Malankara Orthodox Marth Mariam Samajam (MOMMS) is a vibrant spiritual organization of women in the name of St. Mary (Marth Mariam), the blessed mother of God. It was founded in the year 1930 at Sleeba Church, Kaviyoor, a place very close to Thiruvalla by the late Rev. Ramban M. C. Kuriakose Malikayil with the permission and blessings of St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysus Vattasseril (Ref: Church Weekly dated Nov 13-20,1955). The Patron of MOMMS is H.H.-The Catholicos of the East. The Holy Synod has framed a constitution for its harmonious functioning.
The motto of MOMMS is: Pray, Act and Illumine and it is symbolized by a praying woman (Pray), a honeybee which is active on a beehive (Act) and a burning lamp (Illumine).
Marth Mariam Samajam (MMS) in St. George Orthodox Cathedral (SGOC), Abu Dhabi was formed under the leadership of the then Vicar – Rev. Fr. K. T. Thomas (H.G. Thomas Mar Athanasius, Metropolitan of Chengannur Diocese) on February 23, 1979. From then onwards by the wonderful grace of the Lord Almighty MMS has been able to uphold its motto. The late H.G. Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorious had an abiding interest in the participation of women in the church and expressed keenness on reviving the tradition of women’s involvement in church affairs. On each visit to the Church, H.G. would follow-up on the progress of various initiatives and offer pragmatic advice.
From its initial stages, MMS aimed at spiritual enlightenment of its members and made its presence felt in India by raising funds for charitable initiatives. In its formative years, MMS participated actively in the local Abu Dhabi community by organizing a ‘Sale’ in the Church premises in 1979. This small step towards raising funds was later transformed into the Church’s annual get-together and still later got to be known as the Cathedral’s Harvest Festival, which is celebrated towards the end of each calendar year.
MMS celebrated its Silver Jubilee in the year 2003 and its Pearl Jubilee in 2008, on a grand scale. The organization is indebted to all the ex-vicars and office bearers of the past for their efforts, to bring it to its present form.
MMS is grateful to H.G. Job Mar Philoxenos, the Diocesan Metropolitan who, despite health constraints, continues to encourage its activities. The Global Meet held in Delhi in September 2009 and the first Gulf Regional Conference held in Abu Dhabi in December 2009 are among the hallmark achievements of H.G. with MOMMS giving it an international platform and reaching a wider multicultural audience across various geographies. The Unit continues to grow under the able guidance and wise leadership of the vicar of SGOC-Rev. Fr. Johnson Daniel. While it has miles to go and many milestones to achieve, MMS looks to the Almighty and seeks intercessory prayers of the Church’s Saints for grace and strength to move on to greater heights.
