Holy Synod Elects New Metropolitan

The Holy Synod met at 10 am today at the Synod Secretariat in the Church’s global headquarters in Thiruvalla, to prayerfully select the next Metropolitan of the Church and to make some important decisions for the future of the Church, in accordance with the constitution of the church and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

After making their deliberations, the members of the Holy Synod, along with HG Mathews Mor Silvanus Episcopa of Trivandrum, went to visit the grave of Metropolitan Yohan I and offered incense prayers, seeking his blessings upon the chosen successor. After that, they went to the St. Thomas Cathedral at 11 am where the clergy, leaders and faithful from the various institutions, parishes and dioceses of the church were in attendance, both physically and virtually.

HG Daniel Mor Timotheos of North America and Europe made the announcements of the Holy Synod in English, while HG John Mor Irenaues of Delhi made the same in Malayalam. The announcements are:

1. Formation of Archdioceses – The entire church would be divided into 11 archdioceses and ecclesiastical regions which would shepherded by a member of the Holy Synod who would function as the Archbishop of the region.

2. The Believers Convention Centre in the Thiruvalla would be renamed as the Mor Athanasius Yohan Memorial Convention Centre.

3. The appointment of HG Joshua Mor Barnabas Episcopa of Jorhat and Ranchi as the secretary to the Holy Synod.

4. The chosen Metropolitan Elect is HG Dr. Samuel Mor Theophilus Episcopa of the Chennai Archdiocese.

5. The enthronement of the Metropolitan Elect would be held at 8 am on June 22 at the St. Thomas Believers Eastern Church Cathedral in Kuttapuzha, Thiruvalla, followed by a felicitation program at 10:45.

The congregation then gave thanks to God and clapped their hands in appreciation at the decision of the Holy Synod. The members of the Holy Synod congratulated the Metropolitan Elect, after which clergy and representatives from the church institutions and the various nearby parishes then presented garlands and bouquets to him as well.

The newly selected Metropolitan Elect HG Dr. Samuel Mor Theophilus then addressed the congregation and asked them for their fervent prayers for abundant grace and mercy from the Lord Almighty so that he could lead the church in accordance with the will of God and the vision of the reposed Metropolitan Athanasius Yohan I of blessed memory.