International Orthodox Christian News

His Holiness Karekin II and the delegation from the Armenian Apostolic Church participated in Divine Liturgy this morning at Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, Parumala. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Thomas Mar Athansius Metropolitan, in the presence of His Beatitude Paulose Mar Milithios and His Grace Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios.

Thousands of faithful Malankara Orthodox Christians filled the Church to catch a glimpse of the Catholicos Patriarch of all Armenians. Following the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness Karekin II gave a 'Panagia' to His Beatitude Paulose Mar Milithios, the Catholicos Designate and also to His Grace Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios. His Holiness was presented with gifts from Mar Osthathios and offered some words expressing the great joy to be with the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

His Holiness reflected upon the life of St. Gregorios and encouraged the faithful to follow the great example of Mar Gregorios in following Christ our True God. After these words, His Holiness offered prayers at the tomb of St. Gregorios of Parumala. Following this His

Holiness the Catholicos & Patriarch of all Armenians was escorted to the private conference hall on the Parumala Seminary premises for breakfast with His Holiness the Catholicos of the East and other Hiearchs.

A motorcade procession was enroute from Parumala Seminary to the site of the proposed St. Gregorios Mental Health and De-Addiction Center. A public meeting was held in honor of the distinguished delegation from Armenia, especially for the Supreme Head of the Armenian Orthodox Church. During this function the foundation stone for this new center was blessed by His Holiness Karekin II in the presence of His Holiness Didymus I.

From this center, the entourage was taken to St. Mary's Cathedral, Puthiyacavu where the delegation was received by the local Diocesan Metropolitan, His Grace Paulose Mar Pachomios. A public meeting and a private luncheon was held in His Holiness' honor at the Cathedral. Following the luncheon His Holiness Karekin II inaugurated the newly built and consecrated Metropolitan's Residence & Diocesan Center of the Diocese of Mavelikara.

After the colorful reception under the auspices of the Mavelikara Diocese, His Holiness and his delegation departed to St. Mary's Church, Niranam one of the ancient churches established by St. Thomas the Disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. Prayers were offered by His Holiness followed by a public meeting.

At 5PM, His Holiness Karekin II along with some members of the delegation answered questions at a press conference held at Windsor Castle, Kottayam. The evening with the media came to an end with love, prayers and gratitude offered by His Holiness Karekin II to His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Didymus I, His Beatitude Paulose Mar Milithios, members of the Holy Episcopal Synod, the clergy and faithful of the Holy Malankara Church.

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