Catholicose Aboon Mor Baselious Thomas I celebrated the Holy Qurbono at the Holy Tombs of our fore fathers entombed at Trikkunnath St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. H.G Mor Severious Abraham, H.G Mor Gregorious Joseph & H.G Antheemos Mathews were attend the Holy Mass. H.B Catholicose & Metropolitans entered the Holy Tomb room for Holy Mass.  H.B Bava assisted by metropolitans offered Holy Mass today in front of the tomb avoiding "Thubden" and "kukilions".

Government authorities allowed Catholicose Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I to carry the necessary vestments, communion vessels, bread and wine to offer the Holy Qurbono at Tomb. This picture Cleary shows the security personals allowed the real owner of the Thrikunnathu Seminary and parish to take all necessary supplies to the tomb. Thus our beloved Catholicose fulfilled his duty and wishes of the faithful, which he is bound to do as spiritual leader.. It’s once agin rejected all propaganda against the holy Church and her Catholicose. : -  : SOCM NEWS

January 14, 2012 marked a monumental beginning to the MGSOSA Southeast Region as approximately forty youth and six clergy gathered at St. Mary's Augusta to kick off the New Year in high spirits. The motivational event focused on the theme "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" Matthew 26:41.

The geographical distance was not allowed to be an obstacle. The event was attended by the youth from all over the region consisting of four churches in Georgia, two churches in Florida, and one church in North Carolina. The retreat was organized by the regional MGSOSA coordinators and the Vicar, members, and youth of St. Mary's Church, Augusta.

The retreat began at 7:30 AM with Morning prayers and lasted until 7 PM. The day's activities consisted of a charitable service project which entailed cooking and delivering food to a family at a local Ronald McDonald House. The inspirational key note sessions were led by Fr. Cherian Thalakulam of the Catholic Church and Dr. Philip Thomas, a sociology professor in Paine College. Small group sessions were led by  Rev. Fr. Bijo Mathew, Rev. Dn. Shawn Shaji, Rev. Dn. Subin Shaji, Rev. Dn. Josh Thomas, and Rev. Dn. Jan Wilson. The breakout teams were very enthusiastic and everyone actively participated in the

discussions. There was also a panel discussion session led by Very Rev. Fr.Mathew Thomas Edathara, and Rev. Fr. Bijo Mathew. The panel did a wonderful job answering questions about the liturgy and church doctrines. Participants really enjoyed the time and extended their gratitude to the clergy panel. At the end of the retreat the group was divided into two groups by age and asked to perform a skit that incorporated the days learning activities. This was the first time in many years where youth from all over the region participated in such a retreat.

The attendees left the retreat being rejuvenated and has grown together through fellowship and learning more about the Holy Church. Our humble gratitude goes to the parents who chaperoned the youth to and from Augusta. Without their dedication the days event would not have been as successful as planned.

Also we extend our sincere thanks to Very Rev. Fr. Mathews Edathara and the youth and members of St. Mary's Augusta for their willingness to host and coordinate the event. We are also indebted to His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho the Archbishop of this Diocese, the MGSOSA Vice President Rev. Fr. Bijo Mathew and MGSOSA General Secretary Rev. Dn. Shiryl Mathai for their support and prayers that have gone into creating such an amazing youth fellowship.

We thank God for a fruitful retreat and pray that the year holds many more blessed events and we humbly request that you continue to pray for the youth of this diocese as we move forward.

NOTICE
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Flag for Annual Parish Festival of St Joseph’s Cathedral Kottayam, hoisted on 22nd January, Sunday after the Holy Qurbono by the Vicar Very Rev Fr. Thomas Itty Kunnatheyyattu Cor Episcopa. The Annual Parish Festival and Dukhrono of St. Athanasius Paulose Valiya Thirumeni (Defender of True Faith, Malankara Metropolitan and Metropolitan of Kottayam) will be celebrated on 26th January 2012. Mor Severios Kuriakose, Archbishop of Knanaya Archdiocese would be leading the Holy Penta Mass on 26th. The same is also celebrated as Harvest Festival of the Church.

Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Koorpillil will be elevated to Corepiscopos on January 28th,  2012 in Atlanta, Georgia by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho, the Archbishop and  Patriarchal Vicar of the  Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America. Rev. Fr. Geevarghese was ordained as a Deacon by His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas in New York and was ordained as a Priest by Late Lamented His  Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselius Poulose II at Kothamangalam. Rev. Fr. Geevarghese served the Malankara Archdiocese as a vicar of Mor Gregoriose Syrian Orthodox Church of Staten Island, NY for several years. Due to personal reasons Achen moved back to Kerala, India and settled there for  several  years. Achen has returned back to the United States and now lives with his Daughter and son-in-law Rev. Fr. Mathai Puthukunnathu in Atlanta, GA.

Achen will be celebrating his 80th Birthday.