Pastoral Council Meeting
On January 26, 2019, the Pastoral Council meeting was held at 10 AM in the Eparchial Chancery, Elmont, NY. His Excellency Philipos Mar Stephanos presided over the meeting. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Gigi Philip offered the opening prayer and made a reflection on the duties and responsibilities of the Pastoral Council Members.
His Excellency extended a formal welcome to the newly constituted Pastoral Council members and gave the orientation talk and announced the names of the nominated Pastoral Council members.
Following that, the election for the new Pastoral Council was conducted. The Very Rev. Fr. Saji Mukkoot, the Chancellor of the Eparchy was the presiding officer for the election. Mr. Philipose Mathew was elected as the new Pastoral Council secretary and eight new commissions were established for the effective functioning of the Eparchy. The Pastoral Council held a brainstorming session on what the objectives of each commission may be.
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Augustine Mangalath, the finance officer, presented the 2018 financial statement, and later, gave the vote of thanks. The meeting concluded with noon prayers and the blessing from Mar Stephanos. A group picture of the Pastoral Council and lunch followed.