MAZMURO

Annual Report 2024-2025 Annexure 10

Glory and Praises be to the Holy Triune God!

May this please Your Eminence, Respected Clergy and Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with deep joy and heartfelt responsibility that I present this Annual Report of the Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music for the year 2024–2025. By the abundant grace of God and under the spiritual leadership of our Diocese, the Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music has been blessed to begin its humble journey in nurturing the rich musical tradition of our Holy Church.

We thank our Almighty Lord for guiding us in establishing this ministry within the Diocese of UK–Europe and Africa of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. It is by His mercy that the School was inaugurated and continues to grow, rooted firmly in the Syriac liturgical tradition and the rhythm of Orthodox worship. This report stands as a testimony to the collective efforts of our clergy, faculty, students, and the faithful who have supported this sacred initiative. As we reflect on the milestones of this academic year, we are reminded that this is not just a musical programme, but a spiritual mission that seeks to glorify God through sound doctrine and melodious offerings.

Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music: An Overview

The Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music was established under the spiritual leadership of the Diocese of UK–Europe and Africa of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, with the vision of nurturing the liturgical musical tradition of our Holy Church in the diaspora context. The school was officially inaugurated at the Malankara Orthodox Sangamam on 26th May 2024 by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, in the blessed presence of our Diocesan Metropolitan, His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos and other dignitaries. This sacred beginning marked the formal establishment of the school within the administrative and ecclesiastical framework of the Diocese.

The Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music serves as a structured learning platform offering formal instruction in Syriac-based Orthodox liturgical music, voice training, and ecclesiastical hymnology. Affiliated with the Sruti School of Liturgical Music, Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music draws on a strong spiritual and academic foundation, enriching its curriculum and aligning with the broader vision of liturgical music formation within the Malankara Orthodox Church. It currently has a dedicated Faculty Board that together ensures the effective delivery of all programmes. Below is the Faculty Board for the School:

Table 1: Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music Faculty Board 2024-25

President H. E. Abraham Mar Stephanos

Course Director Rev. Fr. Eldo P. Varghese

Faculty Members Rev. Fr. Shyju P. Mathai

Rev. Fr. Jobin Mammen Cherian

Rev. Fr. Jobson Abraham

Office Secretary Mr. Baisyl Biju

Level 1 Course Induction

With the abundant grace of God, the Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music began its academic journey with the induction of the Level 1 course — our foundational programme designed to introduce students to the discipline of Orthodox liturgical music on Tuesday 28th January 2025. The session was solemnly led by His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos, the Diocesan Metropolitan, in the presence of clergy members from across the Diocese. These moments of prayer and commissioning set the spiritual tone for the ministry to follow.

The session began with an opening prayer led by His Eminence, followed by a welcome address from Rev. Fr. Shyju P. Mathai, representing the Faculty Board. Rev. Fr. Eldo P. Varghese, the Course Director, formally introduced the course structure and vision to the students. His Eminence then delivered the presidential address, setting the direction and spiritual purpose for the academic journey ahead. A few words of felicitation was offered by Diocesan Secretary Rev. Fr. Varghese T. Mathew. As part of the programme, two students shared reflections expressing their motivation in joining the liturgical programme. This was followed by a round of self-introductions among the students, fostering a sense of community and fellowship. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Rev. Fr. Jobin Mammen Cherian, and a closing prayer and benediction offered by His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos.

Training Programmes

A total of 30 students are enrolled in the Level 1 inaugural course, divided into two active batches meeting weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes are currently held online, enabling wide participation across the Diocese in a structured and accessible manner. Each batch follows a well-planned timetable, with sessions led by the faculty covering the advertised modules. The Level 1 course modules cover the below topics:

Table 2: Level 1 Course Modules and Faculty Allocation

Module No Module Title and Contents Faculty Member

MZM01 Shehimo: Ramsho & Soutoro Rev. Fr. Jobson Abraham

MZM02 Feast Day Services: Nativity, Epiphany, Shubqono, Mid Lent, Palm Sunday, Feet Washing Service, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost - Rev. Fr. Jobin Mammen Cherian

MZM03 Sacramental Offices: Baptism, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, House Warming - Rev. Fr. Shyju P. Mathai

MZM04 Funeral Service: Men and Women - Rev. Fr. Eldo P. Varghese

Students are supported by the office secretary, who ensures the smooth coordination of administration throughout the academic cycle. Further to this, each batch has an elected Class Leader who is referred to as the Class Reesh. A minimum attendance requirement of 80 percent has been set to uphold consistency in learning and commitment. All teaching resources are shared digitally, allowing students to review materials at their own pace and deepen their understanding. The final examination for the Level 1 course is scheduled to take place during the month of December 2025. Upon successful completion, students will be awarded a certificate formally affiliated with the Sruti School of Liturgical Music, affirming their participation in and commitment to structured liturgical music training.

As this is the first batch of the School, we are continuously seeking feedback from both students and staff, striving to grow and improve. Consultations are also ongoing regarding the expansion of programme offerings, including the introduction of higher-level modules in both Syriac and English liturgical training. The school is prayerfully planning to offer multiple batches per academic year, aligned with the financial year, to meet the growing interest from across the Diocese.

In a spirit of unity and worship, an in-person evening prayer is also being scheduled under the leadership of our Diocesan Metropolitan. Looking ahead, Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music hopes to serve as a leading liturgical presence at Diocesan events such as the Family Conference, offering trained musical support that glorifies the Triune God in sacred harmony.

Finance and Accounts

Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music upholds transparency and accountability in all financial matters, operating under the guidance and oversight of the Diocesan administrative structure. The Office Secretary works closely with the Diocesan Accounts Officer to maintain accurate and timely financial records. All income and expenditure are duly recorded, and financial reports are submitted in accordance with the expectations and timelines set by the Diocese. Donors are sent receipts of their payments in a timely manner.

Registration for the January 2025 Level 1 course intake was limited to 30 students on a first-come, first served process. The fee for the course was set at £150 when paid in full before the commencement of the programme. Alternatively, students were given the option to pay in instalments: £175 divided as £50 in February 2025, £50 in March 2025, £50 in April 2025, and £25 in May 2025. An overview of the Financial Matters for Financial Year 2024-25 can be seen below:

Table 3: Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music Financial Summary

(2024–2025)

Section A: Income

Registration Fees £4200.00

Bank Interest £0.00

Donation £1.00

Sub-Total £4201.00

Section B: Expenses

Zoom Account Fees £95.94

Bank Fees £10.00

Staff Remuneration £0.00

Sub-Total £105.94

Section C: Closing Balance

Income – Expense £4201.00 – £105.94 = £4095.06

Section D: Cash in Bank

Amount £4095.06

For the period from 1 April 2024 until 31 March 2025

Acknowledgements

With hearts filled with gratitude, we offer thanks to our Almighty Lord for blessing the Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music and guiding its first academic year with grace and mercy. We extend our sincere gratitude to His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, for inaugurating the Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music on 26th May 2024 and blessing the ministry with his prayers and presence. We remain deeply thankful to His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos, our Diocesan Metropolitan and President of the School, for his unwavering support, spiritual leadership, and vision. We also thank the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Varghese T. Mathew, along with the Diocesan Council for their continued administrative support and guidance. We gratefully acknowledge the Sruti School of Liturgical Music for their affiliation and prayerful collaboration in this ministry. In particular, we express heartfelt thanks to His Eminence Zachariah Mar Aprem, Director of the Sruti School, for his inspiring leadership, and to Rev. Fr. Dr. Johns Thomas Karingattil, Principal of the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, for his encouragement. We would like to acknowledge all members of the Faculty Board for their dedication and commitment to teaching and mentoring the students. Alongside the Faculty Board, we are especially grateful to Mr. Abraham Kurian, Accounts Officer of the Diocese, for his assistance in overseeing Mazmuro’s financial documentation and account management. We also thank the Diocesan PRO Mr. Saji Varghese for his invaluable contribution and guidance.

May this work be pleasing before the Lord, and may Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music continue to serve the Diocese as a spiritual and musical offering, rooted in worship and glorifying the Triune God. I hereby submit this report on behalf of the Mazmuro School of Liturgical Music relying on God’s Grace and Mercy.

With Prayers,

Rev. Fr. Eldo P Varghese - Course Director

April 30, 2025

Endorsed and Approved by:

+ Abraham Mar Stephanos - Diocesan Metropolitan