The Holy Synod Announces Name Change to SoC

In a recent meeting of the Council of Bishops and the Synod Assembly at the Church’s global headquarters, HG John Mor Irenaeus of the Delhi Archdiocese announced the Holy Synod’s decision to change the name of the order of the Sisters of Compassion (SoC). The new name of the order will be ‘The Sisters of the Cross’ (SoC).

His Grace also revealed that this decision had been approved by Metropolitan Athanasius Yohan I of blessed memory, who had sent an email informing the same, with his blessing, to all the Bishops and Diocesan Vicars just a few days before his earthly repose. The following excerpt from his email explains the reasoning for the change:

“This name change for the Sister’s order holds great significance, as it reflects the deep commitment and way of life embodied by the members of the Sisters’ Order as a monastic order of our Church. The cross symbolizes the ultimate act of compassion and selflessness, and we believe that the new name better represents the values and mission of the Sisters’ Order of our church.”

In a virtual meeting with the Bishops and the Synod Assembly on Thursday, the Metropolitan Locum Tenens HG Dr. Samuel Mor Theophilus confirmed that this name change would be reflected in all future communications of the Church worldwide.

The Holy Synod also announced another decision related to the Sisters of the Cross, which involved the modification of their cross. Instead of the present stainless steel cross, the members of the Order would be now wearing a wooden cross around their necks. The Metropolitan’s email explains that ‘this change is brought about in order to further emphasize the simple way of living embraced by the Sisters. This cross will serve as a constant reminder to them about their dedication to the virtues of compassion and sacrificial service for the poor and needy.”

The Superior of the Order, Mother Grace, thanked the Holy Synod for these decisions on behalf of the Sisters of the Cross, and said that she would be working with the senior members of the order to implement these changes for all the members of the Order worldwide.