The year 2025 has witnessed a remarkable celebration of steadfast service and dedication as Dr. Shibu Zachariah, a devoted member of the Syro Malankara Catholic community in the United Arab Emirates, was honoured with the prestigious title “Bar Etho Kasiro”—The Diligent Son of Our Church. This rare and venerable accolade, conferred by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, recognises his relentless commitment and exemplary leadership across multiple spheres of Church life.
Earlier this year, Dr. Zachariah became the first individual from the UAE and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council region to receive this distinction, an achievement that has brought immense pride to the Malankara faithful in the diaspora.
On June 6, 2025, the Malankara Catholic Council, UAE, organised a felicitous event in Jebel Ali to honour Dr. Zachariah’s years of dedicated service. Venerable Thundiyath Cor Episcopo presided over the ceremony, presenting Dr. Zachariah with a Memento in recognition of his outstanding contributions. The occasion was marked by deep respect and affection, symbolised by Rev. Fr. Johnson Puthupparambil’s presentation of the traditional ponnada in tribute to his tireless efforts.
On the very same day, the community of St Michael’s Church in Sharjah also held a grand felicitation ceremony, further highlighting the high esteem in which Dr. Zachariah is held. The event was graced by Rt. Rev. John Thundiyath Co-Episcopa, who led the proceedings with solemnity and warmth. The Vice President, Mr. Jogi Mathew, welcomed Dr. Zachariah with a floral bouquet, while Secretary Mr. Saju Thankachan honoured him with a commemorative memento.
In his gracious and heartfelt response, Dr. Zachariah expressed profound humility upon receiving the title. He reflected on the special significance of being recognised for his efforts in supporting the needy and underprivileged, reaffirming his resolve to continue serving with compassion and dedication.
Dr. Zachariah’s journey is marked by notable leadership roles, including his tenure as General Secretary of the Central Committee from 2018 to 2020, and his current position as Executive Member of the Malankara Catholic Council. A resident of the UAE for over thirty-five years, he remains an active and cherished member of the Sharjah Malankara Catholic community, hailing originally from Kallissery, Chengannur.
His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos’s conferral of “Bar Etho Kasiro” on Dr. Zachariah affirms not only a lifetime of diligent service but also the enduring spirit of faith and commitment that defines the Malankara Catholic diaspora in the Gulf. The dual ceremonies serve as a testament to the deep respect and gratitude the Church holds for those who labour selflessly to nurture the community and uphold its mission far from their ancestral homeland.
As Dr. Zachariah continues his ministry among the faithful, his example inspires many to embrace the call of service with zeal, humility, and unwavering faith. This recognition also highlights the vibrant presence of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church in the Gulf region, a beacon of spiritual nourishment and communal strength.
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