NEDUMBASSERYy: The Jacobite metropolitans who were consecrated recently were accorded a warm reception at the Kochi International Airport on their arrival from Damascus on Tuesday. Alias Mar Yulios, Thomas Mar Alexandrios and Zacharias Mar Polycarpose were consecrated by Catholicose Thomas I Bava on January 3. Mathews Mar Antimose was consecrated by Holy Partriach Zaka I in Damascus on January 15.
The metropolitans handed over Salmoosa to Patriarch Zaka I, dedicating themselves to the Holy Throne of Antioch and accepting Patriarch. Holy Zaka I will give the Sthathikon, the order empowering them to take up the office of new metropolitans in May.
The metropolitans were escorted by a 20-member team which included Church spokesperson Fr Varghese Kallapara, Alukkal Zackaria Ramban, Fr Abraham Valiaparambil, Fr Eldho Chakyattil and the relatives of the metropolitans.
The metropolitans were received on behalf of the Jacobite Church at the airport.
Metropolitans Abraham Mar Severios and Alias Mar Athanasios, Fr Sebastian Parackal, Fr George Varghese and church managing committee member C Y Varghese presented floral bouquets and garlands. Many faithful had thronged the airport premises to receive the metropolitans.
Later the metropolitans proceeded to Akaparambu Mar Sabore and Aphroth Church near the airport. They also went to Puthencruz Patriarcate Centre to receive the blessings of Catholicos Thomas I.