The Diocese of Bombay of the Malankara Orthodox Church is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the dioceses occasion through 15 projects benefiting the society.

The event will also mark the 11th Bombay Orthodox Convention. Set to be held on February 2, the convention will be presided over by Diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos alongwith the presence of H.G. Zacharia Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan of the Diocese of North East America, and Assistant Metropolitan H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theophilos.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations will be inaugurated by Hon. Minister of Forest, Shri Ganesh Naik. “The Malankara Orthodox Christian community has been actively involved in social and philanthropic initiatives in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Karnataka for over half a century. Various trusts associated with the Church operate in these states, focusing on community welfare and development. The Bombay Diocese, led by Metropolitan H.G. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, has undertaken 15 impactful projects to commemorate this significant milestone” said a personnel from the church.

The initiatives include assistance in marriage, medical aid, education, nutrition, and housing, aimed at uplifting economically disadvantaged communities. “ Throught the 15 transformative initiatives, the Bombay Diocese continues its mission to extend mercy, service, and care to those in need. Each project reflects the Church’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of its community while fostering long-term societal change,” said.

One such initiative- Join Hands – Marriage Aid, will provide financial support to 50 couples from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to begin their married life. While the Medical Aid initiative- Open Hands is dedicated to helping individuals who face financial barriers to medical treatment. By covering essential healthcare expenses, the Diocese aims to improve access to quality medical care for those in need.

At the Gregorian Special School in Roha, the initiative- Embrace provides a safe and nurturing environment for children with developmental challenges.. “Additionally, the "Shaphiro" initiative under the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church works with children with special needs. At the same time - Be Thy Light scholarship program assists academically gifted students from financially weaker backgrounds,” said the official.

The CanShare project at Mar Theophilus Ashraya Bhavan in Nerul is an initiative for Cancer patients. This initiative ensures that those undergoing treatment receive much-needed care and support. Whereas the Tejaswini School in Vashi, established in 2004, serves approximately 500 children from the Turbhe slum, offering free education, meals, and transport.

The Annayojna project under the Feed the Hungry initiative provides free lunch and water every Saturday to bystanders at NMMC Hospital in Vashi, ensuring that families caring for their loved ones receive a nutritious meal. “This initiative benefits 150–200 individuals each week. To combat malnutrition, the "Five Loafs and an Egg" project offers daily nutritional support for tuberculosis-afflicted children in Turbhe. The program provides milk with Bournvita, boiled eggs, fruits, and snacks, helping improve the children’s health and immunity in a region where TB is prevalent,” said the representative.

Mental health support is also a priority, with the Diocese planning to establish three -Come to Me" Counselling Centres in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune within the first year of the initiative. hereas issue about elderly care is to be addressed through the "Care2Share" Gregorian Care Centre in Roha, which offers lodging, meals, medical assistance, and other essential amenities to senior citizens in need of support. Expanding its medical outreach, the Mar Alvares Sneha Sadan Clinic and Village Mobile Medical Van in Sawantwadi will provide free consultations, medicines, and healthcare services, including doctor and nurse care, as well as ambulance support for surrounding villages.

In a bid to tackle housing insecurity, the - shelter Under Thy Wings Housing Project aims to provide safe and secure homes for 10 underprivileged families, ensuring they have a stable and dignified place to live. The Mar Alvares Welfare Centre for Children in Kalamboli has been established to provide non-formal education and nourishment programs for orphaned children and those from difficult backgrounds. “This initiative focuses on the educational and developmental needs of these vulnerable children, ensuring they receive the support necessary to build a brighter future. Women’s empowerment takes center stage at St. Mary’s Training Centre in Turbhe, where skills training programs are helping women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds gain financial independence,” said the officer.

By equipping them with practical skills, the initiative aims to foster both personal and professional growth. In an effort to preserve and explore the rich history of Christianity in India, the Mar Thoma Research Foundation has been launched to conduct in-depth studies on the legacy of St. Thomas. This research initiative will contribute to uncovering and safeguarding the cultural and religious heritage of Christianity in the region.