Mar Thomas church to gift 1,500 houses for poor

New Delhi, July 2 (UNI) The Mar Thoma Syrian Church will donate 1,500 houses for the homeless across the country under its ambitious "Navathi Home" programme as part of its year-long activities marking the 90th birth anniversary of its present Metropolitan Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom.

The houses, each costing Rs 60,000, would be gifted irrespective of caste, creed and denomination, Bishop Joseph Mar Barnabas of the Delhi Diocese told mediapersons here today.

He said the project was in progress and contributions had been pouring in.

The year-long celebrations would continue till April 2008.

The Diocesan Bishop also released a documentary -- My Lord and My God-- which is about the faith journey of the St Thomas Syrian Christianity in India over the past 2000 years.

The 40-minute documentary "is dedicated and presented to Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom on the occasion of his Navathi or 90th birthday," he said.

The documentary provides an in-person-like experience of many of the ancient and rich Indian traditions, the churches and communities established by St Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, who arrived in India in 52 AD.

"The film protrays a Christian faith that is formed and rooted within the indigenous culture; the faith journey, testimonies and stories of the legendary leaders, who gave direction and vision for the church even in turbulent times," he said.

UNI