Felicitation to Diocesan Episcopa Dr. Rt Rev Mar Geevarghese Theodosius on 30th Anniversary of Episcopal consecration The Sunday, 8th of December, 2019 was a golden day in the annals of the history of Mar Thoma St Peters Parish, Pune. It was not just a Parish Day alone but had the privilege of holding celebrations for concluding the Platinum Jubilee year of Pune Parish and also for felicitating our most respected Diocesean Thirumeni Mar Theodosius on Lordship’s 30th Anniversary of Episcopal consecration. 76th Parish day meeting started soon after the Holy Qurbana. Our Diocesan Episcopa was the main celebrant for Holy communion service and Chief Guest for the parish day function on this gracious occasion. The program started with a song sung by our Choir followed by prayer by Mr. V. S. Varghese.
The welcome and introductory speech by Vicar, P V Shibu mentioned the unique occasion wherein we are holding all three events together. Shibu Achen expressed thanks to Thirumeni being the main celebrant for the Communion service and also for administering communion to 7 first communicants. The jubilee is for the community to remember the fond memories over the years in strengthening and building a worshipping community faithful to God in his glory. While introducing Thirumeni, Achen mentioned about Episcopa’s commendable contributions to Mar Thoma Church, to Mumbai diocese in particular and zeal for missionary activities. The Parish day program was officially inaugurated by the traditional lighting of the candle by our beloved Bishop along with Vicar and office bearers of the Executive committee. Thirumeni also cut a cake on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Episcopal consecration. Thirumeni enjoyed every moment as children thronged over the cake cutting table to share the cake.
Mr. Varghese Mathew, the parish secretary, in his annual report on the Parish touched on the humble beginning of church in Pune since the formation of early worshipping community way back in 1944 and God’s amazing ways of nurturing the community, inspiring our memories, reinvigorating our minds and strengthening our bonds in the past 75 years of existence. He told the congregation that how the church in the early years comprised of 40 male & 10 female members with an offertory of Rs. 7.47. Today we are close as ever to purchasing the land in front of our church. By this action we are mirroring what our forefathers did for us decades ago, securing the church for future generations. E P Jacob, Vice President, felicitated Thirumeni on Lordship’s 30th anniversary of Episcopal Consecration. The Parish is privileged to have Thirumeni to celebrate this memorable event. A brief account of Thirumeni’s illustrious ministry was touched upon for the benefit of members of Parish and also to inspire the youngsters to have empathy towards the poor, neglected and downtrodden in our society.
Thirumeni gives great importance to Mission activities and has initiated many socially relevant and spiritually oriented programs for the betterment of society. Thrumeni’s support and vision have strengthened the movements under Navjeevan and Navodaya ministries. ‘Go green’ project reveals Episcopa’s care and concern for nature. ‘Save a heart’ project is for the poor and needy. Thirumeni’s fight for acceptability in the society of transgenders shows the missionary zeal. The year 2020 will be a year of reckoning for our Church and Our Thirumeni will be elevated s to more respected and responsible positions in our Church. Parish whole-heartedly prays that Thirumeni’s leadership will bring a fresh awakening and a new hope to the Church in the glory of God. May God bless Thirumeni with health and wisdom to lead Marthomites in furthering the Lord’s kingdom. A memoir was presented to our dear Bishop on the 30th anniversary of Episcopal consecration by Trustees Mr. Moncy Mathew and Mathew M. Thirumeni in his keynote address stressed the need for taking care of the marginalized sections of the society. Bishop asked us to forget the past and strive for opportunities in the future. Thirumeni reminded us as in 1 Corinthians 13:13 - ‘so now faith, hope & love exist and the greatest is Love’.
The choir sang a special Jubilee song with the lyrics written and music by Lovely Jose for the occasion of the 76th Parish day. Yuva Jana Sakhyam members and Savika Sangham also sang during the function. Savika Sangham presented a cheque of Rs. One lakh as a donation that they collected for the land purchase. The occasion witnessed the launching of the ‘Church website’ developed by two of our young members of the church– Mr. Anu and Mr. Stephen. As part of work in progress of publishing of our Souvenir for Platinum Jubilee, ‘The Cover page’ designed by Mr. Sumith Idiculla, Convenor of Souvenir was released. The best Sunday school student award instituted by Late Major Mathew Oommen in memory of our late Vinu achen was given away to Miss Rona Susan Ranjith. Excellence awards were given to meritorious children of Std Xth and XIIth for securing more than 80% marks. Achievement awards were given to 5 of our dear members for excelling in their fields and they were felicitated by our Bishop. Three of our members who attained 75 years of age were also felicitated by our Bishop. Two couples were also felicitated for celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Winners of the Parish day Area competitions- Bible Quiz & Group song- were presented with the rolling trophies. Members who have rendered various services during Jubilee were also appreciated.
The program was compered by Mr. Mathews Jacob & Mrs. Anitha Mathews. Mrs. Mini Thomas proposed the vote of thanks. We are grateful to the Bishop, Vicar, Guests, the various committees and members for their full support and co-operation in conducting a memorable gracious Parish Day. The day ended with a love feast. Parish acknowledges with gratitude the donation of the beautiful candle stand by Mr. Abraham Varghese (Sunil) and floral decoration done by Mrs. Ancy Nirmal