INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

Service Timing

OUR PARISH

In mid 60's the boom attracted many foreigners, including Malayalee Christians, to Abu Dhabi. Rev. Fr. K.K. Punnoose. M.A., B.D., S.T.M., (Present H.G. Stephanos Mar Theodosios Metropolitan of Calcutta Diocese, India) Vicar, St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Bahrain, used to visit this area at regular intervals to look after the spiritual needs of our people. He had managed to organize a prayer group of our own. A meeting of our members was held as per his request on 29th Nov '68, and elected an Ad-Hoc committee and decided to have evening prayers on all Fridays. The evening prayers were continued without break until the arrival of Rev. Fr. T. A. Jacob as resident Vicar. The carol service (visiting the houses of all our members) started in Dec. '68 is a milestone in the history of our parish. The Carol service was continued for some more years.

H.G. Thomas Mar Themothios Metropolitan of Malabar Diocese visited Abu Dhabi and other places in 1969 and celebrated Holy Qurbana and delivered sermons. This was the first visit by a Bishop of our Church to this area. H. G. Mathews Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan of Kollam Diocese, visited Abu Dhabi and other emirates in Dec 1969. His Grace celebrated the Holy Qurbana and delivered sermons and met other spiritual needs of the members. His Grace submitted a request to H.H. the Ruler of Abu Dhabi for a plot of land for the construction of a Church of our own, through the intermediary of a prominent citizen. H.H. The Ruler graciously honoured the request and granted a plot of land in Khaldiya area. The first General Body meeting of the Prayer group was held on 14thMar '69 after the Holy Qurbana under the presidentship of Rev. Fr. K.K. Punnoose. During the Passion Week of 1970, Rev. Fr. T.J. Joshua B.A., B.D., S.T.M., conducted the Holy services. This was the first occasion when the entire services of the Passion Week was observed in Abu Dhabi. The services and his exhortations had a tremendous impact on our members.

On 7th Aug '70 the foundation stone of our first Church at Khaldiya was laid by H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The General Body meeting that held on 29th May '70 unanimously decided to request the Diocesan Metropolitan to elevate the Prayer Group as a Parish and to appoint a resident Vicar. The request was approved by H.G. Dr. Mathews Mar Athanasios, our Diocesan Metropolitan vide "Kalpana" No. 350/70 dtd 14th Aug '70 Rev. Fr. T.A. Jacob. M. A., arrived Abu Dhabi on 18th Aug '70 and took charge as the Vicar of the Parish. The construction of the first Church was completed within one year and on 1st Dec '71, the Church building was sanctified by H.G. Dr. Philipose Mar Theophilos Metropolitan, and His Grace celebrated the first Holy Qurbana in our own Church. As on 31st Dec '70 we had a total strength of membership of 89 (counting family as one). It was our humble beginning.

Rev. Fr. C.K. Joseph (present V. Rev. Ramban) replaced Rev. T. A. Jacob, after the latter's tenure as the Vicar. During the services of Rev. Fr. C.K. Joseph, we were able to construct a parsonage of our own in the Church premises. Until then, we were making use of a rented building, in Madianat Zayed, almost near to the present Najda Street.

Rev.Fr. K.K Punnoose
(H.G.Stephanos Mar Theodosius)
1969- 1970

Rev.Fr.T.A Jacob
1970- 1972

Very Rev.C.K Joseph
Remban
1972-1975

When the parsonage was shifted from there to the new premises, in connection with the Church festival of 1973, a full size photograph of St. George, our patron saint was brought to Church as motorcade of a large number of vehicles of our members as well as well wishers. The motorcade was under the patronage of the traffic dept and hence it was not disturbed on the way. The Sunday School started in those days with one teacher and a few children has grown in number and strength, which has more than 20 teachers and 300 students at present.

When Rev. Fr. P.M. Kuriakose took charge instead of Rev. Fr. C.K. Joseph, he took initiative to extend the size of the Church and to plant trees, bushes and plants in the Church compound. The Church services were re-arranged in the proper order and uniformity and the same beautiful style of worship is still continued. Rev. Fr. K.T. Thomas (H. G. Thomas Mar Athanasius Metropolitan) took charge of the Parish from Rev. Fr.P.M. Kuriakose, and he started the intercession prayers of St. Gregorios in the systematic way on Wednesdays.

The Church building was shifted to the present premises, as per the instructionsof the Government authorities, when Rev. Fr. V. K. Varghese was the Vicar. H. G. Mathews Mar Coorilos (H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, Catholicose) blessed and inaugurated the construction works n 24th Apr '81 and H.G. Dr. (the late) Paulos Mar Gregorios, our previous Diocesan Metropolitan, laid the foundation stone of the new Church building on 5th Feb '82. When the construction works were completed, the Church complex was sanctified and dedicated on 27th and 28th May '83, by H.H. (the late) Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma I, the then Catholicose and our previous Diocesan Metropolitan, assisted by H.G. Mathews Mar Coorilose Metropolitan (the then Catholicose Designate) and H.G. Dr. (the late) Paulos Mar Gregorios Metropolitan (the then Diocesan Metropolitan) in the presence of a large number of priests and faithful. The Church complex comprises of the beautiful Church, parsonage, Sunday School hall, Committee room, Guest room etc. It is worthy to remember that the lion share of the construction expenses were met with the compensation granted by the kind and generous Ruler of Abu Dhabi, considering and counting the number of trees and plants in the previous premises

Rev.Fr.P.M.Kuriakose
1975- 1978

Rev. Fr. K.T Thomas ( H.G Thomas Mar Athanasios)
1978-1980

This parish was originally in the Diocese of outside Kerala. When it was divided in 1975, this parish was under the Bombay Diocese and the able leadership of the then Diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Makkarios has enabled our Parish to withstand many of the obstacles that came across it's development. When again there was a division of the dioceses in 1979, our parish was attached to the Delhi Diocese. All these changes were implemented in accordance with the decisions of the Holy Episcopal Synod and as per the constitution of the H.Church. H.G. Dr. (the late) Paulos Mar Gregorios, the first Metropolitan of Delhi Diocese had a special care and concern towards this parish from the very beginning. In all major issues of development in this parish, he had taken the leadership and had acted wisely in the Grace of God Almighty. It is sure and certain that the ideas and directions of His Grace have contributed much for the real beauty and magnanimity of the designs, construction and the selection of the materials.

Rev.Fr.V.K.Varghese
1980-1983

Late Rev..Fr.T.C.Mathai
1983-1986

Rev.Fr.A.M. Paulos
1986-1990

H. G. Job Mar Philoxenos, who took charge as the Diocesan Metropolitan after the demise of Mar Gregoriow Metropolitan, also spends a lot of time for the benefits of the parish. In spite of His Grace's ill health, Mar Philoxenos travels all the way from Delhi to meet the needs of the parish, when there is a need. The parish is obliged to His Grace for the limit less love and care.

Rev. Fr. (the late) T.C. Mathai, Rev.Fr. A.M. Paulos, Rev. Fr. Zachariah Panackamattam served as the Vicar after the tenure of Rev. Fr.V.K. Varghese. When Rev. Fr. Zachriah was the Vicar, we were able to complete the construction of St.Thomas Hall. The silver Jubilee of the Parish was celebrated with a variety of attractive programmes from Nov.93 till April94, when Rev.Fr. Shaji Mathews was the Vicar. The motto of the Jubilee was "For the greater Glory of God Almighty and in gratitude to the benevolent Ruler of Abu Dhabi". The balance amount of the Jubilee celebrations fund was donated for the construction of a Church at Karakkolli in Sultan Battery Diocese. A stage, which could be utilized for the public meetings and cultural programmes was constructed in the Church compound during the services of Rev. Fr. T.P. Kurian. The enthusiasm and the initiative taken for the systematic functioning of the spiritual activities as well as the daily routine of the parish, in the proper discipline and order, by the present Vicar, Rev. Fr. Sam.V.Gabriel, is really appreciable.

This parish is giving top priority from the very beginning for benevolent activities. The parish could donate substantially for the benevolent deeds so far from the funds collected through the Birthday and Wedding anniversary offerings. This parish has actively participated in many of the developmental programmes of the Holy Church with timely and worthy supports. We have taken special interest since long, in associating with the most deserving activities of the Mission Board of the Church. "Abu Dhabi St. George Orthodox Parish paddy field " at Yacharam, which is utilized for the rice cultivation and sweet water supply needed for the Balabhavan (where children who are free from the leprosy of their parents are brought up) is just an example. It is worthy to remember our donations for the Theological Seminaries at Kottayam and Nagpur, in times of their different needs, as well as the donation for the Smruthi Mandiram at Kottayam Seminary compound. Our contribution for the priests welfare funds was also remarkable. This Church has secured the Shields and Mementos for the parish which collected the highest amount for the Catholicate day. Still we do der the leadership of the Church Fathers as well as the other projects with their permissions. In connection with the Silver Jubilee of the Parish, we have donated funds for the marriage of the poor ladies, and also for the construction of houses for the poor and needy, irrespective of caste and religion. When the parish celebrated its 30th anniversary, then also we have donated for the marriage assistance of 54 poor girls.

All the spiritual organistions of the Holy Church are very active in this parish too, formatting their activities strictly to the mottos of each organization. The activities of the Youth league, Marth Mariam Samajam, and the Sunday School are really exemplary, not only in their mottos but also in sharing the benevolent activities in the auspices of the parish. The parish is keen in observing the feasts of St. George, the patron saint, St. Mary, St.Gregorios and all the "Maranaya" feasts in the way it should be. Moreover the feasts of all other Saints and Church Fathers are also observed in the proper time with the rituals and celebrations. Every year two conventions are conducted. There is alibrary rich with plenty of precious and famous books. The annual get-together is a meeting place of allthe parishioners and their friends and well wishers. These programmes encourages the growth of the parish and it's benevolent activities

Rev.Fr.Zacharia
Philip
1990-1993

Rev.Fr.Shaji Mathews
1993- 1996

Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr.M.S. Skariah
(2002-2005)

The holiness and the great sanctity of the worships in the parish are really worth mentioning. The heavenly feeling, discipline and awe-inspiring atmosphere which are really beyond words, experienced and witnessed by all the visitors have been highly appreciated. The Church remain open from the morning till midnight,during which time all periodical (Yama) prayers are conducted without break. Many who visit the Church, irrespective of caste, religion and nationality, from morning till late evening, do open their hearts and find peace and comfort. Many of them utilize the time available for meditation and silent prayers.

Rev. Fr. Sam.V.
Gabriel
1999 - 2002

Rev.Fr.T.P.Kurien
1996-1999

Milestones in the history of the Parish

1968 Formation of the orthodox congregation

1969 Visit of H.G. Thomas Mar Themothios Metropolitan

1969 Dec H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan donated the plot of Land for the church.

1970 Visit of H.G. Mathews Mar Coorilos Metropolitan (The present Catholicose) and submission of the formal request for the plot of land for the construction of the Church.

1970 May The congregation was elevated as a Parish and Rev.Fr. T.A. Jacob was appointed as the first Vicar.

1970 Aug Foundation stone for the first church at Khaldiya was laid by H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

1971 Dec1. The first church was consecrated by H.G. Dr. Philipose Mar
Theophilos Metopolitan.

1981 Apr 24 Earth breaking ceremony for the construction of the present
Church by H.G. Mathews Mar Coorilos Metropolitan.

1982 Feb 5 Foundation stone of the present church was laid by H.G. Dr.
Paulos Mar Gregorios Metropolitan.

1983 May 27th and 28th the present church complex was consecrated by H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews I Catholicose assisted by H.G. Mathews Mar Coorilosand H.G. Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios.

1993 Nov - 1994 Apr the parish celebrated its silver jubilee with the motto
"To the greater glory of God and in gratitude to the kind Ruler of Abu Dhabi".

2004 March 5th. Elevated as the first Cathedral in Gulf Region by H.H.Moran Mar Baselious Marthoma Mathews II, Catholicose of East and Malankara Metropolitan.

2006 Oct 26th New Pairsh Complex decicated to the Parish. By H.B Paulose Mar Milithios Catholicose Designate.

The Martyrdom of St.George

A Biography written by the Late Catholicose H.H Baselios Geevarghese II (3rd Catholicose)

The Pagan Kings became furious when they learned that more and more people were being attracted towards the Christian belief and embracing Christianity. Many true Christians were forced to worship pagan idols and who opposed it were killed after ruthless persecution. The Roman King 'Dadyana' was instigated by the evil spirits to fight against the true believers. Four other Kings who shared the same view supported King Dadyana and the King Dadyana sent messages to the Kings of nearby Kingdoms and the Kings assembled with their followers and supporters at the Kingdom of Dadyana, to discuss the subject.

Dadayana ordered to make several types of metal instruments of persecution. When the tools were ready King Dadyana proclaimed to all that if anybody hesitated to worship the pagan Gods, their eyes would be plucked out, intestines brought out and the rest of the body thrown before carnivorous dogs. All the faithful got scared by the proclamation and started shivering out of fear when they saw the instruments for persecution. But St.George, a brave soldier was bold enough to withstand the threat and to witness the true faith. He hailed from an aristocratic family in kappadokia (Palestine) and was the commander of armed forces before he offered himself to God.

He sold out all his belongings and distributed (the fortunes he amassed while in service) among the poor and needy. St.George submitted himself to God almighty.

St.George came forward to King Dadyana and said, " Oh King, I am a Christian, I do witness one true God with the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is Trinity and there is oneness in trinity".

The King ordered the Saint either to offer sacrifice to pagan Gods or to face painful death. Then the Saint confessed his faith in one true God. Immediately the Saint's body was combed with a sharp iron comb. When the Saint's body was dismembered and a lot of blood was shed, the was kept upside down on the ground. Soon a tractor like vehicle with shining and sharp saws, swords and knifes all over was brought and the King ordered to keep the Saint on the vehicle's upper part, which was full of numerous shining swords. The thought of Jesus Crucification gave the Saint great courage and he climbed on the vehicle as a brave soldier. He declared: " Oh Lord I entrust my soul to thee". Crushed between the spikes and sharp-edged knives of the vehicle, the saint's body was cut into ten pieces. Saints body was thrown into a deep pit and the opening of the pit was covered with a big stone. Soon the kings and crowd dispersed for lunch.

Lord Jesus Christ appeared there by the angles who were singing praise to the Lord. Lord Jesus ordered angel Gabriel to go down to the pit and to recover the body of the Saint. Then Lord Christ himself breathed on his face. He gave blessings and peace to the Saint and advised him to show himself to King Dadyana. The Lord and the angles ascended to heaven. The blessed St. George appeared before King Dadyana, and said, I am the persecuted. You insulted Lord Jesus Christ, now see that I have been raised from the dead". Witnessing this miracle, Antonios one of the commanders of the King's armed forces and his entire troop firmly beloved in one true God. The ordered them to be taken to the forest and be executed. But the king and his fellowmen had no idea how to destroy the Saint forever. So they decided to condemn the Saint to jail. The King ordered to make special metal; shoes with sharp nails inside. When the Saint wore them there was profuse bleeding from the feet. The angels appeared there and poured rose water on his wounds and he did not feel pain anymore.

The King ordered to beat the Saint until he bled. After the cruel punishment, one of the Kings Bhagnathis, told the Saint that we would believe in the Saint's God if he could perform a miracle. He said, there are fourteen thrones here made of timber of fourteen fruits bearing trees and fourteen others made of non-fruit bearing trees. Let the trees grow up from the furniture (thrones), the fruit-bearing ones with the fruits and the non-fruit ones without the fruits. If you can perform this, I shall believe in your God. St. George replied. " I would not have done this for your sake, but for the sake of the people who are really innocent and God fearing, I would do". The Saint then knelt down and prayed to God Almighty. Suddenly there was storm, thunder and lightning and the miracle happened as wished by the King another King wanted to witness a wonder from the Saint. A tomb where so many people had been buried was opened the tomb and found nothing in any shaped as the bones had decayed and powdered. The Saint touched the soil and prayed, there was a storm, thunder and lightning. Men Women and children rose from the soil. They were about 200 in number. They all got frightened. Then the King expected that all the people who loved and respected the Saint would abuse and curse him when they would come to know that he was living with a widow. When the Saint got into the widows house he was hungry and told that he wanted something to eat she belonged to the group, which worshipped Appellon. Still she went to the neighborhood to borrow some food. Then the Saint prayed to God Almighty. When he touched the wooden pillar of the house it began to grow up with enormous branches and plenty of leaves, about ten meters above the roof of the house. An angel brought the food for the Saint. When the woman saw the wonders she fell at the Saints feet with fear and reverence.

The woman had a son who was dumb, deaf and blind and paralyzed. When the child was brought before the Saint, he blessed the child and blew air into his face. Immediately the child got eyesight. The woman requested the Saint to restore his hearing and walking ability. St. George said " later the child would get this blessings too."

When the Saint reached the palace, the King promised him wealth, and a share of the Kingdoms as well as the position of the Crown Prince. He asked the Saint to worship Sun. St. George asked where he had to offer the Sacrifice. When the widow heard his, she took her son and ran to the Saint. She lamented: Oh George you have cured the blind, the lepers, eliminated the evil spirits, and enabled the lame to walk. And how come you are going to worship Appellon? When St. George looked at her she was much moved. As per his orders she kept her own son down on ground. Then St. George told the child " You have to be a missionary for Lord Jesus, so you walk and come to me". Immediately the child got up and ran to the Saint and bowed before him. St. George deputed the child to go and tell the idol of Appellon to come and meet him outside the temple. The Child obeyed the Saint's orders. Soon the earth moved apart and a deep gorge was seen. The Saint sent the evil spirit to the deep pit and the gorge disappeared without a trace of what had happened. The Saint pushed down the idols of Souz and Herakleex and shouted to the evil spirits in them to go away. The priests of the idols of Souz and Herakleex caught hold of the Saint and brought him before the King. He decided to keep the Saint in jail until a firm decision was taken on how he should be destroyed.

The King told his Queen about all that had happened. The queen requested the King to set the Saint free to follow his way of worship. The King lost his temper and ordered her to be hanged and her body to be combed with specially prepared iron combs. When St. George arrived, the Queen beseeched him for the baptism. St. George replied, " You own blood baptized you and that itself will enable you to have redemption from your sins". The wicked King ordered to beat the Queens with a bulls tail until she shed blood and sentenced her to death. She cried out in a loud voice: Oh God don't close your doors against me". She bent her neck with full hope and faith in one true God, as a soldier beheaded her with a sword.

When the Romans caught hold of St. George, he was ordered to be beheaded in the place out of the city where the Queen was executed before. The Saint asked permission to have a prayer. God was pleased with prayer and there was an answer from God soon, which echoed: " George you come here in peace. You are a brave soldier and a good servant and I am pleased with you in your deed so far. Now you enter the paradise and have peace. I shall always consider your intercessions.

When God's voice ended St. George made a sign of cross and offered himself before death without fear or hesitation with full hope and faith in his Lord and God. Due to the wonders of the intercessions of St. George so many came to believe in one true God.

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