Khazon August 2015

1st Edition, Vol. 6, August 2015

Message from Diocesan Episcopa August is a very important month as per the Church Calendar. 1st August to 15th August church observed the 15 days lent. On 6th of August Church observed the feast of Transfiguration which observed the Glory of Jesus on the Mount Tabor witnessed by Peter, James and John. Transfiguration of Jesus did not change anything in Jesus. It revealed his divinity to the 3 disciples. Goal and journey of the church is to behold the transfigured Christ that radiates light in midst of all the darkness of the world. Jesus says “I am the light of the world” and also says “You are the light of the World”. Orthodox Theologian Andreas Andropaulos says “The liturgical song ‘In your Light We see the light Jesus, full of light…” has its origin in the understanding of Transfiguration of Christ that radiates light on us and we become the reflectors of light. So the transfiguration of Christ calls the Church to radiate the divine light, revealed in Christ. This is what Mar Thoma Church means by its Logo “Lighted to Lighten.” Let us be true to our calling to reflect the light of Jesus.

On 25th July 2015 at Maramon Mar Thoma Church, Rev Govind Besra, the first fruit of Khariar Road Mission was ordained as the Kassessa of the Mar Thoma Church and I express my joy of the widening scope of ministry in the context of North India. On 9th Agust 2015, Delhi Diocese very wonderfully observed Diocesan Sunday. More than the collection of money, I emphasized to my team of Clergy and assembly members to use this opportunity to reach out and incarnate the Diocese into the lives and homes of our members. That is what this Diocese believes in. I congratulate my Clergy and all the members for their wonderful cooperation in making Diocesan Sunday a fruitful one. The Sevika Sangham Coinference too was a blessed experience and I congratulate the organizers and especially Rev Eapen Abraham and St. Thoma Mar Thoma Church, Karol Bagh for being a wonderful host.

Now we look forward to the Church Dedication of the Church in Jammu on 29th August 2015. It is a historical moment and I would look to put it on record to appreciate the enterprising and untiring efforts of Rev Jijo Varghese in this regard. His coordination and hard work was very integral to the completion of the Church building. Also his predecessor Rev Bijoy Daniel was instrumental in the buying of the plot and his sacrificial work bears fruits. I solicit your prayers for the event of Dedication of the Church.

We look forward to The Diocesan Annual Convention, Gloria, Peoples Christmas and many more. Let us fervently pray for our nation and work to further Interdependence than independence in the life of the nation, where we need everyone and care for everyone.

May God Bless Our Country and all of us With Prayerful Regards Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos

Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam, Delhi Diocese Identifying the role of youths in the church and their contribution in the future functioning of the church, the Delhi Diocese identified the need to establish the Yuvajana Sakhyam at the Diocese level. Therefore the first ever General Body Meeting of the DYS was held at St. Gregorios School Sector 11, Dwarka on 15th August 2015 at 4:30pm. At the outset, Rev. Jeff Jack Philip led devotion from Luke chapter 8. He motivated and urged the youths to look up to the God Almighty in times of crisis and to overcome the challenges of the present world. Rt. Rev. Abraham Mar Paulos, took this devotion into the next level while giving his presidential address. He emphasized and re-inspired the youths to aspire for the civil services, to be agents of change and to work diligently for our Nation building. The agenda also included, speaking with the Diocesan Representatives of the Delhi center and to ignite within them the vigour to boost the Youth league of every parish. This meeting also witnessed the first ever election of office bearers to officially handover the task in hand. The following were elected: 1.Vice President – Rev. Rency Thomas 2.Secretary – Ms. Aniecia John 3.Lady Secretary – Ms. Simi Sara 4.Treasurer - Mr. Rinumon K. Anil 5.Executive CommitteeMr.Jerin Daniel (Delhi ) Mr. Jeswin George (Lucknow) Rev. George Varghese (Rajasthan) Mr Eshan K Das (Bhopal) 6.Auditors – Mr. Manish John Ms. Liji K Babu The President has nominated Rev. Jijo Varghese and Mrs. Mary Varghese to be the Kendra committee representatives from the Diocese.

Mission Focus Mar Thoma Mission Itarsi Missionary: Rev. Merin Mathew.

Principal: Evg. Binu C. Varghese History of Itarsi Mar Thoma Parish traces back to 1960s. In the year 1965 the believers community formed a formed a common prayer group with 11 members of the sister churches were there in this group. Later under the spiritual leadership of Rev KT Thomas (late), Sihora Ashram, this group became a congregation. In 1973, this congregation purchased a plot to construct a building for worships, it was financially helped Rt. Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar thoma Metropolitan. Later as a result of continuous prayer and the leadership of Rev AG Mathew, the congregation decided to construct a Church building the purchased plot. In 1981 the construction work was initiated and by 1982 Nov the work was completed.

Mission Being a mission oriented church the members decided to start mission work. 6th October 1996 Rev. Anil George laid foundation stone of Itarsi Mar Thoma Mission Center. Basically it is a tribal area and people are very poor and down trodden. With the vision to eradicate poverty, Mar Thoma Gram Jyoti School at Itarsi started.

Gram Jyoti School at Itarsi is under Mar Thoma Gram Jyoti Education and Development Society. In 2002 a Gram Jyoti School was opened in the church premises under the guidance of Rev. Sajit Thomas John. The main aim was to provide quality education at less cost in the rural region. Most of the people are labors that are getting daily wages. The people did not give much priority to education.

They were not ready to send their children to school because of the financial problem. At present we have 201students studying from Nursery to 9th standard having 14 teaching and 1 non-teaching staff and 1 aya. Under the leadership and guidance of Rt.Rev Abraham Mar Paulose Episcopa this year we started the new building’s construction.

A clinic is opened at Itarsi Mission Center to make available medical aid to the Gram Jyoti school students, their parents and the public residing adjacent to the center. A retired doctor consults patients a give medicine at free of cost follow up has also been done. This year also we conducted a medical camp for school children and neighbor villagers around 60 to 65 people visited the same.

The school now is in construction phase and has a lot of needs. Mar Thoma Gram Jyothi School, Itarsi is now building 6 more class rooms, a library and a science lab. The School and Mission is striving hard to be light in midst of the enveloping darkness.

Rev. Govinda Besra’s Ordination Rev Govinda Besra, the first fruit of the Khariar Road Mission Field, was ordained as the Kassessa of the Mar Thoma Church on 25th July 2015 at Maramon Mar Thoma Church by Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan. Rev Besra now serves as the Assistant Vicar of the Maramon Mar Thoma Church. Rev Govinda Besra is married to Manjula and they have 2 daughters, Christina and Archana and a, son Avinash.

First Communicants Kolkatta Parish

Diocesan News & Events Diocesan Sevika Sangham Annual Study Conference Hosted By: St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church Karol Bagh

Inaugration

Rev. Dr. Abraham Mathew (Bible Study)

Mrs. Litty Jose (Bible Study)

Rev. K. Thomas (Main Talk)

Dr. Ms. Susan Raj

Mrs. Liz Mathew

The sixth Annual Sevika Sangham Study Conference of Delhi Diocese was held from 14th August -16th August 2015 at St. Gregorios School Dwarka, New Delhi. The Conference was attended by 160 Sevika Sangham members from various parts of North India.

The Conference was inaugurated by Adv. Lily Thomas, a Social Activist, Supreme Court senior Advocate and a humanist. This year the theme for the Conference was “Envisioning Life: Renewal of Families”. The presence of our Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos and eminent speakers were a great blessing to the Conference.

The conference was noted for the challenging and enriching messages by the Speakers.

Rev. K. Thomas in his main talks reemphasized the basic understanding and virtues of a family. It was indeed an altar call for all to rededicate themselves to be faithful to their divine calling to be in a family. The Bible study sessions were led by Rev. Dr. Abraham Mathew and Mrs. Litty Jose (General Secretary MTSSS). There were also sessions based on issues such as “Rights and Responsibilities of Christians towards God’s Creation”, “The Influence of New Social Media: Focus on Family” and “Women’s health Issues” led by versatile leaders such as Mrs. Dr. Susan Raj, Mrs. Liz Mathew and Mrs. Dr. Saramma T. Mathai respectively It was an occasion to revive the spiritual, cultural and social relationship among SevikaSangham members in North India.

This Conference was definitely a bonding experience for all the participants to get renewed and revitalized in family relationships. Karol Bagh St.Thomas MTC was the host.

Diocesan News Worship House and Mission Centre Jammu and Kashmir It’s a dream come true for the Delhi Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church. The hard labour put in for the last ten years is yielding fruits. By the grace of God on the 29th of August the Mission House and Worship Centre will be dedicated by the Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa.

The constant support of the Ludhiana Mar Thoma Church and the Delhi Centre Edavaka Mission has been instrumental in buying a piece of land. The Building is a gift by the Chicago Mar Thoma Church under the able leadership of Rev. Daniel Thomas and the Edavaka Mission of the Church.

We are planning to have an hostel and to start a Child Development Centre (CDC) in association with the Compassion India in the coming year. The preliminary work is going on. With the help of this initiative we will be able to make the gospel reach to 225 families. We still need funds for the setting up of classrooms and hostel.

Gloria in Exelsis Theme Competition The committee of Gloria which had met on 13th August 2015 at the Diocessan Centre had decided to invite the Youths to suggest a theme for Gloria and also design a logo for the theme.

The theme should be a burning social issue relevant in todays scenario. The best 2 entries shall be awarded prizes. The entry should have contestants name, parish name, mail id and cellphone number.

Entries may be mailed to fatherpanachi@gmail.com or thomasphilip79@gmail.com or by post to the Diocessan centre.

All the entries should reach before 1st September 2015.

Mar Thoma Yuvjana Sakhyam, Bhopal Centre The Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam, Bhopal Centre Kicked off its activities on 19th July 2015 with a One Day Retreat. Singing session was led by ever dynamic Rev Samson Samuel and the youths were thrilled by the vibrant singing and praising. The President opf the Centre, Rev Merin Mathew, welcomes the Clergy and the youths of the 3 Churches of Bhopal Centre.

The Chief Guest was the newly ordained Rev Vijish George. The youths felicitated Achen with a memento on the Occasion of His Holy Ordination. He later led the youths to a very wonderful Session of Spiritual Disciplines for Youths basing it on the book of Daniel. He, knowing the context of youths could really connect with them and challenge them. After the meaningful session, as per Agenda of the General Body, Election was held and the following were elected.

Vice President: Vigin Varghese Secretary: Zubin T. Mathew Lady Secretary: Joyce Peter Treasurer: Anila Thomas.

Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Mar Paulos Mar Thoma Centre 26, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, Gole Market, New Delhi- 110001

Contact Information Phone No- 011-23342828 Fax No. 011-23348800 Email:marpaulos@marthoma.in, delhidio@marthoma.in

Diocesan Secretary Rev. Shibu P.V Diocesan Treasurer Mr. P.T. Mathai

Editors of the Khazon: Rev. Jijo Varghese Rev. Merin Mathew Khazon logo credits: Rev. Sunil George Mathew