This year, with the approval of the Diocesan Metropolitans, it has been a great blessing to have Rev. Fr. Philip C. Abraham as our Liturgics Professor. Achen was the pupil of the great Rubrics Malpan H.G. Yuhanon Mar Severios. He is also a disciple of H.G. Geevarghese Mar Ivanios. While serving in the Kottayam Diocese, he was asked by Ivanios Thirumeni to train priest candidates. By the request of H.G. Mathews Mar Barnabas, Achen came to the then American Diocese in August of 1997. He was appointed as Vicar of St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Sayville,NY from 1997-2004. He was then transferred to St. George Orthodox Church, Staten Island, NYwhere he served as Vicar from 2004-2008.
Philip C Achen has a deep love and passion for our liturgical prayers and services which is evident in his life. His life revolves around the prayers and services of the Holy Church. His love for the liturgical services emanates in his teaching style as he is very thorough, patient, and prayerful. He has a special gift in teaching and it brings him joy to see people learning and participating in the liturgical life of the Church. Special thanks goes to Kochamma, and the children Philemon and Priya as they have been very kind and hospitable to all the students who attend the classes. We have had the chance to study the Sacraments of Baptism, Marriage, Unction, and we are currently learning about the Funeral Services. In addition to the Seminary students, some of the Deacons from the Diocese of North East America have joined for the classes as well. Achen is a great example and inspiration for all aspiring priests, and we pray that God continues to use him to train the future ministers of the Church.
On Sunday, October 18, 2009, Achen celebrated the Holy Qurbana at the St. Tikhon’s Seminary Chapel. We are thankful for his willingness to come and spend a weekend with us in fellowship to teach and lead us in prayers and to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. Several Seminary students from other Orthodox jurisdictions attended the Qurbana and expressed their deep appreciation for our Liturgy and the beauty of it.
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