Ramban Consecration
May 7, 2011 has become a historical day in the Mar Thoma Church, as the church is celebrating the 175th year of the reformation in the Malankara Church.
By the grace of God and by the prayers of so many at large, the Consecration service of Rev. Dr. Varghese Mathai, Rev. K. V. Varkey and Rev. Dr. Oommen George went smoothly and the event turned out to be a blessing to the whole Church.
It was a 3 Hourlong service which went uninterrupted and led by all the bishops of the church and the two Metropolitans from the Thozhiyoor Church. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, Episcopa of the Diocese of North – America and Europe was the chief celebrant. Our Metropolitan Tirumani gave the sermon.
On the previous day (Friday) all the three bishop-designates stayed at Santhigiri, where the Suffragn Metropolitan of the church Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus and Theodosius Tirumeni stayed for a time of prayer and devotion. Mar Theodosius lead a retreat in the evening.
Thirumeni also explained the steps of the service for more clarity. After dinner Zacharias Tirumani spent a devotional hour with the candidates giving them instructions and praying for them.
The Metropolitan the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma along with the Metropolitans of the Thozhiyoor Church, other Bishops and Clergy consecrated the temporarily constructed Madbaha and pandal at the ground near the International Stadium at Ernakulam. All the parishes in Ernakulam – Cochin region jointly gave leadership in all the local arrangements.
On Sat morning at 7.30 am the procession started attended by a large gathering who came from near and far.
Everyone attended prayerfully and joined the HQ and the consecration service. The Vicar-Generals, a few selected clergy and the choir helped in the service.
After the sermon given by the Metropolitan the Ramban candidates
knelt before the altar for the second part of the Holy Communion service.
The Ramban consecration started with special prayers in which all the Bishops gave leadership. The special exhortation, as part of the service, was given while the Metropolitan and the chief celebrant sat on the respective thrones facing the candidates and the people assembled. The three candidates were sealed by the sign of the cross in the name of the Triune God to mark their commitment and acceptance of the Church as official candidates to become monks. Then after the prayer the hair from each candidate was cut on the sign of the cross declaring that they have entered into the divine order. The set of new dress was consecrated and given to each and they were adorned with the new black dress while special prayers were said signifying the importance of each.
They were given a black robe with blue border, Masanapsa and a cross to wear. The chief celebrant washed the feet of each one as a mark of new life to which they have entered and were given a set of sandals to have victory over all forces of evil and to march towards the Kingdom of God.
After the consecration the Holy Qurbana was given to all including the new Rambans. A large number of people participated in receiving the bread and the wine.
Soon after the final benediction, the new Rambans were greeted by the people assembled. There was a fellowship meal following the service.
Rev. K. E. Geevarghese
Sinai Mar Thoma Centre
