Metropolitan Alexios Mar Eusebius (Diocesan Metropolitan) was the chief celebrant and was assisted by Metropolitan Zachariah Mar Nicholovos. Several other priests, deacons, and seminarians attended the holy ordination. The entire service was conducted in English.

Thereafter, a short public meeting was held. Metropolitan Mar Nicholovos expressed his joy in seeing Fr. Mathew grow in the ministry and offered his prayers and best wishes on behalf of the Northeast Diocese of America.

Metropolitan Mar Eusebius also spoke saying, “This is my first ordination and I consider Fr. Mathew as my spiritual son and the first fruit of the newly formed Diocese.” Metropolitan recognized the sacrificial work of the senior priests in America who have contributed to the upbringing of over 25 American-born seminarians for the Malankara Orthodox Church in North America.

Fr. Geevarghese John, Fr. Cherian Kunnel, Fr. Raju Daniel, and Fr. Chacko Isaac felicitated the newly ordained priest Fr. Mathew.

Dn. Geevarghese John (National MGOCSM Secretary) presented a plaque to Fr. Mathew on behalf of the MGOCSM of North America for his valuable contribution to the youth.

Fr. Mathew, in his reply speech, expressed thanks to the many those have encouraged him and have been an example for him in the ministry.

Manju Kochamma, is the wife of the newly ordained priest Fr. Mathew.

Dn. Mathew will be the first ordained priest for the newly formed Diocese of South-West America.

Dn. Mathew is a member of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, St. Louis. After completing his Bachelors in Computer Science & Computer Engineering from Washington University, he went on to complete the Master of Divinity program at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (New York).

Dn. Mathew was ordained as Sub-Deacon in April of 2006 by Metropolitan Mathews Mar Barnabas and Full-Deacon in April of 2009 by Metropolitan Zachariah Mar Nicholovos.

Dn. Mathew served as the Director for MGOCSM Missions in America since 2005. He also served as the General Secretary of MGOCSM America (2007-2008). He currently is settled in Dallas with his wife, Manju, and is serving as the Youth Minister for the area.

The readers are encouraged to post their prayerful wishes to the Deacon below – Editor

The main theme for the retreat was ‘Know Your Faith, Love Your Church’ 1Timothy (4:16). Dn. Abey George (New York), graduate of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, was the main speaker for the retreat.

The retreat commenced on Friday with evening prayer at the Church. Upon arrival, the group had a time of fellowship over a bonfire. Introduction to the theme and main speaker for the retreat was followed by the Compline prayer.

On Saturday, Dn. Abey George talked on the theme. Emphasizing the importance of truth, he emphasized the fullness of faith found in the Orthodox Church. Beginning with the spread of the Gospel to the nations through Christ and His apostles, he also highlighted the importance of the ecumenical councils as well as the major differences between Orthodoxy and the various faith denominations. He stressed the importance of knowing our roots and taking hold of our doctrine so that youth can come to love their faith and defend it in a world that challenges and confronts them with varying beliefs and practices.

During the afternoon, the youth took part in a low ropes course that was led by the retreat facility coordinators. The activities stressed the importance of team building and leadership through active listening, communication, and trust.

A workshop was also conducted by Dn. Abey George for the high school and college students on life after death and the Orthodox view of salvation. Simultaneously, for the middle school students outlining the Sacraments of the Church, Diju Skariah, from St. Tikhon’s Seminary led the workshop. Question and answer session made the retreat more interactive.

Retreat message was delivered by Fr. Daniel George, Vicar of the parish. Thereafter confession was heard.

On Sunday, October 11th, the Holy Qurbana was celebrated by Fr. Daniel George at the retreat center. Christy Ann Kuriakose was the retreat convener. A group of 45 youth attended the retreat.