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Living in believers' hearts
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The 100th death anniversary of St Gregorios, the 19th century saint from Kerala, will be celebrated at the St Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral at Gandhinagar this week.
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Photo: K. Ramesh Babu
LIVING MEMORY: Holy relics of St Gregorios is established here at St Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral.
SAINTS ARE selfless people who shine in divine presence by leading a life of universal love. St. Gregorios of the Orthodox Syrian Christians, the 19th century sage of Kerala, is one among them.
St. Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral at Gandhinagar in the city, where the replica of the saint is established, is all set to celebrate the 100th death anniversary of the saint this week.
He is the only saint of Syrian Christians. His life was one of commitment and devotion to the will of God and sacrifice.
Leading the life of a monk, St. Gregorios was committed to the welfare of the poor and the deprived sections of the society.
A social reformer and an advocate of education, particularly English education, he lived in the 19th century. He was a contemporary of the great social reformer, Srinarayana Guru of the Ezhava sect of the Hindus. Both had a broad outlook on religious matters.
In short, his vision was broader than that of his own religion, which was acceptable to all. In fact, he was the high priest of world humanism.
He treated all human beings as equals. He believed in God's service through human love and sacrifice. His mission work testifies this.
While all religions see death as a limitation, if one adopts a vision against death, like most religious leaders, then it ceases to be so. St. Gregorios also believed in a life after death. His life itself was a victory over death.
Though physically not present in our midst, St. Gregorios lives forever — in the minds and hearts of millions of people.
Thousands make a beeline at his tomb daily. Instances of many a miracle — both during his lifetime and after death too — have come to be known far and wide.
The supreme religious head of Syrian Christians, His Holiness Mar Baselios Marthona Mathews II, Catholicos of the East, is arriving in the twin cities to participate in the centenary celebrations and the launching of a unique social service project of extending financial help to needy youngsters for their marriage.
The scheme, pioneered by Youth League of the Cathedral, is expected to be launched by the Minister for Social Welfare, J.R. Pushparaj.
P.K.K.
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