Episcopal Visit to Baltimore Marthoma Church

Diocesan Episcopa Rt Rev Dr Geevarghese Mar Theodious visited the Baltimore Mar Thoma Church from 21st May to 23rd May. On Saturday May 22nd Thirumeni had a meeting with the Young Families and Youth accompanied by the Youth Chaplin Rev Dr Joe Joseph Kuruvilla.

 It was a meeting where the new youth Chaplin   Rev Dr.Joe Joseph was introduced and welcomed. He thanked the group and took a devotional talk on Luke 2, regarding the 12 year old Jesus going to the Jerusalem temple with his parents. Thirumeni then interacted with the youth group and encouraged them to go for the National youth fellowship conference to be held in Chicago on the last week of July and the Young couples to attend the weekend retreat at Virginia on the last week end of October.

The parish committee members and the various organizational representatives met together with Thirumeni for an informal meeting. Thirumeni took time to listen to the members and encouraged all the activities. Then Thirumeni visited the parish office and went through the records and the registers. He also inquired about the renovation of the church buildings.

The youth group of the parish with the help of the youth of Washington MTC and friends organized a concert by name “Hallujiah a Night of Praise” it was well attended.

There was a Holy Communion service on Sunday in Malayalam with Thirumeni as the Chief Celebrant.  Rev. Benu John  is the new vicar was present.  Members of the parish and friends from near and far, such as Silver Spring, Pittsburg and Pennsylvania came and attended the service. There were three first communicants, for whom there was a dedication service after the sermon.

Thirumeni spoke about the theme on Holy Spirit, which was informative and educative.  The parish secretary Jiji Abraham welcomed Thirumeni after the service. Thirumeni then spoke to the parish members emphasizing the need to cater to the younger generation by giving them more opportunities and responsibilities. He also stressed the need to increase the number of English services. It was followed by the Kaimuth service. There was fellowship lunch for everyone.

On Tuesday May 25, 2010 Thirumeni came back to the parish to join a group of young and elderly people to start a vegetable garden in the church premises, kappa and fish curry was added to the joy and fellowship of the event.

Prepared by Ms. Jiji Abraham