Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios Elevated to Venerable Status

In a significant announcement today, Pope Francis elevated Archbishop Geevarghese Mor Ivanios, the pioneering figure of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, to the esteemed status of Venerable, marking a significant step towards his eventual canonization as a saint.

A celebratory Holy Qurbana will be held at 4:00 PM at the Pattom Cathedral tomorrow (15th March, 2023), followed by a prayer service at the tomb of the late archbishop, honoring his memory and legacy. This event, open to all, invites the clergy to join in unity with the laity to mark this joyful occasion.

Archbishop Ivanios was affectionately known as the “Newman of the East,” for his striking parallels to Cardinal John Henry Newman of the West. Much like Newman, Archbishop Ivanios was a powerful force for religious renewal and unity within the Christian community. His advocacy for a return to Catholic unity mirrors Cardinal Newman’s own journey towards Catholicism, having initially been a prominent figure in the Anglican Church. Born as Panikkervettil Thomas Panicker Geevarghese on September 21, 1882, in Mavelikkara, India, he embarked on a remarkable journey that would see him become an inspiration of spiritual leadership in the region.

“The announcement of Archbishop Mar Ivanios’s advancement towards sainthood has filled our hearts with boundless elation.” Major Archbishop Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, echoed the sentiments of the entire Syro-Malankara Catholic Church when he expressed the collective exhilaration at this blessed revelation.

“The proclamation that Archbishop Mar Ivanios, our beloved Shepherd and Servant of God, has been acknowledged as Venerable by the Holy See ignites in us a profound gratitude and joy,” remarked Cardinal Cleemis. “It is the testament to his heroic virtues; his steadfast dedication to Divine Providence, his deep and unwavering unity with the Holy See and the broader Catholic Church, and the sanctity of his personal life devoted to piety and righteousness.”

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis continued, “Our Church has engaged in earnest and fervent prayer over many years, and now, at this historic moment, we are privileged to revere our spiritual patriarch as Venerable Father. This is not only an accolade for the Malankara Church but also a sanctification of Mar Ivanios’s holy life. We stand in gratitude to the Holy See and to His Holiness, the Pope, for this profound act of recognition and appreciation.”

Mar Ivanios’ legacy is deeply intertwined with the establishment of the Order of the Imitation of Christ, popularly known as Bethany Ashram, for men, and the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ, known as Bethany Madhom, for women. These congregations, founded in 1919, stand as a testament to Archbishop Ivanios’ commitment to fostering spiritual growth and community service.

The archbishop’s path to sainthood began with his declaration as a Servant of God in 2007, marking the first phase in the canonization process. Today’s announcement acknowledges his heroic virtues and exemplary life, paving the way for further recognition of his sanctity.

Archbishop Ivanios’ journey was marked by significant milestones, including his pivotal role in the Reunion Movement of the 1920s within the Malankara Orthodox Church. His decision to lead the movement towards full communion with the Catholic Church in 1930 was a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to Christian unity.

Throughout his life, Archbishop Ivanios championed Catholic education, founding numerous institutions to nurture the minds and souls of young people. His contributions to academia, including the establishment of a college in Thiruvananthapuram, underscored his commitment to holistic education and intellectual growth.

The process of becoming a saint involves several stages, beginning with the declaration of Servant of God, followed by recognition of heroic virtues leading to the title of Venerable. The next steps include beatification, whereby the candidate is declared Blessed, and finally, canonization, which confers the status of saint.

As a Venerable, Archbishop Geevaghese Mor Ivanios joins the ranks of those whose lives exemplify profound holiness and dedication to the Christian faith. His journey towards sainthood serves as an inspiration to believers worldwide, reflecting the enduring power of faith and the transformative impact of a life lived in service to others.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, rooted in the apostolic tradition of Saint Thomas the Apostle, celebrates Archbishop Ivanios’ elevation with joy and gratitude, recognizing him as a spiritual luminary whose legacy continues to illuminate the path of faith for generations to come. For those who wish to be part of the historical commemoration, the services at Pattom Cathedral will serve as an opportunity to pay homage to a life dedicated to the glory of God and the service of his people.