Koorilos Pithav’s Message on Bp. Mar Barnabas

Once again I bring you good news about our church. On Saturday the 10th of March we got yet another bishop ordained for our church, especially for taking care of the faithful out side the boundaries of our dioceses. The new bishop is called Most Rev. Dr. Jacob Mar Barnabas. It was also a wonderful and spirit filled service. It was well attended. The ceremony has five moments: 1 the announcement and invitation of the Synod to the candidate for episcopacy and the bishops knelt down before the candidate and the candidate in turn prostrated before the synod saying that he accepts the call and will be faithful to the Lord. Then the letter of appointment was read out. Then we began the Mass. The second moment was the reading of the Gospel from the neck of the candidate. The primary duty of the bishop is to preach the word of God and to give the right instruction at all times. Then there was the promise taken by the candidate. After that special prayers and anointing of the spirit from the holy Sacrament. The candidate was hidden in the vestment of the main celebrant and from the Holy Mysteries the power was taken and the candidate was anointed. Then he was signed by the triune God as Barnabas for the Church and thereafter the faithful chanted OXIOS and this was followed by the Gospel reading by the New Bishop. This was followed by handing over the pastoral staff for the new bishop. Then he blessed the congregation with the staff and we continued the holy Mass. There was also a public reception and it was also well attended.

The official assumption of charge by our bishop Mar Barnabas is on the 22nd of March in Delhi. The entire hierarchy of the Malankara church will be present. The CM of Delhi and other cabinet ministers are attending the meeting. The new bishop will reside in Delhi and operate from there. It is a great event inthe life of the Church. Let us pray for our new bishop and the outside diocese missions.

God bless us,

with love, Pithave.