RECEPTION FOR HIS GRACE, THE METROPOLITAN
7/14/10

The Diocese of North America and Europe had the joy of felicitating His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan on his 80th birthday. 

A reception was organized at the Sinai Mar Thoma Center on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 7pm.  The Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius presided over the meeting which was attended by approximately 100 members of the Diocese including clergy, diocesan office bearers, Council, Assembly, Mandalam members and friends.

The meeting began with a Malayalam song “Innu Pakal Muzhuvan” followed by Sandhya Namaskaram.  The Diocesan Bishop Theodosius Thirumeni welcomed the Metropolitan and the gathering.

He highlighted Metropolitan’s sensitivity to the people in need, pain, and sorrow.  He goes out of his way to offer solidarity to others.  Theodosius Thirumeni offered the Metropolitan the prayers and good wishes of the Diocese and assured him our loyalty and prayerful regards. 

The Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Vinoy Daniel conveyed to the Metropolitan the heartfelt gratitude and prayerful greetings on behalf of the diocese. 

In his remarks, Achen highlighted Thirumeni’s generous heart and practical wisdom.  The Diocesan Treasurer, Mr. Chacko Mathew presented the Metropolitan with a diocesan gift. 

After cutting the cake, the Metropolitan thanked the Diocese for organizing the function and appreciated the gathering.  Recounting the ways in which the God of all grace has molded him and guided him, the Metropolitan Thirumeni sought the prayerful support of all in continuing the redeeming and rescuing mission of the church.  Thirumeni also highlighted the pressing needs to offer assistance to those who are needy, sick and old and sought the prayerful support of the diocese. 
The meeting came to a close with prayer by Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas and benediction by His Grace, the Metropolitan.
The meeting was followed by a fellowship dinner.

Praise God for the meaningful and challenging leadership of the Metropolitan.