On this Wednesday in the fourth week of Advent, we remember St. Thomas the Apostle, known by many as “doubting Thomas."
Tradition has it that St. Thomas traveled to India, and in India, it is believed that he landed in 52 A.D. in Cranganore near Cochin, which was at that time an important seaport on the Malabar Coast, having trade connections with the Middle East.
The Mar Thoma Church (“Mar Thoma” is Aramaic for “St. Thomas”) is one of the oldest Christian groups in the world dating back to the late first century. The Mar Thoma Church defines itself as “Apostolic in origin, Catholic in nature, Biblical in faith, Evangelical in principle, Ecumenical in outlook, Oriental in worship, Democratic in function, Episcopal in character and is a Reformed Church.”
In recent times, the Mar Thoma Church entered into dialogue with the Anglican Church in India. A concordat was agreed upon in 1961 establishing Communion relationship between the two Churches. It was also agreed that in the consecration of Bishops by either Church the Bishops of the other Church shall participate. Thus ministry of the two Churches was mutually accepted in full. Later the Lambeth Conference declared acceptance of the ministry and full communion relationship. Thus the Mar Thoma Church is in full communion relationship with the Anglican Communion all over the world.
In recent years in the United States, when parishes of the Mar Thoma Church were organized here, agreements were made between the Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church and the Episcopal Church by which they will provide pastoral care for the members of the Mar Thoma Church in those countries, whenever necessary.
Let us pray: Almighty and everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with sure and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Remember you can always check the Daily Reflections at http://staugustineofhippogalveston.blogspot.com/ if you would like check or to share calendar reminders.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Christmas Services: Christmas Eve, 5 p.m., Rite II; Christmas Day, 9 a.m., Rite II.
Food Pantry for St. Vincent’s House: People are in need all year round. Please remember to bring something to those with those who have nothing. You can always place your gift at the food pantry collection center in the vestibule of the Church.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Cindy Katz, Robert Strawder, Katie Putman, Roylene Lemons, the unemployed, the addicted, the poor, the weary, the depressed, the lonely, and those who have no one to pray for them.
“Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words.” —St. Francis of Assisi, (1182-1226)
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
Tradition has it that St. Thomas traveled to India, and in India, it is believed that he landed in 52 A.D. in Cranganore near Cochin, which was at that time an important seaport on the Malabar Coast, having trade connections with the Middle East.
The Mar Thoma Church (“Mar Thoma” is Aramaic for “St. Thomas”) is one of the oldest Christian groups in the world dating back to the late first century. The Mar Thoma Church defines itself as “Apostolic in origin, Catholic in nature, Biblical in faith, Evangelical in principle, Ecumenical in outlook, Oriental in worship, Democratic in function, Episcopal in character and is a Reformed Church.”
In recent times, the Mar Thoma Church entered into dialogue with the Anglican Church in India. A concordat was agreed upon in 1961 establishing Communion relationship between the two Churches. It was also agreed that in the consecration of Bishops by either Church the Bishops of the other Church shall participate. Thus ministry of the two Churches was mutually accepted in full. Later the Lambeth Conference declared acceptance of the ministry and full communion relationship. Thus the Mar Thoma Church is in full communion relationship with the Anglican Communion all over the world.
In recent years in the United States, when parishes of the Mar Thoma Church were organized here, agreements were made between the Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church and the Episcopal Church by which they will provide pastoral care for the members of the Mar Thoma Church in those countries, whenever necessary.
Let us pray: Almighty and everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with sure and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Remember you can always check the Daily Reflections at http://staugustineofhippogalveston.blogspot.com/ if you would like check or to share calendar reminders.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Christmas Services: Christmas Eve, 5 p.m., Rite II; Christmas Day, 9 a.m., Rite II.
Food Pantry for St. Vincent’s House: People are in need all year round. Please remember to bring something to those with those who have nothing. You can always place your gift at the food pantry collection center in the vestibule of the Church.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Cindy Katz, Robert Strawder, Katie Putman, Roylene Lemons, the unemployed, the addicted, the poor, the weary, the depressed, the lonely, and those who have no one to pray for them.
“Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words.” —St. Francis of Assisi, (1182-1226)
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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