3-October-2004
Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I inaugurated the silver jubilee of the Sharjah St.Mary's Church, UAE
The Patriarch of Antioch and all the East His
Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas visited the St Mary's Church at Sharjah,
UAE on 2nd October for the inauguration of its silver jubilee which coincides with HH's
Patriarchal enthronement silver jubilee as well.
The Church has given a wonderful welcome to the Holy Father on this occassion. Thousands of
people form different denominations attended the
function form different parts of UAE, like Abu Dhabi, Alain, Dubai, Ras Al
Kahima , Furairah and Khorfakan. The place was filled with the devotees from
5 o'clock in the evening and the people enjoyed viewing the Pancha Vadyam &
Chenda Melam arranged in the church premises which took them to an atmosphere
like it is in Kerala. By the time, the Holy father came with the protection
of Army Commandos of UAE who were controlling the crowd with all their
effort. The church Choir was singing "Thoboslom" to Moran. Holy Father said
the Church in Sharjah is always in His heart as the first built in Church
in the Gulf countries of our own. H.H. said this was the first congregation he
sanctioned after his enthronement as the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East.
The church vicar Rev. Fr. Roy Chacko announced 25 houses for the poor from
all the dioceses of Jacobite Syrian church and said its spiritual organizations like St. Mary's Youth Association, Vanitha Samajam and Elder's
Association are planning other charity projects too. In this jubilee year
church is giving more priority for the Holy Gospel and dedicated to conduct Suvishesha Yogams, Dhyanams and other Camps for the Spiritual
organizations
including all our churches in UAE leaded by its Former Metropolitans and
Vicars.
(Photos and news provided by Davis Cherian Velamparampil)
