St. Dionysius Orthodox Church
St. Dionysius Orthodox Church is an Indian Orthodox church in Al Ain, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is the first church dedicated to the sacred memory of Saint Geevarghese Dionysius of Vattasseril, the third proclaimed saint of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. It is the largest Indian orthodox church in the Arab region.
St. Dionysius of Vattaserril
Saint Geevarghese Mar Dionysius of Vattasseril (31 October 1858 – 23 February 1934) was the Malankara Metropolitan (primate) of the Indian Orthodox Church. Vattasseril Geevarghese Mar Dionysius is popularly known as "Malankara Sabha Bhasuran" (Malayalam: Malankara Sabha Bhasuran meaning 'The Great Luminary of Malankara Church'), a title which the Church bestowed on him in recognition of his contribution to Malankara Church. Vattasseril Thirumeni was a man of prayer, determination and dynamism. He was an advocate of sovereignty and autonomy of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. He was an outstanding orator who was well aware of the importance of the vitality and Christian persuasiveness of the Bible when delivering the speeches to the faithful. Prayers and fasting were the pillars of his spiritual foundation. In addition to the liturgical hours of prayer, he spent much time in private prayers and silent meditations behind closed doors. In spite of his busy schedule, he was also able to focus on three to four lessons from the Holy Bible everyday. Despite of the many spiritual qualities he shared leadership qualities like domineering charisma and progressive mindedness. The church recognizes him as a living saint of his time on earth.Being a great guide and example of Christian monasticism, the legacy of Mar Dionysius survived through his successors as well as students including Catholicos of the East H. H. Baselios Geevarghese II and the saintly Metropolitan Kuriakose Mar Gregorios of Pampady. It is said that the metropolitan was inspired by the reformation movements that has happened during his time, but always kept an ardent position in his upbringings in faith, like Mary of Bethany(Luke 10:42) he took from it what was good for his people and administration.Mar Dionysius VI was exalted as a saint and confessor to the faithful. On the 69th feast day of Mar Dionysius VI (24 February 2003), he was canonized by the Episcopal Synod of Malankara Orthodox Church headed by H. H. Baselios MarThoma Mathews II, Catholicos of the East. St. Dionysius is the second Indian Saint to be canonized by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The Catholicos Baselios Geevarghese II might have foreseen this when he instructed the sentence "The time will not dim his glory" to be engraved on the tomb of Mar Dionysius VI. 23 February is observed as the saint's feast day.Thousands of believers visit the church to seek his blessings.
History
A congregation of the malankara orthodox church under the title st. George orthodox congregation was initiated in the year 1968.it was begun by a few expatriates who had come from Kerala seeking livelihood. during this period the orthodox congregation of abu dhabi was elevated to the rank of a church and fr. ta Jacob was appointed as its resident vicar by the metrapolitan of the outside Kerala region.the faithful in alain contacted him and under his leadership the holy qurbana was conducted once in three months in one of the houses of the faithful.in 2003 after long years of tribulation the congregation was elevated to the rank of a church with the title st.dionysious orthodox church.In 2010 the benevolent rulers of UAE granted the church land for construction of the church building. Worshipers had previously gathered at the parsonage for evening prayers and services and special events were held at other churches in the city, including St Mary’s Catholic church. The cornerstone for the church was laid on April 20 by H.G Abraham mar seraphim in the presence of the diocesan metrapolitan H.G youhanon mar demetrios. The construction began under the blessings of fr.saji Abraham .All the church fathers of the malankara church had visited the construction site and blessed it.The church is a landmark in the history of the orthodox church of India .The church can accommodate up to 1,500 believers at a time.The Dh13 million project was funded by donations from members and local and international benefactors. Sister churches in other emirates have also been major contributors.
The present church
The present church was erected in 2014 and its consecration conducted by H.G baselios paulose II catholicos of the east and malankara metrapolitan. Large multitude of believers gathered for the holy consecration ceremony.The parish has about 230 members and nearly 500 people come together on all Fridays and Saturday evening to celebrate the Holy Qurbana. The Sunday school, Youth Movement and Martha Mariam Samajam have 120, 50, and 40 members respectively. MGOCSM has strength of 20 members. There are three active prayer groups with 120 members. The Ministry of Human Empowerment activities are organized under the leadership of OCYM and Martha Mariam Samajam. The Vicar and charity committee coordinate many charitable activities like sick-aid, education-aid, marriage-aid, house construction aid and many more.every year in the month of February - march the church holds the feast of st.dionysious of vattaserril which is attended by thousands of believers across the country.the church is at present led by vicar : fr.John Thomas mavelil (2017-2019).