Geevarghese relics enshrined in Al Ain Orthodox Church

Abu Dhabi - On Friday morning, Indian Orthodox Church supreme head Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II enshrined the holy relics of Saint Geevarghese Mar Dionysius of Vattasseril at St Dionysius Church.

The Indian Orthodox Church faithful in the UAE have a sacred place to pray and seek forgiveness - St Dionysius Church in Al Ain.
On Friday morning, Indian Orthodox Church supreme head Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II enshrined the holy relics of Saint Geevarghese Mar Dionysius of Vattasseril at St Dionysius Church.
Paulose II led the proceeding that was witnessed by hundreds of followers.
"The sacred relic will help the faithful to pay their respects to the saint and offer their prayers. This relic will remain here forever."
Saint Geevarghese was the Malankara Metropolitan (primate) of the Indian Orthodox Church and was elevated as a saint on February 24, 2003. He was canonised by the Episcopal Synod of Malankara Orthodox Church.
There are seven Orthodox churches in the UAE with 35,000 followers.
And the faithful turned up in numbers in Al Ain to witness this historic event and also seek blessings from Paulose II, who is on a tight schedule. "Yes, this is a near 24-hour visit," he said.
Paulose II hailed the contributions made by the expats.
"There is a misconception that all expats are affluent. Yes, a few are but vast majority of the people are not. They toil hard in the sun to eke out a living. So, this relic will act as strength for those," Paulose II told the followers after the ceremony.
The historic day closed with afternoon prayers.

• Abu Dhabi