Atlanta Hermon

EPISCOPAL VISIT & DEDICATION SERVICE
HERMON MARTHOMA CHURCH, ATLANTA
MAY 15, 2011
The Hermon Mar Thoma Church Atlanta came into existence 5 years ago by the decision of the Episcopal Synod and Kalpana of the Diocesan Episcopa Dr. Euyakkim Mar Coorilos.

May 15, 2011 has become a significant mile-stone in the growth of the Church as the existing members purchased the building and property and renovated it for regular worship. With the permission of the Metropolitan the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma, the present diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa conducted the dedication service on May 15 at 9. 30 a.m.

The dedication service started with a procession of the members of the parish, friends and clergy, while singing the song “Senayin Yehowaye…….”.

At the main door of the building the Trustee of the Parish read the letter of request for dedication and handed over the key to the Diocesan Episcopa. It was received and then handed over to the Vicar, Rev. Thomas Mathew to make use of the facilities for worship and sacraments as per the direction of the Bishops of the Church.

After entering into the Madbaha the Diocesan Bishop placed the Cross with prayer on the alter and continued the prayers. The church building was sealed by the sign of the Cross with Mooron and sanctified it for regular worship by the members of the Church. The baptismal pond and the pulpit were also sanctified. The Vicar, Rev. Thomas Mathew, Rev. T. J. Abraham, Rev. Skaria Varghese, Rev. Jai Varghese, Vicar of Atlanta Marthoma Church, Rev. Shaji K George, vicar of C S I in Atlanta assisted the Bishop in the dedication service.

After the dedication service there was Holy Qurbana in Malayalam in which the parishioners and friends attended. Tirumeni spoke from the word of God (Luke 24: 13 – 35) and explained the importance of the hermeneutical significance and the place of Lord’s Supper in the day to day life of the followers of Jesus Christ.
There was a public meeting, soon after the Holy Qurbana service at 12. 15 p. m. Rev. John Vaidyan, Rev. Mathai Varkey Puthukunnathu and More than 250 people attended this meeting.

The Vice President, Mr. Lukose Tharian handed over the Souvenir and Thirumeni released it. The choir led by Mr. Mannil Geogre and Mr. Thomas Abraham sang devotional songs. Mr. George Mathew, Building Committee Convener presented the church building report and Rev. Thomas Mathew gave presidential address. Mar Theodosius gave the Key note address, which was well received. Mr. Jacob Kurunthottical, former Vice President welcomed the Guests and the Secretary Mr. Sagin K Mamman proposed the vote of thanks. There was a luncheon fellowship. The Episcopal visit with the dedication ceremony was a blessed occasion.
Rev. Thomas Mathew
Vicar