The annual festival at the St George Catholic Church at Chandanappally began with the customary ‘kodiyettu’ ceremony on Sunday. The ceremonial ‘kodiyettu’ was held after the morning mass and holy eucharist.
Fr. Saji Madamannil, parish priest, led the ceremony which was attended by a large number of believers. Various major functions in connection with the annual church festival will be held from May 1 to 7 and the main festival events will be on May 6 and 7, according to the organisers.
The ritualistic Chempeduppu Raasa in connection with the annual church festival will be held on May 7. A mothers’ meet will be held on May 1. The Parish Day will be celebrated on May 3 and Fr. Daniel Poovannathil will lead the religious retreat in the evening. May 4 will be observed as Non-Resident Indian Day and anniversary of various believers’ organisations will be held in the evening.
A ceremonial procession carrying the idol of St George will be held in the afternoon. Joshua Mar Ignatheos, Mavelikara Bishop, will deliver the festival message. A ceremonial reception will be accorded to the Pathanamthitta Bishop, Youhanon Mar Chrysostum, on May 7 morning. Mar Chrysostum will deliver the benedictory speech and festival message.
The Chempeduppu Raasa (procession), marking the culmination of the annual church festival will be held in the afternoon.
