But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NRSV)
Dearly beloved in Christ
Greetings in the name of our Ascended Lord!
I am extremely privileged to address you all in Christ Jesus’ name. I pray that you are all keeping well by God’s grace and mercy. 5th of June is the feast of Pentecost for the Universal Church. Pentecost is a historic event, commemorating the descend of Holy Spirit upon the Church as described in Acts of the Apostles Ch.2. While we commemorate it, it is not just commemorated as an event alone, but as a promise being fulfilled in the everyday life of the church. Holy Spirit continues to visit the church. Holy Spirit continues to stay in the church and work through the church. In the Oriental tradition, Holy Spirit perfects and fulfills all the rites, sacraments and the services in the church. Holy Spirit renews the church every day and thus we are all part of this regeneration in the Holy Spirit in our everyday witness and service. We lead our lives in an era unprecedented in history marked with sadness, anger and fear. And these make us paralyzed and exhausted of our divine virtues. As we celebrate Pentecost, let us pray for the renewal of our congregations and families in Holy Spirit and may Holy Spirit free us from sorrows, anger and fear.
The last two months were quite eventful for our congregations. The observation of the Great Lent and Holy week helped our congregations to reenact the Jesus event rooted in our tradition. The general body meetings were conducted meticulously due to the hard work of the office-bearers of the congregations. They deserve our continued support and prayers. On behalf of the congregations, let us glorify God for the support we receive from our families and our members.
In this month of June, the newly ordained Achens of our Church will be assuming their appointed charges in the respective parishes and organizations. Let us pray for our Achens and
our Thirumenis that God strengthen them in God’s ministry. The construction of our Zonal Head Quarters in London is progressing and as members of this UK-Europe Zone, let us uphold this attempt in our prayers. From 16th June to 29th June, the Church observes the Fast of the Apostles (Sleeha Nombu). On 19th June, our Diocesan Bishop, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa is visiting the Switzerland Mar Thoma Congregation. Let us pray that the Visit of our Thirumeni be an occasion of spiritual joy and renewal for our Congregation.
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15: 5-6 (NRSV).
God Bless you all!
Sincerely in Christ
Your Vicar
Johnson Achen
01/06/2022
9:55 PM
Göttingen