MUSCAT: Fr Jinesh K Varkey, Secretary, St Gregorios Dayabhavan, who received the Thanal Charity Award for 2017-18, says the scourge of AIDS went a long way towards eradicating it fully. He was replying to felicitations after being honoured with the fourth Thanal Charity Award instituted in the name of LL HG Dr Stephanos Mar Theodosius (1924-2007) by Mar Gregorios Orthodox Maha Edavaka Muscat (MGOME).
Fr Jinesh who has received numerous awards for his involvement and contribution to rural community service in Kunigal taluk, Tumkur district of Karnataka, praised the Maha Edavaka for recognizing his work. He also outlined the work of Dayabhavan which holistically extends care and support to HIV/AIDS infected thereby increasing their confidence to lead an independent and secure life.
Presenting the award to Fr Jinesh, Ahmedabad Diocese Metropolitan HG Dr Geevarghese Mar Yulios said the Thanal committee was unanimous in its decision and read out the citation highlighting the ‘touch of kindess’ as the cornerstone towards the charity project.
The function was held on March 9, Friday, at St Thomas Church, Ruwi, and also marked the valedictory of the year-long celebrations of 45th anniversary of MGOME (1972-2017) and reception to HG Dr Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, Holy Episcopal Synod Secretary, Metropolitan, Madras Orthodox Diocese, and Assistant Metropolitan Kottayam Diocese, Fr Dr M O John, (Priest Trustee), and Adv Biju Oommen (Association Secretary).
In his presidential address, HG Dr Yuhanon Mar Diascoros urged the church to prepare and lead the younger children towards the next generation. His Grace wished the parish all success and to undertake more projects as it steps into a new year. The Metropolitan praised Fr Jinesh Varkey, calling him as the ‘Jewel of Malankara Sabha.’
In his presidential address, HG Dr Geevarghese Mar Yulios, assured all help to Daya Bhavan from Ahmedabad Diocese and praised the commendable work by Fr Jinesh towards the AIDS inflicted. His Grace recalled the remarkable progress of the parish from its humble beginning and called upon to face future challenges with prayers.
Fr Dr M O John and Adv Biju Oommen, Fr Shaji M Baby, Finance Director, Parumala Hospital, and former MGOME Vicar, also spoke.
Fr Jacob Mathew Vicar/President, MGOME, along with the executive members presented the Catholicate Day collection to Mar Diascoros.
In his welcome address,  Fr Jacob, extolled the efforts of the earlier church fathers who struggled and contributed hard for the parish and said it was passing through an important phase in its history.
Biju George read out an elaborate report of the Thanal project and said about 120 applications having cancer were considered for 2017-18.
Before the function began, a traditional lamp was lighted by Mar Diascoros along with all the dignitaries present on the dias.
Malankara Sabha Managing Committee Members Geevarghese Yohannan, Thomas Daniel (Sohar), and Boban Mathew Thomas, Diocesan Council Member, also spoke.
Adv Abraham Mathew, as General Convenor, proposed the vote of thanks.
Also present on the dias were Mathew Varghese (Trustee), Sabu Koshy (Co-Trustee), Manoj Mathew (Secretary), and Biju George (Convenor).
Earlier, a colorful procession was organized from Maha Edavaka to St Thomas Church with 45 members in whites holding traditionalmuttu kuda. A documentary video tracing the history of the church was also screened.
The programme came to an end with rendering of Catholicate hymn by the senior choir followed by prayer and benediction.
Biju Parumala and Asha Robin were the comperes for the four hour-long programme.