Kozhikode: The Australian government issued a new stamp featuring Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Metropolitan Baselios Marthoma Mathews III. The stamp was released during the three-day visit of Baselios Marthoma Mathews III to Australia. 

Australian parliament member Peter Khalil released the stamp at a Sunday ceremony held in Saint Mary’s Indian Orthodox Cathedral in Coburg. A portrait of Baselios Marthoma Mathews III in his official attire has been printed in the stamp worth 1.10 Australian dollars (Rs 58.84).  

Orthodox Church spokesperson Dr Mohan Joseph conveyed the gratitude for the honour extended by the Australian government. It was the first time that the Australian government issued a stamp with the image of an Indian Metropolitan on it.   

Baselios Marthoma Mathews has left for the US after visiting Australia.