Unity and Heritage: The Global Journey of St. George’s Relics to Chandanapally

In a landmark event that symbolizes unity and shared faith, the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church celebrated the ceremonial transfer of St. George’s relics, a saint heralded for his legendary valor in slaying a dragon—emblematic of the triumph of good over evil. This sacred ceremony took place in the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral in Almaty, Kazakhstan, drawing dignitaries from various Christian denominations to witness a profound moment of ecumenical fellowship.

The event on April 23, 2024, was highlighted by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Most Rev. George Panamthundil, the Apostolic Nuncio in Kazakhstan. A figure of significant stature, His Eminence originated from the Syro Malankara Church and was appointed by Pope Francis, exemplifying the church’s far-reaching influence and the respect it commands on the global religious stage.

Bishop Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios, the Metropolitan of Pathanamthitta, received the relics in a ceremony that was attended by notables such as Most Rev. Jose Luis Mumbiela Sierra, Bishop of the Diocese of Santissima Trinità in Almaty and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Central Asia, and His Excellency Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Almaty from the Russian Orthodox Church. Their participation underscored the cross-denominational reverence for St. George, bridging diverse Christian traditions through shared veneration.

The relics, bestowed with centuries of devotion, are set to be enshrined at St. George Malankara Syrian Catholic Pilgrimage Church in Chandanapally. This placement is strategically scheduled to coincide with the church’s feast on May 7, integrating the celebration with the annual festival, thereby enhancing the spiritual and communal activities.

Rev. Fr. Benny Narakkathil, the parish priest of Chandanapally, is preparing his congregation for this momentous addition, ensuring that the virtues of courage, faith, and righteousness that St. George personifies continue to inspire the community.

This transfer of relics is not merely a physical movement of sacred items but a reaffirmation of the church’s commitment to its evangelical mission. It symbolizes a journey of faith that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, enriching the spiritual life of the Malankara community and fortifying the bonds of Christian unity worldwide.

As the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church looks forward to the upcoming festivities surrounding the enshrinement, the journey of St. George’s relics from Kazakhstan to Chandanapally symbolizes a journey of faith transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, enriching the spiritual lives of its community and strengthening the bonds of Christian brotherhood worldwide.