Episcopal Visit to St John's Mar Thoma Church, London, UK.

The Diocesan Episcopa visited St John's Mar Thoma Parish from March 4 to 8, 2010. It was the occasion of the St John Family Retreat with the Theme, Christian Witness: Rethinking of the Mission of the Church.

The Rt. Rev. Dr Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, during his Episcopal visit, participated in the meeting of the Ecumenical Forum organized by the Indian YMCA and spoke on Wider Ecumenism. Thirumeni visited the families in Kent Prayer Group and celebrated Holy Qurbana for them on the morning of Sat Mar 6th .

In the afternoon, Thirumeni met the members of the designated new Sinai parish at the Church of St George, Headstone, Harrow, UK. It was also an occasion to meet Rev. Stephen Keeble and the Church Wardens of that Parish. An Adhoc -Committee was constituted to carry on with the formation of the new Parish as on April 16, 2010. Thirumeni found time earlier to meet the Vicar and Trustees of both Manchester and Liverpool parishes.

On Sunday morning on March 7th Mar Theodosius celebrated Holy Qurbana at the St John's Church. 10 First Communicants were dedicated during the service and Capt. Jim Currin, an evangelist of the Church Army spoke from the Word of God.

This was followed by the 6th Family Retreat up to 4pm in which most of the people participated. There was a fellowship-lunch followed by programmes of the Parish Choir and the Sunday school.

Capt Jim Currin gave two talks on the theme and there was time for raising questions on the topic and having group discussions. The Retreat was a blessing to the Parish.

Diocesan Episcopa found time to meet the parishioners, lead the Retreat and to hold the meetings of COMPE and the Adhoc Committee of Sinai Mar Thoma Fellowship. Thirumeni left for NY on Mar 8th.

Rev. Jose Varghese

Vicar, St. Johns MTC, UK