APOSTOLIC VISIT OF THE HOLY FATHER TO INDIA

APOSTOLIC VISIT of HIS HOLINESS IGNATIUS ZAKKA I IWAS,

The Patriarch of Antioch and all the East,

The Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Church

His Holiness in INDIA from October 17-29th, 2008

KOTTAYAM, OCT. 24: Amid valiant cries of ‘long live the throne of Antioch,’ the faithful owing allegiance to the Holy See in the Central Travancore region merged into moments of glory as Paulose

Mor Koorilose, the late Malankara Metropolitan, interred in the famous Panampady St. Mary’s Church, near here, was declared a saint by Patriarch Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas on Friday.

Invigorating devout faithful through the much-awaited declaration at a solemn function, the only native Metropolitan among the three who were elevated as saints by the Holy See of Antioch during the ongoing visit of the Patriarch in Malankara, the Apostolic Bula underscored the missionary zeal and talent of the late Metropolitan and stated that his saintness stood convinced among the faithful.

The pronouncement noted that despite great opposition from diisidents in the Church, including Bishop Mar Vattasseril, the late Paulose Mor Koorilose remained steadfast in his faith and stood loyal to the Holy See of Antioch. His social and religious commitment was unquestionable and worthy of emulation, it said. Jacobite Church Synod secretary Joseph Mor Gregorios read out the Apostolic Bula.

Patriarch Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas noted that the Panampady parish was home to many Church leaders and is a source of inspiration to all. The allegiance of Mor Koorilose to the Holy See opf Antioch was unchallenged, he said. The Vadavukode Church, where the holy relics of the late metropolitan is preserved, has already became a pilgrimage centre, he said. “God will reward you for your love and loyalty to our spiritual fathers and to the Holy See of the Antioch”, he blessed.” God bless you. God bless India”, he said.

The Patriarch also offered a ‘dhoopa parthana’ at the tomb of Paulose Mor Koorilose, situated beside the church. Earlier, Catholios Baselios Thomas-I announced the verdict passed by the division bench of the High Court on Friday dismissing the petition filed by the Orthodox sect questioning the entry of the Patriarch in the churches in Malankara. He told faithful at the outset not to insult or reject anyone on this score and God will definitely work wonders for the Church.

Bishops of the Jacobite Syrian Church and Knanaya-Jacobite denomination, apart from Syrian-origin bishops took part in the ceremony. Opposition leader Oommen Chandy, K Suresh Kurup MP, MLAs Thomas Chazhikadan and V N Vasavan, municipal chairperson Reeba Varkey and other peoples’ representatives were also present.