The Fifteenth Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, that was in session from 10 -13 March 2014 at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom, concluded. The Synod was presided over by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos.
The meeting with the Major Superiors of the Institutes of consecrated life, the reporting of the apostolic activities of the Synodal Commissions and the meeting with the staff and students of St Mary’s Malankara Seminary were the highlights of the Synod. The meeting with the Major Superiors focused mainly on new evangelisation imbibing the call and example of the Holy Father Pope Francis and the ways and means by which the Religious Institutes contribute towards realizing the goals of new evangelisation. The Reporting from the Synodal Commission enlightened Synod on how the vision and mission of the Church are actually fulfilled in the various spheres, regions and eparchies of our Church. The meeting gave a new focus of vision to the Synodal Commissions for its activities. The Synod Fathers visited the Seminary and held discussions with the Rector and resident staff of the Seminary and His Beatitude the Catholicos addressed the student community after the noon prayers. His Beatitude also announced the appointment of Rev. Dr Daniel Manikulam from the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta as the new Rector and Rev. Dr Isaac Parappally from the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla as the new Vice-Rector. It was an inspiration and motivation for all concerned. The Catholicos and the Bishops met the non teaching staff and all the domestic employees of the Seminary and expressed the appreciation and gratitude of the Church towards their service.
The Synod, among other things, gave approval to the Thukkasa (Book of Rubrics) to be published, evaluated the progress of the Suvisesha Sangham, planned the celebration of the forthcoming Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios and the conduct of the Sabha Sangamam on the occasion of the 84th Reunion Anniversary to be hosted by the Eparchy of Bathery. The Synod Fathers with the office bearers of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia and those who work in the Office of Canonisation of the Servant of Archbishop Mar Ivanios, celebrated the Holy Qurbono at the tomb of the Servant of God and visited the office of the Cause to have a briefing of the work done in this regard. The Synod ended with a call to all the faithful to strengthen the missionary activities of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church everywhere the Church is present and alive.
At the conclusion of the Holy Synod, His Beatitude the Catholicos and the Bishops called upon all people of India to exercise their right to vote in the next general election to elect a government that will protect and safeguard the secular and democratic values of our country. It also urged all the faithful of the Church to go to vote in the next general election.
Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos (President of the Synod), Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos (Secretary of the Synod), Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Most Rev. Joseph Mar Thomas, Most Rev. Abraham Mar Julios, Most Rev. Vincent Mar Paulos, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebios, Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas OIC, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, Most Rev. Samuel Mar Irenios and Most Rev. Philipos Mar Stephanos were present for the Synod.
