Wednesday, June 27, 2007

1 day to Mission Sunday: Pray, Preach, Participate

1 day to Mission Sunday: Pray, Preach, Participate

In the last few days, we looked at the multi dimensions of the Indian Orthodox Mission. Over the years, the IOC mission has done so much that the articles on the dimensions can continue for many days.

We are a day away from Mission Sunday. Today instead of looking at what the IOC mission has done, we will look at what we can do for the IOC mission during this year's Mission Sunday.

Clearly, Sanjoy's earlier mail sheds light on what we could do. This Sunday, we can do at least three things for the mission.

1. Pray: The IOC mission would have been no were without the grace of the Heavenly father. It's our responsibility to pray for IOC's mission that Heavenly father will give us everything that's needed to take this mission to greater heights. Pray for the selfless leaders like HG
Osthathios thirumeni and Very Rev. Philip rambachen and the many unsung heroes who have toiled their lives for this mission and continues to be a part of this mission. Pray for our missionaries.
Pray for the needy.

2. Preach, learn and educate: Almost all our clergy have a very good understanding of our mission. They must preach the importance of this day and the mission to their church members. There might be something about the mission that we know. We must educate some one who does know that. There might something about the mission that we do not know. We must take the efforts to learn it. The greatest focus must be on the children. Parents must educate them about the importance of the day and the mission. We must communicate to them how the offertory of this Sunday is being used and how it helps to reach out to the needy. We
must create the awareness about the needs of the world and how the church is trying to reach out through our organizations.

3. Participate: We saw the multi dimensions of the IOC mission. To sustain such a mission needs the participation of everyone. There are many ways to be a part of the mission. Even if we did not go the mission fields, we still can be a part of the mission. The mission that preaches the teaching of Jesus also believes in the value of the 'widows 2 cents'. Hence, it is not at all difficult for anyone to participate in it. With what ever you have you can support the mission
in your own ways. If you are convinced about the need of such a mission, on mission Sunday we can be a part of the mission by supporting these initiatives through the Mission Sunday cover
collection. The three questions we must ask ourselves on Mission Sunday are:
a. Did I Participate?
b. Did my family participate?
c. Did my church participate?

The greatest encouragement for the people working for the mission field would probably be to know that every one of the 25 lakh people participate in the mission and are behind them.

If we do our part, there is no doubt that the IOC mission will reach greater heights in the future and will continue to be the source of hope for many.

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

2 days to Mission Sunday: Natural calamities and Disasters

2 days to Mission Sunday: Natural Calamities and Disasters

Today, we will look at yet another dimension of IOC's mission
initiatives: Natural calamities and disaster relief and rebuilding.

The IOC's mission has always been in the forefront during almost all
major natural calamities and disaster relief and rebuilding.

In 1977, after the aftermath of the killer cyclone in Andhra Pradesh,
IOC's mission took over the charge of rebuilding 2 villages.

In 1999, yet another killer cyclone hit Orissa. IOC responded by
building over 200 concrete houses for the cyclone affected people.

In 2001, IOC also has done a commendable job after the Gujarat earth
quake by building 88 houses in Ajpar village of Kuch District.

In 2004, the IOC mission society and the National Relief Service of
Orthodox Church (NARSOC) joined hands together and did a commendable
job in building 40 homes in Kerala for the tsunami affected people. It
also did provide assistance in Tamilnadu and Andaman.

IOC is blessed with people like HG Osthathios thirumeni and Very Rev.
Philip rambachen who have been few of the many who have made IOC's
mission a multi dimensional source of hope for many.

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Monday, June 25, 2007

3 days to Mission Sunday: Kalahandi Development Project

3 days to Mission Sunday: Kalahandi Development Project

During the last few days, we have been looking at the different
dimensions of IOC's mission initiatives.

On day 6, we saw how IOC's mission initiatives address the current day
killer diseases. On day 5, we saw how IOC's mission initiatives
addressed the yesterday's killer diseases.

Today we will look at another dimension of IOC's mission initiatives:
an initiative to address something that we all take for granted: food.
While diseases take many lives, that is not the only cause. There are
causes that are hard to comprehend. One such cause is a man loosing
life due to the lack of food. In its efforts to fight hunger in a
place where people die of hunger, IOC launched the Kalahandi
development project.

Kalahandi has been in the headlines many times for drought and
starvation. People die here because of starvation. It is sometimes
referred to as the 'Somalia of India'.

Long time ago, there was an article in 'The Hindu' newspaper about the
people of Kalahandi and how they prepare for the drought season. As
the drought approaches, they start to eat less and less every day, so
that their stomachs can adjust to the season. And when they do not
have any food, they are forced to fast. For these people, fast is not
a choice, but a harsh reality of life.

IOC mission operates a hospital (BMP Mission hospital) and four
satellite dispensaries. It also operates a balagram in Attamguda which
is the home for 30 boys.

Address:
Kalahandi Development Project
BMP Mission Hospital, Uditnarayanpur P.O.
(Via) Bhavanipatanm Kalahandi Dist.
Orissa 766001
Phone: 06670-231099

ICON Archives on Kalahandi Development Project

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/6560
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/102
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/306

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Sunday, June 24, 2007

4 days to Mission Sunday: An Unique Mission Sunday

4 days to Mission Sunday: An Unique Mission Sunday

Every year, the first Sunday of July is designated as the mission
Sunday. This year it falls on July 1st. This year's mission Sunday
also shares the day with two other important days.

July 1st is also the birthday of H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius thirumeni.
Thirumeni was born on July 1st, 1955. It is also the day that marks
the completion of the second anniversary of thirumeni taking charge as
the metropolitan of Idukki diocese. Thirumeni took charge of Idukki
diocese on July 1, 2005.

Even though the mission society does not have many projects directly
in Idukki diocese, H.G. Dionysius thirumeni was trying to make up for
the slack. On June 9th, 2007, thirumeni was planning to lay the
foundation stone of the first old age home in Idukki diocese.
Unfortunately, the events of June 6th left it uncompleted. We must
pray that this will become a reality in the near future.

The mission Sunday is the day that we pray for all the organizations,
not just the ones operated by the mission board. During this year's
mission Sunday, we must especially pray for Idukki diocese in addition
to all the other organizations. We must remember thirumeni and thank
Heavenly Father for furthering the mission of IOC in the most backward
areas of Idukki through thirumeni's hands.

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Saturday, June 23, 2007

5 days to Mission Sunday: St.Gregorios Balagram, Yacharam

5 days to Mission Sunday: St.Gregorios Balagram, Yacharam

The start of the reach out initiatives of IOC dates back long ago.
Today those organizations that were started decades ago are the
success stories of IOC's initiatives.

20 years ago, by the grace of Almighty God, and the vision of our
leaders, a bold step was taken in spite of inhibitions and
apprehensions to reach out to rehabilitate the children of leprosy
patients. Today, St.Gregorios balagram, Yacharam, Andra pradesh is the
home for 111 children of poor leprosy patients.

St.Gregorios Balagram
Nirmalgiri, Yacharam P.O
R.R. District, Andra Pradesh 501509
India

Phone: 841 424 3234
Email: ybalagram @yahoo.co.in (without the space after @)
Website: http://providenceusa.com/balagram/aboutus.htm

ICON Archives on St.Gregorios Balagram, Yacharam

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/14564
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/14366
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/14105
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/13545
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/8561
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/1316
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/306

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

6 days to Mission Sunday: St. Gregorios Daya Bhavan, Kunigal

6 days to Mission Sunday: St. Gregorios Daya Bhavan, Kunigal

As we talk about AIDS, the name of our country comes up, as India have
the largest number of HIV infected people in the world. One in eight
people infected with HIV in the world resides in India and it accounts
to ~5.7 million people.

There are 6 states (Manipur, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh, TamilNadu,
Karnataka and Maharashtra) that are very badly affected, with HIV/AIDS
prevalence rates greater than 1%.

IOC has always been on the forefront in the fight against killer
diseases. In the 80's IOC's mission fought against leprosy, today it
is fighting against AIDS. It has made the fight against AIDS a top
priority. We can see this in the mission statement of IOC that HG
Meletius thirumeni shared with us in this forum. Ref:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/13248

In its fight against AIDS, St.Gregorios Daya Bhavan is one of the
newest ventures of Malankara Orthodox Mission Board to care for the
children of AIDS patients. It is located at Bhaktarhalli, Kunigal
Town, 80 kms away from Bangalore.

St. Gregorios Daya Bhavan
No. 69, Vanighere Village
Bhaktharahalli P.O, (Via) Kunigal, Tumkur Dist
Karnataka - 572 120, India

Phone: 0816 320075
Email: dayabahvan@yahoo.co.in
Website: http://www.dayabhavan.org/

ICON Archives on Daya Bhavan and AIDS

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/5667
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/5577
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/4740
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/4290
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/12526
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/12559
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/13107

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

10 days to Mission Sunday: An Interview with H.G. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios

10 days to Mission Sunday

We are 10 days away from July 1st, the Mission Sunday. On that Sunday,
we read the kalpana of one of the greatest living assets of IOC, H.G.
Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Thirumeni. On that Sunday, we have special
prayers for the needy, the missions across the country and people
working to serve the needy.

It's hard to imagine what the IOC mission would look like if it was
not molded and perfected by H.G. Osthathios Thirumeni. Thirumeni has
been the strongest voice and the torch bearer of IOC's reach out
initiatives. Thirumeni is the president of the Mission board of the
Indian Orthodox Church (IOC). He is equally accepted across religions
as the champion of social justice. Thirumeni is the founder of the
mission training center of IOC. Thirumeni's hands and his mission have
reached the underprivileged of the society and has spanned from
Pudupaddy, Kerala to Kalahandi, Orissa.

His vision for IOC is probably the closest to his creator's will: a
church focused in reaching out to the needy. Even though he resigned
as the metropolitan of Niranam diocese, he continues to work as the
president of the mission board, keeping the focus of IOC's mission in
perspective to the greatest teaching of Jesus Christ. His values are
unique. His concern for the poor is divine. His achievements to reach
out are beyond words. He is priceless.

To know him, to hear his ideas, to share his dream of a true church of
Christ, we would like to share an informal interview with H.G.
Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Thirumeni. Please visit

http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/missionSunday.php

Thirumeni has been very vocal in many of the answers during the
interview. The answers might sound strange to us when we hear it for
the first time. The reason for it is that we probably are so far away
from the place where Thirumeni wants to reach. Thirumeni wants social
justice. It's probably light years for us to reach there, but at least
as we can start. As thirumeni suggested, we can start with charity.
And again, we must listen to the interview by being in the shoes of a
person who has the frustration of starting a hospital, but unable to
run it because there are no doctors to serve, the frustration of
starting a training center, but no students to attend and many
more....

On that Sunday, and everyday, pray for this great gift of God to IOC.
Pray for his long life. Pray that we get more leaders who share
thirumeni's values. Pray for the mission of Christ.

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Saturday, June 16, 2007

TID-5: Idukki Diocese of IOC: The rollercoaster over the last 25 years

TID-5: Idukki Diocese of IOC: The rollercoaster over the last 25 years

I am sure the tone of the last article (the golden era) does not match
with the initial tone for the series (the financially backward). One
can ask if the start was considered 'golden' why we have ended in this
state. Where did we go off track?

To understand the current state of Idukki diocese, we have to look at
the last 25 years of its existence as Idukki diocese. Based on ups and
downs, the 25 years can be divided into three time periods.

1. The Golden Era: (1982-1992): This is the time period under the
leadership of H.G. Barnabas thirumeni. This time period extends from
the formation of Idukki diocese to the time when H.G. Barnabas
thirumeni left the Idukki diocese to take his new assignment. As seen
in the previous article, this period saw that foundation of Idukki
diocese being laid. The emphasis was on creating congregations,
building churches in the most rural and financially challenged areas
thereby creating the opportunity for people to receive the body and
blood of Christ.

2. The Blackout era: (1992-2005): This is the time period in which
there was no permanent full time metropolitan to lead Idukki diocese.
A time that the people of Idukki was abandoned like the lost sheep
without a Shepard. In the absence of a good administration, Idukki
diocese started to decay in all respects. The weaknesses in
administration led to the weakness in spiritual growth. When IOC's
concern for the people of Idukki dipped lower than the lowest
standards, we started loosing people to other denominations. Our
churches started to shrink. We lost the momentum that H.G. Barnabas
thirumeni had painstakingly accomplished. We will discuss specific
details in later articles.

3. The Revitalizing era: (2005-till date): The time period under the
leadership of H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius, the current metropolitan of
Idukki diocese. After many years of wandering as the lost sheep,
heavenly father answered the prayers of the people of Idukki. A
vibrant Shepard at last took over the ruins of Idukki diocese and
started his journey in search of the lost sheep. The Shepard had a
very clear focus: regain the lost glory of Idukki diocese and reach
out to the lost sheep by providing them all assistance for their
spiritual growth. The Shepard worked and continues to work feverishly
towards this goal. His efforts started to revitalize Idukki diocese
once again. The decay of Idukki came to an end, new life started to
emerge. At last the people of Idukki diocese saw a ray of hope.

One of the greatest blessings that heavenly father has showered on IOC
is in the form of its recovery from the deep downs to greater heights
during the most difficult times. In the next few articles, we will
look at why we had a roller coaster ride over the last 25 years and
the role of IOC in the 'good' and 'not so good days' of Idukki
diocese.

To be continued…

Next Article: TID-6: Idukki Diocese and IOC: What did we do right?

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

TID-4: Idukki Diocese of IOC: The Genesis

TID-4: Idukki Diocese of IOC: The Genesis

The Idukki diocese of the IOC was formed in 1982, within 10 years
after the birth of Idukki district. The IOC had an early start in
Idukki being the first denomination to setup a diocese in Idukki to
care for the faithful of Idukki.

The challenges of the terrains, weather, the lack of infrastructure
and the labor pains of being the first denomination to reach out did
not deter the first metropolitan of Idukki, H.G Mathews Mar Barnabas
thirumeni from walking miles and miles to lay the foundation of Idukki
diocese. The simplicity and capabilities of thirumeni was a perfect
fit for Idukki and its people. Though many others looking from outside
were upset to see thirumeni traveling in the local buses, thirumeni
had one aim in mind: the betterment and the spiritual growth of the
people of Idukki.

The time that H.G Barnabas thirumeni was the metropolitan of Idukki
diocese was probably the golden era of Idukki. Thirumeni built
churches in remote places for people who could have never done it
otherwise due to their financial challenges. Thirumeni gave the
spiritual and organizational structure for the Idukki diocese. Apart
from the churches, and a small aramana (along with the chapel) that
were established in Idukki, thirumeni started a mission hospital for
treating the poor patients. This is still the only charitable
initiative of IOC to this date in Idukki.

The greatness of H.G Barnabas thirumeni is in the fact that even after
he left the Idukki diocese, he continues to shoulder the Idukki
diocese by funding them to make more things happen. Many of the
churches in Idukki have only one or two Sunday services a month.
Thirumeni's dream is to increase the number of services in these
churches every month. For churches that have only one service a month,
thirumeni helps to make it twice a month and so on.

The people of Idukki have great respect for H.G Barnabas thirumeni to
this day for his selfless efforts in Idukki. [The good words that I am
writing about H.G Barnabas thirumeni should not be mistaken as
'sugaring' of our diocesan bishop (American diocese).] These
impressions and words are not based on stage speakers, but are based
on the feelings of the local people. I want to highlight one specific
observation that I made during casual talks with people of Idukki.
Even though the people of Idukki are very happy with their current
bishop (H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius), and have great words for his
initiatives, they rarely talk about Idukki's achievements without
mentioning the name of H.G Barnabas thirumeni. They never seem to
forget the great work thirumeni started 25 years ago.

The genesis of Idukki will not be complete without mentioning the
people who worked tirelessly along with thirumeni, the clergy from
kottayam who traveled all the way to Idukki to take care of the
spiritual needs of the people of Idukki and everyone who helped
nurture the Idukki diocese in its early days.

All in all, a great start for the Idukki diocese of IOC.

To be continued…

Next Article: TID-5: Idukki Diocese: The rollercoaster over the last 25 years

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Monday, June 11, 2007

The Idukki Diary (TID): Continuing the Series after the Sunset

The Idukki Diary (TID): Continuing the Series after the Sunset

The primary goal of 'The Idukki Diary' (TID) series was to create
awareness about the challenges of Idukki diocese. Until article 3 of
the series, we had a vibrant Shepard who was aggressively working for
the betterment of Idukki Diocese. All we had to do was to support him
and strengthen his arms to reach farther goals. We had the hope that
as long as we do our part, Idukki diocese surely would become the
'Success story of IOC'.

In the past, Idukki diocese has been at the crossroads of success and
failures multiple times. And at these crossroads, we had taken the
road of success at times and the roads of failures at other times. To
give us the bigger picture, I had articles (article 5 and later) in
the series that looks at both sides of the coin on how Idukki diocese
was treated by us at times in the past.

I am sure at least some might not like the critic viewpoint; but I
want to assure you that there are reasons why the articles would be
vocal on our small failures in addition to our success moments. The
reasons were

1. To get a clear perspective of the state of Idukki diocese that H.G.
Augen Mar Dionysius thirumeni inherited and why such a situation had
happened.

2. To acknowledge the sacrifices that thirumeni made while accepting
the role of the Metropolitan of Idukki diocese and how our efforts
were needed to sustain his role.

3. To funnel more effort and focus from all angles to make up for the
neglect of Idukki diocese over the years.

4. To understand the development that has occurred in Idukki during
the last few years and how we can keep it going.

On June 06, 2007, Idukki diocese had its greatest shock of its
lifetime. The modern day Architect of Idukki diocese, H.G. Augen Mar
Dionysius passed away leaving behind a lot of unfulfilled dreams for
Idukki diocese. The sun had set on Idukki.

Never ever did I think that we would be at the crossroads of success
and failures once again so quickly. Never even in my dreams, did I
ever think of a situation where thirumeni was not there to keep the
wheels of Idukki rolling.

And at this moment, I believe we probably want to add one more aim to
our list: to avoid repeating our journey on the roads of failure by
not making the right decision at the crossroads.

We have a responsibility to keep the wheels of Idukki rolling and
realizing the dreams of thirumeni. We and especially our leadership
must be sensitive to the needs of Idukki and must execute on the
vision that thirumeni had for the Idukki diocese.

As we are currently breathing through the moments of decision making,
I would like to bring the challenges of Idukki diocese quickly through
the 'The Idukki Diary' series. The series would appear more frequently
that its current frequency of a week. I request everyone to join the
discussion and to be the voice of Idukki. For those who tuned in late,
the archives of TID part 1-3 are available in the ICON archives or at
http://idukkidiocese.blogspot.com/

The series would continue with the assumption that thirumeni is
running the show in Idukki because as soon as we take him out of the
picture, many things might not hold true. Also the words on thirumeni
were based on the true impressions I had written when he was alive and
is not based on the emotions after he passed away.

It's our humble request to everyone to be the voice of Idukki in your
own positions. Please provide feedback to your leaders so that we can
quickly find bishops to take over the wonderful work of thirumeni and
steer it to completion.

Thirumeni was a perfect fit for Idukki diocese. It might be difficult,
but not impossible to find a replacement for the leadership of Idukki
diocese. If we look at the characteristics of the ideal fit for the
leader of Idukki diocese, it is really interesting. It is not the
'education' that people look for, but it is the 'empathy' that the
people look for. It is not the 'Doctorate' that matters, but it is the
'Down to earth Service' that matters. It is not the 'Theology' that
you work with, but it is the 'Tears of the poor' that you work with.

It's extremely important for the IOC leadership to act quickly in
appointing the right leadership for Idukki diocese. If we don't do the
right things, we will inherit one more Ankamaly diocese. If we do the
right things, we will continue to have the Idukki diocese of
2005-2007. The choice is obvious, but where we end up will be decided
by the actions of our leadership.

May the prayers of Dionysius thirumeni and his sacrifices guide us in
these crucial moments. May heavenly father give our leaders the needed
strength to overcome all challenges.

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Sunday, June 10, 2007

H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius: The Long Lasting Tribute

H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius: The Long Lasting Tribute

On June 06, 2007, H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius thirumeni, the metropolitan
of Idukki diocese completed his mission and joined HIS heavenly
father. During his lifetime he dedicated himself to HIS Heavenly
Father's will and served the poor. He lived serving the poor and he
died serving the poor.

On June 07, 2007, the land of Valikattu became blessed once again to
be the resting place of yet another great spiritual father of our
church. Thousands from all walks of life poured in to pay the last
respect to thirumeni.

Thirumeni was a great visionary. As part of his vision for Idukki
diocese, he had many dreams in line with his creators will. He had
started aggressively on many of these dreams. The untimely departure
of thirumeni has left many of his dreams for Idukki diocese
unfulfilled.

The tribute to thirumeni must not end with the wreaths and the
incense. The true long lasting tribute to thirumeni is to celebrate
his life: a life of prayer and service to the poor and to execute his
dreams that he had for the betterment of the people of Idukki diocese.
The wheels of Idukki must continue to roll. The greatest disgrace to
thirumeni would be for us to abandon the great work that he had
started.

Though he might not be with us physically, he is always with us in
spirits. We have his prayers; we need our efforts to see that his
vision of Idukki becomes a reality. The greatest tribute to thirumeni
is for each of us to pitch in to help in our own ways to realize the
dreams that thirumeni had for Idukki.

May all of us be inspired by his life and service and subject
ourselves to will of almighty father to serve the poor and the needy.
May his prayers guide us.

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/

Saturday, June 2, 2007

The 30 days to Mission Sunday

The 30 days to Mission Sunday

Indian Orthodox Church (IOC) has always been a strong proponent of
embracing the greatest teaching of Christ. Its mission to reach out to
the needy has touched many hearts and continues to do so everyday.
Under the leadership of H.G. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios thirumeni, the
mission of IOC has grown tremendously over the years and has been the
source of hope to many. Thirumeni's hands and his mission have reached
the underprivileged of the society and has spanned from Puthupaddy to
Kalahandi.

In its efforts to spread the awareness of its mission in serving the
neediest of the societies, IOC has designated the first Sunday of July
as the Mission Sunday. On this day, special prayers are held for the
needy, the missions across the country and people working to serve the
needy.

This year, Mission Sunday will be observed on July 1st. We are 30 days
away from Mission Sunday. Every one of us is a missionary of IOC. We
must help each other understand our mission and its challenges. On
Mission Sunday, when we pray, we must have a clear understanding of
what we are praying for. The next 30 days is the time for us to help
each other understand our mission better.

In line with this need, it's my humble request to all thirumeni's,
achen's and the entire ICON community to write articles related to the
mission of our church. As some one wrote in the forum earlier that
opinions are free here, we need yours. If you do not know anything
related to the mission, please post your questions. I am sure someone
will provide the answers to the questions. If you live close one of
these organizations operated by the mission society, please share the
stories and how these have influenced people. Share your ideas on what
you would like to see the church and individuals do to further the
mission focus of our church.

If H.G. Osthathios thirumeni in his 88th year can work so hard to
reach out as far as Kalahandi, we at least can lend our ears and our
hands to share the good work with our fellow Christians across the
globe.

Let this 30 days make us more aware about our church's reach out initiatives.

Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/