SF Bay Area
Our Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius visited the parish from December 31, 2011 –to January 2, 2012.
On December 31st, Thirumeni met with the Youth League leaders and discussed the upcoming Regional and National Youth conferences along with other activities of the Youth within the Church. Thirumeni encouraged the Youth to conduct the 2012 Regional Youth conference and also to take up the National Leadership conference in 2014.
Later in the evening Thirumeni celebrated the Holy Communion Service along with vicar Rev. Viji T. Kurikesu, at the Church in Livermore. The Watch Night Service started with songs by the congregation, followed by Praise and Worship by the Youth of San Francisco Mar Thoma Church. Choir sang the traditional welcome song for the Thirumeni.
There was time for testimony and many members of the Church got an opportunity to Thank God for all the blessings and also to request prayers for the upcoming New Year. This was followed the Holy Communion Service.
Thirumeni gave an inspiring speech for the New Year exhorting our generation to understand the difference between needs and wants.
At the dawn of New Year 2012, candles were lighted from the Altar and passed on to everybody in the congregation. Congregation sang the song “Ennayolam Thunachhone…”
After the Communion Service, Thirumeni invited all the members of San Francisco Church to the upcoming Family Conference in Virginia. He also gave away prizes to the grand winners of the Crossword Puzzles conducted through the church website and newsletter. After the benediction and Kaimuthu, there was a fellowship at the Social Hall where Tirumeni could interact with the members of the Parish. New Year cake was distributed.
On January 1, 2012 evening, Thirumeni along with Rev. Viji T. Kurikesu, celebrated Holy communion Service at the Sacramento Friend’s Community Church. Members of our Church from Sacramento-Yuba City area attended the service.
The Episcopal visit was a great blessing to the members of Mar Thoma Church Of San Francisco.
Rev. Viji T. Kurikesu
Vicar, Mar Thoma Church Of San Francisco
