Trivandrum, 30 June 2025 — In a moment imbued with reverence and historical weight, the sacred relics of Venerable Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, the pioneering shepherd of the Malankara Catholic Reunion, were solemnly enthroned at the Tomb Chapel, St. Mary’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Major Archeparchial Cathedral, Pattom. This ceremony stands as a luminous chapter in the Church’s centennial commemoration of Mar Ivanios’ episcopal ordination on 1 May 1925.
The relics, comprising a portion of the episcopal vestments worn by Mar Ivanios, evoke more than mere memory; they embody the living legacy of a visionary whose courage and ecclesial insight shaped the trajectory of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. These vestments are not simply garments but sacred vessels, carrying the imprint of a man who wove unity from fragmentation and hope from division.
This year marks a century since the consecration of Mar Ivanios as bishop in Niranam, a quiet moment that heralded the birth of a renewed ecclesial identity. The Church now recalls that day not with grandiosity, but with profound thanksgiving, inviting all faithful to reflect on the steadfastness and grace of a servant of God whose vision resonates through the corridors of time.
The enthronement took place against the backdrop of the 72nd memorial year of Mar Ivanios’ repose, a period of solemn reflection observed from 1 to 15 July 2025. The faithful are called to unite in prayerful remembrance, allowing the memory of the saintly prelate to inspire renewed fidelity and missionary zeal within the Church.
Presiding over this sacred rite was His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. His presence affirmed the continuity of the apostolic mission handed down through the generations. The ceremony was enriched by the participation of His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla, and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mor Ignathios, Bishop Emeritus of Mavelikara, whose prayers and presence lent a solemn grace to the event.
The faithful gathered in humble worship, contemplating the mystery of ecclesial unity and the unfolding of divine providence. The relics, now enshrined at the cathedral, serve as a tangible link between the past and the present, a sacred reminder that the Church’s journey is one of continual reconciliation and renewal.
Mar Ivanios’ vision for the Malankara Catholic Church was radical in its simplicity—unity in truth, lived through love and sacramental life. As the Church honours this centenary, it embraces the call to carry forward that same spirit, fostering communion without compromise, and witness without reservation.
In a world often marked by division, the legacy enshrined in these relics challenges us to embody a unity that is not fragile but resilient, not superficial but profound. The altar at Pattom stands as a testament to this enduring truth, inviting all to find in Mar Ivanios’ life the courage to pursue a Church ever faithful to the Gospel.
As the centenary celebrations continue, the Malankara faithful prepare to mark Mar Ivanios Day on 15 July 2025 with solemn liturgy and thanksgiving, anchoring their faith in the rich heritage of a Church reborn through the love and vision of one holy man.
Subscribe to WhatsApp News Updates:
