In Kochi, a very special event took place on Sunday. Mor Baselios Joseph I was officially installed as the head of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in India. Many members of the church came to witness this important ceremony at St. Athanasius Cathedral in Puthencruz.
The event started with a prayer at the tomb of the former leader, Baselios Thomas I. After the prayers, it was time for the installation. This was when everyone accepted the new leader in a special way. People shouted “Axios” three times to show they were happy about the new leader.
The ceremony was led by Metropolitan Abraham Mor Severios, and there were many important church leaders from around the world, including bishops from Beirut, Homs, and Aleppo.
During the ceremony, a representative from Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the Patriarch of the All Syrian Orthodox Church, announced that Baselios Joseph was the new leader. Mor Ignatius had appointed him earlier in Beirut on March 25.
When Baselios Joseph arrived at Kochi International Airport from Lebanon, he received a warm welcome. Many people cheered as he traveled in a long parade of vehicles to the church center in Puthencruz.
Later that evening, Union Minister of State George Kurien hosted a public meeting to celebrate the new leader, with important figures from the government and other churches attending.
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