Catholicos-Mooppan Calls All Religions Towards A Wider Ecumenism, and Universal Brotherhood

LJ-Chief Editor- OCP News Service – 23/4/22

MUSCAT-OMAN: His Holiness Mathews III, Catholicos-Mooppan and Malankara Metropolitan (Primate of the Malankara Church) concluded his maiden two-week apostolic visit to the Sultanate of Oman.

Delivering the blessing address at a reception in his honour on Easter day, the Catholicos called upon all religions to come together for a common cause to fight injustice in the society and promote justice. “If one of our own brothers suffers from injustice or poverty, will we be happy? I call upon all religions towards a wider ecumenism towards fulfilling these aims,” stated the primate of the Malankara Church. The Catholicos also pointed out that his new ‘Sahoodaran’ charity project aims to project the message of ‘universal brotherhood. “One day, we will be able to realise a golden future where all can live peacefully without any form of rivalry and injustice,” the Catholicos noted.

His Holiness was the chief celebrant for the Holy Week services at the Maha Edavaka during his visit to the Sultanate of Oman after his enthronement as the Supreme Head of the Malankara Church. Amit Narang, Ambassador of India, Sultanate of Oman, who was the chief guest at a reception, hailed the contributions of the Indian Orthodox Church all over the world for its rich contributions and towards maintaining its identity.

The Ambassador was presented with a traditional memento by the Catholicos. MGOME Vicar/President Fr Varughese Tiju Ipe in his presidential address hailed the philanthropic qualities of His Holiness with his consideration of ‘humanity as a universal brotherhood.’ His Holiness had launched 18 charitable projects from the 1990s which were still going strong, serving the society untiringly. “An important task to be performed is the sanctification of the church and the land (koodosh) and let the Lord Almighty bless us in this venture,” the Vicar added.

Associate Vicar Fr Abey Chacko, read out the address of Dr Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Ahmedabad Diocese Metropolitan, (in absentia) as the bishop led Passion Week services at St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Houston, Texas.
Jabson Varghese, Hon Trustee, MGOME, delivered the welcome address. The senior choir of MGOME sang national anthems of both Sultanate of Oman and India before the programme began.

Among those present included Fr Dennies K Daniel, Vicar, St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Ghala, Fr Basil Thomas, Vicar, St Stephen’s Orthodox Church, Fr Baiju Johnson, Personal Secretary to His Holiness, Fr Sijin Mathew, Vicar, St George Orthodox Church, Sohar, Fr Anil Thomas, Vicar, CSI Church, Fr Sajan Varghese, Vicar, Marthoma Church in Oman, Fr Philip Nellivala, Fr Basil Varghese, Fr K G Thomas, Dr Chona Thomas, Diocesan Council member, Thomas Daniel, Sabha Managing Committee member, Abraham Mathew, Golden Jubilee General Convenor, Binu Joseph Kunchattil, Co-Trustee, Joseph Varghese, Hon Secretary, MGOME managing committee members and others. The function concluded with a vote of thanks and prayers.

Source:
OCP News Service