Consecration of St. Nicholas Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Keerikuzhi

The consecration (Koothasa) of the newly constructed St. Nicholas Malankara Syrian Catholic Church in Keerikuzhi, under the Kazhakootam Vicariate of the Major Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, was held on September 14, 2024, at 3:00 PM. The consecration ceremony was led by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church. Assisting in the sacred service was His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram.

The consecration was attended by several key clergy members, including:

• Rt. Rev. Dr. Varkey Attupurath Corepiscopo, Vicar General of the Major Archdiocese
• Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Kayyalakkal
• V. Rev. Philipose Ramban
• Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Poovannal, Episcopal Vicar for Charity of the Major Archdiocese
• Very Rev. Dr. John Kuttiyil, Chancellor
• Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Koshy Issac Punnamoottil, Finance Officer
• Rev. Fr. Varghese Pullumvila Thekkethil, Assistant Finance Officer
• Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Venmanath, Judicial Vicar and Kazhakootam District Vicar
• Very Rev. Dr. George Thomas, Vicar of the Cathedral and District Vicar of Thiruvananthapuram
• Very Rev. Fr. Bovas Mathew, PRO of the Major Archdiocese and Anchal District Vicar
• Very Rev. Fr. C.C. John, Punalur District Vicar
• Rev. Fr. Mathew (Nelson) Valiyaveettil, Rector of Palayam St. Therese of Lisieux Basilica of Peace
• Very Rev. Mother Mary John, Superior of St. Mary’s Province, Bethany Sisters

Many other clergy, sisters, and faithful from across the region were present for this historic occasion.

Following the consecration ceremony, a public meeting was held under the chairmanship of His Beatitude the Catholicos. The event was inaugurated by the former Minister and Kazhakootam MLA, Shri Kadakampally Surendran. Other speakers included Ward Councillor Shri Chempazhanthy Udayan, KPMS Keerikuzhi Branch Secretary Shri Udayapuram Aji, and Rev. Fr. Suresh Jose, Vicar of Keerikuzhi CSI Church.

The day’s events concluded with a celebratory Holy Qurbono, led by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, followed by a love feast (Sneha Virunnu) for all the attendees.