business100news.com: The flag hoisting ceremony for the 94th Dukhrono Perunnal of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Elias III Patriarch Bava was held at Manjinikkara. Following the Holy Qurbono celebrated at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Manjinikkara Dayara, the flag was hoisted by Mor Milithios Yuhanon. Mor Theodosius Mathews, Mor Gregorios Kuriakose, and Mor Geevarghese Athanasius Metropolitans were present on the occasion.
The Patriarchal flag, taken in a solemn and devotional procession from the tomb of the Holy Moran Mor Elias Bava, was hoisted at Omalloor Kurishinthottiyil by the Diocesan Metropolitan of Manjinikkara Dayara, His Grace Mor Athanasius Geevarghese Metropolitan.
In the morning, following the flag hoisting ceremony at Manjinikkara Mor Stephanos Church adjacent to the Dayara, the traditional Nercha Chembil Ariyidal ritual was also performed. As per long-standing tradition, food is being served to pilgrims.
At the tomb of His Holiness Elias Bava, a special prayer ceremony was conducted during which the Dayara head, Mor Athanasius Geevarghese Metropolitan, offered prayers with rice placed in a copper vessel. Mor Milithios Yuhanon and Mor Theodosius Mathews Metropolitans, Parish Vicar Fr. A.B. Stephen, Fr. Renji George, Royce Mathew, and Rajan George were present.
Foot pilgrimages—considered the largest of their kind in Asia—have begun from various regions. Pilgrimage groups have started from Kannur–Kelakam, Malabar–Chettappalam, Kalpetta, Meenangadi, Kozhikode, Angamaly, Kothamangalam, Perumbavoor, North Paravur, Aluva, Karingachira, Kakkanad, Muvattupuzha, Kattappana, Koothattukulam, Thodupuzha, Adimali, the High Range regions, eastern region of Thumpamon Diocese, southern region of Kollam Diocese, western region of Niranam Diocese, Peermade, Ranni and surrounding High Range areas. All pilgrimage groups will reach the Manjinikkara tomb on the 13th. Along the routes, pilgrims will be welcomed by various churches, organizations, individuals, and institutions.
Today (9th) at 7.00 PM, the convention will be inaugurated by Mor Polycarpos (Pilexinos) Zachariah Metropolitan of the Idukki Diocese and Director of Thoothutty Retreat Centre. This will be followed by a sermon by Fr. Basil Paryathupurampil of Kothamangalam.
During the festival days, prayers at the Dayara will be held daily as follows: Morning Prayer at 5.00 AM, Holy Qurbono at 7.30 AM, Noon Prayer at 12.30 PM, and Evening Prayer at 5.00 PM.
