The clergy and faithful of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church paid homage to Rev Fr. Babu Varghese (Shebaly) today, January 17 at a solemn farewell service held at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church in Philadelphia.
His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Ivanios, Metropolitan of the Southwest American Diocese presided over the wake service. Several clergy, seminarians and hundreds of people from different walks of life paid their last respects to respected Fr. Shebaly. Fr. Shebaly had served as the Vicar of several parishes in the Diocese of Thumpamon, Madras and the Northeast American Diocese.
He was the Editor or publisher of several church publications including Indian Orthodox Herald. Several people who have worked with him closely during his ministry spoke and paid homage to the respected priest. Those who offered condolence messages include Metropolitan Dr. Thomas Mar Ivanios, Fr. Jobson Kottappurathu, Very Rev. K. Mathai Cor-Episcopa, Fr. Raju Varghese, Fr, Shinoj Thomas, Fr. John Thomas Alummoottil, Fr. Shibu M. Daniel (Clergy Association Secretary), Fr. Johnson Punchakkonam, Fr. Vijay Thomas (Diocesan Council Member), Fr V. M. Shibu (Diocesan Council Member), Fr. M. K. Kuriakose (Vicar, St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church), Fr. Sujit Thomas (Asst. Vicar, St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church), Shaji Varghese (Malankara Association Member), Koppara Samuel (Malankara Association Member), Jessy Rajan, Bismi Mariam Varghese, Korason Varghese (former Malankara Association Member).
Those who spoke described Shebaly Achen as a man rooted in Holy Orthodoxy, person of strong faith in God, whose mission in life was to please God rather than people. He was remembered as a person who spoke from his heart. He was an outstanding writer and gifted speaker.
Representing His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos Metropolitan who is currently in India, Rev Dr. Varghese M. Daniel (Diocesan Secretary), expressed his gratitude to Fr Shebaly for his services to the Diocese. On behalf of the family, George Jacob expressed his gratitude to everyone who has been a part of the life of Shebaly Achen and his ministry, and for supporting the family in times of its grief.
The final service was the service of the departed priest bidding farewell to the Holy Altar and hte faithful. The clergy carried the coffin of the departed priest to the altar and offered prayers, while the entire congregation chanted ‘Go in peace, dear Reverend Father’.
The body of Fr. Babu Varghese will be brought to India for his final resting place. The Burial Services of Reverend Father Babu Varghese (Shebaly), will be held at his home parish of St. George Orthodox Catholicate Simhasana Church in Keerukzhy In Pathanamthitta District, and will be presided by His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese.
May the memory of Shebaly Achen, be eternal!
