ദുബായ് സെന്‍റ് തോമസ്‌ ഓര്‍ത്തഡോക്‍സ്‌ കത്തീഡ്രല്‍ യുവജന പ്രസ്ഥാനം സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുന്ന പുസ്തകോത്സവം 2013 മെയ്‌ 24 വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച.

His Grace Geevarghese Mar Ivanios (Metropolitan of Kottayam Central Diocese) entered into the eternal rest

Thousands Gather in Sharjah to Mark Anniversary of Historic Koonan Cross Oath

Sharjah, April 5:-Malankara Nazaranisin Kerala made a stand against western colonialismon January 3, 1653 through the Koonan Cross Oath in Mattanchery by publicly proclaiming their right to an independent religious life. All OCYM units in the UAE marked the 360th anniversary of this historic Koonan Cross Oath with a gathering at the zonal level today at the St. Gregorious Orthodox church in Sharjah. The function was inaugurated by the Metropolitan of the Idukki diocese H.G. Mathews Mar Theodosius. In his inaugural address, he mentioned that Christianity’s main aim is the salvation of the entire human race. The Koonan Cross Oath was the greatest spiritual milestone in the history of Christians in Kerala. He exhorted today’s youngsters to emulate their forefathers and fight against all evil forces that seek to undermine Christianity in today’s worldly environment.

The Zonal president, Rev. Fr. T.J. Johnson presided over the function. The Asst. Vicar of the Sharjah parish, Rev. Fr. Yakoob Baby recited the Koonan Cross Oath. In conjunction with the zonal gathering,Quiz competition, Debate, study classesand discussions were held on the doctrine of the Malankara church along with a colorful cultural program. Representatives from all seven churches in the UAE participated in the program.

The vicar of the Al Ain parish Rev. Fr. Saji Abraham, Dubai St. Thomas Orthodox Cathdral Asst. vicar. Rev. Fr. Biju Daniel, Zonal secretary Mr. Manoj Thomas, member of the sabha managing committee Mr. John Samuel, Parish Secretary Mr. Saji Geevarghese, OCYM unit Vice-president Mr. RanjiRajan, Secretary Mr. Vinu Thankachen and General Convenor Mr. Sony Rajan were others who spoke at the gathering.

OCYM Dubai Unit Members Celebrate Easter With Our Sonapur Brothers

March 31, Dubai - OCYM Dubai unit celebrated Easter by joining members of the Sonapur area prayer group for an Easter celebration. H.G. Mathews Mar Theodosius, the metropolitan of the Idukki diocese was the guest of honour. The programme began with a melodious prayer song and Bible reading by Mr. Saji. Senior member of the prayer group, Mr. Philip Koodel gave a warm welcome to all the dignitaries, church managing committee members, OCYM members and fellow camp inmates who attended the gathering.

The vicar of St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Rev. Fr. T.J. Johnson presided over the function and in his presidential speech, described his fond memories of his experiences at Bethany asramam that was headed by H.G. Mathews Mar Theodosius or Fr. Stephen as he was then called. In his Easter message, H.G. Mathews Mar Theodosius urged Sonapur area members not to be worried by the localization news that was driving Malayali emigrants back from Saudi and Kuwait. He compared the risen Christ to the fabled phoenix bird of Arabian folk tales and proclaimed that the resurrection of Christ was the single most important event in human history. Fr. Thomas Mukallil, the managing editor of the MalankaraSabha magazine who was also present at the function light heartedly spoke on the need for all Christians to be aware of the important events in Christ’s life and to attend church regularly while living in this worldly environment. The event will include a study class on the topic “The Canon of the Malankara Orthodox Church”, a debate on the theme “Catholicos of the East and the Malankara Sabha”, a reenactment of the Udayamperoor Synod and a colourful cultural programme.

Joint secretary of the parish managing committee Mr. BabuKuruvilla, Mr. Philip.I.T., and Mr. Kurian Varghese were others who spoke at the gathering. The programme concluded with prayer and benediction and a love feast.

Mar Theodosius Award 2013 – Call for Nominations