Bahrain Mar Thoma Parish Celebrates 62nd Parish Day and First Holy Communion
TDT I Manama
The Bahrain Mar Thoma Parish commemorated its 62nd Parish Day on Friday, October 10, 2025, following a significant Holy Communion Service at the Mar Thoma Complex. The service was particularly special as thirty children received their First Communion.
The entire event was led by the Chief Celebrant and Chief Guest, Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Timotheos Episcopa, Diocesan Bishop of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church’s Kottayam-Kochi Diocese.
The Parish Day meeting was inaugurated by the Bishop and presided over by the Parish Vicar, Rev. Biju John. Mr. Mathews Philip, Parish Finance Trustee, welcomed the gathering. The event featured distinguished guests, including the Guest of Honour, Mr. Zeyad Adel Darwish, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Development of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Mr. Darwish expressed his pride and joy, describing the gathering as a celebration of Bahrain and its "big-hearted people who are devout and welcoming to all since earliest known civilisations."
Ms. Betsy Mathieson, Founder and Chairperson of the 'This is Bahrain' society, also graced the occasion. She highlighted the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to religious freedom under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, who champions peaceful coexistence. Felicitations were also conveyed by Rev. Dr. Sunni E. Mathew, Former Principal of Dharma Jyoti Vidya Peeth.
A notable highlight of the celebration was the official release of the Holy Bible, meticulously handwritten in both English and Malayalam through the collective efforts of over 500 parishioners. Mr. Biju K. Ninan, Convenor of the Bible Handwritten Project, provided details on the initiative and thanked all participants.
The parish recognized and honoured members achieving significant milestones, including those completing 60 years of age, 40 years of marriage, and 40 and 25 years of parish membership. Students who excelled in the 2025 CBSE Grade X and XII examinations were also felicitated. Additionally, mementos were presented to the 2024-2025 parish executive committee members.
Mr. Pradeep Mathews, Parish Secretary, presented the comprehensive Parish Report. The formal proceedings concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Program Convenor Mr. Jacob George, and the Benediction was offered by Timotheos Episcopa.
The meeting, which was expertly compered by Mr. Binoy K. J. and Ms. Megha Biju, also featured songs by the Parish Choir. A lunch, prepared by a team of parishioners led by Mr. Binu Thomas Varghese, was served to all attendees.
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