Dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary Visits India

Very Rev. Fr. Michael Dahulich, Dean of St.Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary, visited India for one week in late of December 2008 after an invitation to be one of the main speakers for the centenary celebration of the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement, one of the largest Christian spiritual youth organizations in India. The celebrations were held at Sts. Peter & Paul’s Orthodox Church, Parumala, Kerala, India from December 26-31, 2008. 

Father Michael was received at Kochi Airport on the morning of December 27th and adorned with the traditional flower garland.

From the airport, he was taken to the Catholicate Palace, the headquarters of the Malankara Church and the residence of His Holiness the Catholicos. Father Michael was received there by the Rev. Dr. K.M. George (Principal of Orthodox Theological Seminary), Mr. Elias (Public Relations Officer), Rev. Fr. P.I. Philip (Department of Human Resources), Rev. Fr. Mathew Koshy (Media Director), and Rev. Fr. Thomas Zachariah of Kottayam Diocese. Here, Father was given a tour and was able to offer prayers at the tombs of the former Catholicoi of the Church as well as the tomb of the late Metropolitan Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios.

After brief tours there, he visited Parumala Church where he was received by Rev. Fr. V. M. Abraham, MGOCSM General Secretary of India.  Here, Fr. Michael met with His Holiness and received his blessings. His Holiness expressed extreme joy to see Father in India for the centenary celebrations. His Holiness was also grateful to St. Tikhon’s Seminary for welcoming students of the Indian Orthodox Church in order to receive their priestly formation. In return, Father Michael conveyed greetings from Metropolitan Jonah, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of America and His Grace Bishop Tikhon, the Rector of St. Tikhon's Seminary.  Father offered an icon of St. Tikhon to His Holiness on behalf of the Seminary community.

On the evening of December 28^th, Father Michael offered a retreat message to more than 300 youth in preparation for the Divine Liturgy the next morning.

Following the next day’s Liturgy, Fr. Michael visited St. Basil’s Monastery, Pathanamthitta, and received the paternal blessings and love of Metropolitan Philipose Mar Eusebius, the then President of MGOCSM.

The next day, Father Michael joined the thousands of faithful who received His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.  Father Michael received audience with His Holiness Abune Paulos and the other Hierarchs who accompanied him. His Beatitude Paulose Mar Milithios and other Metropolitans who were present at Parumala also greeted Father Michael.

Later that morning, Father Michael offered a Bible study on the theme for the centennial celebrations, 'Arise and shine.’

The next day, Fr. Michael visited St. Basil’s Monastery at the invitation of Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Ivanios. His Grace offered a tour of the monastery grounds.  Rev. Fr. Bijesh Philip, professor of St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary, Nagpur was also present along with Rev. Fr. Zachariah, a resident monk of the monastery.

On Tuesday, December 30th, Father Michael participated in the public meeting at Parumala where thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the past 100 years of MGOCSM.

On Wednesday, following the Divine Liturgy, Father Michael bid farewell to the youth and faithful who gathered at Parumala for the centennial celebrations.  Father offered prayers and flowers at the tombs of St. Gregorios and Metropolitan Yuakim Mar Ivanios.

The next day, Father enjoyed a one night cruise on a house boat through the waters of Kumarokam.

Fr. Michael also visited Mount Tabor Monastery where the late Kuriakose Mar Gregorios (Pampady Thirumeni) is entombed and a place where his intercession remains ever so powerful to thousands of pilgrims. He was also able to visit the Asha Kiran, a home for the children of AIDS patients, the Old Age Home, and the Boys Orphanage. Father Michael visited each individual at these institutions and offered his prayers and blessings.

On the last day of his trip, Father Michael returned to Catholicate Palace where he met with His Beatitude Paulose Mar Milithios and His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilose. Both Hierarchs offered their gratitude to Father Michael for his visit to India, his inspiring words to the faithful, and offered their prayers for his ministry and concluded by inviting him to visit again.

Later that evening, Father Michael participated in the Festal Celebrations of the Catholicoi entombed at the Catholicate Palace, which was led by His Holiness the Catholicos and members of the Synod.  At the close of Vespers, His Holiness and the members of the Synod offered a gift to Fr. Michael on behalf of the MGOCSM to commemorate his visit.  Rev. Fr. V. M. Abraham offered a word of thanks on behalf of MGOCSM for his presence at the centennial celebrations. 

After his return to America, Fr. Michael spoke much regarding his experiences in India and was grateful for the opportunity he received. We are truly thankful to Fr. Michael for his role in our lives as a spiritual father, role model, mentor, friend and teacher.