Episcopal Visit to the Ahmedabad Mar Thoma Parish
The Diocesan Episcopa, Mar Theodosius, arrived in Ahmedabad on 11th August 2017 by 7.00pm. The Vicar & Office bearers of the parish welcomed Thirumeni at Ahmedabad airport and accompanied him to parsonage in Behrampura.
Day 1, 12th August 2017
Clergy Meeting
Thirumeni chaired Clergy Conference of Gujarat centre in which various issues were discussed. The meeting began at 10.00am in the morning and concluded by 12.00pm.
Trustees Meeting
As earlier instructed by Thirumeni, Trustees of all parishes in Gujarat centre assembled for a meeting in MTC, Ahmedabad. The meeting started at12.00 noon. After introducing the Diocesan Treasurer Mr. P Achenkunj who is continuing for the second term, and the Vicars of Rajkot and Ahmedabad-Jerusalem parishes, who are transferred in to Gujarat Centre, Thirumeni spoke and explained guidelines to the Trustees of all the parishes. The guidelines included the following;
o Role of Trustee’s is God initiated and so should reflect Integrity, Transparency and Accountability.
o Financial contributions above Rs 2000/- must be accepted in cheques only.
o Monthly financial statement for every month in the Financial year should be prepared apart from quarterly statements before they are presented for Audit.
o Inventory list including property details must be made/updated every year before presenting for the financial statement for audit.
o All funds ear marked for Sabha and Diocese must be remitted before audit of accounts.
o DDF collection should conclude before October so as not to clash with Suvisesha Nidhi collection in November.
o Edvaka Register should be updated by November every year followed by making of voter’s list. The same should be communicated to the diocese so as to ascertain the correct number of members in each parish.
Thirumeni’s talk was followed by Announcement made by Rev. Sunil Daniel. The announcements were pertaining to
o Support for Evangelists of Chinjali Mission.
o Ahwa Mission Day.
o Family Conference to be conducted for the parishes in Gujarat Centre.
The meeting got over by 1.20pm with prayer by Thirumeni.
• MTVEA Gujarat Centre Committee Meeting
Thirumeni chaired a committee meeting of MTVEA Gujarat Centre. The meeting included discussion on the following;
o Ahwa Mission Day program on 30th September 2017.
o Sponsorship and contribution for Shanti Niketan Hostel by Centre parishes.
o Mission Work of Gujarat Centre.
o Diocesan-centre Convention for the year 2017.
o Family conference for parishes in Gujarat Centre.
o Conclusion of ‘Lucky draw coupons’ and declaration of winners on 30th September 2017.
o Bank account for Ahwa Mission.
o Audit of accounts for Shanti Niketan Hostel and STEMS.
The meeting concluded by 3.00 pm
Baptism Ceremony
In the evening, by 6.00pm, Thirumeni presided over the Baptism ceremony of the grandson of a parishioner of Ahmedabad parish.
Day 2, 13th August 2017
Worship Service
Thirumeni led the Sunday Morning Worship Service which started at 8.30am.
Thirumeni administered First Holy communion to 9 boys and 7 girls of Ahmedabad parish. Based on all Bible readings for the day, he stressed upon the importance of divine mission of marital and family life. The General offertory collected during the worship service was ear-marked and given towards ‘Save a heart’ program.
Thirumeni chaired the 54th Parish Day Celebration of Ahmedabad parish soon after the Worship service. The meeting began at 11.00am. The Program included opening address by the Vicar, Rev. Sunil Daniel, Therimeni’s Talk, the Report of the Parish by the secretary, presentation of cash awards and trophies to meritorious students of 10th and 12th standard and presentations by Sunday School students and the students of CDC. The meeting concluded with Vote of thanks and fellowship lunch. The program concluded by 1.30pm.
Soon after by 4.00pm Thirumeri was accompanied back to the airport by the Vicar & Office bearers of the parish and he left Ahmedabad for Mumbai by the evening flight.
