Malankara Voice

13-February-2004

{News: The Hindu: dt.13-Feb-04}

http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/13/stories/2004021304040300.htm

Manjanikkara feast: thousands offer prayers

PATHANAMTHITTA, FEB 12. Thousands of believers offered prayers at the tomb of the Antiochean Patriarch, St Elias III, at the Mar Ignathios Diara Church at Manjanikkara, near here, on the eve of the saint's feast on Friday.

Groups of pilgrims from different parts of the State reached the Omalloor Cross at 4 p.m.

The pilgrims were received by the Archbishop of Mt. Lebanon, Theophilos George Sleeba, and other Metropolitans of the Jacobite Syrian Church before they proceeded to diara church.

The diara chief, Benyamin Joseph Mar Osthathoos, Yohanon Mar Ignathoos and Kuriakose Mar Dioscorus, were among those who received the pilgrims at the Omalloor Cross.

The Water Resources Minister, T.M. Jacob, inaugurated a public meeting held at the diara premises at Manjanikkara, at 7 p.m. The Catholicos, Baselius Thomas I, presided over the meeting. The Patriarchal-designate, Theophilos George Sleeba, Mathews Mar Severios, Benayamin Joseph Mar Osthathios, Mathews Mar Ivanios and Markose Mar Coorilos were among those who spoke.

The feast of St Elias III would be celebrated at Manjanikara tomorrow.

The Catholicos would be the chief celebrant at the holy Tri-Mass to be held at the Mar Ignathios Diara Church at 5-30 a.m. tomorrow.

The Patriarchal-designate will lead the holy Eucharist at 8-30 a.m.

The annual pilgrimage to Manjanikkara in connection with the saint's feast will come to a close tomorrow.

{News: Malayala Manorama dt.13-Feb-04}