Episcopal Visit to St. Peters MTC, Pune
It is with immense and joy and deep gratitude that we present a brief report on the first Episcopal Visit of Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa to Pune St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Parish, on October 15, 2016.
As the parish was celebrating her 72nd Parish Day on October 16, 2016, this visit would be registered as an historic event in the annals of Pune St. Peter’s parish. The major activities held during the mentioned two days can be summarized as follows:
- Evening Worship
- Meeting with Parish Representatives
- Special session with First Communicants and family
- Holy Communion Service
- Special offertory
- Dedication service for the First Communicants
- Parish Day Meeting & Felicitation
- Inauguration of Green Drive
- Lunch & Departure
- Evening Worship
The clergy, office bearers of the parish, representatives of various organization of the parish, first communicants and their parents, & members of the parish received Mumbai Diocesan Episcopa Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Thirumeni, as per the custom and faith of the Mar Thoma Church, and participated in the evening worship held at 7:30 pm. Around 75 people participated in the worship.
- Meeting with Parish representatives
Immediately after the evening service, Thirumeni briefly addressed the small gathering and expressed gratitude for the warm reception given. Thereafter, discussions were held on various queries raised by the parishniors. Retired clergy Rev. Ninan Jacob and Rev. C. Thomas were also present on the occasion. By 8:15 pm the meeting was concluded with Thirumeni’s prayer & Benediction. Tea & snacks were served to all who assembled.
- Special Session with the first communicants and their family
Thirumeni had a special session with first Communicants and their families. In that session, Thirumeni highlighted the importance of dominical sacraments in the life of a believer. Moreover, Thirumeni explained about the various aspects of dedication service. After clarifying the doubts, the session ended with Thirumeni’s prayer & Benediction.
- Holy Qurbana Service
Holy Qurbana service began at 9:00 am. Besides the vicar, Rev. Ninan Jacob and Rev. C. Thomas were also present in the service. Thirumeni celebrated the communion, & delivered the sermon. Three Hundred and Fifty people received communion.
- Special Offertory
There were two special collection on account of the Episcopal Visit and Parish Day. The first one was the offertory, and it was for the ‘Save a heart’ programme of the diocese (Rs. 16, 837/- collected and transferred to the Diocese). The second one was the Tithe collection. Rs. 6,56,000/- collected as Tithe from the member families. This will be utilized for the Mission and Development purpose of the Church and Parish as per the direction of the Metropolitan, and the decision of the annual general body meeting held in the Month of June 2016.
- First Communicant Dedication Service
Dedication service for the first communicants held after the birthday thanks giving prayer. Thirteen First communicants came forward to dedicate themselves before the altar, and confessed their faith in the Lord. They were given Bible, lighted candles, and were welcomed as full communicant members of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church.
- Parish Day Meeting and Felicitation
The 72nd Parish day meeting began immediately after the Holy Qurbana service. The meeting began with the song of the parish Choir. Rev. Ninan Jacob prayed. Vicar, Rev. Shibu P. Varghese Welcomed the Diocesan Episcopa, Achens and the gathering. Parish Treasurer, Mr. Joseph Varghese gave saplings to Thirumeni on behalf of the parish. Parish Secretary Roy Mathew Presented a brief report on the Parish. Mr. Varghese Mathew felicitated Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa, on behalf of the parish, on account of Thirumeni’s first Episcopal visit to the parish after assuming charge of the Mumbai Diocese as the Diocesan Episcopa. Thirumeni addressed the parish and reminded the members about the duties and responsibilities of the members and the church in the present day context.
On account of the Parish Day, the Senior citizens who have completed 75 years in this financial year were felicitated and shawls were given to them by the Diocesan Episcopa.
The Diocesan Episcopa gave following awards to the members.
- The Annual Competition winners award, for those who won the Annual Parish Competitions held in the category of Bible Quiz and group singing.
- Highest Achievers Award, for students who scored 75% and above Marks in the 10th and 12th
- Exemplary model Award, For returning the lost money.
Parish Vice President offered the vote of thanks. The meeting concluded at 1:30 pm, with the prayer and benediction of the Diocesan Episcopa.
- Inauguration of Green Drive
As part of the Diocesan Green Drive, Diocesan Episcopa inaugurated Green Drive programme for the Parish. The cemetery development committee conveners, and the Parish trustee received saplings from the Diocesan Episcopa.
- Blessing & Departure
Thirumeni blessed all the parishioners prior to their departure for lunch. & Left Pune after lunch, at 3:30 pm.
Let me take this opportunity to thank God Almighty for the Church and the community of faith. God has been gracious to all of us to shower his blessing upon the church by giving her right kind of leaders and vision. I Praise God for the wisdom and leadership we receive through Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa and the Mumbai Diocese. May God’s abundance blessings be upon Thirumeni and the Diocese, so that the mission and ministry of the church in this region may be taken to greater heights.
With gratitude,
On behalf of the Pune St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church
Rev. Shibu P. Varghese
Vicar
