Kochi, May 30 (PTI) The installation ceremony of Mar George Alencherry as the new Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church, was held here today.
Bishop Alencherry was elected as the Head of the Syro Malabar Church at its week-long synod held here from May 23.
Syro-Malabar Church Curia, Bishop Bosco Puthur, presided over the installation ceremony at Ernakulam St. Mary's Basilica, which was attended by several bishops, priests and large number of the faithful despite inclement weather.
Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Major Archbishop Baselios Cleemis of Malankara Church, Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and the 44 bishops of the Syro-Malabar church were present.
A congratulatory message from Pope Benedict XVI was read at the function.
The post fell vacant following the death of Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayatil on April one.