1

Table of Contents

April Edition Vol 2 No.1

Message from Diocesan Episcopa .............................. 3

The Archbishop of Canterburys Ecumenical Easter
Letter ......................................................................... 5
Editorial ..................................................................... 7
Felicitation ................................................................. 9
Silver Jubilee Felicitation ........................................ 9
Harmony Through Arts............................................. 10
Missionary call in the Mar Thoma Churchs Holy
Qurbana Liturgy, Part-2 ............................................ 12
MAR ATHANASIUS, MAR THEODOSIUS, MAR
COORILOS TWENTYFIVE YEARS IN EPISCOPACY OF
THE MAR THOMA CHURCH .................................. 15
Pillars of Ecumenical Unity & Harmony ............... 18
Episcopal Ministry- A Sacramental Representation
of Jesus Christ ...................................................... 24
History ..................................................................... 27
The Origins of the Mar Thoma Church in London:
The Early History (1957-1960). ............................. 27
News ....................................................................... 28
Sabha Directory-2015-Released ........................... 28
New report is wake up call for rural mission ......... 30
Brutal murder of Coptic Christians in Libya ........... 31
ASHA BHAVAN ..................................................... 32
33rd Mar Thoma Family Conference...................... 34

The COMPE Executive Committee

President: The Rt.Revd. Dr.GeeVarghese Mar Theodosius
Vice President : Revd.Dr. Thomas Philips
Secretary: Mr.P.M.Mathew
Treasurer : Mr.Jaffey Chacko

Editorial Board of the Mar Thoma Echo

Editorial Director : Dr. Zac Varghese
Cheif Editor : Revd: Jose Punamadam
Mr. Sherry Mathews
Mr. Oommen Abraham
Mrs. Geena Ajay
Cover Page Design : Revd: Jose Punamadam

Go out into Eastville and preach the good news ... 36

A Day of Fellowship and Harmony ........................ 37

For private circulation only

Condolences ........................................................ 39
First woman bishop ordained in the Church of
England ................................................................ 39
Youth Conference Article ..................................... 40
ECHO Garden ........................................................... 42

Disclaimer: The views published in this journal are

those of its authors. Editors or the COMPE do not
endorse the contents or views expressed and they are
not liable for the contents or views in any form.

~ - Separated - ~ ................................................... 42

Message from Diocesan

Episcopa

glorious harmony to give glory to God and

Harmony

We are all concerned about the future growth of

The present issue of ECHO is focussing on the

the

topic, Harmony. It is in the disharmony of life, we

publication of the Mar Thoma Echo is part of this

become members of the heavenly orchestra.

Mar

Thoma

Church

in

Europe.

The

concern and an initiative. A church community

needs organisations, but there is always a danger
that organisations or projects take over and
become end in itself rather than facilitating the
founding vision. Fortunately, we are blessed to be
a community with many God-given talents,
temperaments and approaches that tend to
complement each other for the benefit, work and
vision we are all committed to. Church is the body
begin to understand the importance of harmony;

of Christ and Christ is the head. St. Paul in writing

the blackness of discord brings out the whiteness

to the church at Corinth is speaking about the

of the beauty and purity of harmonious living. We

body with many organs 1Cor. 12. He goes on

often need this contrast to appreciate things in

saying that love binds and brings harmony. My

life. Our dependence on mere material existence

sense after 25 years as a bishop is that we are still

is temporary and troublesome because of an

existential disharmony: human beings tend to

organisation second. Thus recommitment to the

neglect the spiritual dimension of their lives and

original vision of being a Christian community

focus

and

would help us to avoid disharmony in our daily

achievements. This imbalance stunts their ability

encounters. Think globally and the act locally. We

to appreciate the fullness of life. The resulting

need to establish a harmony between Gods

dissatisfaction appears individually as stress,

purposes for us and our actions.

only

on

material

ambitions

Mar

Thoma

community

first

and

an

depression, anxiety, irritability, and so on, and

socially as disunity, violence, and war. This

Sri Aurobindo said that all problems of existence

disharmony is much evident in the modern

are essentially problems of harmony. We need the

culture. Harmony is a theme we never think of

art of living. If we look across the spectrum of life

seriously, but conductors and choir masters strive

and existence we can see that all problems can be

very hard to achieve harmony, and try to achieve

solved by creating higher degrees of harmony. We

this by continued training and asking members of

can view any situation where there is a problem

their orchestras to listen to each other; they even

and see how creating a greater degree of harmony

tone down one voice or instrument to give

between the parties involved can solve the

emphasis for another. This giving and sharing is

problem. If you examine any crisis, one can see

part of a beautiful harmonious life. Each of us

that problems can be resolved by bringing about

carries a music of life within us, and we need to

greater

find a harmony to live together to create a

collaboration by bringing differing values and

attitudes

coordination,
into

the

same

cooperation,
line

among

and
the
3

participants.

By

bringing

greater

harmony

one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be

between the different aspects of his or her being,

compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil

problems can be solved. The ultimate harmonies

with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing,

are spiritual in nature. God created one world

because to this you were called so that you may

with different creations. We call that oneness,

inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3; 8-9). Silence is the

unity of mind and purpose. Harmony does not

most significant harmonious moment in our lives

mean to compromise. It means to use a higher

and it is in silence we know our God and

understanding under the guidance of the Holy

experience His unconditional love. May the grace

Spirit to find a true reconciliation between the

of God help you all to find that heavenly peace

opposites.

and harmony in all seasons of life.

Wish everyone a happy and meaningful Easter.

Of course growth in any human activity needs

form, purpose, and discipline or it can become

Mar Theodosius+

chaotic. When we hear different voices in a

community we often have a longing for harmony.
We need to develop an accommodative sense of a
community like in an orchestra, listening to the
demands of the conductor for bringing the beauty
and melody of a piece of music. The eighteenthcentury puritan pastor Jonathan Edwards wrote a
great deal about the supreme harmony of
Trinity. In the Trinitarian relationship of the
Godhead, we see the ultimate reality of the unity
in the diversity. The period of Lent and Easter
experiences give us a sense of the love that flows
and binds this Trinitarian relationship.
Easter provides us with a sense of hope amid the
shifting patterns of our lives from which to reflect
what lies beyond. In this insight we see how birth
and death are linked. The resurrection story does
not end with the appearances of Jesus to the
disciples alone or elected few after his death. The
real resurrection is the passing beyond the world
altogether and returning; it is a passage beyond
space and time to the eternal. Jesus passed into
that harmony of the Trinitarian living. It is into
that communion we are invited to enter by our
harmonious Christian living by living out the
Gospel

in

our

everyday

life. St.Peter

writes, Finally, all of you, live in harmony with

4

ARCHBISHOP
OF CANTERBURY

The Archbishop of Canterburys

Ecumenical Easter Letter

Rejoice, 0 Mother Church! Exult in glory!

The risen Saviour, our Lord of life, shines
upon you! Let all Gods people sing and
shout for joy!
These words of triumph are sung out across
churches as Easter dawns. For centuries such
sounds of joy at the Easter festival have echoed
and continue to echo around the globe in a
multitude of different tongues and cultural
contexts, making a deep impact on the lives of
Christians and Churches. With the confession of
Jesus having conquered death we proclaim that
we have been raised to new life in him.

Christians

St

Paul

couples

opening to the Easter Liturgy and which has been

the confession of Christians down the ages.
The resurrection of Christ is the great hope, not
only for each of us individually, but also for

In the 15th chapter of the First Letter to the

Corinthian

faith that is also proclaimed in the Byzantine

the

resurrection of Christ with confidence in the

resurrection of Christs people. The Apostle
clearly states that the resurrection of Christ is a
beginning, and that the hope of our own
resurrection can only be in Christ. He argues; if
the dead are not raised, then Christ is not raised;
and if Christ has not been raised, then his
proclamation is empty and our faith is in vain.
Having laid out all the arguments that would
dispose of the Christian claim to the risen Christ,
he continues: But in fact Christ has been
raised from the dead, the first fruits of
those who have fallen asleep. This is the

todays troubled world - a world in which violence

and violation of human rights describe the day to
day context of people in many parts; a world in
which moral and spiritual values often seem
hopelessly inadequate against the forces of selfseeking gain in every sphere of life. It is also a
world in which our brother and sister Christians
are still a beleaguered and even persecuted
community in many places, as they have been at
different times and places in history. We continue
to remember the suffering Christians in the
Middle East. This year our remembrance is also
focussed particularly on the Armenian people who
a century ago were driven to their death and into
exile because they were Christians.
5

It is into this world that the message of the

I close with the Song of Zechariah (Luke 1:78):

Church at Easter remains constant over the

By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from

centuries,

of

on high will break upon us, to give light to those

hopelessness the hope of Christ, triumphant

that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

beyond death and the powers of evil; living and

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

proclaiming

in

the

midst

life giving amongst us.

I embrace you with brotherly love in the Risen
In this resurrection faith we follow the saints and
martyrs

throughout

the

ages

who

Christ.

have

proclaimed the Risen Christ as their Lord and

Saviour, who believe that in Christ there is
abundant life and that death and suffering will
not

have the final say. The Easter faith

strengthens us with the hope in life, here and now

and in the world to come. This hope is not an
illusion, which turns out to be empty; rather, it is

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby

the tested cantus firmus over the ages for all

Archbishop of Canterbury

Christians. Beyond human imagination, the

power of the resurrection overcomes disparate,

Easter 2015

conflict-laden and destructive forces. We are

called to proclaim Gods Good News in confidence
and obedience to Christ to bring healing and
reconciliation.
Christs resurrection, therefore, also compels us to
ever closer bonds of Christian fellowship with one
another the saints in the here and now - to seek
greater unity and work together with Christ, as his
Body, in the newness of life already begun by him.
It is in this spirit that I greet you with this letter. I
will continue to pray that the hope and joy of the
resurrected Christ will deeply move our hearts
and souls, that it will heal relationships between
individuals, communities and nations, and that it
will banish fear, overcome suffering, broker peace
and bring reconciliation.

Editorial
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when
brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil
on the head, running down on the beard, on the
beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his
robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on
the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has
commanded the blessing, life forevermore[Psalm
133:1-3].

things. Hence let us ask God for discernment to

make the right choices.
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and
beloved,

compassionate

hearts,

kindness,

humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with

one another and, if one has a complaint against
another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has
forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above
all these put on love, which binds everything
together in perfect harmony [Colossians 3:1214].
God's word reminds us to live in harmony with
one another, not to be proud and conceited, but
willing to be associated with people of low
position. Often the beginning point of all
harmonious relations is reconciliation and
forgiveness. Reconciliation requires
acknowledging that a difference exists and it must
be based on reality. It is followed by forgiveness
[Ephesians 4:31-32], love [1 John 4:18], unity [1

By the grace of God, we are happy to offer the

third issue of the Mar Thoma ECHO with the
theme, Harmony, which is based on the third
letter H of the title of the Journal. ECHO was
born with a purpose; the purpose that God has
placed within you and me. As a diaspora
community, it is imperative that we need to be
ENGAGED, effectively COMMUNICATED and
live in HARMONY where Son of God placed us.
The word 'Harmony originated in the late Middle
English via Old French from Latin harmonia
meaning joining, concord and from Greek from
harmos meaning joint.
Since God has placed us in a functional unit called
society, it's vital to be in harmony with good
things and disharmonious with unnecessary

Corinthians 1:10], endurance and encouragement

[Romans 15:4-5].
Listening to Rev. Canon J. John over the weekend
speaking on effective evangelism, the importance
of our calling as evangelists or missionaries was
thoroughly impressed. As he has rightly said 'A
missionary is not someone who crosses the sea,
but someone who sees the Cross.' We, as a called
out community, are people who sees the Cross
and renew our relation with our Creator every
day; thus

evangelism

starts

with

harmony

between God and man, starting from our home. It

is an agreement and joining between man and
God.
This had been man's destiny from the first. But
Scripture tells us more: God could entrust man
with such a high calling because He had created
humankind in His own image and likeness. The
7

external responsibility was not committed to him

love, serve and forgive each other, striving to

without the inner fitness. The root of man's inner

bring harmony and peace, bringing glory to His

resemblance to God was in his nature to have

name.

dominion, to be lord of all. There was an inner

agreement and harmony between God and man,

Fellow believers, as we identify with the passion,

an embryonic Godlikeness, which gave man a real

crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ

fitness for being the mediator between God and

our Lord and Saviour, let us fix our gaze upon that

His world.

heavenly calling set upon our hearts by the

working of His Holy Spirit, bring into fruition the

As it is crucial for a country to stand united, so it's

vision that God has planted in us, living joyfully,

true for families and churches. Studies have

victoriously and harmoniously with each other to

proved that population has a greater impact on

bring His Kingdom upon earth. As we together

harmony than either wealth or political system. In

pray, Father let Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be

most of the cases, the global indicators such as

done, here on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.

freedom, wealth and happiness determines the

harmoniousness but fail to acknowledge the

We take this opportunity to wish you all a very

importance of rich and diverse social relations for

happy Easter.

well being.
The Editorial Board
If family can be defined as the primary social unit
in society comprising of parents and their
children, it's crucial that there's harmony between
the members. Or else it will be dysfunctional. We
are called into fellowship with one another, in the
same way God has called us to be in fellowship
with His son Jesus Christ. Eventually that perfect
harmony will bring glory to God and will be a
reflection of the image of Christ and we live by the
power of the Holy Spirit.
As apostle Paul writes in Ephesians, we are
members of one body, the universal church of
God, 'being fellow citizens with God's people and
members of God's household, built on the
foundation of the apostles, and prophets, with
Christ himself as the chief cornerstone. In Christ
the whole building is joined together and rises to
become a holy temple in the Lord'. Church is thus
not merely a place, but it's a people, God's people
in Jesus Christ our Lord. The gospel of Christ is
displayed in church when His people commit to
8

Felicitation

leadership for the mission programme in Mexico

and

for

the

Amerindians

of

North

America. Thirumeni is a disciplinarian and has

great respect for the constitutional formularies of
the church for the diocesan administration.
Although Thirumenis office is in Merrick, New
York, he is always available to help us with his
advice through digital and other forms of
communication. He is intimately involved with all

The Rt. Revd. Dr. Geevarghese Mar

Theodosius

aspects of our life in Europe; he is a true shepherd

and a model bishop. His messages are constantly
available to us through various publications of the

Silver Jubilee Felicitation

diocese. We particularly thank Thirumeni for his

Silver jubilee is a time for reflections and giving

vision to start a regional on line journal, Echo, in

thanks to God for the way God guided Thirumeni

2014. His diocese extends over North America,

to do Gods mission. The Europe region of the

Canada and Europe and therefore, one wonders

Diocese of North America and Europe is very

how he finds time for catching up will all spiritual

grateful to Thirumeni for the way he guided and

and administrative needs of this vast diocese. We

blessed us over the last six years. His regular visits

are sure that the imaginative and prophetic

and pastoral letters helped the whole community

leadership of Theodosius Thirumeni would help

in

the Mar Thoma Christians in Europe to equip

various

developments.

We,

in

Europe,

particularly thank him for creating and nurturing

themselves

for

Gods

mission

and

forging

the Council of the Mar Thoma Parishes in Europe

ecumenical relationship with other churches for

(COMPE). He was also very thoughtful in

spreading kingdom values.

creating altar boys and girls for encouraging

young boys and girls to fully participate in our

We pray to our Lord and our God to give

worship service. This helps them to develop a

Thirumeni very good health to continue his

liturgical lifestyle from such a young age.

ministry for spreading the good news. We also

Thirumeni has been constantly reminding us of

offer thanks to God for the life and ministry of the

the need for a regional mission project as well.

Rt. Revd Geevarghese Mar Athanasius and the Rt.

Revd Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos.

Theodosius Thirumeni entered the Episcopal

ministry in 1989. His doctoral Thesis based on the

For The Mar Thoma ECHO Community

life of Sri Narayana Guru and the spiritual life of

London, April, 2015.

Eezhava community was the beginning of his

scholastic pursuits and commitment to the
development of the marginalised people; this
again is evident in the projects he initiated for the
mentally handicapped and AIDS victims in the
Trivandrum Diocese. Thirumeni continues to give
9

Harmony Through Arts

In the sphere of health, the mind, body and spirit

are interconnected and they need to be in

Rev.Dr.M.J.Joseph,Devalokam
Aristotle has rightly said that the ultimate value
of life depends upon AWARENESS AND THE
POWER OF CONTEMPLATION RATHER THAN
MERE SURVIVAL. For this, poetry, paintings,
architecture, music, dance and even the formation
of clouds on the horizon are important and they

harmony to achieve the state of Soukya (wellbeing). This means that the word harmony has
its meaning in art, health, religion and culture.
Our objective is to achieve a state of integration
and comprehension and even convergence in
individual and social relationships. We need to
ask ourselves whether this purpose is served.
What harm is there if we worship God in a church

form the very texts for human survival.

Called to be Gods work of art
The word, harmony means agreement in
relation-fitting together of parts so as to form a
connected whole. The parts need not be of the
same stature. The possibility of plurality is
envisaged in the very concept of harmony. For
Manava Maithri, we need to create strong social
bonds through love. Love does not consist in
gazing at each other, but looking outward
together in the same direction. I would say that
art-whether poetry, music, painting, sculpture,
dance or other forms serve a purpose if people
look outward together in the same direction. In
Eph 2:10, St. Paul speaks of Christians as
Poiema of God. The Greek word poiema could
be translated as creation, composition, poem etc.
In the Jerusalem Bible, it is rendered as we are
Gods work of art. What a noble expectation of
human beings by God in the plan of salvation!
Art for social transformation
We are meant to reflect the harmony of the art of
living through our lives. A flower that is kept in a
vase speaks to us volumes. The orderliness and
the fragrance of a flower are supposed to create
poems within us! They are meant to create
harmony within us. In the holistic understanding
of health, sickness is disharmony within the body.

building in the form of a temple structure.? Why

do we ascribe sanctity to the Gothic structure of
the medieval period? The artists have to play a
prophetic role in social transformation. In the
Indian aesthetics, all forms of arts-performing as
well as visual-are complementary. They have only
one goal-i.e.to create physical, social and psychic
harmony in the vast arena of life. What is required
is to imbibe the spirit of harmony in our lives as
spirituality for individual and social renewal.
Interdependence for communication and
communion
Truth,

beauty

and

orderliness

are

divine

attributes which are communicated through art

forms. The world is the household (oikos) of God
which

rests

upon

relationships.

The

environmentalists may call it the web of life. In

Gods order of creation, everything has the right
to exist. The very talk of man and nature requires
10

modification. As man is part and parcel of nature,

elevated to the level of extraordinary.Lord,

there is no point in making such a statement .The

reduce me to the level of dots and ashes; Show me

conjunction-and is irrelevant in a bio-centric

the skeleton of every deed. And enable me to start

attitude to life. To say that the tail of a monkey is

everything from the skeleton.

longer than the monkey is a false statement as the

tail has no existence apart from the monkey.

The ordinary is sublime

In art, the ordinary is elevated to the lap of the

As nature is the art of God, we ought to perceive

Divine. The flute which has only a few holes in the

His nature for adoration and appropriation. There

hands of Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu in the

is a message of transcendence through art. It

Indian Mythology, is a symbol of

transcends the borders of caste and religion.

appreciation of the ordinary. The air that passes

Poetic symbols and imageries taken from nature

through its holes bring melodious music. The

play

of

primary task of the artist or the poet or the

communication. In the classical literary work of

painter or the dancer is to elevate the position of

Mayoorasandesam by Keralavarma uses several

the ordinary to a state of beauty. This is the only

vivid imageries of nature for communication. The

way to bring about social amity. A greater

paintings of Ajanta and Ellora Caves are indeed

appreciation of the ordinary alone will bring

poetry written for the posterity. They depict the

about a change for the better. Dr.A.P.J.Abdul

throbbing of the human heart in vibrant symbols.

Kalams dream of a developed country will be

The icons in the Orthodox tradition of the Church

realized only if science and technology tread the

embody the noblest language of the heart in

path of art. The cerebral man, the muscular man

paintings. In the Syriac liturgical traditions, there

and the cardiac man will have to travel together

are several biblical symbolisms which emanate

along the way of satyam. Let Loka Samastha

effluent sparks. In worship service organized with

Sukino Bhavantu be on our lips. Let us bring the

eco-bias, the formation of a mandala with the

healing touch of art to all. The musings of the

elements of the panchabootha evokes in us the

heart are best communicated through nature

intimate relationship between the humans and

symbols. Universal symbols like dove, water, air,

the nature. A cosmic representation enacted

fragrance etc. could be used in art and poetry for

through the union of the panchabootha portrays

conveying spiritual truths.

significant

role

in

the

art

the Creators

the dimension of an eco-friendly community

holding

values

of

reverence

for

life.

Harmony through ecological art forms

Artists/Cartoonists should be assured that their

Permit me to make a reference to the ecological

labour is not in vain.

art forms in ECC, Bangalore where I served as its

director. ECC stands for the unity of all creation.

I have written a poem on Cartoon which was

There is a vineyard on the campus which was

published in my book, Aroma of Christ

planted by theologians from different Church

(German:Gebenund emphangen). Permit me

traditions in the Asian countries. We have named

to quote a few lines: Lord, speak to me through

it, Ecumenical vineyard and it carries a message

a cartoon. Son, it is the graph of life; it challenges

of the unity of the Churches in Asia. One may

the

society.Arrogant

qualify it as an ecological art for ecclesial unity.

men/women are reduced to zero. The ordinary is

The map of the world and of India designed there

conscience

of

the

11

with plants is also an innovative form of

ecological art which could evoke fine feelings of
human harmony. The Mound of Religious
Harmony created by people of different faiths in

Missionary call in the Mar

Thoma Churchs Holy
Qurbana Liturgy, Part-2
Revd Dr. Joseph Daniel, Kumbanadu

India by sowing seeds of kosmos plants on the

soil- bed is a symbol of religious harmony. The
beautiful yellow flowers appear once in three
months carried a message

of beauty and

togetherness in the pluralistic context of India. It

also makes us aware of the spirituality of religions
which is rooted in the basics of life. The root
museum on the campus near the kitchen also
speaks of the bio-diversity under the earth. As it is
a powerful medium of communication across any
divide-religious or cultural, there should be
earnest effort to make use of the art medium for
communication. There are quite a few art forms in
nature like an ant hill and others shaped by rains,
sun rays, rivers and wind. If religion is meant to
bind the humans with God and other living beings
on this planet, the natural art forms have to be
widely appreciated and made use of for effective
communication and communion.

Movements of Mission
The role of the Liturgy in inviting the
faithful to participate in the churchs mission to
draw faithful towards the realm of the synergy of
God and to return to the world to witness Trinity
is evident in the liturgy. Two movements for the
churchs

mission

can be drawn from the

celebration of the Holy Qurbana Liturgy of the

Mar Thoma Church: the movement of ascension
to the throne of God and the movement of return
to the world to witness the redeeming power of
Christ by responding positively to the work of God
in Jesus Christ.
The Movement of Ascension
The movement of ascension to the throne
of God refers to the liturgical prayers which drive
the faithful to the throne of God and towards the
realm of God. This helps the faithful to participate
in the synergy of God. In the liturgy, there is
something audible, visible, tangible, palatable and
worthy to smell, in order to bring the faithful
members of the Church to the throne of God and
to His Kingdom. This means there is enough food
for the senses to experience the mystery of the
faith, which provide the worshipping community
to progress towards the realm of God and in the
light of that experience; the faithful receives the
strength to follow the liturgical life in the world
after the partaking of the Holy Qurbana. Thus the
call to divine realm and glory is a call to witness
Christs redemption in the creation. This process
starts with the journey towards the world. It is a
movement of return to the world to witness the
mission of God in Christ.
12

The Movement of Return

and to invite the world to experience the

The movement of return to the world to

redemptive work of Christ in history and to

witness the redeeming work of Christ refers to the

experience the Holy Qurbana experience of the

liturgical dismissal blessing, which drives the

parousia(second coming of Christ). Therefore no

faithful from the throne of grace to the world to

one can go away from their commitment to

witness the work of Christ in their market place. It

sacrifice themselves for Christ and His creation

is a commissioning to extend Gods mission in the

after having received the Holy Qurbana, which is

market place. The second movement starts when,

the celebration of thanksgiving for Gods mission

the celebrant dismisses the faithful, with the

of

blessing (rusma) saying, My beloved brethren. I

salvation

commend you to the grace and blessings of the

missionary dimension of the Holy Qurbana

Holy Trinity, depart in peace with the gifts and

Liturgy for the salvation of the world is imminent

blessings that you have received from the atoning

in it. The following section is an attempt to deal

sacrifice of the Lord... filled with joy and

with the question of how the Church equips its

gladness,

members for this mission.

as

thronos(altar)

the
and

celebrant
leads

the

leaves

the

incarnation
of

and
His

Gods

self-offering

for

creation.

Therefore

the

congregation

towards their home and to the world to lead a

Equipping missionaries for mission

sacramental life, which is in conformity with the

The Mar Thoma Church practices the

synergy of God. It is the sending forth of the

Movement of Ascension to the realm of God and

faithful members of the church to the world to

the Movement of Return to the world, in its

lead a liturgical life after the partaking of the

praxis levels through its Prayer Groups and the

Holy Qurbana, by offering themselves as a living

Churchs

sacrifice to God as Christ offered himself for the

meetings, besides, its Holy Qurbana celebrations.

redemption of the creation. This enables the

Two types of mission praxis, which stems of the

faithful to attract the creation towards the

Mar Thoma Churchs liturgical practice, can be

sacramental life as the bees are being attracted by

identified:

flowers.

through the Prayer groups and the regular Holy

The movement of return is the space for

ancillary

internal

organizations

missionary

regular

formation

Qurbana liturgical practice.

the churchs witness in the world. The church

goes forth to the world to witness the Holy

Prayer groups role in forming

Qurbana experience that the church experiences

missionaries

The Mar Thoma Church Order of Worship for Holy

Qurbana and Other Sacraments and Rites, 65. .

The prayer group meetings, in which the

community living and the need for mission
13

outside (kerygma) and mission inside the church

extend their witness, service and liturgy in the

(didache) emphasized as an extension of the

world. Through the faithful members sacramental

liturgical witness and the regular liturgical

witness the faithful hasten the transformation of

celebration, which is considered to be the kernel

the world towards the churchs futuristic hope of

of the economy of salvation, by the church. The

the parousia. This mode of Christian mission is

prayer group experience refers to the effort of the

beyond the process of communicating the faith

church to experience spontaneity and the internal

through verbal communication. This paradigm of

learning process within the church, in its local

mission is not in compliance with the mission

levels, regularly through the prayer groups. The

paradigm,

prayer groups meet regularly once a week at

transmission of religious convictions, doctrines

homes of its members for prayer, fellowship and

and morals to those who do not follow the same.

for the Biblical expositions. For the purpose of

It calls the faithful to practice the liturgical life in

fulfilment of its mission, the church is divided

the market place, as a witness of Christs

into several prayer groups, made up of families

redemption.

which

believe

mission

as

the

residing in a particular geographical location. The

regular meetings of the prayer groups are aimed

Mission approach

at educating the people within the church through

Practicing this mission paradigm, the Mar

Biblical teachings and expositions, and through

Thoma Church, follows a distinct way of mission,

extending fellowship, the faith of the church and

which is an inclusivist approach, in which other

thereby, helping the church to keep the faith in its

missionary

local level vibrant. This teaching process of the

acknowledged and included in its mission praxis.

church for mission directs the faithful to be

When the church celebrates the liturgy, the

responsible for their mission within the church

church proclaims its commitment to sacrifice and

and to the world. Within the prayer group the

to invite men and creation to the church together

church

for the

with the churchs futuristic hope of her final union

running of its mission fields together with the day

with God in parousia. This paradigm of mission

to day ministry of the church. Under the auspices

aimed at facilitating the world to think about the

of the ancillary organisations of the Church, the

uniqueness of the mission of God revealed in

same process of faith formation is being initiated.

Christs redemption. In other words Christian

The prayer group meetings teach the faithful

witnessing is primarily the sharing of the

members of the church that every member of the

redeeming existence and experience in Christ in

church need to witness Christ in the world.

the world. This is a sacramental presence of Jesus

collects resources regularly

experiences

and

methods

are

in the church for the transformation of the world.

Way to equip the faithful
The regular Holy Qurbana

In this process of witnessing, the place for the

liturgical

numerical growth of the members through

practice on all Sundays, the days of the fast and

conversion is not considered as primary objective.

feasts and on the special occasions of the church,

But the primary objective is to witness Christ in

brings the faithful to the Holy Qurbana in order to

the market place through a sacramental living.

find resources that are essential to equip

themselves to bear Christs witness to the world.
The liturgical celebration compels the faithful to
14

Conclusion
Thus the liturgy calls the faithful to shape
their daily work in the market place, in such a way
to resemble the nature, structure, symbols,
prayers and postures of the liturgy and to extend
the liturgical life in the faithful members daily
work. In this sense, faithful members work in the
market place is an extension of his worship

MAR ATHANASIUS, MAR

THEODOSIUS, MAR
COORILOS TWENTYFIVE
YEARS IN EPISCOPACY OF
THE MAR THOMA CHURCH
Lal Varghese, Esq., Dallas

experience in the church. Thus the Mar Thoma

A Church, believed to be found by St. Thomas, the

Churchs life is characterized by its participation

Apostle of Jesus Christ, in A. D. 52 in Kerala has

in the witness, worship and service.

grown as a global Church. Now, the Mar Thoma

Church has 1236 parishes and congregations

Rev. Dr. Joseph Daniel

around the world, 831 active priests, and 179

Vicar, Salem Mar Thoma Church, Kumbanadu

retired priests living and serving in different parts

Lecturer (part-time), Mar Thoma Theological

of the world. The total membership of the Church

Seminary, Kottayam

is about 1.5 million people. The Church has

thirteen Bishops and thirteen dioceses. In its
mission statement, it is stated that The Church
should be the repository of the divine doctrines
revealed by Jesus Christ and proclaimed by His
Apostles. It should maintain these doctrines in
their purity and to promote the spiritual life of its
members

through

the

administration

of

sacraments and by the ministry of the Word of

God. The mission of the Church is to make
disciples of all nations by the proclamation of the
Gospel to the world. As fire exists by burning, a
Church exists by its mission and Mar Thoma
Church is truly a missionary Church; it has
expanded its missionary activities to Mexico and
among Native Americans under the Diocese of
North America & Europe. As part of the Navathy
celebrations the Diocese has built about 60
houses in the Colonia Mar Thoma in Mexico for
the resettlement of the fishermen of the islands in
Mexico.
As stated by World Council of Churches, while
retaining many of the traditional characteristics of
the ancient Eastern Church, the Mar Thoma
Church keeps very close relations with Christian
Churches in other parts of the world. It is in full
15

communion with the Churches of the Anglican

Church on December 9, 2014. They were

Communion and maintains special relations with

consecrated as Episcopas of the Mar Thoma

the Church of England, the Episcopal Church in

Church on December 9, 1989 at Thiruvalla by

the USA and the Anglican Churches in Australia

Most

and Canada, as well as with the United Church in

Metropolitan. The COMPE, its general body,

Australia. In India, the Joint Council of the

executive committee, parishes in Europe region,

Church of North India, the Church of South India

its members and Vicars, executive committee

and the Mar Thoma Church has been renamed as

members of the parishes, organizations, prayer

the Communion of Churches in India (CCI) in

groups pray that God may continue to keep our

2000 as a further step towards visible unity. The

beloved Thirumenis in His providence so as to

Mar Thoma Church is fully involved in the

continue their faith journey and lead our Church

ecumenical movement and stands for active

in to the future so that Gods name will be

cooperation with other Churches, as for example

glorified.

for the re-building of the Nilackal Church in

Geevarghese Mar Athanasius

Kerala, a place where it is believed that St.

Thomas established one of the Churches in A. D.
52.
Mar Thoma Church has always been blessed with
leaders with vision and faith who led the Church
with

prayerful

commitments.

Rt.

diligence
Rev.

and

selfless

Geevarghese

Mar

Athanasius, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar

Theodosius and Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar
Coorilos, three of our Bishops have completed
twenty-five years as Episcopas of the Mar Thoma

Rev.

Dr.

Alexander

Mar

Thoma

Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Episcopa

(Rev. C. I. George) belongs to Chirayilkandathil
family in Nedumpram, Thiruvalla. He was born
on April 26, 1944 to C. I. Idiculla and Achiyamma.
After graduation from Mar Thoma College,
Tiruvalla, Thirumeni obtained his bachelors
degree in theology from Leonard Theological
College, Jabalpur, MP, India. Thirumeni served as
Vicar of many Parishes including Mumbai,
Kottayam, and Madras. Thirumeni was ordained
as a Deacon on May 3, 1969 and was ordained as a
priest (Kassissa) on June 14, 1969. Later,
Thirumeni

was

ordained

as

Ramban

on

November 4, 1989, and consecrated as Episcopa

on December 9, 1989 along with Rt. Rev. Dr. Dr.
Geevarghese Mar Theodosius and Rt. Rev. Dr.
Euyakim Mar Coorilos. From 1975 to 1976
Thirumeni was at Toronto, Canada for higher
studies in theology. Thirumeni served as Diocesan
Bishop of Bombay-Delhi Diocese, Diocese of
Kottayam-Kochi, and presently in charge of
Ranny-Nilackel

Diocese

since

2001.

Mar

Athanasius served as Vice President of the

Governing Board of Leonard Theological College,
Jabalpur and as President of the National
Missionary Society. Recently, Thirumeni has not
16

been enjoying good health and let us continue to

in charge of several parishes including Mumbai,

pray for his full recovery.

Calcutta, Toronto and Nanthancode and he served

as

director

of

Thomas

Mar

Athanasius

Orientation Centre, Manganam. He was ordained

Geevarghese Mar Theodosius

as a Ramban on November 4, 1989 and as

Episcopa

on

December

9,

1989.

Upon

consecration as Episcopa he was given charge of

Kunnamkulam- Madras Diocese. Thereafter he
served as Episcopa of Trivandurm-Quilon diocese
and of Chennai - Bangalore and MalaysiaSingapore

&

Australia

Dioceses.

Presently,

Thirumeni is serving as Episcopa of the Diocese of

North America and Europe from January 2009.
Mar Theodosius is a scholar and his books on
reform Movements in Kerala and their impact on
socio-economic and religious life of the people
have

made

mark

in

academic

circles.

Thirumenis quietness and meditative lifestyle is

worth emulating. Thirumeni is a visionary and
engaging administrator; he has brought in many
significant changes in the Diocese of North
America and Europe. Let us thank God for his
Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar

Theodosius

vision and mission.

Episcopa (Rev. George Jacob) was born on

February 19, 1949 at Ashtamudi, Kerala to Dr. K.
J. Chacko and Mary Chacko of Ashtamudi

Euyakim Mar Coorilos

Kizhakkechakkalayil. Mar Theodosius studied at

Baselious College, Kottayam and Mar Thoma
College

Thiruvalla.

After

completing

his

bachelors degree in Science, he joined Leonard

Theological College in Jabalpur, MP, India and
took BD Degree in 1972. Thirumeni was ordained
as Deacon on June 24, 1972, and as Kassissa on
February 24, 1973. In 1980 Thirumeni took
Masters Degree in Comparative Religions from
Visva Bharathi University and Doctorate from Mc
Master University, Hamilton, Canada in 1986.
Thirumenis dissertation for his Ph.D Change
and Continuity in the Religious Life of Ezhavas in
the South Travancore is an expression of his
academic discipline. From 1973 onwards he was
17

Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa

(Rev. Euyakim I. Cheeran) was born on Nov. 25,
1951 at Kumnamkulam to Cheeranveettil Itty
Mani

Ittyachenkunju

and

Saramma.

After

Pillars of Ecumenical Unity &

Harmony
Swami Sachidananda Bharathi

completing his bachelors degree from Sacred

Introduction

Heart College, Thevara, Cochin and masters

Christian faith is the faith in the active living

degree

in

science

from

Christ

College,

Iringalakuda, Trissur, Thirumeni joined Mar

Thoma Theological Seminary at Kottayam for
theological

education.

After

completing

his

theological studies, Thirumeni was ordained as a

Deacon on April 29, 1978 and as a Kassissa on
May 16, 1978. Later he served as priest at Mar
Thoma parishes at Jalahali, Kottayam Jerusalem,
Palarivattom, Mumbai - Colaba, Staten Island,
NY, Grater Washington, Philadelphia Bethel,
Baltimore and Florida. On November 4, 1989, he
was ordained as a Ramban and on December 9,

presence of God and His Christ in human history

1989, he was consecrated as Episcopa. Thirumeni

and in our individual lives to lead us to our final

served as diocesan Episcopa at Adoor-Mavelikara

destiny in Gods plan. It shines forth in the face of

Diocese (1990-1997), Ranni-Nilackel Diocese

adversity. It gives us strength to face and

(1997-2001) and also at Diocese of North America

overcome the trials and tribulations of life in this

& Europe (2001-2008), Kottayam Kochi Diocese

world. This

(2008-2011) and as Sahaya Methran at Nirnam-

Christianity. Christians are called to be at their

Maramon

best when the world is at its worst.

Diocese

(2012-2013).

Presently

is

the beauty

and power

of

Thirumeni is serving as Diocesan Episcopa of the

Unfortunately, Christianity today seems to have

(13th

lost much of its spiritual vitality and moral

Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church) since

strength. The Gospel of Christ is a Gospel of love

December 2013. He has served as the president of

and peace. But the conflicts and contradictions

Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam, Chairman

within and among the various denominational

of the Vaideeka Selection Committee, manager of

Churches in the world today are great scandals for

Mar Thoma Schools Board. Thirumeni was also

Christ and Christianity.

the first President of the Dayara and Sanyaasini

The Church of Lord Jesus Christ has to urgently

Samooham of the Mar Thoma Church. Let us

undergo a spiritual revitalization and moral

pray that God will continue to bless Thirumeni for

regeneration. However, in order to respond

His work in healing this wounded world.

effectively to this call of the Holy Spirit, the

newly formed Kottarakkara-Punlur Diocese

different Christian Churches will have to let go of

many of their worldly pursuits. They will have to
become a spiritually united Universal Church of
Love and Peace built on the strong foundation of
an ecumenical spirituality of forgiveness and
18

reconciliation. This will demand a return to the

to begin from the east with India as its epicentre.

source and center of the Christian faith in the

Just as the institutionalization of Christianity had

Crucified and Risen Lord and in His forgiving,

begun from Rome, the most powerful civilization

enduring and self-sacrificing love that found its

of the first century, the spiritualization of

perfection in His suffering and death on the cross.

Christianity

This was the Christu Marga, the Way of Christ,

Christians in India

has

to

begin

from

St.Thomas

that was preached in India, the ancient land of

religions, by St. Thomas, the Apostle of Lord

Indian Roots of Christianity

Jesus Christ in 52 AD, much before Europe was

Contrary to historical facts, Christianity in India is

Christianized.

still being considered as a western religion

Our efforts should not be to create yet another

brought to this country by European Christian

Church.

many

Missionaries. The historical facts are that Lord

denominational Churches in the world today. The

Jesus Christ and Christianity were born in west

divisions and conflicts among them are hindering

Asia, and the Christian faith was first brought to

the path, the truth and the life that our Lord

India not by western Christian missionaries but

Jesus Christ presents to humanity. What is

by St. Thomas the Apostle, a direct disciple of

urgently required in this era is not adding to the

Lord Jesus Christ, in 52 AD, much before it was

hardware of Christianity but discovering a more

established in Rome, and centuries before Europe

effective and fruitful software for spiritual unity

was converted to Christianity.

and regeneration of Christianity.

St. Thomas the Apostle was by far the most

The Universal Church that our Lord Jesus Christ

courageous and intelligent disciple of Lord Jesus

initiated on the rock of Peter has survived the

Christ. While other disciples were afraid and were

trials and tribulations of history, and still

gathered together behind locked doors after the

continues to be a living force in the world even in

crucifixion and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ,

this

21st

We

have

already

too

century of its chequered history. The

Thomas had gone out into the city courageously.

power of the living Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit

Hence, when the Lord appeared to His disciples

of God, has ever been protecting and upholding

who were gathered behind the locked doors,

the Universal Church, in spite of the many failures

Thomas was not there with them. The other

and inadequacies of the various denominational

disciples told him about the Lord appearing to

Chruches and their members, for a specific

them. But Thomas refused to believe them unless

mission in this world. The new Pope, Pope

he saw and touched the Divine Master himself.

Francis, is calling the Christian Churches today to

The Lord granted him this privilege next time

return to their roots in the Risen Christ and His

when He appeared to His disciples eight days

Cross. Our aim should be to respond creatively to

later (Ref. Jn 20: 19-28). This personal encounter

this call of the Holy Spirit with all our heart, all

with the Risen Christ made Apostle Thomas to

our mind, all our soul and all our strength.

proclaim My Lord and my God, the strongest

The institutionalization of Christianity had begun

ever proclamation of faith found in the four

from the west with Rome as its epicenter after

Gospels. It also developed in him a deep personal

Emperor Constantine made Christianity the

experience of the Risen Christ.

official religion of the Roman empire. But I do

Apostle Thomas had travelled the farthest and

believe that the spiritualization of Christianity has

reached Kodungalloor in Kerala coast in 52 A D,

19

within two decades after the crucifixion and

He called us his disciples to build the

resurrection of his Divine Master. He did not

Kingdom of God of love, unity, peace and joy

preach Christianity in India or convert people to

on earth through our own self-transformation.

the Christian religion. He had only preached the

He did not ask us to convert people to

Christu Marga, the Way of Christ, as the basis

Christianity. But his call was for a conversion

of the Christian faith and invited people to accept

of our hearts to God.

Christs Way of forgiving, enduring and self-

Promoting this Kingdom of God of love, unity,

sacrificing love and make it the basis of their life.

peace and joy on earth without religious

The Portuguese missionaries who reached India

conversion and cultural alienation is the

in 15th century A D brought Christianity to India

spiritual mission that we the disciples of Lord

and began converting people to this Europeanized

Jesus Christ in the world are called to

colonial Christianity. Their first targets for

undertake in the 21st century.

conversion were those who had accepted the

The mission and message of Lord Jesus Christ

Christu Marga from St. Thomas the Apostle.

were centered on the vision of the Kingdom of

The disciples of Christ in India today are called to

God. The term Kingdom of God appears

rediscover the Indian roots of the Christian faith

more than 125 times in the New Testament.

brought to this ancient land of religions by St.

The Lord presented this vision to His disciples

Thomas, the Apostle for India, and build truly

and followers in many ways using many

Christian and truly Indian Churches on the strong

parables in order to drive home this one truth.

foundation of an ecumenical spirituality of

The sum and substance of His mission and

harmony and peace. I have tried to present below

message was the Kingdom of God. He also

the four pillars of such a spirituality of ecumenical

presented Himself as the way, the truth and

harmony as I have developed them in my own

the life of this Kingdom of God (Jn 14:6).

quest for harmony and peace in India.

The term Kingdom of God represents a vision

of the highest experiential state of love, unity,

Four Pillars of Ecumenical Unity &

peace and joy beyond time and space

Harmony

limitations. This is a vision shared by most

religious traditions of humankind, though

1. The first pillar of ecumenical unity &

different religions use different terminologies

harmony according to me will be the

and imageries to represent this one ultimate

vision of the Kingdom of God .

goal of human life.

In our Indian context we can refer to the

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His

Kingdom of God as Dharma Rajya. The word

righteousness, and all these things will also

Dharma comes from the Sanskrit root dhr

be given to you. (Mt 6:33)

meaning to hold together, to unite, to

integrate. Dharma is that which holds

Kingdom of God was the vision and mission

together, that which unites, that which

of our Lord Jesus Christ. He wanted us to love

integrates. Love is the basis of such an abiding

one another as He had loved us (Jn 15:12,13).

unity and integration. Peace is its fruit. Where

He prayed for our unity (Jn 17:20,21). He gave

there is love, unity and peace, there will exist

us His peace (Jn 14:27) and His joy (Jn 15:11).

abiding joy. Hence, Dharma can be seen as

20

an integral concept built on the corner stones

3. The third pillar of ecumenical unity &

of love, unity, peace and joy. The term

harmony is the Way of Christ (Christu

Dharma Rajya implies a nation/world of

Mrga)to the Kingdom of God.

love, unity, peace and joy. It is also physical

expression on earth of the Kingdom of God

A new commandment I give to you, that you

preached by Lord Jesus Christ. This is an

love one another: just as I have loved you,

inclusive vision that can be shared by all

you also are to love one another. By this all

theistic religions.

people will know that you are my disciples, if

you have love for one another. (Jn 13: 34,

2. The second pillar of ecumenical unity &

35)

harmony will be the Sermon on the

Mount (Christu Dharma)

But I say unto you, Love your enemies and

pray for those who persecute you, so that you

Everyone then who hears these words of

may be sons of your Father who is in

mine and does them will be like a wise man

heaven. (Mt 5: 44, 45)

who built his house on the rock. (Mt 7: 24)

This is my commandment, that you love one
The Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5, 6 & 7) is the

another as I have loved you. Greater love has

compendium of the teachings of Lord Jesus

no one than this, that someone lay down his

Christ. Together these teachings of Christ can

life for his friends. ( Jn 15: 12, 13)

be termed Christu Dharma. The Christu

Dharma

consists

of

universal

spiritual

During the initial stages of the Kingdom of

principles that can be applied and practiced by

God Movement that was started by Lord Jesus

anyone anywhere anytime.

Christ, His disciples were known as the

followers of the Way (Acts 9:2). This was the

The spiritual results and fruits experienced ay

Way of forgiving, enduring and self-sacrificing

those practicing the Christu Dharma

love.

will

speak for themselves. Any one who follows the

Christu

Dharma

sincerely

is

sure

to

The Way of forgiving, enduring and self-

experience the love, unity, peace and joy of the

sacrificing love taught and demonstrated to

spirit that Lord Jesus Christ offers to his

the world by Lord Jesus Christ is the sure way

disciples.

to the Kingdom of God. In fact, there is no

other way. However, the Christian love has to

Mahatma Gandhi used the Sermon on the

extend to ones enemies and should motivate

Mount (Christu Dharma) as an eternal source

and empower one to lay down ones life for his

of inspiration for himself. Swami Vivekananda

/her friends. This calls for self-sacrifice of the

had declared that even without any religious

highest order. This was what our Lord Jesus

scriptures, the Sermon on the Mount in itself

Christ Himself had demonstrated on the

would be sufficient enough to bring about a

cross. Rising above the agony of death, He

spiritual regeneration of humankind.

prayed for those who crucified Him, Father,

21

forgive them, for they know not what they

peaceless world. A Christian with tensions and

do. (Lk 23: 34)

fears cannot be a true disciple of Lord Jesus

Christ. Dont be afraid was the constant

There is no other way to reach the Kingdom of

reminder of the Lord to His disciples. A

God except through the path of love because

peaceless Christian is a useless Christian.

God is love (1 Jn 4:8). This Way of love was

Fearlessness and peacefulness are to be the

preached in Kerala as the Christu Marga by

two most important visible characteristics of a

St. Thomas the Apostle. The term Christu

true disciple of Christ.

Marga means the Way of Christ. I have

termed this Christu Marga as Sahana Yoga

Forgiveness

and

from an Indian spiritual perspective. The

preconditions to grow in the Peace of Christ,

word Sahana means to suffer, to bear. The

Christu Shanti, and for establishing a culture

term Yoga implies communion with God.

of peace in the world. Promoting forgiveness

Sahana becomes a Yoga when accepted with

and

love. Sahana Yoga is the forgiving, enduring

individuals, families, communities, nations

and self-sacrificing love that will lead us to

and religions

Dharma Rajya. It can never be confined to

disciple of Christ in the modern world (2 Cor

Christians and Christianity. It is a path of love

5: 18,19). This is possible only when the

that will lead us to unity, peace and joy. It is

disciple is united to the Divine Master as a

open and available to anyone anywhere

branch to the vine (Jn 15:5).

reconciliation

reconciliation

within

and

are

among

is the primary ministry of a

anytime. This is also the way to spiritualize

Christianity.

We have developed a Inner Peace Meditation (

referred to as Peace of Christ Meditation) for

4. The fourth pillar of ecumencial unity &

harmony

is

the

Peace

of

enabling people to experience inner peace

Christ

through the Christ-Spirit of forgiveness and

(Christu Shanti) that the world cannot

reconciliation. Many people from different

give or take away from us.

religious traditions have been initiated into

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to

this meditation and their experiences are very

you. Not as the world gives do I give you. Let

inspiring.

not your hearts be troubled, neither let them

Experiential Initiatives

be afraid. (Jn 14. 27)

An ecumenical communion of love termed

Disciples of Christ for Peace (DCP) is founded

Peace be with you. As the Father has sent

and registered by us to work for a culture of peace

me, even so I am sending you. ( Jn 20. 21 )

in the world through ecumenical unity and

harmony, and without religious conversion and

Blessed are the peace-makers, they shall be

cultural alienation. The four pillars of ecumenical

called the children of God ( Mt 5.9)

unity and harmony as outlined above are also the

four pillars the ecumenical communion of DCP.

Peace of Christ liberates us from all tensions

DCP has been serving as the salt of the earth and

and fears. It makes us children of God. We are

light of the world for a number of experimental

sent out as courageous peace-makers in a

22

initiatives promoted by us. Important among

these are:

Swami Sachidananda Bharathi

1. Peace and Value Education & Dharma

Bharathi National Institute

Swami Sachidananda Bharathi is a former

atheist Indian Air Force Squadron Leader turned

2. Second Freedom Struggle of India &

Dharma Bharathi Mission

disciple of Lord Jesus Christ after an encounter

with death in an air accident in 1982. He was

3. Peace of Christ Movement & Dharma

Rajya Satsanghs

born and brought up in a conservative Syrian

Catholic family background in central Kerala.

4. Tyagarchana Shanti Mission & Dharma

Rajya Vedi

Squadron Leader N V John was initiated into

spiritual life in 1984 with the name John

5. Dharma Bharathi Ashram &

Dharma

Bharathi Foundation

Sachidanand. He received Acharya diksha in

1990. Acharya John Sachidanand enterned into

6. Shantivanam with Navasrsuthi Ashram

Sanyasa in 2001. In 2003 he initiated the

7. Eco-Spiritual Tourism & Navasrushti

Bharathi Chaturashrama Sanyasa Parampara

Eco-Spiritual Tourism Society

and took the name Swami Sachidananda

8. Dharma Bharathi School of Forgiveness &

Bharathi. He is also known as Air Force Baba.

Reconciliation for training members of

He has lived-life experiences of the truth,

DCP

goodness

and

beauty

of

four

religions:

Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism.

All these initatives function under the legal

Swami Sachidananda Bharathi has travelled

ownership and moral guidance of Navasrushti

widely and has authored a number of books. He

International Trust which was founded and

was one of the pre-eminent spiritual leaders who

registered by us in 2005.

represented India in the Millennium World

Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders

Conclusion

organized by the United Nations at New York in

It is time for us the disciples of Christ in the

August 2000. He is also the Founder and

world

divisive

Acharya-guru of Disciples of Christ for Peace

Churchianity and make our unique contribution

(DCP), School of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

towards spiritual unity and regeneration of

(SoFaR), Dharma Bharathi Mission (DBM),

Christianity, and towards building a great new

Dharma Rajya Vedi (DRV) and a number of

world of peace, prosperity and happiness. In

other organizations and institutions.

order to fulfill this historic mission, we will need

Swamiji now lives in Navasrushti Ashram,

an ecumenical spirituality of unity, harmony and

Shantivanam, near Nagpur. He is involved in a

peace built on the four pillars as indicated above.

ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation in

In, with and through a spiritually united and

India, especially among disciples of Lord Jesus

regenerated Christianity, we will be able to build a

Christ and members of the RSS.

to

liberate

ourselves

from

culture of peace and sustainable development on

E-mail: swamisachidananda@gmail.com &

earth which will lead humanity towards realizing

Mobile 09947992746 / 07709796805

the vision of the Kingdom of God, Dharma Rajya,

on earth.
23

Episcopal Ministry- A
Sacramental Representation
of Jesus Christ
Revd Eapen Abraham*
J. Dwight in his book Designed to be like Him

lived up to their calling and we are proud to be

shares a beautiful story. Late one night a

part of the Church under their able leadership.

salesman drove into a strange city and tried to get

a room in a hotel. The clerk informed him that

Etymology of the Word Episcopa

there was no vacancy. Disappointed, he started to

leave the lobby when a dignified gentleman

The word episkopos was first used in Greek

offered to share his room with him. Gratefully the

literature for one who kept a watch over a country

traveller accepted his kindness.

or a people or even a treaty or an agreement.

Later on it became the title for the official who

Just before retiring, the man who had shown such

was sent from Athens, the capital of Greek

hospitality knelt and prayed aloud. In his petition

Empire, to its dependent states. The word was

he referred to the stranger by name and asked the

used in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the

Lord to bless him. Upon awakening the next

Old Testament, for overseers, officers

morning, he told his guest it was his habit to read

governors (2Chr 24, 11; Neh 11, 9; 12, 42). The

the Bible and commune with God at the beginning

verb episkeptomai was used for Gods loving

of each day, and he asked if he would like to join

supervision and solicitous care for the land of

him. The Holy Spirit had been speaking to the

Israel in Deut. 11:12.

and

heart of this salesman, and when his host tactfully

confronted him with the claims of Christ, he

When we look in the New Testament we observe

gladly received the Savior.

that the term episkopos is used five times:

As the two were ready to part, they exchanged

a. 1 Peter 2:25 describes Jesus Christ as the

business cards. The new believer was amazed to

guardian (episkopos) of the souls of the

read, William Jennings Bryan, Secretary of

believers along with his role as their

State.William Jennings Bryan was not only the

shepherd (poimen). The two roles of

Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson, but

Christ

more importantly he was an ambassador for

ascribed to the elders of Ephesus in Pauls

Christ.

speech to them in the Acts 20:28. This has

(episcopos

and

poimen)

are

an Old Testament background also when

Representing Christ in all the walks of life is a

Joshua was elected Moses prayed to God

responsibility entrusted to all those who have

to give Israel a leader and shepherd.

taken up this vocation. On this occasion when our

b. In the opening sentence of Pauls Epistle

beloved Thirumenis celebrate their Episcopal

to the Philippians he addresses the

Silver Jubilee I am greatly indebted to write this

bishops (episcopoi) along with the

meditation. I believe all our Thirumenis have

deacons (diakonoi).
24

c. In 1 Timothy 3:1 we read about the

measures both his attitudes and his behavior. The

qualities of an episcopos of the early

threefold office of Christ gives content and

Church, which include sensibility, dignity,

definition to the kind of the ministry the Episcopa

hospitality, scholarship, gentle behaviour,

is to offer to the people of God.

management skills etc.

d. In his letter to Titus St. Paul says that a

Episcopal life is a participation in the priesthood

bishop (episcopos), is Gods steward and

of Jesus Christ. This is the basis for the identity of

he must be blameless, hospitable, lover of

an Episcopa. An Episcopa is a living image of

goodness, master of himself, upright, holy

Christ the Priest. The essential feature of the

and self-controlled and he must not be

priesthood of Christ is revealed in his redemptive

arrogant,

violent,

self-giving and self-sacrifice. In this sense,

drunkard or greedy (Titus 1:7-8). He must

Episcopa is called to prolong the presence of

hold firm to the sure word as taught, so

Christ, the One High Priest, embodying His way

that he may be able to give instruction in

of life and making Him visible in the midst of the

sound doctrine and also to confute those

people entrusted to his care. In this way, the

who contradict it (Titus 1:9).

Episcopa becomes a sacramental representation

quick-tempered,

of Jesus Christ, the Shepherd.

All these mentioned above are administrative
duties. But it should be borne in our minds that

Through the administration of the Sacraments an

the administrative duties can also become a

Episcopa is entrusted to encourage his people to

hindrance for their study and meditation. Some

deepen their love for Christ the Good Shepherd,

bishops are exhausted by attending committees

pattern their hearts on His, and be ready to go out

after committees. Therefore the Church as a

as His image into the highways of the world to

whole has to rethink about the rank as well as

proclaim to humankind that Christ is the way, the

functions of an episcopos. He is different from a

Truth and the life. The Episcopa, who is called to

priest and a deacon not simply in the vestments

be a living image of Jesus Christ, is asked to

but in his identity. This should be widely

reflect in himself, as far as possible the human

understood and respected. Once the whole

perfection which shines forth in the incarnate Son

Church acknowledge not only their apostolic

of God.

succession but also their apostolic authority

things will be different. Let each one do his own

Participation in the Priestly Life of Christ

duty; the priests should perform all parish duties

and

the

committees

should

fulfil

their

The priesthood of Jesus is not mere ritual

responsibilities. Bishops may stand at the top as

sacrifice, but the offering of His entire life to God.

Jesus Christ is the head of the Church.

The

priestly

and

kenotic

dynamism

so

characteristic of Jesus own life is at the very core

Participation in the Priestly Ministry of

of the Christian identity. A call to the Episcopacy

Christ

is a call to continue Christs priestly life which

The priesthood of Jesus Christ is expressed as the

reached its culmination in his sacrifice on Calvary.

perfect priesthood and his priesthood is eternal.

Christ is the touchstone by which the Episcopa
25

The special relation of an Episcopa to Christ bases

relationship to Christ is his relationship to the

itself on the particular grace that he receives on

Church. His relationship to the Church finds its

the day of his ordination to the priesthood. This

source and inspiration in his relationship to

grace moulds the very being of the newly ordained

Christ. In fact the two are so closely and

bishop. The unifying criterion of the life of the

intrinsically related that the bishops relationship

priest, who is configured to Christ, Head and

to the Church is inscribed in his relationship to

Shepherd should be the love of Jesus to the flock.

Christ. In the Church and on behalf of the Church,

Like Jesus, the bishop should seek to let the Holy

bishops are a sacramental representation of Jesus

Spirit create with him a shepherds heart. His

Christ, showing his loving concern to the point of

love for Christ should lead him to love the flock as

a total gift of self for the flock. The bishop thus is

Christ Himself loved it, dedicating Himself

a visible continuation and sacramental sign of

completely to it through his daily self-offering.

Christ in his own position before the Church and

the world.

A concrete way of life evolving from this is the life

of obedience, chastity and poverty, the self-

Conclusion

expressions of the total self-emptying of Christ.

The life of a bishop should provide his flocks the

All the bishops of today and of tomorrow must

possibility

resemble Christ. They should imitate the sinless,

of

re-living

the

experiences

of

formation which our Lord provided for the Twelve

humble,

self-sacrificing,

a sharing of life with Jesus. This formation

affectionate,

should lead his people to be active members for

understanding life of Christ. They should be living

the building up of the church in union with

transparent images of Christ the Shepherd.

available,

poor,

obedient,

co-operative

and

suffering Christ and with the other brothers and

sisters in the church who are sharing in the

There can be no higher goal. There can be no

Lords passion. It is a re-living of the Pauline

higher ambition. There can be no higher purpose

experience that I complete what is lacking in

than to live Jesus Christ so that people may know

Christs afflictions for the sake of His body, that is,

the Father. The activity of the Episcopa as taking

the church. (Col.1:24).

the place of Christ and instrument of Christ will

be more perfect and influential, when he depends

Participation in the Solicitude of Christ

and conforms himself more to Christ the Good

Jesus came to reveal to the world the parenthood

Shepherd.

of God who invites human beings as His

children, to share His own divine life. The

May the Lord bless our beloved Tirumenis to live

bishops are led by Christ into the service of God

out and be true representative of the Master who

the Father and of all people. The meetings with

has entrusted this great vocation.

the fatherly love of God by their life of prayer and

contemplation, bishops help the people to give

Revd Eapen Abraham was previously the vicar

themselves to others.

of St. Johns Mar Thoma Church, Hounslow,

London. Achen is now serving as the vicar of St.

The fundamental relationship of the bishops is

Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Karol Bagh, New

with

Delhi.

Christ.

Intimately

linked

with

this

26

History
The Origins of the Mar
Thoma Church in London:
The Early History (19571960).

Among

Mrs. Sunita Andrew, Tabore MTC, Manchester

them

Mr Verghese

were

Dr

Kovoor,

Verghese
Mr

TK

Chacko,
Chacko

and some good friends. So there was a nucleus of

Mr O.V. Alexander was appointed as the General
Secretary of the Indian YMCA and Hostel,
London in 1957. It was a small, happy and excited
group which set sail for England from India in
April of that year. Accompanying Mr and Mrs
O.V. Alexander and their three children were, Mrs
MG

Abraham

(Sushilla), Mrs

CM

Mathews

(Ponnama), and Miss Molly Thariyan. After 3

weeks of sailing on the SS Carthage they landed at
Genoa and after an overland trip by train arrived
in Dover. The almost month long journey had
been full of fun, laughter and camaraderie. On
arrival in London, Sushilla and Ponnama were
welcomed by their husbands who had come there
for higher studies. Every one went their separate
ways to live in different parts of London and
joined the local churches.

Alexander had the good fortune to meet Rev. V.V.

Alexander from the Mar Thoma church who had
come to England to study counselling and
psychiatry. He was staying on, in order to gain
some practical experience in his field. God has His
plans and we can see in hindsight the mysterious
ways God brings people together for His Glory.
And so it was that when the need was felt to have
a Mar Thoma service there was an Achen at hand.
were

several

other

service. Everyone tried to meet as often as time

permitted, which was not too often. The ladies
especially missed the close bonds that had formed
over the weeks of travel from India and were
happy at the prospect of coming to church service
and meeting with fellow Malayalis.

Once the

possibility of having a Mar Thoma service in

London was mooted, letters were sent to the
Thirumeni seeking his approval and permission.
Rev V.V. Alexander was requested to conduct the
Mar

Thomas

service

once

month.

As General Secretary of the Indian YMCA at

Fitzroy Square, London, Mr. O.V. Alexander was
given quarters on the uppermost (third) floor of
the YMCA building. There was a large terrace
attached to the flat and a small prayer room was

Within a short time of his arrival in England Mr

There

families that wanted to attend a Malayalam

cousins

of

the

Alexanders already in residence in London.

situated adjacent to the apartment. The doors of

the prayer room were kept open round the clock
to enable people to worship any time they wished.
There was no furniture in the room but there was
wall-to-wall carpeting, which gave a chance for
worshippers to sit on the floor and meditate in
true Indian fashion. There was no cross or altar in
the room. Mr. Alexander offered the use of this
room. It was in this prayer room that the first Mar
Thoma service was held.
Service began to be held at regular intervals.
Soon, word of the Mar Thoma service spread far
and wide and a handful of people gathered there
27

for

the Sunday

service. Prayer

books were

procured from India in due course of time and

News

any Malayali who was passing through London

was welcome to join the Service. So we sometimes
had persons from the Orthodox and CSI church
attending the service. Even worshippers who lived
in remote places away from London would
occasionally take the long journey to participate
in the Mar Thoma service. The congregation
also comprised of students who had come to study
at various universities, and two or three married
couples who were working as doctors in nearby
hospitals.
More than anything else Sunday service at the
YMCA was a place where you met and reinforced
bonds which made living in England less strange
and lonely. Church service was followed by cups
of hot coffee, cakes and biscuits lovingly passed
around by Mrs Anna Alexander. It was a time of
talking, laughing and sharing your experience in a
strange land.
Mr. O.V. Alexander returned to India in January
1960. However, the seed that was planted there
during Mr. Alexander's tenure and through his
initiative, continued to grow from strength to
strength and we praise the Lord for that.

The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian

Church

Sabha Directory-2015Released
The Fourth edition of the Malankara Mar Thoma
Sabha Directory published by the Mar Thoma
Syrian Church in 2015 provides an encyclopedic
knowledge of the mission and ministry of the
Church in its contemporary contexts. It is a very
humble attempt undertaken under the patronage
of the Sabha Council, the supreme administrative
body of the Church and gives up-to-date valid
information about its origin tracing to its historic
legacy and tradition back to A.D.52 when the
apostle St. Thomas set his feet on the soil of
Malabar.
As the Mar Thoma Syrian Church is a reformed
Church in the Eastern Tradition, an attempt
has been made to preserving the timeless while
adapting to the Times.

According to the late

Metropolitan, Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma, the

heritage of the Church is to be understood and

* This information was provided by Mrs. Sowmini

Thomas of Kochi, Kerala, and Mrs. Mary
Abraham of Bangalore
(marykabraham@gmail.com), daughters of Mr.
O.V. Alexander, who at the time lived in London
with their parents.

handed down to the future generation as of

apostolic in origin, universal in nature, biblical in
faith, evangelical in principle, ecumenical in
outlook, oriental in worship, democratic in
function

and Episcopal in character.

In the

general articles and the statistical data given in

the Directory, the identity of the Church has been
made known by stating that the Mar Thoma
Church today in its diasporic calling is a strange
combination of Catholicism and Protestantism, of
conservatism and radicalism, of traditionalism in
28

worship and revivalism in preaching. The

conquest model of the Portuguese and the Dutch

ecclesial mission of the Church tries its best to

presence in the 16th C. and how the identity of the

comprehend both the Orthodox tradition and the

Malankara Church was kept alive through its

Protestant message. The hallmark of the Directory

Apostolic Succession by divine grace.

lies in its biblical theological, historical and

ecumenical

perspectives

and

The articles included in the Directory both in

communicated to the future community of the

Malayalam and English give us a birds eye view

Faithful through the biographical sketches of the

of the historical heritage of the Church and its

Metropolitans till the

Mar Thoma, His Grace,

shepherding under the Metropolitans, bishops

Dr.Joseph Mar Thoma, bishops and laity. The

and Clergy, the deepening of its mission through

calling of the Church to recover the ecumenical

the institutional and parish witness in its local

roots of our beginnings and to appropriate the

and Diaspora contexts. The global ministry of the

ecumenical opportunities that are available to the

Church through its diocesan polity under the care

Church

critical

of 13 bishops, 1050 clergymen, 1225 parishes and

participation of the Church today has been well

a team of evangelists under various institutions of

stated in the Chapter under the title, The

the Church carry on the vibrant missionary calling

Ecumenical

The

of the Church. An attempt has been made to give

Directory gives a blue print of the Ecumenical

brief reports about the parishes under each

legacy

Church

diocese. The hallmark of such a report is to

particularly of its relationship with the SEE of

highlight the witness of the parish under the

Antioch. The arrival of Mar Gregorios of

clergy and the laity of the Church in its local

Jerusalem to the Malankara was a divine

contexts. The articles on the Diaspora parishes

provision to keep alive the Episcopal lineage of

given in the Directory is only a brief sketch of

the Church and the consecration of Mar Thoma I

their universal and local calling so as to mark

in the year 1665 was indeed a milestone in the

their allegiance to the Church headquarters at

history of the Syrian Church here. The inclusion

Tiruvalla. The photo album of the clergy and laity

of the photograph of His Holiness Moran Mar

in the Directory is only an attempt to pay

Ignatius Aprem II, the patriarch of Antioch, in

Churchs humble tributes to their pioneering

the Directory with due reverence is a clear

efforts in the annuals of the Church. An attempt

indication of the Ecumenical legacy bequeathed

has been made to up-date the list of clergymen

to the Mar Thoma Syrian church from Antioch.

who served the Church over the years.

In its preface of the fourth edition of the

The Directory is the combined effort of a

Directory, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph

dedicated team under the Chairmanship of

Mar Thoma Metropolitan has well stated the

Rt.Rev.Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa. Very

unique vision and mission of the Mar Thoma

Rev.George Zachariah served as the convener of

Church in its local and universal involvements.

the Directory Committee. Very Rev.P.T.Thomas,

The Metropolitan gives credit to the fraternal

the former Sabha Secretary and Rev.Oommen

relationship between the Malankara and the

Philip, the present Sabha Secretary, the other

Persian Churches. But His Grace has regretfully

office bearers at different periods and quite a few

stated

staff members of the Sabha Office have rendered

through

of

the

21st

preserved

committed

Relations

the Mar

disastrous

and

(Chapter

Thoma

Syrian

consequences

V).

of

the

29

valuable services in promoting the cause. There

are quite a few others who have given their time
and

talents

are

duly

recognized

in

the

New report is wake up call

for rural mission

Mukamozhi of the Convener. The Committee

is greatly indebted to Rev. Abraham Varghese,
Director, Church Animation Centre, Tirumala for
his skilful compilation of the materials under the
D.T.P.Technology so as to bring it out at the time

The Arthur Rank Centre strongly supports the

of the 120th Maramon Convention. It is indeed

research report Released for Mission published

remarkable that Most Rev.Dr.Joseph Mar Thoma

by the Church of England today. It is absolutely

Metropolitan had handed over a complimentary

essential that the Church of England implements

copy of the Directory to the Partriarch of Antioch

the recommendations in Released for Mission

for its release on February 13, 2015 at the

said Arthur Rank Centre CEO Jerry Marshall.

Marmon Convention. The printing work was

The next decade is a make or break time for

undertaken under the care of T.A.M. Press,

continuing rural ministry. Thankfully some rural

Tiruvalla. Rev.Dr.M.J.Joseph and

dioceses are already moving in the right

Rev.Dr. Mathew Daniel served as the Chief Editor

direction.

and Associate editor respectively.

The report points to the importance of the rural
Thanks are due to all those who have given

church (two-thirds of parishes) and to many areas

advertisements to the Directory whose financial

of success, particularly around Fresh Expressions

support was indeed great. Needless to say, parish

and Messy Church. A statistical analysis indicates

priests and others have rendered great service to

that there is no clear link between growth and the

the completion of the Directory project.

number of parishes in a multi-church group; but

lay leadership and an intentional focus on mission

Our feeble literary effort in this Digital era to

are crucial.

bring out a Church Directory is only to light a

candle for the Future generation in keeping

Priorities identified by the report include:

alive the motto of the Church Lighted to

Building a culture of discipleship

Lighten.

Envisioning, enabling and equipping the

Copies of the Directory are available at the

Sabha Office (0469-2630449), and the Mar

ministry of lay people

Thoma Book Depot (0469-2634235).Price:

Single copy Rupees 1000.00& postage

complexity of leading multiple churches

extra.
For the Directory Committee
Rev. Dr. M. J. Joseph, Chief Editor

Effective training for lay and clergy for the

Simplification of governance and legal
structures

Facilitating creative ecumenical

partnerships.

The report outlines findings from a major

research project led by Canon Dr Jill Hopkinson,
the National Rural Officer for the Church of
England.
30

Rural churches of all denominations are not

always aware that they can and do engage in
mission, said Revd Elizabeth Clark, National
Rural Officer for the Methodist Church and the
United Reformed Church. This report highlights
what is happening whilst at the same time
pointing out the challenges that exist, particularly
for Anglican Churches. Many Methodist and URC

Brutal murder of Coptic

Christians in Libya
Statement by His Grace Bishop Angaelos,
General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox
Church in the United Kingdom following
the brutal murder of Coptic Christians in
Libya
15 February 2015

Churches face similar constraints. My hope is that

It is with deep feelings of sorrow

we will look for ways of tackling these obstacles

and pain that we received

together since ecumenism is a mission

confirmation earlier this evening of

imperative.
The National Rural Officers are based at the
Arthur Rank Centre, the churches resource for
rural mission and ministry. We provide training
and resources in leadership and mission, for both
lay and ordained, across denominations, said
Jerry Marshall. But much more needs to be
done. We especially urge national leadership
structures to find ways to reduce the burden of
local governance and to support the creation of
staff posts that address administration, finance,
and facilities management, to release time and
energy for mission.

the brutal murder of Coptic

Christians in Libya at the hands of Daesh (IS).
While every life is sacred and every death tragic,
the particular brutality demonstrated in this
instance and others like it shows not only a
disregard for life but a gross misunderstanding of
its sanctity and equal value in every person.
Our prayers are particularly with the families of
these young Coptic men, who were fathers,
brothers, sons and friends of many within their
tight-knit rural communities, in which their
absence will cause significant loss and sorrow.
Their families are not only deprived of
breadwinners who had travelled to Libya to
support them, but of the joy that they bring when
they return.
While it may seem illogical or incomprehensible,
we also pray for those who have carried out these
horrific crimes, that the value of God's creation
and human life may become more evident to
them, and in this realisation, that the wider
effects of pain brought by this and other acts of
brutality may be realised and avoided. We pray
for an end to the dehumanisation of captives who
become mere commodities to be bartered, traded
and negotiated with.

31

We cannot remember our Coptic brothers without

ASHA BHAVAN

also remembering all those who have lost their

MAR THOMA CARE CENTRE

lives in equally brutal circumstances: journalists,

aid workers, medical staff, religious leaders, a
young pilot and communities that are considered
incompatible with a fringe and intolerant
element.
In the midst of this sorrow however, we must
continue to dig deeper for the joy that comes from
an understanding that this life is but a "vapour
that appears for a little time and then vanishes
away" (James 4:14), and that true glory and joy
are found in an eternal life prepared for all those
who live in and for love and peace.
It is only through this understanding that we can
continue to live according to the words of 1 Peter
3:15 as demonstrated in the life and witness of the
Coptic Church and her children over centuries,
"...always be ready to give a defense to everyone
who asks you a reason for the hope that is in
you..."
News interviews with His Grace regarding the
brutal murder of Coptic Christians in Libya:
BBC World TV Interview
BBC World Service Radio Interview
More can be found via
www.Youtube.com/CopticMediaUK

Introduction
The primary duty of all human beings is to strive
to make this world a better place for all of Gods
creation. Engrossed in and captivated by the
rapidly

developing

modern

technology

and

changing life styles we are seen to fail in this duty.

We tend to forget that the future generations also
have the right to inherit this world in all its beauty
and purity as God Almighty created it. In our mad
rush

to

garner

all material comforts

and

modernism, human values and relationships are

put on the back burner and selflessness is seen to
selfishness.
It is in the light of this present global scenario,
that Asha Bhavan has taken up the challenge of
equipping the under privileged and physically
challenged children to enter the main stream of
society giving a new meaning to their lives and
making them good citizens of our country.
Now another year of life at Asha Bhavan has
passed on with all its sweet memories and bitter
experiences. We praise God for all His blessings
often beyond our expectations. His guiding hands
has brought us through the darkest shadows and
kept us from falling. With a million thanks to God
Almighty for all His abundant blessings we
present this report of Asha Bhavan Mar Thoma
Care Centre of the year 2013-2014.

Breaking News
We thank God for the news that
the Mar Thoma community in
England is forming two new
congregations, one in Canterbury
and another in Cardiff. More
information will be provided in the
July edition.

History
In 1981, when the International Handicap Year
was observed, a historic decision was taken in the
Edathara

Convention

(Konni-Pathanapuram

centre convention at Edathara) to put up the

Marthoma Care Centre in order to rehabilitate
32

the physically challenged and to provide job

leadership of the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev.

oriented training for such men and women. As

Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa. The Local

per the decision the Care Center was started in a

Advisory Committee under the leadership of the

rented building. As part of it, in 1984 the Care

Diocesan Bishop gives advises suggestions and

Centre purchased a piece of beautiful land at

encouragement.

Pidavoor, near Pathanapuram, under the great

President, Director, Treasurer, MDS Secretary,

leadership of Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar

Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Treasurer and the

Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan. After taking

members from the churches of Pathanapuram

six long years for its construction, in 1990, Rt.

Centre nominated by the President.

The

LAC

consists

of

Vice

Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilose kindled the light

for a new dimension and the training centre has

Important Celebrations

now become a hostel for the physically challenged

children, re named as Asha Bhavan Mar Thoma

Asha Bhavan family celebrates all the celebrations

Care Centre. From that time onwards, Asha

like

Bhavan has been working with the sole aim of

Christmas and Republic Day.

Independence

Day,

Onam,

Deepavali,

taking the physically challenged towards the

mainstream of society. We are satisfied with the

Excursion

fact that we were able to promote nearly 420

physically challenged children to forefront of

Every year the children, the staff and the

various spheres of society within the two decades

volunteers go for excursion. In 2014, we went to

of its existence.

Hyderabad. The trip was really a joyful occasion

which included the participation of all children of

At this reporting year, 72 differently abled children

Asha Bhavan.

from Kerala and other states stayed at Asha Bhavan

and had their education. Children from the age

Spiritual Enrichment

of 5 from poor economic background are being

admitted to the institution irrespective of religion,

As part of their routine, the children of Asha

caste and creed. Asha Bhavan includes children

Bhavan conduct worship services both at dawn

from

2nd

std to M.Com

1st

year ( 5 students).

and at dusk, which is made meaningful and

We provide boarding, food, education and health

melodious by the Asha Bhavan choir. On some of

care (including physiotherapy) free of cost,

the Sundays children are invited by various

and 20 staff are sincerely committed to their

churches to participate in worship services, and

service and treatment. Asha Bhavan, which was

on the remaining Sundays, they participate in the

initiated under the ceaseless grace of God

worship service of Pidavoor Bethel church and

with lot of limitations, has now successfully

the Sunday school thereafter.

completed 30 years of its excellence.

Education
Management
The children of Asha Bhavan get their education
Asha Bhavan is managed by the Adoor Diocese of

from the following schools, colleges and other

the MarThoma Syrian Church under the able

institutions: Pathanapuram St. Stephens, college,

33

Institute of Commerce, St. Stephens Higher

One of our urgent needs is the rehabilitation of

Secondary School, St. Stephens High School,

the students who are not able to go back to home.

Mount Tabor High School and L.P.S and the

Datatech Computer Centre. Mr. Sajaya Kumar, a

Rehabilitation and the Future Program.

member of Asha Bhavan passed Masters of Fine

Arts

(M.F.A.)

with

second

class

from

Most of the students have single parent (only

Thripunithura R.L.V. Arts College. Mr. Sajaya

mothers) and are labourers. They are living in

Kumar came over here at Asha Bhavan at the age

poverty, and some of them do not have their own

of six. He does not have both the hands by birth.

houses. In this situation we are planning to

He passed +2 (he wrote the exams by leg) with 2nd

rehabilitate them. And also planning to establish

class. Since he is talented in drawing and painting

an insurance scheme for the present students.

the Center sent him for B.F.A. and after that he

completed M.F.A too. Now he is at Asha Bhavan

We are called and separated as a Church not only

waiting for a job.

to receive Gods grace and care, but also to impart

it to the entire society. Asha Bhavan is the result

Physiotherapy

of our Churchs attempt not to be defeated by

desperate circumstances, but to mould the

With the aim of sustaining their physical health,

differently abled by equipping them to face

the children are being provided with

courageously the various difficult situations and

physiotherapy as part of their routine under the

to overcome boldly the experience by kindling the

guidance of Mr. Prafulla Kumar. An O.P.

light of hope and optimism in them. Let us all

department is being functioned for those with

participate in this endeavor of enriching the

financial crisis.

challenged, strengthening the weak, encouraging

the feeble, realizing their assets and equipping

Agriculture and Related Activities

them to stand in the frontline of society.

Vegetable farming, gardening, rabbit rearing,

Rev. James Thomas

soap and lotion production and other farming

Director

activities are being done here for the physical and

mental nourishment of the children.
Source of Income
The Mar Thoma Churches within India and
abroad, Church members, well-wishers from
various religions and caste sectors and
different organizations have kind-heartedly
sponsored our children. In addition, various
endowments are established by different
individuals and organizations.

33rd Mar Thoma Family Conference

34

rd

33 Mar Thoma Family Conference UK & Europe 2015

Theme: Whose Image do we reflect?

Christ versus the gods of our life!
Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. Luke 4:8

Date:
August 21 to 23, 2015
Location: Yarnfield Park Conference Centre
Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0NL
Our Leaders
Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar
Theodosius Episcopa is in charge of the
North America & Europe Diocese.
Our beloved Thirumeni, our shepherd
graces us with his spiritual leadership.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethos

Episcopa is in charge of the Mumbai
Diocese.
A witty, popular multi-lingual speaker
and a deeply spiritual man of God. He
will lead the adult sessions.
Jose Philip is Regional Director (APAC),
with Ravi Zacharias International
Ministries.

Logo designed by Rev. Jose Punamadam

Host: St. Johns Mar Thoma Church

London. UK
Vicar: Rev. Jose Punamadam
Convenor: C. Isaac George
Registration queries to
Ajit Thomas & Dr. Gina Thomas
registration@stjohnsmtc.org.uk
http://www.stjohnsmtc.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/mtceuropefamily
conference2015

He gave up a cushy corporate job to

delight in the Lord. An itinerant bi-lingual
speaker, he is at his best in Q&As and
discussions with the youth.

The Family Conference team have been active in promoting

the conference among the various parishes & congregations
in UK & Europe. The team has already visited 5 churches
and intends to complete visiting all the parishes &
congregations including Germany & Switzerland by the end
of May 2015.
The conference centre can host up to 600 delegates. The
registration for the conference will close on the 30th of June,
2015.
Please keep the conference in your prayers, especially our
leaders and pray for all who will attend the conference.

Officially launching the Registration.

Jose Achen hands over the first form to
senior most member of St. Johns MTC,
Mr. T.C. George
35

Go out into Eastville and

preach the good news

bring people to Him. Are we ready for this life of

The word missionary often brings to mind the

While Saturday afternoon involved our guest

image of someone who has moved to a different

speaker for the day, Bishop Lee Rayfield

country to spread the Gospel. While it does

(Suffragan Bishop of

include this, in truth we are all missionaries

members from both parishes attending a local

wherever God has placed us. Reaching out to our

pub quiz, Saturday evening saw the church open

local communities is on the agenda of our Mar

its doors to its neighbours. While the Church can

Thoma mission strategy, among projects in India,

often seem like a foreign community to non-

Mexico etc. On Friday 6th and Saturday 7th March

church goers, what better way to communicate

adventure? God has promised us His power to be

His witnesses in pointing others to Jesus.

Swindon), and other

2015, St Thomas Mar Thoma church in Bristol

was involved in the neighbourhood mission of our
local area of Eastville. The programme was a joint
effort between our parish and St Annes, our
partner church.
The two day event was split into, first, an evening
of equipping the church to be mission-focused,
and then the actual reaching out and inviting
them in. All this was preceded by several weeks
worth of prayer, prayer walks and raising
awareness locally of the upcoming events.

the message that were just as human as them,

than by sharing with them the things that are core

Friday night was a challenge to the Church

to us all: good music and good food! The evening

presented by Reverend Johnny Douglas, an

started and ended with live music by Bristol-

Imagine Associate at the London Institute for

based singer-songwriter, Robin Mitchell and his

Contemporary Christianity. Revd Douglas spoke

band

on the theme of Not a fortress Church, but a

atmosphere. And the food was Indian, but not too

missionary people. His talk was down to earth

spicy!

and

it

provided

an

approachable

and it was evident that he was preaching what he

himself was living; moving out of his comfort zone

In between, Bishop Lee gave a talk where he

to reach out to those around him. How true his

included some parts of his testimony and shared

message that every action of ours is done either

his thoughts, centred on the theme of A life worth

out of fear or out of love. In fear we group

living. He spoke about the differences in how we

ourselves in our fortress Church but with Christs

view ourselves and how God sees us, the call that

love in us we can step out to be a missionary

God has on each of our lives that makes it worth

people. And each one of us called by Him is being

living, but his underlying message was ultimately

used continuously in multiple ways as links in a

about Gods love for us. It was short and simple

chain of events, which we cant always see, to

and in an age where the Church is perceived to be

36

anti-a lot of things, its the only message the

world really needs to hear.

A Day of Fellowship and

Harmony

After the talk, there was an opportunity to ask

questions. A fair few were asked about mission,

The World Day of Prayer and the Sevika

evangelism, and the one that I guess everyone on

Sanghom Retreat, St.Thomas Mar Thoma

earth wants to know the answer to was asked by a

Church, Bristol

young girl: why cant life be easy?

The Sevika Sanghom members of the St.Thomas
The church wasnt teeming with visitors on

Mar Thoma Church, Bristol, recently conducted a

Saturday evening, but the mission was still a

combined World Day of Prayer and a Sevika

success because the Church successfully did what

Sanghom retreat in the premises of a church hall

God asked. By inviting people, regardless of

in Weston-Super-Mare, with the members of

whether they came or not, the message would

Weston-Super Mare playing hosts for the day. The

have been spread that the Church wants to be

World Day of Prayer is observed on the first

among the community, not locked away in our

Friday of March every year. For reasons of

fortress. And those who did attend and heard the

convenience,

message of Gods love would have hopefully also

St.Thomas Mar Thoma church

seen this message in action through the serving

annually on the first Saturday of the month of

heart of the Church and taken this home with

March. The annual theme was prepared and

them. Reiterating Revd Douglass message, the

based on the country of Bahamas, an archipelago

events of Friday, Saturday and the preceding

in the Atlantic Ocean. In the past couple of years,

prayer walks were all links in Gods plan to bring

we have chosen to travel to different destinations

the Gospel to the area of Eastville and beyond.

where our members reside, like Cardiff, Bath and

the

Sevika

Sanghom

of

the

observes it

this year the venue was aptly chosen as Weston

Rev K P Johnson, Mr. Manoj Chacko from the St

Super Mare, the seaside city of the Southwest. The

Thomas Mar Thoma Church and Rev Tina Goede,

hosts, our members of Weston played their part -

Mrs. Carla Macgregor have been instrumental

they were dressed in the local costumes of the

along with members of both parishes in making a

Bahamas and served thematic refreshments like

maiden attempt to reach out to the Gospel into

coconut water and mango juice. Tropical fruits

the neighbourhood of the St Annes Parish,

were kept as dcor pieces in corners of the hall.

Eastville

Calypso music played in the background while the

ladies started to pour in for the days events. Had

Suzanna Abraham

it not been for the cold outside, we could have

St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Bristol

easily transported the session outdoors with the

sun and the sand playing party to the theme!

37

The day began with a worship service.

The

receive. She also vividly explained the setting

worship order prepared by the Mar Thoma church

where Christ washed his disciples feet, conveying

is based on the worship order prescribed by WDP,

the humility required from every one of his

the global organization for the World Day of

followers.

Prayer service. Our members led the service and

discussion that ensued. An hour of intercessory

our vicar, Rev. K.P Johnson offered the blessings.

prayer was subsequently held to pray for the

needs of the Bahamas, of its women, and the

presentation

of

the

countrys

history,

Other members contributed to the

geography, demographics, religion and other

needs of our church and community.

These

relevant details were presented beautifully by one

sessions where the women gather together and

of our members, Mrs. Susie John, who also in her

pray have always brought about a great sense of

slide show, had inputs from her visit to the

power in prayer and of renewed vigour in praying

Bahamas! A country of azure waters, colorful

for each other. Mrs. Annie John Cherian then

flora, friendly people, tax free (!) She made every

hosted a light session of table setting demos,

one of us want to visit the country at some point!

talking about basic principles of fine dining.

Mrs. Smitha Sunil shared the message based on

Lunch was a rather relaxed and enjoyable

the theme of the service- Do you know what I

experience, and the women had a chance to chat

have done to you? from the first seven verses of

and unwind. The afternoon session was filled with

the gospel according to John, Chapter 13. Smitha

laughter and banter as members from Weston

dwelled on the expanse and the radical love of

Super Mare and Cardiff presented skits, based on

Christ that is over arching, free to all who will

biblical themes. We wrapped up with the days

38

events with a delightful afternoon tea. Many of

our members had arrived from different parts of
the Southwest by train, some had travelled right

First woman bishop ordained

in the Church of England

after a night of work, and some were local. It was

a day of fellowship and camaraderie, one which
we women look forward to year after year.
Mrs. Annie John Cherian
Bristol

Condolences
Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, presided over
Mr. John Thomas

the ordination and consecration of Revd Libby

(Johnnychayan

or

Lane, 48, as Bishop of Stockport at a service in

uncle Johnny), who

York Minster on Monday, 26th January 2015. She

had died at 9PM on

is the first woman bishop in the Church

Sunday 22nd March

England. The debate over whether to ordain

in

women as bishops has long proved divisive. More

Harrow,

London,

than 100 bishops travelled to York for the service.

aged 84,

was

However tensions over Mrs Lanes consecration

founding

member

of the Sinai MTC,

of

resurfaced last week when Dr Sentamu revealed

he would not lay hands on a male vicar, Fr. Philip

North London. He was one of the earliest settlers

North, about to be made bishop of Burnley,

in this country. He travelled from Kozhencherry

who does not accept the ordination of women as

to Singapore and then to UK in the late

bishops. But rather than have Dr Sentamu lay

1950; he was

hands on him, only two bishops who have never

pillar

of

the

Mar

Thoma

Community and helped in the formation of all our

ordained a woman priest will do so. Although

parishes in this country. He served the Queen and

Bishop Lane is the Church of Englands first

the country by working for the RAF. He was a

woman bishop, within the global Anglican

most charming and devout Christian. He is

Communion there are 30 female bishops, most

survived by his wife, Mrs. Kunjunjamma Thomas,

notably the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal

four children and ten grandchildren. He will be

Church in the US, Dr Katharine Jefferts Schori.

greatly missed. The Mar Thoma Community in

Europe thank God for his life and ministry and
offers our condolences.
May his soul rest in peace.
The Editorial Board.
39

Youth Conference Article

"Prayer changes us. Prayer calls on God to change

circumstances. Prayer is powerful. Prayer brings

1st MarThoma Youth Conference of Europe

It is a great pleasure to announce that the 1st
MarThoma Youth Conference of Europe is taking
place during the summer of 2015. This 3 day
conference being conducted from the 26th June to
the 28th June, 2015 will be held at Cefn Lea Park
& Conference Centre in Wales and the hosts for
this wonderful event are Carmel MarThoma
Youth Fellowship, Liverpool.
The theme selected for this conference is Soar on
wings like eagles taken from Isaiah 40:31. A logo

revival. Prayer transforms God's people and

brings about salvation. Prayer makes us bold for
the Lord." The youths of several MarThoma
Parishes have already initiated a chain prayer
intended for the success of the event; to gather as
a youth community and be spiritually
strengthened with the power and glory of God.
Please pray and partake in this wonderful event.
Thank You,
Youths of Carmel MarThoma Church,
Liverpool

was designed by Miss Rinju Philip, a youth

member of Carmel MTC church, Liverpool, to
represent the chosen theme. Furthermore, it is a
privilege to announce that our beloved diocesan
bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius
Episcopa set in motion this years Youth
Conference by inaugurating the conference logo
on his visit to Liverpool in January 2015.
The conference will be blessed with the presence
of Rev Jameson K. from Dublin, Ireland as a
speaker along with the well renounced Authors
and missionaries Rod Gilbert and Ruthie Gilbert.
Along with the 3 speakers, all the MarThoma
Vicars of Europe have given their full support for
the conference and have shown their interest to
partake in this special occasion committed to help
with spiritual renewal and bring our young people
closer to God.
This conference aims to accomplish and address
the needs of the youths of the MarThoma
community, help them develop the relevant skills
and spiritually dedicate their lives to the Lord.
The conference is to conduct in-depth Bible study
that helps youths know God and equip them to
serve the Church effectively.
40

41

ECHO Garden
~ - Separated - ~
Mozhiyil Annie Joseph

Separated set apart and called

Separated to witness Him
Separated to know His will
Separated to do His work

Happy Easter to
every one
-

From ECHO family

Separated to think, spell, and do good

To save those world from sin
To walk in the right path
The way of truth, justice, love, service
For the redemption of mankind
Separated to light and to be lighted

42