Dear Beloved Members of the Kolkata Mar Thoma Church,
Grace and peace be upon you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is with great joy and anticipation that I write this letter to you as the new vicar of our beloved church. Let me remember with gratitude the leadership of Sam Thomas Achen. As I embark on this journey with you, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege to serve as your spiritual leader. I pray that this letter finds you in good health and high spirits, surrounded by the love and blessings of our Heavenly Father. May His divine presence be with you and guide you in all your endeavours.
First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt greetings to each and every one of you. I am thankful for the warm welcome that I received and the wonderful fellowship that we experienced on May 14thduring my first Holy Qurbana Service at this parish.
It is my earnest desire to build a strong and vibrant faith community within our church. Together, we can experience the transformative power of God’s love and grace, and grow in our spiritual journey. I believe that the coming three years of ministry will be blessed and fruitful as we unite our hearts and minds in worship, fellowship, and service.
As we seek a deeper relationship with God, it is important that we prioritize regular and active participation in the life of the Church. Regular church attendance unites us as a family of believers, allows us to seek the face of God, and be nourished by His Word. By worshiping together, we draw strength from one another and gain encouragement in our faith.
Additionally, I encourage you to engage actively in the various organizations and ministries of the church. These ministries provide opportunities for spiritual growth, learning, and service. By involving ourselves in these activities, we not only contribute to the well-being of the church but also develop meaningful relationships and discover and use our God-given talents for His glory. Let us embrace the call to be faithful stewards of our time, talents, and resources, and actively participate in the growth and welfare of our church community.
I look forward to meeting you in person over the next few days, hearing your stories, sharing your joys and sorrows, and praying together for God’s guidance for our church. I firmly believe that our unity, love, and commitment will enable us to flourish and make a significant impact on our parish and beyond. Together, let us strive for a blessed and purposeful ministry, continually seeking His will and walking in obedience to His Word.

May the Lord bless you abundantly and keep you in His tender care.

In His service,
Rev. Roshen V. Mathews

Vicar, Kolkata Mar Thoma Church

15th May, 2023