Ascension Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia
The Ascension Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia, PA was blessed and honoured by the visit of our Diocesan Episcopa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Tirumeni on Sunday 13th March 2011. This was his third Epciscopal visit to Ascension after assuming the charge of Diocesan Bishop in North-American and Europe Diocese. It was really a blessed and inspiring one, filled with love and fellowship.
The Holy Communion service in English started at 10. 30 a. m. During the service Tirumeni delivered an inspiring message based on John 3: 16. He started his talk by highlighting the significance of lent as a time of spiritual discipline, transformation and a time to experience divine touch of God. Through his message Tirumeni exhorted the congregation to focus their attention to the cross of Christ and learn lessons of love, sacrifice and sharing. The message centered on themes like ‘Life in Christ’, ‘purpose of life’, ‘stewardship and accountability’, ‘love and reconciliation’ and ‘priority for faith’ in Christian life. Because God send his only begotten son for our life and salvation, we can face and overcome our trials and tribulations with confidence, strength, and peace, in knowing that GOD is with us, always. He inspired us by revealing to us that life and death are, in fact, two sides of the same coin, and that, in life there is death and in death there is life.
The dedication of first communicants was a blessed experience not only for the participants and their families, but to the whole congregation. Tiurmeni led the first communicant’s dedication service, in which 19 children participated, and obtained full communicant membership into the Church. Tiurmeni reminded them the importance, depth and meaning of the Holy Qurbana. He welcomed these children to the wider fellowship of church by inviting them to, and celebrating, the Holy Qurbana with them, their families, and the rest of the congregation.
The Episcopal visit was a time of dedication for the whole parish, particularly for the office bearers and executive committee members. The dedication service led by Tirumeni made them more aware of their responsibilities and gave opportunity to submit them to be used as useful instruments by God for His glory and honour.
Tirumeni in his concluding remarks shared the concerns of our church and Diocese and asked the congregation to pray for it. He also thanked the parishioners for their support for the ministry of the Diocese and challenged them for more active participation. In the concluding session, Rev. A. Abraham, Vicar, Toronto Mar Thoma Church was also present and he shared his greetings. A large number of people, including the friends and relatives of first communicants, members from neighbouring parishes and sister churches, attended the service. Tirumeni took time to meet and discuss with the office bearers. Vicar Rev. K. E. Geevarghese welcomed Tirumeni and the congregation and Secretary Mr. Ebby Varghese expressed vote of thanks. The parish expressed condolence on the recent natural calamities in Japan which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and destruction to the land and people. The programmes ended with Tirumeni’s Kaimuth and photo session for Executive committee and first communicants with Tirumeni. A fellowship lunch was arranged for the whole congregation by the parents of first communicants. This was a blessed occasion for the people to meet and enjoy fellowship with one another and with our Tirumeni and achens.
We are so happy, humbled, and feel truly blessed to have Tirumeni’s presence and leadership with us. We, the Ascension Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia humbly thank Mar Theodosius Tirumeni for visiting us and spending time with us even though Tirumeni reached the Diocesan centre, New York on the previous night by travelling all the way from India after attending the a special session of the Mandalam and the Episcopal Synod. Rev. K. E. Geevaghese Vicar
