Senate Resolution No. 2671

BY: Senator THOMAS

COMMEMORATING the 184th Anniversary of the
Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church of New York

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and

WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
184th Anniversary of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church of New York;
and

WHEREAS, Based in the State of Kerala in southwestern India, the Mar
Thoma Syrian Church is a Christian church tracing its origins to the
missionary activity of Thomas the Apostle; and

WHEREAS, Some members of the Mar Thoma Church, also known as
Marthomites, branched out and settled in the United States, where they
continue to follow their ancient customs, traditions and worship; and

WHEREAS, The Mar Thoma Church stands on the threshold of tomorrow,
prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining
that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 184th Anniversary of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian
Church of New York, fully confident that this commemoration reflects the
belief in those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church of New York.