18th Feast of Commemoration of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church celebrated the 18th Feast of Commemoration of His Grace Benedict Mar Gregorios, the Second Metropolitan Archbishop, on 9 & 10 October 2012.  The celebration started with the ‘Santhi Yathra’ inaugurated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios from St. Thomas Church, Nalanchira to the Tomb of Mar Gregorios  at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, at 5 p,m, on 9 October. Rev. priests, religious, social and political leaders and faithful participated in the ‘Santhi Yathra’ . It was followed by evening prayer and Dhoopaprarthana at the Tomb Chapel. His Excellency Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom was the main celebrant of the Holy Qurbono at 7a.m, on 10 October. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios delivered the homily during the Holy Qurbono. Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios, Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos and many Rev. Priests concelebrated in the Holy Qurbono. It was followed by the Dhoopaprarthana.  YOGI (Youth Orientation Group for India) distributed saplings of trees under the leadership of Very Rev. Fr. Jose Mariadas OIC, Superior General of the Order of the Imitation of Christ, in honour of late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios who was a true lover of nature and trees. Religious and faithful participated in the celebration.