Muscat: The Mar Thoma Parish in Muscat celebrated the Golden jubilee of its existence in Oman and the churchmen have thanked the country, the ruler and the people for the harmonious coexistence of various religions in the country.
"We are immensely grateful to the ruler, the ministers, the people and the Sultanate of Oman for the harmonious coexistence of various religions and faiths and the peace in the country," said Rev Father Sajan Varghese of the faith.
As part of the closing ceremony of the one-year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations and Valedictory Function of Mar Thoma Church in Oman Parish held on Saturday, March 01, at St Thomas Church, Ruwi, many socio-cultural events were held which enthralled the audience who gathered from all over the country.
The function started with Parish showing respect to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq, followed by playing the national anthems of Oman and India.
The general meeting was inaugurated by Most Rev Dr Theodosius Marthoma Metropolitan, the 22nd Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the Paramount President of the Church in the presence of the Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev Dr Euyakim Mar Coorilos. Guest of Honors were Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Co-operation in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, P Prasad, Minister of Agriculture, State of Kerala, India. PCO Lead Pastor Mitchel Ford, Dr Wahid Ali Said al Kharusi, Chairperson of Oman Cancer Association Rev Sajan Varghese and Rev Obed Samuel, Vicar and Asst Vicar of the Parish along with other dignitaries.
Binu M Philip, General Convener of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations presented the Jubilee report by thanking the country and the government of Oman for providing the Parish all required facilities and freedom of worship in the last five decades. Parish paid tribute to Late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for granting an audience to church’s late bishop.
Philip mentioned in his speech that the Parish responded to the needs of sick and the needy people as a part of their mission and action in the Jubilee year. This includes support to Oman Cancer Association and a Pain and Palliative Care unit in Kerala. Also proceeds from the annual get together were distributed to needy to meet their expenses for Medical, Education and House.
A yearlong Golden Jubilee Celebrations which included visit to all Parish member’s houses, Ecumenical musical programme involving different parishes in Oman, women empowerment programme with Sreelekha IPS, the first female IPS officer and Ex DGP of Kerala who lead the sessions, convention, family day lead by Father Joseph Puthenpurakkal from Kerala, Parish Christmas Carol, devotional musical programme performed by famous playback singer KG Markose and a fellowship in Kerala with ex members of the parish who are retired and settled in Kerala in attendance.
During the valedictory function, seven members of the Parish who completed 50 years in membership of the parish were honoured. The seven dignitaries who were honoured includes Dr C Thomas, Dr Renchi Mathew, Dr Mathew Koshy who served the Sultanate of Oman with their dedicated medical services and Sam Varghese, Thomas Alexander, George M Thomas who are successful businessmen from Oman and Koshy Samuel from Bahrain.
Also, the 10-subcommittee conveners were honoured for their excellent services throughout the year besides members from the Parish in large and other Church’s’ as well as people from other communities who have made their presence felt with their services to the society.
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