Inauguration of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of St. Andrews Church Society

The 3rd of February 2008 Sunday evening, saw the coming together of absolute brotherhood, and a great passion for the bondage of Love in Christ Jesus.

The Colonial Chaplainry board of Church of Scotland relinquished its rights of the St. Andrews Church building and property attached to it to the Govt. of India in the year 1952 and latter the property became part of the Ministry of Defense. Jointly the Mar Thoma and Orthodox congregation petioned to the Govt. of India for ownership and the Govt. relented to give the property on perpetual lease to a registered society and thus came into existence, the St. Andrews Church Society in the financial year 1958 – 59.

The Diocesan Bishop of Chennai – Bangalore Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gee Varghese Mar Theodosius and the Bishop of Chennai Diocese of the Orthodox church, Most. Rev. Dr. Yacub Mar Ireneous, were the Guests of Honour for the day. A Galaxy of Achens from the Orthodox and Mar Thoma Church also were present.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Gee Varghese Mar Theodosius gave the Presidential Address and appreciated the 2 congregations for the brotherly love and informed the congregation that the real meaning in celebrating the Golden Jubilee is to rededicate ourselves to God. Most Rev. Dr. Yacub Mar Ireneous Inaugurated the Jubilee celebrations and urged the 2 congregations to be united in love as always. Rev. C Joseph, President of the St. Andrews Church Society and Vicar of the Mar Thoma Church, welcomed the gathering and gave a call to “Celebrate the Witness & Unity.” On behalf of the all the Orthodox Churches of twin cities, Rev. Fr. Ninan George, Vice Principal of Nagpur Theological Seminary spoke. Incidentally Achen was the Chief Guest of the day. Representing the Mar Thoma Churches of twin cities, Rev. M M Thomas spoke. Vote of Thanks was proposed by Very Rev. George Varghese Cor Episcopa, the Vice President of the Society and the Vicar of the Orthodox Valiapally