Changanassery: The funeral services of late Mar Joseph Powathil, Metropolitan Emeritus of Changanassery Archdiocese will be held on March 21st, Tuesday and 22nd Wednesday with official honors of the state government.
Funeral Timings and guidelines:
Tuesday
7.00 am – Holy Qurbana at Archbishop's House, Archbishop Mar Joseph Perumthottam will be the main celebrant after which the first part of the funeral service will take place.
9.30 am – Bereavement Procession to the Metropolitan Church
The bereavement procession carrying the mortal remains of the late Archbishop will start from the Archdiocese at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday, go around Changanassery market via Central Junction and reach the Metropolitan Church at 10.30 a.m.
After 54 years, the city of Changanassery bears witness to such a funeral procession. It was in 1969 that the funeral procession of the Servant of God Mar Mathew Kavukkat took place. Priests, nuns, artisans, and parishioners from the 250 dioceses under the Archdiocese will participate in the procession carrying gold crosses, silver crosses and Muthukuda (festive umbrella).
11.00 am - Public viewing
The general public viewing can pay respects to the late Archbishop at the Metropolitan Church from 11.00 am on Tuesday till 9.00 am on Wednesday. Public visits are not allowed at Chethipuzha Hospital premises on Monday.
Wednesday
9. 30 am – Part Two of Funeral Service, Holy Qurbana, “Nagarikannikal”, Closing Ceremonies in Archbishop’s House
The second part of the funeral service begins at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Metropolitan Church, followed by Holy Qurbana, Nagarikanal, Concluding Service and solemn Cremation. Cardinal Mar George Alenchery, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church will be the main celebrant of the services. Archbishop Mar Joseph Perumthottam, other Metropolitan Archbishops and bishops will be the co-celebrants.
General instructions for the Funeral service
Last rites
Those who offer the last rites should completely avoid flowers and may instead offer a ‘vellakacha’ (white cloth) if necessary.
Commemoration
All churches and institutions under the archdiocese will hold a commemoration and prayer for the late Archbishop Powathil on Monday, March 20.
Holiday
All institutions under the archdiocese will be closed on Wednesday, the day of the funeral. Only educational institutes where exams are being conducted will remain open.
Mourning Period
The Archdiocese will observe seven days of mourning from Saturday 18 March to Friday 24 March. On Friday, the 7th day of the late Archbishop’s demise, Holy Qurbana and a memorial service will be held at the Metropolitan Church at 9.30 a.m.