30-October-2005
The New Indian Express dt. 30th /Oct/2005
Festschrift
released; Patriarch honoured
Sunday October 30 2005
11:32 IST
KOTTAYAM: It was a moment of honour and submission
to faith for scores of followers belonging to the Jacobite sect. Upholding their
unstinted allegiance to the Holy See of Antioch, followers of ‘Malankara’
converged at the Jacobite Syrian Cathedral here on Saturday, on the occasion of
the Indian release of ‘Festschrift’, a title in honour of His Holiness Ignatius
Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch & All the East, who has completed 25
years in the throne of St Peter.
The book is a collector’s piece, especially for devout Jacobites, as it includes
rare pictures relating to the life and mission of the reigning Patriarch, a
unique interview, a selection of his sermons, articles and encyclicals,
greetings from social and religious dignitaries across the world, contributions
from eminent leaders of the church as well as academics and some of the
ecumenical documents of relevance of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church.
Rev Kuraikose Cor Episcopa Moolayil is the chief editor of the work, brought out
by the St George Syrian Orthodox church, Chicago. The book’s title is a German
word, which is used to honour a person.
The silver jubilee celebrations of the Patriarchal enthronement had concluded on
September 14, 2005 at Damascus, Syria, along with the release of ‘Festschrift’.
Incidentally, the celebrations had an Indian connection since it commenced at
Ernakulam during the Patriarch’s visit to India in September, 2004.
Justice K T Thomas, former Supreme Court judge, released the ‘Festschrift’ here,
by handing over a copy to Dr Cyriac Thomas, former Vice-Chancellor, Mahatma
Gandhi University.
Justice Thomas said that the Christians in the state are indebted to the
Patriarch, for, it was only because of the apostolic succession of priesthood
that Christianity flourished here. Dr Cyriac Thomas delivered the keynote
address.
In his presidential address, Catholiocs Baselios Thomas I observed that
Patriarch Ignatius I is one of the unparalleled personalities seated in Antioch.
Fr George Mathew Nalunnakkal introduced the book. Municipal Chairperson Reeba
Varkey, church secretary Thambu George Thukalan and others spoke. Rev. Kuriakose
Cor Episcopa Kizhakkedathu welcomed the gathering and church managing committee
member Bibby Abraham Kadavumbhagam proposed a vote of thanks.
His Beatitude Catholicos
Hon. Justice K T Thomas, the former Judge of the Supreme Court of India releasing the FESTSCRIFT
and presenting to Dr. Cyriac Thomas, former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University
Dr. Cyriac Thomas, former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University delivering the speech
Photos by John Philip