Adoor: The 95th Reunification Anniversary of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church began on a grand and colorful note in Adoor, as thousands of faithful joined the opening ceremonies marked by processions, prayers, and cultural expressions of unity.
The celebrations were formally launched with the hoisting of the church flag by Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos at Mar Ivanios Nagar, All Saints Public School, Adoor the central venue of this year’s anniversary. The event transformed the city into a sea of devotion and festivity as vibrant processions from dioceses and ecclesiastical districts across Kerala converged at Adoor Central Junction.
Adding to the grandeur, symbolic processions carried sacred items and portraits of revered leaders of the Malankara Church. A torch from the Major Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, the portrait of Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios from Mavelikkara, and the portrait of Metropolitan Mar Theophilos from Thiruvalla were brought in with solemn reverence.
Other processions carried the Catholic flag from the Ranni-Perunad ecclesiastical district of Pathanamthitta, the Valli Cross from Seetham, the portrait of Catholicos Cyril Mar Baselios from Pandalam, the Holy Bible from Konni, and the portrait of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios from Pathanamthitta. All these processions converged at Adoor Central before moving towards Mar Ivanios Nagar, accompanied by priests, religious, lay leaders, and enthusiastic youth.
In his address to the faithful, Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis underlined the deep spiritual significance of the reunion, stressing that the annual Reunification Anniversary is not merely a commemoration but a mission entrusted to the Malankara Church. He reminded pilgrims of the pioneering vision of Mar Ivanios, who led the reunion movement, and called upon the Church to carry forward its legacy of unity and witness in today’s times.
The event was blessed by the presence of several bishops, including Bishop Samuel Mar Irenaeus of Pathanamthitta, Bishop Mathews Mar Polycarpos of Mavelikkara, Bishop Mathews Mar Pakomios of Punalur, and the first Bishop of Pathanamthitta Diocese, Yuhanon Mar Chrysostom.
The inaugural day also witnessed a soulful musical performance by renowned musician Stephen Devassy, which enlivened the gathering and added to the festive atmosphere. Faithful from different dioceses joined in prayer, song, and celebration, marking the beginning of three days of spiritual renewal and cultural fellowship.
The reunion is being held under the leadership of Fr. Daniel Poovannamthil, with Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos scheduled to formally inaugurate the anniversary celebrations at 6 p.m. today. The concluding solemnity of the Annual Reunion will take place on September 20, drawing pilgrims and clergy from across Kerala and beyond.
The 95th anniversary is not only a milestone of remembrance but also a reaffirmation of the Church’s journey of unity, mission, and service in the spirit of its founders.