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Parumala Thirumeni |
Saint Gregorios of Parumala is popularly known as ‘Parumala Thirumeni’. Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of the Malankara Orthodox Church who passed away on November 2nd 1902, became the first declared saint from Malankara (Kerala, India) naturally to be called, ‘Parumala Thirumeni’. He shines in the cloud of witnesses as a bright luminary giving rays of hope to millions in their suffering and struggles.  BIRTH AND PARENTAGE Mar Gregorios was born on 15th June 1848 (M.E. Mithunam 3, 1023) to Kochu Mathai and Mariam of Pallathetta family in the Chathuruthy house at Mulamthuruthy. He was called by the name ‘Kochaippora’ and was given the baptismal name ‘Geevarghese’. Kochaippora had two brothers and two sisters; Kurian, Eli, Mariam and Varkey. Kochaippora was the youngest and was therefore the most beloved to everyone. Unfortunately, his mother passed away when he was only two years old. His eldest sister Mariam became to him all that a mother was meant. Mariam was married at that time and had a child of Kochaippora’s age.  House Of Parumala Thirumeni (Chathuruthy Tharavad) CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATION Kochaippora started his education under Onakkavil Ayya and Moni Ashan. Kochaippora’s paternal uncle Geevarghese Malpan slowly initiated him the sacred language ‘Syriac’ and to the first lessons of priesthood.  Marthomen Church Mulamthuruthy, where Thirumeni was Baptised READER-DEACON AND FURTHER EDUCATION He was ordained as a reader-deacon (Korooyo) on 14th Sept, 1858 at the age of ten by Palakkunnath Mathews Mar Athanasios at Karingachira Church. Koroyo Geevarghese continued his training under Geevarghese Malpan until the latter died due to small pox. Although Deacon Geevarghese was also infected with small pox, he miraculously survived it. Afterwards Deacon Geevarghese moved to Pampakuda to continued his studies under Konat Geevarghese Malpan. In the mean time Deacon became associated with the visiting Syrian Bishop Yuyakim Mar Coorilos. Mar Coorilos had great admiration for the deacon and was pleased to ordain him as full deacon, priest and cor-episcopa within few months in 1865.  Konattu Geevarghese Mar Eulios Metropolitan  The new priest’s short stay at Mulanthuruthy Marthommen Church gave him an inner conviction that he should lead a hermit’s life in a quieter place. Therefore he shifted his residence to Vettickal Dayara. At Vettickal Dayara, Corepiscopa Geevarghese started a strenuous life of prayer and fasting. Having heard about the vigorous asceticism practised by corepiscopa Geevarghese, the then Malankara Metropolitan Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius made him a ‘Ramban’ (Monk Priest) in 1872.  Vettical Dayara  Photo of Thirumeni at St. Thomas Dayara Vettickal PATRIARCHAL VISIT AND THE SYNOD OF MULAMTHURUTHY In 1875, the Antioch Patriarch His Holiness Peter III visited Malankara. The Patriarch chose Ramban Geevarghese as his Secretary and translator during the entire visit. Along with the Patriarch , the Ramban visited many churches. Ramban Geevarghese also assisted the Patriarch in the consecration of the Holy Mooron and in the historic synod of Mulanthuruthy in 1876.  Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV (III) - 1872-'94 Being pleased with the Ramban Geevarghese, the Patriarch decided to consecrate him as Metropolitan. On December 10, 1876 the Patriarch consecrated six priests as bishops including Ramban Geevarghese at St. Thomas Church, N Paravur. He was given the new name Geevarghese Mar Gregorios and was given the charge of Niranam Diocese. The other bishops and their Diocese were: Murimattath Mar Ivanios (Kandanad) Kadavil Mar Athanasios (Kottayam)Ambattu Mar Coorilos (Ankamaly) Karottuveetil Simon Mar Dionysius (Cochin) Konat Mar Julius (Thumpamon)  St.Thomas Church, N Paravur Mar Gregorios was only 28 years when he was made a bishop. Since he was the youngest among all the bishops, he was dearly called by all as ‘Kochu Thirumeni’. The first thing the new bishops undertook was a special fasting-vigil for forty days at Vettickal Dayara under the leadership of ‘Kochu Thirumeni’. This fasting was both symbolic and effective in the pursuit of new life in an old church. Mar Gregorios took charge of the Niranam Diocese and started staying at Parumala. There was at Parumala, at that time, a land donated by Arikupurath Koruth Mathen to the church and in this plot a small building was erected by the Malankara Metropolitan Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius. This building was known as ‘Azhippura’. Mar Gregorios lived there along with few other deacons who came for priestly training. They worshipped in a thatched chapel during that time.  Azhippura  Grave Stone Of Koruthu Mathen Mar Gregorios engaged in a threefold activity of tireless service for the church: Diocesan administration, Ministerial formation of deacons, Missionary witness of the church through inner spiritual and theological consolidation, along with evangelical reaching out. In addition to these, Mar Gregorios undertook the task of building a church and seminary at Parumala. The diocesan administration, in the mean time, was extended to two more dioceses, Thumpamon and Quilon. The newly constructed church was consecrated in 1895. Mar Gregorios was the co-celebrant for the consecration of two ex-Roman Catholic priests as bishops: Fr.Alvaris as Alvaris Mar Kulius for Bombay-Mangalore Diocese; Fr.Rene Vilatti as Rene Vilatti Mar Timotheos for America. HOLY LAND - PILGRIMAGEMar Gregorios made the Holy Land Pilgrimage in 1895 as the fulfillment of a long cherished dream. On his return he published a travelogue under the title ‘Oorslem yathra vivaranam’ (a narrative of the Jerusalem visit). This book, published in 1895 is to be considered as the earliest printed travelogue in Malayalam. This book had its centenary edition in 1996 and translation into English in 2000.  Orginal Photo Of Thirumeni By Dicruse A VISION AND MISSION FOR THE ENTIRE CHURCH Mar Gregorios believed that the church should engage in educational activity especially to facilitate primary education and English teaching without discriminating gender or religion. Accordingly he started schools at Kunnamkulam, Mulamthuruthy, Niranam, Thumpamon, Thiruvalla etc. The missionary task of the Church was also evinced by his outreach programme to the socially down trodden communities at Chennithala, Kalikunnu, Mallappally, Puthupally, Kallumkathara etc. He also organized evangelical awakening programme for non-Christians at various places like Aluva, under the leadership of the Seminary students. A major task of Mar Gregorios was to motivate the clergy for effective ministry. With this aim, he formed the Malankara Syrian Clergy Association and took many progressive decisions and made many suggestions for the effective functioning of the priestly ministry. DISCIPLES OF THIRUMENI Among the many disciples of Mar Gregorios, three deserve special notice:
 MGM School, Tiruvalla  Parumala Seminary DEPARTURE FROM THE WORLDMar Gregorios was already a piles-patient. It became chronic in 1902. Treatments proved futile and slowly His Grace became physically weaker and weaker. At last the blessed soul left the earthly abode on 2nd November 1902. The funeral was conducted at Parumala on Tuesday the 3rd of November 1902 in the presence of thousands of people and hundreds of priests. The many testimonies to the saintly intercession of Mar Gregorios made Parumala Church and the tomb a centre of pilgrimage. In 1947 Mar Gregorios of blessed memory was declared a saint by the then Catholicos of the church, His Holiness Baselius Geevarghese II.  Heavenly abode on 2nd November 1902  Thirumeni, please pray for us.. |
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
A bird’s eye view:
His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II strode like a colossus in the Malankara Church. He found a place in the heart of his people as a holy father by his spotless purity and nobility of character. He was a role model for even other denominations especially because of his quest for the divine spirit and close adherence to strict ethical values. He won the heart of his people by his infectious smile and alluring overtures.
“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” II Timothy. 4: 6-8.
A flame has died down eternally but he lives in the heart of his people forever. The burial site is now a pilgrim centre. People of all faiths visit the holy place for his blessings and intercession incessantly.
His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios MarThoma Mathews II was born on 3oth January 1915 as the eldest son of Shri Iduculla and Smt. Annamma, Puthen Veettil, Perinad., in Kollam Distric of Kerala. He had his early education in a local school and High School education in Prakkulam N.S.S.High School. After his High School education he had his training at Old Seminary, Kottayam and also at Basil Dayara, Pathanamthitta. Later he joined Bishop’s College, Calcutta for his B.D. Degree. He had his higher education in Theology at General Theological Seminary, New York.
He was ordained as sub-deacon on 17th April 1938 and as Deacon on 6th May 1941 and he was made a Priest in the same year. It was during his stay at St.George Dayara, Othara as a celibate Priest that Father Mathews made a mark as a devoted and a pious Priest of the Orthodox Church. He was noted for his spiritual leadership and loving nature and could endear himself to everyone who came in contact with him. He was known as “Father Angel” at that time.
The then Catholicos, His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II took special interest to see to it that the services of Father Mathews are utilized in a still better way for the Church and the Community. On 15th May, 1953 he was ordained as a Bishop of the Orthodox Church. He was only thirty eight at that time.
The young Bishop grew in stature very soon. As the Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kollam he was fully responsible for its growth and progress and the number of parishes almost doubled within a short period. Several monasteries and convents were started. A large number of educational institutions and hospitals were begun.
His services in the fields of education and social service are all very well known. Several Schools from Primary level to Higher Secondary level, Degree and Post Graduate colleges and also Professional Colleges were started under his initiative. Three Engineering Colleges, at Bhilai, Peermade and Sasthamcotta and one Medical College at Kolencherry were established during his time. There are many Schools, Colleges, Hospitals and other service institutions which were established and successfully administered under his direct control and leadership.
He had traveled wide in various countries such as, United States of America, Canada, Australia, U.K., Europe, Malaya, Singapore, Gulf countries etc. and has attended various international meetings and conferences. In October, 2002 he attended the 10th International Christian – Muslim Conference at Manama in Baharin and was the Chief Guest of honour there.
On 30th April 1991 he could consecrate five Bishops, on 16th August 1993 two Bishops and on 5th March 2005 four Bishops at Parumala Seminary for the Malankara Orthodox Church.
Holy Mooron was consecrated on 26th March 1999 at Catholicate Araman Chapel, Evalokam.
His Holiness Vattasseril Geevarghese Mar Dionysius was declared by him as a Saint on 24th Feburary 2003 at Old Seminary, Kottayam.
The New Archway and Gate for Catholicate Aramana, Devalokam and Central Secretariat for the Church are new additions made in his time
Some of the new schemes started under his directions are found to be of much help and benefit for the community at large.
Being the President of the Ecumenical Committee in Kerala and also of various other Inter Church Committee he had shown excellent leadership. He kept in touch with the Heads of other Churches constantly and was keenly interested in promoting Ecumenism.
His contribution in the establishment and maintenance of communal harmony and peace among the people of our country and also his style of functioning were well appreciated especially in Nilackal case where he could bring about a clear understanding and reconciliation and avoid violence and hatred between the religious communities.
Nilackal in Pathanamthitta District is a place where St.Thomas, one of the Disciples of Jesus Christ had founded one of the Seven Churches in Kerala. Later, due to various adverse conditions had migrated from that area. In nineteen eighties a cross was unearthed from that area and Christians wanted to build a Church there. That area being close to Sabarimala the Hindu Pilgrim Centre, communal tension arose between Hindus and Christians which could have resulted in nasty clashes and bloodshed. The problem could not even be solved by the then Government of Kerala. Day by day the situation worsened, and became rather explosive.
His Holiness as Catholicos Designate at that time, took up the leadership of the various Christian communities in Kerala and with clever handling of the situation and honest negotiations and discussions with Hindu religious leaders could bring about an amicable settlement in the matter in the interest of communal harmony and peace in Kerala which is remembered with gratitude by everyone.
He had very friendly relations with leaders of other religions as well and had fully demonstrated by his activities the role as the Head of a Christian Church to play in the Secular, Socialist, Democratic, Republic of India. He encouraged all activities which aim for the progress and development of the Nation and promotion of communal harmony and maintenance of peace in the country.
He could always keep the Church in the main stream of activities in our country especially in the fields of Education and Social Service. Keeping in view the importance of Christian Service in our Country, concerted efforts were made to spread the activities with more vigour and concentration in states outside Kerala especially in northern parts of the country. The new St. Thomas Theological Seminary at Nagpur is now able to give proper training to members of the Church to work in states outside Kerala for the benefit of the community at large mainly for the poor, needy, underprivileged and marginalized without difficulty of language problem.
The Church has always been in the forefront and could extend its valuable services to various states in the country wherever there was any Natural Calamity like Flood, Cyclone, Earthquake and Tsunami has won the appreciation of one and all by its dedication.
A Good orator, an eminent scholar, renowned theologian, an able administrator and a man of the Word of God, he had all the qualities needed for a spiritual leader and a Good Shepherd. With his intelligence, wisdom, love and vision and his vast experience in various fields he had proved himself successful as a skillful ecclesiastical head of an ancient Church. With his devotion and dedication in life and sincerity of purpose, no doubt the community at large is benefited by his true Christian life as a servant of God
He was the Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Church, which is an Autocephalous, Autonomous, Independent, Indigenous, National Church of India with an Apostolic foundation and established by St. Thomas one of the Disciples of Jesus Christ who came to India in A.D. 52, he was the Spiritual Head of 2.5 million Faithful of the Church. The church is now spread all over the world in 1662 Parishes in 25 Dioceses, Nineteen of them in Kerala and six outside, namely,I Madras, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, America and Canada. Parishes outside India other than those in the Diocese of America and Canada – U.K. Europe are included in the Dioceses of Madras, Bombay, Calcutta and Delhi.
As the Head of an ancient Church of India, His Holiness Baselios MarThoma II had a unique position among the Heads of Churches not only in India but in the whole world.
By Devine will, His Holiness was laid to rest within the beautiful chapel at the coastal resort of Sasthamcottah.
Sasthamcotta Lake had taken place in the History as the “Pure Water Lake”. His Holiness’ name will emit its never dying brilliance as a bright star in the galaxy of saints “ANGEL BAVA’.
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