Felicitation Dinner for His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis

Elmont, NY - On Friday, May 10, 2013, the Exarchate hosted a dinner banquet in honor of His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos. Organized by the Exarchial Presbyteral and Pastoral Councils, the Exarchate welcomed His Beatitude, along with other bishops of the various Indian churches and ecclesial communities in New York. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, His Grace Zachariach Mar Nicolovos, Bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church's Northeast American Diocese, Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, Bishop of the Mar Thoma Church's Diocese of North America and Europe, Bishop Johncy Itty of the Church World Service, and the Exarchate's Bishop Mar Eusebius were the dignitaries present on this auspicious occasion.

The dinner began with an introduction from Msgr. Peter Kochery and a welcome address from His Excellency Bishop Mar Eusebius. Each of the other bishops spoke briefly felicitating the newly-appointed Cardinal. Representing the various Exarchial councils, Mrs. Daisy Mathew of the St. John Chrysostom Pro-Cathedral and member of the Pastoral Council, also felicitated His Beatitude. Afterwards, His Beatitude expressed gratitude to all those present and spoke of the vibrancy of the Exarchate. At the end of the dinner, Very Rev. Augustine Mangalath offered the vote of thanks.

Over 125 people participated in the dinner. Msgr. Peter Kochery, Vicar General, and Mr. Philip John, Secretary of the Pastoral Council, worked diligently to coordinate and plan the event.