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