Daijiworld Media Network (EP)

Shivamogga, Dec 6: The supreme head of Indian Malankara Orthodox church, Catholicos Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II on a three day visit to Udupi and Shivamogga districts visited Shimoga on December 5. This is the first visit by the religious head of Malankara Orthodox church to Shivamogga.

He blessed the newly constructed St Gregorius Othodox Church in Hulikal. Most Rev Joseph Mar Dainishyas, Bishop of Calcutta diocese and Most Rev Yacob Mar Elias, Bishop of Brahmavar diocese participated in the religious ceremony.

The prayer of blessings was held at 8 am followed by Holy mass and hall programme. The donor who donated all the required money to build the church, Raju Varghese and his wife and Hulikal church parish priest Fr Abraham Kuriakose who led the construction were felicitated in the hall programme.

Holy Baselios Mar Thoma Paulos II was honored for his first visit and blessing. Speaking on the occasion, Holy Paulos said that he liked the pleasant atmosphere of Hulikal. “I am touched by the love of the people. I should have come here earlier”, he said.

Fr C A Isak, Fr Lawrence D’ Souza, Fr David Crasta, Fr Benny David, Fr Sunil Thomas, Fr Ashwin Fernandes, Fr Noel Lewis, Deacon Shiju, Deacon Sujay, Anil Rodrigues, Ivan Suares, I Thomas and other elite people were present.