Thousands of believers from different parts of the State thronged the Parumala seminary premises to offer prayers at the tomb of St. Gregorios at the St. Paul's and St. Peter's Church at Parumala in connection with the 109th Feast of the Saint on Tuesday.
Pilgrimage processions from different parts of the State leading to Parumala were seen on almost all roads in the district. A large number of believers were found undertaking their annual pilgrimage on bare foot. People served light refreshments to the pilgrims by setting up make-shift tents on either side of the road.
The church welcomed the processions by handing over lighted candles to team leaders.
State Human Rights Commission Chairman J.B. Koshy delivered the keynote address at a meet held in connection with the consecration anniversary of the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose-II, in the afternoon. Thomas Mar Athanaseus, Metropolitan of the Kandanad diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church, presided over the function. Director Blessy inaugurated a ‘Sangeetharachana' at 5 p.m. The Catholicos and other bishops blessed the believers' congregation on the seminary premises. The Catholicos will lead a Holy Tri-mass at the church on Wednesday.
Centenary fete
The senior Catholicos, Baselius Mar Thoma Didymus, will inaugurate the centenary celebrations of the Catholicate of Malankara Orthodox Church at a public meeting at 11.30 a.m. Critic Sukumar Azhikode will deliver the keynote address.
The annual church festival and pilgrim week will come to a close with the customary holy Rasa at 2 p.m.
