TIRUVALLA: The 95th birthday celebrations of Philipose Mar Chrysostum Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan here on Thursday was an occasion for hearty laughter for all, including distinguished guests like Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Finance Minister K M Mani, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala and actor Mammootty. The bishop, the king of humour himself, was at his best cracking jokes in his inimitable style. And other speakers did not lag behind. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who inaugurated the celebrations at the Dr Alexander Mar Thoma Memorial Auditorium, said Mar Chrysostum has been able to reach the common people by using humour as a medium to express his ideas. His charity work and care for others make him acceptable to all, he said and added, “respect cannot be had by forcing people, but only through one’s actions like being done by Mar Chrysostum.’’ Finance Minister K M Mani recalled that he felt better whenever he met Mar Chrysostum however much he was tensed. ‘’I have participated in many birthday parties but this is the first time I am witnessing the cutting of such a big cake weighing 95 kg,’’ he said. Actor Mammootty said Mar Chrysostum is his friend. ‘’I have thought several times why he keeps friendship with a film actor like me. He is a friend of people from all fields. Interacting with good priests gives positive energy to me,” he added. Mar Chrysostum in his speech peppered with jokes said people should have 24 carat love for others. “When Mammootty came here, I told him that when you go back, most of the chairs will become empty. I am surprised that people are still sitting here. Now, I realise that you people who are sitting here are my gift from God. I believe in a God whom everybody loves. If God gives me another life, I would like to live this life again.’’ On a tombstone, the dates of birth and death are written. In some people’s life, these are the only important events. But what is important is the life between these two dates, he said. Chrysostum pointed out that this is the time of soil and water pollution. The situation is so serious in some areas that if you drink water there, the next day the chief metropolitan would be leading your funeral. ‘’There is no 24 carat love today. Love means giving your best to your loved ones,” he said. Mar Thoma Church supreme head Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan presided over the function organised by Mar Chrysostum Centre to Enable Ecumenical Living (Mac-CEEL) and the civil society of Tiruvalla. The humanitarian programmes in connection with the birthday were launched by Mammootty. K M Mani inaugurated the Mac-CEEL projects. KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala, BJP state president V Muraleedharan and Panakkad Saddiq Ali Shihab Thangal were the chief guests on the occasion. Zacharias Mar Theophilos Suffragan Metropolitan delivered the birthday message. Anto Antony MP honoured Mar Chrysostum on the occasion. Mar Chrysostum honoured Mammootty on behalf of Tiruvalla civil society. Yogakshema Sabha president Akkiramon Kalidasa Bhattathiry, Dr Youhanon Mar Chrysostamos Episcopa, in-charge of Orthodox Niranam Diocese, NSS president P N Narendranathan Nair, Dr Kuriakos Mar Gregorios (Knanaya Church Kallissery diocese), Mathew T Thomas MLA, Thomas Chandy MLA, K Sivadasan Nair MLA, Raju Abraham MLA and film director Blessy spoke on the occasion. Varghese Mammen welcomed the gathering and M Salim proposed a vote of thanks.
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