Diocesan Assembly - 2010

The meeting of the Diocesan Assembly of the Diocese of North America & Europe was held on April 17, 2010 at the Atlanta Mar Thoma Church, 755 Rays Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. The Diocesan Episcopa, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius chaired the meeting, which began at 9:00 AM.

Rev. Binu Varghese, Seattle MTC, led the opening worship along with Mrs. Aswathi Mathew and Mr. Thomas Abraham. The Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, introduced and welcomed Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ USA.

 He was invited to give the Devotional address. Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon expressed his appreciation for the ministry and witness of the Mar Thoma Church, especially under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius. Rev. Kinnamon also appreciated the Mar Thoma Church’s response to Haiti and mentioned about the persecution of Iraqi Christians. During his devotion, Rev. Kinnamon highlighted the following four characteristics of the church in Antioch and drew parallels to the nature of the  Mar Thoma Church:

1. Church was an inclusive community
2. Church was a learned community
3. Church was a distinctive community
4. Church was a mission community

The Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, invited the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Vinoy Daniel, and Diocesan Treasurer, Mr. Chacko Mathew, to speak about the Diocese’s collection.

The Diocesan Treasurer, Mr. Chacko Mathew, shared a few words about the Diocese’s efforts to raise funds from the generous contributions from various parishes and congregations, which totaled $131,775.00.  The Diocesan Office Bearers presented the check to the NCCC General Secretary for use the amount for the Haiti relief efforts and rehabilitation work.

The NCCC General Secretary accepted the check with gratitude and advised that he will coordinate the disbursement with Rev. John McCullough, CEO of Church World Service.

The Diocesan Bishop administered the oath to all new Diocesan Assembly members and declared the quorum. The following were appointed as recording secretaries: Rev. Jaisen Thomas, Dr. Mathew T. Thomas, and Mr. Ashley George.

The Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Vinoy Daniel, welcomed Thirumeni, the senior Achens and other members of the Clergy, the Diocesan Treasurer, Diocesan Council Members, Assembly Members, and visitors to the Assembly.

His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, delivered the Presidential Address. The Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Vinoy Daniel, presented the Annual Report Accounts, and Budget, and presented the annual report and audited statement of accounts for the year 2009 and non-budgeted and over-budgeted items for 2009.

The annual report and accounts for the year 2009 was unanimously passed after adequate discussions by the Assembly. The budget for 2010 was passed. The presented resolutions were discussed and passed unanimously.

On behalf of the Assembly, Mr. Jacob K. George felicitated Achens on transfer and plaques were distributed to them.  Rev. P.J. Varghese delivered a response on behalf of those outgoing.  Theodosius Thirumeni expressed appreciation for the service of all the outgoing Achens.

The vote of thanks was expressed by the Diocesan Treasurer..  After the prayer and benediction of Thirumeni, the meeting came to an end by 3.30pm.

Rev. Vinoy Daniel, Diocesan Secretary