Shroro

The Syriac Orthodox Christian Digest - January, 2005

10th Anniversary of St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, Switzerland

By Kakkattu Varghese Thomas

A grand reception was given to His Beatitude Mor Baselious Thomas I, Catholicos of the East, His Grace Kuriakose Theophilose (Diocesian Bishop) and His Eminance Julius Cicek (Arch-Bishop of Central Europe, Holland) and other dignitaries from various denominations and malayalee organizations also came to participate in the 10th anniversary of St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Congregation in Switzerland. The whole Congregation and Sunday school children received them holding lighted candles and singing the welcome song.

His Grace Kuriakose Mor Theophilose (Europe Diocese), His Grace Mor Julius Yeshu Cicek (Arch -Bishop of Central Europe) and His Beatitude Mor Baselious Thomas I (Catholicose of the East) Mr Kakkattu Varghese Thomas (Vice-President) and Revd Fr Eldhose Koungampillil (Vicar).

The 10th Anniversary celebrations of St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Congregation Switzerland, started with the “Moonninmel Qurbana” which was celeberated on Saturday by the Catholicose and the bishops at St Joseph Church, Basel. Many delegates and Priests from other Orthodox and Catholic Churches and all other denominations were present. After the Holy Moonninmel Qurbana and the food (Nercha) the inaugural session started at the Union Hall, Basel. His Beatitude Catholica Bava Inaugurated the 10th Anniversary functions of St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Congregation Switzerland by lighting the oil lamp and in his address he ask to pray for the peace in the world. He also declared the Congregation as the “First” parish of Jacobite Syrian Church in the central Europe. During the speech Catholica Bava praised Revd Fr Eldhose Koungampillil (London) who is the founder and Vicar of this Congregation for his sincere and outstanding service rendered to the Jacobite Syrian Christian communities all across the Europe during the last 14 years. And, as an appreciation HB Catholica Bava put his own “Ring” to Fr Eldhose Koungampillil who is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of Priesthood.

H.E. Mor Baselious Thomas 1(Catholicose) put his own ring as an appreciation to Revd Fr Eldhose Koungampillil (London) for his 10th anniversary of priesthood & his sincere service to Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church across the Europe during the past decade.

After the felicitation speech His Grace Mor Julius Cicek Inaugurated the Souvenir by giving the first copy to Mr. Kurian Poomkottayil. His Grace Mor Kuriakose Theophilose inaugurated the Sunday school anniversary and His Eminance Bava presented a special medals to all Sunday school students. After the cultural program conducted by the Sunday school children and other Malayalee organizations in Switzerland the 10th anniversary celebration curtain has drawn down. The welcome speech was given by Mr. Kakkattu Varghese Thomas and vote of thanks given by Mr Kurian Poomkottayil.