In an ecumenical event, Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, Head of the Syro-Malabar Church, emphasized the duty of all Syrian churches in Kerala to witness the Gospel collectively. Despite historical divisions since 1653, these churches have a shared responsibility to live and proclaim the Gospel, transforming them into co-witnesses of evangelization. Archbishop Thattil stressed that our churches should be vibrant with the Gospel’s spirit rather than becoming mere cultic or maintenance-oriented institutions.
The event, organized by the Syro-Malabar Synodal Commission for Ecumenism and the Changanacherry Archdiocese Ecumenical Department, commemorated the martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle on July 1, 2024, at Lourdes Forane Church, Kottayam. It marked the first such commemoration after Venerable Mar Ivanios was declared venerable, highlighting his contributions to the Reunion Movement and Bethany Ashram.
Highlights of the Event
Most Rev. Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church inaugurated the conference, expressing pride in the ancient Christian heritage shared by these churches. Archbishop Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Chairman of the Syro-Malabar Ecumenical Commission, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the historical significance and the need for unity among the surviving Syrian churches.
Bishop Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios, Chairman of the KCBC Ecumenical Commission, delivered a blessing speech, underscoring the global importance of preserving the legacy of St. Thomas.
The public discussion moderated by Bishop Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Chairman of the CBCI Ecumenical Commission, focused on “The Relevance of St. Thomas Heritage and the Transition of Churches in the Era of Globalization.” Key participants included representatives from the Jacobite, Orthodox, Mar Thoma, Assyrian, and CSI churches.
Notable attendees included:
- Kottayam Knanaya Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkattu
- Kanjirappally Bishop Mar Jose Pulickal
- Muvattupuzha Diocese Head Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius
- Mar Thoma Church Kottayam-Cochin Diocese Head Right Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Timotheos
- Knanaya Malankara Catholic Division Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Gheevarghese Mar Aprem
- Most Rev. Mor Kuriakose Mar Severios from the Chingavanam Knanaya Church
Clergy, lay representatives, and theologians from various churches participated in the discussions, fostering ecumenical unity and cooperation.
Proposals and Resolutions
Rev. Fr. Dr. V.S. Varghese, Principal of MD Seminary, presented a proposal for the release of the Justice J.B. Koshy Commission Report by the government. Retired Professor Dr. T.T. Michael from Deva Matha College, Kuravilangad, proposed declaring July 3 a state holiday. The event concluded with a prayer service led by Fr. Philip Nelpuraparambil, Vicar of Lourdes Forane Church, Kottayam.
Organizing Committee
The organizing committee, led by the Archdiocese officials and members of the Syro-Malabar Ecumenical Commission, included:
- Very Rev. Fr. Varghese Thanamavunkal, Archdiocese Syncellus
- Fr. Cheriyan Karikompil, Archdiocese Procurator
- Fr. Cherian Karukaparambil, Secretary, Syro-Malabar Ecumenical Commission
- Fr. James Kokkavayalil, Director, Archdiocese Ecumenism Department
- Committee members Sebastian Pathil, Baby Vattakkara, Tom Joseph Araykkaparambil, Binu Velliyanadan, Tessy Varghese, and Susan Kuriakose
The Lourdes Forane Church representatives also played a crucial role in facilitating the event.
Subscribe to WhatsApp News Updates:
Follow Syro Malankara Updates on Google News:
