Episcopal Visit and First Holy Communion – Philadelphia Mar Thoma Church, PA Philadelphia Mar Thoma Church was blessed by the Diocesan Episcopa’s official visit. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulose thirumeni was the chief celebrant of Holy Qurbana held on Sunday May 19, 2024. Rev. George Abraham- Diocesan and Bishop Secretary assisted. Nine young people received First Holy Communion. A special dedication service for Altar boys and Covenant girls held. After the Holy Qurbana service a brief meeting was arranged as part of the parish Episcopal visit. Vicar welcomed thiruemni, Sunday School children sang a song, and Thirumeni spoke and concluded with prayer by parish Vice President Mr. Thomas Abraham (Joy). Rev. Jeff J. Philip, the Youth Chaplain of Philadelphia, and parish Vicar Rev. Biju Simon led the preparation classes for the first communicants. During the Episcopal visit Thirumeni took time to visit sick and elderly had a meeting with parish executive committee. First communicants and Altar boys and Covenant girls participants and parents. Mar Paulose Thirumeni exhorted all the believers to continue to bear witnesses to the light and to grow in faith. The Episcopal visit and the first Holy Communion service was a blessing to the parish.