Gregorian Community in Roha: Mar Coorilose explains (3) The Dream : An international center for ecumenical dialogue

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Mar Coorilose explains (3) The Dream : An international center for ecumenical dialogue

With the different Christian denominations active in Kerala and India, with constant tensions between the two Orthodox factions, there is the need for dialogue, discussions and understanding of each other's perspectives. With our background in the ecumenical field, our vision of the Gregorian Community expanded to forming an international center for ecumenical dialogue, where inter denominational, ecumenical conferences, seminars could be held; where Christian learning, inter faith study and dialog could be initiated.

Inter religious dialogue, space for people of different faiths to come together and share their experiences and listen to the other perspective – these are crucial. They need to be promoted.

A place where God's love is abundantly visible

The Hindu-Muslim riots of 1993 in Mumbai left a huge impression on me. I had taken special permission during the riot times to travel in Mumbai to watch the impact first hand. I was devastated on seeing the insane bloodshed and killings by either side. I nurtured the idea of forming the Gregorian community as a community that included all, Christians as well as others, to share, love and to grow in the love of God. If worthy thoughts and actions are encouraged among the people of different faiths, we can develop very healthy communities which will be pleasing to God and a model to the society at large.

- Geevarghese Mar Coorilose Metropolitan

[This series is a presentation of the thoughts, the vision, the hope - regarding the Gregorian Community - in the words of His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilose - Metropolitan of the Diocese of Mumbai]

1 comment:

Baboi GeorgeAugust 28, 2013 at 9:51 PM
"I lift up my eyes to the hills-from where will my help come?"-The community in Roha can provide an escape from the busy life of Mumbai and a perceptive to life. As a progressive visionary bishop Coorilose has already started a school and old people home; as this progress the Internet access and other facilities will enable youngsters to spend time there. I wish the pilgrimage centre to develop like the Malayatoor. May the Almighty bless everyone in the Gregorian Community.
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Gregorian Community

Named after St. Gregorios of Parumala in Kerala, the Gregorian is a community of Indian Orthodox Christians at a place called Roha on the route from Mumbai to Goa. Currently running a school and an old age home, the community has a vision to develop itself as an oasis in the desert of life, utilizing its natural beauty of river banks, valleys and hills, to provide one and all with comfort, rest, rejuvination and opportunities for soul searching and self examination, while providing service to the society and nation.

Bishop Geevarghese Mar Coorilose who founded the Community is hoping that this community is one day able to provide the youth with a go to place when they are laid low with the cares of modern life, to spend time away from routine, focussing inwards and towards God. Also it is envisioned to eventually grow into a resting place for the broken hearted, the downtrodden and isolated from society. And also it is hoped that it will become a place for ecumenical study, debates, dialogue among different world religions.

For all this to happen though, the night is still very long, the path ahead is still unknown, and many miles still to go, before we can rest. A lot of dedicated volunteers and well-wishers are needed to reach the goal. Hope this dream becomes a reality so that the Gregorian Community becomes a beautiful gift from the Indian Orthodox Church to the nation, as it would be to God.