Ordination of Rev. Dennis Abraham

Rev. Dn. Dennis Abraham was ordained as a Kasseessa of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of
Malabar on Friday, July 8, 2011. In preparation for the ordination, there was a devotion session,
held in the evening prior to the ordination, at the Sinai Mar Thoma Center, Merrick, NY. The
devotion session was led by our Diocesan Episcopa, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar
Theodosius Episcopa, along with the Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa of Adoor and
Malaysia-Australia-Singapore Diocese. Barnabas Thirumeni spoke from the word of God, and
gave exhortations on what responsibilities there are for being a minister of the church. He also
reflected on the tradition and liturgical practices on the church, and our responsibility as
ministers to study and engage ourselves with the liturgy. The devotion session was a blessing,
and a time of reflection and preparation for the ordination.

The Holy Ordination took place on Friday, July 8, 2011 at Hofstra University in New York. This
was in conjunction with the XXXII National Youth Conference hosted by the Long Island Mar
Thoma Church Youth Fellowship. The ordination service started with the procession at 7. 30 am
with the hymn ‘Senayin Yehowaye’ from the ground to the Sanctuary.

All the achens and choir members along with Rev. Dn. Dennis Abraham participated in the
procession. The service was led by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar
Theodosius, and the Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Thirumeni. Rev. Jacob Verghese, Vicar of St.
John’s Mar Thoma Church, New York, gave sermon based on 1 Peter 2: 1-10.

He exhorted all about the reality and responsibilities of ministry and the priesthood. He reflected
on the idea that priesthood is a symbol of sacrifice, and that as ministers; we are responsible to
be custodians of faith and are to be the image of incarnation.

During this service Rev. Dn. Dennis Abraham affirmed his faith and later he was blessed and
raised to the status of Kasseessa. The ordination service came to a close when he was given a
copy of the Bible on behalf of the Metropolitan and the vestments after consecrating it.

At the end of the service, Theodosius Thirumeni welcomed all, and Rev. Jacob Varghese read
the Kalpana from the Metropolitan, announcing the Puthen Qurbana, which was scheduled to
take place on Sunday. There was a fellowship breakfast for all who attended.

The service was attended by many Achens from around the diocese, and Deacon Alex Kolath.
Many people attended the ordination from around the Diocese, including families of the St.
John’s Mar Thoma Church, New York, neighboring parishes, relatives, friends, well-wishers,
and delegates and organizers of the 32nd National Youth Conference.

The Puthen Qurbana of Rev. Dennis Abraham was held at the St. John’s Mar Thoma Church,
Queens Village, New York, on Sunday, July 10, 2011. The Holy Qurbana service was in
Malayalam. Rev. Jacob Verghese, Vicar of St. John’s Mar Thoma Church assisted, and the
families of St. John’s Mar Thoma Church, along with other relatives and friends from
neighboring parishes attended the service. The service was followed by a felicitation meeting,
and ended with a fellowship lunch for all who attended. Let us pray for the ministry of Rev.
Dennis Abraham, who is now serving as the Assistant Vicar of Venmony Mar Thoma Church.

Rev. Jacob Varghese
Vicar