Orissa Christian Theological College celebrates 25th Anniversary

On 23rd November 2018, Orissa Christian Theological College (OCTC) reached an important milestone: completion of 25 years of its ministry. 30 of its alumni and around 50 guests from different Churches of Berhampur and Chhatarpur gathered in the College Chapel for a thanks giving service, thanking God for His faithfulness for the past 25 years. The celebration was conducted by Heads of member churches of Utkal Christian Council (a regional council of the NCCI), the management of OCTC , Faculty and students of OCTC.

The presence of Ms. Constanze Annen ( Secretary EMW ) and Dr. Michael Biel ( Head of the EMW Department of Theological Studies) added joy to the festive mood of the people . On their arrival they were welcomed warmly, and led by the students dancing to tribal music along with the national guests, in procession to the Administrative block for unveiling the memorabilia plaque of Silver Jubilee .

At the Thanksgiving Service, Dr. Jagat Ranjan Santra, the Principal of the college, welcomed every body present, making special mention of the presence of alumnae of the College and their commitment to the College being engaged in the service of God’s people for which they were prepared by the College . Rt.Rev. Surendra Kumar Nanda, Vice-Chairman of OCTC, presided over the meeting. The Most Rev. Dhirendra Kumar Mohanty ( CNI) was present to speak on the theme of Silver Jubilee ” You are epistles of Christ – written with the Spirit of living God. ” 2 Cor 3:3. Students and guests alike were blessed by his message who said, “We, and specially OCTC students, are the epistle of Christ for our area. We should strive to show people God’s love for them.”

Our overseas guests expressed their appreciation for the well constructed buildings and exhorted the students, staff and the management to make best use of the facility available .

Ms. Ennen said that she has great desire to see more number of faculty members and students, and committed combined effort of partner Churches in Utkal Christian Council for the growth of OCTC. Dr.Biel brought greetings from EMW and wished the college to have a good library with increased number of books .

Students sang the theme song composed by Mr Samuel Patro, ” JAGATA AGARE JIBANA AMAR KHOLA CHITHI PRABHUNKARA .”

Greetings from the Chairman OCTC ,Rt Rev. Ashis Pal written from Geneva was read out by Rev. Annupama Hial ( Faculty ) . The Secretary of UCC read out the greetings of the General Secretary of NCCI, Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad who wished the Students to be more aware of the present situation, needs, and struggles of the unprivileged groups and the meaning of Christ’s saving grace for our Country . She also read out greetings from Rev. Dr Santanu Patro, the Registrar of the Senate of Serampore College, wishing the College to be a standard centre of training for committed students .

A brief story of the college of 25 years was shared by Rev. Subas Kusum Turuk who remembered the past principals ,the contribution of UCC through late Bishop J K Mohanty and Moderator DK Mohanty and elders of Churches in the Dioceses of Cuttack, Sambalpur, Phulbani , JEL Church and GEL Church .

On behalf of the family members of Late Bishop J K Mohanty, it was declared that they have started Bp J K Mohanty circle of friends for OCTC in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack . His niece Dr. Arati P Mishra and eldest son Bibhu Prasad Mohanty are coordinators in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. His brother’s son Isaac Victor Mohanty will coordinate the Circle in Berhampur to raise Rs. 60,000 per year to provide scholarships for three students in OCTC from 2019 . The Principal thanked the family for their concern for OCTC .

Students made the meeting lively by their Choreography . The Faculty and the Alumni were felicitated with Jubilee Mementos. A Jubilee calendar was given to Churches as promotional material. Some of the Alumni came forward to extend greetings and reminiscences of their days in OCTC. On behalf of the Churches, Rev. Ujjwal Satman, the Dean of Malkangiri Deanery , the past Treasurer of UCC Sri Sukant Patro, UCC Treasurer Sri Pradip Hudson and the Treasurer of Diocese of Cuttack Sri Prasant Kumar Sahu brought greetings and blessed the College.

The Vice Chairman of the college Rt, Rev Surendra Kumar Nanda in his concluding remarks exhorted the Churches to make more committed efforts to lead OCTC towards a BD college for the benefit of Odisha Christian community . He remarked that the celebration of silver jubilee has strengthened the united spirit of the Churches in Utkal Christian Council .

After vote of thanks proposed by Rev Bijay Nayak, prayer and benediction was offered by the Most Rev. D K Mohanty , Singing, “Shine Jesus Shine” every one with a lighted candle in hand proceeded to the ground were fire works by the students filled the air with jubilations . Every one joined the fellowship dinner arranged by the students . From 2.30 pm to 7.30 pm Mrs Jyotsna Santra and Mrs Sucheta Mohanty kept open a tea and snacks stall in the College ground . It was a great convenience and fulfilled the need of evening tea and snacks for the guests and visitors .

All glory be to God. Let OCTC be the Concern of the Community of Churches in and out side Odisha.

Mrs. Jyotsna Rani Patro

Secretary, UCC