In his first visit to St. Vladimir's Seminary, episcopal Board of Trustees member His Eminence Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC), presided over Vespers in the Seminary's St. Thomas Chapel, a space dedicated to the Malankara Orthodox students on campus. Joined by area clergy, Metropolitan Mar Nicholovos was greeted by our Dean and Professor of Patristics The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, who participated in a meeting after the service with His Grace.
"We spoke about ways in which to ensure that the education and formation we provide to Malankara students is of the highest possible level," summarized Fr. John, "and of ways in which we can be of further service to the Malankara church. I look forward to seeing our relationship grow and flourish in the years to come."
The Catholicos of The East and Malankara Metropolitan His Holiness Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II appointed Metropolitan Mar Nicholovos to his post following the retirement of His Grace Metropolitan Mathews Mar Barnabas, whose last visit to St. Vladmir's was in October of 2011. The Malankara Church has 90 parishes and congregations in North America. Its ancient, apostolic roots harken back to the churches established by the apostle Thomas, who preached the Gospel in the state of Kerala, India. Also known as the Indian Orthodox Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is an autocephalous Oriental Orthodox communion of over 3 million faithful.
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