Relics of saint to be installed in Ahmedabad church

The mortal remains of Saint Gregorios, the first native saint of India, will be installed at St. Gregorios Chapel in Ognaj in Ahmedabad by HG Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Archbishop of Mumbai diocese of the Malankara  Orthodox Syrian Church, on Sunday.

The programme will begin with a vehicle rally from St Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Behrampura, accompanied by the Archbishop and the priests, who will carry the relic to the venue. Specially decorated umbrellas, catholicate flags, banners, among others will embellish the procession.

HG Geevarghese Mar Coorilos told DNA, “This is a special privilege for all devotees to receive the blessings of Saint Gregorios. The relics of the great saint have been brought from Parumala in Kerala. It is a momentous occasion for all Christians, especially Orthodox Christians.” 

Saint Gregorios belongs to one of the most ancient churches in the world, founded by St Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. The church was established in 52 AD. It is an independent and indigenous church, known as Malankara Orthodox or the Indian Orthodox Church, which established its first parish in Ahmedabad in 1960.