03/09/2026
🙏❤️*A Long-Cherished Dream Has Finally Become a Reality!❤️🙏*
With hearts overflowing with gratitude and joy, we are delighted to share this wonderful and blessed news with all our beloved parish members:
The settlement for the purchase of our church property has been successfully completed! 🙏🏠❤️
After a long journey of discussions, planning, prayers, and hard work, which began more than a year ago with the Uniting church management, our long-awaited dream has finally become a reality.
For the past 16 years, our parish has journeyed with the hope and prayer of one day having a permanent place of worship that we could truly call our own. Today, by the immeasurable grace and blessing of Almighty God, that dream has come true — we now have our own church!🙏❤️
This is truly not the achievement of any one individual or group. It is purely the blessing and grace of God, made possible through the prayers and intercession of our beloved Mother Mary. We feel especially blessed that this beautiful milestone has been fulfilled during this prayerful and blessed time dedicated to Mother Mary. 🙏
On this joyous occasion, we gratefully remember everyone who has been part of the journey of our parish from its very beginning - our Founder Parish Vicar, Rev. Fr. Boby Thomas, our Current Vicar, Rev. Fr. Eldo Varkey Valiaparambil, our past and present members, and every well-wisher who prayed for and supported us along the way.
We also lovingly remember the many people who worked hard to build this beautiful church more than a century ago. We express our sincere gratitude to the members and wider community of the Pine Lodge Uniting Church, and to everyone who has been associated with, cared for, worshipped in, and contributed to this church throughout its long history. We are deeply grateful to be entrusted with the opportunity to continue the story of this special place.
🙏 We thank Almighty God again and again for this precious blessing 🙏
While today marks the successful completion of one important chapter, another journey now begins. Our church requires significant renovation, repairs, and further work to make it better for our parish and future generations. Therefore, we humbly request everyone to continue praying, supporting, and standing together as one parish family.
With God’s grace, the prayers of Mother Mary, and the unity and support of our parish community, we are confident that we will overcome every challenge ahead.
Today, let us rejoice, give thanks, and praise the Lord!
This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:23
🙏To God be all the glory! 🙏
May Almighty God continue to guide, protect, and abundantly bless our parish, our families, and all those who have been part of this beautiful journey.
With love, gratitude, and prayers,
Managing Committee & Building Committee of St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church (SMJSOC), Shepparton (2026/2027)
