Kakkanad: "The Spirit of Fellowship will help overcome crisis," said Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry at the inaugural session of the 30th Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church. The Synod is being held at Mount St Thomas, Kakkanad ensuring strict Covid protocols. The preceding synods over the last two years were held online due to the pandemic.

Recalling the Great Synod 2021 - 2023, convened by Pope Francis, Mar Thomas Thuruthimattam CST, Bishop of Gorakhpur Diocese, stressed the need for the Church to listen to each other and evaluate wisely.

Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, in his inaugural address, pointed out that the uniform liturgy proposed by the Syro Malabar Synod in August 2021 has been implemented in 34 dioceses. He further stated that this Synod session would evaluate and provide guidance to those who face difficulties in implementing the Synodal decision. The Major Archbishop said that it was a positive indication that unity at the Altar helped in nurturing the unity and fellowship in the Church.

The Major Archbishop called on the faithful to commemorate the 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle of India on this year's Feast of Dukrana. The Synod welcomed 273 newly ordained priests and 365 newly professed sisters to the service of the Syro Malabar Church this year. The Synod congratulated Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil, Metropolitan Emeritus of Changanacherry and Mar Joseph Pallikaparmpil, Bishop Emeritus of Palai on their Golden Jubilee of Episcopal Ordination and Mar Thomas Elavanal, Bishop of Kalyan on his Silver Jubilee of Episcopal Ordination.

Discussions on various issues of current affairs are progressing. The Synod will conclude its session on Saturday, 15 January at 6 p.m.