His Holiness Theophilus Metropolitan Attends the Inauguration of Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Foundation

His Holiness Moran Mor Dr. Samuel Theophilus Metropolitan attended the inaugural ceremony of the Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Foundation, established with the purpose of preserving and promoting the vision and ideals of the late Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the 18th Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church and former President of the World Council of Churches.

The inaugural event brought together distinguished church leaders, political figures, and well-wishers to honour the legacy of the late Metropolitan, who was widely known for his ecumenical spirit and social commitment.

During the ceremony, His Holiness Theophilus Metropolitan released the foundation’s commemorative publication. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Reji Thazhamon, Chairman of the Foundation, and formally inaugurated by Mr. V. D. Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition, Government of Kerala.

As part of the event, the first Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Award was presented to His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Church and society. The award announcement was made by Mr. Anto Antony, M.P., who also serves as the Chairman of the Award Committee. The foundation’s charitable activities were inaugurated by Prof. P. J. Kurien, former Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

His Grace Dr. Joseph Mar Barnabas Suffragan Metropolitan, Bishop of the Ranni-Nilackal Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church, delivered the memorial address, recalling the profound influence of Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan on the Christian community in India. His Grace Kuriakose Mar Clemis Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios Metropolitan, Bishop of the Pathanamthitta Diocese of the Malankara Catholic Church, delivered benedictory messages.

Several dignitaries, including Adv. Pramod Narayan, M.L.A., Mr. Raju Abraham, former M.L.A., Mr. T. K. A. Nair, I.A.S., former Principal Secretary and Adviser to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, and others, extended their felicitations.

In his message, His Holiness Theophilus Metropolitan expressed his good wishes for the foundation, hoping it would play a vital role in carrying forward the vision, ideals, and mission of Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan for the spiritual and social betterment of the community.