North Carolina Mar Thoma Church

The North Carolina Mar Thoma Church was blessed by the visit by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa on 25th and 26th April, 2012.

After arriving from New York, Thirumeni met with the Executive Committee that evening. The English Holy Qurbana, First Communicants service, Parish Day and farewell to the present vicar were held at the Chapel of the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cary, NC at 7:30 pm. Maressa Koshy was the First Communicant.
One of the main points that everyone took home from Thirumeni’s message was, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Thirumeni reminded everyone to derive his/her identity from the worshiping community – the church at large.
During the Parish Day meeting, the Secretary read the Parish Day Report and the Sunday School presented a song. During Achen’s send-off meeting, Thirumeni credited the Vicar for the vast experience and honor that Achen carries with him, the close contact he keeps with everyone and passion with which he ministers. Thirumeni reminded the parish of the privileges of a resident Vicar and he emphasized that the success of an Achen’s ministry depends on the co-operation of the parishioners. He wished the best for the new Vicar, Rev. Renu John. Thirumeni thanked Philip Varghese Achen’s willingness to render his services to the Diocese. Thirumeni also briefed the parish on subscribing to the Sabha Tharaka, Mar Thoma Messenger and Besorah. Tirumeni informed the availability of the power point presentation of the Holy Week liturgy in English and the daily Devotion notes on a Diocesan Level.

On behalf of the parish, Thirumeni gave Achen a memento – a token of the parish’s appreciation. The Vice President, Baby M. Samuel, on behalf of the parish thanked Achen and gave Achen a plaque for his meritorious service. In his reply, Achen stated that he is grateful to the Mar Thoma Church and the Diocesan Bishop for giving him a chance to serve this Diocese. Achen commended the parish on having a great Sunday School, active Youth Fellowship, Choir, Sevika Sangham and Edavaka Mission.
The meeting was followed by a fellowship over a community dinner in honor of Parish Day in the Parish Hall. Although it was a weekday, the meetings were well attended.

The Diocesan Bishop visited the members in Charlotte on Thursday morning and saw the Billy Graham Library and Museum before he left for Lubbock.
Jeff Varghese
Secretary, North Carolina MTC