Felicitation Ceremony Honors H.H. Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus Metropolitan

The Believers Eastern Church Diocese of Hyderabad, together with the Andhra Pradesh Council of Churches (APCC), Telangana Council of Churches (TCC), Federation of Telugu Churches (FTC), and the Ecumenical Forum, hosted a grand felicitation ceremony in honor of H.H. Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus, the newly enthroned Metropolitan of the Believers Eastern Church.

Held at the Henry Martin Institute in Hyderabad, this joyous event drew an enthusiastic crowd of 650 people from across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, showcasing the powerful spirit of unity within the Christian community.

Before the official commencement of the program, His Holiness, His Eminences, His Graces, Church Heads, and dignitaries paid tribute to the reposed Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan of blessed memory, honoring his enduring legacy and profound impact on the Church. The attendees reflected on his visionary leadership and tireless service, which laid a strong foundation for the continued growth of the Believers Eastern Church. This tribute served as a heartfelt reminder of his contributions and the lasting mark he left on the world.

Rev. Fr. Varaprasad Rao P., Vicar General & Vicariate In-Charge of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Believers Eastern Church, warmly welcomed all the distinguished dignitaries in his welcome address, expressing gratitude for their presence and support.

The Presidential Address was delivered by The Most Rev. K. Reuben Mark, Moderator of CSI and Chief Patron of the Telangana Council of Churches, who emphasized the importance of ecumenical collaboration. Drawing inspiration from 1 Samuel 16:11-13, he reflected on how God chose David, a humble shepherd, and anointed him as king. He likened this to the calling of His Holiness Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus, emphasizing that God’s anointing often comes to those who lead with a servant’s heart and commitment to God’s purpose. This message served as a powerful reminder of the divine calling and responsibilities that come with spiritual leadership.

Rev. Dr. Packiam T. Samuel, Director of HMI and Vice-President of the NCCI, congratulated the newly enthroned second Metropolitan and assured his prayers for His Holiness, expressing hope for continued growth and unity under his leadership. He also reflected on his lasting friendship with His Holiness Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus, spanning over four decades, highlighting the deep bonds of fellowship and shared commitment to the mission of the Church.

The event continued with felicitations from prominent leaders, including The Most Rev. John SDR Nakka, Primate of ICM and Vice-President of APCC, who praised His Holiness Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus for his steadfast leadership and commitment to the Christian community. He welcomed the second Metropolitan with warm words of encouragement, affirming the Church’s support for his future endeavors. Adv. Dr. G. Samuel Sudhir, General Secretary of APCC; Rev. Dr. T. Bhasker, General Secretary of TCC; and Rev. Fr. Anthaiah Kondaveeti, Regional Secretary of Ecumenism & Dialogue, RC, collectively acknowledged the Metropolitan’s exemplary service, offering congratulations and assuring their prayers for his success.

As the guests honored the newly enthroned second Metropolitan, various distinguished individuals extended their heartfelt greetings, congratulations, and assurances of prayers, including Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Isaac Vara Prasad, Bishop of Rayalaseema Diocese, CSI, HG Martin Mor Aprem Episcopa, Archbishop of Chennai Diocese, BEC, HG Joseph Mor Demetrius Episcopa, Bishop of Vizag Diocese, BEC, Sri. Deepak John, Chairman of Telangana State Christian (Minority) Finance Corporation, Rev. Anil Kumar, representing Bishop M.A. Daniel, Methodist Church in India, Mr. Robert Surya Prakash, Treasurer of TCC and President of DATBC, Major G. Samson, Salvation Army, Dr. G. Mathew Peter, YMCA – Visakhapatnam, Mr. Jayakar Daniel, YMCA – Hyderabad, Fr. Sanjeev Benjamin, Metropolitan’s Vicar, BEC, Mr. Sleeva Galleli, ICS Party, Fr. John Auxon, Vicar General & Vicariate In-Charge of Tamil Nadu, Rev. Dr. Menno Joel, Vice-President of MBC, Rev. Luther Babu, Vice-President of SALC, Rev. Basi Paul, BSI
Rev. Dr. P. Aseervadam, Chairman & Principal of Mennonite Bible College, Mr. Madhusudhan, Principal of Serenity Model High School, Mr. Gonne Solomon, General Secretary of TUPLPF, Rev. Prisckilla, CSI, Rev. Giri Babu, Good Shepherd Community Church, and Dr. E. John Ravinder, Legal Advisor for TCC.

All the bishops and church heads of NCCI, APCC, TCC, and FTC felicitated His Holiness with garlands, shawls, and mementos, honoring his new role. This was followed by members of the public, who also expressed their love and respect by offering garlands and tokens of appreciation.

In his response, His Holiness Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus expressed gratitude for the warm reception, heartfelt congratulations, and prayers. He reaffirmed his commitment to lead with humility and devotion, pledging to work tirelessly for the spiritual upliftment of the community.

The felicitation ceremony was a testament to the vibrant ecumenical spirit and a celebration of unity, faith, and leadership within the Christian community, marking a significant milestone for the Believers Eastern Church as it embarks on a new era with the newly enthroned second Metropolitan, His Holiness Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus.