Brahmavar, (The Hindu): The 129-year-old St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, which was renovated, was consecrated here on Friday.

The second part of the consecration ceremony began at 6.30 a.m.

His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, the Supreme Head of Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Syrian Church, along with Yakob Mar Elias, Bishop, Brahmavar Diocese, Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Bishop, Mumbai Diocese, Joseph Mar Dionysius, Bishop, Kolkata Diocese, Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Bishop, Ahmedabad Diocese, and Abraham Mar Seraphim, Bishop, Bangalore Diocese, conducted the second part of the consecration.

The consecration involved the anointing of Holy Myron oil to the altar and blessing the doors of the church with the sign of the Cross.

Thereafter, consecration of the Triune Altar Holy mass was celebrated. Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II offered the holy mass on the Central Altar, while Mar Coorilos and Mar Dionysius offered the mass on the side altars.

Afterwards, Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II declared Brahmavar St. Mary’s Cathedral as Pilgrim Center during the Holy Mass.

Later, speaking at the public felicitation programme, Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II said that a place of worship always showed the right path to its devotees.

Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that the Christian community had contributed a lot to the development of the country.

They were pioneers in the modern education system and had opened a lot of school, colleges and other institutions. They had also started many healthcare institutions, which were providing quality medical care to the people.