A team led by Diocesan Bishop Geevarghse Mar Theodosius paid a visit to Perkin school of Theology at Southern Methodist University (SMU) on Friday, October 30, 2009.
The purpose of the visit to Perkins School of Theology at SMU was three fold and can be summarized as follows.
- To renew the longstanding relationship between Mar Thoma Church and Perkins School of Theology at SMU.
- Assess the possibility of theological studies for achens of Mar Thoma Church at graduate level.
- Familiarize with staff and facility available.
The Mar Thoma team was led by Mar Theodosius and consisted of the following individuals.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius
Rev. Minoy Kuruvilla, Vicar, Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch
Rev. Jaison Thomas, Youth Chaplain Dallas Area
Thomas Mathew, Member, Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch
The Mar Thoma team arrived at SMU campus at 11:30 am and was received by Paul Escamilla, Adjutant Professor and Associate Director of public affairs in the parlor of Kirby Hall, Perkins School of Theology. We were soon joined by the Director of admissions Rev. Herbert Coleman and the rest of the faculty.
SMU team consisted of the following individuals.
Dr. Robin Lovin, professor of Ethics,
Dr. Mark Stamm, professor of Liturgics,
Dr. Valerie Karras, professor of Church History,
Dr. Rich Nelson, Associate Dean and professor of Old Testament,
Dr. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, professor of Pastoral Care,
Rev. Herbert Coleman, Director of Recruiting,
Rev. Todd Rasberry, Director of Development,
Dr. Paul Escamilla, adjunct professor of Preaching, Assoc. Director of Public Affairs
After exchange of niceties and greetings both teams sat down for luncheon. Dr. Paul Escamilla gave a brief introduction of the purpose of the visit and said the grace which was followed by delicious meal of salad, salmon with rice, dessert and coffee.
The highlight of the luncheon was the warm, open and friendly fellowship of the SMU faculty and staff. There were several questions that came up from SMU side of the faith practices of Mar Thoma Church and its traditions. Major topics during the conversation at the table centered on the second generation of Mar Thoma Church, and the future possibility of Mar Thoma members joining Perkins for Theological studies. The team discussed the challenges the older and younger generation face.
SMU team explored the possibility of Mar Thoma members (pastors or fresh students) entering Perkins at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Mar Theodosius explored the possibility of Graduate level studies and potential for financial assistance and scholarships.
Table discussion ended with closing remarks by Mar Theodosius. His Grace thanked the SMU faculty for the hosting the event and for the profound hospitality shown by the Perkins community. He praised the efforts of Paul Escamilla who took diligent care in planning and executing the event in a seamless manner. Mar Theodosius further assured that such events and mutual fellowship should continue. Mar Theodosius also mentioned that Dr. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner is going to be one of the leaders at the Mar Thoma Family Conference, 2010, to be held in Dallas.
Luncheon ended with pictures taken of the two teams together and in smaller groups by Paul Escamilla.
Mar Thoma Team presented order of Mar Thoma liturgy, English liturgy in DVD as gifts to Perkins.
Later in the afternoon at 4:30 PM, the Mar Thoma Team led by Mar Theodosius paid visit to Bridwell Library, one of the best in Southwest US. The team was met at the lobby of Bridwell by Dr. Roberta Schaafama. After exchange of greetings Mar Theodosius presented Bridwell with 70 years old Malayalam Bible that was brought from India. The Bible that was used by Mr. T.M.John of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Thonniamala for more than 30 years was donated by Thannimoottil family of Thonnaimala. A newer version of the Bible in Malayalam was also presented to Bridwell. Both gifts were warmly received by Dr. Roberta Schaafama. The two volumes will be catalogued in the special collection of the library.
This was followed by a brief tour of Bridwell library led by its director Roberta. All major features of the Library which is one of the best in Southwest US was shown to the team. Bridwell has more than two hundred periodicals and journals and more than 385,000 volumes of books. The library uses Dewey decimal digital system and moving shelves on tracks called compact shelving to save space. The team was also shown Prothro Bible exhibition which consist of five hundred volumes of bibles in 50 languages
Dr. William Abraham
Mar Theodosius and the team met with Dr. Abraham, Professor of Wesleyan Studies. Dr. Abraham who has a long standing friendship with Mar Thoma Church was very warm and cordial to meet the team and especially Mar Theodosius and presented two volumes of book he authored. Mar Theodosius discussed several topics ranging from Mar Thoma reformation to some of Dr. Abraham’s recent works.
Thanksgiving Square
The team visited ’Thanksgiving Square located in Down Town Dallas also. The team was met by Tatiana Androsov, Director of Thanksgiving Square. Tatiana gave a detailed tour of the center, discussed history, mission and activities of the Thanksgiving Square. One of the unique features of the tour at Thanksgiving Square was large ring located on the grounds of the center. If one stands back to back with another person in the ring each can hear the others voice reverberating symbolizing the principle that if gratitude is given, it will returned. The tour at the Square ended with a tour of the chapel. Mar Theodosius offered special prayer for the Thanksgiving Square and blessing for its director, Tatiana Androsov.
The combined tour of Perkins and Thanksgiving Square ended at 6 PM and the teams returned to Parsonage.
Mr. Thomas Mathew, Dallas.