Feb 2, 2002:

H.G.Osthathios presided the inaugural meeting and said "wealth and property will vanish but God's words will remain here. Our life will be peaceful if we come closer to God and get knowledge of His power. We should contribute to the poorer from our wealth. Unite in love and lead a good life in society". Ramesh Chennithala M.P., Joseph.M.Puthussery MLA, President Fr.Ninan Varghese, Secretary Fr.Gigi Varghese, Sunday school Diocesan Director Mathew Varghese were given speech on that occasion.  

February 9 ,2002:

"Spiritual Growth is  essential" Dr.Alexander Jacob I.P.S.(Principal,Police Acadamy,Thrissur)

"With Spiritual growth only men can attain perfection in their life" said Dr.Alexander Jacob I.P.S. (Principal, Police Academy, Thrissur) during the inaugural ceremony of Spiritual Association Meeting at the 59^th Kaloopara Syrian convention." Spirituality is present in the all-top most activities around the world along with technicality. On a study by UNO it is proved that spiritual growth also is required along with physical growth, mental growth, material growth and emotional growth." he said.

H.G.Paulose Mar Pakomios of Idikki Diocese presided over the meeting." The common man should find out the depth of spiritualism" H.G.said in his presidential address.

Fr.C.K.Kurian, Fr.Binny. M.Kuruvilla, Fr.Gigi Varghese was given speech on that occasion.

Vayyattupuzha: Vayyatupuzha St.Thomas Church Festival and Convention will be conducted from 6th March to 9th March 2002 in presence of H.G.Philipose Mar Yousabios Metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese. After Evening Prayer there will be convention speeches on 6th and 7th of M March, 2002. On 6th Rev.Fr.Cheriyan Jacob will give spiritual message and on 7th Rev.Fr.Sabu Kuriakose will deliver gospel speech. Rassa on March 8th, 2002 after prayer in the evening. The Holy Qurbana on 9th by H.G.Philipose Mar Yousabios. After blessings the festival will come to a close.

Adoor: Date Jan31,2002 "Society must try to build up communal harmony instead of building up tension" Said H.H.Mathew Mar Baselios II on the consecration ceremony of Adoor Kottangal Church. H.G.Mathews Mar Epipanios, H.G.Zacharias Mar Anthonios, Vicar Fr.John Chacko, Fr.V.G.John Chunakara, Fr.C.G.Varghese Chavadiyil, Fr.C.Thomas Arapurayil, General Convenor Prof.D.K.John, Municipal Chairman Babu Divakaran, Roshan Jacob, S.Binu, Prof.Varghese Parayil, Mathew Veerappaly, Trustee V.M.John, Secretary Biju Varghese, T.D.Philipose, Prif.Jose.V.Koshy were there for receiving H.H.Catholicos.The first part of consecration ceremony conducted on 31.01.02 after evening prayer.

Feb2, 2002: "Personnel sanctification is the necessity of the present time"Said Catholicos."Personnel sanctification also is required along with the sanctification of churches"H.H.was inaugurating the meeting in connection with the Kottangal Mar Baselios Orthodox Church Chapel consecration.H.G.Mathews Mar Epipanios presided the meeting.H.G.Sacharias Mar Anthonios, Fr.C.G.Varghese Chavadiyil, Fr.John Chacko, Fr.V.G.John Chunakara, A.K.Thomas Secretary to Church, T.D.Philipose, Prof.Jose.V.Koshy, P.M.John, Adur Subhash, A.V. George were spoke on that occasion.

Kattanam: The Kattanam, Kayamkulam, Mavelikara group orthodox convention will start from 20th February at Nadakavu Georgian Ground. H.H.Mathews Mar Baselios and Diocesan Metropolitan will participate in the convention. 

Convention Committee:

H.G.Mathews Mar Epipanios (President), Fr.Thomas Mathew (Vice President), Fr.Mathai Vilanilam (general Convenor), Ani Varghese (Joint Convenor), Fr.Koshy Mathew (Secretary) Simon Kombasseril (Joint Secretary) T.Thampan (Treasure) Fr.Gigu John, Oommen John (Programme), Fr.P.D.Sachariah, Sunil Varghese (Publicity), Fr.Jacob George, John Baby (Reception), Fr.V.Thomas, R.Yohannan (Arrangements), Fr.K.K.Thomas, Alex Atumelil (Discipline), Fr.V.J.John, Varghese Abraham (Medical), Fr. Mathew Abraham, A.V.Kurian (Convenience)

Pandalam: The Consecration of the newly constructed Church and Church Festival of St.George Orthodox Church, Arathil will be celebrated from 2002 April 27th to May 7th.One hundred and thirty one team of committee is selected for the successful completion of the program. Torch light procession, retreats, welfare activities, public meetings, Rassa Holy Qurbana at 3 Thrones etc is planned by the committee.

H.H. Mathews Mar Baselios Catholicate, H.G. Thomas Mar Themothios, The Catholicate Designate, H.G. Thomas Mar Athanasios, H.G. Philipose Mar Yousabios, Kandanad Diocesan Metropolitan are participating for the function.

We invite all in the name of St.George to attend the sacrament and Church celebrations.

For the parish:
Vicar: Fr.C.P.Chacko Chakalayil
General Convenor: C.T.Cheriyan Cherukkuvelil

Thalanadu, Pandalam: The Thalanadu St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Pandalam is celebrating Church festival and Kudumbayogam from 19th Feb. 23rd Feb.with the presence of H.G.Dr.Thomas Mar Athanasios of Kandanad Diocese.  

On 19th Feb. 7.00PM Deekan Thomas Samuel will give speech. After Rasa at 7.00Pm on 20th Rev.Fr.Samuel John Thevathumaniil will deliver spiritual massage.21st morning 11.00AM speech by Rev.Fr.Yohannan Sankarathil.Prayer at tomb by H.G.Dr.Thomas Mar Athanasios at 3.00 PM.22nd Feb. 7.00PM speech by Rev.Fr.V.I.Wilson SankarathilOn 23rd Kudumbayogam at 10.30 AM and will be presided by Fr.John Sankarathil  

Kudassanadu: The 13th Orthodox Convention will be held at Kudassanadu Mar Baselios Nagar from 13th Feb to 16th Feb 2002  

On 13th Feb.evening 7.20PM speech by Deekan K.Geevarghese. Rev.Fr.NinanV.George will give message on 14th Feb. 7.15PM.On 15th at 10.00AM retreat will be lead by Fr.Geevarghese John and from 7.15PM speech by Rev.Dr.O.Thomas.Prof.Rev.Fr.Kurian Daniel will give spiritual message on 16th Feb. 7.15PM.  

Holy Qurbana at St.Steephens Church, Kudassanad on 17th Feb. 7.30AM by H.G.Dr.Thomas Mar Athanasios of Kandanad Diocese.Spirirual Organization annual meeting will be from 3.00Pm and will be presided by H.G.Dr.Thomas Mar Athanasios.  

Powai Mumbai Jan 26, 2002:: Family Conference of the St.Paul Orthodox Church, Powai, Mumbai will be conducte on January 26, 2002. Free Eye Testing and Diagnosis Camp will be organized at 10.30 in the morning. During the afternoon session , under the sponsorship of various spiritual organizations, Competions, Bible Quiz, and Variety Entertainment will be conducted.

Vikroli Marthoma Church Vicar Fr.P.P.Kuruvilla, Parkset Police senior Inspector Vilas shirke etc. will be participating the functions.

Pathanamthitta Dated Jan 26, 2002:"Education Institutions should be based with communal harmony and equality. The ultimate aim of education is to develop a complete and perfect man. With the help of education students should get chance to deal with social welfare activities " said Prof.Ninan Abraham of Kanpur University .He was giving key note message to the alumni general assembly in connection with the one year long Golden Jubilee Celebration of Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta.

Inauguration of alumni general assembly done by H.G.Philipose Mar Yousabios."Blessing of teacher is necessary to the victory of a student" said Metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese.

College Principal Prof.K.T.Mathew presided the function.Fr.Samuel John Thevathumannil, Dr.Jose Parakadavil, Prof.D.K.John, cine artist Cap.Raju, Municipal chairperson Ajiba.M.Sahib, K.I.Idiculla, Prof.Wilson.P.Koshy, Prof.K.M.Thomas were given speech.

Kurampala: "A SOCIETY TO GIVE PRIORITY TO WELFARE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE OUR PRIME AIM" Said H.H. Baselios Mathews II Catholicate of the East at the inaugural function of newly constructed auditorium of St.Thomas Orthodox Church, Kurampala, Pandalam on 13th January 2002."We should come down to the weaker and poor section of the society and solve their problems after studying it in detail" H.H.Said.

Inauguration of key handing over ceremony of the houses to the poor sections by Christian Youth Movement also conducted by Catholicos of East.N.S.S treasurer Perumpulikal Gopinathan Nair, President of Pandalam Panchayat Mr.N.G.Surendran, District member of Panchayat Advt.K.Prathapan, A.J.Sachariah, R.Kurup, Fr.A.M.Varghese, Fr.Daniel Pulelil, A.V.John, were delivered speech.

CHENNAI (India) : The Inaguration of OCYM Library was conducted on 16 December 2001 after the Holy Qurbana at Perambur Mar Gregorios Chapel by Rev.Fr.M.C.Mathai, the Chief Guest. The Inaguration function started with expressing  thanks by the unit  secretary Sathosh .P  to the sponsors of  Bookshelves and Books . There after  Fr. M.C.Mathai  inaugurated the Library by giving the first copy to K.V.Jacob. The Chief Guest   in his  message appraised  the needs  of reading theological  books. "This library is intended for all the members of the  chapel area of the St .Thomas Orthodox Cathedral ,Chennai." He added The vice presidents of the unit Fr.Varghese Kadavil , Thomas Renny and  members of OCYM Perambur unit were present on the occasion.

Perambur Madras: Relics of PARUMALA MAR GREGORIOS were brought from Parumala to Madras Broadway Cathedral Church on October 19, 2001 under the leadership of Fr.Geevarghese Kadavil, K.V.JACOB & V.I.VARGHESE.

On November 10, 2001 after the holy Qurbana, the Relics were carried from Broadway Church to Perambur by H.G.Dr.Yacob Mar Irenios accompanied by 32 Cars. The ceremonial procession, fit to due respect to the Relics, were attended by more than 700 people under the leadership of the Vicar Fr.Varghese John, Fr.Geevarghese Kadavil, Fr.M.C.Mathai, Fr.Kuriakose(Aramana Manager) and Fr.Vinod George.

On November 11, 2001 after Holy Qurbana H.G.Dr.Yacob Mar Irenios installed the Relics at Perambur Mar Gregorios Chapel. Friday Fasting Prayer being conducted at this Chapel on a regular basis under the leadership of Fr.Geevarghese Kadvil and many devotees are being attracted to it.

I would like to invite all our members and friends to attend the Annual MGOCSM Christmas and New Year's Celebration, on Saturday, January 5, 2002, at Martin Van Buren HS in Queens NY. H.G. Mathews Mar Barnabas, the Diocesan Metropolitan, will inaugurate the event as well as officially open the MGOCSM Books & Supplies Store.

Retreat for Youths and MGOCSM In New York
Also, St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Houston is hosting its annual Three Day Retreat for all the Youths and MGOCSM members on January 3, 4, and 5, 2002. All the youths in the southern region are welcome to attend. The main speaker will be Fr. Koshy P. John from St. Gregorios, New Orleans.

As the General Secretary of the MGOCSM of the American Diocese, I would like to extend my invitation to all the members of this egroups for both events, as well as wish you all a Merry Christmas.

With love and prayers,
Dn. Philip Aju Mathews,
General Secretary of the MGOCSM - American Diocese

The Washing Feet ceremony was conducted on Passover day at St.George Syrian Orthodox Church, Aruvappulam, Pathanamthitta.

The Passion week programme of Aruvappulam St.George Orthodox Syrian Church was conducted from 24^th Sunday to 31^st Sunday with the blessings of H.G.Philipos Mar Eusabius, Metropolitan of Thumpamon.  On Hosanna Sunday Metropolitan Eusabius led the Holy Qurbana.

On Passover day feet washing ceremony was conducted by Thirumeni

The following passages explain the meaning and significance of feet washing.

St John 13: 4 - 5 "Rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.After that, He poured water into basin and began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded."

St.John 13: 6 - 10 "Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him,"Lord, are You washing my feet?"Jesus answered and said to him,"What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this."Peter said to Him,"You shall never wash my feet!"Jesus answered him,"If I do not wash you, you have no part with me."Simon Peter said to Him"Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!"Jesus said to Him,"He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."

Also in (Gen. 18: 4) 'Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:' (Exodus 13: 6 - 10) 'Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day [shall be] a feast to the LORD. Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; and there shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters. And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, [This is done] because of that [which] the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt. Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.'

In the history of Church three occasions are there for feet washing.

1.At the beginning of the 4^th century at Milan feet washing was done of those who Baptized.             

2.In Ashrams when ordination takes place washing the feet of Rambans are Conducting.

3.From the 5^th century on Passover feet washing is there in the Church. But only Metropolitans can do the same in Church.

On 23^rd March the sacrament of the newly built auditorium named "Metropolitan Philipos Mar Eusabius Saptadi Smaraka Auditorium" was done by Metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese Philipos Mar Eusabius. The auditorium is in the name of Philipos Mar Eusabius and it is significant giving the name of Eusabius on his 70^th Birthday celebrations.  

The public meeting after the sacramental ceremony was inagurated by Sri.Babu Divakaran, State Minister for Labour.In his inaugural speech he said the parish showed their respect and obligation to Thirumeni through the presentation of such a beautiful auditorium in his 70^th birthday celebrations.

The meeting was presided by Thirumeni.We should concentrate to the poor and weaker of the society along with these type of constructive activities. He extended his sincere blessings to the Vicar and 90-member parish who have actively participated in the construction of an auditorium which have completed in record time.

 Vicar Fr.Alex K Joy gave welcome speech. He said within a very short time he could arrange and manage everything for the completion of this auditorium due to the grace of God Almighty.He remembered each person on behind of completion of this auditorium and extended his sincere thanks to those participated and cooperated for this venture.

The St.George English School 23rd Annual and parents day was celebrated at Keerukuzhi, Thattayil on 9th March 2002.The school is functioning under the guidance of St.George Orthodox Catholicate Simhasana Church, Thattayil.

The celebration and function was inaugurated by K.K.Shaju, MLA.He said Parents should guide their children to the wright path especially in this critical time of the World.These types of schools can contribute a lot to the society .We must take initiation to develop the community and society through the activities of type schools. Since the school is functioning under the Church it has an importance in developing the spiritual side of the Children also, he said during his inaugural speech.

Rev.Fr.saji Thomas Tharayil presided the meeting. The educational institutions should be work also for the love and harmony of the society. It is the aim of the education to process a complete man. So the teachers along with parents should do their duty sincerely to achieve this.

Advt.Rajan. B.Varghese gave away the welcome message and felicitations given by K.N.Thomas, Principal, M.G.M.Higher Secondary School, Thiruvala and Smt.P.G.Sasikala of Govt.Boys Higher Secondary School, Adoor.

The annual report was presented by Kunjamma Yohannan, Head Mistress.She said the school is performing good result during all academic year. The students from this school participated for the Kerala Private School Educational Board Trust, (State Level), has received ranks and distinction. The school is functioning as per the guidance receiving from Parent teachers Association.Fees concessions is granted to the students from poor and weaker sections, she said in her report. The registration to the new admission has started for the and school will open after summer holidays on 15th May 2002,Kunjamma Yohannan said.

Fr.Saji Thomas awarded certificate and Shield to the students who passed in competitive examination.

The different cultural programmes were arranged by the students of the school.

Rev.Fr.Saji Thomas (School Manager) distributed the prizes, to the participants of cultural programmes, sports and games.

The flag will be hoisted on 31st March 2002 for the reminiscence ceremony of Late Mar Gregorios (Pampady Thirumeni) at Pampady by H.G.Geevarghese Mar Ivaneous, Metropolitan of Kottayam.

On 2nd Fr.P.P.Varghese and Prof.Titus Varkey will lead a symposium for Sunday School students on subject related to Pampady Thirumeni.

On 3rd Fr.Jose Alanchery will guide a class to Spiritual Organization on Subject "The message of Christianity through family life"

On 4th at 4.30PM the pilgrims from Diocesans of Kottayam, Kottayam Central, Kunnamkulam, Trissur, Idukky will be given a warm reception at Pampady St.John's Cathedral.The Rassa will be started from St.John's Cathedral to Pampady Dayara and will be lead by Metropolitans, Rambans, Priests.

P.C.Yohannan Ramban and Dayara Manager will receive all pilgrims from different places at Dayara.

Ajit Kumar Kottayam District Collector will release Dayara Bulletin Special edition.

Dr.D.Babu Paul will give a memorial speech about Pampady Thirumeni.

On 5th Friday Holy Qurbana at three thrones will be lead by H.H.Baseliose Mathews II Catholicose of East.

The full swing action committee under the guidance of P.C.Yohannan Ramban, Fr.George Thomas Pothanickal, Prof.Jacob Kurian Oonatu are functioning as General Convenors of the programme.K.K.Varghese Elanjimattom, Rajankutty Thevarmala, Kurian K Mathew Kanjirathinmootil, Sab Vadakara, P.S.George Urumbil are acting as Convenors of the reminiscent function.

Malankara Malpan Dr.Kaniyamparambil Cor Episcopa's 90th birthday was celebrated at Simhasana Church Thiruvalla.

Climis Metropolitan inaugurated the function and Thomas Mar Divanasios presided the celebration meeting. In his presidential address Divanasios said Dr.Kaniyamparambil Achan is the dictionary of knowledge. A 90 kg cake was cut by Achan to celebrate his birthday.

Kuriakose Moolayil Cor Episcopa, Baniyamin Joseph Mar Osthathios, Prof.P.J.Kurian, Fr.Daniel Kurian, Mammen Mathai MLA, Municipal Chairman Varghese John, P.M.Mathew Cor Episcopa were delivered the speeches. Chevalier K.O.Mathew, Dr.Babu Jesus Osiyo Hakimo (From Patriarch Bava) were greeted in the meeting. Markose Mar Coorilose gave away blessings on that occasion.

Dr.Kaniyamparambil Kurian Cor Episcopa is the author of many books ."Parisudha Kochu Thirumeni", "Akamana Suriyani Sabha Charithram","Malankara Sabha Charithram",'Joseph (Syrian Drama)", 1001 Dhyana Prasangangal" etc. He had received Doctorate from Sweeden, also Aram award from Swedish Government. He was born in 27th Feb 1913 at Kanjiramattom and his father was Kaniyamparambil Paulose.His wife is Kattumangattu Kattapallil Ammini and two Children blessed to him. At the age of 12 he received Deacon and at the age of 19 he became Priest.At the age of 37 he blessed with the designation of Cor Episcopa.

TMhe OVBS Classes of St.Behanas Church Kodumon will start from 8th April and complete on 18th April 2002. On 8th at 8.00 AM Vicar Fr.Samuel John Thevathumannil will inagurate the classes and Sunday School Director N.D.Joy will preside the meeting. Retreat speech, love feast, song feast, Bible classes, art, spotrs and games of students will be arranged by the Convenors of OVBS.On 18th at 8.00 AM the rally will be there and salute will be received by Adoor MLA Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan.