The retreat for the clergy of the Indian Orthodox Church in Australia was held on 20th February 2015 at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral, Sydney. The retreat was lead by H. G. Yuhanon Mar Polycarpos and H. G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros. Retreat started with prayer and Bible reading.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Varghese, Rev. Fr.Shinu K Thomas, Rev.Fr. James Philip, Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Pathrose, Rev. Fr. Benny K David, Rev. Fr. Varghese Maniyampra and Rev. Fr. Babu Kurian from the parishes in Australia attended this retreat. Rev. Fr. George Thomas (visiting priest) also was present at the retreat. Rev. Fr. Benny David welcomed the bishops and priests.
“His Grace Mar Diascoros’ opening address encouraged the clergy under HG’s care in Australia to use the Great Lent with its intensified prayer life as a preparation for the year ahead. HG suggested that although they might face criticism from people on one hand and the ire of their superiors on the other, their reaction should always be positive like Moses and Aaron.
HG Mar Policarpos, in the main retreat address, spoke to the clergy referring to Psalm 34:8 enjoining them to make God their refuge like David did when he was in danger from Abimelech. HG emphasised that priests should pray to God to know the One Who called them properly. God’s people entrusted to them can be led by them to Him only through their right words and actions. “
Rev. Fr. James Philip gave the vote of thanks. This was followed by noon prayer and confession for the priests. The retreat was indeed a spiritual blessing for all the priests who attended.
This event also coincided with the 6th anniversary of the Episcopal ordination of H. G. Yuhanon Mar Polycarpos and H. G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros. Fr. Thomas Varghese congratulated both Thirumeni’s on behalf of all the priests and wished them all the best.