Indian Orthodox Church in Muscat invites applications from cancer patients towards its ‘Care for Life’ Project 2012-13
Indian Malankara Orthodox Church
20/6/2012
Liju Cgherian
Sultanate of Oman
MUSCAT, Sultanate of Oman — The word ‘Thanal’ in Malayalam (a language spoken in India predominantly from the southern state of Kerala) means ‘shade’. That’s what Muscat Mar Gregorios Orthodox Maha Edavaka (MGOME) has been doing for the poor – providing aid and succor through its various philanthropic projects. This month, the Muscat Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church launched its popular ‘Thanal’ Project called “Care for Life” for 2012-13 in aid of cancer patients.
Over the years, the project has also provided home for the homeless, arranged marriages of several poor girls, conducted cardiac surgery and offered assistance for self-employment which was also beneficial to several non-Christians.
During 2011-12, the special charity under ‘Thanal’ named “Save-A-Life” Cardiac Project helped poor children with heart ailments by providing financial assistance towards their surgery. Around the same time, the Maha Edavaka as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations had planned to perform cardiac surgery for 40 children but due to its overwhelming response, ended up performing surgery for over 60 children.
The project was implemented in association with the St Gregorios Cardio-Vascular Centre (Training and Research), International Centre for Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Diseases, functioning from St Gregorios Mission Hospital, Parumala, Kerala. The Centre is supported by Frontier Lifeline and promoted by Padmashree Dr K M Cherian, a most respected and reputed cardiac surgeon known internationally.
Usually the poor and those below the poverty line are targeted from Malankara Orthodox dioceses in Kerala like Sultan Battery, Idukki, Malabar, Kandanadu East, Kandanadu West and others.
On June 1, Friday, the Muscat Church after the Holy Eucharist launched the ‘Care for Life’ project at the St Thomas Church, Ruwi in the presence of Rev Fr Joji George, Vicar/President, Rev Fr Binu John Thomas, Associate Vicar, members of the managing committee and parishioners.
Fr Joji George says the applications will be scrutinized by a committee comprising of professional doctors and church managing committee members. “The most deserving will be given priority and even applications from non-Christians will be considered, provided they provide all valid documents,” says the Vicar. He said the aid will be earmarked for genuine cancer cases irrespective of caste or creed and those with supporting documents checked by medical authorities will receive priority.
Senior member and businessman, Geevarghese Yohannan, made the maiden contribution to the project and passed on the cheque to the Vicar. He also agreed to sponsor three patients towards the project.
Dr Rajan Balakishnan, Senior Consultant and Head, Radiation Oncology section, The Royal Hospital, Sultanate of Oman who has done pioneering work with Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, will also offer his expertise.
The St Thomas Church in Oman is a joint venture of Mar Gregorios Maha Edavaka (MGOME) and the Mar Thoma Church in Oman (MTCO). The MGOME presently has over 1,800 members and conducts its Friday Eucharist services at the St Thomas Church in Ruwi in the PCO compound called the Protestant Church in Oman.
Those willing to participate in the project can do so by:
Upholding the Cancer “Care for Life” project in your daily prayers.
Sponsor one patient by donating Rs 75,000,
Part-sponsor of single patient by donating Rs 50,000 or
Generously contributing any amount towards the project
Those desiring to contribute to the project or for details can contact the Vicar directly on his GSM at: +968-99453470
E mail: mgocmct@omantel.net.om, or jojiachen17@gmail.com
Phone: +968-24702606, Fax: +968-24790811
Source:
Liju Cherian
