"Seek, you will find" (Mt.7:7). Those who have an inner urge to find only will seek. This is a reality. Prof. O.M. Mathew is a seeker since he has an ardent desire to find the real truth. This book 'Church and Sacraments' is a visible expression of his earnest seeking and I believe that he has found out what he searched or sought for.

Prof. O.M. Mathew, is a Syrian Orthodox Christian having many faceted responsibilities. Though he is a retired college professor of 38 years of experience, he is still teaching Politics in the School of Indian Legal Thought of Mahatma Gandhi University. The Government of India has nominated him to the Board of Directors, Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages, Hyderabad, which is a Deemed University. Amidst his teaching career he spares time to study theology in a Catholic Institute (Mar Thoma Vidyanikethan Higher Institute of Religious Sciences For Laity, Changanacherry, Kerala) where I teach, and to do some research in his own way with keen interest and dedication. At the same time he is always ready to seek clarification and guidance from his teachers. As the first one who introduced him to the world of Theology and Ecclesiology, I have great appreciation towards him precisely because of his earnest search for truth and the willingness and readiness to make others aware of the real truth. This book is an outcome of his studies in the class and his wide reading of books from different libraries. He collected the necessary information, interiorised and articulated them like a scholar in this book and submitted it to me for correction and evaluation. He has done all these not only for his own sake but also for the benefit of his community and the people at large. What a wonderful and charitable act! May the Lord of all grant him reward for his laborious work.

So, Prof. Mathew, my earnest student, with deep sense of appreciation, I congratulate you wholeheartedly! With your scholarly work you have glorified the Institute you study and each and every one who taught you. Thank you so much! May the Almighty God bless you and let your pen move more along with your heart and mind to proclaim the Eternal Truth who lives and reigns in His Mystical body, the Church, the community of believers redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. Let the Holy Trinity and the 'icon of the Trinity', ie, Church, be glorified through you and your further contributions!