H. E. Dr. Geevarghese Mor Koorilose at St. Ignatius Elias III Syrian Orthodox Church, Atlanta Georgia

Fr. Mathai Varkey Puthukkunnathu

The remarkable visit of H. E. Dr. Geevarghese Mor Koorilos, the Auxiliary Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese became a very significant event in the history of St. Ignatius Elias III Syrian Orthodox Church, Atlanta, Georgia. The Vicar Rev. Fr.Mathai Varkey Puthukkunnathu and parish members received His Eminence at the entrance of the Church on the 30th of September, 2006 with a lighted candle given to H. E. by the Vicar. After the Morning prayers, His Eminence presided over the Liturgical Services and the Intercessory supplication to Saint Mary, Mother of God. Prior to the Sermon, the Vicar introduced the Metropolitan, who came to the United States for the first time after the Episcopal Consecration. During the sermon, His Eminence spoke about the importance of the spiritually oriented social responsibility of the Syrian Orthodox Christians to the community at large. A Christian ought to serve the Lord through assisting the helpless and the downtrodden. Jesus taught the world the importance of sharing what we have, with those who are deprived of it, H.E. added. H.E. also explained the various programs at the India Center for Social Change. Currently, H.E. is serving India Center for Social Change, a charitable trust, working for the welfare of mentally challenged children in Kerala, as its Director. Under H.E.’s capable leadership, this institution now has established seven vocational training centers under the name “Theeram” where about 130 boys and girls with mental retardation are undergoing training.

The Vicar thanked God Almighty and registered gratitude to His Eminence for the memorable visit. The unforgettable visit of His Eminence Mor Geevarghese Coorilos came to a conclusion with a luncheon, prepared by the members of the St. Mary’s Women’s League. Reverend Father Bijo Mathew also attended the Holy Liturgical Service. The program was facilitated by the Vicar Rev. Fr. Mathai Varkey Puthukkunnathu, Dr. Alexander Thomas, Vice President, Secretary Mr. Anil Varghese and Treasurer Mr. Sunny Jacob. In the afternoon, His Eminence blessed the Atlanta Ecumenical Gospel Convention with his presence and an inspiring address. 

Clergy and Members of various Episcopal Malayalee Parishes in the Metro Atlanta region participated the event. At present, His Eminence serves the World Council of Churches as Moderator of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) and he is also a full member of the WCC’s reference group on Human Sexuality. H.E. has attended several international consultations organized by the WCC, CCA, Pro-Oriente, WSCF, the Anglican Communion, the NCCI and other such ecumenical bodies. H.E. has been a member of the Dialogue Commission of our Church. Certainly, the blessed visit of His Eminence to the Atlanta area and to the St. Ignatius Parish was an unforgettable one, which will be cherished by all for a long time.