News at a Glance

 

		27 september 2008 78th
		20 september 2008 78th Reunion Day celebrations at ranni
		13-14 August 2008 THE SYNODAL COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGY AND PUBLICATIONS
		The synodal commission for Theo­logy and Publications conducted a theological seminar. This is the second one in the series. The commission hopes to create an interest among our scholars in the field of oriental theology and in developing a theology for our Malankara Catholic Church. The seminar was held at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom, Trivandrum. The seminar started on 13 August 2008 at 3. 30 p.m. and was over by 14 August 2008. All together there were 42 participants. Each presentation of the paper was followed by a discussion which proved to be very fruitful and lively. Dr. George Onakoor and Rev. Dr. Thomas Paniker were the moderators of the sessions and the papers were presented by Rev. Dr. Thomas Kollamparampil CMI (President, Dharmaram College, Banglore), Rev. Dr. James Puthuparampil OIC. (Director, BVP, Pune), Rev. Dr. Kuriakose Thadathil (Professor, Malankara Seminary, Trivandrum) and Rev. Dr. Philip Chempakassery (Professor, Malankara Seminary, Trivandrum).
		15-17 July 2008 The Second Session of the Fourth Holy Episcopal Synod
		The Second Session of the Fourth Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church convoked from 5 to 7 March 2008, opened at 4 pm, 15 July 2008, at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom, Trivandrum. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the President, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos, the Secretary, Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Most Rev. Abraham Mar Julios and Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas were participated in the Synod that was covoked to examine and study the draft of the Code of Particular Law of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Besides Fr. Antony Valiyavilayil OIC, Rev. Fr. John Kochuthundil and Rev. Fr. Thomas Kuzhinapurath, experts in Oriental Canon Law, were invited to the Synod to assist the Synod Fathers in the study of the draft. This session ended on 17 July 2008.
		15 July 2008 Mar Ivanios Day
		The 55th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios was ended with the Holy Qurbono, the commemoration meeting and the Prayer of Incense at the tomb chapel. The pilgrims were received at the entrance of the Cathedral church at 8.30 a.m. Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was the main celebrant of the Holy Qurbono; the Metropolitans and Rev. Priests were the concelebrants. A large number of Priests, Sisters and faithful were present there for all the programs.
		10 July 2008 Padayatra to the tomb of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios on his 55th Feast of Commemoration
		The annual padayatra to the tomb of the Servant of God Mar Ivanios started from Perunad today.  Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla celebrated the Holy Qurbono and blessed the Padayatris.  The Malankara Catholic Youth Movement of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum is giving leadership to the Padayatra.  The pilgrims will reach the tomb of the Servant of God in St. Mary’s Cathedral Pattom Trivandrum at 8.30 am on 15 July 2008.
		7 July 2008 The work of the proposed Catholicate Centre started
		The work of the proposed Catholicate Centre which is to house the Major Archiepiscopal Curia of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church started today, Monday, 7 July 2008, after the prayer at the tomb of the servant of God Mar Ivanios and at the site.  His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos imparted his blessings for the construction.
		July 1, 2008 The 55th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Mar Ivanios begins His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos blesses the altar in the tomb chapel
		His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos blessed the newly built altar of the tomb chapel of the Servant of God Mar Ivanios in St. Mary's Cathedral Pattom, Trivandrum at 5 pm on 1 July 2008.  His Excellency Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas, Apostsolic Visitator of the Malankarites in the Extraterritorial Regions in India, Rt. Rev. Msgr. James Paravilayil, the Protosyncellus of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum, Rt. Rev. Varghese Mavelil Corepiscopo, Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Nediyath, the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Antony Valiyavilayil OIC, the Postulator of the Cause of Canonisation of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios and a large number of Priests, Religious, Seminarians and Faithful participated in the blessing ceremony.
		June 18, 2008 The Meeting of the Secretaries of the Synodal Commissions
		On Wednesday, a meeting of the Secretaries of the various Synodal Commissions was held at the Catholicate Centre. The meeting was presided over by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos. Rev. Fr. Antony Valiyavilayil OIC welcomed all the participants to the meeting.  The purpose of the meeting was to plan the activities of the Synodal Commissions.
		May 31 and June 7 2008 Four Corepiscopoi for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
		Very Rev. Fr. Philip Uzhanalloor was conferred the title of “Corepiscopo” on 31 May 2008 at the Malankara Catholic Church, Puthenkavuvila.  Very Rev. Fathers Joshua Peedikayil, Daniel Vadakkekkara and Mathew Ponmelil were conferred the title of “Corepiscopo” at Sacred Heart Malankara Catholic Church, Mylapra.  The title was conferred on these Priests by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos  in recognition of their dedicated service to the Church and the Reunion Movement.
		May 29, 2008 Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Vazhappilleth Conferred the title of “Ramban”
		Very Rev. Fr.Mathew Vazhappilleth was conferred the title of Ramban by Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos at the Malankara Catholic Church, Vadasserikkara. He is appointed as the Head of the newly established Dayara at Perunadu. He received the name ‘Perunad Kurisumala Mathews Ramban’.
		May 29-30, 2008 Seminar Organised by the Synodal Commission for Theology and Publications
		A theological seminar was conducted at the Catholicate Centre by the Synodal Commission for Theology and Publication. The paper, ‘The Relevance of Syrian Fathers’ was presented by Rev. Dr. Thomas Koonamakkal.  Rt. Rev. Msgr. Antony Kakanatt was the moderator of the first session of the seminar, which started at 2.30 pm on 29 May. In the second session, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Julios presented the paper “The pastoral ministry of St. Peter - in the  Bible and in the vision of the Syrian Fathers”. Very Rev. Dr. Stephen Thottathil was the moderator of the session. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos gave the concluding message. Dr. George Onakkur proposed the vote of thanks.  More than thirty invitees participated in the seminar.
		May 12 & 13, 2008 Malankara Religious Conference
		The Twelfth General Assembly of the Malankara Religious Conference was held at Mar Ivanios Nagar, Nalanchira. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos inaugurated the conference at 5 p.m., on 12 May 2008. His Excellency Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, the Chairman of the Synodal Commission for Religious, presided over the gathering. The theme ‘Malankara Sanyasa: Current Challenges’ was presented by Rev. Dr. Mariadas OIC on 12 May 2008. The following day Rev. Dr. Philip Vaisyaneth OIC took a class on “Malankara Litugy: Musicality and Originality”. The Assembly concluded at 3 p.m., on 13 May 2008.
		March 31, 2008 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Dr. Antony Kakkanatt the New Syncellus of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla
		Metropolitan-Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos appointed Rev. Dr. Antony Kakkanatt the New Syncellus of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla on 1 May 2008 at Marygiri, the Archbishop’s House Tiruvalla. He  was born in the year 1961 at Kudamankulam.  He holds a Doctorate in the Theology of Catechism from Salesan University, Rome. Presently he is the Secretary of Synodal Commission for Faith Formation of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and Chancellor of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla.
		March 31, 2008 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Dr. Eldho Puthenkandathil appointedthe New Protosyncellus of the Eparchy of Bathery
		Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios appointed Rev. Dr. Eldho Puthenkandathil, the New Protosyncellus of the Eparchy of Bathery on 31 March 2008 at Dharmapeedom Bathery. He was born on 30 April 1957 at Kodancherry and ordained priest on 30 December 1982. He holds a Doctorate in Biblical Theology from the Gregorian University, Rome. He has been serving as the Director of Shreyas, the Social Service Apostolate of the Eparchy for the last seven years.  He is also a Visiting Professor in the faculty of Theology of the Malankara Major Seminary.
		March 5, 2008 The Sixth Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod Began
		The Sixth Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church began at 6 pm on 5 March 2008, at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos presided over the Holy Synod. All the Synod Fathers, His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos (President), Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos (Secretary), Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Most Rev. Abraham Mar Julios, Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Timotheos, Most Rev. Joseph Mar Thomas and Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas participated in the Synod. The Synod concluded on 7 March 2008.
		March 5, 2008 The Assembly of the Synodal Commisions
		An assembly of the members of the various Synodal Commissions of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was held on 5 March 2008 at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos inaugurated the assembly. Most Rev. George Alenchery, Bishop of Thakkalai gave the orientation talk for the assembly. Thereafter, each commission gathered in group and discussed their activities. In the afternoon, the secretaries of each Synodal Commission presented the report of their discussions. The assembly concluded with the Apostolic blessing imparted by His Beatitude the Catholicos along with the Metropolitans present on the occasion. Around 300 members participated in the assembly.
		February 9, 2008 Rt. Rev. Dr. Kackanatt Abraham Remban ordained Episcopo and enthroned
		The Episcopal ordination and the Enthronement (Sunthronīso) of the new metropolitan of the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha, Rt. Rev. Dr. Kackanatt Abraham Remban took place at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Vazhappilly, Muvattupuzha on this day. The celebrations began at 8.30 am with the reception accorded to the Catholicos and the Metropolitans. During the Holy Qurbono, Rev. Dr. Antony Valiayvilayil OIC, the Chancellor of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia, read out the  Stathicon (Decree of Appointment). Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos ordained him Episcopo after the name Abraham Mar Julios. Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos and Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios were the Co-celebrants. The faithful sang the “Okxios” (he is worthy). All the Metropolitans of the Malankara Catholic Church and many Archbishops and Bishops of the other Churches were present at the ceremony. The Felicitation Gathering was inaugurated by Mr. Subram Reddy, the central Cabinet Minister and presided over by Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos. State Minister Mons Joseph, Mr. P.C. Thomas MP, Mr. P.J. Kurian MP, Mr. Francis George MLA, Mr. Babu Paul MLA, Municipal Chairperson Mrs. Mary George Thottam, Dr. George Onakkoor, Mr. John Panickker, Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos and Msgr. John Eswarankudy, the Administrator of the Eparchy and the General Convener of the programme spoke on the occasion. Priests, religious and many faithful were present on this auspicious occasion.
		January 30, 2008 Msgr. Dr. Abraham Kackanatt ordained Remban
		The Bishop-elect of the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha Msgr. Dr. Abraham Kackanatt was raised to the order of Remban on 30 January 2008, at the St. John’s Cathedral, Tiruvalla, by the hands of Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos during the Holy Qurbono. The Archbishop and all the Metropolitans, Cor-episcopoi, Rembans, many priests, religious and faithful of our Church were present.
		January 18, 2008 Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Kackanatt, Appointed Metropolitan of the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha
		The Major Archbishop-Catholicos, Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, as per election of the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Catholic Church and through the Apostolic Assent given by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, appointed Rev. Fr. Abraham Kackanatt, the second Metropolitan of the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha. The bishop-elect, Msgr. Abraham Kackanatt, is a priest of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla and the former Director of the Medical College, Pushpagiri and Secretary of the Pushpagiri Medical Society, Tiruvalla. The Archbishop of Tiruvalla and all the Metropolitans, many priests, religious and faithful of our Church were present during the announcement made at 4.30 pm, on 18 January 2008 at the St. Mary’s Cathedral Pattom, Trivandrum. The announcement was made simultaneously in Rome and Muvattupuzha
		January 18, 2008 Laying of the Foundation Stone for the Catholicate Centre
		On 18 January 2008, the first Anniversary of Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos, the foundation stone of the Catholicate Centre which was blessed by Cardinal Moussa Daoud, the former Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos, the first Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, was laid by Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos at Pattom. Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos, the Secretary of the Holy Episcopal Synod and all the other Metropolitans of the Malankara Catholic Episcopal Synod were present at the function. Rev. Dr. Antony Valiyavilayil OIC, the Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Kochuthundil, Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jose Kizhakkedathu, the Procurator and Rev. Sr. Dhanya SIC, Curia office Secretary organized the same.
		January 18, 2008 The First  Feast of Commemoration of Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos
		The Malankara Catholic Church celebrated the First Anniversary of the Late Moran Mor Cyril Baselios, the first Catholicos. The celebrations commenced on 17 January with the solemn evening prayer. At 8 am on 18 January after the Morning Prayers, the Major Archbishop Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos together with the other Metropolitans and Cor-episcopoi, Rembans and Priests, Religious and laity celebrated the Holy Qurbono. Most Rev. George Alancherry, the bishop of Thakkalai preached the homily. In the public commemoration meeting that followed, the Additional Inspector General of Kerala Police Mr. Jacob Punoos IPS made the commemoration speech.
		January 2, 2008 Inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrationsof the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum
		On 2 January 2008 after the solemn Holy Qurbono, at the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop of Trivandrum inaugurated the Platinum Jubilee (75th year) of the erection of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum. During the solemn function, the Catholicos lighted the jubilee candles and handed them over to the Proto-presbyters of the 15 ecclesiastical districts of the Major Archieparchy. The year-long celebrations will come to an end on 31 December 2008. The plan of actions and prayer of the Jubilee were introduced by the suffragan Metropolitans Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom and Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios respectively.
		January 2, 2008 Feast of Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos
		The Malankara Catholic Church celebrated the feast of St. Basil, the Patron of the Father and Head of the Church, His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos. At 8.30 am on 2 January 2008 all the Metropolitans of the Malankara Catholic Church along with many priests, religious and faithful concelebrated the Holy Qurbono with the Major Archbishop Catholicos as chief celebrant at the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom. His Grace Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos preached the Homily. Rev. Dr. John Kochuthundil, Chancellor of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum felicitated the Catholicos on behalf of the Church.  The celebrations ended with an agape. Many religious, social and political leaders visited the Catholicos and offered him festal greetings.

 

 

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