Archbishop Geevaghese Mar Ivanios Elevated to Venerable by Pope Francis
Archbishop Geevaghese Mar Ivanios Elevated as Venerable by Pope Francis
In a significant development, Archbishop Geevaghese Mar Ivanios, the first head of the Syro-Malankara Church, has been elevated as a Venerable by Pope Francis. This advancement on the path to sainthood marks a major milestone in the life and legacy of Archbishop Ivanios, who is known as the Newman of the East.
The announcement was made on March 14 by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, stating that Pope Francis has accepted the heroic virtues of Archbishop Ivanios. This move places him in the second stage of the four-phase canonization process, moving him closer to potential sainthood.
Archbishop Ivanios, who passed away on July 15, 1953, at the age of 70 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, founded the Order of the Imitation of Christ and the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ. These institutions, also known as Bethany Ashram and Bethany Madhom, respectively, have played a significant role in promoting spiritual growth and education.
The archbishop’s journey towards sainthood began in 2007 when he was declared a Servant of God. His leadership in the Syrian Orthodox Church, which later merged with the Catholic Church, has had a lasting impact on the Syro-Malankara Church, one of the 23 Eastern Churches in communion with Rome.
Archbishop Ivanios’ dedication to Catholic education is evident in the institutions he founded, including a college in Thiruvananthapuram that now bears his name. The campus has expanded to include schools of law, engineering, education, management, and information technology, as well as a major seminary.
The Syro-Malankara Church, which celebrated its 90th anniversary of reunion with Rome in 2020, continues to thrive under the leadership of Cardinal Baselios Cleemis. With a growing membership of around half a million, the Church has a strong presence in Kerala and diaspora communities in Europe and North America.
The life and legacy of Archbishop Geevaghese Mar Ivanios serve as a testament to his unwavering faith, dedication to education, and commitment to unity within the Church. As he progresses on the path to sainthood, his influence and impact continue to inspire generations of believers in the Syro-Malankara Church and beyond.