The Hindu : Kerala / Pathanamthitta News : Newly-ordained bishops felicitated

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Sunday, Mar 06, 2005

Kerala

Kerala - Pathanamthitta

Newly-ordained bishops felicitated

By Our Staff Reporter

PATHANAMTHITTA, MARCH 5. The newly ordained bishops of the Malankara Orthodox Church, Augen Mar Dioneseus, Gabriel Mar Gregorios, Juhanon Mar Chrisostom, and Zacharia Mar Theophelus were given a rousing reception immediately after their ordination ceremony at the St. Paul's and St. Peter's Church at Parumala on the banks of the Pampa river this afternoon.

The Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, inaugurated the felicitation meet inside the church. Thousands of faithful from different parts of the State congregated at the church to witness the consecration and to participate in the reception today.

The senior metropolitan of the Church, Geevarghese Mar Osthatheos, presided over the function. The Catholicos designate, Thomas Mar Theotheos, delivered the benedictory speech.

The supreme head of the Malankara Mar Thoma Church, Philipose Mar Chrisostum, delivered the keynote address.

The Thiruvalla Bishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, Isaac Mar Cleemis, Issac Mar Peelexinos Episcopa, the Bishop-designate of the Mar Thoma Church, K.U. Abraham Ramban, the Orthodox Church secretary, Alexander Karackal, the public relations officer Jose Parakakdavil, and the clergy trustee, O. Thomas, addressed the gathering.

Mar Chrisostum released a fortnightly brought out by the Malankara Orthodox Church, `Malankara Sabha Dwaivarika', by handing over a copy to Thomas Macharios Metropolitan.

The Parumala Seminary manager, Christophorus Ramban, also spoke. The newly ordained bishop, Zacharias Mar Theophelus, delivered the reply speech.