One Shall Discern the Challenges of Times: Catholicos of the East

Indian Orthodox Church

By: B.J.Mathews
11/6/2011

HYDERABAD/INDIA: “One shall discern the challenges of times”, said Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan. The Pontiff was speaking at the reception given to him by the twin parishes on Friday, June 10.

The Supreme Head of Malankara Church reached Hyderabad to consecrate the newly built St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Ramachandrapuram.

V. Sunitha Laxma Reddy, Minister for Woman Development and Child Welfare, expressed her happiness in receiving the Spiritual Head of two and half million people. She also said that the Church can hope for cooperation from the Government for the services that the Church renders were of great value.

Minister also has promised the Indian Orthodox Church of all help in any social service projects that the church is planning to launch in A.P. She was referring to a request made earlier by the bishop of Bangalore diocese of the Orthodox church Metropolitan Dr. Abraham Mar Seraphim, for land for setting up a Youth Centre at Hi-Tec City

Metropolitan of Bangalore Diocese Dr. Abraham Mar Seraphim presided over the meeting. Metropolitan of Kochi Diocese Dr. Yacob Mar Ireneaus, Bhikshapati Yadav and Nandishwar Gaud, Members of Legislative Assembly, Andhra Pradesh, Fr. Dr. Johns Abraham Konattu, the Priest Trustee, M.G. George Muthoottu, the Lay Trustee, Chor Episcopos T.K. Thomas, the Bangalore Diocesan Secretary, and Chor Episcopos John Thachamperil felicitated the Catholicos.

First part of the consecration began at 5.00 pm and the reception began at 7.30 pm. Priests and faithful in thousands from Mar Gregorios Cathedral, Hyderabad, St. Andrews Valiyapalli, St. George Orthodox Church, Balanagar, and St. Thomas Chappel at CRPF Center participated in the events.

Vicar Fr. Moncy P. Chacko welcomed the gathering and Fr. Bobby George moved vote of thanks.

On Saturday, June 11, the second part of the consecration will begin, which will be followed by the Holy Qurbana.

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