Orthodox Church to hold mass weddings

Hyderabad: The Malankara Orthodox Churches in Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and UAE's Ras-Al-Khaima, that comes under Bishop Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim of Bangalore diocese, will conduct a mass weddings of couples as part of the diocese's charity programme this year. Speaking about the same, Bishop Seraphim said that this year was special for the church in this region as it was the tenth year of the establishment of the diocese as well as the 75th year of the commencement of Worship Service in this region.

Couples irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or region, have already been identified for the mass wedding. The church, besides sponsoring the wedding, will also offer wedding dresses and essential jewellery. It will also host a get-together for the couples' friends and relatives.

Further, as part of the charity work, the diocese has also donated two dialysis machines to the local mission hospitals which will be used for free dialysis treatment of the underprivileged. It is expected to benefit about 5000 patients in the next five years. Similarly, during the current lockdown period the diocese distributed essential items worth more than Rs 30 lakh to the needy in the region. Besides church members extended financial aid to the poor.

Because of the pandemic the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the commencement of worship service has been postponed for a suitable time later, according to Rev Fr Santhosh Samuel, Diocesan Secretary.