Farewell to Rev. Fr. Liju Samuel – St Mary’s Prayer Group (North), Brisbane

Brisbane, 8 June 2025 – In a deeply emotional and spiritually uplifting gathering, the St Mary's Prayer Group (North) of St George Indian Orthodox Church, Brisbane, bid farewell to Rev. Fr. Liju Samuel, Silpa Kochamma, and their daughter Leya during what marked their final prayer meeting with the group.

The farewell evening was filled with gratitude, reflection, and heartfelt memories. The Prayer Group Secretary offered a sincere thanksgiving message, recognising Achen's invaluable spiritual leadership, compassionate guidance, and unwavering support for the prayer group throughout his time in Brisbane.

A particularly touching highlight of the evening was a special farewell gift presented by Jobi Chacko, a well-known artist in the community, who pursues painting as a passion. He gifted a hand-painted artwork of Rev. Fr. Liju Samuel alongside His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I. The painting carried deep sentimental and spiritual significance, as Liju Achen had served as Chemmachen to Valiya Bava Thirumeni during the final years of His Holiness's earthly life.

Visibly moved, Achen remarked that the painting was “one of the most valued gifts I have ever received”, reflecting the profound spiritual connection he shared with the late Bava Thirumeni.

The prayer meeting was attended by a large number of faithful from the community, all united in their gratitude and love for Achen and his family. The farewell served not only as a goodbye but also a celebration of a deeply impactful pastoral journey filled with faith, humility, and enduring bonds.

The St Mary's Prayer Group and the wider church community extend their heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Rev. Fr. Liju Samuel, Silpa Kochamma, and Leya as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.