MUSCAT: HH Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East, and Malankara Metropolitan, hoisted the Catholicate flag during the Catholicate Day (Church Day) celebrations at the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Maha Edavaka (MGOME), Muscat, on April 8, Friday.
The Catholicos is the chief celebrant for the Holy Week services at the Maha Edavaka in his maiden visit to the Sultanate of Oman after his enthronement as the Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India in October 2021.
The Catholicos in his presidential address urged the faithful to pray for the church and its growth. His Holiness also hailed the efforts of the forefathers who toiled hard to make the present Malankara Orthodox Church. “We must be proud to be members of the Malankara Church, the ancient apostolic church founded by St Thomas, in 1912,” His Grace said as he led the 110th year celebrations on the 40th day of the Great Lent.
His Holiness who launched ‘Sahodaran’ charity project in the blessed memory of Late HH Baselios Marthoma Paulose II during his 73rd birthday celebrations in February, urged the faithful of Muscat Maha Edavaka to extend the same help which they rendered for Pratheeksha charity project of the Kandanad West Diocese.
Dr Prince Varghese, General Manager, KIMS Health Hospital, Muscat, made the maiden contribution to the Catholicate Fund by presenting a cheque to His Holiness.
Mar Gregorios Orthodox Maha Edavaka (MGOME), Muscat, MGOME Vicar/President Fr Varughese Tiju Ipe, read the Catholicate pledge while Associate Vicar Fr Abey Chacko gave a history of the Catholicate Day celebrations.
The Catholicos in his homily called up the faithful to master over emotions and desires just like Jesus who resisted the evil temptations of the devil after 40 days and nights of fasting.
Malankara Association Council member, Dr Geevarghese Yohannan, Hon Trustee, Jabson Varghese, Co-Trustee Binu Joseph Kunchattil and Hon Secretary Joseph Varghese, were also present.
Earlier, on Thursday, April 7, the Catholicos was given a rousing reception with a traditional welcome at the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Maha Edavaka (MGOME), upon arrival at the Muscat International Airport by Vicars of Mar Gregorios Orthodox Maha Edavaka, Muscat, St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Ghala and St George Orthodox Church, Sohar.
His Holiness is accompanied by Fr Baiju, Personal Secretary to His Holiness, during his visit to the Sultanate which concludes on April 20.