Old Seminary, Kottayam – 21st April 2015
To commemorate bicentennial of Old Seminary, Kottayam commemorative stamp was released by President Shri Pranab Mukherjee at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 21st April 2015
The Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, traditionally known as the "Padithaveedu" or "Old Seminary" was originally a place for priestly training and a centre of English education. It was founded in 1815 by Colonel John Monroe with the help of the priest-monk Ittoop Ramban to serve the then-unified Malankara Syrian Church, to invite CMS missionaries to teach theology. It is the first Orthodox Christian School of theology in Asia.
Starting up as a centre to educate and mould-up clergies of the ancient St. Thomas Christians of India, it eventually became the cradle and headquarters of more than four Christian denominations of the Thomas Christians during the last 200 years as each of them carefully glance back. The Seminary is today, the seat of highest Orthodox Theological learning and ecumenical dealings in India. The Old Seminary is a living witness and forum of actions for many great events that took place in and around Kottayam in Central Kerala during the last 200 years.
Courtesy – Indian Philately Digest
President lauds state's tradition of religious amity
Tuesday 21 April 2015 05:33 PM ISTNew Delhi: Kerala is a model for religious cooperation and coexistence, President Pranab Mukherjee said. Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities have lived together and contributed to the social welfare of the state, he added, while releasing a stamp commemorating the bicentennial of the Old Seminary in Kottayam.
People in Kerala treated other religions with tolerance and did everything to help them propagate, he said. Hindu kings have donated land for Christians and Muslims to build their places of worship, he pointed out.
He highlighted the service of the Indian Orthodox Church in improving the quality of life of the people. The contribution of various churches is invaluable in spreading education in Kerala. One major contributor to Kerala’s universal literacy was the network of schools attached to each seminary, he said.
The churches have contributed immensely in healthcare sector too, he added. The Old Seminary in Kottayam is a brilliant example of India’s diversity, said Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. This is the age of information. But knowledge is spread through institutions such as the Old Seminary. He said the Old Seminary was an extraordinary institution and the stamp was a tribute to its services.
Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II Catholicos said this commemoration was not only a celebration of the past. This is a model of our commitment to preserve our heritage, he added. He said he was reiterating his commitment for peace, progress and unity. The Indian Orthodox Church wishes for the coexistence of various religions and traditions of India, he said.
Taipei welcomes back Asian stamp exhibition
A silver ingot bearing a hallmark of the first Western-style stamp issued in imperial China is set to prove popular with show-goers during the 30th Asian International Stamp Exhibition April 24-28 at Taipei World Trade Center. (CNA)
The 30th Asian International Stamp Exhibition is set to kick off April 24 at Taipei World Trade Center, bringing together rare postage collectibles from 24 Federation of Inter-Asia Philately countries and territories.
Celebrating a return to Taipei City after seven years, the philatelic event is showcasing 1,000 high-value stamps. Eye-catching offerings include five Qing dynasty (1644-1911) red revenue stamps, of which only 32 are known to exist worldwide, as well as the 1894 commemorative issue marking the empress dowager’s 60th birthday.
“Postage stamps are a nation’s calling card,” Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Jian-yu said. “And stories told by the stamps are often culturally immersive and have a global appeal.
“Every philately exhibition seeks to connect stamp enthusiasts, spread knowledge and inspire new ideas, allowing beauty, history and milestone achievements recorded in the tiny square of a stamp to be enjoyed by all.”
According to Chen, who doubles as the honorary president of the exhibition, the event is particularly significant as it coincides with the 120th anniversary of organizer Chunghwa Post Co. Ltd. “We expect to breathe new life into this prestigious gathering, advancing cultural and intellectual enrichment while strengthening ties among FIAP members,” he added.
Other show highlights include early ROC commemorative, definitive and provisional stamps from Shanghai and Beijing; silver ingots bearing a hallmark of the first Western-style stamp issued in imperial China; and collections of past AISE first-prize winners. (YHC-JSM)
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