Vicar Message:
For every house is built by some man; but he that built all things is God”, the Holy Scriptures, reminds us so. With the profound grace of God Almighty, we have now completed the construction of a new Church. This abode of God carrying the name of blessed Mother Mary, remains as a spring gushing blessings.
It had been a craving desire of those who migrated here for employment, to have a place of worship. Prayer groups and fellowships of the early days added with unwavering faith of believers, led to the establishment of systematic and regular Church activities and temporary worship shelters.
Even during the early days of arrivals for employment or the commencement of life here, faith in God and a pristine Orthodox Christian faith had been the only domineering capital for all, which paved to the realization of constructing an own church today. We recall and remember all those who have stirred a mindset in such a direction, across the span of time.
St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Ras Al Khaimah, forms part of the Bangalore diocese of the Indian Orthodox Church. When the grace of Almighty God and the magnanimity of the Ruling family of this country were brought together, it resulted in the gracious gift of land for the Malankara Orthodox Church, to construct a Church. The respects and gratitude of Malankara Orthodox Church is offered to the authorities at this juncture.
Our parish is instituted in the sacred name of Mother Mary who has surrendered to God by uttering, “Behold the handmaid of Lord, be it unto me according to thy word” and is the only Church in UAE carrying this sacred name. Everyone who does turn up seeking blessings and intercession of St. Mary are returning with the satisfaction of experiencing grace in abundance. Downpour of blessings as floral drizzle turns to be the reward for tearful prayers. Everyone enjoys and experiences the ultimate truth that nothing is impossible to God. The cherished dream of parishnors at Ras Al Khaimah St. Mary’s Orthodox Church is becoming true and real. “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. The Lord had done great things for us, whereof we are glad.”
We offer our bouquets of gratitude to the benevolent authorities who had been gracious to gift land for the Church, everyone who supported with financial contribution for construction, those who have taken the lead for Church construction activities and all our sister parishes. We hope and pray that this abode of God turns to be a spring of oasis in this arid land.
With fond regards,
Fr. Joe Mathew
