Episcopal Visit to the Vikhroli MTC

Mar Thoma Parish, Vikhroli celebrated Family Dedication Day on 23rd October 2016 at the St. Joseph School Hall at Vikhroli. The Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius was the Guest of Honor. Thirumeni arrived at St. Joseph School at 08.00 am. Rev. Saju Chacko, Vicar and members of Parish Executive Committee along with the Parishioners received Thirumeni.

The worship service started at 08.30 am. Before commencing the Holy Qurbana, Family Dedication Service was conducted using the special order of service. Thirumeni led the service and Rev. Saju Chacko (Vicar), Mr. Jacob Oommen and Mrs. Jija Jacob assisted. His Lordship celebrated the Holy Qurbana. Vicar and the Lay Leaders assisted. During Holy Qurbana Thirumeni gave a blessed sermon based on St. Luke 2:  41-52 emphasizing the need to develop divine bonding between family members and to lead a Christ centered family life.

At the time of offertory, the Vicar called up on the congregation to offer generously as the offertory taken during Holy Communion celebrated by the Episcopa is to be given to the Diocese for “save a heart” project. The response from the congregation was overwhelming and an amount of Rs 15, 121.00 was received as offertory.

12 children received “First Holy Communion”. All the first communicants were given a certificate and a Holy Bible autographed by Thirumeni. Achen on behalf of the parish welcomed them to the full communion of the church.

Then Qurbana was administered to the congregation. 260 people received Holy Qurbana. The Holy Communion Service was a solemn occasion and the congregation participated with reverence and obeisance and felt blessed. The Holy Communion Service was over by 11.15 am.  Tea and snacks were served to the congregation after the service

 There was a special meeting with the Diocesan Episcopa His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa. The Parish Choir rendered a melodious song. Then Rev. Saju Chacko (Vicar) welcomed Thirumeni, the first communicants and their families and the congregation. In his welcome, the Vicar briefly mentioned about His Lordship’s life and ministry, 25 years of Episcopacy and his leadership in parish ministry,  Mission fields, Ecumenical circle and academics.

Thirumeni in his anugrahaprabhashanam gave the details of various plans and programs of the Diocese. He particularly mentioned about Navjeevan and the work being done among the Rag Pickers, Transgenders and the Special School by Navodaya. Mumbai Diocese being the Missionary Diocese of Mar Thoma Church we have big responsibility, Thirumeni said. Funds generated through Suviseshanidhi is utilized for mission work and related expenses. His Lordship asked the Parish to collect Suviseshanidhi and deposit with the Diocese as directed.

Thirumeni while concluding his address appreciated the good work being done by Rev. Saju Chacko and the Parish and hoped that the Parish will continue the good work and make serious efforts to reach out to the poor and needy.

After a song, the senior citizens who have completed 65 years of age and couples who have completed 50 years of married life were honored by His Lordship by presenting a “Ponnada”.  Mr. George Varghese, Vice President proposed the vote of thanks.

The meeting came to an end at 12.15 pm after prayer and benediction by Thirumeni. Kaimuth followed. There was a photo session afterwards.

His Lordship left for IIT Guest House at Powai at 1.30 pm after having Lunch with the first communicants. On his way to the guest house, Thirumeni visited Mar Thoma Community Centre at Powai. Lunch was served to all.

 

Rev. Saju Chacko

MTC, Vikhroli