A Visionary Life of Service: Benedict Mor Gregorios Remembered, Says Catholicos Cleemis

Kallooppara: His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, commemorated Archbishop Benedict Mor Gregorios as a spiritual leader with prophetic insight into humanity and nature. During the 18th Archbishop Benedict Mor Gregorios Foundation Award Ceremony at the Archbishop Mor Gregorios Public School Auditorium in Kottur, the Catholicos reflected on how Mor Gregorios, many years ago, recognized the dangers of climate change and its potential impact on agriculture. His visionary leadership extended beyond spirituality, earning him great respect for his forward-thinking approach.

The event was presided over by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla. Dr. Jacob Punnoose, former Director General of Police (DGP) of Kerala and State Police Chief, delivered a commemorative address, and Kottayam MP Adv. K. Francis George gave the keynote speech.

His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis presented the Archbishop Award to Rev. Fr. George Joshua Kanneeleth, Director of Archbishop Mar Gregorios Snehaveedu, Nalanchira, in recognition of his outstanding contributions. In addition, a new book titled Benedict Mor Gregorios – The Legend and The Legacy, authored by Dr. Cyriac Thomas, former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, was released by the Catholicos. The first copy was presented to Adv. Francis George.

Among the key speakers were His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mor Stephanos, Bishop of the Eparchy of St. Mary, Queen of Peace, USA & Canada, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Joseph Ayyaneth OIC, Superior of Bethany Navajyothi Province, Sr. Dr. Ardra S.I.C., President of the Kerala Conference of Major Superiors, and Adv. Abraham M. Pattiyani, President of the Malankara Catholic Association of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Ignatius Thangalathil OIC, brother of the late Archbishop Benedict Mor Gregorios (baptismal name Varghese Thangalathil), also addressed the gathering. His speech, along with those of Foundation President Alex Kuriakose and Secretary Prof. Jacob M. Abraham, provided moving insights into the Archbishop’s legacy.

Rt. Rev. Cherian Ramanalil Corepiscopo and T.J. Joseph, founding members of the Archbishop Benedict Mor Gregorios Foundation, were honoured for their service during the event.

The ceremony served as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Archbishop Benedict Mor Gregorios, whose visionary service continues to inspire both spiritual and environmental progress within the community.