The great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness no one rejects dislikes avoids pleasure itself because it is pleasure but because know who do not those how to pursue pleasures rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful desires to obtain.
Read MoreHISTORICAL OVERVIEW
This was cemented with the visit of Cor-Episcopo Geevarghese Mannikkarott in 1998 visited at the instruction of His Grace Cyril Mar Baselios Catholicos and with the consent of H.E Bishop Bernard Grimoli. Mon. Mannikaruttu visited UAE during Feb- March 1998. And on 06 March 98 our community with the name of St.George Prayer Group was formed at a prayer meeting held at the home of Mr.V.K.John, the First President. This visit ignited in introducing our sacred liturgy and venerable traditions in the region.
The early years of the Malankara catholic church were shaped by dedicated priests and leaders who played vital roles in fostering the spirit of togetherness and service within our community. Their guidance and vision helped lay the foundation for the vibrant congregation we have today.
In Jan 2001, under the special arrangement by H.B Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Cardinal Catholicos and then Bishop BERNARD GRIMOLI, Fr. Chacko Mannisseril, Capuchin Priest stationed at Oman was also temporarily responsible for UAE where he made quarterly visits at the time till 2003 where he was succeeded by Fr. Jerome Peedikaparambil OIC, who was stationed at Doha and was also temporarily responsible for UAE and was appointed as the First Chaplain of the Malankarites in UAE in Feb2003.
Both Fr. Chacko and Fr. Jerome during their tenure had significant contributions in guiding and strengthening the community during those preliminary years. Succeeding Fr. Jerome was Fr. Mathai Iranathara OIC In Sep 2004. We are fortunate to have him amongst our midst here today. His young and dynamic leadership brought a desirous stimulation in all the departments.
The Central Committee (now known as Malankara Council) was formed in November 2004 to function as a central body to co-ordinate the affairs of the communities in the region. As the Community began flourishing, the need of a Resident Priest became imminent to co-ordinate the rising day to day affairs. Fr. Peter Kadamancod OIC (Trivandrum Major Archdiocese) was appointed in December 2005 as the first Resident Chaplain, based in Jebel Ali-Dubai, with additional responsibilities of Oman and Bahrain and he served the community till 2011. His 6 years of service fostered the community in UAE with a sense of belonging and a spirit of individualism.
Fr. Mathew Kandathil (Diocese of Sulthan Batheri) and former GCC Coordinator succeeded Fr. Peter in June 2011 and served until Feb2021. His vision and building strong foundation through exclusive groups of MCCL, MCYM, MCMF and Nurses Ministries saw people from all age groups were involved in strengthening the community not only from within but also as a region. Fr. Peter & Fr Mathew provided us with the spiritual nourishment and moral compass we needed to grow as individuals and their contributions laid the foundation for the vibrant congregation we are today.
With the growth of the community, it became necessary for the UAE region to be managed by 2 priests and it was then…… Fr, Philip Payyampallil (Archdiocese of Thiruvalla) joined in 2015 with the charge of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah & Mussafah communities and was later succeeded by Fr Abraham Thyparambil (Archdiocese of Thiruvalla). In 2021, Fr. Mathews Alumooottil (from Diocese of Parrassala) took charge as the vicar of Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, & Mussafah.
And in the same year from Feb 2021, Rev Fr.Dr.Reji Varughese Manackalettu (from Archdiocese of Thiruvalla) took charge as the vicar of Dubai, Sharjah, RAK & Fujairah. Fr Mathew and Fr Reji in their roles as the Vicar in UAE continue to provide spiritual guidance, support, and leadership to members of the community, they offer counsel on matters of faith and morality and is assisting individuals in their spiritual journeys.
From September 2024, w have been blessed with the presence of Rt. Rev Fr. John Thundiyath Cor Episcopo (from the Diocese of Pathanamthitta), who took charge as the vicar of Dubai, Sharjah, RAK, and Fujairah.
We have been fortunate to be guided by the Soldiers of God, be it under able guidance of His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos-our Patron, the work of our community Predecessors, the current vicars, and the past and the present leadership in the UAE region who have all contributed to the remarkable formation of our community bound by faith and fellowship.
Let us move forward with faith and gratitude for the past as we work together to make the coming years of The Dubai Malankara Community even more extraordinary. May God continue to bless our church and its mission.
