Ecumenical Jubilee Christmas Celebration
Ecumenical Christmas Celebration, Philadelphia
The Ecumenical Fellowship of Indian Churches in Philadelphia celebrated Christmas at the George Washington High School, Northeast Avenue on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 3 p. m. This was also an occasion for the fellowship to thank God for its growth and ministry for the last 25 years in the city of brotherly love.
The Jubilee Christmas celebration was attended by the Bishops of member churches, Clergy and a large number of people from different church denominations in Philadelphia. Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius attended this celebration representing the Mar Thoma Church and gave a felicitation address and congratulated the fellowship at the occasion of its Silver Jubilee. Thirumeni also led the worship service along with other leaders. All the achens in the centre and a large number of Mar Thoma members from the neighborhood attended the programs and affirmed our solidarity with the ecumenical endeavors in the local level.
The programme started with a colorful procession and Carol songs were sung by Ecumenical choir. Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius of Malankara Exarchate inaugurated the programme and all the bishops present there lighted the lamp. There was a public meeting in which Rt. Rev. Titus Mar Eldho Metropolitan gave Christmas Message. Charity Fund distribution was done by Rt. Rev. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Meletius Metropolitan and presentation of Plaque was done by
Archbishop Ayub Mar Silvanos Metropolitan. To commemorate the occasion a Souvenir was published. Rt. Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Nicodimos Metropolitan blessed the souvenir release. The Ecumenical fellowship co-chairman Fr. John Melepuram welcomed the gathering and Secretary Mr. Koshy Varghese extended vote of thanks. The meeting came to a close with benediction by Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, Episcopa of the Mar Thoma Church.
The public meeting was followed by entertainment and cultural programs by participant
churches.
Rev. K. E. Geevarghese
Diocesan Secretary
North America & Europe Diocese of Mar Thoma Church
