort. Do that, and GM deserves its spot in a this year’s rotation.

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Holy Saturday or Gospel Saturday

Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter.

The service of the Holy Saturday in the Syriac Orthodox Church begins around 11:30 am with Noon prayer, then the 9th hour prayers, followed by Holy Qurbono. Holy Qurbono is conducted on this day in the same ‘pattern’ of Pesaho Qurbono (Holy Thursday). But the Qaumo of the day (i.e. Holy Saturday Qaumo) must be chanted. 

The Holy Qurbono shall not be celebrated on the same altar where the burial service of our Lord Jesus Christ was conducted on Great Friday (Good Friday). It can be celebrated on another altar or a temporary altar can be arranged for it.

In the Syriac Orthodox Church,   the Holy Saturday is observed as the day of commemoration of all the departed ones. (We also remember all our departed ones  just before the Great Lent begins, which is also called Aneede Sunday).

The Holy Saturday is also known as the Gospel Saturday. Because after the crucifixion, Christ went to Sheol, (the word ‘Sheol’ means  the grave or the abode of the dead) to preach the Gospel to the departed souls (1 Peter 3:19, 4:6). The Holy Qurbono celebrated on the Holy Saturday gives us an opportunity to pray for all the departed souls. 

The Syriac Orthodox Church teaches that Christ descended to the sheol of the dead on Holy Saturday to save the righteous souls. An ancient homily for Holy Saturday states – “a great silence stilled the world while Christ searched for Adam, ‘our first father,’ as for a lost sheep.” 

Syriac Church father Mor Ephraim says, “This is the Son of the carpenter, wWho skilfully made His Cross as a bridge over Sheol that swallows up all, and brought over mankind into the dwelling of life”.

Let us pray to God for all our beloved departed souls on this day for His grace and mercy.

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Conducting of the Holy Qurbono Service

As per the Syriac Orthodox tradition, Holy Qurbono of the Holy Thursday (Pesaho) is normally  celebrated in the early morning hours. 

When the celebrant enters the Sanctuary, the  acolyte opens the veil (curtain) and lights the candles in the altar. 

1) The Holy Qurbono will begin as usual, with “May Mary, who bore you…” (Mariam Deeletok…”) and the congregation chants, “By the prayers of Your Mother…” (Nin mathavu visuddanmar….”). 

2) The Qaumo for the Pesaho is recited instead of  the Trisagion (Holy are You O God). 

3) General Epistle and Pauline Epistle are read as usual.

4) Gospel must be read as per the tone of Hasho (Passion Week).(La Moriyo Shubo…, etc.)

5) Promion & Sedra particular to Pesaho may be used.

6) During the blessing of the Censer, the celebrant recites the Qaumo of the Pesaho instead of “Holy is the Holy Father…Amen”.

7) After the Nicene Creed, i.e., the first prayer of the Anaphora must be the special prayer of the Pesaho, which is specifically mentioned in the Holy Qurbono book/The book of Anaphora.

8) There is no “Peace be with you” during the Holy Qurbono. So no “kiss of peace” during the liturgy of Pesaho. 

9) The celebrant has to do all the three ‘Subakono’ as usual during the liturgy of Pesaho. But don’t give kiss of peace to the other clergy, if present. 

10)  No Quqliyon during the Holy Qurbono. Instead, Pesaho Qaumo can be chanted. 

11) The three Benedictions (Slomo Hoobo, Nehavoon & Thehave) and the final benediction must do done as usual. 

12) The prayers of the Procession of the Mysteries is done as usual and the congregation can chant the Pesaho Qaumo instead of the usual hymns. 

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The Significance of Red in the Syriac Orthodox Church Tradition

Colours are very important in everyday life. Now a days, people choose favourite colours for their attire, cars, houses etc., so, we can say that colours have at least some importance or significance in our life. Red is the colour of fire, passion, love, and of victory over death. Red represents courage and bravery. So, it is used in shields, flags, 

and achievement awards. When we look at the Bible, we can observe the importance of different colours, especially of red (including scarlet and crimson); these have some significance in the Christian liturgy and traditions as well. 

Biblical Narratives

Red is a very powerful colour in the Bible. In the books of the Old Testament, Saul dressed the daughters of Israel in red garments: “Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul who gave you scarlet clothes, as your dyed raiment, set golden embroidery on your apparel” (2 Samuel 1: 24).

In the book of Exodus, the Israelites were told to kill an unblemished lamb and put the lamb’s red blood on their doorposts. It reads, “And they shall take some of its blood and sprinkle it upon the two doorposts, and upon the lintels, and upon the houses in which they will eat it” (Exodus 12:7). This was so that the spirit of God would pass over the houses and spare them from death. We can interpret the blood in two different ways – firstly as death, because the lamb shed its blood. Secondly as redemption, because it spared those who had it on their doorposts. 

In the Old Testament the colour red is used to describe sin. In Proverbs red is mentioned in the passage, “She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet”(Proverb 31: 21). Prophet Nahum says in 2:3, “The shields of their mighty men are reddened…”. In Isaiah 1:18, “Come, let us speak with each other, says the Lord: if your sins should be as scarlet, they will be made white as snow; if they should turn red as scarlet dye, they will be like wool”. It shows that God has the ability to blot away sins and purify the person.

Theological Narratives

The colour of blood is red, and it is a very powerful colour: it speaks of the sin that all mankind holds. At the same time, it is also pointing to the redemption that everyone has access to, because of Jesus’ shedding His blood on the Cross. In the Old Testament, people slaughtered goats and other animals to perform a sacrifice. Christ, through the shedding of His blood, made the final sacrifice, once and for all. So the colour red in the Bible can symbolize both sin and redemption. Either way it point to some type of blood sacrifice and the need for redemption. Those who trust and partake of Christ’s blood can be sure that they have eternal life with Christ because the blood of Christ guarantees everlasting life. Christ’s blood has transformed us into new creations; those who are covered by His blood will certainly live forever.

Red also symbolizes fire, and therefore is the colour of the Holy Spirit. “You had put on the scarlet robe, with humiliation and mocking of the Jews in order to clothe us with the Holy Spirit, from whom we were stripped off in the woods by the jealousy of the serpent”. So, the red garment symbolizes the Holy Spirit which Adam and Eve discarded in the Garden of Eden. 

In Christian tradition, martyr’s clothes are red and red is also considered as the colour that depicts health, fire and the final judgment. Red evokes the colour of the blood of Christ, shed for our sins and therefore it is the colour used to represent martyrs. This colour foreshadows Christ’s death on the Cross which the Church calls Great Friday or Good Friday. 

Liturgical Narratives

In the Syriac Orthodox liturgy, red is mentioned in different ways which are connected with the Bible and the redemptive works of Christ. In St. Matthew 27: 28, we read, “And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe upon Him”. In the Sedro of the Holy Week it is stated, “They clothed You with a red garment, and You have clothed us with the garment of glory which we have stripped off by the transgression of the commandment”.Here red represents royal power and the garment of glory.

A wooden Cross is usually placed on the altar in the middle of the eastern edge of the top tier of the altar. The Cross may be plain or ornamental, but not with a image on it because it represents the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. In the Syriac Orthodox 

Church tradition, a red uroro (red stole) is not put on the Cross which is placed on the altar because we focus on the risen Christ, represented by the empty Cross. This is the key which opens the gate of the Paradise. Mor Ephrem writes, “Blessed is He who through His Cross has flung open Paradise”. Christ the King is carrying the Cross, which is the key to the gate of Paradise and He will open the great gate, by the sign of the Cross. 

The raising of the Cross elevated in the middle of the church on the mid-lent day of the Great Lent is symbolic of the raising of the bronze serpent by Moses in the middle of the Israelite camp. In John 3: 14 we read, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man is going to be lifted up”. The relationship between the bronze serpent and Jesus is evident here. Just as Moses pleaded for the Israelites, Jesus pleads on behalf of us. A red cloth covers the wooden stand and a red uroro (red stole) is 

put on the Cross from the mid-lent day until Palm Sunday. This represents the hanging of the slaughtered lamb on the wood while skinning it. The Cross here symbolizes firstly, the wood of which the Cross of Christ was made, and secondly, the lamb which is a symbol of Christ, who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world through His precious blood (St. John 1: 29 and 1 John 1: 7).6 The uroro represents the loin cloth that Jesus was covered with while on the cross.

On the day of Resurrection, the Church uses a red scarf to symbolise the prophesy of the Prophet Isaiah, saying, “Who is this who comes from Edom, his garments blood-red from Bozrah, adorned by his clothing, mighty in his great strength?”(Isaiah 63:1). Jesus was wrapped with a cloth when He was buried. So, after His resurrection, Hisgarments – were red or dipped in blood because it reminds us that He sweated great drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane and later when He suffered for the sins of humanity on the Cross. Similarly St. John says of the Heavenly Warrior who defeats the beast in the Book of Revelation 19:13, “And He was clothed with a garment soaked in blood, and His name is called ‘The Word of God’”. The Great Warrior Jesus Christ, the one who has supremely witnessed to the truth of God in His life and death, and who is the Word of God in person.

In the Syriac Orthodox Church, the different utensils and things are of red colour. Some of them are listed below. 

1. Chithol: This is the cloth decorated with red and green colours that is used to cover the altar. The altar cloth is of fine high quality linen, with a lot of artwork on it; it is usually divided into three sections representing the Holy Trinity, each of which has artwork on it.

2. Tricolour Spread (Virikoottu): This rectangular piece of cloth covering the tablito(altar stone) is made of red, green and white parts. Red represents the universe, green the world and white the Holy Church. The paten and chalice are placed on this three coloured spread. 

3. The Cushion (Gmurtho): This small cushion covered with red cloth is a substitute for the sponge which was used originally in the Church. It is used to wipe the paten and chalice, and the celebrant dries his fingers with it after touching the Holy body. This sponge symbolizes the sponge which was dipped in vinegar and given by the soldiers to Jesus while He was on the Cross (St. Matthew 27: 48).

4. M’kablono: The decorated square-shaped covers for the chalice and paten are made of fine red silk. The covers of the Holy vessels were foreshadowed by the clouds that shadowed the Tabernacle and also represent the Ark of the Covenant with the Manna jar (Exodus 16: 33).

5. Veil (Curtain): Syriac Orthodox churches have a red veil (curtain) covering the Sanctuary. The veil is made of smooth red linen and can be likened to one of the colours of the veils of the tabernacle. “And you shall make the tabernacle ten curtains of fine woven linen – blue, and purple, and scarlet yarns” (Exodus 26:1).

6. The red robe of the Prelate: The Prelate wears a red robe with a red belt. The red colour of the robe represents the scarlet robe which the soldiers made Jesus wear during His trial. 

7. The kerchief of the Hand-Cross: The Prelate holds in his right hand a Cross to the 

bottom of which a red kerchief is fastened which represents the Holy Church.

8. The Flags, Umbrellas and Canopy: Church festivals are beautified with colourfully decorated flags, umbrellas and canopy. The different coloured flags including red represent the martyrs of the Church and especially John the Baptist. This is the reason why these flags are similar to the shape of the English letter ‘M’. This letter doesn’t have a ‘head’. The umbrellas are also in different colours including red representing the clouds as described by St Mark, “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds, with great power and with glory” (St. Mark 13: 26).

9. Wedding Saree or Manthrakodi of the bride: The Syriac Orthodox Church in India adopted two Indian customs which are incorporated during the wedding ceremony. First, is the tying of ‘Thali’ (Minnu) by the groom around the bride’s neck. Thali (Minnu) is a small heart shaped gold pendant with a cross embossed on it. Second one is draping the bride’s head with a colourful bridal saree  known as the Manthrakodi.

The white bridal dress popular today originated from Great Britain, many years ago. However, red was the most usual colour for wedding dresses before this, connecting with the groom (Christ) who weds His Church and cleanses her through His blood. Red is considered auspicious and the bride and groom are united by it in a sacred bond of love. The colour of the post-wedding saree (the Manthrakodi), that is today worn to the wedding feast, has to be red. It is also a common practice among the faithful that the Manthrakodi is worn by the person at her funeral. (Manthrakodi: This is a saree that is presented by the groom’s family to the bride. The saree is a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women from India).

The liturgy of the Syriac Orthodox Church is one of the most ancient, and it has been handed from one generation to another. The Church believes that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world and died for humanity to save us from the bondage of Satan and to lead us to eternal life. For Christians, red is a propitious colour. It shows the importance of the Blood of Christ which was shed during His Passion, and which was the price paid for the redemption of mankind. The Syriac Orthodox Church has given it great respect and awe, such that several of the vestments used in the services and several of the prayers during Lent time and Holy Week reference the ‘heaven-sent’ red colour. The Church believes in the Second Coming of Christ, when He will come with His garment soaked in blood, for the redemption of those who believe in Him. Kyrie eleison! Lord Have Mercy!

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The Reason of Christmas is Redemption

Jesus Christ was born to die for the sins of the world. He was doing it willingly and He knew that it was the will of the Father. That was the whole point of the incarnation or Christmas. But the important fact of Christmas is ‘why Jesus came’? There is no salvation in His birth, rather there was a price to be paid for our sins. Someone had to die. Only the Son of God could do it. 

Angel Gabriel appeared to Virgin Mary, and delivered the heavenly message, she accepted it and obeyed. Joseph, the Just, who believed the dream which he saw and accepted it and obeyed, the shepherds in the wilderness were convinced of the message of the messenger of the Lord and obeyed, the three kings who followed the sign of the star trusted, and believed Him, gave their gifts to Him and bowed before Him. Christmas is not only a festival of obedience but also a festival of “the people sitting in the darkness have seen a great light, and on those sitting in the land of the shadows of death a light has dawned” (St. Matt. 4: 16).

Norman Cousins said, “Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live”. Similarly, we should not astray our love towards God and bury our faith in God. That is why King David proclaims: Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers”. 

During this Lenten season, we have to keep in mind that His birth was the first step in God’s glorious plan for redemption. That is the love of our God. Wishing a Merry Christmas to you all.

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Jesus’ Genealogy: Why is it important for us?

The Gospel writers St. Matthew and St. Luke included the genealogy of Jesus Christ in their Gospels (St. Matt. 1: 1-17 & St. Lk. 3: 23-28). What is the relevance of it? How is it important to us?

St. Matthew shows that Jesus is the Messiah who descended from Abraham, to whom it was promised that in him all the nations of the earth should be blessed (Gen. 18: 18). It was promised to Abraham that Christ would descend from him, “…in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen 12: 3); “By your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessings for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice”(Gen. 22: 18). St. Matthew assures that Jesus was Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah.

From David, for it was from David’s line that the Messiah was to be born (2 Sam. 7: 12-16). The genealogy list is divided into the three periods of Jewish history: Fourteen generations from Abraham to David; fourteen from David to the captivity; and fourteen from the captivity to Jesus. However, five names have been omitted from the second part in the order arrive at 14. This Gospel shows that Christ is the Son of David, rightful heir to the Messianic throne. The royal genealogy of Christ is depicted in this.

While in the records of St. Luke, the genealogy starts with a reverse order beginning with Joseph and ends with Adam. St. Matthew has a very theological trace of Jesus’ forefathers and even foremothers, which is very unusual in the Jewish genealogy, even though St. Luke has a very historical and detailed account. Another question which arises here is whether Jacob (St. Matt. 1: 16) or Heli (St. Lk. 3: 23) is the father of Joseph? St. Matthew’s ancestry records shows Jesus’ legal father as Joseph and leads from David’s son Solomon. Whereas, St. Luke records the lineage through his biological mother Holy Virgin Mary back to David’s son Nathan.
What is the connection of Nathan and Holy Virgin Mary? The scriptures are silent about Holy Virgin Mary’s descendance from David. However, there are two possibilities. Firstly, tradition tells that, through her betrothal with Joseph she enters his family and legally becomes the part of the House of David. In Numbers 36: 6-12 it is stated that the daughters married within the clans and their inheritance remained in their father’s tribe and clan. This is example of how females might have married from their own families in order to secure the right of inheritance. Secondly, St. Ignatius of Antioch in his ‘Letter to the Ephesians 18’ says, “For our God, Jesus Christ, was according to the appointment of God, conceived in the womb by Mary, of the seed of David, but by the Holy Spirit”.  Here the tradition and the Scripture presents the Holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of God as descending from David through Nathan.
In other words, St. Matthew emphasizes on Joseph’s perspective, whereas St. Luke speaks of the virgin birth story wholly from Mary’s point of view. Then another logical question arises here, why is Joseph, not Mary, mentioned as Heli’s son in St. Luke’s genealogy? In the book The Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen, it is stated that, “While the Matthean genealogy traces the successive heirs to the throne of David from David to Joseph, the Lucan genealogy traces the ancestors of Joseph back to David”. He explains, “The Lucan genealogy, in other words, starts with the question, ‘Who was Joseph’s “father”?’ The answer to that question is, ‘Heli’ . . . In the Matthean genealogy, on the other hand, we start with the question, ‘Who was the heir to David’s throne?’ The answer is, “Solomon, and so on down to Joseph”.

In Hebrew tradition, only the names of males are mentioned in their genealogy list, which Luke follows. A virgin birth is generally not acceptable. Therefore, we can assume that Mary is designated by her husband’s name in this case. Interestingly the word “son” is not in the Greek text as well (literally it is “Joseph of Heli”), though it is implied. Why was Joseph’s (earthly father of Jesus) name included in the genealogy? Jews have a custom of keeping records to trace the descent through their fathers. Legally, they looked on Jesus as son of Joseph (Jn. 6: 42). The genealogy in Matthew clearly states that of Joseph, Mary’s husband and he is writing to prove to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah, who had been born of a Virgin (Isa. 7: 14). Matthew’s genealogy is directed towards Joseph, not Mary. Therefore, it is through Joseph Jesus was the son of David. One interpretation states that the Jewish law at that time allowed a man to adopt a boy by a solemn declaration as his son. In such circumstances, the boy is then declared as his son for all intents and interpretations. As a ‘Just’ man, Joseph obeyed God’s command, and acted accordingly to accept Mary. Thus, Joseph became the earthly father of Jesus.

Usually the names of women are not included in the Jewish genealogy. But the names Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and the wife of Uriah, Bathsheba, are mentioned in Matthew’s Gospel. These women were sinners, or their marital unions were irregular. Why then are their names included in the genealogy? Even if these women were sinners, they had an important role in God’s plan and God used these people to accomplish His purposes. Moreover, He saves His people from their sins. In other words, these four Gentile women and their presence foreshadows the universal salvation of the humanity, which God promised to Abraham. As St. Paul said, “There is neither Jew or pagan, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Jesus the Messiah” (Gal. 3: 28). Jews and Gentiles, male and female, people of faith and people of questionable character are all used by God to carry out His salvation plan.

The names of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba being included in the genealogy assures that God will fulfill His purposes with us even though we are imperfect. The list of names in the genealogy are lengthy but it encourages us, if we have faith in Christ, we will be saved regardless of who we are, as well as to obey and follow His commandments. Jesus’ genealogy teaches us, always be with God, and be a part of His mission and be a model of Joseph, the just. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55: 9). Sometimes it is difficult for us to understand the full plan of God. Our hearts should long for faithfulness to God and submit to the will of God.

AYUB MOR SILVANOS METROPOLITAN

Ayub Silvanos is the Metropolitan of the Knanaya Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. H. E. is currently serving as the Metropolitan of the North American & Europe Region of the Knanaya Archdiocese since 2009.

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