Preparations have begun in Lebanon and Puthencruz for the installation of Joseph Mor Gregorios, Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, as Catholicos.

The installation ceremonies, led by the universal head of the Syriac Orthodox Church Ignatios Aphrem II are scheduled to start at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lebanon, the headquarters of the Church on February 25. Bishops from all Syrian Churches will join the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church bishops in the ceremonies, according to a communication here.

Religious leaders worldwide and the community of believers will join the ceremonies. Preparations are now in full swing at the headquarters.

The Episcopal Synod and Working Committee of the Jacobite Church discussed the preparation for the historic events at a meeting in Puthencruz on Wednesday. The final form of the preparations will emerge after another managing committee meeting.

The newly installed Catholicos is expected to arrive in Kochi on March 30 after 2 p.m. He will be received at the Kochi airport by the bishops of the Church and group of believers.

He will reach the Jacobite Church headquarters in Puthencruz by 3.30 p.m., where he will offer prayers at the tomb of former Catholicos Baselios Thomas I. Following the prayers, he will formally assume office.

A felicitation meeting for the new Catholicos will be held at Puthencruz. Leaders from various Christian denominations, as well as social and political figures, in attendance, the communication said.