EPISCOPAL VISIT TO GREATER WASHINGTON

 On Saturday, April 24th, 2010, the Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa arrived at the Mar Thoma Church of Greater Washington, Takoma Park, Maryland. We had an evening ordinary service in Malayalam on the same day at 7.30 p.m. Thirumeni led the service and also delivered a meaningful message about the topic of ‘Endurance of Suffering’ based on the Bible text Matt 26: 36-46.

More than 100 parish members attended the service. After the service, Thirumeni met with the assembled members and answered many of the questions and clarifications. Refreshments were provided to the parishioners after the meeting.

On Sunday, April 25th, 2010, Thirumeni led the Holy Communion Service in English.  There was a thanks-giving prayer for those celebrating their Birthday and Wedding Anniversary. After the thanks giving prayer Thirumeni delivered a short and powerful message keeping in mind the First Communicants. The Bible passage used by Thirumeni for the message was John 21: 15-19. The challenge to the people was Jesus’ question to Peter: “Do you love me more than these?”

After the sermon Thirumeni led the First Communicant Service. Nine children participated for the first time in the Holy Communion. A total of 220 people participated in the Lord’s Table and about 400 people attended the service. This was followed by the Kaimuthu service. A fellowship lunch that followed was organized by the families of the First Communicants.