Message from the Vicar

Dearly beloved in Christ,

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

First and foremost, I thank our Lord Almighty for His abundant grace, unfailing love, and divine providence that has led me to this sacred responsibility. It is by His mercy alone that we are called to serve and journey together in faith.

With a thankful heart, I write this first pastoral message as the vicar of Madras Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Chetpet. It is indeed a divine opportunity to serve this historic and spiritually vibrant parish—the first Mar Thoma congregation established outside Kerala—especially as we step into our Navathi year, a blessed milestone in our journey of faith and witness.

At this moment, I gratefully acknowledge His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan and our Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Gregorios Mar Stephanos Episcopa for entrusting me with this responsibility and for their continued prayers and guidance.

I also place on record my heartfelt thanks to my predecessor, Rev. Vinoy Daniel, and former assistant vicar, Rev. Noble Abraham, for their committed and inspiring ministry. I lovingly acknowledge their families, who played a vital role in supporting the parish during their tenure. May God's abundant grace continue to lead them in their new fields of ministry.

It is a blessing to serve alongside Rev. Sanju Varghese, who continues as the assistant vicar, and to welcome Rev. Jince P. Koshy into our shared pastoral ministry. Their families’ presence and dedication are deeply appreciated. We look forward to their ongoing contributions with prayer and joy.

I sincerely thank the office bearers, executive committee members, organizations, prayer groups, and all members of the parish for the term 2024–2025 for their steadfast commitment and service. You have been instruments of God’s grace through your faithfulness. I warmly welcome the newly elected office bearers and executive committee for the term 2025–2026, and wish you God’s wisdom and strength in the journey ahead.

Let us build our parish life together based on the Jethro model of management (Exodus 18), where every member is given space to serve, support, and sustain one another. Mutual cooperation and shared responsibility are key to spiritual growth and effective ministry in a large and dynamic congregation like ours.

As we move forward, I want to highlight the central importance of the Holy Qurbana (Holy Communion) in our Christian life. It is the sacrament through which we are spiritually nourished, united in Christ, and empowered to serve. I encourage all members to participate regularly and reverently.

Our Sunday School is a vital space where our children are rooted in God’s Word and trained in faith. I urge all parents to ensure their children's regular participation and to take an active role in encouraging this foundation of Christian growth.

I humbly request that each family host at least one prayer meeting a year, turning your homes into altars of fellowship and blessing. These gatherings help us grow in unity and deepen our spiritual bonds as a community.

Moreover, I encourage every member to take seriously the responsibility of attending the meetings of our parish organizations such as the Sunday School, Yuvajana Sakhyam, Sevika Sangham, Edavaka Mission, Choir, Couples Forum, Senior Citizens Fellowship and fasting Prayer. These platforms are not just for a few—they are for all of us to grow in faith, serve with joy, and journey together.

There is a beautiful opportunity to serve the Lord as a family. Let our homes become places of prayer, learning, and mission. When families serve together, the Church becomes stronger, and Christ is glorified.

As your vicar, I assure you of my 24/7 availability for prayer, pastoral care, or any spiritual need. Ministry is not limited to hours; it is a calling to walk with you in every season of life.

As we commemorate our 90th year, may we rededicate ourselves to be a Church that is rooted in Christ, radiant in love, and relevant in society. As St. Paul writes: ‘’So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:19–20

Let us journey forward in unity, prayer, and mission—building relationships, nurturing faith, and extending the love of Christ to all.

In His Service,

Rev. Shaimon Elias

Vicar, Madras Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Chetpet