Ordination of Five Priests: A Reflection of Venerable Mar Ivanios’ Legacy

Bethany Navajeevan Province Celebrates the Gift of New Priests

In a moment filled with sacred joy and profound gratitude, the Bethany Navajeevan Province witnessed the ordination of five deacons into the sacred priesthood on 7 January 2025 at St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Major Archieparchial Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum. The ordination ceremony, presided over by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, stood as a radiant expression of God’s grace and the legacy of Venerable Mar Ivanios, whose life remains an inspiration for generations.

The newly ordained priests—Fr. Bibin David OIC, Fr. Agustin Palakuzhy OIC, Fr. Martin Mathew OIC, Fr. Albin Joseph OIC, and Fr. John Bibin Das OIC—have embraced a sacred mission to serve as shepherds of the faithful, proclaimers of the Word, and stewards of the sacraments.

A Gathering of Spiritual Leaders and a Witness to Grace

The event was blessed with the presence of distinguished Church leaders, including His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Pachomios, Bishop of Khadki – Pune; His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia; and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum. Their presence added to the solemnity of the occasion, reflecting the unity and strength of the Church.

Also in attendance were Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Kuttiyil OIC, the former Provincial Superior of Bethany Navajeevan Province, and Rev. Fr. Cyril Anand Moroth OIC, the current Provincial Superior. Their dedication and guidance have been pivotal in shaping the vocation of the newly ordained priests.

A Mission Rooted in Service and Dedication

These newly ordained priests have emerged from the Bethany tradition, deeply rooted in the spirituality of the Order of the Imitation of Christ (OIC), founded by Venerable Mar Ivanios. Their ordination is not merely a moment of celebration but a call to immerse themselves in a life of selfless service, embodying the virtues of humility and devotion that are the hallmark of the Bethany charism.

As they step into their sacred ministry, these priests carry forward the mission of Christ with fervour, offering themselves as instruments of hope, healing, and renewal for the faithful. Each of them, now a servant in the Lord’s vineyard, exemplifies the transformative power of faith and the beauty of a life dedicated to God.

A Reflection of the Vision of Venerable Mar Ivanios

The ordination also served as a vivid reflection of the enduring vision of Venerable Mar Ivanios, the founder of the Malankara Catholic Church and a spiritual luminary often called the “Newman of the East.” His life of unwavering faith and profound insight continues to inspire generations to seek holiness, unity, and love in their Christian journey.

In his message during the ordination, His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos exhorted the faithful to support these new priests through prayers and collaboration in their ministry. He emphasised that the priesthood is not a mere title but a call to live as witnesses of Christ, bearing the light of hope and love to the world.

An Invitation to Prayer and Support

As these priests begin their ministry, the Church extends a heartfelt invitation to all the faithful to keep them in prayer. Their journey is one of challenges and blessings, and the support of the community is a vital source of strength. Let us accompany them with our prayers, asking that they may remain steadfast in their vocation and reflect the love of Christ in all they do.

This ordination is a moment of profound gratitude to God and a reminder of the enduring legacy of Venerable Mar Ivanios. May these priests, through their lives and ministry, bring glory to the Holy Trinity and lead the faithful closer to the heart of Christ.

First Holy Qurbono Schedule

The newly ordained priests will celebrate their First Holy Qurbono as follows:

• Fr. Agustin Palakuzhy OIC: 8:30 a.m., 8 January 2025, St. Jude MSCC, Kulappada, Thiruvananthapuram.
• Fr. Albin Joseph OIC: 8:00 a.m., 9 January 2025, St. Peter’s MSCC, Kizhavalloor, Pathanamthitta.
• Fr. Bibin David OIC: 2:00 p.m., 9 January 2025, St. Thomas MSCC, Valanchuzhy, Pathanamthitta.
• Fr. John Bibin Das OIC: 9:00 a.m., 10 January 2025, St. George MSCC, Pinkulam, Parassala.
• Fr. Martin Mathew OIC: 8:00 a.m., 11 January 2025, St. Benedict MSCC, Karavaloor, Thiruvananthapuram.

Let us join in their celebrations and offer our prayers for their ministry.