Mission essentially belongs to God's plan and scheme. God reveals it to us from time to time through prophets and apostles. “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets” (Heb 1:1). Our forefathers and prophets have understood it in space and time and have revealed to us through their lives and writings (Sruti & Smriti). The culmination of God's revelation is through God's Son and our redeemer Jesus Christ. He said in history, “I am the Way the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6). Today the Holy Spirit is helping us to realize the revelation and to understand the mission.

I bring you greetings from Valiya Metropolitan Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom and Metropolitan the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma. The Bishops of the Mar Thoma Church join me in greeting you on this occasion. Bishop Dr. Zachariahs Mar Theophilos Suffragan Metropolitan and Bp. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa join me as my predecessor–bishops in this Diocese and Bishop Zachariahs Mar Theophilus and Bishop Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos as former students of Boston University.

It is my great privilege to address this august meeting of the Diocesan Assembly here at Philadelphia. I am glad that all of you have come from the length and breadth of the Diocese of North America and Europe to participate in the deliberations. God in His great wisdom has chosen me through the Mar Thoma Church as the third resident Diocesan Episcopa from Jan 2009. I request your prayerful support to continue the ministry here. I praise God for the formation of this Diocese. I thank all the former Diocesan Episcopas and the office bearers, council members and the assembly members who served this Diocese from time to time.

“The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ “ –  1 Corinthians 11.23

Global economic depression is a process that affects the material welfare of mankind. This global problem needs global solutions. It has come to us over a period of time and therefore, to tide it over would also take several years. Our hope for a brighter future demands a transformation of our will, purpose and lifestyle. Here are some suggestions to develop a comprehensive response to the current economic downturn: