Indian Orthodox Syrian Church observes centenary of Catholicate re-establishment

Indian Orthodox Syrian Church observes centenary of Catholicate re-establishment

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 8, 2012: The Brahmavar Diocese of the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Syrian Church held the centenary celebrations of the Catholicate re-establishment of the church at SMS Community Hall on Nov 7, Wednesday.

The Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Syrian bishops were welcomed at Karavali Junction in Udupi and taken to Brahmavar in a vehicle rally, after which a mass was held in the cathedral. A formal stage program followed the mass. His Grace Thomas Mar Athanasios Metropolitan of Chenganoor Diocese inaugurated the event.

 

Speaking about the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Catholicate, he said that it is the indigenous Christian Catholicate initiated by St. Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus. The Catholicate, which has a history of 1960 years, remains true to its age old practices, traditions, and customs.

The chief guest of the event was Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat.

His Grace Yakob Mar Elias, bishop and metropolitan of Brahmavar Diocese, read the message of His Holiness Baselios Paulos II Supreme Head of Indian Malankara Orthodox Syrian Catholicate of the East and the Malankara Metropolitan.

Among those on the dais were M. O. Johan, church historian; M. C. Mathai, member of the administrative committee; and congregational representatives from various dioceses.

H. G. Kuiakose Mar Clemis, metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese; His Holiness Gevarghese Mar Coorilos, metropolitan of Bombay Diocese; and entrepreneur Pramod Madhwaraj also spoke on this occasion.

The event was held as part of the Catholicate centenary celebrations held all over the world and will continue till Nov 25 with a mega event at Marine Drive in Ernakulum in Kerala.