Dearly Beloved in Christ,
It has been a deeply meaningful and blessed journey walking alongside you in the Chembur Parish over the past three years. With gratitude to God, I look back on this period as one marked by shared growth, renewal, and grace.
I had the privilege of taking over the pastoral responsibility from Rev. Dr. John George, who led the parish admirably during the challenging pandemic season. From the very beginning, it was my earnest desire to infuse fresh energy into the life of the parish—awakening it from the stillness of the COVID period. Together, we have endeavored to stabilize and enrich our worship life, foster a deeper sense of fellowship, and establish a more structured and accountable foundation for our organizational life.
We have made consistent efforts to strengthen proper documentation in our administrative processes, renew and improve our infrastructural facilities, and cultivate a spirit of ethical, egalitarian, and joyful coexistence among all members. There has also been a conscious effort to deepen our liturgical rhythm and enhance the participation of our parishioners at both the Centre and Diocesan levels.
As a community, we have strived to build a respectable identity while gently addressing and correcting tendencies such as lethargy, indifference, indiscipline, complacency, self-centeredness, unhealthy competition, and self-righteousness. Our journey together has been one of mutual guidance—leading each other toward a more mature, respectful, and constructive spirituality.
Above all, it has been my constant prayer and sincere effort to instill in every heart a deeper thirst for the Word of God—encouraging each one to connect it meaningfully with other branches of knowledge and to live it out in daily life.
I remain deeply indebted to each one of you for your prayers, love, and unwavering support extended to our family during our time here. Your care and fellowship have been a true blessing to us.
As I take leave, I am glad to share that Rev. Dr. Thomas Kurian will be taking charge of the parish. He is an experienced counsellor and psychologist, and I am confident that his ministry among you will be both enriching and transformative. I humbly request you to receive him warmly and extend to him the same love, cooperation, and prayers that you have graciously offered me.
You may be reading this in the midst of the joy and celebrations of Easter. May the freshness and renewal we have experienced through the Lenten season continue to inspire and sustain you in the days ahead. As we move forward, may we grow deeper in our Christ-centered faith and be firmly rooted in the rich doctrinal foundations of our Christian life.
May God, in His infinite grace, guide, protect, and strengthen each one of you, granting you wisdom, unity, and an ever-deepening experience of His presence.
With prayers and Blessings,
Yours lovingly in Christ,
Genil Abraham Achen