Metropolitan Mar Zachariah Nicholovos Unanimously Elected to CWS Board of Directors

Northeast American Diocese of the Indian Orthodox Malankara Church – 4/11/17

The Member Communions of Church World Service (CWS) unanimously voted to elect His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, to serve on its Board of Directors. Church World Service is one of the leading and most reputable faith-based organizations which offer swift and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster throughout the world.

In their letter dated November 2, 2017, the Reverend Dr. Earl D. Trent, Jr. Chairman of CWS and Reverend John L. McCullough, President & CEO of CWS wrote “We are thrilled to welcome you to the governance of CWS, and look forward to benefitting from the guidance your participation will provide.”

In the aftermath of World War II, seventeen denominations came together to form an agency “to do in partnership what none of us could hope to do as well alone.” The mission: Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, comfort the aged, shelter the homeless. This agency, known as the Church World Service, continues to be one of the most respected faith-based humanitarian relief organizations which seeks to transform communities around the globe.

In the past decade, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has become a more active part of the life changing work of CWS, through CROP Walks and disaster relief aid. Most recently, parishes of the Northeast American Diocese offered strong support to the hurricane relief efforts of CWS for the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

In the recent time, CWS was one of the founding members of a global partnership of faith-based humanitarian agencies, ACT Alliance, with members in 140 countries. With 130 member organizations, ACT Alliance provides a dynamic environment for collaboration in responding to human needs around the world.

Metropolitan Mar Nicholovos spoke of his joy, especially receiving this news on the Feast of Saint Gregorios of Parumala. “This is not about a personal appointment to an office; this is a recognition of the growing presence the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has in this country, and throughout the world. I pray that my role can further show how the Malankara Church has always, and will always answer the call to philanthropic and humanitarian crises throughout the world.”

His Grace’s tenure as the member of the Board of Directors will formally begin on January 1, 2018.

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