St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Congregation Vienna, Austria

Published date: 25/08/2022
  • Location: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
St. Thomas Orthodox Congregation at Vienna was formed in September 1982 under the able leadership of Dn. M. O. John with the blessings of the Late Lamented Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios, who was at that time, the Metropolitan in charge of MOSC parishes outside India.

The first Holy Qurbana was celebrated on 20th March 1983
by Fr. Jacob Kurian who was a student at Regensbourh University (Germany). In the following years, feasts and festivals such as Easter, Christmas, etc. were conducted by visiting priests, mainly those pursuing higher studies at various universities across Europe such as from UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy etc,.

Following his ordination as a priest, Fr. M. O. John was appointed as the Vicar of the congregation in September 1989. Regular services have been celebrated at various locations across Austria ever since.

The St. Thomas Orthodox Congregation at Vienna celebrated its Silver Jubilee in September 2007. The Holy Qurbana was led by previous vicars Fr. Dr. M. O. John and Fr. Joykutty Varghese. Over the years the parish has enjoyed the spiritual guidance of several visiting Metropolitans such as the late lamented Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios, Geevarghese Mar Osthathios and Thomas Mar Makkarios. There have also been episcopal visits by HH Mar Baselios Paulose II , HG Mathews Mar Severios, HG Thomas Mar Athanasios, HG Gabriel Mar Gregorios and HG Geevarghese Mar Yulios. Diocesan Metropolitan HG Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios has also visited the parish on various occasions.

The congregation currently has 47 members from various parts in Austria. Fr. Wilson Abraham Poovathumannil who currently serves as Vicar of the parish is also pursuing Doctoral Studies in Theology at the University of Vienna. Its members actively participate in all the spiritual wings of the Church. The St. Thomas Orthodox Congregation at Vienna is also actively involved in all cultural activities hosted by sister churches in Vienna. Notably, its choir has won the Ecumenical Christmas Carol singing competition held annually five times.

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