Koorilos Pithav’s Message on the Election

It is with great joy that I write to you. We have a new Bava Tirumeni in the person of Mar Cleemis Pithave, whom the Lord has truly fashioned. With due permission I would like to inform you what has really happend in the Synod. I write this because I know you have a right to know.

The Synod fathers entered into a day of prayer and fasting after the Memorial service of our Cyril Baselios Bava Tirumeni. The Retreat was led by His Grace Archbishop Mar Powathil. We went for prayer and adoration. 8th Feb was a day of prayer and fast in the entire Malankara Church. On th 8th at 11 a.m. we went to the tomb of our Pithakkanmar and then we entered into the Synod of Election. All the seven bishops were present. The president was unanimously elected and election proceedures were given. Then ballots were distributed for the first round of election. As it was prohibited by norm no discussion was held regarding anything in the election time. This is to uphold the freedom of the Synod Fathers. In the first ballot itself it was evident to the Bishops that the Lord was choosing Mar Cleemis pithave for this office, however, the election was inconclusive since there was no two third majority. Then we went for prayer and adoration. At 3 p.m. we came back and recited the rosary and the second round was held. There our Cleemis pithave was unanimously elected Father and Head of our Church. Then as per the canon, the senior most bishop, here Mar Timotheos pithave asked the Catholicos elect whether he was willing to accept this decision of Fathers. He accepted. Then we immediately sent letters to the Holy Father through the Nunciature. We got the confirmation of the election in about 24 hours. We wanted the announcement to be held on 10th since it was the second anniversary of our Major Archiepiscopate. After we got the confirmation the Catholicos elect made profession of faith in the Synod and the Synod fathers made their allegiance to the new Catholicos. Then the annoucnement was held on 10th at 4.30 p.m. It was a great moment of joy for us. WE have set an example for all. After the new code came in it was the first election in the life of the Eastern Catholic Churches. WE could set and example of fellowship and true inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We bishops are so happy that we fully and freely yielded to the promptings of the Spirit. It was TRULY A HOLY SYNOD. It was holy because it was the Holy Spirit who was leading, we were only instruments. I know we have shown a great maturity and this was also what the Holy Father meant when he said we are the fastest growing Church. I know everything is because of the intercession of the blessed Mother and the humble servant of the Lord our dear Mar Ivanios Pithave, the founder of our Reunion movement. Let us be truly happy that we have a great bava thirumeni as Mar Cleemis pithave.

with love,
Pithave