St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Cathedral, Brahmavar Inaugurated with elaborate religious rituals

Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 12 Jan 2018: St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Cathedral of Brahmavar was inaugurated with elaborate religious rituals with night vigil, morning rituals and prayers sanctification rituals, installing the Crucifix and the solemn inaugural mass and felicitation function on Friday, 12 January 2017.

 

 During the felicitation function, Ramaling Reddy, Home Minister of the Karnataka Government  while addressing the gathering  as the chief guest said that by its dedicated service to the society and discipline Christian Community through its peaceful endeavours  has set an example to the entire nation. 

 

Speaking further, Ramalinga Reddy continued his appreciation of the Christian community by saying that  the Christian community has been in the forefront in establishing educational institutions in every nook and corner of the country and the missionaries through their disciplined life and providing quality education along with selfless service have contributed in a unique way in the development of the nation. Besides, this community has been rendering great service in the field of health thus serving the society by following the way shown by Jesus Christ. It is a matter of pride for the country that St. Theresa of Kolkata (Mother Theresa) though not an Indian by birth through her service to the poor and marginalized had earned the crown of sainthood. In this modern world as the atmosphere of hatred and insecurity prevails, all the religions should join together and spread the message of peace and harmony.

 

 

Rev. Moran More Basselius Mar Thoma Paulos II who inaugurate the felicitation function and delivered benedictory address said that Church is the place which provides light to its followers. As Jesus had said, the Church is the place where the poor and marginalized would receive love and service, thus sharing the love of God among these people.

 

Pramod Madhwaraj, Minister-in-charge of the Udupi District who was one of the chief guests of the function, after releasing the souvenir said that the Congress Government of  Karnataka under the leadership of Siddharamaiya has been contributing to the development of the Christian Community  and it has set aside 175 crores of rupees for the renovation of Christian Churches and other  associated projects. The government has granted Rs. 50 lakhs for the renovation of St. Mary’s Cathedral at Brahmavar. 

 

Rev. C.A. Isaac-Vicar General of the Church, Anil Rodrigues-Trustee, Alan Rohan Vaz-Convener of the Building Committee, Ivan Soares- Secretary and Wilson Lewis were honoured during the felicitation programme.

 

The felicitation programme was attended by Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo-Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Rev. Yaqub Mar Elias- Metropolitan of Brahmavar Syrian Orthodox Diocese, Rev. Joseph Mar Deanios-Bishop of Kolkata Diocese, Rev. Geer Varghese Mar Carlios of Mumbai Diocese, Rev. Geer Varghese Mar Yulios of Ahmadabad Diocese,  Rev. Abraham Mar Seraphim of Bengalore Diocese, Naveen nayak-Presdient of Varamballi Grama Panchayat, Rev. Dr. M.O. Jhon, Haji K. Ismail Naund, Rev. Lawrence D’Souza, Rev. David Crasta, Rev. Abraham Kuriakos, Rev. Noel Lewis. Rev. Joseph Chaco and others. 

 

Rev. C.A. Isaac, Vicar General of the Church welcomed the gathering. Trustee Anil Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks and Anil Lobo and Aroor Thimmappa Shetty compeered the programme.

 

The blessing and dedication of the renovated St. Mary’s Cathedral was done in the morning at 6.30 am. The religious service was conducted by  Most Rev. Moran More Basselius Mar Thoma Paulos II, the head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Following the vigil at night and morning prayers the ritual of sanctification of the church was undertaken. The Crucifix was installed and the holy mass was offered. On this occasion, St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Cathedral was proclaimed as the Holy Pilgrimage Centre by  Mar Thoma Paulos II.