The Commission on Christian Unity of the Massachusetts Council of Churches arranged a luncheon reception for Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, the Diocesan Bishop of Mar Thoma Diocese of North America & Europe, co-hosted by Suffragan Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Boston at the Diocesan Office on Boston Common. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Gayle Harris presided over the function. It was attended by leaders of different churches responsible for ecumenical relations.
The Rev. Fred Moser, Chairperson on the Commission on Christian Unity led the opening prayer which was ecumenical in nature and the prayers of petition adopted from the selections of Bishop Zachariahs Mar Theophilos of the Mar Thoma church in 1995 for the WCC. The representatives present from 17 Church denominations introduced themselves.
The Rev. Jack Johnson, MCC Executive Director brought greetings to all present and invited the Bishop of the Diocese for the devotional talk.
The Rt. Rev. Gayle E Harris, spoke on the gospel of Luke recalling the appearance of the resurrected Jesus to the two disciples who were in the road to Emmaus.
Ms. Lauora Everett, MCC Associate Director spoke on the structure of Commission on Christian Unity and Introduced the guest Mar Theodosius.
Mar Theodosius thanked the MCC for the luncheon reception and spoke on the Ecumenical witness of the Mar Thoma church (Paper attached).
The paper gave a clear insight into the mission and the priorities of the Mar Thoma Church, especially in the North American context. This was followed by discussion.
Rev. Jack Johnson presented the book “That They all be One”, (2002) to Mar Theodosius in appreciation for the Ecumenical witness of the Mar Thoma Church and expressed joy in inviting Mar Thoma Church to be a member of the MCC. In return Mar Theodosius thanked the Council and the Bishop and gave the book “In Search of Christian Identity in Global Community” ( 2009) The meeting came to a close with a word of prayer.
Dr. Jesudas Athyal and Secretary of the Carmel Mar Thoma Parish, Mr. Christy Mathew along with the vicar Rev.K.C.Varghese represented the Mar Thoma Church. This meeting will definitely pave the way for more ecumenical cooperation and fellowship in the common witness in future.
