Dearly beloved in Christ,

The Church Day 2006
(Catholicate Day)

Great Lent is an opportunity for individuals to return to our Lord. During the period of Lent, We should be conscious that we have departed from the father’s house and we have not preserved the purity of out baptismal garment, which we were clothed through our Baptism. The period of Lent appeals to the function of a man as a whole in repentance, self examination, alms giving and relationship with people. The fast is not only applicable to stomach but also for all organs of human body. St.John Chrystostom says about true fast, let the hands fast by being free of avarice, Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to look at that which is sinful. Let the mouth fast foul words and unjust criticism”.

This year we celebrate the Catholicate Day on Friday 31th March. The Catholicate Day is meant for the freedom and sovereignty of the church. On that day, it’s our prime responsibility to remember our forefathers, pray for The Catholicose H.H Baselios Marthoma Didymos 1, our Diocesan Metropolitan, and all the members of the Holy Synod, Clergy and laity. Flag hoisting, declaration of faith, allegiance and dedication, singing of Catholica Mangala Ganam and distribution of sweets will follow it.

Being faithful members of the church, it is also obligatory for us to donate the average income of one day as Catholicate Day contribution. As you know, this is the only resource to meet the expense of Catholicate Aramana, office grants to all diocese and various spiritual organizations. The envelope that is attached here with may please be returned on or before Easter with our average income of one day. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put into your bosom”, (St. Luke 6:38)

Yours in His Service,

Fr.Ninan.P.Philip
Vicar