Ras Al Khaimah church consecration ceremony and felicitation to

Bava Thirumeni.

1. It was a matchless Church traditional function attended on 18th Feb, 2011

that the consecration ceremony of newly built St. Mary’s Orthodox Church at Ras
Al Kaimah. I am very glad to see a new beautiful Orthodox Church and happy to
congratulate the Vicar Fr. Manoj achen and all the dedicated team of
congregation members. It is a fact that many have been toiling very hard for long
years for the completion of this Church. I could physically look at the intercession
of Mother Mary and God's abundant blessings in fulfilling the desire of the
Orthodox Children at RAK. On behalf of the Bangalore Diocese which I am
representing now as Sabha Managing committee member, I appreciate the efforts
and contributions of each and every congregation members and all the orthodox
members at UAE.

The new church consecration ceremony was led by the supreme head of
Malankara Orthodox Church His Holiness The Catholicose of the East as the
Chief Celebrant assisted by H.G. Dr. Abraham Mar Seraphim, Bangalore
Diocesan Metropolitan, H.G. Kuriakose Mar Clemis, Thumpamon Diocesan
Metropolitan H.G. Abraham Mar Epiphanios, Former Bangalore Diocesan
Assistant Metropolitan and presently Sultan Battery Diocesan Metropolitan
together with a host of respected priests.

The public function that followed was mainly to felicitate His Holiness The
Catholicose at his maiden visit to UAE as Head of Malankara Orthodox Church.
H.E. Ambassador of India to UAE Mr. Lokesh Mysore Kapanaiah was the Chief
Guest. Ethiopian Orthodox Church arch Bishop Mar Abbha Demitrios, Mr. M.G.
George muthoot, Sabha Trustee, Dr. George Joseph, Sabha Secretary and many
dignitaries attended the programme. H H Bava Thirumeni in His Holiness’s
words expressed satisfaction over the wonderful reception extended to him by the
UAE Church members at the airport. Further His Holiness thanked the RAK
ruler His Highness Sheik Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi for allotting the land and
appreciated the RAK Orthodox community for building a beautiful Church. The
RAK Church dedication function was marvelously arranged.

2.) I have attended the evening reception function for His Holiness The
Catholicose of the East & Malankara Metropolitan By Dubai St. Thomas
Orthodox cathedral. A thrilling traditional welcome was granted by the Church
members to His Holiness and other three Metropolitans H.G. Kuriakose Mar
Clemis, H.G. Abraham Mar Epiphanios, H.G. Dr. Abraham Mar Seraphim and
Sabha Trustee and Sabha Secretary. The procession at Church Premises was in
traditional style with Chendamelam and chanting of Jai Jai Catholicose…. by the
youth members was heard proudly around the Dubai Cathedral. The affection
and excitement of the members showed to H H Bava Thirumeni was very
impressive. H.G. Kuriakose Mar Clemis Thirumeni presided over the function. H
H Bava Thirumeni reminded in his words to the congregation that to recognize
the God’s gift to work in Dubai to all for accomplish the bright future and there by
continue to help the needy of the society.

Sam Cherian Karuvely

Sabha Managing Committee Member.