Ernakulam: The Bethany Navajyothy Province of the Order of the Imitation of Christ has announced its new Provincial Council. Very Rev. Fr. George Joseph Ayyaneth OIC has been re-elected as the Provincial Superior by the IXth Provincial Synaxis fathers, continuing his leadership from the previous term.
Provincial Council Members:
- Fr. Mathew Abraham Modiyil OIC – 1st Councillor
- Fr. Varghese Thykkootathil OIC – 2nd Councillor
- Fr. Thomas Sathyan Naduviledathu OIC – 3rd Councillor
- Fr. Francis Varghese Thekkepookalam OIC – 4th Councillor
- Fr. Jacob Varghese Eettilathadathil OIC – Procurator
- Fr. Thomas Prasobh Kolliyelil OIC – Secretary
About Bethany Navajyothy Province:
The Congregation of the Order of the Imitation of Christ, also known as the Bethany Congregation, was founded by Servant of God Mar Ivanios OIC on August 15, 1919, at Mundanmala, Perunad in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India. It integrates monastic ideals of the Christian East with Indian Sannyasam and follows the Antiochian liturgy within the Syro Malankara Rite. The congregation entered into Catholic Communion in 1930 and was raised to Pontifical status by Rome in 1966.
Contributions and Legacy:
Bethany Ashram is known for its austere lifestyle, intense prayer, and commitment to apostolic activities. It played a pivotal role in the Reunion Movement with the Catholic Church. The province comprises 149 members, including 1 bishop, 92 priests, 22 ashrams, and various educational and social service institutions.
- Total Members: 149
- Bishops: 1 (Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC)
- Priests: 92
- Ashrams: 22
- Dayaras: 1 (Bethany Ashram Dayara, Tiruvalla)
- Zoor Dayaras: 21
- Mission Mandirams: 2 (Kanjiramkulam and Nedumangadu)
- Colleges: 3
- Schools: 9
- Special School: 1
- Technical Institute: 1
- Boardings: 3
- Animation Centers: 2
- Old Age Homes: 3
- Retreat Centers: 4
- Book Centers: 3
- Dairy Farm: 1
- Social Service Units: 4
Previous Roles of Fr. George Joseph Ayyaneth OIC:
Fr. George has served as the manager of Girideepam Central School, director of Bethany Vedavijnana Peeth, and chairman of Girideepam Business School. His leadership continues to be instrumental in the spiritual and educational growth of the province.
The Bethany Navajyothy Province looks forward to furthering its mission of spiritual growth and community service under the renewed leadership of Fr. George Joseph Ayyaneth OIC and the newly appointed council.
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