Kochi: The Syro Malabar Church has bid an emotional farewell to Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal as he prepares to assume his new responsibility as the first Metropolitan Arch Bishop of the newly established Arch Eparchy of Kalyan. The farewell ceremony was held at Mount Saint Thomas, the headquarters of the Syro Malabar Church in Kakkanad.

Major Arch Bishop Mar Raphael Thattil presided over the event, which was attended by members of the Church’s Permanent Synod, secretaries of various commissions, and other dignitaries.

In his benedictory address, Major Arch Bishop Thattil praised Mar Sebastian’s dedicated service to the Church’s central administration, where he served as Vice Chancellor since 2014 and Curial Bishop since 2017. He highlighted Mar Vaniyapurackal’s pastoral zeal, deep spirituality, and commitment to nurturing strong personal relationships within the Church community.

“His leadership and faith-filled service will continue to be a blessing to the Arch Eparchy  of Kalyan,” Major Arch Bishop Thattil said.

The installation ceremony of Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal as the Metropolitan Arch Bishop of Kalyan is scheduled for October 19, 2025.