Zimrah 2011 -Festival of Orthodox Chants

Indian Orthodox Church
12/11/2011

Sharjah: St. Gregorios Orthodox Church, Sharjah – popularly known as Gulf Parumala played host to the musical concert ‘ZIMRAH-2011’ of which the meaning is ‘Psalm sung with harp’, organised under the aegis of Orthodox Christian Youth Movement, UAE Zone on 4th of November 2011.

The three-hour long programme was organised as part of the Catholicate re-establishment centenary celebrations. The evening was blessed with Orthodox chants in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Syriac, Konkani and Tamil presented by the seven OCYM units in the Emirates. Rev. Fr. Abraham John, Vicar, St. Gregorios Orthodox Church, Sharjah and President of OCYM Sharjah presided over the function. HG Dr. Yuhannon Mar Thevodoros, Metropolitan, Punallur-Kottarackara Diocese inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural address, HG emphasised on the importance of musical discipline in the Orthodox Liturgy. Rev. Fr. John Panicker, Rev. Fr. Manoj N Rajan and Rev. Fr. Jacob Thomas, Sharjah Church Hon’ble Secretary and Sharjah Church Hon’ble Trustee were the other dignitaries present on the dais. Sharjah OCYM Secretary Mr. Biju Oommen welcomed one and all to the programme.

The highlight of the programme was a one-hour light and sound symphony of selected Hymns from Eldo to Pentecosti presented by more than hundred choristers from different units, singing together in unison. Background music as per the situation, flutist at his top, vibrant voice of the choristers and the heart behind the show Mr. Sam Thomas coordinating the entire concert was indeed a new experience to the spell bound audience packed in the Church premises. OCYM Sharjah along with the Sharjah Church Managing Committee under the leadership of Vicar Rev. Fr. Abraham John provided all the necessary logistic support to the organisers. His Grace Mar Thevodoros lauded the efforts taken up by Mr. Sam Thomas in his unique endeavour. The programme concluded with Catholicate Anthem. Thomas T Mathew, Secretary, OCYM UAE Zone proposed vote of thanks.

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