Late Bishop Theodosius a Saint of the People: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Bhilai, Oct 03, 2014: Prof. P J Kurian MP, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha has called the late lamented HG Dr. Stephanos Mar Theodosius, the former Metropolitan of Kolkata Diocese of the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church and the founder of Bhilai St. Thomas Mission, as a Saint of the people in this place. He was speaking at a public function organised during the 106th Annual Global Conference of the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement (MGOCSM) being held from October 02-05, 2014 at the Christian College of Engineering & Technology (CCET) in Bhilai, Chattisgarh. The late Bishop was also the founder of CCET. In his address, Prof. Kurian highlighted the role of the Syrian Christians in the independence movement of our country and called for history to be rewritten with a focus on this. He also stressed on the importance of tradition and legacy of Orthodox Christians. “Orthodox Church is a church of great traditions and a church rooted in faith. It is this faith which keeps the church going in spite of all the challenges.” In his presidential address, HG Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan of Kolkata Diocese & President of MGOCSM mentioned about the transformation of the Bhilai Mission and stressed on the need to learn a lot from the departed saints and leaders of the church, especially when it comes to mission work. He also added that the 106th conference of MGOCSM is an opportunity for us to reflect on the talents and our legacy of the apostolic church. “We should focus on the achievements of the church and this conference should reenergise the youths.” Earlier in his remarks, HG Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysius, Metropolitan of Kolkotta Diocese said that MGOCSM has contributed to enrich the life of its members and their quality of life. MGOCSM’s greatest contribution is that it has prepared and provided outstanding leaders for the church. This conference will be noted for its matter and manner in which the Kolkatta Diocese conducted it. He also remembered the efforts of the late lamented HG Dr. Stephanos Mar Theodosius who laid the foundation for mission work in North India. The Bishop was the face of Malankara church in North India, he added. HG Dr. Zachariah Mar Theophilos, Metropolitan of Malabar Diocese; HG Dr. Yuhanon Mar Demetrios, Metropolitan of Delhi Diocese; HG Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Metropolitan of Ahmedabad Diocese and Fr. Dr. Varghese Varghese, General Secretary of MGOCSM were among the several dignitaries present on the occasion. About 550 delegates from Churches and Educational institutions all across the country are attending this four day conference.
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 17:08:39 +0000