06-March-2007
The Hindu & Mathrubhumi dt. 6th March 2007
Mar Cleemis installed as Major Archbishop
Staff Reporter
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Baselios Cleemis was installed as the second Major
Archbishop and Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Church (Malankara Catholic
Church) before a large gathering of the faithful and dignitaries at a solemn
function here on Monday.
Baselios Cleemis, 48, is the youngest to occupy the highest office of the Church since its formation in 1930. He is also the youngest head among the 22 uniat Churches in the Catholic Church, according to the Church authorities.
The installation ceremony, which took place at St. Mary's Cathedral at Pattom around 8 a.m., was led by Malankara Catholic Church Administrator Geevarghese Mar Dionysius.
The installation began with the Prefect seeking the consent of Mar Cleemis for his installation. He was later seated on a throne and lifted up three times by the chancellors from various Malankara Catholic dioceses to mark the installation.
Each time the throne was lifted, a priest specially designated by the prefect chanted `Oxios,' a Syriac word which means `he is eligible.' The word was chorused by the gathering. The Major Archbishop then blessed the gathering.