Mor Afrem Congregation

First Contact with Fr. Jis Mathew

The Syriac Orthodox community in Jakarta is a close-knit group consisting of several families and a few young individuals. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we come together in perfect harmony to celebrate our faith. Under the guidance of our esteemed priest, Father Jis Mathew, we delve into the rich traditions and teachings of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Together, we study and learn, cultivating a deep understanding and appreciation of our religious heritage. Our community is united by a common bond, and we support each other in our spiritual journey. Through prayer, worship, and fellowship, we continue to strengthen our faith and grow as individuals in this vibrant community.

A Meeting That Opened the Gates of the Syriac Orthodox Church Indonesia

Jakarta, October 7, 2016 - Seven years ago, an unexpected encounter through a text message opened the gates for an Indonesian citizen to explore the Syriac Orthodox Church, this church might still be unfamiliar to many people in Indonesia. In this conversation, it turned out that the interlocutor was a Priest from the Syriac Orthodox Church, Father Jis Mathew, who eventually became a guide and an inspiration for prospective members of our community in Indonesia

The Syriac Orthodox Church may not be widely acknowledged in Indonesia, but this meeting marked the beginning of a fascinating spiritual journey for some in the country. Many were curious as to why this church drew the attention of Indonesians and how many were genuinely interested in understanding and embracing this faith.

In that discussion, Father Jis Mathew not only answered common questions but also provided profound insights into Syriac Orthodoxy. He explained how one could learn and become a Shamshono (ܡܫܰܡܫܳܢܳܐ) or even a Priest in this church, guiding them through a long and challenging spiritual process. With patience, Father Jis Mathew offered support and guidance to prospective Community members, helping them grow in faith, prayer, and understanding of the Word of God.

This unexpected encounter paved the way for the development of the Syriac Orthodox Community in Indonesia, especially in Jakarta. Father Jis Mathew remains a dedicated guide and mentor for the congregation of Mor Afrem Jakarta. Through his hard work and dedication, he strives to make a positive impact on the Syriac Orthodox community in Indonesia, particularly within the congregation of Mor Afrem Jakarta.

This lengthy journey has been an inspiration to many Indonesians who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Syriac Orthodox Church and pursuing their spiritual calling. With the support of spiritual leaders like Father Jis Mathew, the Syriac Orthodox Church is taking root in Indonesia.

Father Jis Mathew's Dedication to Guiding Prospective Members of the Syriac Orthodox Church Indonesia

Spiritual journeys often commence with unexpected encounters, and that is precisely what happened when we first connected with Father Jis Mathew. Father Jis Mathew is a Priest of the Syriac Orthodox Church who has since become a guide and inspiration for prospective Syriac Orthodox Church Indonesia members.

As a spiritual father, Father Jis Mathew has provided valuable teachings and guidance to the congregation, particularly to Mor Afrem Jakarta, through online platforms. He actively monitors and directs the congregation, using a catechesis group on WhatsApp as one of the communication tools.

The shortened Shimo prayers are one important instruction Father Jis Mathew gave. This reflects his concern for the congregation's prayer activities and efforts to strengthen their spiritual lives. With patience and love, Father Jis Mathew offers support and guidance to the congregation, helping them grow in faith, prayer, and their understanding of the Word of God.

Father Jis Mathew's attitude of service and willingness to guide the congregation, along with the invaluable teachings and directions provided, are evidence of his dedication and love. As a Priest, he patiently accompanies and guides the Mor Afrem Jakarta congregation.

We pray that Father Jis Mathew's hard work and dedication will continue to have a positive impact on the Syriac Orthodox Community in Indonesia, particularly within the Mor Afrem Jakarta congregation. With the guidance of a caring spiritual leader like Father Jis Mathew, the Syriac Orthodox Church is becoming more firmly established in Indonesia.

Formation of the Mor Afrem Jakarta Community Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic

Jakarta, in early January 2020 - Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, a community emerged, namely the Syriac Orthodox Community - Mor Afrem Jakarta Indonesia. Initially, all community activities were centered around social media and the Internet, which became the primary means of gathering and communication.

On January 13, 2020, during our regular online contact with Father Jis Mathew, we sought his blessings for our community, Syriac Orthodox Community Mor Afrem Jakarta. Effective January 13, 2020, the Mor Afrem Jakarta community was officially formed from that historic moment.

The community consists of four solid families and several enthusiastic individuals eager to join this community. We proudly introduce the leaders of the Syriac Orthodox Community Mor Afrem Jakarta, who have played a vital role in advancing the community: Andrawus, Yehezkiel Yusuf Mangoto, Daniel Boy, Ericson Alviano Hutabarat, Ricky Banamtuan, and Gunawan.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Syriac Orthodox Community Mor Afrem Jakarta continues to grow and is committed to strengthening spiritual life, solidarity, and service to others. With various challenges faced, the community has grown stronger and more united, reflecting extraordinary determination and spirit. We pray that the Syriac Orthodox Community Mor Afrem Jakarta continues to grow, providing positive inspiration within the community and making a positive impact on others.

Registration of the Syriac Orthodox Community Mor Afrem as a BIARA SYRIAK ORTODOKS MOR AFREM

Jakarta, Indonesia - The Mor Afrem Jakarta Community has taken a significant step by registering itself as an institution under the Directorate General of Legal Administrative Affairs, Ministry of Law and Human Rights - Republic of Indonesia, with the following registration number: AHU-002106.AH.01.31.Year-2022. With tax identification number 601637184412000. The institution is named in Indonesian  as the "BIARA SYRIAK ORTODOKS MOR AFREM"

Indonesia, despite having a majority of its population adhering to Islam, is a democratic and nationalist country that recognizes various religions. There are six official religions in Indonesia, namely Islam (87%), Protestant Christianity (7.4%), Roman Catholicism (3%), Dharma Hinduism (1.6%), Buddhism (0.7%), and Confucianism (0.03%). Additionally, there are communities with other belief systems not included in these six official religions.

Orthodox churches, including the Syriac Orthodox Church, are not officially recognized as religions in Indonesia. As a result, they do not receive support from the relevant government departments in terms of religious regulations. To obtain the necessary permits, some Orthodox communities and churches may choose to join one of the Protestant synods, while others may have to conduct worship in private homes or commercial complexes.

However, the Mor Afrem Community Jakarta Indonesia has taken an important step by registering as an institution with the name as “Biara Syriak Ortodoks Mor Afrem” under the Directorate General of Legal Administrative Affairs, Ministry of Law and Human Rights - Republic of Indonesia. With the establishment of this institution, the Syriac Orthodox Community Mor Afrem hopes to strengthen cooperation with Syriac Orthodox monasteries (seminaries) elsewhere, enabling the sending of clergy such as Abunas, Abun Dairoyos, and Shamoshos to provide teachings in Indonesia.

This registration has increased the intensity of the community's worship and prayers. Furthermore, they are actively involved in printing daily prayer books for the congregation, developing a website, and creating a mobile prayer application. With this registration, they hope to obtain a suitable place of worship and have the freedom to conduct their religious practices.

The future hope of the Syriac Orthodox Community Mor Afrem is to continue growing, provide positive contributions to their community, and carry out their religious duties with enthusiasm in Indonesia

Andre Akijuwen, Jr, M.Pd (c)

Biara Syriak Ortodoks Mor Afrem

Jakarta - Indonesia