Each time I get to meet Barnabas Thirumeni, is a revelation of a
spiritual Godly life, of a caring shepherd who loves his sheep, and
never fails to instruct them in the way he feels is right.
We had the opportunity this Sunday to participate in the Holy
Qurbana at the church in Fishkill, NY with Barnabas
Thirumeni as the celebrant. The small congregation, with 13 families led by an
enthusiastic and young achen Rev. Fr. Jobson Kottapurathu, was celebrating its
2nd anniversary, and was overjoyed when Thirumeni agreed to declare the
congregation as a parish of the American Diocese.
At the begining of the Qurbana, Thirumeni explained to us with great
care the meaning and significance of the sacrifice and worship
service and the need for participation from the laity.
Thirumeni called the crowd to come forward to the front of the
church rather than staying behind. Thirumeni did not allow
absolution during the reading of the Old Testament saying that we
all need to concentrate on one thing at a time. Also there were no
songs during the Absolution prayers. Instead it was a time for
silent meditation. Also Thirumeni kept aside time after the Qurbana
for silent meditation. Thirumeni said that we do not keep aside enough time for
silent meditation and hence that is something that is found lacking in our
lives.
After the Qurbana, Thirumeni reminded the laity that they need to
reduce the speed of "Anpudayone..". Thirumeni reminded everyone the
importance of the solemn occasion of fraction and comixture and
need for a repentant and contrite heart during this time. The
emotion of the crowd is reflected in the songs and responses, so it
is very important that the song "Anpudayone.." is sung with
reverence and piety.
I bring these up only to highlight the unique character of our
beloved Barnabas Thirumeni. Vicar Rev. Fr. Jobson Kottapurathu
spoke, during the public meeting after the Qurbana, of the
perfectionist in Barnabas Thirumeni. Thirumeni has great love and
compassion for his flock. Considering it his prime duty to teach his
spiritual children the correct way to worship and proper
instrcutions in the spiritual matters, Thirumeni never fails to
chastise his children if he feels they are being even a bit wayward.
For an outsider it may appear a bit "undiplomatic" and even rude,
but for anyone who has had even a glimpse into the lifestyle and
simplicity of Barnabas Thirumeni, these are precious words from a
caring father. As Korason Varghese, the lay trustee of the American
Diocese said , this is a lifestyle Thirumeni has chosen and HG will
not move even a wee bit from his path.
Regards,
Mathew Samuel,
Albany, NY
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/10061
spiritual Godly life, of a caring shepherd who loves his sheep, and
never fails to instruct them in the way he feels is right.
We had the opportunity this Sunday to participate in the Holy
Qurbana at the church in Fishkill, NY with Barnabas
Thirumeni as the celebrant. The small congregation, with 13 families led by an
enthusiastic and young achen Rev. Fr. Jobson Kottapurathu, was celebrating its
2nd anniversary, and was overjoyed when Thirumeni agreed to declare the
congregation as a parish of the American Diocese.
At the begining of the Qurbana, Thirumeni explained to us with great
care the meaning and significance of the sacrifice and worship
service and the need for participation from the laity.
Thirumeni called the crowd to come forward to the front of the
church rather than staying behind. Thirumeni did not allow
absolution during the reading of the Old Testament saying that we
all need to concentrate on one thing at a time. Also there were no
songs during the Absolution prayers. Instead it was a time for
silent meditation. Also Thirumeni kept aside time after the Qurbana
for silent meditation. Thirumeni said that we do not keep aside enough time for
silent meditation and hence that is something that is found lacking in our
lives.
After the Qurbana, Thirumeni reminded the laity that they need to
reduce the speed of "Anpudayone..". Thirumeni reminded everyone the
importance of the solemn occasion of fraction and comixture and
need for a repentant and contrite heart during this time. The
emotion of the crowd is reflected in the songs and responses, so it
is very important that the song "Anpudayone.." is sung with
reverence and piety.
I bring these up only to highlight the unique character of our
beloved Barnabas Thirumeni. Vicar Rev. Fr. Jobson Kottapurathu
spoke, during the public meeting after the Qurbana, of the
perfectionist in Barnabas Thirumeni. Thirumeni has great love and
compassion for his flock. Considering it his prime duty to teach his
spiritual children the correct way to worship and proper
instrcutions in the spiritual matters, Thirumeni never fails to
chastise his children if he feels they are being even a bit wayward.
For an outsider it may appear a bit "undiplomatic" and even rude,
but for anyone who has had even a glimpse into the lifestyle and
simplicity of Barnabas Thirumeni, these are precious words from a
caring father. As Korason Varghese, the lay trustee of the American
Diocese said , this is a lifestyle Thirumeni has chosen and HG will
not move even a wee bit from his path.
Regards,
Mathew Samuel,
Albany, NY
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/10061
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