Vicar Fr Idichandy launches ‘St Gregorios Home for the Homeless project’ in Bengaluru

Liju Cherian -(Gulf Correspondent) – OCP News Service  – 2/6/17

BENGALURU, India: Fr Varghese Philip Idichandy, Vicar, St Gregorios Orthodox Church, Mathikere, Bengaluru, a parish of the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox  Church, has launched the ‘Home for the Homeless Project’ under the name of St Gregorios, the patron saint of the Parish and the first canonised saint of Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Syrian Church.

Fr Idichandy who has been harboring the project for long has conceived the project along with his numerous friends from Bengaluru Diocese, headed by HG Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim.

The family of Mr Jacob Oommen (Saju), and Sheeba Jacob, will be the maiden beneficiary from the project. Saju is the long-serving Sexton at St Gregorios Orthodox Church.

HG Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim, Metropolitan, Bengaluru Diocese, blessed the prime foundation stone for the building, after the consecration and dedication of the reconstructed Mathikere Church on May 27.

The maiden home for the project is planned to come up at Hessaraghatta, near the Agricultural Colleges. Work on the project will begin soon.

Mr Biju T Sam, a member of Begur St George Orthodox Church, Bengaluru, and the chief architect of Mathikere church, will lead the project. He will be assisted by Mr Karthik, the civil contractor and Mr Sunil, electrical contractor.

Fr Idichandy who has chalked out a detailed plan says during the first phase he plans to build 3 homes for the poor. The vicar voluntarily handed over Rs 5 lakh towards the project which the Mathikere church committee had handed over to him towards their love and affection for building the church.

The Vicar has thus set an exemplary social service among all clergymen to utilise the amount offered to them for the best use to society and mankind.

Fr Idichandy is the leading force behind the concept of Bangalore Orthodox Gospel Team as its coordinator and has successfully led with the thematic design of Meltho calendar for Bengaluru Diocese for long.

A native of Mavelikara, Kerala, India, Fr Idichandy belongs to ‘Alummottil, Panackel Thekkettil’ Umbernadu, Kallumala PO. Those interested to lend a helping hand towards the project can contact Fr Idichandy on +91-99165 92275. E:vpidichandy@yahoo.com.

Source:
Independent