Mannar, 21st January 2024: The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church community in Sharjah celebrated the realization of their dream project with the inauguration of the Ivaniyan Bhavan, a significant housing initiative in Mannar under the Thiruvalla Archdiocese. His Excellency Thomas Mar Koorilos presided over the consecration ceremony on January 21st (Sunday) at 4 PM, marking a joyous occasion for the church and its patrons.
The community’s long-cherished vision of Ivaniyan Bhavan came to fruition with the completion of the first house, blessed amidst a ceremony of grace and divine care. The project’s success is attributed to the collective effort and unwavering dedication of the church members, who have extended their support in various capacities.
As the Sharjah Syro-Malankara Catholic Church extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this noble cause, they also pray for the continued blessings of the Lord on all future endeavors related to the project. The Ivaniyan Bhavan stands as a testament to the unity and spirit of service that permeates the Syro-Malankara Catholic community, both at home in Kerala and abroad.
Singapore – St Mary’s Syro Malankara Catholic Mission in Singapore is gearing up to celebrate its 5-year jubilee with an eagerly anticipated event titled “The Radiant Revival.” Scheduled for January 28, 2024, at St Francis Xavier Major Seminary on Upper Bukit Timah Road, this upcoming event promises to be a grand celebration of faith, fellowship, and community spirit.
The jubilee celebration, set to unfold on a serene Sunday evening, will be graced by the presence of His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. His Beatitude’s participation is expected to add a profound spiritual dimension to the event. The solemn Eucharistic Celebration, to be led by His Beatitude, will reflect the deep-rooted traditions and rich liturgical heritage of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.
The event will transition into a vibrant social gathering following the Eucharistic service, fostering a sense of unity and joy among the attendees. The dinner and fellowship segment of the evening will provide an opportunity for community members to interact, share stories, and strengthen bonds. The atmosphere is anticipated to be one of jubilant celebration, with attendees relishing the array of cuisines and partaking in meaningful conversations.
“The Radiant Revival is not just a celebration of our past but a beacon for our future,” a senior member of the Mission commented, reflecting on the journey of the Syro Malankara Catholic community in Singapore. The event is set to highlight the community’s growth, its contributions to the local society, and its vision for the coming years.
The jubilee will also be an occasion to acknowledge the contributions of the Mission’s members in various capacities, from organizing community services to participating in interfaith dialogues. “This upcoming event is a testament to our community’s resilience, faith, and commitment to serving not just our members but also the wider society,” remarked another attendee.
As preparations for the evening are underway, there is a palpable sense of accomplishment and hope among the community members. The Radiant Revival is poised to successfully commemorate the 5-year journey of St Mary’s Syro Malankara Catholic Mission in Singapore, setting a foundation for future endeavors and continued spiritual and community engagement.
The community looks forward to this special occasion with heartfelt anticipation, ready to reaffirm its commitment to continue its journey of faith, service, and community building. St Mary’s Syro Malankara Catholic Mission eagerly awaits the celebration of many more years of fruitful presence and positive impact in Singapore and beyond.
Elmont, NY, January 20, 2024: The St. Mary, Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in the USA and Canada celebrated the blessing and inauguration of their new Pastoral Center Auditorium with a ceremony held on January 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM in Elmont, New York.
The event took place at 1500 Depaul Street and marked a significant milestone for the local Catholic community. The inauguration began with the blessing of the auditorium, followed by a public meeting, an array of entertainments, and concluded with a communal lunch.
The Most Reverend Philipos Mar Stephanos, Bishop of the Syro Malankara Eparchy in the USA and Canada, presided over the ceremony. In his message, he expressed his delight in inviting the lay faithful, religious, and priests of the Eparchy to the special occasion. The bishop emphasized the importance of the new center as a hub for pastoral activities and community gatherings.
The event drew a considerable number of attendees who were eager to witness the opening of the new facility, which is expected to enhance the church’s capacity to serve its congregation and host various religious and cultural events.
Fr. Noby Ayyaneth, the Pastoral Center Director, was among the notable figures who attended the event. He, along with the bishop and other church officials, welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude for the support and prayers received from the community.
The inauguration of the Pastoral Center Auditorium was a testament to the growth and vibrancy of the Syro-Malankara Catholic community in North America. The new auditorium is poised to become a cornerstone for future events and a place where faith and fellowship can flourish.
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – The 6th edition of the Basilian Quiz, an annual competition organized by the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) of the Kilimanoor Ecclesiastical District, was held with great enthusiasm at St. John’s Malankara Medical Village in Pirappancode. The event, held in memory of Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos, the first Major Archbishop of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, saw a robust participation from over 25 teams.
The quiz competition was inaugurated by Monsignor Dr. Varghese Attupurathu Corepiscopa, the Chief Vicar General of the Trivandrum Major Archdiocese. His address highlighted the importance of such events in promoting knowledge and fellowship among the youth of the Church. The presence of other dignitaries like Fr. Jose Kizhakkedath Achhan, the Vicar of Kilimanoor Ecclesiastical District, and Sister Berchmans S.I.C., the sister of Cyril Baselios Catholicos, added to the solemnity of the occasion.
The event was further graced by the speeches of Fr. Antony Chamavilayil, the District Director of MCYM, and Sijo Joseph, the newly appointed President of MCYM in the Trivandrum Major Archdiocese. They spoke about the role of youth in the Church and the importance of their active participation in its spiritual and social life.
The competition was intense and intellectually stimulating, with Mannanthala Unit from Trivandrum Major Archdiocese securing the first place. The Puthur Unit from the Mavelikkara Diocese and the Manjakkal Unit from the Trivandrum Major Archdiocese followed closely, clinching the second and third positions, respectively. Velloorkonam Unit and Aryanad Unit also performed exceptionally well, bagging the fourth and fifth positions.
The quiz master, Laiju Koshy Mathew, efficiently steered the contest, challenging the participants with a range of questions that covered various aspects of the church’s teachings and history. The successful conduct of the quiz underscored the commitment of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church in nurturing the intellectual and spiritual growth of its youth.
Bengaluru: The annual conference of the Malankara Catholic Association (MCA) will commence tomorrow and continue until the 21st of this month at St. John’s Medical College Annex, Bangalore. Assembly members from various dioceses of the Malankara Church, including Thiruvananthapuram Archdiocese, Thiruvalla Archdiocese, Marthandom, Parassala, Mavelikkara, Moovattupuzha, Pathanamthitta, Bathery, Delhi-Gurgaon, Pune-Khadki, and Puttur, will participate in the conference. On the 20th, the Holy Mass will be celebrated by Abun Joshua Mor Ignathios, Chairman of the Laity Commission.
As part of the event, there will be a commemoration of the blessed Cyril Mar Baselios Catholicos. Mon. Dr. Eldo Puthenkandathil, Corepiscopa, will raise the flag, and Regi Koshy will administer the oath. The public meeting chaired by Diocesan President Adv. Abraham M. Pattiyani will feature a welcome address by M. Baiju, President of the Puttur Diocese. The inauguration will be conducted by Abun Geevarghese Mor Makarios, the Bishop of Puttur Diocese.
The event will also have speeches by Fr. Mathews Kuzhivila, the Diocesan Advisor, Anto Antony, Vice President of CCI, and P.K. Cheriyan, Treasurer. Presentations of diocesan reports from various organizations like KCBC, ICF, MCMF, MCYM, CBCI will take place. Speakers including Polraj, Priya Thomas, and Prakash will address the gathering.
Moreover, the 15th-anniversary celebrations of the Puttur Diocese will be a highlight of the conference. On the 21st, His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, will celebrate the Holy Mass, marking the culmination of the event.
The Malankara Catholic Association plays a crucial role in the community life of the Malankara Catholic Church, fostering spiritual growth and social engagement among its members. The annual conference is a significant event, bringing together members from various dioceses to discuss, plan, and set the course for the upcoming year’s activities and initiatives. This year’s conference, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the Puttur Diocese, adds a celebratory and reflective dimension to the proceedings.
Pattom, Trivandrum: The Syro Malankara Catholic Church solemnly observed the 17th memorial of Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos, its first Major Archbishop and Catholicos, on January 18, 2024, at Pattom St. Mary’s Major Archepiscopal Cathedral. The commemoration began on January 17 with an evening prayer and continued with a special incense prayer at the tomb.
On the memorial day, January 18, the faithful gathered for morning prayers at 6:30 AM, followed by the Holy Mass and incense prayer at the tomb. The ceremonies were led by His Excellency Joshua Mar Ignathios, the Metropolitan, who also presided over the main celebration. His Excellency Samuel Mar Irenios, Metropolitan, delivered a poignant remembrance message during the service.
Several other dignitaries, including His Excellency Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, His Excellency Yoohanon Mar Chrisostom, His Excellency Mathews Mar Polycarpos, and His Excellency Antony Mar Silvanos, attended the commemoration. The event was also graced by the presence of the newly appointed Metropolitan for the Pune-Kadki St. Ephrem Eparchy, the Venerable Mathai Kadavil Ramban, along with esteemed priests and religious sisters. Faithful from various parishes, seminarians, and laypeople participated in the commemorative events.
The memorial served as a profound occasion to honor the legacy of Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos, who played a pivotal role in the spiritual and organizational growth of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church. His contributions to the church’s development and his commitment to nurturing its faith and traditions were remembered and celebrated by the community.
The event at Pattom St. Mary’s Major Archepiscopal Cathedral not only reflected on the past achievements of the late Catholicos but also reinforced the unity and faith of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church as it continues to thrive and make significant contributions to the Christian community at large.
The Jesus Youth group warmly invites everyone to participate in the Marian Night Vigil, a night of worship and prayer, scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 18, from 7:30 PM to 12:00 AM at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium, Bahrain. This special event is a time for the community to gather and experience spiritual renewal under the guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The vigil’s theme, “Do whatever He tells you,” reflects the call to transform homes from places of distress to spaces filled with the presence of God, echoing the words of the Blessed Mother. Attendees will have the opportunity to “listen to what He says” throughout the night, deepening their spiritual journey.
The night’s program includes a Rosary procession, praise and worship led by the Jy Music Ministry, and a homily delivered by Fr. Jacob Kalluvila. Participants will also engage in adoration led by Fr. Joseph and intercessory prayer conducted by Bro. Vimal Thomas. The highlight of the evening will be the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Francis.
The Night Vigil offers a unique opportunity to dedicate and pray for each participant, seeking the intercession of the Holy Mother. Organizers encourage everyone to join in prayer, hoping that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, all attendees will receive abundant blessings.
This Marian Night Vigil is a chance to come together in faith, listen to the word of God, and experience the transformative power of prayer. Everyone is welcome to be a part of this spiritual gathering, to strengthen their faith and find peace in the presence of the Holy Mother.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church recently bid farewell to a cherished priest, Reverend Father Dharmaraj T., who passed away on January 17, 2024, at the age of 56. Father Dharmaraj was a respected figure in the Church, known for his passionate preaching and his role as a bridge to many faithful embracing the Catholic faith following the historic reunion of 1930 in the Indian Church.
Born on May 25, 1967, in Chempoor, Father Dharmaraj initially joined the Evangelical Church of India (ESI) in 1992 and served in various roles, including theological studies at Adoor Marthoma Seminary, Kannamoola K.U.T. Seminary, and Madras Bible Seminary. His journey to Catholicism, driven by a sincere quest for truth and guided by the Holy Spirit, led him to embrace the Catholic Church along with his family in 1997, under the auspices of Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios.
A married priest, Father Dharmaraj was initially met with curiosity and skepticism. However, his missionary zeal transcended these challenges, marking him as a significant figure in the Malankara Syriac Catholic Church’s history. His ordination in the Church, sanctioned by Pope John Paul II, was a testament to his deep faith and commitment.
Father Dharmaraj’s tenure in the Church saw him actively participating in establishing and strengthening numerous congregations, akin to the efforts of St. Paul. He served in various parishes including Panth, Kuttamala, Vazhichal, Valiyamala, Cherukode, and Kattakada, among others. His dedication to spreading the Gospel was evident in his constant travels to various churches, preaching and witnessing the truth of the faith.
The Church, deeply saddened by his loss, is organizing his funeral rites on January 21, 2024. The mortal remains will be brought to his residence in Kattakada on January 20th, allowing the community to pay their respects.
Father Dharmaraj’s life was a blend of ordinary human experiences and extraordinary spiritual dedication. He was a man who rejoiced in small joys and felt deeply for minor sorrows, yet his love for the Gospel and Christ was paramount. His role as a gateway for many to the Catholic Church and his active witness of Christ’s teachings make his contribution to the Church’s history and the mission of the Parassala and Trivandrum Major Archdioceses invaluable.
In his sunset years, despite physical ailments, Father Dharmaraj remained a vibrant apostolic figure, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched. The Church and its faithful will remember him as a devout servant of Christ, a passionate preacher, and a loving priest. His peaceful journey into eternity leaves a lasting legacy, and the Church echoes the sentiment, “Honorable Priest of Christ, go forth in peace.”
Funeral arrangements are as previously detailed, with the final rites led by Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius, the Metropolitan of Parassala Diocese. The Church extends its heartfelt condolences to his family – his wife Mrs. Elisabeth, daughter Aneeta Elisabeth, and son Jobin D. Alex – and to all those who mourn his loss.
Most portions of the extended obituary were penned by Fr. Prabheesh George, Mission Coordinator, Parassala Diocese in Malayalam.
Original Obituary
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is in mourning following the passing of Reverend Father Dharmaraj T. on January 17, 2024. At the age of 56, Father Dharmaraj left an indelible mark through his service in various capacities across numerous parishes including Panth, Kuttamala, Vazhichal, Valiyamala, Cherukode, Kalliyal, Kuttichal, Kottoor, Marakkunnam, Tholikkalkonam, Kattakada, Pappanamcode, Anavoor, Chempoor, Ottashekaramangalam, and Vattapparamb. He was ordained as a priest on April 1, 2000, and since then has dedicatedly served the Church and its community.
Father Dharmaraj was deeply respected for his devout service, particularly known for actively leading retreats, Bible classes, and one-day spiritual programs, profoundly impacting those he taught and guided. His insightful and beneficial teachings in Bible classes were especially renowned among the faithful.
The Church, along with its members, deeply mourns this loss and extends an invitation to the faithful to pray for the repose of his soul. His demise is felt profoundly by the Church and the community he loyally served.
The funeral rites for Father Dharmaraj will be held on January 21, 2024, under the principal celebrant His Excellency Thomas Mar Eusebius, the Metropolitan of the Parassala Diocese. The mortal remains of Father Dharmaraj will be brought to his residence in Kattakada on January 20th, 2024, at 5:00 PM, providing an opportunity for the community to pay their last respects and offer prayers.
Detailed Funeral Arrangements:
The mortal remains of Father Dharmaraj will be brought to his residence in Kattakada on January 20th, 2024, Saturday, at 3:30 PM.
Funeral rites will commence with the following schedule:
Saturday:
4:00 PM – Service by Msgr. Stephen Kulathumkarottu (Vicar General, Mavelikkara)
5:00 PM – Service by Msgr. Selin Jose (Vicar General, Parassala)
6:30 PM – Service by Mathews Mar Polycarpos (Auxiliary Bishop, Trivandrum)
8:00 PM – Service by Fr. Prabheesh George (Mission Coordinator, Parassala)
9:00 PM – Service by Msgr. Thomas Kayyalackal (Vicar General, Trivandrum)
Sunday:
9:30 AM – Service by Fr. Bernard Valiyavila (Finance Officer, Parassala)
11:30 AM – Service by Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Thiruvalil OIC (Provincial Superior, Nalanchira)
1:00 PM – Final service by Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius (Metropolitan, Parassala)
The Church and its members remember Father Dharmaraj for his unwavering faith, guidance, and service. The Major Archdiocese extends its heartfelt condolences and pays tribute to the departed soul, expressing gratitude for his spiritual leadership. In this time of sorrow, the community reflects on Father Dharmaraj’s life and contributions, seeking solace in prayer and faith. His memory will continue to inspire those he touched through his ministry.
Kochi: Chevalier Prof. Abraham Arakkal, who was a prominent figure in the fields of education, history, literature, and journalism, passed away on Tuesday night at a private hospital in Kochi. He was 86 years old and had been suffering from age-related ailments.
Prof. Arakkal was born in Alappuzha to the illustrious Arakkal family, which traces its roots to the royal dynasty of Arakkal in Kannur. His father, the late Eapen Arakkal, was a former MLA and a freedom fighter, and his mother, the late Eliyamma Eapen, was a retired teacher and a social worker.
Prof. Arakkal had a distinguished academic career, graduating with honors from St. Joseph’s College in Trichy and obtaining his master’s degree from Madras University. He started his teaching career as a lecturer at Fatima College in Madurai and later became the principal of several reputed colleges in Kerala, such as St. Michael’s College in Alappuzha, Government Victoria College in Palakkad, and Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam. He also served as a member of the Senate of Kerala University and the Syndicate of Calicut University.
Prof. Arakkal was a prolific writer and a renowned historian, specializing in the history of the Indian Church and the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. He authored several books and articles on various topics, such as the history of the Latin Catholics in Kerala, the role of the Portuguese in the Indian Church, the life and work of Archbishop Mar Ivanios, and the history of the Cochin Diocese. He was also the chief editor of two publications of the Cochin Diocese, namely ‘Indian Communicator’ and ‘Sadhvarta’.
Prof. Arakkal was a recipient of many honors and awards for his outstanding contributions to the society and the Church. He was conferred the title of Chevalier by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 for his exemplary service to the Catholic Church. He also received the Guru Shreshta Award from the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRSLCC), the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Church History Association of India, and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his book ‘The History of the Latin Catholics of Kerala’.
Prof. Arakkal was also a leader of various organizations and associations, such as the Government College Teachers’ Organisation, the Private College Management Association, the Catholic Council of India, the Church History Association of India, and the National Advisory Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).
Prof. Arakkal is survived by his son, Dr. Eapen Arakkal, a cardiologist, his daughter-in-law, Dr. Anu Eapen, a gynecologist, and his grandchildren, Anna and Aaron. His wife, Rini Abraham, a retired teacher, predeceased him in 2019.
The funeral service of Prof. Arakkal will be held at the Mount Carmel Cathedral in Alappuzha on Saturday at 9 am, followed by the burial at the family cemetery. The funeral will be attended by several dignitaries, including the Governor of Kerala, the Chief Minister of Kerala, the Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and the Bishop of Cochin.
Prof. Arakkal’s death has been mourned by many people from different walks of life, who expressed their condolences and tributes to the departed soul. Prof. Arakkal was widely regarded as a visionary educationist, a scholarly historian, a gifted writer, and a noble human being. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his students, colleagues, friends, and admirers.
Kottayam: The Congregation of the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ (SIC), also known as the Bethany Sisters, entered its centenary year with joyous celebrations. Marking this milestone, the congregation’s headquarters, Bethany Generalate, witnessed the inauguration of a centenary memorial by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.
Founded in 1925 by Servant of God Mar Ivanios in Thiruvalla, Kerala, the Bethany Sisters are the first women’s religious congregation in the Malankara Church. Mar Ivanios firmly believed that spiritual renewal within the church could only be achieved through dedicated men and women.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, Mar Ivanios established the congregation as a source of spiritual strength and renewal for the church. His historic reunification with the Catholic Church occurred on September 20, 1930. Following in the footsteps of the founder, the first ten members of the congregation reunited with the Catholic Church on September 22, 1930.
Today, the Bethany Sisters remain a vibrant force within the Malankara Church, with over 804 sisters serving across five provinces: Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvalla, Bathery, Pathanamthitta, and Muvattupuzha. Their dedication extends beyond India, with Bethany Sisters actively serving in Germany, the United States, Italy, Switzerland, Ethiopia, and South Africa.
The sisters contribute significantly to various sectors, playing an important role in education, healthcare, and social service. Their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to their faith have touched countless lives over the past century.
The centenary celebrations of the Bethany Sisters mark a momentous occasion for the Malankara Church and the wider community. As the congregation looks towards the future, one can only expect their service and dedication to continue, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and compassion for generations to come.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Cardinal Cleemis praised the Bethany Sisters for their commitment to the church and to the wider community. He said that the congregation is a shining example of the power of faith and dedication.
“The Bethany Sisters have been a source of inspiration and strength to the Malankara Church for over a century,” he said. “Their work in education, healthcare, and social service has touched the lives of countless people. I am confident that the congregation will continue to serve the church and the community with the same dedication and commitment in the years to come.”
The Bethany Sisters are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their centenary. They are committed to continuing their service to the church and the community for many years to come.
![Reverend Father Dharmaraj T. (56) Passes Away [Extended Obituary]](https://www.syromalankara.church/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Fr.-Dharmaraj-T.jpg "Reverend Father Dharmaraj T. (56) Passes Away [Extended Obituary]")
