MANAMA: St. Paul’s Mar Thoma Parish, Bahrain, celebrated its 20th Parish Day and officially inaugurated its year-long 20th Anniversary Jubilee Celebrations on Friday, September 18.
The celebrations commenced in the morning with a Holy Communion service led by Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa, Diocesan Bishop of the UK, Europe, Africa, and Mumbai dioceses of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church.
Following the service, the Bishop formally inaugurated the year-long jubilee celebrations during a public meeting and unveiled the calendar of upcoming events. Families who played pivotal roles in the establishment and growth of the parish since its inception were honored with traditional shawls (ponnada) during the ceremony.
Presided over by Parish Vicar Rev. Aneesh Samuel John, the event featured a welcome address by Vice President Sudin Abraham, a vote of thanks by Trustee Shibu Chacko, and the presentation of the 20th Annual Report by Secretary Aeby Varghese.
Distinguished clergy present at the event included senior Mar Thoma priest Rev. Joseph J. Ayirukuzhi; Very Rev. Sleeba Paul Corepiscopa, KCEC President and Vicar of St. Peter’s Jacobite Church; Rev. Biju John, Vicar of Bahrain Mar Thoma Parish; and Rev. Mathews David, Vicar of Bahrain CSI Parish. Embracing the church’s motto, “Lighted to Lighten,” the parish has planned a series of spiritual, social, and cultural programs throughout the jubilee year.