Mission Centres
1.St. Thomas Missions, Bhilai: St. Thomas Mission (Bhilai Mission) of North Indian region was founded on 6 July 1972 by Fr. K.K. Punnose (Dr. Stephanos Mar Thevodosios). With the creation of the Calcutta diocese in 1979 the activities of St. Thomas Mission became extensive. The mission activities spread with the focus on the churches coming under the Calcutta diocese. The Bhilai Mission centre, which is 2 Kms away from Bhilai Steel Plant, is situated on a 35 acre land. There are an ashram, chapel, diocesan head office, Bhalabhavan, Printing Press, Storehouse, Convent, Dairy farm and St. Thomas Theological Seminary here.
Alvarez Mar Julius started the Bahmavar Mission in Karnataka in 1888. This mission was started in order to give spiritual leadership and help in the spiritual growth of those people who left the Roman Catholic Church and joined the Orthodox Church. There is one degree college, One Junior College, two U.P School, One English Medium Schools functioning here. The service here is conducted in Malayalam, Konkani and Kannada. As part of the Brahmavar Mission are 5 Churches which belong to the Madras diocese. One can reach Brahmavar from Madras by bus. Ramban N.J. Thomas (Vicar General) holds the main charge of the mission.
In 1956 St. George Mission was the objective of bringing about the all round progress of the Dalit community in the Kozuvallur region. Several people received the Orthodox faith and became members of the Church. It was Fr. C.V John who gave leadership in this regard. This mission centre is 3 Kms to the west of Karaikad junction on the Pandalam - Chengannur route.
On 11 February 1979 with the Co-operation of 13 churches of the western region of the Niranam diocese, the St. Thomas Mission Center was founded by His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I catholicose. Its objective is to set up hospitals and Balabhavans.
The mission centre is located 2 Kms away to the north of the transport bus station in Haripad. The Balabhavan was started in 1986. The magazine 'Snehalokham' is being published from here. In 1991 His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II Catholicose consecrated the Chapel.
Metropolitan Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios started the Karunya Guidance Center near the Medical College, Trivandrum on 20 August 1989. Its objective is to provide lodging for those who accompany the patients coming to the Medical College hosptal, financial aid to patients for treatment and also supper in the evenings. There are 8 people serving in this center. The Makodiya Mission of the Malankara Orthodox Church was founded by H.G. Stephanos Mar Theodosius, the Metropolitan of the Calcutta Diocese, in 1986. Makodiya is a village located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The great Sathpuda mountains are located on the east and northeast sides of the village. Starting from the foot of these mountain ranges and along the beds of the Hathad river, there are about 100,000 adivasis (tribal people) living in poverty and in absolutely deplorable living conditions in some 75 villages within a 25 km radius. Illiteracy, ill-heath, and extremely unsanitary lifestyles plague the thousands that live in and around Makodiya.
7. St. Thomas Mission Center, Neyyattinkara:
On 3 July 1986 Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Metropolitan started the St. Thomas Mission Center in Neyyattinkara, under the aegis of the Malankara Orthodox Church Mission Board. Its objective is missionary work. On 21 February 1993 the Chapel here was consecrated. Fr. Stanle Johns is in charge now.
The Catholicose- designate Metropolitan Thomas Mar Timotheos started on 14 February 1990 the Parumala Mar Gregorios Guidance Center in Chovayur, Kozhikode. The Center is situated in the Chovayur Junction on Kozhikode Medical College route. Fr. Geevarghese Paunnakombil is the convener.
The head of the Kandanad diocese Dr.Mathews Mar Sevarios Metropolitan founded this society in 1994. Its objectives are to set up orphanage, rehabilitation centers for the handicapped and the mentally retarded, Old Age Home and render aid for marriage, education, house building and life saving activities.
On 9 July, 1993 Mar Gregorios Karunyanilayam was started jointly by Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, Fr. T J. Joshua, Fr. Thomas Kurian and Fr. E.K.George, near the Kottayam Medical College. Its objective is to take care of the poor cancer patients by giving them medicines, food and lodging.
It was Metropolitan Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios who started in Kattela, Sreekariyam Trivandrum the Karunya Bhavan on 11 December 1993. This is a center that takes care of poor patients who have fatal diseases like cancer.50 room building is being consturcted for the Vishranthi Bhavan.
12.St.Pauls Brotherhood Brotherhood of Orthodox Church of India is a
resultant of the prayers, sacrifices, vision and dynamism of a
young man who dared to dream, strove through prayers and attained
Heavenly blessings and guidance. He was Ezhakadavil Georgekutty.He rallied a band of young men around
him and spoke of preaching the message of love to whom it
mattered most, the suppressed, oppressed and depressed. This
small band of young men formed the core of St. Paul's
Brotherhood. In 1975, after a
quarter century of illustrious priesthood Georgekutty was
consecrated as Geevarghese Mar
Osthathios Metropolitan. St.Paul's Brotherhood under the
guidance of His Grace is involved in projects in the states of
Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.
The three stalwarts of the Brotherhood are Very Rev.Thomas Ramban who is the moving spirit behind the
work at Puthupadi , Very
Rev.Philipose Ramban who
spearheaded the work of the Brotherhood outside Kerala by taking
the initiative to start the Balagram at Yacharam and Very Rev.Yoohanon Ramban who is the man behind the
work at Trivandrun "Karunya Guidance Centre" and "Karunya Vishranthy Bhavan". For the
dedicated works of Very Rev.Philipose Ramban, was honoured with the
Catholicate Award . The focus of the Brotherhood is on children. The cardinal message is
the same as it was 2000 years ago: "Love thy neighbour as
thyself". Following are the various
projects now run by St.Paul's Brotherhood : The
unique aspect of all these projects is that these projects are
funded mainly by voluntary contributions from individuals
13 St.Paul's Balagram, Itarsi St.Paul's Balagram is the third institution for the children of leprosy patients. Itarsi Balagram was set up in 1995. The balagram started in a renovated building with 12 children. Rev.Fr.Paul Mathew serves as its Manager at present.
14 St.George Balikagram , Dehu Road St.George Balikagram is a manifestation of divine inspiration and human aspirations.
15 Kalahandi
Devolopement Projects
Kalahandi district in Orissa has
caught the attention of the country as a whole. A rural district,
Kalahandi is a hilly forest tract, where civilization is yet to
make it's presence felt. The populace is largely tribal. Here
death stalks the land. Draughts and epidemics are frequent.
Starvation deaths particularly those of children are a common
occurrence. Malnutrition and absence of basic elementary medical
facilities aggravate the plight of the populace. The efforts of
the State and Central Governments not withstanding, it is obvious
that the task ahead in Kalahandi cannot be the sole
responsibility of governmental agencies and a concerted effort
has to be made by voluntary agencies along with the Government. The activities of K.D.P : If you
want to know more about us please contact
St. Thomas Mission (Bhilai Mission) activities have spread out in Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Nagaland. By setting up educational institutions health service centers, balagrams, rehabilitation centers, village mission ashrams and convents, the mission activities started in the states of northern India are made effective.
The Bhilai St. Thomas College in Madhya Pardesh, M.G.M.senior Secondary School, Bagdoha ashram, Macodia Mission, Intarsi Balagram and Bhopal Orthodox center are all part of the St. Thomas activities.
In February 1998, the Bhilai Mission completed 25 years. As part of the jubilee celebrations schemes have been drawn up for constructing 25 houses, a mission center, a Balabhavan for the handicapped in Bhopal Center, a children's hospital in Ujjain, an engineering College and Bhilai St. Thomas College Hostel. A village was adopted under the auspices of St. Thomas Mission for rehabilitation after earthquake disaster in Jabalpur. The scheme for this amounts to Rs. 25 laks.
The Bhilai Seminary which was spearheaded by St. Thomas Mission and which was started in 1995 by the Holy Synod is expected to be completed in Nagpur as per the decision of the Hoy Synod at a cost of Rs. 70 lakhs. Thus many schemes are being introduced. Since 1995 the superior of Bhilai Ashram is Fr. Raju Thomas.
Address:
St. Thomas Ashram, P.O.
Box No- 24, Bhilai- 490 001
Phone: (0788) 356309
2. Brahmavar Mission:
Address:
St. May's orthodox Church,
Brahmavar, Uduppi,
D.K.Jilla, Karnataka- 576 213
3. St. George Mission Centre, Kozhuvallur:
From 1956 to 1994 Putencaavu parampil george varghese Cor Episcopa served as the Manager. Since february 1994, Fr. Sam George of Mar Kuriakose Ashram in Mylapra is serving as the manager as well as the Vicar. In 1994 Fr. Sam George started the St. George English medium School (CBSE). In 1995 the school got its own building completed.
Address: St. George Mission Center,
Kozhuvallur P.o, Chengannur:
4. St. George Mission Centre Haripad
Office bearers:
Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios (President), Fr. M.K. Mathew (Vice President), K.P.Chacko (Secretary), Koshy Alexander (Treasurer) and Fr. T. C Jon (Director)
Address:
St. Thomas Orthodox Mission
Centre, haripad 690 514
Phone: (0479) 412764
5. Karunya Guidance Centre, Ulloor:
Office bearers:
Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios (President), Geevarghese Mar Dioscorus (Joint President), K.T Chandy (Director), Dr. Yohanon Ramban (Co-ordinator), Fr. T. J Alexander (Treasurer), Fr. P. M. Abraham (Office Secretary).
Address:
St. Thomas Karunya
Guidance Centre, Ulloor,
Medical College, P.O., Thiruvananthapuram. 695 011
Phone: (0471) 445543
6. Makodiya Mission, Bhillai,
Madhya
Pradesh
The villagers believe that all their illnesses and misfortunes are the result of the wrath of their Gods and Goddesses. Although Christianity is rushing at the gateway to the 21st century, these poor people have never heard of Jesus Christ. Only history will reveal the divine call of our church into this land where Sadhu Sundar Singh walked in 1929. This is the one and only Adivasi village mission of this kind in North India operated by the Orthodox Church of India.
English missionaries started the Macodia Mission some 100 years ago for the uplift of the adivasis. In 1986 the Bhilai Mission bought Macodia Mission Centre and 6 acres of land. There are 400 Christian advises there. The Mission is operating a primary school, a Balavadi, a Tailoring School, A typewriting Institute, and an Old Age Hospital. Since 1994 Deacon Jose Mathew is holding charge as Manager.
Address:
St. Thomas Mission Centre, Vadazhathoor,
Neyyattinkara P.O., Pin: 695 603
Phone: 224603
8. Parumala Mar Gregorios Guidance Centre, Chovayur:
Address:
Parumala Mar Gregorios
Orthodox Guidence Centre,
Chovayur P.O., Kozhikode - 673 017
Phone: 357148
9. Mar Pakkomios Charitable Society:
There are 66 members in the society, whose President is Dr.Mathews Mar Sevarios. 'Pratheeksha- Joseph Mar Pakkomios Memorial Home for Disabled is an institution founded on 7 March under Mar Pakkomios Charitable Society.
Office bearers:
Dr. Mathews Mar Sevarios Metropolitan (President), Fr. C.M. Kuriakose (Secretary), P. George varghese Vannilam (Treasurer).
Address:
Mar Pakkomios Charitable Society,
Mar Pakkomios Mount
Mebara P.O., 682 302
10. Mar Gregorios Karunyanilauam, Kottayam:
Office bearers:
Geevarghese Mar Ivanios (Managing Trustee), Fr. T. J Joshua (Director), Fr Thomas Kurian (Secretary) and K.V Thomas, Dubai (Treasurer).
Address:
Mar Gregorios Karunya Nilayam,
Gandhi Nagar P.O.,
Kottayam 686 008
Phone: (0481) 598520
11. Karnya Vishranthi Bhavan, Sreekariyam:
Office bearers:
Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios (President), Geevarghese Mar Theoscorus (Joint President), K. T Chandy (Director), Dr. Yuhanon Ramban (Co- ordinator), Fr. T. J. Alexander (Treasurer). Fr. P.M. Abraham (Office secretary)
Address:
Karunya Vishranthi Bhavan,
Kattela, Sreekariyam P.o, Thiruvananthapuram- 17
In 1995,81/2 acres of land was purchased in Raisalpur village on the Bhopal - Nagpur sector of the National Highway. Rev.Fr.C.J.Joshua (St.Paul's Brotherhood, Puthupadi) took over the reins of the project in August 18th ,1995 operating from a rented building. The office was shifted to its own premises on 27th February 1996. The new Balagram building which can accomodate 50 children was consecrated on 11th December 1999.
In March 1996, the first batch of 5 children were admitted. The children of leprosy patients who have not been affected by leprosy are admitted to the Balagram, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. At present there are 17 children( all from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh).The children attend the M.G.M.School(Itarsi) run under the auspices of the Calcutta Diocese.
If you want to know more about the Balagram please get in touch with
The Manager
St.Paul's Balagram
P.B.No.45, Itarsi
M.P., India.
PIN - 461 111.
Phone:00 91 7572 52540
As you have seen The Orthodox Church of India made its maiden venture of preaching the message of love to the leprosy patients in far-flung village of the Telengana region of Andhra Pradesh in India. It was St.Gregorios Balagram,Yacharam, a home for the healthy male children of leprosy patients; a late beginning for a two thousand year old church but nevertheless a beginning.
A similar home for the female children of leprosy patients was a prayerful thought. St.George Balikagram at Pune is His answer to the prayer.
Balikagram is located at Dehu Road on the Pune-Mumbai Highway 28 kilometers from Pune. The nucleus of the project is a two acre plot donated by Mr.Thomas George, a member of the St.Gregorios Dehu Road Parish of the Orthodox Syrian Church of India. On the 10th of March 1993 H.G.Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Metropolitan, The President of Child Welfare Board of Orthodox Syrian Church of India consecrated this piece of land and performed the groundbreaking ceremony.
A modern well equipped building has now been constructed to house the Balikagram. A primary school has also been started in the campus.Over 23 healthy female children live in the Balikagram. Very Rev.K.I.Philip Ramban serves as the Director and Very Rev. Fr. George Modiyil as the Manager. Rev.Sr.Monica of St.Paul's Convent ,Puthupadi serves as the Warden, assisted by Rev.Sr.Sophia and Rev.Sr.Elizabeth.
A small but significant beginning has been made. The tasks ahead are many. The critical factors that contribute to the success of any welfare project is the availability of a committed team of volunteers. We solicit your prayers for same. We are confident that the Good Lord who hath provided so far shall continue to do so through His Children.
If you want to know more about the Balikagram please get in touch with
The Manager
St.Ggeorge Balikagram
St.Thomas Nagar,Mamurdi,
Dehu Road Cantt.P.O.,Pune,
Maharashtra,INDIA,
PIN - 412 101.
Phone: 00 91 212 881066
Orthodox Syrian Church of India
has made a humble beginning in Kalahandi by establishing the
Kalahandi Development Projects.
Rev.Fr. C.J.Joshua is the present
Manager of the project.
B.M.P.Hospital
Uditnarayanpur P.O.
(Via) Bhavanipatan
Dist. Kalahandi
ORISSA, INDIA.
PIN - 766 001.
Phone - 0091 6670 31099.
17. Aravali project, Haryana
18.St. GREGORIOUS MISSION CENTRE, SRIVAIKUNDAM (P.O.) - 628 601. THOOTHUKUDI.DST, TAMIL NADU
Phone : +91-4630 – 255563
Mobile: +91-9944694026
Email: serdtamilnadu@yahoo.co.in
President: Dr.Yacob Mar Irenaious Metropolitan of Madras Diocese
Introduction
St.Gregorios Mission centre is a Village Mission program of Malankara Orthodox Church. The area of operation is Srivaikundam Taluk, Thoothukudi District of Tamil Nadu State.
Vision of St.Gregorios Mission centre is to build society free from inequality, superstitions, selfishness, fear, alcohol and drugs, dowry, corruption, exploitation, and society based on people’s power, social injustice, self-reliance, communal harmony and safe environment. Mission of the organization is to struggle with people’s participation, which is oppressed and marginalized in the socio- economic and educational fields.
Over the last decade the development strategies have under gone considerable change. St.Gregorios Mission centre, like that in last years gave Emphasis on the work of development by empowering women and Children in and around srivaikundam through education, formation and development of self Help Groups, income generation programs for people below poverty line, Rehabilitation of Mentally and physically challenged people, Home for children’s, child labour and the like.
The main activities during the year under report are
CHILD LABOUR ERADICATION PROGRAM
Total beneficiaries under this scheme are 300 in our full time child labour special school students along with medication, orientation programs, vocational training program and education regular school syllabus. It has help for them to continue students have come to mainstream, it has the main aspects of the child labour eradication program.
HOME FOR SCHOOL DROPOUT
This Scheme are 32 children's residing at our St. Gregories Karunalayam, we admit the children who had school drop out and child labours. Most of the beneficiaries are the orphans, semi orphans and children's from broken family. We provide special couching, food, accommodation Medication, dress and vocational training to the pupil .
PRE – SCHOOL EDUCATION
In one pre – school about forty students are getting the fundamental of education and socialization process. For the parents this pre – school is blessing, as they are confident enough about the safety and security of their children while they are going to make a living by some daily labour.
WOMEN'S FORUM (SHGs for savings and credit)
In a society, income (wealth) and social status are interlinked. Low income is the main reason for the low educational standard among the rural poor. At present St.Gregorios Mission centre is having eighty SHGs of which twenty SHGs is constituted in the year under report. Seventy-five groups have Bank accounts. All groups had getting bank loans for different economic development activities.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
We have a tailoring training unit for village people about 85 people have get proper training from the center per year. This center has shifted from village to village wherever the SHGS want for training the village people and one centre in there have different type of craft and Technenical Teacher Training course also provide to the village womens. in srivaikundam about 150 people get proper training from the year.
Conclusion
In a society , Income (wealth) and social status are interlinked. Low income is the main reason for the low educational standard among the rural poor. When they find in difficult to feed the family with meager income, it is impossible to find money to educate their children, to provide health facilities and to spend for their lives. To help such people we need support from the Govt. Co operation of the social workers, Community and institution to carryout the mission among the poor. Some of them are cared by us still we have to reach out many , support them which needs finance, education, labour sacrificial love of the care taker. We wish more but our area is Vast !...
As a nation we are obliged to build a healthy nation to achieve this goal led as start a thousand mile journey starts with a single step. States Chinese proverbs. Let us take that step that will entail a better tomorrow for the destitute and suffering people of country. Really we consider it is a God Grace for service with poor needy and make up a good family system in our service area.
HOW TO HELP US
or by post
Rev.Fr.Johnson Punchakonam
St.Mary's Orthodox Church
Nalanchira Post
Trivandrum-695014
Ph:+91-471-443939
