Report of Thirumeni’s visit to Borivali 21.01.2018

IMMANUEL MAR THOMA SYRIAN CHURCH, BORIVALI

REPORT OF DIOCESAN EPISCOPA’S VISIT

Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, our Diocesan Episcopa of Mumbai Diocese, visited Immanuel MTC, Borivali on Sunday 21^st Jan 2018.  He was invited as the Chief Guest for the 35th Parish Day celebrations. Thirumeni celebrated Holy Communion along with our Vicar Rev. Abu Cherian at 9.00 am. About 450 members attended the service.Immediately after the Holy Communion service, the parish day programme started. During the welcome speech Vicar Rev. Abu Cherian mentioned about Thirumeni’s great concern about the poor and the marginalized in the society and highlighted some of the projects initiated by Thirumeni in the past. Achen said that Mumbai diocese as well as our Parish is blessed by the presence of Thirumeni.

Hon. Secretary Mr. Mathew Varghese presented a brief report of the parish for the last one year. He highlighted the blessings received from Almighty God in the last 34 years of the existence as a parish. Remembered with gratitude, the elders who took active part in bringing this parish up to this level as well as the previous Vicar’s and their contributions. The renovation of the altar and installation of a new sound system was become possible with the whole-hearted support of the parishioners and special initiative by the Vicar.

Thirumeni in his Parish Day message appreciated Borivali parish which is always at the forefront in mission work. The work at Bhoyachhapada and Kuwe villages were appreciated. He spoke from John 4:11 where we find the story of Samaritan woman. Samaritan woman did not have good records but Jesus told her “you ask I will give you streams water, whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst”. He further said that

(i) we are gift of God and at the same time gift for the world

(ii) We are streams of the living water

(iii) We are visible expressions or signs of God

He spoke from the example of our late President Shri, APJ Abdul Kalam who rose from humble beginnings to the highest office in this country with dedication and concern for others. As Christians we need to move and never be stagnant. He encouraged the parish members to be true witnesses for Christ.

As a part of the parish day celebrations, mementos and ponnada were given to 3 couples who have completed 50 years in their married life and 8 members who have completed 70 years of age. Cash awards were given to the students who had cleared SSC and HSC exams in 2017. Ever rollijng trophy for DG Varghese memorial Bible Quis was handed over to IC prayer group.

Smt. Rekha Rajesh Ughade, a member of Bhoyachappada was felicitated as she got elected as Panchayat Samiti Member of Bhiwandi Taluk.

The programme ended at 1PM with Vote of thanks was extended by Mr. Mathews Chacko, Trustee Finace, closing prayer by Mr. Rajan Mathew, Trustee Accounts and benediction by Thirumeni.