Marthoma Church in Abu Dhabi celebrates 40th anniversary

The Marthoma Church in Abu Dhabi has launched a slew of programmes to benefit the poor as part of its 40th anniversary celebration.

According to Rev John Philip, the vicar of the church, several charity projects to help poor students and needy patients will be part of the one-year long activities.

Rev Philip said about 40 patients, irrespective of their religion or caste, will be given financial assistance for their surgeries.

In addition to that, the church will give scholarships to 40 students from weak economic backgrounds to help pursue professional courses in India.

The Marthoma Church in Abu Dhabi initially began as a prayer group on January 12, 1971. Later, in 2004, the Abu Dhabi Government provided land to build a church. Currently, the church has some 6,000 members.

For its 40th anniversary celebrations, the church plans to raise funds from church members and sponsors of various programmes.

V.J. Thomas, General Convener of the working committee of the celebrations, told Gulf News that financial support will be extended to 400 patients, especially old people, for their cataract surgery.

Also, a dialysis unit will be set up to help kidney patients in Kerala. The unit in Pathanamthitta district will provide dialysis free of cost to the most needy, said Thomas.

Further, Rev. Philip said the church is keen to help young couples. The church will launch 'Young Couples Fellowship' to help young couples avoid marital discord and nurture good family and spiritual values.

The Mar thoma Church is a part of the Ancient Syrian Church of Malabar, founded in AD 52 as a result of the missionary efforts of St. Thomas. The Marthoma community has around one million members worldwide.