Maiden visit of the Diocesan Metropolitan

His Grace Dr Yuhanon Mar Diascorus, newly appointed Metropolitan of the Diocese of Madras, made his maiden visit to our parish from Saturday 25 July 2009 to Wednesday 29 July 2009.

On his first afternoon, His Grace met with the three young boys who had preparing themselves to be admitted as altar boys. He then led the parish in evening prayers and a short devotional address in preparation for Holy Qurbana the following day. His experience as a teacher was evident when he directed questions and demanded responses from the congregation, who quite rapidly lost their inhibitions about offering answers, even if they were not always the correct ones. He gave members food for thought with his statement that “Christian life is sacramental”. His Grace explained this by saying that Christian life, like each sacrament, is Christ-centred and a journey towards purification, illumination and deification or theosis ( growing into the likeness of God). He also said in the Orthodox tradition, all sacraments are mysteries in which we have the privilege to participate and experience, even when we cannot understand their meaning fully.

Just prior to the celebration of the Holy Qurbana on Sunday morning, His Grace admitted three boys to serve at the altar, Ajith Samuel Stephen, Kenneth Philip Koshy and Vishal Sam Mohan. He reminded them that they were being called by God to be moulded by the fire of His presence at the altar into a new creation, and requested the congregation to pray for them.

A short reception was held to welcome His Grace after the Holy Qurbana. His Grace was greeted with the typical Malaysian "Selamat Datang" and presented the parish address book by the Hon. Secretary. Rev Fr Thomas Oommen welcomed Thirumeni and Very Rev Philip Thomas Cor Episcopa gave a felicitation. Both the Achens presented Thirumeni with a pewter plaque to commemorate the occasion. His Grace was also greeted with a garland and presentations of floral bouquets by members of the parish representing the senior members, the Martha Mariam Samajam, the young people and children. His Grace expressed his joy at the opportunity to visit the parish and was pleased to note that the title of the Blessed Mother of God was included in its name, “Cathedral of St Mary the Theotokos”. His Grace told members that he looked forward to the growth and development of the parish as well the diocese. He then relaunched the newly upgraded web-site of the parish, www.mymalankara.com.

After breakfast, His Grace relished a few moments in the company of the most friendly and candid members of the parish, the children of the Sunday school. The young ones were won over by his friendliness and did not miss the opportunity to provide him food for thought by asking rather interesting and unexpected questions, as only they can do.

His Grace later met members of the Youth Fellowship and exhorted them to be strong. He reminded them that to be truly strong in the eyes of God, one must be mentally and spiritually strong, not merely physically strong.

His Grace spent the remaining days of his visit familiarizing himself with affairs of the parish, meeting with members of the Managing Committee and other members. He also had the opportunity to meet the Rt Rev Murphy Pakiam, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church of Malaysia.

We are grateful that His Grace was able to spend his time with us and pray for his well-being and the growth of the diocese under his leadership.