India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Agape India International Ministries recently organized a grand Golden Jubilee Celebration marking the 50 years of services of their President Archbishop Dr Jacob Jayakumar Agepog in the Lord's ministry at Prince of Peace Lutheran church in Schaumburg, a Chicago suburb.As people were ushered into the Sanctuary, the celebrations were initiated as Bro Sunil Johnston played the Majestic prelude; Master Joash Bhoompag lighted the candles on the pulpit venerating the presence of the Lord at the echoes of the church bells.

Deacon Bob Bhoompag, the chairperson of the meeting started the celebrations with a word of Prayer A powerful praise and worship was led by Sam Cortese and band filling the sanctuary with an atmosphere of reverence to God.

The congregation sang the Hymn "To God be the Glory" the procession of the Holy Synod and the clergy were welcomed into the Sanctuary led by Archbishop Dr Jacob Jayakumar Agepog with Patriarch Timothy Paul, President, World Bishops' Council, Manuel Demetrius, of the International council of the Holy Christian Orthodox church, Rev Dr T Marie Brown, First Lady Dr Neva Bellamy and Rev Dr Robin Charlotin from ICHCOC.



Commemorating the occasion, a beautiful inspiring traditional prayer of Thanksgiving was sung by Cantorial soloist Ilana Axel and members of "Kol Tikvah from Beth Tikvah congregation.
Followed by Prof Manzoor Victor's eloquent rendition of his Poem "The Shining Stars of New Heaven" as tribute to Archbishop Jacob, "Humble Beginnings" a documentary highlighting Dr Jacob's inception into the Ministry, his family, etc was shown.
A Souvenir, "Thoughts and Reflections" was released by Patriarch Timothy Paul. Pastor Norman John, Rhema, Anil and Amar of Kingdom Sounds and Visions Inc., gave a special number in Hindi during the benevolence which was for the support of the ministry's outreaches like displaced children in Myanmar and Earthquake ravaged China.

With a sense of deep gratitude Archbishop Jacob related about an incident where he was threatened with a dagger on Devon Avenue but the Lord has been their Helper and shelter, with this he reiterated his commitment to serve the Lord even at the cost of losing his life.

Patriarch Timothy Paul and Manuel Demitrius presented Archibshop Dr Jacob J Agepog with Plaques, congratulating the Archbishop Jacob for his dedication and promotion of Peace through the Ministry.Drawing the curtains down Christopher Agepog gave his vote of thanks and Patriarch Timothy Paul blessed them and gave his benediction on the Congregation.

Thereafter the Bishops and congregation were treated to sumptuous dinner of Hyderabadi specials in the well decorated fellowship hall.