Joseph Mar Irenaeus consecrated as 21st Metropolitan

Thiruvalla, Kerala, Oct 2 (UNI) Joseph Mar Irenaeus Suffragan Metropolitan was today consecrated as the 21st Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, an episcopal offshoot of the pre-16th century undivided Saint Thomas Christians, here.

The outgoing Metropolitan Philipose Mar Chrysostom, who had been elevated as ''Valiya Metropolitan'', led the solemn ceremony.

Deacons, priests, Bishops and Suffragan Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church, Bishops of sister Churches and other prominent persons participated in the ceremony. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the State and outside witnessed the solemn ceremony.

Later, a public meeting was held to felicitate the newly consecrated Metropolitan Dr Joseph Mar Irenaeus. Erstwhile Travancore Maharaja Sree Padmanabha Dasa Marthanda Varma inaugurated the meeting.

Suffragan Metropolitan Dr Zacharias Mar Theophilus presided over the function. Goa Governor S C Jamir, Bishops of sister churches, State Transport Minister Mathew T Thomas, MPs, MLAs and other prominent persons participated.

UNI