The new Metropolitan
Our best wishes to Most Rev. Dr. Theodosius Marthoma, the new Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church! May God bless him and strengthen him to lead us all from darkness to light, this blessed day of Diwali ( Festival of Lights) and Children's Day onwards.
*Oxios* Repeated thrice during the installation service as Metropolitan, the word comes from a tradition in which bishops were chosen and appointed to lead the persecuted christian community. The word implies "worthy" - worthy to die for the Gospel of good news.
*Gospel* The first act of the newly installed Metropolitan as part of the symbolic liturgy was to read from the Gospel. He read Jesus' words from the Gospel of John (chapter 10). It talks about the Good Shepherd who dies for his sheep, his sheep who know his voice, and about other sheep he has who are not part of this pen.
*Reconciliation* Like every clergy before each Holy Communion service begins, the new metropolitan begins the rest of the service by offering a kiss of peace with fellow bishops/ priests. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24).
The notable inaugural speech of the new metropolitan touched upon the following topics:
Ecology
Technology & AI - the need for human compassion, love and peace
Agriculture & land
Cries of the suffering people
Human greed and virus
Human Resources of Mar Thoma Church
Call to Gospel ministry
Missions to village
Linguistic diversity in the life of the church
Marthoma Sabha, "Ente Sabha"
Youth - the power of the church today
Continuing reformation
Strengthening ecumenism
The poverty and hunger in India
Malnutrition among children in thr country
Don't be addicted to wealth, strengthen the poor
The current plight of women and girls - the dignity of women
Political degradation
Upholding the Indian Constitution for all
Prophetic ministry of the church
Jesus is Lord of the church
Not self sufficiency, but grace is what we need.
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Our best wishes!
- Mathews George ( Rev.)
