Sad Demise of Mr.C.S. Ulahannan (72), Chelappurathu

With deep sorrow we are informing you the demise of Mr.C.S. Ulahannan (72) ,

expired on 12th of April 2010 at 08:30 PM in Mannuthy, Trichur.

Mr. Ulahannan, father of

Johnson Chelappurathu (Austria),

Shaji Chelappurathu (Austria),

Reji Chelappurathu (Ireland) and

Eldo Chelappurathu (Ireland)

St. Mary's MSO Church, Vienna extend our deepest condolences to the family.

Let us pray for the departed soul.

Holy week services 2010

The Holy Week services of the St. Mary’s MSOC, Vienna, commenced with Palm Sunday services on 28 March 2010 by Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil, the Vicar of the Church. The traditional Palm Sunday procession, holding coconut tree leaves commemorating Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, was gorgeous and it gave the local folks a diverse feeling.

On Holy Monday, evening prayer was held in Jolly Thuruthummel’s house at 7.30 p.m. followed by sermon by the Vicar.

Likewise, Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil lead the evening prayer and sermon on Holy Tuesday, which took place in Yakob Padickakudy’s house at 7.00 p.m.

The Passover services were held on Holy Wednesday at 8.00 p.m. After the holy Qurbana and Passover services “Pesaha Appam murikkal” was carried out by Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil.

The Good Friday services started at 8.00 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. The processions on that day, in accordance with the traditions and practices of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, were very eye-catching for the local public. Chev. Kuriakose Thadathil and Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil spoke about the importance of the day and why we remember it as “dukka velliyazhcha”

The Easter services started at 12 noon on 4.4.2010. After the Easter services and holy Qurbana, the members took part in the “Agape”. After the “Agape”, Bible Test was arranged for the St.Mary’s Theological Forum members by Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil.

One day retreat on 06 Mar 2010 by Vanitha Samajam, St. Marys MSOC Vienna

Following the practice, one-day retreat was organized by the Vanitha Samajam of the St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, Vienna during 2010 Great Lent period also. It was held on Saturday, the 6th of March 2010 at St. Mary’s MSO Church, Vienna, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil, Vicar of the Church, and Rev. Fr. Prince Paulose, a veteran theologian and a doctorate scholar based in Rome, Italy.

Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil asserted the need of repentance with firm belief that He the Jesus Christ would pardon and wash away the sins of those who really repent and come forth unto Him. Rev. Fr. Biju further wished and prayed that let the Great Lent period be a raison d'être for such a repentance, reversal and U-turn.

The main topic of Rev. Fr. Prince Paulose was the importance and necessities of keeping own home as a role-model of real Christian life and becoming more subservient to the Almighty. He pointed out that deterioration and diminution of peace and happiness in every home are increasing in this modern world. Rev. Fr. Prince spotted out that lack of tolerance and forbearance are the main causes of conflict and the repercussions of such conflicts within home are innumerable and would be enduring as it would adversely influence the children. He reminded one and all that the present generation has a duty to shape up spiritually healthy future generation in leading peaceful and joyful life.

Most of the parish members attended the retreat who found it was virtually a Christian fellowship that would enable spiritual revival.

Photos of one-day retreat

St. Mary’s MSO Youth Association, Vienna elected new committee for 2010-11

St. Mary’s MSO Youth Association, Vienna, Austria elected their new Committee for the year 2010 at its Annual General Body Meeting held at Vienna St. Mary's MSO Church on Sunday, 7 February 2010. The General Body commenced at 3.00 PM with prayer. Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil, President of the Youth Association, chaired the meeting and pointed out the important achievements of the Youth Association during last year and highlighted the great Graces of God that the Vienna Unit experienced throughout the year. He also thanked the association members and the committee members for their hard work and support. After the Secretary’s report and financial statement of the treasurer, the elections were held unanimously for the ensuing year 2010-11. Mr. Soja CHELAPPURATHU JOSE is elected as the Vice President, Mr. Subin POOMKOTTAYIL as the Secretary and Mr. Pradeep PAULOSE as the Treasurer. Mr. Binu MARKOSE and Mr. Steffy THADATHIL are elected as the committee members thereafter. Later on, the General Body had detailed discussions on all agenda items and necessary decisions were taken.

Report by: Fr. Biju Parekkattil, St. Mary’s MSO Youth Association, Vienna.

The Annual General Body Meeting St. Mary’s MSOC , Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 15:00 Hrs

The Annual General Body Meeting of the Vienna St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church was convened on Sunday, January 10, 2010 after the Holy Qurbana at 15:00 hours in the church premises.

Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil, the Vicar and President of the Church Managing Committee, chaired the meeting. Detailed agenda was presented by the Vicar and after his presidential address; the outgoing Secretary presented a detailed report of the activities of 2009. The General Body took note that all activities like the 5th European Family Conference of the Middle Europe and 20th Anniversary celebrations, St. Mary’s Fest, Parish Day celebrations, Grill Party, Sunday School VBS, Ecumenical Xmas Carol Competition etc. were very successful and praise-worthy. The members remained thankful to the Vicar and all Managing Committee and sub-committee members who made relentless efforts to make all programmes a grand success.

Later on, the General Body had detailed discussions on all agenda items and necessary decisions were taken.

The following members were unanimously to serve in the Managing Committee for the year 2010:

President: Rev. Fr. Biju Parekkattil, Vicar
Vice-President: Thomas Poomkottayil
Secretary: George Padickakudy
Treasurer: Chev. Kuriakose Thadathil
Ex-officio: Saju Chelappurath
Committee members: Yacob Padickakudy, Soja Chelappurath Jose, Jolly Thuruthummel
Webmaster: Pradeep Paulose
Auditor: Johnson Chelappurath
Charity Fund coordinator: Yacob Padickakudy

Annual Meeting of the Theological Forum

Annual Meeting of St.Mary's Theological Forum, Vienna was held on Sunday 27th December, 2009 at St.Mary's MSO Church, Vienna. After the prayer and introduction of Rev.Fr.Biju Parekkattil, President of the Forum, Mrs. Annakkutty Padickakudy talked about the Theme "Love in the Bible and in our daily life". Following the Vicar's Class about Soteriology, Mr.Jolly Thuruthummel was elected as the Co-ordinator, Mr.Eldose Palpathu as the representative for article writing, Chev. Kuriakose Thadathil and Mrs. Bincy Anjeril for Story writing, Mrs.Jessy Thuruthummel for Poetry, and Mr.Benny Ulloorikara for Christian Humour.