The Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in North America celebrated Patriarchal Day on February 18, 2012. Patriarchal Day is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the patriarchal throne at Antioch in AD 37 by St. Peter, the leader of the apostles. As we all know, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the reigning Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, is the 122nd successor to the throne of St. Peter’s.

Malankara Archdiocese celebrated this special day at the St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church in West Nyack, New York under the spiritual leadership of Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar, His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho. The celebrations consisted of Holy Qurbana, prayer in memory of Late Lamented Eminences Mor Gregorious Geevarghese of Perumpillil and Mor Elias Mor Yulios, festive procession, and concluded with a public meeting.

 

Respected Corepiscopos, priests, deacons, and hundreds of believers from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania attended the celebrations. The public meeting commenced as Rev. Fr. Jose Daniel Paitel, Vice President of the Association for the Protection of the Antiochean True Faith, read out the Pledge of Allegiance to H.H. the Patriarch, His Beatitude the Catholicos and all Metropolitans of the Syrian Orthodox Church. Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho reminded the faithful gathered to follow the footsteps of holy fathers whose perseverance and dedication sustained the Church and strengthened the faith. Very Rev. Geevarghese Thomas Chattathil Corepiscopo, Very Rev. Varkey Mundakkal Corepiscopo, Rev. Fr. Varghese Marunninal (Vice President, St. Paul’s Men’s Prayer Fellowship), Rev. Dn. Shiryl Mathai (Secretary, Mor Gregorios Student Association), Mr. Babu Jacob Nadayil (Sunday School Association), Mrs. Susan Varkey (St. Mary’s Women’s League), Mr. E.V. Paulose (Association for the Protection of the Antiochean True Faith), Mr. Roy Paul (St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, West Nyack), and Mr. George Padiyedathu (Diocesan Building Committee) spoke to the gathered faithful to treasure the faith and traditions that have been passed on to us by our fore fathers. Archdiocesan treasurer, Mr. Saju Paulose C.P.A., reminded audience to have the faith of St. Peter, who believed that Jesus is the Son of God, and to be committed to the growth of the Church, which is the bride of Jesus Christ.

During the public meeting, H.E.Mor Titus Yeldho recognized the 2011 Sunday School 10th grade graduates of Region 1 under the American Archdiocese. The Archbishop also took the opportunity to congratulate all Sunday School 10th grade graduates of 2011 nationally, especially the rank holders of the year.  The celebrations came to a conclusion when before lunch, His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho cut a cake to celebrate his 8th anniversary of consecration as Metropolitan by His Holiness the Patriarch.