No fewer than 300 members of the Indian Communities in Lagos last week witnessed the formal inauguration of the St. Stephens Orthodox Church of the Indian Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church (IMSOC) in Nigeria.
The inauguration also featured the maiden Holy Eucharist of the church at its Ilupeju headquarters.
The new Vicar and President of the church, Rev. Fr. Abraham Pangattu, conducted the service.
He was assisted by Mr. Jacob Poovathoor, Mr. Pratheesh Philip, Mr. Sam Chacko, Mr. Maju Mathew and Mr. Jijo John Jonny, who served as altar boys.
Pangattu explained the church was founded by St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ, who went to India in A.D. 52.
He pointed out the church is in good ecumenical relationship with the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches.
According to him, the church boasts of over 27 million faithful with 30 dioceses all over the world.
“A unique and noble feature of this church even now is its broad vision of humanity, non-Christian religions and other ideologies.
“From time immemorial, this church is at peace, oneness and tranquility with the surrounding Hindu, Muslim, and communities without prejudice, rivalry and fanaticism,” he stressed.
Pangattu acknowledged the support and blessings received from the Head, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Africa, Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios.
He praised him for showing confidence and ordaining him as the pilot vicar of the church in Nigeria.
The vicar also applauded Mr. Jacob Poovathoor for showing tireless commitment towards establishing the church after years of efforts.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ilupeju Station, CSP Gbolahan Olugbemi, who was a guest at the inaugural service, pledged his full support for the community.
He solicited prayers to be able to police residents in his jurisdiction.
The inauguration also featured the maiden Holy Eucharist of the church at its Ilupeju headquarters.
The new Vicar and President of the church, Rev. Fr. Abraham Pangattu, conducted the service.
He was assisted by Mr. Jacob Poovathoor, Mr. Pratheesh Philip, Mr. Sam Chacko, Mr. Maju Mathew and Mr. Jijo John Jonny, who served as altar boys.
Pangattu explained the church was founded by St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ, who went to India in A.D. 52.
He pointed out the church is in good ecumenical relationship with the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches.
According to him, the church boasts of over 27 million faithful with 30 dioceses all over the world.
“A unique and noble feature of this church even now is its broad vision of humanity, non-Christian religions and other ideologies.
“From time immemorial, this church is at peace, oneness and tranquility with the surrounding Hindu, Muslim, and communities without prejudice, rivalry and fanaticism,” he stressed.
Pangattu acknowledged the support and blessings received from the Head, Metropolitan of the Diocese of Africa, Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios.
He praised him for showing confidence and ordaining him as the pilot vicar of the church in Nigeria.
The vicar also applauded Mr. Jacob Poovathoor for showing tireless commitment towards establishing the church after years of efforts.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ilupeju Station, CSP Gbolahan Olugbemi, who was a guest at the inaugural service, pledged his full support for the community.
He solicited prayers to be able to police residents in his jurisdiction.
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