St. Stephen's Church, Houston, purchases its own property

Houston : The South West America Diocesan Metropolitan, His Grace Alexios Mar Eusebius, visited St. Stephen's Orthodox Church, Houston on July 25th. He took time off from the MGOCSM Leadership camp to witness this occassion. This honored the occasion of the successful execution of the solution which was recommended by the Diocesan Metropolitan and the decision taken by the General Body, St. Stephen's Orthodox Church in becoming the owner of the Church property. The closing of the purchased property was successfully completed on July 19th, 2010.

Mr. K.C Mathews and Mr. Mathew M Thomas, Church members, were duly appreciated for their dedication to ensure that the closing took place on time without any hindrances. After a period of uncertainty, due to the holding of worship in a rented property, His Grace advised this solution to maintain peace and harmony. All the members unanimously decided that this would be the goal of St. Stephen's Church by passing it as a General Body decision.

Sabha Managing Committee member, Mr. Zachariah Thomas, and three members of St. Stephen's church, who serve the diocese in chosen positions were also present on this occassion. These are Diocesan Council member Mr. Charly Varghese Padanilam, Diocesan auditor Mr. Philip K Philipose, Diocesan Web site Administrator and Diocesan Sunday School Treasurer Reni Philip. Our Metropolitan His Grace Alexios Mar Eusebius received the deeds and key from Mr. John Philip and Mr. Philip Philipose and then handed them over to  vicar Rev. Fr. Dr. C.O Vargis, Secretary, Mr. Thomas Pallickal, trustee Mr. Raju Cherian. Mr. Sujit Samuel also profusely thanked the Church members with whose cooperation the property purchase amount could be raised within a short period of time.