Subject:          Greetings to the President Barak Hussein Obama on being elevated as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Dear President Obama,

Congratulations on becoming the 44th President of the United States of America.  I join the millions who wish you well as you take on this responsibility of leading this great nation.  Almost everyone in the United States of America and large segments of the peoples of the world look forward to your presidency with great awe, hope and anticipation. I have observed that your vision is global and inclusive. It instills hope in so many people world-wide. I pray God Almighty to shower His Grace and His Blessings on you as you embark on this great pilgrimage. 

Please permit me to use this opportunity to introduce my Church.  I am Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of North America and Europe of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, with its Head Quarters in India.  I am now residing at 2320 S Merrick Ave, Merrick, NY 11566. 

The Mar Thoma Church follows the Eastern Christian traditions since the arrival of Apostle St. Thomas in India in 52 AD.  The Mar Thoma Church is global and caters to the needs of over 900,000 members worldwide.  The Mar Thoma Church has contextualized her ministry in her new life situations, especially in North America and Europe, without compromising the rich ethos and traditions received from her motherland of Kerala, India.

The Mar Thoma Church has been dynamically involved in the socio-cultural setting of North America for the past 40 years.  Currently, under the rubric of this Diocese there are 85 parishes and congregations representing over 8000 families i.e. approx 35000 members.  In order to minister to the needs of this Diocese, there are 54 clergy as well as functioning organizations for tending to the spiritual and developmental needs of children, youth, adults and the elderly.   We also have mission projects that minister to Native American-Indians and to the people living in the islands off the coast of Matamoros in Mexico.  Details can be found in the website http://www.marthomanae.com

Dear Mr. President, I will be delighted to have an opportunity to meet you during your term in office.  On this auspicious occasion I on behalf of the members of the Mar Thoma Church extend our prayers, support and good wishes for your success.  May God’s hand be with you and direct everything that you do, for the Glory of God and for the blessing of humankind.

May God Bless You! And May God Bless America!

In His Service,

Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa

January 20, 2009