Mar Ivanios is Moses of Modern Era: Cardinal Peter Turkson

Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Vatican, has described Geevarghese Mar Ivanios as the Moses of modern times.

Turkson was addressing the gathering at the commemoration ceremony of the Sevant of God Mar Ivanios. The chief guest at the occasion, Turkson said that akin to Moses leading his people to the Promised Land, Mar Ivanios led the people of his church to the fold of the Universal Church and laid the foundation for building a strong Christian community.

In every age, unique personalities like that of Mar Ivanios are sent by God to give direction to his people and to strengthen their faith, Cardinal Turkson, who hails from Ghana, said. He set an example with his unwavering faith in God. It was through this faith that he attracted communities, said Turkson, who also participated in the procession held prior to the public meeting.

Thousands of faithful Chrisitans visited the tomb of Mar Ivanios at the St Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, and paid their tributes. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, led the Holy Ceremonies.

Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos, Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Yuhannon Mar Chrysostom, Joshua Mar Ignathios, Abraham Mar Julios, Joseph Mar Thomas, Vincent Mar Poulose, Jacob Mar Barnabas, Thomas Mar Antonios, Samuel Mar Irenius and Philipose Mar Stephanos were also present.