Diaconate Ordination and Minor Orders Conferred at St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Cathedral

In a spiritual gathering on the 4th of May 2024, St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Cathedral in Neb Sarai hosted a dual celebration of faith and service. The event was presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, Bishop of the Eparchy of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon-Delhi. This day marked a momentous occasion where ten seminary students received minor orders and three were elevated to the diaconate, signifying their readiness to embrace greater liturgical and pastoral responsibilities.

The ceremony began at the serene early hour of 6:30 AM, gathering the faithful in prayer and support for these candidates, who are stepping forward to dedicate their lives to the service of the Church and its community. The diaconate ordination saw Brothers Thomas Konnathu, Joseph Konnathu, and Roji Charuvila ascending to this significant ecclesiastical role, prepared to assist in the celebration of the divine mysteries, particularly the Eucharist, and to undertake works of charity.

The conferral of minor orders also took place, with the following seminary students being initiated into the clerical state:

• Subdeacon (Hevupadiakono): Brothers Sangeeth Mulamoottil and George Charivupurayidathil
• Lector (Koruyo): Brothers Chacko Cheruvilaputhenveedu, Jose Nallakal, and Chacko Menayathil
• Cantor (M’Samarono): Brothers Arun Pathackal and Robin Varghese

His Excellency Dr. Thomas Mar Anthonios emphasized the importance of these ordinations in his homily, highlighting the dedication required to serve both God and community. “These vestments you don today are symbols of your commitment to carry the Church’s teachings into the world, serving not just as leaders but as humble servants of the divine,” he noted, encouraging the ordinands to live their lives as examples of Christ’s teachings.

The community showed profound support and joy for the newly ordained deacons and those who received minor orders, viewing it as a strengthening of the Church’s mission in the region. The event not only reinforced the spiritual foundation of these young men but also celebrated the continuous growth of the Church through the enrichment of its clerical ranks.

As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was one of hope and celebration, with the faithful looking forward to the positive impact these young men will undoubtedly make within their communities. The Church remains grateful for the grace that guides these servants on their spiritual journey and prays for their success as they live out their vocations.

This day at St. Mary’s Cathedral was a profound testament to the vibrant future of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, marked by dedication to faith, community service, and the holy sacraments. The Eparchy of St. John Chrysostom continues to foster a community deeply rooted in the traditions of the Church while looking forward with optimism to the contributions these new leaders will bring.