The 103rd memorial feast of Blessed Alvares Mar Julius is being celebrated at St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Ribandar
Daniel Sinu Kurian
Born as Antonio Francisco Xavier Alvares on April 29, 1836, at Verna, Goa, Alvares Mar Julius emerged as a remarkable religious and social figure of his time. His journey of faith, often undertaken amidst opposition and hardship, eventually brought him into communion with the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. He was consecrated Metropolitan on July 29, 1889, taking the name Alvares Mar Julius and serving as Metropolitan of India and Ceylon (Goa, Mumbai, and Sri Lanka).
His ministry extended far beyond the walls of the Church. Mar Julius was also a journalist, writer, scholar, social reformer and fearless advocate for truth and justice. He was known for his deep concern for the poor, sick, neglected and marginalised sections of society.
He used the written word as an instrument to address issues affecting society and to speak for those whose voices were often unheard. Blessed Alvares Mar Julius entered eternal rest on September 23, 1923, at Ribandar. His mortal remains were initially laid to rest at the St. Inez Cemetery in Panaji. They were subsequently transferred and are today reverently entombed at St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Ribandar.
Over the years, this sacred resting place has grown into an important centre of prayer and pilgrimage for the faithful from Goa and various parts of the country.
This year the faithful commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the passing of Blessed Alvares Mar Julius and the feast is being celebrated on September 22 and 23 at St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Ribandar. His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, will grace the occasion as the chief celebrant.
The feast will also be graced by H.G. Yakob Mar Elias, Metropolitan of the Brahmavar Diocese; H.G. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan of the Mumbai Diocese; and H.G. Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Metropolitan of the Kunnamkulam Diocese.
