Rev. Dr. Tripthi Mary Mathew, D.Div
Ordained Minister in West Orange, New Jersey
Why did you originally become an ordained minister online?
I have been in the Healthcare Ministry for over 25 years. I wanted to become a Minister/Chaplain, over a decade ago. However, I came to know entering a seminary is not easy as it requires Church sponsorship, financial support, and long-term studies. So, with the insights I received while reflecting on the scriptures (Old Testament- Torah and the New Testament) and sharing with family and friends on social media, helped me to start a new spiritual journey. So, I decided to become ordained online as a Minister. I currently completed couple of theological certificate and pastoral related courses 1) Talmud (Biblical Hebrew) Methodological Introduction from Northwestern University, IL and 2) Church Administration Theology and Time Management from Duke University, NC 3) Psychological First Aid- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health 4) Sacred Texts in Dialogue: Exploring the Bible and Qur'an. University of Notre Dame, Canada 5) Lectio Divina course (Ancient Monastic practice of scriptural reading) from Selingenthal Abbey, Germany and pursuing courses from other Seminaries/Universities. I was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.Div) by Universal Life Church Ministries.
Where are you from?
I am a U.S Citizen, originally from New Delhi, India. I have visited the Holy Land (Israel) in 2013 and studied Basic Modern Hebrew in 2019-2020 from Hebrew University.
What do you hope to achieve with your online ordination?
Currently, I am in the process of establishing a Friendship Ministry while exploring/pursuing continuing education/higher education on Theology and Law; writing a book, title "Divine Inspirations", exploring career as a Chaplain. I hope I can reach out to the broader community meeting their spiritual needs by being an ordained Minister of Universal Life Church Monastery. To support the Friendship Ministry, please visit gofund.me/f496302bf. Thank you.
Religious Affiliations
Christianity, ELCA, Judaism, Lutheranism, Orthodox Judaism, Universal Life Church
Additional Information
I have being a member of the ELCA since 1997 and Missouri Synod since 2004. I was baptized as a baby at the Arthat Marthoma Church, Kerala, India. My family and I used to attend many denominations (Marthoma, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Russian Orthodox, Lutheran and recently- Orthodox and Messianic synagogues online). I was baptized as an adult at Grace Lutheran Church, November 17, 2014. I have served as a member of the choir (altos), bell choir and stewardship ministry.
What do you think makes your ceremonies special as a West Orange, NJ wedding officiant?
I like to customize the ceremonies based on the couples/family's needs and time.
Are there particular areas near you where you prefer to travel or have special experience?
I am currently located in West Orange, New Jersey. I love to travel to Europe (have visited many Cathedrals in England, Germany, Brussels-Belgium) explore historical/religious Abbeys in Israel and other countries.
Types of Service Offered
Marriages, Renewal of Vows, Spiritual Guidance
Additional Information
Messianic Judaism and reflection on the scriptures helped me better understand God's Universal Plan for humanity. So, I like to provide guidance on further studies of the scripture (spiritual guidance).