The ordination of Mar Baselios Joseph as the new Maphrian of the Syriac Orthodox Church in India by the laying on of hands of His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II
Shared from the Facebook page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.
On the evening of Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in a solemn and historic spiritual event, our Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch celebrated the ordination of His Beatitude Mar Baselios Joseph as the new Maphriono (Catholicos) of India through the laying on of hands of His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches. The consecration took place at the Church of St. Mary Mother of God, in Atchaneh, Bikfaya, Lebanon. His Holiness was assisted by Their Eminences Archbishops, members of the Holy General Synod of our Church.
During the ritual, His Holiness sat on his throne in front of the altar while the elected Maphriono, Mor Gregorius Joseph, was brought forward, surrounded by all the archbishops on both sides. Metropolitan Joseph read the "Shalmoutho," proclaiming the Orthodox faith and pledging to uphold, teach, and safeguard it along with all apostolic laws, as well as to preserve the dignity of the Maphrionoutho. At the conclusion, the elected Maphriono presented the "Shalmoutho" to the Patriarch. His Holiness then silently prayed the invocation of the Holy Spirit and placed his right hand on the head of Metropolitan Joseph, ordaining him as the Maphriono of the Holy and Blessed Church of Antioch in India under the name Mar Baselios Joseph, sealing him with the sign of the cross on his forehead in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Afterward, the new Maphriono was seated on the throne facing the west and was lifted and carried three times as the congregation proclaimed, "Worthy (Axios), our Father Mor Baselios!" His Beatitude then read the text of the Good Shepherd from the Holy Gospel according to John. Following this, His Holiness raised the Maphriono from the throne and stood him before the altar, presenting him with the pastoral staff, along with all the archbishops who participated, each according to their turn. In conclusion, His Holiness and the archbishops offered the new Maphriono the kiss of peace before he blessed the congregation with the staff in his hand.
In his address (to be published separately), His Holiness spoke about the historic ties between the Syriac Church in India and the Holy Apostolic Throne of Antioch, which date back to the Apostle Thomas's mission in the early days of Christianity, as well as the migration of Syriac Christians to India in the 4th century. He emphasized the sacred role of the Maphriono in shepherding the faithful and preserving the unity of the Church, stating, "The rank of the Maphriono is one of the highest ecclesiastical ranks in our tradition, entrusted with safeguarding the faith and teaching divine truth," adding, "we assert clearly and without unequivocation that the attainment of this exalted rank can only occur through the Patriarchal Throne of Antioch, and by the laying on of hands of a legitimate Patriarch of the Church."
His Holiness urged the new Maphriono, His Beatitude Mor Baselios Joseph, to lead with humility and wisdom, to remain united with the Throne of Antioch, and to fulfill his pastoral duties with love and diligence. He praised the steadfast faith and unwavering loyalty of the faithful in India despite challenges, calling on them to work closely with their new shepherd to ensure the growth and vibrant witness of the Church. He concluded with prayers for the Maphriono's success, reaffirming the Church's mission to spread love and truth, saying, "May God grant us strength and wisdom to continue our noble mission in the Lord's vineyard."
His Beatitude, in his speech (to be published separately), acknowledged the guidance of His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch, stating, "Your paternal love, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to our Holy Syriac Orthodox Church illuminates my path." He emphasized the historical bond between Antioch and Malankara, submitting himself to the Holy Throne of St. Peter. He also honored St. Thomas the Apostle and His Beatitude’s predecessors, including Mor Baselios Paulose II, who urged, "Do not forget the Holy Throne of Antioch. It is our Mother. It is our strength."
Furthermore, His Beatitude recognized the support of various religious and political figures, including the Prime Minister of India and the President of Lebanon, as well as leaders from sister churches globally. His Beatitude pledged to uphold the faith and serve his people, affirming, "I promise that I will uphold the trust that the Holy Throne and my people have entrusted upon me." He concluded by praying for peace and stability in the world, particularly in the Middle East, and expressing deep appreciation for his family and supporters.
Additionally, a letter of congratulations from His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, was read (to be published separately). He commended His Beatitude for his steadfast commitment to the Church and society, highlighting his contributions to educational initiatives and support for the underprivileged. The letter emphasized the significance of his consecration as Catholicos in strengthening the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church and fostering harmony, peace, and spiritual growth. His Excellency extended his best wishes for His Beatitude’s ministry to leave a lasting impact on the community and the nation.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Orthodox Church, attended the ordination, along with His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Maronites; His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Greek Orthodox Church, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches representing the Orthodox family; His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia for the Armenian Catholics, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches representing the Catholic family; His Beatitude Patriarch Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan, Patriarch of the Syriac Catholic Church of Antioch, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches; His Excellency Archbishop Dr. Joseph Mar Barnabas, Metropolitan of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church of St. Thomas; His Holiness Patriarch Mar Awa III, Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East; His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Coptic Orthodox Church, represented by His Eminence Anba Antonios, Metropolitan of the Jerusalem See, Kuwait, and the Near East, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches representing the Oriental Orthodox family; His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, represented by His Eminence Archbishop Armash Nalbandian, Metropolitan of Damascus for the Armenian Orthodox Church; His Beatitude Patriarch Youssef Absi, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Melkite Greek Catholics, represented by His Excellency Archbishop Georges Bacouni, Metropolitan of Beirut and Byblos; and His Excellency Archbishop Paolo Borgia, Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon.
His Excellency General Joseph Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon delegated His Excellency MP Ibrahim Kanaan.
An official delegation from India included Shri. V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India; Shri. Alphons Kannanthanam, former Minister of State for Tourism of India; Members of the Indian Parliament Shri. Benny Behanan and Shri. Shaun George; Minister in the Kerala State Government Shri. Rajeeve; and Shri. P.M. Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary to the Government of Kerala, as well as Members of the Kerala Legislature Shri. Anup Jacob, Shri. E.T. Taison, Shri. Eldhose Kunnapilly, Shri. Job Maichil, and Shri. P.V. Sreenijin. The Indian Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh, led a delegation from the embassy.
Additionally, several bishops and representatives from sister churches, a host of priests from India and around the world, monks and nuns, and hundreds of faithful from the Syriac Church in India and Lebanon traveled from different parts of the globe to take part in this historic spiritual occasion.
This news was published on the Facebook page of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II.