DUBAI - The St George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Simhasana Church, Al Ain, will be elevated to ‘Cathedral’ by Ignatius Zaka Iwas and will be declared by Catholicose Baselios Thomas I on May 13. On the same day, Catholicose Baselios Thomas I will install the relic of Saint Gregorios Chathuruthil (Parumala Thirumeni). Diocesan Bishop Mathews Mor Aphrem will preside over the function.
The Church is located at the foothills of Jabal Hafeet in Al Ain and was established on January 21, 1979. Since inception, the church has served as a centre for spiritual guidance and solace to a number of families and bachelors who have come from various places of India, Ethiopia, Coptic and Various Oriental Orthodox Churches. Over the past decade, the church has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the number of church members and the need for constructing a permanent church was felt.
The UAE Government allocated the land for the church and in January 2010, construction was completed.