Episcopal Visit to the Bethel Mar Thoma Church, Ponda

The Episcopal visit of Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius to Bethel  Mar Thoma Church Ponda on July 23, 2016 at 5. 30 p. m. was a different experience for all those who gathered for worship. On his maiden visit to Goa, land touched by God himself, his Grace was on a journey of satisfaction as it was twenty five years since he had initiated the regrouping of the then single church into four parishes.

Tirumeni arrived at Ponda at 5. 30 p.m  to be given a rousing welcome at the gates of the Church. Blessing and greeting them with Kaimuthu, he proceeded for the preparation of the Holy Qurbana. 98 believers attended the qurbana ardently looking to the Hills of help and benevolence praying profusely over the gracious presence amongst the unworthy few. Qurbana began with Hymn, “Yesu en ulla namame” followed by Bible Readings. The Message was a challenge thrown open to all to break and share God given resources. The two coins of the widow was a challenge.

The Bethel Mar Thoma Church, Ponda arranged a felicitation meeting after the qurbana to the Episcopa. The meeting began with welcome song, “Swagathame nalla oru idaya…..”

The Vicar Rev. Sunil George Mathew welcomed the bishop reverently. He walked the lanes of memory as a young priest in the diocese of Kunnamkulom Malabar in 1995, wherein HG was the Episcopa then. He drew the bishop as a cloud who knew where the blessings of showers are needed. He welcomed the Diocesan Treasurer Mr. P. K. Achenkunju.

 

Mr. E. M. Thomas, the Vice President of the church highlighted the esteemed presence of the Shepherd as his own classmate at Tiruvalla College. He lauded the Bishops as a friend of the trees, following which saplings were distributed to all the church members. He wished HG all the Divine providence in the tenure at Mumbai Diocese. As the part of the Jubilee the Parish would renovate the Church building, become a green church and build a house for a needy person.

Mementoes appreciating the Go Green Drive were presented to the Bishop. The Diocesan treasurer Mr. P. K. Achenkunju attented the service throughout.

 

HG in his reply was happy and thankful to the words of welcome. Drawing the attention of the gathering to the need of the diocese, he urged all to participate as and when possible.

Meeting culminated with the prayer by Brother Robin John and Benediction by Tirumeni.

 

 

 

Rev. Sunil George Mathew