Metropolitan Mar Seraphim says Indian Orthodox churches to come up in Bengaluru

Liju Cherian
Indian Malankara Orthodox Church
November 2013

BENGALURU –HG Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim, the young Bengaluru Diocese Metropolitan of Indian Orthodox Church, who has visualized robust plans for the overall development of the Diocese, says that the Diocese under his leadership was planning to set up more Orthodox churches on the periphery of the city.

In an interview with Orthodox.info recently, Metropolitan Dr Mar Seraphim said the likely locations planned were in Yelahanka on the northern part of the city, J P Nagar and Jayanagar on the southern side, Hosur Road on way to Anekal bordering Tamil Nadu and other suitable locations.

The Diocese at present has 12 churches spread over in the City. In total it has 21 parishes and a congregation spread across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and three emirates in the UAE, namely Fujairah, Dibba and Ras–al-Khaima (RAK) with about 4,000 families as its members.

Funds are a major constraint, Dr Mar Seraphim revealed adding that in about a period of 4 to 5 years time, he foresees the planned set up of all the churches on the city’s burgeoning outskirts.

Dr Mar Seraphim further added that scouting of sites and selection of a proper location was presently on and he himself was personally looking into these. The Metropolitan was giving prime importance to further expand the growth of more churches for his Diocese.

His Grace further noted that new churches will also provide the Orthodox faithful to remain committed to their beliefs rather than go astray or align with other religious groups.

Dr Mar Seraphim also pointed out that neighbouring Mysore city which falls under Bengaluru Diocese was also their ‘target spot’ having wide scope for expansion. Land for setting up of an international school is being planned, the Metropolitan added.

Source:
Independent