On the bright morning of 8th June 2025, the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) of the London Region gathered at St. Joseph Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Dagenham, to inaugurate their 2025 Action Plan and conduct the oath ceremony of the newly elected Executive Committee. This solemn occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius, the Eparchial Bishop of Muvattupuzha, whose spiritual guidance uplifted the entire assembly.
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius solemnly released the Karmapath entitled “Arche”, signalling the commencement of a year devoted to the harmonious integration of prayer, service, and personal growth. This initiative stands as a beacon for the youth, inviting them to journey steadfastly in faith and action, nurturing their spiritual lives alongside their communal responsibilities.
The atmosphere was charged with a sense of dedication as the Karmapath was unveiled, inspiring the young faithful to embrace their spiritual path with renewed zeal and commitment. The theme underscored the profound necessity of walking the path of faith not as mere obligation but as a heartfelt vocation.
The executive team extended their deepest gratitude to His Excellency for honouring the event with his presence. Appreciation was also conveyed to Rev. Dr. Kuriakose Thadathil, Special Pastor and Ecclesiastical Coordinator, Fr. Jibu Mathew, Director of MCYM, Fr. Johnson Pezhumkkoottathil O.I.C., Director of MCYM London Region, and Fr. Kuriakose Thiruvalil, Parish Vicar and Director of Suviseshasangam. Their spiritual leadership and pastoral care remain pillars supporting the youth movement.
The committee also acknowledged the invaluable support of the National Council Members, Mrs. Jubi Renjit and Mr. Rocky Chempothinal, Animators of MCYM London Region, along with all committee members, MCYM members of East London Mission, and the parishioners whose collective prayers and encouragement continue to nurture the flourishing of this vibrant community.
The MCYM London Region looks forward to walking the 2025 year with renewed enthusiasm, united in their mission to live and witness the Gospel with joyful hearts and unwavering faithfulness.
The year 2025 has witnessed a remarkable celebration of steadfast service and dedication as Dr. Shibu Zachariah, a devoted member of the Syro Malankara Catholic community in the United Arab Emirates, was honoured with the prestigious title “Bar Etho Kasiro”—The Diligent Son of Our Church. This rare and venerable accolade, conferred by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, recognises his relentless commitment and exemplary leadership across multiple spheres of Church life.
Earlier this year, Dr. Zachariah became the first individual from the UAE and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council region to receive this distinction, an achievement that has brought immense pride to the Malankara faithful in the diaspora.
On June 6, 2025, the Malankara Catholic Council, UAE, organised a felicitous event in Jebel Ali to honour Dr. Zachariah’s years of dedicated service. Venerable Thundiyath Cor Episcopo presided over the ceremony, presenting Dr. Zachariah with a Memento in recognition of his outstanding contributions. The occasion was marked by deep respect and affection, symbolised by Rev. Fr. Johnson Puthupparambil’s presentation of the traditional ponnada in tribute to his tireless efforts.
On the very same day, the community of St Michael’s Church in Sharjah also held a grand felicitation ceremony, further highlighting the high esteem in which Dr. Zachariah is held. The event was graced by Rt. Rev. John Thundiyath Co-Episcopa, who led the proceedings with solemnity and warmth. The Vice President, Mr. Jogi Mathew, welcomed Dr. Zachariah with a floral bouquet, while Secretary Mr. Saju Thankachan honoured him with a commemorative memento.
In his gracious and heartfelt response, Dr. Zachariah expressed profound humility upon receiving the title. He reflected on the special significance of being recognised for his efforts in supporting the needy and underprivileged, reaffirming his resolve to continue serving with compassion and dedication.
Dr. Zachariah’s journey is marked by notable leadership roles, including his tenure as General Secretary of the Central Committee from 2018 to 2020, and his current position as Executive Member of the Malankara Catholic Council. A resident of the UAE for over thirty-five years, he remains an active and cherished member of the Sharjah Malankara Catholic community, hailing originally from Kallissery, Chengannur.
His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos’s conferral of “Bar Etho Kasiro” on Dr. Zachariah affirms not only a lifetime of diligent service but also the enduring spirit of faith and commitment that defines the Malankara Catholic diaspora in the Gulf. The dual ceremonies serve as a testament to the deep respect and gratitude the Church holds for those who labour selflessly to nurture the community and uphold its mission far from their ancestral homeland.
As Dr. Zachariah continues his ministry among the faithful, his example inspires many to embrace the call of service with zeal, humility, and unwavering faith. This recognition also highlights the vibrant presence of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church in the Gulf region, a beacon of spiritual nourishment and communal strength.
In a spirit of unity and devotion, the Syro Malankara Catholic Church convened a significant meeting to discuss the arrangements for the upcoming 45th Pilgrimage Walk (Padayatra), held in honour of the 72nd Memorial Feast of His Grace Venerable Archbishop Geevarghese Mor Ivanios. The meeting was called by His Eminence Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the revered head of the Church, urging the faithful to participate with fasting and heartfelt devotion in this cherished tradition.
The gathering took place at the Major Archbishop’s House in Trivandrum on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, bringing together the leaders and representatives of the Trivandrum Major Archdiocese, Pathanamthitta Eparchy, and youth leaders from the wider Church community. His Eminence emphasised the pilgrimage as a collective journey of faith, inviting all participants to embrace it with spiritual discipline and communal harmony.
Among those present were the Vicar Generals of the Trivandrum Major Archdiocese, Very Rev. Mon. Thomas Kayyalakkal, and of the Pathanamthitta Eparchy, Very Rev. Mon. Varghese Mathew Kalayil Vadakkethil. Also attending were the diocesan directors, including Rev. Fr. Prabheesh George, Rev. Fr. Joseph Thottathilkadayil, and assistants such as Rev. Fr. Aloysius Thekkedath and Rev. Fr. Scott Sleeba Pulimuden.
The meeting was further strengthened by the presence of clergy district vicars, laity MCYM leaders including Monu Joseph (President), Linu Daniel (General Secretary), Ranju Puliyil (Treasurer), along with vice presidents, secretaries, and other office bearers from the diocesan and parish levels of both ecclesiastical jurisdictions.
His Eminence’s message was clear: the pilgrimage is not merely a physical journey but a profound act of faith and penance, an opportunity to deepen one’s spiritual commitment and foster unity within the Church.
The pilgrimage walk is scheduled to commence on 10 July 2025, beginning from Peringottukara, Ranni, drawing faithful from across the region to join in this venerable tradition.
The Syro Malankara Catholic faithful eagerly anticipate this sacred journey, seeking through prayer, fasting, and fellowship to honour the memory and legacy of Archbishop Geevarghese Mor Ivanios.
In a heartfelt moment of ecclesial fellowship and growing communion, His Grace Most Rev. Edward Joseph Weisenburger, recently installed Archbishop of Detroit, warmly received His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mor Stephanos, Bishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church’s Eparchy of St. Mary, Queen of Peace, and Rev. Fr. Pathrose Panuel, a dedicated Syro-Malankara priest serving in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
This meeting, which took place on June 3, 2025, is believed to mark Bishop Philipos Mor Stephanos’s first official visit to Archbishop Weisenburger following the latter’s installation as Archbishop on March 18, 2025. Archbishop Weisenburger’s appointment on February 11 of this year brought new pastoral leadership to one of America’s prominent Catholic archdioceses.
The encounter was described as a “wonderful visit,” characterised by fraternal dialogue and mutual encouragement. Fr. Pathrose Panuel’s ministry within the Archdiocese has long been a bridge connecting the Syro-Malankara faithful with the broader Catholic community in the region, and the presence of Bishop Philipos Mor Stephanos underscored the deepening relationships between the Eastern and Latin Catholic Churches in North America.
Bishop Philipos Mor Stephanos shepherds the Syro-Malankara Catholic faithful throughout the United States and Canada, faithfully nurturing the spiritual needs of this vibrant Eastern Catholic community. His visit to Detroit affirms the commitment to communion and collaboration across rites, fostering unity in diversity within the universal Church.
Such meetings not only strengthen bonds of friendship but also exemplify the shared mission of proclaiming the Gospel and serving God’s people with fidelity and love.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic community rejoices in this sign of growing unity and prays for continued blessings upon Archbishop Weisenburger, Bishop Philipos Mor Stephanos, and all who labour in the vineyard of the Lord.
Recently, the parish hall in Damme, Germany, was filled with the joyful fellowship of a special gathering known as the “Breakfast of the India Travellers.” This event brought together participants from all three India pilgrimage trips organised by the local Catholic parish in the years 2017, 2019, and 2022.
Though not members of the Syro Malankara Catholic community themselves, these faithful German Catholics share a heartfelt connection with India through their travels and charitable outreach. Each guest contributed something to a rich and varied buffet, making the breakfast a true celebration of sharing and community. The gathering reflected the warmth and joy that travel and mission work can inspire across cultures.
The gathering was especially honoured by the presence of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mor Irenios, Bishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic Diocese of Pathanamthitta in Kerala— the native diocese of Pastor Abraham Parappallil, who was also present. Bishop Mor Irenios, who was on an official pastoral visit to Germany, took the opportunity to meet with these dedicated travellers.
The Bishop expressed profound appreciation for the group’s ongoing support of the “Help for St. Alphonsa” initiative, a charitable project focused on aiding a retirement home in India. This initiative stands as a testament to the bonds of faith and solidarity that bridge continents and cultures.
Pastors Abraham Parappallil and Heiner Zumdohme, alongside Bishop Mor Irenios, shared in the spirit of gratitude and encouragement, recognising the importance of such friendships in building a universal Church.
This heartfelt event served as a reminder that the Church, while rooted in tradition and local communities, extends far beyond borders—connecting people in a shared mission of love, support, and mutual respect.
The Syro Malankara Catholic faithful rejoice in this example of international fellowship and pray that such bonds continue to flourish, nurturing faith and charity wherever God’s people gather.
After sixteen years of dedicated and painstaking revision, the Revised POC (Pastoral Orientation Center) Bible was solemnly published at the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council headquarters in Palarivattom, Kochi. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the spiritual and cultural life of the Kerala Catholic faithful, ensuring that the Holy Scriptures continue to nourish the Church with accuracy, clarity, and reverence.
The publication ceremony was led by His Eminence Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), who honoured the occasion by receiving the revised Bible from the hands of Prof. M.K. Sanu, a multifaceted luminary and cultural leader of Kerala. Cardinal Cleemis’s presence underscored the importance of this achievement, recognised as a historical and spiritual landmark for the Syro Malankara Catholic Church and the entire Kerala Catholic community.
The celebration was witnessed by all the bishops of Kerala, Major Superiors of religious congregations, and distinguished guests from various walks of life, whose presence testified to the Bible’s central role in the life of the Church and society.
Long Journey of Revision: A Testament to Faithfulness
The journey towards this revised edition began in earnest in 2008, responding to the call of several previous Popes to ensure that the Scriptures are made available to the faithful in a language and style that is both accurate and accessible. The KCBC, in compliance with these directives, initiated a multi-phase revision process that extended over several years, culminating in the completion of the revised text in 2024.
The need for revising the POC Bible had been discussed as early as 1992. The project gained formal momentum in 2005 when Fr. Dr. Cyrus Velamparambil DTh, then Secretary of the KCBC Bible Commission, submitted a proposal for revision. Subsequently, under the convenership of Fr. Dr. Augustine Mulloor OCD, a team of Bible scholars was assembled, beginning translation work from the original languages and undertaking linguistic refinements.
The team included eminent scholars such as Fr. Dr. Augustine Mulloor OCD, Fr. Dr. Antony T, Fr. Dr. Joseph Thondiparambil, Fr. Dr. Johnson Puthussery CST, Fr. Dr. Kurian Valuparambil, and linguists like Fr. Dr. Cherian Kunianthodath CMI and Chevalier. Prof. Dr. Primus Perinchery, who contributed at various stages. This phase of the New Testament revision was completed and published in 2012.
In 2015, a further project was submitted to KCBC for revising the Old Testament. This involved the dedicated efforts of Fr. Dr. Joshy Mayyattil, Fr. Dr. Joseph Thondiparambil, Bishop Dr. James Raphael Anaparambil, Dr. Abraham Perumattil, Fr Dr. Sebastian Kuttianikal, Fr. Dr. Johnson Puthussery CST, Fr. Dr. Antony Tharekadavil, Fr. Dr. Jacob Prasad, Prof. Dominic P, and others, who together successfully completed the revision of the Old Testament.
The fully revised and refined POC Bible was published in March 2024, after meticulous corrections to translation accuracy and linguistic style.
Meaning and Impact of the Revised Bible
This revised POC Bible is more than a mere textual update; it represents a renewed commitment to the living Word of God as it speaks to the faithful in the Kerala Catholic Church and beyond. It promises to deepen biblical understanding and spiritual growth, fostering a more profound engagement with Scripture across all liturgical traditions.
In his congratulatory address, Bishop James Anaparambil, Chairman of the Bible Commission, welcomed the revision team and all attendees, reminding them of the Bible’s indispensable role in shaping faith and culture. Likewise, Prof. M.K. Sanu, in his felicitations, stressed the enduring relevance of biblical values in cultivating a just and compassionate society.
Voices from the Church
Rev. Fr. Daniel Poovannathil, in his appreciation, emphasised how the revised Bible will assist the faithful in a deeper and more fruitful study of Scripture, nourishing their spiritual lives and strengthening their witness.
Secretaries of the Bible Commission, Rev. Dr. Joju Kokkat, Rev. Dr. Johnson Puthussery, and Rev. Dr. Joshi Mayyattil, reflected on the historical significance, the painstaking efforts, and the pastoral necessity that inspired the revision process.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Tharayil, Director of POC, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all involved in the revision, acknowledging the collective effort required to achieve this momentous accomplishment.
A Gift from the Church to the Faithful
The revised POC Bible stands as an inspiration of faithfulness, scholarship, and pastoral care. It reflects the Kerala Catholic Church’s unwavering dedication to preserving the sacred Scriptures in a form that honours the past while embracing the present and future.
The Kerala Catholic community, through the KCBC and the Bible Commission, celebrates this historic moment with pride and gratitude. The revised POC Bible will continue to serve as an indispensable guide for prayer, teaching, and Christian living, inspiring generations to remain rooted in the Word of God.
May the Word of God continue to illuminate the hearts and minds of the faithful, nurturing the Church as a holy and living witness in the world.
In a significant development for healthcare in the region, the blessing ceremony of the newly completed hospital complex at St. John’s Community Hospital, Karamoodu was solemnly conducted on Monday, 2 June 2025, at 4:00 PM by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the beloved head and spiritual father of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.
This new facility forms a crucial part of the second phase expansion of St. John’s Community Hospital, which began as an annex hospital of the Pirappancode community hospital and has now grown into a central healthcare institution at Karammoodu. The hospital complex was realised through a charity project led by His Beatitude, together with generous support from well-wishers, culminating in an investment of five crore rupees.
The expanded hospital complex is equipped with modern amenities designed to meet diverse medical needs. These include consulting rooms for doctors, an X-ray facility, lift access, a fully equipped operation theatre, fifteen rooms including deluxe rooms, two wards, and a surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), all housed within the newly constructed hospital block.
The hospital, which commenced operations in 2003, now embraces this new infrastructure, enhancing its capacity and services. The Syro Malankara Catholic Church proudly dedicates this expansion to the welfare of the people, reflecting its commitment to holistic care and community service.
Director Fr. Joseph Augustin Kizhakkedathu OIC acknowledged the collaborative efforts that brought this project to fruition and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this noble cause.
The serene hills of Mananthavady witnessed a profound spiritual encounter as His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, made a deeply significant two-day pastoral visit to St. Norbert Priory on May 31 and June 1, 2025. This visit unfolded as a wellspring of spiritual reflection, fraternal warmth, and renewed dedication to religious life among the Norbertine community.
His Beatitude’s arrival, received with heartfelt welcome by Rev. Fr. Francis Allumpuram, symbolised not just a visit but the arrival of a spiritual father whose presence infused the priory with fresh zeal and hope.
Norbertine Community Called to Stand Firm as Guardians of the Church
In a stirring and solemn exhortation, Cardinal Cleemis summoned the Norbertine fathers and brothers to rise as a “Norbertine army to protect the Church.” His words rang with urgency and tenderness, addressing the present-day challenges faced by religious communities—challenges that demand unyielding faith, courage, and fidelity.
He reminded all present that this spiritual strength must flow from the Holy Eucharist, the true source and summit of their life. The Eucharist, he declared, is the wellspring of resilience, the flame that fuels the community’s perseverance in mission and witness.
Far from a call to mere external vigilance, the Cardinal’s charge was an invitation to renewal in prayer, unity, and faithfulness—spiritual weapons destined to safeguard the Church’s mission and sacred traditions.
Moments of Prayerful Encounter and Deepened Reflection
The pastoral visit was marked not only by official addresses but also by moments of intimate prayer and dialogue. His Beatitude engaged with the Norbertine community in personal conversation and shared prayer, offering encouragement and spiritual nourishment.
These interactions became a catalyst for introspection and communal renewal, urging the fathers and brothers to examine their lives and recommit to their vocation with greater passion and humility.
Renewed Zeal to Live the Norbertine Charism
As the visit drew to a close, Fr. Vigil Kizhakkarakkattu conveyed profound gratitude on behalf of the community. He thanked His Beatitude for the spiritual strength and renewed sense of mission instilled during the visit.
Fr. Vigil reaffirmed the community’s resolve to live out their charism with unwavering dedication, meeting the challenges of today’s Church with courage, prayer, and fidelity.
Enduring Impact: Strengthening the Church’s Spiritual Heritage
This pastoral encounter stands as a memorable moment of unity and spiritual reinforcement for the Norbertine fathers and brothers. His Beatitude’s presence fortified their commitment to serve the Church and its faithful—not merely as contemplatives, but as active guardians of the spiritual heritage entrusted to them.
For the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, the visit underscores the essential role of religious communities in bearing witness to Christ’s presence in the world, especially in times marked by change and uncertainty.
May the Norbertines continue to flourish in holiness and zeal, strengthened by this blessing and inspired to be signs of God’s abiding love.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic faithful unite in prayerful support for the Norbertine community, rejoicing in this renewed spirit of service and faithfulness.
The spiritual heart of the Gulf was stirred this week as the faithful of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai welcomed His Excellency Bishop Paolo Martinelli for his annual pastoral visit, a moment of profound grace and unity that deeply touched our Syro-Malankara Catholic community within the parish. Taking place from May 23 to June 1, this year’s visit was themed “Anchored in Hope”, an invitation to all—migrant and native alike—to rediscover their identity in Christ amidst the shifting sands of life in the Arabian Peninsula.
For the Syro-Malankara faithful, who form a vibrant part of the ecclesial mosaic of St. Mary’s, Bishop Paolo’s visit was not merely ceremonial—it was deeply personal. Many among us, worshipping in the West Syriac tradition passed down from St. Thomas the Apostle, found in his words a deep echo of our own longing: for communion, belonging, and holiness, even in lands far from our ancestral home.
Welcoming the Bishop with the Spirit of Antioch
The visit began with a reverent and warm welcome on Sunday by our own Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath Cor Episcopo, Syro-Malankara priest and chaplain for our community in Dubai, accompanied by executive members and parish representatives. Bishop Paolo, arriving at the largest Catholic parish in the world, paused in prayer before the towering crucifix and the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a moment which set the tone for what would unfold: a pastoral encounter grounded in reverence, unity, and deep theological insight.
For us Malankara Catholics—migrants, professionals, workers, and families—this was a moment of the Church seeing us not as an extension of distant dioceses, but as full and living members of the Mystical Body of Christ in the Gulf.
A Shepherd’s Message: On Unity, Hope, and the Journey of Migrants
In his inaugural address, Bishop Paolo delivered a powerful and sobering message that felt written not just for the faithful of Dubai, but especially for those of us who have traversed oceans and borders, carrying our traditions in our hearts. Quoting the inaugural homily of Pope Leo XIV, he reminded the congregation:
“We are not a collection of national churches existing side by side… We form the one mystical body of Christ in the Gulf.”
The words struck home. In an era when cultural lines often divide, and spiritual life can wither in the heat of material pursuits, the bishop called upon us to rediscover what binds us—not heritage, but holiness. He urged us to live our migrant condition as “pilgrims of hope” and posed questions that resounded deeply with many Malankara faithful:
“Are we truly walking and growing in our spiritual life, or are we stuck in worldliness and mediocrity?”
“Are we anchored in true hope, or are we placing our trust in fleeting things like money, power, and career?”
These were not rhetorical flourishes. They were spiritual challenges, lovingly offered by a bishop who sees our struggles not as sociological problems, but as pathways to grace.
A Shared Liturgy, a Shared Witness
Throughout the week, Bishop Paolo met with different ecclesial groups—lay associations, religious orders, and parish clergy. Among them were representatives from our Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Dubai, whose distinct liturgical identity is anchored in the ancient West Syriac tradition. Though liturgically unique, our prayers rose in harmony with the wider Church, expressing our longing to walk together in communion.
The bishop’s emphasis on ecclesial unity within cultural diversity mirrors our own Syro-Malankara understanding of Church—where liturgical beauty and theological depth are not sacrificed for uniformity but are celebrated as gifts to the universal body of Christ.
His reflections on the legacy of Pope Francis, and his joy at the election of Pope Leo XIV, also resonated deeply. Pope Leo’s words—“In the One, We Are All One”—felt especially apt to our situation, reminding us that our life here is not an accident of migration, but a divine calling.
The Syro-Malankara Presence in Dubai: A Church within a Church
Our community, under the pastoral care of Fr. John Thundiyath Cor Episcopo and guided by the larger ecclesial family in communion with His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, continues to thrive within St. Mary’s Parish. Bishop Paolo’s visit reaffirmed the value of this presence.
Our faithful—engineers, nurses, labourers, educators, and families—have preserved the tradition of the Holy Qurbono, catechesis, family units (Kudumbakoottayma), and the West Syriac liturgical life with vigour and faithfulness, despite the challenges of a migrant existence.
In Bishop Paolo’s words, we found affirmation. His homily declared:
“There is no unity stronger than that which is born from Christ’s friendship for us—a unity that overcomes all differences and cultures to make us one body.”
These are not just sentiments—they are theology. And for a Church like ours, which often must explain its difference in a Latin context, such words were healing.
A Church on Pilgrimage: The Jubilee Year as Spiritual Compass
This pastoral visit coincided with the wider observance of the Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope. Bishop Paolo invited us to interpret our daily challenges—distance from home, the pressures of work, the isolation of cultural displacement—as the signs of a holy pilgrimage.
His encouragement to live as “pilgrims of hope” was especially meaningful for us. In our tradition, pilgrimage (thirtha yatra) is not just external; it is a movement of the heart. Here in Dubai, our external journey from India is mirrored by our interior journey toward God.
Closing Reflections: A Malankara Gratitude
The Syro-Malankara Catholic community of Dubai expresses heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Paolo Martinelli for his visit, his message, and his visible embrace of our presence within the wider Church in Arabia. His theology of communion, grounded in Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit, affirms our identity—not as guests in a borrowed parish, but as full members of the Church in this land.
To walk in the Church as migrants is not a burden. It is a vocation. Bishop Paolo reminded us of this truth, one we now carry with even greater clarity and hope.
Let Us Remember
As we continue our mission here in the Gulf, nourished by the West Syriac traditions passed down to us by St. Thomas the Apostle, may we never lose sight of the Church’s heart—unity in Christ.
May the days ahead draw us closer to each other, and closer to the One who unites us all.
Anchored in Hope, we journey on—one faith, one Church, one Spirit.
On a blessed morning at the Jeevaram Bethany Ashram, Mavelikara, four young brothers of the Order of the Imitation of Christ (OIC) received the Minor Orders in a sacred ceremony filled with prayer, solemnity, and joyous fellowship. The event took place at 6:30 AM on 31 May 2025, marking an important step in the religious journey of these dedicated candidates.
The Minor Orders were conferred by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal See of Trivandrum, who officiated the ceremony with profound solemnity and paternal care.
Among the candidates, Bro. Abraham Shince OIC stood out as he received this sacred milestone alongside his fellow brothers Bro. Vibin Wilson OIC, Bro. Stanly Thomas OIC, and Bro. John Mathew OIC—all of whom have shown deep commitment to the charism and spiritual heritage of the Order of the Imitation of Christ.
he ceremony was further honoured by the presence of Rev. Fr. Cyril Anand Moroth OIC, Provincial Superior of Bethany Ashram Navajeevan Province, who extended his pastoral guidance and heartfelt encouragement to the brothers as they embraced this significant milestone in their religious formation. Accompanied by numerous priests, alongside family and friends, Fr. Cyril Anand Moroth’s esteemed role as a spiritual mentor within the Bethany community added profound depth to this sacred celebration, witnessed with joy and reverence by all present.
The atmosphere at Jeevaram Bethany Ashram was one of reverence and joyful hope, as the community came together to pray for these brothers—entrusting them to God’s grace as they prepare to serve the Church with renewed zeal and fidelity.
This milestone in the lives of Bro. Abraham Shince and his companions reflects the vibrant spiritual life flourishing within the Syro Malankara Catholic Church’s monastic and religious families. It serves as a testament to the ongoing renewal of religious vocations and the enduring legacy of the Order of the Imitation of Christ in nurturing those called to live the Gospel with humility, prayerfulness, and self-sacrifice.
As these young brothers continue their path toward full religious profession, the Syro Malankara Catholic faithful offer their prayers and blessings, confident that their dedication will bear fruit for the Church and the wider community.
