Pics: Edgar Cardoza/Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EC)
Udupi, Dec 4: Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, was accorded a grand welcome by the faithful of of St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, Brahmavar during his maiden apostolic visit to Udupi district on Friday December 4.
In the morning, Catholicos Paulose II was welcomed at Karavali junction and then taken in a grand and colourful procession to St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral. He was accompanied by Yakob Mar Elias, Metropolitan, Brahmavar diocese and Dr Joseph Mar Dionysius, Metropolitan, Calcutta diocese.
Catholicos Paulose II then consecrated the old age home 'Aasro' at Brahmavar.
Later in the evening, a grand celebratory reception for Catholicos Paulose II was held at St Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral hall, wherein he inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Cosmopolitan Higher Primary School, Brahmavar.
In his address, Catholicos Paulose II said, "I feel rejoiced to visit Brahmavar for the first time. A hundred years ago, a school was started by the great visionary Fr R Z Noronha. Today the school has grown and it is providing education right from KG to PG. A school is where children develop initial skills, a step towards civilization. The school imparts good social skills and helps children to face difficulties in life.
"India is blessed with unity in diversity in languages, religions, culture and more, but knowing only the culture and tradition of one place will not help children to develop, but learning about different culutures and traditions will make them more acquainted with modern society. The phenomenal growth of this school is a living example of the dedication and efforts of Fr Noronha and so also of the innumerable dedicated laity of Brahmavar.
"I have great hopes that the Brahmavar community will enhance in terms of providing more services to society. A jubilee is not about commemorating or celebrating, it helps us to look forward, and also helps us to understand the need of the present as well as the future. It helps us to step forward by learning through our past mistakes," he said.
"I pray that the school continues to impart good education to society and create a better nation," he added.
Blessing everyone, he said, "May politicians lead the country better, teachers impart better education, parents guide children better and may children learn and give back to society."
Earlier, urban development minister and district in-charge Vinay Kumar Sorake inaugurated the formal function.
Addressing the gathering, Sorake said, "As this is the maiden visit of Catholicos Paulose II to our district, it is a matter of pride to us. I welcome him to Udupi district. A hundred years ago, Brahmavar and its surroundings were illiterate and poor, but today the Cosmopolitan school that was founded 100 years ago has provided education to thousands with love, sacrifice and affection, which has led to the creation of a better society in Brahmavar.
"As a minister I serve in different places, and I got opportunities to closely see and experience the services and activities of the Syrian Orthodox Church in various places. I commend and congratulate them on their contribution to society," he added.
Catholicos Paulose II was felicitated on the occasion by representatives of various organizations and individuals. Felicitation messages were conveyed by bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Dr Yuhanon Mar Dioscorus, Metropolitan, Madras diocese, Dr Joseph Mar Dionysius, Metropolitan, Calcutta diocese, KSDL president Veronica Cornelio and many others.
Catholicos Paulose II also released the title page of the Brahmavar parish directory and unvelied the plaque of the Cosmopolitan school which would later be installed in the school premises.
Students of Cosmopolitan school presented a welcome dance, and later perfomed cultural programmes.
Jeevan Lobo and Anil Rodrigues compered the event. Fr Isac C A, vicar general of St Mary's Cathedral welcomed the gathering while Fr Abraham Kuriakose, the programme convenor proposed the vote of thanks.
Fr Dr Johns Abraham Konat, trustee, MOSC, M G George Muthoot, trustee, MOSC, Rev Jeevan Sarvotham, area chairman of Church of Southern India (CSI), Johnson Crasta, general secretary, OSCES, Malankar Sabha managing committee members Adv Dr Mathay Mampally, I Thomas - Abu Dhabi, Jacob Mani - Brahmavar diocese and Ivan Suares - Brahmavar diocese, Varambally gram panchayat president Nithyanand B R and others were present.