Church is the body of Christ, says Dr Mar Seraphim as St Gregorios Orthodox Chapel at Dibba is consecrated

Indian Orthodox Church
14/4/2012

FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates – The consecration of the new site of St Gregorios Indian Orthodox (Malankara) Chapel was held on April 13, 2012 Friday, by Bengaluru Diocesan Metropolitan HG Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim. A long felt dream of Dibba Orthodox Christians has thus been fulfilled.

The public meeting started after the Holy Eucharist was led by Dr Mar Seraphim. Inaugurating the meeting, the Metropolitan said: “The Church is the Body of Christ” denoting an organic relationship between each believer and the Lord.”

During the meeting, newly elected Sabha Managing Committee Members namely I Thomas – Brahmavar Diocese, Jacob Mathew – Chennai Diocese, P G Mathew, Wilson – Delhi Diocese, Dr K C Cheriyan – Bengaluru Diocese were were honoured. Saji Cheriyan of Fujairah Church was honoured for his exemplary contribution to the chapel with a plaque. Gifts were also handed over to the construction supervisors, who completed the construction in record time.

Earlier, Dibba Chapel accorded a grand reception to the Metropolitan in traditional style by rendering devotional hymns. Fr Jacob Thomas, Vicar, welcomed the Metropolitan by handing over a lighted candle after which the Metropolitan lit the traditional lamp. Dr Mar Seraphim then cut the ribbon, thereby declaring the chapel was open to the goodness and humanity at large.

The consecration began with evening prayer. P K Koshy Vaidyan, Secretary, handed over the keys of the chapel to Diocesan Metropolitan which was then handed over to Vicar and finally to Jomon, Trustee.

Earlier, Dr Mar Seraphim led the Holy Eucharist and was assisted by Fr V C Jose, Vicar, St George Orthodox Cathedral Abu Dhabi, Fr Cherian Jacob, Assistant Vicar, StGeorge Orthodox Cathedral Abu Dhabi, Fr Abraham John, Vicar, St Gregorios Orthodox Church, Sharjah, Fr T J Johnson, Vicar, St Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, Dubai, Fr Jacob Thomas, Vicar, St Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, Fujairah and Fr Philipose Daniel.

Melodious singing from Fujairah St Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church choir added color to the proceedings. A large number of families of UAE’s Orthodox Churches and well wishers participated in the ceremony.

Dibba Chapel attached to Fujairah St Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church began in 1982 with just seven families. It presently has 25 families. Since 1982, Holy Qurbana was celebrated in Dibba in a residence once in a month. It was a long cherished dream of a number of Orthodox believers to have a place of worship of their own to accommodate the growing generation of the church.

All the distinguished guests were thanked for their support and cooperation and were felicitated by presenting attractive mementos.

Felicitation address were delivered by also Fr V C Jose, Fr Abraham John, Fr T J Johnson, Fr Philipose Daniel, Dr KC Cheriyan, I Thomas, Baby Thankachen, Alex Koshy, Thomas Paul, Binu Koshy, L Johny Kutty Fr Jacob Thomas, Vicar gave the welcome speech and Dr George Philip proposed the vote of thanks. Babu Kurian Puliyeril and Paul George Poovatheril were the masters of ceremony.

Source:
Liju Cherian