Mercy Homes Project
“Mercy Homes 2012”, another milestone!
40 Years of silent service !
Indian Orthodox Mercy Fellowship (IOMF)is one of the spiritual and charitable organizations functioning under the patronage of St. Gregorios Maha Edavaka of Kuwait for last 40 years.Since a very humble beginning in the year 1973, we have been able to serve a large number of impoverished people throughout the length and breadth of Kerala, in addition to other parts of India and Kuwait.Compassion and love compelled us to extend aid in the form of much needed money at the most critical moments of life, to the destitute sick and homeless from amongst the poorest of the poor, who could not marry away their daughters, find employment or provide education to children, irrespective of cast, creed or religion.
Since inception, it has been a practice of IOMF to undertake and complete a major project in commemoration of every milestone such as 10th, 15th, 25th, 30th and 35th anniversaries.Projects such as “Mercy Fest”, “Vision 2004” and “Give A Life” are examples of such events where patrons, well wishers, friends and relatives joined hands with IOMF members setting apart and contributing much more than the usual offerings towards charity.
The current year witnessed IOMFlaunching and implementing project “Mercy Homes 2012” to commemorate their 40th anniversary along with Catholicate Centenary, in association with MGOCSM(Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement) who whole heartedly offered local logistics and part of the funds to build and hand over 40 houses for the poor in addition to other forms of aid totaling 100 in all.
Project “Mercy Homes 2012” was inaugurated and launched on 9th November 2011 by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Malankara Metropolitan and 91st Catholicose of the East reigning on the Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas, along with His Grace Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysius, Metropolitan of Kolkata Diocese of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (Established in the year AD 52).
40 Nos. of Mercy Homes - Two bed room eco-friendly houses built to standard.
15 Nos. of Medical Aid - Including Medical Equipment in certain cases.
20 Nos. Self Employment opportunities – Mainly as to support youth.
15 Nos. Educational Assistance - For the needy and deserving.
10 Nos. of Other Charity aid - For the under privileged.
Beneficiaries of the Mercy Homes were selected from all the Diocese across India based on the recommendations of Metropolitans of various Dioceses.
Though the project was launched and sponsored by IOMF, implementation and local logistical support shall be by MGOCSM (Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Students Movement) who are also sharing 25% of the cost of each of the Mercy Homes.
The handing over of the first installment of funds towards construction of the 40 Mercy Homes was scheduled to be done by His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos Metropolitan(President ofMGOCSM) on 15th September 2012 during a grand ceremony scheduled to be held at Mamman Mappila Hall Kottayam, in the presence of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Chief Minister of Kerala Sri Oommen Chandy, Clergy, Leaders and other eminent personalities etc however the function was called off due to the hartal.
Rev.Fr. Jose Mathew (Vicar and President of IOMF), Mr. Ninan Joseph vice-president of IOMF and
Mr. P.C George, General Convener of Project Mercy Homes 2012 had already reached Kottayam for the function representing IOMF from Kuwait. As the function had to be postponed, the amount
towards the first installment was handed over by IOMF President Rev Fr. Jose Mathew to MGOCSM Secretary Rev Fr. Varghese Varghese in the presence of His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos Metropolitan, and IOMFnVice-President, in a simple ceremony held at MGOCSM Students Centre at Kottayam, on 17th September2012.
Members of IOMF are delighted, blessed and content on reaching yet another milestone in their continuing journey towards new mile stones in the path of selfless service.
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