The Crypt’s dedication and prayer service was held on November 1st 2015 by the Heads of the Churches Most Rev Vicent .M. Concessao, Rt.Rev Jacob Mar Barnabas, Most Rev Collin C Theodore, Rev. Fr. M.S. Skariah Ramban, Rev.Dr. R Abraham, Rev.Dr. k Joy, Rev. Laji Paul Rev.Mathew Varghese in the august presence of the chief guest Prof P.J. Kurian (Hon Vice Chairman, Rajya Sabha) and also Mr. C.L Ruala MP, Adv.Abraham M Pattiyani, Member-Delhi Minority Commision, P R. Fr. Johnson iype.
GREATEST CRYPT OF ASIA IS IN DELHI
CRYPT concrete cells structures first sprung up in the densely populated state of Kerala with a Christian population of more than 7 million. As all the church surrounding space was eaten up by grave yard, churches shifted to this innovate idea of crypt structure. These structures were constructed by church and sold to families and some retain by the church.
In Delhi, due to acute shortage of land, Minorities including Christians were asked to go for electric cremation and new land allotment for cemeteries did not happen.
Many opposed this idea and among the forefront of this opposition was L.L Job Mar Philoxenos, former Metropolitan of Orthodox Church, New Delhi. Such a move affected the traditional churches in Delhi, who practiced burials. His grace also proposed the idea to replicate the Kerala model common vault system in Delhi. The idea was heavily criticised by many north India Christian groups, who were not aware of the benefits of this innovative system After many discussions, deliberations and awareness meetings, 20 Christian denominations in the city joined hands to build the common vault system in Delhi. The structure was proposed to the built in the Tughlakabad St. Thomas cemetery and construction works started in September 2012.
Out of the 300 cells constructed, the Pentecostal churches booked 114 cells followed by 54 cells for orthodox church, 50 for catholic churches, 40 for Marthoma churches, 12 for Jacobite section, 6 each for evangelical, Knanaya and CSI church. 12 cells are designated for other Christian denominations. The crypt at this cemetery consist of six levels with twenty five cells on each level. There are two such back to back structures which make a total of three hundred cells with thirty feets pit in between . Mortal remains of the dead are placed in each cell side by side or above each other and the concrete door is sealed. Bodies would be placed starting from cell first and progress serially .Once the allotted cells has used by each of the allottee organizations, the intial cell would be recycled since all that would be left of the body would be dry ”decomposed bones’’ , which would be pushed into the pit between the two rows of Crypts- thus making way for the next body. The floor of the pit is not concrete, hence the remains will merge with the earth thereby conforming to Christian principles. Finally, this crypt is environment friendly beause the available land is being used effectively and efficiently with minimum resources.
Engineer Rajan Varghese (NTPC) of Noida had earlier designed the project, which was later take up by Rev. Dr. R. Abraham who took help from specialist Mr. Biju from Kerala for he vault’s construction. A team comprising of Rev Fr. M.S Scaria Ramban, Rev Pastor Donald, Mr. Mathew Varghese, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Shaji Paul, Mr. Mathai Mathew ,Reji, Thomas .T. Thomas & Rev. Lagi Paul worked hard towards the completion of this crypt. This new structure has redefined the cemetery system in the city and has brought a sustainable solution to the issue by preserving the faith and practices of the minorities in the region.
The Crypt’s dedication and prayer service was held on November 1st 2015 by the Heads of the Churches Most Rev Vicent .M. Concessao, Rt.Rev Jacob Mar Barnabas, Most Rev Collin C Theodore, Rev. Fr. M.S. Skariah Ramban, Rev.Dr. R Abraham, Rev.Dr. k Joy, Rev. Laji Paul Rev.Mathew Varghese in the august presence of the chief guest Prof P.J. Kurian (Hon Vice Chairman, Rajya Sabha) and also Mr. C.L Ruala MP, Adv.Abraham M Pattiyani, Member-Delhi Minority Commision, P R. Fr. Johnson iype.
