Glory to God! May His divine grace guide and strengthen you as you ascend to the esteemed position of Catholicos & Maphriyono of the Jacobite Syrian Church. The solemn declaration made by His Holiness the Patriarch on the 25th in Achaana, Lebanon—before a distinguished gathering of believers and international dignitaries—marks a historic moment for the Church.
I extend my heartfelt prayers and best wishes as you embark on this sacred mission. May you uphold the rich traditions and unwavering faith of your forefathers, especially the revered Saint Gregorios of Parumala, without compromising on values and ethics. You are the salt of the earth, and as our Lord instructed, one must constantly introspect: “Am I lacking in my mission and convictions?”
I was deeply moved by your solemn pledge of absolute obedience and submission to the Patriarch. It reminded me of the historic words of the lamented Thomas I, who spoke of willingly bearing the “iron yoke” for known reasons. Yet, as Gandhiji often said, “My life is my message”—so too must your leadership exemplify dignity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment.
That being said, I must express my regret that your acceptance speech did not fully reflect the depth and solemnity of the occasion. The final draft, regrettably, was not as well-structured as the original articulation. I felt a certain disappointment—not for my own sake—but for the fact that such a significant address deserved a more refined and powerful delivery. If ever you entrust others with redrafting, I urge you to seek excellence rather than settling for something that diminishes the grandeur of your new office.
Nevertheless, let us set aside momentary displeasures. My foremost desire is to see you lead this Church with dignity, wisdom, and divine inspiration, making it a vibrant and living testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ, both in spiritual depth and communal service.
If time permits, I would greatly appreciate a call or a note from you once the initial euphoria of the enthronement settles.
With prayers and warm regards,
Dr. K.M. George
Secretary-General, Global Millets Foundation
(Formerly UN Advisor)
26th March 2025