News & Events

Historic Moment for the Malankara Church in North America

On May 15, 2017, the Feast of Saint Mary for the Intercession of Harvest, the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church formally purchased Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center.

His Grace, along with members of the Diocesan Council, Malankara Church Managing Committee Members, Chancery Staff, and well wishers witnessed the historic occasion for the Malankara Church in North America.

After the closing, His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, along with the clergy and faithful offered prayers of incense in the main chapel of the Retreat Center, seeking the intercession of Saint Mary, the Mother of God, Saint Thomas the Apostle to India, and the prayers of the former Metropolitans of North America - His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios & His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas.

On the morning of the closing, His Grace spoke with His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicos of the East, who expressed his thanksgiving to God. His Holiness has been an enthusiastic supporter of this ministerial initiative of our Diocese from the very beginning. His Holiness shared his thoughts on Holy Transfiguration during his Apostolic Visit to our Diocese in the summer of 2016: " Here a venture has been envisioned that will facilitate the ministry of the church in the most suitable manner. This must be completed. In the near past, when we examine our history in the past 100 years we are unable to find such a grand undertaking. This is such a grand undertaking. I pray that this succeeds. God’s presence is truly here. Silence. An atmosphere filled with natural beauty. Beautiful trees and air. And it is seen as wellspring of all types of goodness."

With the continued prayerful support of our clergy and faithful, Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center will be a spiritual haven for our Diocese, the greater Church, and the God loving people of Dalton, Pennsylvania.

Click here for photos from this historic day

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