Harvest Festival of St Stephens Indian Orthodox Congregation concluded

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The second Harvest Festival of St. Stephen’s Indian Orthodox Congregation Kuwait was held in a grand gala manner at the Indian Community School, Khaitan premises on Friday the 13th February, 2015. The celebration commenced at 10 am with variety of entertainment programmes by Sunday School children and various spiritual organizations of the parish. The public meeting related to the same was inaugurated by H. G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios, the diocesan metropolitan of the Diocese of Ahmedabad by lighting the traditional lamp. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Vicar of the parish Rev. Fr. Saju Philip, Mr. Roy Yohannan on behalf of the National Evanjelickal Church of Kuwait (NECK), Mr. AK Srivasthava, 1st Secretary of the Indian Embassy, Mr. Shaji Abraham, Managing Committee member of the Church, Mr. Varghese Puthukulangara, member, NORKA-Roots, Vicars of the Apostolic Churches Rev. Fr. CV Simon, Rev Fr Aby Paul, Vicar and Assoc. Vicar of ST Gregorios Mahaedavaka Rev. Fr. Raju Thomas & Rev Fr. Reji C Varghese, Playback singer Mr. KG Markose, Parish trustee Mr. Laji Joseph, Secretary Mr. Shaju P. John, Harvest Fest Convenor Mr. Alex P. George and Jt. Convenor Mr Suby George spoke on the occasion.

His Grace Yulios as being one of the 3 junior most bishops of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church exhorted in his speech that the zenith of thanksgiving to God’s love is what we practice by living good as advocated by God Almighty, and also by complete dedication before God Almighty in Holy Liturgy. His Grace also wished the Harvest Festival all blessings as a metropolitan representing the Malankara Orthodox Church. A souvenir on the occasion was released by His Grace by handing over a copy of the same to Rev. Fr. Raju Thomas.

The public function was followed by a variety of programmes including dances, skits and plays by the members of the parish. The programmes included the traditional art forms of Kerala and ancient Christians like Margam Kali, Koladi etc. Those was followed by the major attraction of the day, the devotional ganamela by the distinguished play back singers Mr. KG Markose and Ms. Sicily Abraham. The two singers with their devotional selections mesmerized the audience by the mellifluous rendering of the songs that not only voiced the benevolence of God but also by the melodious feel that was demonstrated throughout the songs to all present. The musical session was added colour by songs by the parish member Mr. Binoy KJ and the chorus by the Church members.

The harvest festival also provided a day of enjoyment to the palates, as food was served for all gathered evoking the nostalgic feel and enjoyment we could avail from our homeland. The nostalgic feel evoking Thattukada which served traditional and mouthwatering dishes also added glitter to the event. The programmes ended at 7.30PM
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