This book is an autobiographical reading by Rev. Dr. Abraham Philip, a clergyman of the Mar Thoma Church who was involved in teaching ministry of the church for most of his time. It deals with his background, preliminary studies, calling into the ministry of the Church, and theological studies. Then this book provides an overall picture of his parish ministry at various places such as Bombay, Calcutta, United Kingdom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and New Delhi. It is followed by his being the Director of Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasius Orientation Centre, Manganam, Kottayam and his teaching ministries at Kottayam Mar Thoma Theological Seminary as well as FFRRC. Finally his life at Kottayam and an evaluation of his ministry in the church are made. The book gives 12 of his important talks as well as more than a dozen forewords for his books. Then there are book reviews which were published in the Mar Thoma Church’s official magazine called Sabha Tharaka. Above all, the book gives 80 sonnets that he has written after his retirement. The themes dealt with mainly focuses on ministry of the Kingdom of God.

Contents

Foreword
Preface
Introduction

Chapter 1: Autobiographical Reading

Chapter 2: Milieu

Chapter 3: Call to Ministry in the Marthoma Church

Chapter 4: Theological Education

Chapter 5: Ministry in Various Parishes

Chapter 6: Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasius Memorial Orientation Centre, Manganam, Kottayam

Chapter 7: Mar Thoma Theological Seminary

Chapter 8: Conferences and Some Memorable Talks During My Tenure

Chapter 9: Publications and Some Forewords for My Books and Book Reviews

        1. His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Theodosius Marthoma Metropolitan
        2. His Grace (Late & Lamented) Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan
        3. His Grace Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Suffragan Metropolitan
        4. His Grace (Late & Lamented) Dr. J. W. Gladston (CSI)
        5. His Grace (Late & Lamented) Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metroplitan
        6. His Grace Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa
        7. His Grace Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa
        8. His Grace Dr. Mathews Mar Makarios Episcopa
        9. Rev. Dr. M. V. Abraham
       10. Rev. Dr. M. V. Abraham
       11. Rev. Dr. K. V. Mathew
       12. Rev. Dr. M. J. Joseph
       13. Rev. Dr. M. J. Joseph

Book Reviews

1. Rev. Dr. C. K. Mathew
2. Rev. Susheel C. Cheriyan
3. Rev. Bobby Mathew
4. Rev. Mathew K. Muthalaly
5. Rev. Abraham Mathew, Kandanperoor
6. Rev. John Philip A.
7. Rev. Tony Eapen Varkey
8. Rev. Nebu K. Varghese
9. Rev. John G. Varghese
10. Rev. P. John Philip
11. Rev. Blesson Philip
12. Rev Benoy Baby
13. Rev. Dr. M. V. Abraham
14. Dr. Mariyamma James

Chapter 10: Immediate Family and Stay at Kottayam

Chapter 11: Life after Retirement from Active Service

Chapter 12: An Evaluation of the Ministry of the Church

Conclusion
Appendix 1. “A Good Neighbour”, C. T. Easow, Perumbabvoor
              2. “Amma” and “Our childhood home” Ammu, my sister
              3. “Destination of life”, a Sonnet, Ramya, our daughter
              4. Some Photos

Rev. Dr. Abraham Philip is a visiting Professor at FFRRC, Kottayam. He has taught at the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary at Kottayam for nearly two decades.