Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (WD/KR)
Udupi, Jan 11: Baselios Marthoma Paulose II on Thursday January 11 consecrated and inaugurated the renovated St Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Cathedral at Brahmavar here.
Prior to the consecration, a grand 'hore kanike' procession was held from Akashavani circle to the cathedral, flagged off by Yakob Mar Elias, bishop, Brahmvar diocese. Devotees from various churches, and local organizations of different communities brought offerings in decorated vehicles. The procession was accompanied by tableaux, chande, music, brass band, huli vesha and various folk troupes.
The hore kanike was received by Joseph Mar Dionysius, Calcutta bishop and Yakob Mar Elias, bishop of Brahmavar diocese, along with vicar Fr C A Isaac, Fr Yuhanon Mulamoottil Cor Episcopa and Fr Joseph Thaliamparambil Cor Episcopa at the church premises.
The primate of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Baselios Marthoma Paulose II Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan was welcomed in a procession by the people gathered.
In his message, Baselios Marthoma Paulose II said, "I am glad to say that this church has been built and decorated well and made an abode of the Almighty."
Narrating instances from the Old Testament, he said, "We are the temples of God. He stays in us. We have to keep ourselves pure. Let us not fight with each other, insteadlet us be true followers of God.
"We may say that this church belongs to us but let us remember this place will be part of the Orthodox Church and the keys of the church will be handed over to the bishop, and he will hand over the keys to the vicar, who in turn will give the authority to the people to use the church. Let us make this place a sacred one."
Geevarghese Mor Coorilose, Metropolitan, diocese of Bombay, Joseph Mar Dionysius, Metropolitan, diocese of Kolkota, Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Metropolitan, diocese of Ahmedabad and Abraham Mar Seraphim, Metropolitan, diocese of Bengaluru and priests from different dioceses were present for the historical event.
Vicar Fr CA Isaac welcomed the gathering.
Sea of devotees thronged the Cathedral to witness the historical event. Soon after the prayer service a fellowship meal was serviced to all the devotees.
Keys of the Cathedral were handed over by Baselios Marthoma Paulose II to Yakob Mar Elias, bishop, Brahmavar diocese who then handed them over to Anil Rodrigues, trustee.
Rituals were held in the church after the inauguration.