His Grace Mar Ivanios Revisits St. Tikhon's

During the week of September 8-12, we were blessed once again with the presence of His Grace Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, Metropolitan of the Kottayam Diocese. The presence of His Grace was definitely a blessing for all of us. We were able to witness his smile, humor, love and humility in person and hear numerous stories and words of wisdom that served as an inspiration to all of us. His Grace challenged us to develop our spiritual lives through the disciplines of fasting, meditation, reading, daily prayer and study of the Scriptures. Throughout the week, we were able to witness these disciplines being practiced in his life. His Grace led us in the daily prayers, ate with us, conversed with us, and took some time out for reading and solitary prayer and meditation.

His Grace was welcomed by the Seminary community at the annual Alumni Association Picnic. Later in the week, he also met with Father Michael and re-toured the Monastery, Church, and Seminary grounds. His love for nature, especially flowers, could be seen in his close examination of every single plant and tree that we passed by during our walks.

During the weekend, we traveled to the Indian Orthodox Church Center in New York to meet with our Diocesan Metropolitans, His Grace Mar Barnabas & His Grace Mar Nicholovos. On Sunday, September 14^th, we were blessed to participate in the Holy Qurbana and the Festival of the Holy Cross at St. George Orthodox Church, Port Chester, NY with His Grace as the chief celebrant.

We are forever grateful for His Grace’s willingness to come visit us and spend time with us. May the Lord God bless his ministry in the Church and grant him many years.