Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (WD/KR)
Udupi, Jan 12: The renovated St Mary's Syrian Orthodox Cathedral, Brahmavar was declared as a pilgrim centre by Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, on the second day of the consecration of the Cathedral on Friday January 12.
During the holy mass, Dr Geevarghese Mar Coorilose, bishop, diocese of Bombay, Joseph Mar Dionysius, Metropolitan, diocese of Kolkata, Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Metropolitan, diocese of Ahmedabad and Abraham Mar Seraphim, Metropolitan, diocese of Bengaluru were present.
The consecration involved the anointing (applying) of Holy Myron oil to the altar and blessing the doors of the church with the sign of cross.
The morning prayers started at 6:00 am followed by consecration prayers and thereafter Eucharistic celebration.
After the consecration, the Triune Altar Holy Mass was celebrated. Catholicos Paulose II offered holy mass on the central altar, while Mar Coorilos and Mar Dionysius offered the same on side altars.
Soon after the mass addressing the gathering Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II said, “All of you have given wholehearted support in building this beautiful church. You have donated part of your savings to this church. May God bless you all! I’m overwhelmed to bless this church. It is a pride to Orthodox community. ‘Regional Saints’ bishop Alvares Mar Julius and Fr R Z Noronha from this region have blessed all of us. With their grace, we have been able to complete this church. Along with the church authorities let us extend our helping hand to the needy. It will be my pleasure to extend a helping hand to this church in future.”
He also congratulated the priest of the church for his service towards the church and making the consecration event successful.
It was a gleeful moment for the gathering when Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II proclaimed St Mary's Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar as a pilgrimage centre.
Soon after the consecration a public meet was held in the church premises. The public meet was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries present on the dais.
After inaugurating the program by lighting the lamp, in his public address Baselios Marthoma Paulose II said, “This church has been built well. It is a proud moment for Brahmavar Orthodox Christians. A church is a place of worship. Despite of caste, creed and religion all of us gather here and seek the blessings of God. It is the place we talk to god and obtain peace of mind. I have proclaimed this place as a pilgrim centre and pray that people may find relief from their worries and problems in this place.”
He presented a small gift to vicar CA Isaac as token of love for his service towards the church.
Haji K Ismail Navoonda Musliyar Mohmadiya Jumma Masjid, Akalbail, Kirimanjeshwara speaking on the occasion said, “A beautiful church has been built in Brahmavar beside the National Highway so that local people in this area may seek God’s grace. Being a priest of a community we have to set an example for coming generation. God is one but called in different names and worshipped in different ways. Let us not be parted in the name of religion and let our faith in God become stronger.”
Later the church report was read out by Alan Rohan Vaz, convener of the renovation committee.
The cover page of souvenir was released by home minister Ramalinga Reddy. Later addressing the gathering he said, “I congratulate everyone on the occasion of inauguration of renovated church. Along with this church, we have so many other churches in the state which has an age old history. Christianity is the third minority population in nation. Christian missionaries are the guiding lights to all. They have given their selfless service in education, health and social service. Christians are known for discipline and patriotism. I feel happy to say that Christians are leading in the path of Jesus Christ. Finally I thank you for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this event.”
Minister for youth affairs and sports, fisheries and district in-charge of Udupi, Pramodh Madhwaraj said, “This day has been written in golden words in the Christian community history. Our government has given all the needed support to the church. We have released 50 lac fund to this church from the government. Syrian Orthodox Christians are very near to me as I reside in the place beside their church. They are peace loving people. They have provided education facility to the children in and around Brahmavar from KG to PG. On this occasion I congratulate the people and being a minister I extend full support for the development in future.”
Fr CA Isaac, vicar general, St, Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Alan Rohan Vaz, convener of renovation committee, Anil Rodrigues, Trustee St, Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Wilson Lewis, Secretary, St, Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Ivan Donath Suares, secretary, renovation committee were felicitated by the ministers.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese in his address said, “I congratulate all the Orthodox faithful on this happy occasion. St Mary’s Cathedral looks like a bride today. In our Indian tradition, place of worship is always a special one. People offer their prayer to God and in return God blesses them abundantly. A place of worship helps to build the relationship between us and the almighty. God lives in us and knows our needs. I thank this community for the opportunity given to me to be of the part of the program.”
Yakob Mar Elias, bishop, Brahmavar diocese spoke on the occasion. Workers who had worked to build the church were honoured.
Dr Geevarghese Mar Coorilose Bishop, Diocese of Bombay, Joseph Mar Dionysius, Calcutta bishop, along with, Fr Yuhanon Mulamoottil Cor Episcopa and Fr Joseph Thaliamparambil Cor Episcopa, Fr Dr M O John, priest trustee, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Association, George Paul, lay trustee, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Association, Biju Oommen, secretary, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Association, Ivan D'Souza, MLC and chief whip of the state Legislative Council were present.
Fr C A Isaac welcomed the gathering and Anil Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.
Soon after the public meet a sumptuous lunch was served to the devotees.