The Holy Episcopal Synod Concludes with Renewed Commitment to Faith and Mission

Thiruvananthapuram: The 29th Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church concluded on March 13, 2025, after four days of deliberations at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom. The gathering of sixteen bishops, led by His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, reflected on the Church’s mission and the spiritual needs of the faithful.

The Divine Liturgy, offered on March 11, was the spiritual heart of the Synod, with His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos as the chief celebrant and the assembled bishops as co-celebrants. The Holy Qurbono embodied the unity of the Church’s shepherds and their commitment to Christ’s flock.

The following days were marked by critical discussions and decisions. On March 12, secretaries of the Synodal Commissions convened to present their reports and discuss ongoing initiatives. On March 13, the bishops engaged with the Provincial Superiors and Superior Generals of Religious Congregations, alongside Directors of the Bible Apostolate, underlining the Church’s focus on evangelisation and scriptural formation.

With deep concern for society, the Holy Synod called for collective action against the rising tide of substance abuse, urging the faithful to be vigilant and proactive in addressing this crisis. The bishops emphasised that safeguarding the moral fabric of society is a shared responsibility.

As the Church prepares for its Centenary Celebrations, the Synod announced the conclusion of the Year of the Word of God and the Reunion Anniversary, which will be observed in September at the Pathanamthitta Eparchy. The period 2025–26 will be marked as the Liturgical Formation Year, focusing on deepening the faithful’s understanding and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

New appointments were made to strengthen the Church’s commissions:

• Dr Joju John was appointed as the Secretary of the Education Commission.
• Rev. Fr. Scott Sleeba was named Secretary of the Media Commission.
• Dr Varghese K Cherian was entrusted with the Laity Commission.

With profound gratitude for God’s guidance, the 29th Holy Episcopal Synod concluded, reaffirming the Church’s unwavering commitment to faith, unity, and service.