BBQ at Sinai Centre

Barbecue Party at the Sinai Mar Thoma Center
Sunday, July 10, 2011, St. John’s Mar Thoma Church had a barbecue party and get together at
the Sinai Mar Thoma Center. The Diocesan Center turned out to be a home for all the gathered
people.

Thirumeni, Rev. K.E. Geevarghese the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Jacob Verghese the Vicar of St.
John’s Mar Thoma Church, Rev. A.B. Binu the Vicar of Long Island Mar Thoma Church, Rev.
Biju P. Simon the Youth Chaplain of the North East Region, and the newly ordained Rev.
Dennis Abraham all participated. I, Stan Samuel from St. Paul’s Mar Thoma Church Dallas, was
blessed to have been in attendance. I was able to help them get set up, and then I spent some time
playing different games with the youths.

Prior to the games, we spent some time in prayer and song. We were able to hear from the Word
of God from Rev. Jacob Verghese. Thirumeni also gave us time to ask questions to Rev. Dennis
Abraham and to Thirumeni about different topics. Rev. Dennis Abraham recalled his Ordination process as well as his Puthen Qurbana, and how both of the events were such a meaningful experience.

Afterwards, we all enjoyed some delicious barbecue which was prepared by St. John’s parents. I
got to meet all of the youths in attendance, and I found that they were bright and fun kids to be
around. I also got to spend some time talking to Rev. Dennis Abraham, asking him questions
about the Ordination as well as his Puthen Qurbana. Then, after about two to three hours,
everyone began to depart ways and go back to their homes. Overall, I felt it was a great
fellowship experience, and the fact that they did it at the Aramana lawn allowed me to see that
they wanted to celebrate Diocesan fellowship with Thirumeni and all other members of their
Diocesan family with the various events. This was a learning experience for me who came to live
in New York for six weeks to learn the ministry of the Mar Thoma Church in North America. I
hope I will be able to attend another barbecue party when I’m back here in New York!

–Stan Samuel,
St. Paul’s Mar Thoma Church, Dallas