Rooted in Grace, Growing in Fellowship: Reflections on the 29th Parish Day of Melbourne Mar Thoma Church
On Sunday, 26th October 2025, our parish gathered in reverence and joy to celebrate the 29th Parish Day, a sacred milestone in our shared journey of faith. From the opening Holy Communion Service led by Rev. Philip Mathew and Rev. Sandy Boyce, Executive Officer of the Victorian Council of Churches, the day unfolded as a tapestry of thanksgiving, unity and spiritual renewal.
This year’s celebration held added significance as we observed Family Sunday and participated in our annual One Day Income offering, a tradition that invites us to respond to God’s abundant blessings with intentional generosity and gratitude. These moments reminded us that stewardship is not merely an act of giving, but a posture of the heart.
Rev. Philip Mathew’s presidential address called us to deepen our commitment to faith, unity and service, while Secretary Alex Sen Varughese’s annual report offered a thoughtful reflection on the ministries and milestones that have shaped our parish life over the past year. In her keynote address, Rev. Sandy Boyce spoke with warmth and conviction about the vitality of our congregation, noting its growth and resilience in a time when many churches face decline. Her words reminded us that the Church is called to be a beacon of hope and belonging in a fractured world, a living witness to Christ’s inclusive love.
Throughout the day, our choir and area prayer groups lifted their voices in song and testimony, sharing how God has faithfully guided their journeys. Their offerings brought joy and inspiration, weaving together stories of grace, growth and shared purpose.
A deeply moving moment came as we honoured our senior members with a ‘ponnada’, a gesture of reverence and gratitude for their wisdom, leadership and enduring contributions to our spiritual community. Their presence is a living bridge between our past and future, anchoring us in faith and reminding us of the legacy we carry forward.
During our time together, we also marked a new chapter in our parish’s digital engagement with the launch of the Melbourne Mar Thoma Church mobile app, a tool designed to strengthen connection, accessibility and participation across our church family.
From our humble beginnings in 1997 with just 50 families, we have grown, by God’s amazing grace, into a vibrant congregation of over 400 families and 250 children. This journey is not merely a story of numbers, but a testimony to God’s faithfulness, the dedication of our members and the Spirit-led vision that continues to guide us.
As we reflect on 29 years of shared worship, service and fellowship, may we recommit ourselves to walking in love, growing in grace and glorifying God in all that we do. Let this Parish Day not only mark a celebration, but a renewed calling, to be a church that listens deeply, serves humbly and shines brightly in the world.
Warm regards,
Manoj, Jeevan and Joselin