Leicester, United Kingdom – 6 December 2025
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church witnessed a stirring moment today as Dr Kuriakose Mor Osthathios formally took charge as the Apostolic Visitator for Europe at Mar Ivanios Nagar, Leicester. The atmosphere carried both gratitude and promise, as clergy and faithful from across the continent gathered in fellowship.
The day began at 10 a.m. (local time), with Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos raising the papal flag, signalling the start of the ceremonies. The Holy Qurbono in the morning was led by the Catholicos, joined by metropolitans of the Church and the coordinators of the Syro-Malankara Catholic communities in Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Former regional coordinators also joined in a spirit of shared service.
British MP Sojan Joseph offered his greetings on the occasion, highlighting the contribution of the Malankara community to British civic life.
At 2:30 p.m., the solemn procession of bishops and priests marked the beginning of the installation rite. The service was led once again by the Catholicos, with the following prelates concelebrating:
– His Grace Most Rev. Dr Thomas Mor Koorilos
– His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Joseph Mor Thomas
– His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Thomas Mor Eusebius
– His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Yoohanon Mor Theodosius
– His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Mathews Mor Pachomios
– His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Antony Mor Silvanos
The papal decree appointing Mar Osthathios as Apostolic Visitator, issued by Pope Leo XIV, was read by Archbishop Dr Thomas Mor Koorilos, Synod Secretary.
A public meeting followed, chaired by the Catholicos. Rev. Dr Louis Charuvila Pappy, General Convenor, welcomed the gathering, and Most Rev. Patrick McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham, delivered the opening message.
A message from Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect for the Eastern Churches, was read by His Excellency Dr Antony Mar Silvanos.
Greetings were offered by:
– Mar Joseph Srampickal, Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Great Britain
– Dr Abraham Mar Stephanos, Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Diocese of the UK, Europe and Africa
– Most Rev. Richard Walker, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham
– His Excellency Dr Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, former Apostolic Visitator to Europe
– Monsignor Dr Kuriakose Cherupuzhathottathil, Clergy Representative for Europe and the UK
The UK Malankara Catholic Choir added beauty to the occasion with a well-rendered musical tribute. Mr Rony Jacob, Secretary of the UK National Council, shared his greetings, after which Bishop Dr Kuriakose Mar Osthathios addressed the faithful with warmth and clarity of purpose. Ms Princy Varghese, Joint Secretary of the UK National Council, expressed gratitude to every contributor and supporter.
Today’s events carry more than ceremonial meaning. They mark a fresh chapter for the Syro-Malankara Catholic community scattered across Europe, a community that longs for pastoral nearness, cultural rootedness and spiritual direction. Under Mar Osthathios, many hope that this chapter will grow with steadiness and grace.
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