The Patriarch, who arrived yesterday, would be the chief guest tomorrow at the 82nd anniversary of the "Reunion" movement, which marked the joining of a section of Malankara Orthodox Church followers to the Catholic fold, leading to the formation of Syro Malankara Catholic Church.
The spiritual head of over 3.5 million adherents of Maronite Church, Patriarch al-Rai was given a warm reception by senior bishops, clergy, religious and laity of the Malankara church on his arrival here.
The Patriarch noted that both the Lebanese church and Malankara church were rooted in the same Syriac tradition and wanted to further strengthen the cultural and liturgical co-operation between the two churches.
Catholicos Mar Besalios Cleemis of Syro Malankara Church was among those present during the special mass held at the Cathedral.
