Metropolitan Archbishop of Kalyan: Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal
Coat of Arms
Motto: “To serve and not to be served” – Expresses Christ’s own mission: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). It
reminds the bishop that true authority in the Church is rooted in humble service after the
model of Christ the Servant.
Washing of the Feet – Signifies humility, mutual respect, and loving service, reflecting Jesus’ act in
John 13:14-15: “If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s
feet.” It calls the bishop to embody Christ’s humility by leading through selfless service and
compassionate care for all entrusted to his pastoral ministry.
Open Bible – Represents the Word of God as the living foundation of the faith: “Your word is a lamp to
my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Its open form indicates the bishop’s commitment to
proclaim, teach, and live the Gospel as an ever-accessible source of divine truth.
St. Thomas Cross – is a distinctive cross venerated in the Syro-Malabar Church, which is invariably
related to the apostolic faith brought to India by St. Thomas the Apostle. “Thomas answered him: My
Lord and my God” (John 20:28). It bears witness to the enduring legacy of the early Christian
communities in India and stands as a powerful symbol of the Risen Lord. For the bishop, it serves as a
constant reminder of his sacred duty to safeguard the apostolic heritage, to proclaim Christ with
missionary zeal, and to strengthen the faithful in the living tradition of the Syro-Malabar Church.
Twelve Stars – Represent the Twelve Apostles, the foundation of the Church and also the universal
mission of the Church guided by apostolic tradition. “And the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and
on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:14). The twelve stars
remind the bishop that his ministry is an apostolic succession and that he must carry it out with
apostolic fervour.
Wheat Grains – Symbolize the believer’s call to self-giving love and fruitful discipleship, echoing Jesus’
words: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit” (John 12:24). They signify the bishop’s readiness to die to self for the life of Christ’s
people.
Crosier – Symbolizes the Bishop’s pastoral authority and responsibility as a shepherd of God’s people:
“Shepherd the flock of God that is in your charge”(1 Peter 5:2). It represents his duty to draw the faithful
close and guide them with gentleness and strength.