03 January- Commemorating His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan (16 June 1874-03 January 1964). Entombed at Catholicate Palace, Kottayam.

In the words of His Grace Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios Metropolitan(of blessed memory):

“Kallasseril Bava (His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan) was a Metropolitan whom I respected most. He was a spiritual man to the core. When His Holiness makes entry into the Holy Altar, we realize that Thirumeni sees God. His Holiness was extremely conscious that he was standing before God. He was a Metropolitan who led a holy life being aware of presence of God….For the right progress of our Church, we must have Metropolitans like these. On the other hand, the notion that Metropolitans are symbols of power and authority, have established lots of institutions, have constructed many buildings (I too have constructed a few buildings) are all senseless. These do not stand as their positives. 

When they stand before God at the end, there would not be any queries about the number of buildings constructed. The main thing is your spiritual life must be a life of prayer for all the community and you must be a symbol of the presence of Christ. Life of Metropolitans must be such that the believers feel presence of Christ in them. Priests also should be partakers in this experience. Believers must have the feeling of Christ when they see a priest. This is very important. When there are priests and Metropolitans possessing holiness and love, Church progresses. Church can have no progress with buildings, money or structure. Spiritual quality is what counts.” (Ref: A Pilgrimage to The Light, Joice Thottackad, Nov 2020, Gregory of India Study Circle, Pg 405).

By the prayers of our holy father among the saints- His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan, Lord have mercy upon us and help us.

In Christ,

Rincy John