AHMEDABAD: Charity is an integral element of the Christian way of life and the Orthodox church is very particular in this aspect, says HG Dr Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Metropolitan of Ahmedabad Diocese, and Assistant Metropolitan of Kunnamkulam Diocese.
In a Kalpana addressed to Vicars, Associate Vicars, members of MGOCSM and the faithful of the Diocese of Ahmedabad, Mar Yulios has called up on to seriously observe the Lenten season with purity, simplicity and meekness.
In this regard, the Metropolitan stresses on almsgiving as an expression of our gratitude for all that God has provided us, and a realization that in the Body of Christ, it is never “me and God” alone.
The charity amount collected will be donated to ‘Prerana Special School, Nagpur’, an institution of the Church governed by St Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS), Nagpur, which empowers the under privileged and differently abled ‘children with special needs’.
His Grace quotes St Paul from 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one should give, then, as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly”.
Almsgiving, prayer and fasting are the three major pillars of the Great and Salvific Lent, Mar Yulios notes that by giving alms, Jesus teaches means of making the needs of others our own, especially the needy of the world.
Mar Yulios has hailed the steadfast devotion of MGOCSM, the student spiritual organisation of Orthodox Church, who has always laid emphasis on service related activities.
This year too, the MGOCSM office bearers have come forward to contribute towards the needy of the society.
MGOCSM units are requested to actively participate in the Lenten Charity Project and make it successful.
Similar to previous years, it was decided that each unit will collect the Great Lent fasting amount from their members and utilise the amount for the well-being of fellow beings.
Unit secretaries shall coordinate with Diocesan Treasurer or Diocesan Secretary towards handing over the amount to the Diocesan MGOCSM accounts before April 30, 2019.
Mar Yulios has urged the faithful to seriously observe Lenten season as we approach the Mid-Lent and has extended his wishes for a blessed Lenten season, sanctified Holy-week and glorified Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord.
The Kalpana No. 10/19, dated March 20, 2019 was issued from St Thomas Bishop’s House, Naroda, Ahmedabad.
