Most Rev. Dr. Benedict Mar Gregorios was a promoter of inter-religious dialogue and harmony: Vice President
Most Rev. Dr. Benedict Mar Gregorios was a promoter of inter-religious dialogue and harmony: Vice President
Inaugurates Birth Centenary Celebrations of Most Rev. Dr. Benedict Mar Gregorios
The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Benedict Mar Gregorios was a promoter of inter-religious dialogue and harmony. He was addressing a function to inaugurate the Birth Centenary Celebrations of His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Benedict Mar Gregorios, here today.
The Vice President said that Archbishop Mar Gregorios gave a new dimension to spirituality by special emphasis on improving the living conditions of the poor. He made a significant contribution in the fields of Education, Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing for the poor, he added. The Vice President further said that Archbishop Mar Gregorios helped thousands of people who have benefitted from the Schools and Colleges started by him.
The Vice President said that Archbishop Mar Gregorios was a scholarly spiritual leader, a great spokesperson for secularism and Indian culture, and an educationist. The life of Archbishop Mar Gregorios serves an example of selfless dedication for the betterment of society and the improvement in the living conditions of underprivileged and the poor. His focus on ecological balance and his advocacy of education as an empowering platform could well be the template for building a sustainable and empowered India, he added.
Following is the text of Vice President’s address:
“Dr. Najma Heptullah, Hon’ble Minister of Minority Affairs, Prof. P.J. Kurien, Dyputy Speaker of Rajya Sabha, Baselious Cardinal Cleemis, Archbishop Salvatore Pennachio, Your Graces, distinguished guests, Dear Friends.
His Grace Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregarious was the Archbishop of Trivandrum for more than four decades, heading the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, till the day of his demise on 10th October 1994.
He was a scholarly spiritual leader and a great spokesperson for secularism and Indian culture. He was a person loved and honored by all, irrespective of caste or creed. With his charisma and dynamism he involved himself in almost all the developmental activities of the State. He gave a new dimension to spirituality by special emphasis on improving the living conditions and betterment of human life. His contribution to the fields of Education, Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing for the poor has been significant.
Born in 1916 at Kallooppara in Thiruvalla as T.E. Vargheese, he joined the Bethary Ashram, receiving the name ‘Benedict’, symbolic of the renunciation of his household life to embrace spiritual life in priesthood. He was ordained as a priest on 24 August 1944 and was introduced as the Bishop of Trivandrum on 29 January 1955. He was the president of Kerala Bishop’s Conference and the Catholic Bishop Conference of India.
He was an eloquent speaker, a linguist and a social worker. His contributions in Running Nutrition Programmes to improve the health of the poor, Special Care for Children, Juvenile Guidance, Maternity care, Family Planning through Responsible Parenthood, Sanitation and Rehabilitation of the Disabled contributed to the improvement of lives of millions. He was also an ardent supporter of Nature Cure and Yoga Treatment.
The thousands of people who have reaped the benefit of the Schools and Colleges started by Benedict Mar Gregarious are living witness to the vision of this great educationalist. He was the first Principal of Mar Ivanios College and remained its Patron for four decades.
Archbishop Mar Gregorios was an ardent lover of nature. He advocated maintaining ecological balance and preservation of the natural environment. He was a staunch practitioner of cleanliness and general hygine.
Archbishop Gregorios was a promoter of inter- religious dialogue and harmony. He was ever willing to intervene on behalf of the administration in resolving communal tensions. Such were the qualities that led Shri K. R. Narayan, the former President of India to remark that Archbishop Mar Gregorios was “the ideal representative and symbol of Indian secularism which is suffused with spiritual heritage”.
It is most appropriate that The Malankara Syrian Catholic Church is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Archbishop Mar Gregorios. The life of Archbishop Mar Gregorios serves as an example for all of us. His selfless dedication for the betterment of society and the improvement in the living condition of the underprivileged and the poor, his focus on ecological balance and his advocacy of education as an empowering platform could well be the template for building a sustainable and empowered India. I pray that his spirit may continue to guide us.
Thank You.”
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SERVANT OF GOD ARCHBISHOP GEEVARGHESE MAR IVANIOS
The First Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
ARCHBISHOP BENEDICT MAR GREGORIOS
The Second Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
MAJOR ARCHBISHOP CYRIL MAR BASELIOS CATHOLICOS
The Third Metropolitan Archbishop and the First Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
JACOB MAR THEOPHILOS
The First Metropolitan of Tiruvalla
THOMAS MAR DEOSCOROS
Metropolitan Tiruvalla
JOSEPH MAR SEVERIOS
The Second Metropolitan of Tiruvalla
ZACHARIAS MAR ATHANASIOS
The Third Metropolitan of Tiruvalla
LAWRENCE MAR EPHRAEM
The Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum (1980-1996) The First Metropolitan of Marthandom
PAULOSE MAR PHILOXINOS
The Titular Metropolitan of Chayyal
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Our Bishops
His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis
Major Arch Bishop – Catholicos
Major Arch Bishop's House, Pattom, Trivandrum 695 015,
Kerala, India, Office Tel. 0091-471-2541642, 2541643, 2540446
Personal Tel: 0091-471-2541331, FAX:2533688
E-mail: catholicostvm@gmail.com (Office)
baselioscleemis@gmail.com (Personal)
Major Arch Bishop's House, Pattom, Trivandrum 695 015,
Kerala, India, Office Tel. 0091-471-2541642, 2541643, 2540446
Personal Tel: 0091-471-2541331, FAX:2533688
E-mail: catholicostvm@gmail.com (Office)
baselioscleemis@gmail.com (Personal)
His Excellency Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos
Metropolitan-Archbishop of Tiruvalla
Archbishop's House, Marygiri, Tiruvalla 689 101
Kerala, India, Tel 0469-2730620,2730821, 2600822(Fax)
E.Mail: archtvla@hotmail.com
markoorilos@gmail.com
Archbishop's House, Marygiri, Tiruvalla 689 101
Kerala, India, Tel 0469-2730620,2730821, 2600822(Fax)
E.Mail: archtvla@hotmail.com
markoorilos@gmail.com
His Excellency Most Rev.Geevarghese Mar Timotheos
Bishop Emeritus of Thiruvalla
Snehasadan, Pallimala, Kuttoor
Tiruvalla 689 106, Kerala, India
Tel: 0469-2615648
Snehasadan, Pallimala, Kuttoor
Tiruvalla 689 106, Kerala, India
Tel: 0469-2615648
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios
Bishop of Puttur
Shanthi Bhavan, Catholic Bishop’s House
Parladka, Puttur P.O. 574203, Karnataka State
Tel: 08251-238538
E.mail: bishopptr@gmail.com
Shanthi Bhavan, Catholic Bishop’s House
Parladka, Puttur P.O. 574203, Karnataka State
Tel: 08251-238538
E.mail: bishopptr@gmail.com
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios
Bishop of Mavelikkara,
Amalagiri Bishop’s House, Punnamoodu
Mavelikara – 690 101
Kerala, India
Tel:0479-2307558
E.mail: marignathios@yahoo.co.in
Amalagiri Bishop’s House, Punnamoodu
Mavelikara – 690 101
Kerala, India
Tel:0479-2307558
E.mail: marignathios@yahoo.co.in
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas
Bishop of Bathery
Catholic Bishop’s House. Dharmapitam,
Sulthan’s Bathery 673 592, Wayanad Dist.
Kerala, India.
Tel.04936-220207, 221287(Fax)
E.mail: bishopbty@gmail.com
Catholic Bishop’s House. Dharmapitam,
Sulthan’s Bathery 673 592, Wayanad Dist.
Kerala, India.
Tel.04936-220207, 221287(Fax)
E.mail: bishopbty@gmail.com
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr.Abraham Mar Julios
Bishop of Muvattupuzha
Bishop’s House, Vazhapilly, Mudavur,
Moovattupuzha 686 669,
Kerala, India
Tel.0485-2812650,2814191,2814346
E.Mail: kackanatt@hotmail.com
amarjulios@gmail.com
Bishop’s House, Vazhapilly, Mudavur,
Moovattupuzha 686 669,
Kerala, India
Tel.0485-2812650,2814191,2814346
E.Mail: kackanatt@hotmail.com
amarjulios@gmail.com
His Excellency Most Rev Jacob Mar Barnabas
Apostolic Visitor to the Extra Territorial Regions in India
Mar Ivanios Bhavan
Malankara Catholic Bishop’s Residence
J 61-62 Paryavaran Complex
IGNOU Road, Neb Sarai, New Delhi 110 068
Tel & Fax: 011 29 53 65 25, 09447959118
E.Mail:jacobmarbarnabas@gmail.com
Mar Ivanios Bhavan
Malankara Catholic Bishop’s Residence
J 61-62 Paryavaran Complex
IGNOU Road, Neb Sarai, New Delhi 110 068
Tel & Fax: 011 29 53 65 25, 09447959118
E.Mail:jacobmarbarnabas@gmail.com
His Excellency Most Rev.Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius
Bishop of the Exarchate in USA
Apostolic Visitor to Canada and Europe
Mar Ivanios Malankara Catholic Centre
950 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park
New York 11040. USA
Tel.516-233-1656, 515-858-0191(P),203-819-0300(Mob)
Fax 516-616-0727
Website: www.malankara.net
E.Mail: bishopeusebius@gmail.com
Apostolic Visitor to Canada and Europe
Mar Ivanios Malankara Catholic Centre
950 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park
New York 11040. USA
Tel.516-233-1656, 515-858-0191(P),203-819-0300(Mob)
Fax 516-616-0727
Website: www.malankara.net
E.Mail: bishopeusebius@gmail.com
His Excellency Most Rev.Dr Philipose Mar Stephanos
Auxiliary Bishop of Tiruvalla
Jyothis Bishop’s House
Kattapana P.O. Idukki – 685 508
Ph. 04868-272527
E.Mail: marstephanos@gmail.com
Jyothis Bishop’s House
Kattapana P.O. Idukki – 685 508
Ph. 04868-272527
E.Mail: marstephanos@gmail.com
His Excellency Most Rev.Dr Samuel Mar Irenios
Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum
Major Archbishop’s House, Thirusannidhi
Pattom, Trivandrum 695 004, Kerala, India
Tel: 0471-2541642, 2541643, 2540446,2544946(P),2541635(Fax)
E.Mail: bishopmarirenios@gmail.com
Major Archbishop’s House, Thirusannidhi
Pattom, Trivandrum 695 004, Kerala, India
Tel: 0471-2541642, 2541643, 2540446,2544946(P),2541635(Fax)
E.Mail: bishopmarirenios@gmail.com
His Excellency Most Rev.Dr Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC
Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia
Major Archiepiscopal Curia
Catholicate Centre, Pattom, Trivandrum – 695 004
Tel. 0471-2558864,2555262,2553214(Fax)
E.Mail: maranthonios@gmaail.com
Major Archiepiscopal Curia
Catholicate Centre, Pattom, Trivandrum – 695 004
Tel. 0471-2558864,2555262,2553214(Fax)
E.Mail: maranthonios@gmaail.com
His Excellency Most Rev.Dr Vincent Mar Paulos
Bishop of Marthandom
Bishop’s House, Mathandom 629 165
K.K.Dt. Tamil Nadu, India
Tel: 04651-270180, 272910(Fax)
E-mail: bpmardio@gmail.com
Bishop’s House, Mathandom 629 165
K.K.Dt. Tamil Nadu, India
Tel: 04651-270180, 272910(Fax)
E-mail: bpmardio@gmail.com
His Excellency Most Rev.Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom
Bishop of Pathanamthitta
Catholic Bishop’s House
St.Peter’s Junction, Pathanamthitta – 689 645
Tel. 0468-2223100,2223200
E.mail:diopta@gmail.com
Catholic Bishop’s House
St.Peter’s Junction, Pathanamthitta – 689 645
Tel. 0468-2223100,2223200
E.mail:diopta@gmail.com
Major Arch Bishop Cyril Mar Baselios Catholicos
James was born on 16 August 1935 at Ullannoor in Pandalam as the son of Mathai Malancharuvil and Aleyamma. He had his elementary education at Mezhuveli. He successfully completed his tenth standard in 1950. He is one among the six brothers of the Malancheruvil family who gave importance to the religious life dedicating their life to the service of Christ and his Church. He was sent to the Bethany Ashram by Archbishop Mar Ivanios and was received there on 15 June 1950. He made his temporary profession of vows on 18 March 1953. Later he was sent to the Bethany Ashram, Pune to pursue his studies in Philosophy and Theology at the Pontifical Athenaeum. On completing the major seminary and ashram formations successfully he was ordained priest at the Papal Seminary, Pune in 1960. After returning to Kerala, Fr. Cyril took charge of some of the mission centers in Thiruvananthapuram. Here he learnt the initial lessons of doing good to the human society especially to the poor. Thereafter he was sent to Rome and joined the Gregorian University to study Canon Law. His dissertation titled ‘the Syro-Malankara Church’ is the study that specifies the canonical status of the Malankara Catholic Church. On returning to Kerala, he was appointed professor in St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam. Fr. Cyril was sent to St. John’s University in New York in 1970 for his higher education in Psychology, which he completed with the highest rank.
He was elected superior general of the Bethany Ashram in 1974. He was appointed Metropolitan of Bathery in 1978. His stewardship of the Eparchy for 19 years was a milestone in the social development of the whole of Bathery. He was appointed a member of Congregation for the Eastern Church in 1989. He participated in the Asian Bishop’s Conference held in Indonesia in 1990 as the representative from India. He became the president of Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Indian twice.
He became the administrator of the Malankara Catholic Church on the demise of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios. He was appointed Metropolitan of the Malankara Catholic Church and Archbishop of Trivandrum by Pope John Paul II on 29 November 1995. It was his farsightedness and hard work that raised the Malankara Catholic Church to the status of a Major Archiepiscopal Church. He assumed the title “Catholicos of the Malankara Catholic Church.” Moran Mor Cyril Baselios, the First Major Archbishop-Catholicos passed away on Thursday 18 January 2007. His mortal remains are entombed at the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum by the side of his illustrious predecessors Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios and Archbishop Mar Gregorios.
He was elected superior general of the Bethany Ashram in 1974. He was appointed Metropolitan of Bathery in 1978. His stewardship of the Eparchy for 19 years was a milestone in the social development of the whole of Bathery. He was appointed a member of Congregation for the Eastern Church in 1989. He participated in the Asian Bishop’s Conference held in Indonesia in 1990 as the representative from India. He became the president of Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Indian twice.
He became the administrator of the Malankara Catholic Church on the demise of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios. He was appointed Metropolitan of the Malankara Catholic Church and Archbishop of Trivandrum by Pope John Paul II on 29 November 1995. It was his farsightedness and hard work that raised the Malankara Catholic Church to the status of a Major Archiepiscopal Church. He assumed the title “Catholicos of the Malankara Catholic Church.” Moran Mor Cyril Baselios, the First Major Archbishop-Catholicos passed away on Thursday 18 January 2007. His mortal remains are entombed at the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum by the side of his illustrious predecessors Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios and Archbishop Mar Gregorios.
Archbishop-Bishop Joseph Mar Severios
Joseph was born on 7 April 1894 at Anikdu near Mallappally, as the son of Oommen and Akkamma, in the Valakuzhy family. Though his baptismal name was Joseph, he was popularly known as Eappachan. He had his primary and middle school education at Mallappally. He received the holy order of Koruyo from Metropolitan Pulikottil Joseph Mar Divannasios at the age of fifteen on 15 April 1909. After his high school education, he joined the MD Seminary and continued his studies. In 1912, he passed the matriculation exam in flying colours. Although he joined a College in Trichinapoly for his higher studies, he discontinued and went to the University of Serampoor along with Fr. P.T. Geevarghese (MA Achan), who later became Archbishop Mar Ivanios, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy in 1916.
Later, he worked as Headmaster of an elementary school and also as a missionary in Brahmavar. In 1923, he was appointed as teacher of the MGM High School, Tiruvalla, where he was also the Boarding Master. He was ordained priest by Metropolitan Mar Vattasseril at his own Pathikattu parish church on 8 January 1929. He was conferred the sacred order of Remban on April 17 in 1932. Then he was appointed Manager of the Old Seminary, Kottayam. At the age of 39, Moran Mor Geevarghese Baselios Catholicos ordained Remban Joseph as Bishop of Niranam after the name Mar Severios on 25 May 1933, at the Bethany church, Tiruvalla. He administered the Eparchy staying at the Parumala Seminary.
Though Mar Severios had a deep personal relationship with Metropolitan Mar Ivanios he was not in favour of the Re-union Movement. In order to counteract the Re-union Movement he made a deep study of the history of the Church. This made him convinced of the truth that the Church founded by Jesus Christ is the Holy Catholic Church. On 29 November 1937, he made the profession of faith, in Trivandrum before Archbishop Mar Ivanios. He was appointed Administrator of the Eparchy of Tiruvalla on 20 November 1938. When Mar Theophilos was made the Titular Bishop of Amedara by the Pope on 5 May 1950, Mar Severios was appointed Metropolitan of Tiruvalla. When Archbishop Mar Ivanios passed away on 15 July 1953 Mar Severios was the senior most bishop and the Holy See conferred on him the title ‘Archbishop’ in 1954. He passed away on 18 January 1955.
Later, he worked as Headmaster of an elementary school and also as a missionary in Brahmavar. In 1923, he was appointed as teacher of the MGM High School, Tiruvalla, where he was also the Boarding Master. He was ordained priest by Metropolitan Mar Vattasseril at his own Pathikattu parish church on 8 January 1929. He was conferred the sacred order of Remban on April 17 in 1932. Then he was appointed Manager of the Old Seminary, Kottayam. At the age of 39, Moran Mor Geevarghese Baselios Catholicos ordained Remban Joseph as Bishop of Niranam after the name Mar Severios on 25 May 1933, at the Bethany church, Tiruvalla. He administered the Eparchy staying at the Parumala Seminary.
Though Mar Severios had a deep personal relationship with Metropolitan Mar Ivanios he was not in favour of the Re-union Movement. In order to counteract the Re-union Movement he made a deep study of the history of the Church. This made him convinced of the truth that the Church founded by Jesus Christ is the Holy Catholic Church. On 29 November 1937, he made the profession of faith, in Trivandrum before Archbishop Mar Ivanios. He was appointed Administrator of the Eparchy of Tiruvalla on 20 November 1938. When Mar Theophilos was made the Titular Bishop of Amedara by the Pope on 5 May 1950, Mar Severios was appointed Metropolitan of Tiruvalla. When Archbishop Mar Ivanios passed away on 15 July 1953 Mar Severios was the senior most bishop and the Holy See conferred on him the title ‘Archbishop’ in 1954. He passed away on 18 January 1955.
Lawrance Mar Ephram
Lawrence was born on 15 May 1928 an ancient family of Kakathottam at Vellelumbu, Nellikkakuzhy in the Neyyattinkara Taluk as the eldest son of Justus and Victoria. Most of his family members belonged to the Church of South India (CSI). In the initial days of the Reunion Movement, his parents joined the Malankara Catholic Church.
He had his elementary education in an English Medium School at Kanjiramukalam. He had a special relationship with Fr. Pothanamoozhy (later Bishop Pothanamoozhy) who was Secretary to the Archbishop Mar Ivanios and the Rector of the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary. Fr. Pothanamoozhy who was doing missionary works in the area brought him to the Archbishop’s House. He joined the St. Mary’s School Pattom and successfully completed the tenth standard in 1944. Later he started his studies in St. Aloysius Minor Seminary. He was sent to St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Mangalore in 1946. He was ordained priest by Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios on 14 May 1953. He then served for one and a half years in St. Aloysius Seminary. Later, he was appointed the Rector of the Seminary. His service as Rector from December 1954 to October 1962 was noteworthy and he was hailed as ‘scholar-rector’. He also served as a missionary during this period. He started around thirty mission centres.
Later he was sent to Rome for higher education. He secured his Diploma in Missiology and Degree in Sociology from the Gregorian University. When he returned he was appointed Director of St. Mary’s Institute of Pastoral Studies at Palayam.
He undertook the ministry to serve the lepers at St. John’s Hospital, Pireppencode from 1964. He served as its Director till 1977. He worked as the Vice President of Catholic Hospital Association of India for three years and as its President for six years. He also served as the Vice President of Voluntary Health Association of India for two years. He spent most of his time for the sick. He founded The Health for One Million people (HOM). He started mission centres and charitable institutes in the Kanyakumari Disrtict. He started a high school in Kirathoor and five Primary and Upper primary schools in its suburbs. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archieparchy at the age of 52. During the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Malankara Reunion Movement, he was ordained Bishop after the name Lawrence Mar Ephraem by the Metropolitan Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios at Kottayam on Saturday, 27 December 1980. He was elected Administrator of the Archieparchy after the demise of Archbishop Mar Gregorios on 10 October 1994. He was appointed the first Metropolitan of the Eparchy of Marthandom, established on 16 December 1996. His enthronement ceremonies were held at the Christuraja Cathedral, Marthandom on 23 January 1997. He passed away at 1 a.m., on 8 April 1997 and his mortal remains rest in the Christuraja Cathedral at Marthandom.
He had his elementary education in an English Medium School at Kanjiramukalam. He had a special relationship with Fr. Pothanamoozhy (later Bishop Pothanamoozhy) who was Secretary to the Archbishop Mar Ivanios and the Rector of the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary. Fr. Pothanamoozhy who was doing missionary works in the area brought him to the Archbishop’s House. He joined the St. Mary’s School Pattom and successfully completed the tenth standard in 1944. Later he started his studies in St. Aloysius Minor Seminary. He was sent to St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Mangalore in 1946. He was ordained priest by Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios on 14 May 1953. He then served for one and a half years in St. Aloysius Seminary. Later, he was appointed the Rector of the Seminary. His service as Rector from December 1954 to October 1962 was noteworthy and he was hailed as ‘scholar-rector’. He also served as a missionary during this period. He started around thirty mission centres.
Later he was sent to Rome for higher education. He secured his Diploma in Missiology and Degree in Sociology from the Gregorian University. When he returned he was appointed Director of St. Mary’s Institute of Pastoral Studies at Palayam.
He undertook the ministry to serve the lepers at St. John’s Hospital, Pireppencode from 1964. He served as its Director till 1977. He worked as the Vice President of Catholic Hospital Association of India for three years and as its President for six years. He also served as the Vice President of Voluntary Health Association of India for two years. He spent most of his time for the sick. He founded The Health for One Million people (HOM). He started mission centres and charitable institutes in the Kanyakumari Disrtict. He started a high school in Kirathoor and five Primary and Upper primary schools in its suburbs. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archieparchy at the age of 52. During the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Malankara Reunion Movement, he was ordained Bishop after the name Lawrence Mar Ephraem by the Metropolitan Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios at Kottayam on Saturday, 27 December 1980. He was elected Administrator of the Archieparchy after the demise of Archbishop Mar Gregorios on 10 October 1994. He was appointed the first Metropolitan of the Eparchy of Marthandom, established on 16 December 1996. His enthronement ceremonies were held at the Christuraja Cathedral, Marthandom on 23 January 1997. He passed away at 1 a.m., on 8 April 1997 and his mortal remains rest in the Christuraja Cathedral at Marthandom.
Metropolitan Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios (1953-1994)
Varghese Thangalathil was born on 1 February 1916 as the second son of Idicula and Annamma, at Kalluppara in Tiruvalla. They gave him the pet name Kunjukutty. At the age of four, his uncle Pappy Sir began to teach him alphabets of the vernacular, Malayalam. At the age of five he was sent to the LP School, Puthussery. After completing his middle school studies he joined the St. John’s School, Eraviperur for his Secondary School education. It was at this time that the Metropolitan Mar Ivanios started many Bethany churches with the intention of reforming the Orthodox Church and one among them was close to the Thangalathil family. As a result of that Varghese who had an inclination towards sanyasa, was able to maintain good relationship with the Bethany Sanyasis. Very soon, the reunion of a part of the Malankara Church with the Catholic Church became a reality under the leadership of Metropolitan Mar Ivanios. The relationship of Varghese, a member of the Orthodox Church with the members of the Bethany Ashram infuriated his family members. But he already joined the Bethany Ashram without their knowledge. On 21 November 1933, Brother Varghese entered the novitiate. His family later conceded to his desire. He adopted the name Benedict, which means blessed, and on 15 August 1935 he made his temporary religious profession before Archbishop Mar Ivanios. After his studies in St. Aloysius Minor Seminary, he was sent to the Papal Seminary at Candy (Sri Lanka), for his priestly studies.
He made his perpetual vows on 24 August 1941. Most Rev. Regno, the Bishop of Candy ordained him priest on 24 August 1944 and he celebrated his First Holy Qurbono in the Seminary Chapel. After his return in December 1944, Archbishop Mar Ivanios appointed Fr. Benedict to teach Syriac in the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary. He joined St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapally in 1946 for graduation course in Economics and passed the Degree with first rank from the University of Madras in 1949. Then he was appointed the first Principal of Mar Ivanios College. In 1952, he was elected Bishop. He was ordained Remban in the Aramana Chapel on 27 December 1952 and made Auxiliary Bishop of the Archieparchy of Trivandrum after the name Mar Gregorios. Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregorios was enthroned as the Metropolitan-Archbishop of Trivandrum and the Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on 27 January 1955. Under the spiritual renewal, the pastoral guidance and the social commitment of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, the Church began to flourish in its various dimensions.
He received Pallium, on 14 May 1959. He dedicated his life for service of the human society in general through his ministry in the Malankara Catholic Church. He left his indelible marks in the social and religious fabric of India. During times of social calamities and religious unrest he was sought after to reinstate peace and concord in society. He was a champion of religious harmony. The various projects he initiated for the upliftment of the poor bore abundant fruits and they were well appreciated. The Malankara Catholic Church grew in strength and vitality during his reign. After serving the Archieparchy for 41 years he passed away for his eternal reward on 10 October 1994. His mortal remains now rest adjacent to the tomb of his guru Archbishop Mar Ivanios.
He made his perpetual vows on 24 August 1941. Most Rev. Regno, the Bishop of Candy ordained him priest on 24 August 1944 and he celebrated his First Holy Qurbono in the Seminary Chapel. After his return in December 1944, Archbishop Mar Ivanios appointed Fr. Benedict to teach Syriac in the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary. He joined St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapally in 1946 for graduation course in Economics and passed the Degree with first rank from the University of Madras in 1949. Then he was appointed the first Principal of Mar Ivanios College. In 1952, he was elected Bishop. He was ordained Remban in the Aramana Chapel on 27 December 1952 and made Auxiliary Bishop of the Archieparchy of Trivandrum after the name Mar Gregorios. Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregorios was enthroned as the Metropolitan-Archbishop of Trivandrum and the Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on 27 January 1955. Under the spiritual renewal, the pastoral guidance and the social commitment of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, the Church began to flourish in its various dimensions.
He received Pallium, on 14 May 1959. He dedicated his life for service of the human society in general through his ministry in the Malankara Catholic Church. He left his indelible marks in the social and religious fabric of India. During times of social calamities and religious unrest he was sought after to reinstate peace and concord in society. He was a champion of religious harmony. The various projects he initiated for the upliftment of the poor bore abundant fruits and they were well appreciated. The Malankara Catholic Church grew in strength and vitality during his reign. After serving the Archieparchy for 41 years he passed away for his eternal reward on 10 October 1994. His mortal remains now rest adjacent to the tomb of his guru Archbishop Mar Ivanios.
Metropolitan Jacob Mar Theophilos
Varghese Thangalathil was born on 1 February 1916 as the second son of Idicula and Annamma, at Kalluppara in Tiruvalla. They gave him the pet name Kunjukutty. At the age of four, his uncle Pappy Sir began to teach him alphabets of the vernacular, Malayalam. At the age of five he was sent to the LP School, Puthussery. After completing his middle school studies he joined the St. John’s School, Eraviperur for his Secondary School education. It was at this time that the Metropolitan Mar Ivanios started many Bethany churches with the intention of reforming the Orthodox Church and one among them was close to the Thangalathil family. As a result of that Varghese who had an inclination towards sanyasa, was able to maintain good relationship with the Bethany Sanyasis. Very soon, the reunion of a part of the Malankara Church with the Catholic Church became a reality under the leadership of Metropolitan Mar Ivanios. The relationship of Varghese, a member of the Orthodox Church with the members of the Bethany Ashram infuriated his family members. But he already joined the Bethany Ashram without their knowledge. On 21 November 1933, Brother Varghese entered the novitiate. His family later conceded to his desire. He adopted the name Benedict, which means blessed, and on 15 August 1935 he made his temporary religious profession before Archbishop Mar Ivanios. After his studies in St. Aloysius Minor Seminary, he was sent to the Papal Seminary at Candy (Sri Lanka), for his priestly studies.
He made his perpetual vows on 24 August 1941. Most Rev. Regno, the Bishop of Candy ordained him priest on 24 August 1944 and he celebrated his First Holy Qurbono in the Seminary Chapel. After his return in December 1944, Archbishop Mar Ivanios appointed Fr. Benedict to teach Syriac in the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary. He joined St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapally in 1946 for graduation course in Economics and passed the Degree with first rank from the University of Madras in 1949. Then he was appointed the first Principal of Mar Ivanios College. In 1952, he was elected Bishop. He was ordained Remban in the Aramana Chapel on 27 December 1952 and made Auxiliary Bishop of the Archieparchy of Trivandrum after the name Mar Gregorios. Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregorios was enthroned as the Metropolitan-Archbishop of Trivandrum and the Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on 27 January 1955. Under the spiritual renewal, the pastoral guidance and the social commitment of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, the Church began to flourish in its various dimensions.
He received Pallium, on 14 May 1959. He dedicated his life for service of the human society in general through his ministry in the Malankara Catholic Church. He left his indelible marks in the social and religious fabric of India. During times of social calamities and religious unrest he was sought after to reinstate peace and concord in society. He was a champion of religious harmony. The various projects he initiated for the upliftment of the poor bore abundant fruits and they were well appreciated. The Malankara Catholic Church grew in strength and vitality during his reign. After serving the Archieparchy for 41 years he passed away for his eternal reward on 10 October 1994. His mortal remains now rest adjacent to the tomb of his guru Archbishop Mar Ivanios.
He made his perpetual vows on 24 August 1941. Most Rev. Regno, the Bishop of Candy ordained him priest on 24 August 1944 and he celebrated his First Holy Qurbono in the Seminary Chapel. After his return in December 1944, Archbishop Mar Ivanios appointed Fr. Benedict to teach Syriac in the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary. He joined St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapally in 1946 for graduation course in Economics and passed the Degree with first rank from the University of Madras in 1949. Then he was appointed the first Principal of Mar Ivanios College. In 1952, he was elected Bishop. He was ordained Remban in the Aramana Chapel on 27 December 1952 and made Auxiliary Bishop of the Archieparchy of Trivandrum after the name Mar Gregorios. Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregorios was enthroned as the Metropolitan-Archbishop of Trivandrum and the Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on 27 January 1955. Under the spiritual renewal, the pastoral guidance and the social commitment of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, the Church began to flourish in its various dimensions.
He received Pallium, on 14 May 1959. He dedicated his life for service of the human society in general through his ministry in the Malankara Catholic Church. He left his indelible marks in the social and religious fabric of India. During times of social calamities and religious unrest he was sought after to reinstate peace and concord in society. He was a champion of religious harmony. The various projects he initiated for the upliftment of the poor bore abundant fruits and they were well appreciated. The Malankara Catholic Church grew in strength and vitality during his reign. After serving the Archieparchy for 41 years he passed away for his eternal reward on 10 October 1994. His mortal remains now rest adjacent to the tomb of his guru Archbishop Mar Ivanios.
Metropolitan Thomas Mar Deoscoros
Thomas was born on 4 January 1884 at Chingavanam in Kottayam as the second son of Thomman Kuruvila and Pallam Ottathaickal Naithiyamma of the Thervalady family. He received the sacred order of Diaconate after his studies at the CMS School, Pallam and at the CMS College, Kottayam. He was ordained priest at the age of 28, by Metropolitan Idavazhickal Mar Severios. As a member of the Knanaya Jocobite Church, he was recommended to succeed Metropolitan Mar Severios when the latter passed away. He was ordained Bishop after the name Deoscoros by Eliaz III, Patriarch of Antioch, on 11 November 1926 in Jerusalem. He governed the Church from 1927 to 1939 staying at the Mar Ephraem Seminary, Chingavanam. As a result of his Theological studies, he developed a deep spiritual affection towards the Catholic Church (the true Church).
Due to his irresistible desire to commune with the Catholic Church, he went to Archbishop Mar Ivanios and on 12 November 1939 made his profession of the Catholic faith before him. In order to lead a life of prayer, he relinquished his offices and went to Cherupushpagiri, Tiruvalla and stayed with Mar Theophilos and Mar Severios. He spent his last days in the church at Tirumoolapuram. He passed away on 22 February 1943 and is buried at the St. Mary’s Church, Tirumoolapuram.
Due to his irresistible desire to commune with the Catholic Church, he went to Archbishop Mar Ivanios and on 12 November 1939 made his profession of the Catholic faith before him. In order to lead a life of prayer, he relinquished his offices and went to Cherupushpagiri, Tiruvalla and stayed with Mar Theophilos and Mar Severios. He spent his last days in the church at Tirumoolapuram. He passed away on 22 February 1943 and is buried at the St. Mary’s Church, Tirumoolapuram.
Paulose Mar Philaxenos
Paul Thomas was born as the eldest child of Thomas and Thandakutti on 28 April 1928 at Ayyamkulangara. He studied in the Thozhiyoor CMUP School and in the Government High School at Kunnamkulam. He completed his intermediate from Wellington College, Sangli in Maharashtra with the intention of becoming a doctor. He couldn’t continue his studies, as the college was shut down. He returned home and started pondering over his vocation. He received his diaconate in 1952 and priestly ordination in 1961 from Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Koorilos. On 9 December 1967 he received the sacred order of Remban from Metropolitan Mathews Mar Athanasios of Marthoma Church and the sacred order of the Episcopa on 16 December from the Marthoma Metropolitans Yoohanon and Thomas Mar Athanasios after the name Paulose Mar Philexinos III.
He had a clear picture of the weaknesses and limitations of the ‘Church of Thozhiyoor’ and earnestly got desired to reunite with the Catholic Church. He intended for the reunion not as an individual but together with the entire faithful of the Church of Thozhiyoor. Cherishing this desire in mind, he sent a pastoral letter to all the parishes under his administration. But the people of his Church paid no heed to it. On 28 August 1977 he left the Thozhiyoor Syrian Church, of which he was the thirteenth Metropolitan and got reunited with the Catholic Church at the Bishop’s house, Trissur. He was appointed Titular Bishop of Chayal by the Holy See on 11 October 1977. Later, he was appointed the Episcopal Vicar of the Archieparchy of Trivandrum. He visited the Pope in 1979. He made pilgrimage to Lourdes, Liseux, etc. He worked for the welfare of the Church without considering his health problems. At 10 p.m., on 3 November 1998, he breathed his last and his mortal body is entombed in St. John’s Cathedral, Tiruvalla.
He had a clear picture of the weaknesses and limitations of the ‘Church of Thozhiyoor’ and earnestly got desired to reunite with the Catholic Church. He intended for the reunion not as an individual but together with the entire faithful of the Church of Thozhiyoor. Cherishing this desire in mind, he sent a pastoral letter to all the parishes under his administration. But the people of his Church paid no heed to it. On 28 August 1977 he left the Thozhiyoor Syrian Church, of which he was the thirteenth Metropolitan and got reunited with the Catholic Church at the Bishop’s house, Trissur. He was appointed Titular Bishop of Chayal by the Holy See on 11 October 1977. Later, he was appointed the Episcopal Vicar of the Archieparchy of Trivandrum. He visited the Pope in 1979. He made pilgrimage to Lourdes, Liseux, etc. He worked for the welfare of the Church without considering his health problems. At 10 p.m., on 3 November 1998, he breathed his last and his mortal body is entombed in St. John’s Cathedral, Tiruvalla.
Servant Of God Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios
The First Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
Geevarghese was born on 21 September 1882 at Puthiyakavu in Mavelikara as the son of Thoma Panicker and Annamma of Panikeruveedu. After his training in Kalari (Elementary School), he joined the CMS English School nearby and later continued his studies in a Government Public School. The Jacobite Metropolitan, Pulikottu Mar Divannasios, who was edified by the pious, intelligent and brave child Geevarghese, took him to the Seminary in Kottayam for higher studies and for priestly formation. He completed matriculation from MD Seminary High School in flying colours. Later, he passed the Fellow of Arts (FA) exam from CMS College, Kottayam. He secured his BA and MA Degrees in History and Economics respectively from Madras Christian College. On 26 Dhanu 1074 (Malayalam Era) Pulikottu Mar Divannasios ordained him a Deacon, in the church at Puthenkavu. As a Deacon, he spent his days preaching on the Sacraments to revivify the Malankara Church, weakened by strife and litigations. Thus he came to be named Kudasa Semmasan (Deacon of Sacraments).
Deacon P.T Geevarghese was appointed Principal of the renowned MD Seminary High School, in 1908. He was ordained priest by Vattaseril Mar Divannasios at Parumala Seminary on 15 August 1908. He became famous as MA Achen, as he was the first MA Degree holder among the Syrian priests of Kerala.
Fr. P.T. Geevarghese served as professor of History, Politics and Economics from 1913 to 1919 in the University of Serampoor, Bengal. It was during this period that he got inspired by the Indian culture and Sanayasa and started a new religious movement (Sanyasa Prasthanam), in collaboration with the students, whom MA Achan brought from Kerala to Serampoor to pursue higher education. He intended to found an Ashram in an isolated place and wanted to engage himself in activities of love of God, spiritual awakening of the Malankara Church and the upliftment of the downtrodden of the society. Eventually, he resigned his post at the University and founded the Order of the Imitation of Christ, also known as Bethany Ashram, on 15 August 1919 at Mundanmala in Ranni-Perunadu, Pathanamthitta district. He was made Remban on 28 January 1925 at Tirumoolapuram Church and on 1 May he was ordained Bishop at Niranam after the name Mar Ivanios. He founded a religious congregation for women known as the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ, also known as Bethany Madhom, on 8 September 1925 after he was ordained Bishop of Bethany. On 13 February 1929 he was raised as the Bethany Metropolitan.
Metropolitan Mar Ivanios had dedicated his life to revive the Malankara Church weakened by disputes and litigations. It was under this circumstance that MA Achen, who was just 30 years old succeeded to get established the throne of the Catholicos in Malankara in the year 1912.
At a time when the Metrankakshi (Bishop’s Party) and the Bavakakshi (Catholicos’ Party) were engaged in court litigations to secure the title-hold of Vattippanam (a fixed bank deposit) for favour of the Malankara Church, he toiled to bring peace and reconciliation in the Church. The Synod of the Orthodox Church, convoked at Parumala in 1926 as a solution to find lasting peace in the Church proposed the reunion of the Malankara Church with the Catholic Church and authorized Mar Ivanios to hold negotiations with Rome for the same. After a persevering endevour for four years, Rome accepted the proposal of Mar Ivanios for reunion. However, as the verdict of the civil court on Vattippanam came in favour of the Metrankakshi, they backed out of re-union endevours. But Metropolitan Mar Ivanios along with Mar Theophilos, Fr. John OIC, Deacon Seraphion and Mr. Kilileth Chacko came in communion with the Catholic Church, making the profession of faith before Bishop Aloysius Maria Benzigor in the Aramana Chapel at Kollam on 20 September 1930.
Metropolitan Mar Ivanios visited Pope Pius XI, in 1932. The Malankara Catholic Hierarchy was erected with Trivandrum as Archieparchy, His Grace Mar Ivanios as its Metropolitan Archbishop and Tiruvalla as its suffragan Eparchy under Bishop Mar Theophilos on 11 June 1932. His Grace Mar Ivanios was enthroned Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum on 12 March 1933. In 1947, Archbishop Mar Ivanios visited America and Australia. This visit consolidated the life and progress of the Malankara Catholic Church by sharing the ecclesiological and theological positions of the Malankara Catholic Church and the Reunion Movement in the Universal Church.
Archbishop Mar Ivanios made a global influence through his ascetic life and endevours for the communion of Churches through the Re-union Movement which was essentially ecumenical in nature. He was a great force in the society through his pioneering efforts in the fields of education and dedication to the cause of the poor. Within twenty two years of his life as Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum, he founded 78 primary schools 18 Upper Primary Schools, 15 High Schools, 2 Teacher Training Schools and 1 Arts college.
As his health deteriorated, he received the anointing of the sick for prelates (Kanthila Susrusha). He ordained Benedict Mar Gregorios as Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum. He passed away to his eternal reward on 15 July 1953.
Ever since his demise, pilgrims flock to his tomb at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, Trivndrum. Thousands join the AnnualPadayatra (pilgrimage on foot) to his tomb from 10 – 15 July every year to celebrate his commemoration. He was declared servant of God in the Church on 14 July 2007 by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church.
Geevarghese was born on 21 September 1882 at Puthiyakavu in Mavelikara as the son of Thoma Panicker and Annamma of Panikeruveedu. After his training in Kalari (Elementary School), he joined the CMS English School nearby and later continued his studies in a Government Public School. The Jacobite Metropolitan, Pulikottu Mar Divannasios, who was edified by the pious, intelligent and brave child Geevarghese, took him to the Seminary in Kottayam for higher studies and for priestly formation. He completed matriculation from MD Seminary High School in flying colours. Later, he passed the Fellow of Arts (FA) exam from CMS College, Kottayam. He secured his BA and MA Degrees in History and Economics respectively from Madras Christian College. On 26 Dhanu 1074 (Malayalam Era) Pulikottu Mar Divannasios ordained him a Deacon, in the church at Puthenkavu. As a Deacon, he spent his days preaching on the Sacraments to revivify the Malankara Church, weakened by strife and litigations. Thus he came to be named Kudasa Semmasan (Deacon of Sacraments).
Deacon P.T Geevarghese was appointed Principal of the renowned MD Seminary High School, in 1908. He was ordained priest by Vattaseril Mar Divannasios at Parumala Seminary on 15 August 1908. He became famous as MA Achen, as he was the first MA Degree holder among the Syrian priests of Kerala.
Fr. P.T. Geevarghese served as professor of History, Politics and Economics from 1913 to 1919 in the University of Serampoor, Bengal. It was during this period that he got inspired by the Indian culture and Sanayasa and started a new religious movement (Sanyasa Prasthanam), in collaboration with the students, whom MA Achan brought from Kerala to Serampoor to pursue higher education. He intended to found an Ashram in an isolated place and wanted to engage himself in activities of love of God, spiritual awakening of the Malankara Church and the upliftment of the downtrodden of the society. Eventually, he resigned his post at the University and founded the Order of the Imitation of Christ, also known as Bethany Ashram, on 15 August 1919 at Mundanmala in Ranni-Perunadu, Pathanamthitta district. He was made Remban on 28 January 1925 at Tirumoolapuram Church and on 1 May he was ordained Bishop at Niranam after the name Mar Ivanios. He founded a religious congregation for women known as the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ, also known as Bethany Madhom, on 8 September 1925 after he was ordained Bishop of Bethany. On 13 February 1929 he was raised as the Bethany Metropolitan.
Metropolitan Mar Ivanios had dedicated his life to revive the Malankara Church weakened by disputes and litigations. It was under this circumstance that MA Achen, who was just 30 years old succeeded to get established the throne of the Catholicos in Malankara in the year 1912.
At a time when the Metrankakshi (Bishop’s Party) and the Bavakakshi (Catholicos’ Party) were engaged in court litigations to secure the title-hold of Vattippanam (a fixed bank deposit) for favour of the Malankara Church, he toiled to bring peace and reconciliation in the Church. The Synod of the Orthodox Church, convoked at Parumala in 1926 as a solution to find lasting peace in the Church proposed the reunion of the Malankara Church with the Catholic Church and authorized Mar Ivanios to hold negotiations with Rome for the same. After a persevering endevour for four years, Rome accepted the proposal of Mar Ivanios for reunion. However, as the verdict of the civil court on Vattippanam came in favour of the Metrankakshi, they backed out of re-union endevours. But Metropolitan Mar Ivanios along with Mar Theophilos, Fr. John OIC, Deacon Seraphion and Mr. Kilileth Chacko came in communion with the Catholic Church, making the profession of faith before Bishop Aloysius Maria Benzigor in the Aramana Chapel at Kollam on 20 September 1930.
Metropolitan Mar Ivanios visited Pope Pius XI, in 1932. The Malankara Catholic Hierarchy was erected with Trivandrum as Archieparchy, His Grace Mar Ivanios as its Metropolitan Archbishop and Tiruvalla as its suffragan Eparchy under Bishop Mar Theophilos on 11 June 1932. His Grace Mar Ivanios was enthroned Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum on 12 March 1933. In 1947, Archbishop Mar Ivanios visited America and Australia. This visit consolidated the life and progress of the Malankara Catholic Church by sharing the ecclesiological and theological positions of the Malankara Catholic Church and the Reunion Movement in the Universal Church.
Archbishop Mar Ivanios made a global influence through his ascetic life and endevours for the communion of Churches through the Re-union Movement which was essentially ecumenical in nature. He was a great force in the society through his pioneering efforts in the fields of education and dedication to the cause of the poor. Within twenty two years of his life as Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum, he founded 78 primary schools 18 Upper Primary Schools, 15 High Schools, 2 Teacher Training Schools and 1 Arts college.
As his health deteriorated, he received the anointing of the sick for prelates (Kanthila Susrusha). He ordained Benedict Mar Gregorios as Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum. He passed away to his eternal reward on 15 July 1953.
Ever since his demise, pilgrims flock to his tomb at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, Trivndrum. Thousands join the AnnualPadayatra (pilgrimage on foot) to his tomb from 10 – 15 July every year to celebrate his commemoration. He was declared servant of God in the Church on 14 July 2007 by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church.
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History
The St. Thomas Christian Community, founded in India by the year 52 AD., was further strengthened by a group of Christians immigrated from Persia in 345 AD., paving the path for further relationships with the Churches in the Persian Empire, some of which were founded by close disciples of St. Thomas. Hence both the Church in India and those of Persia were in close relationship with each other and in communion with other early apostolic communities.
This situation continued till the 16th century, when the Church in the West began to come in contact with the Indian Church through the Portuguese merchants and missionaries. These contacts were cordial in the beginning, but conflicts of different natures ensued later, as a result of which the early community of Indian Christians in 1653 broke off their relationship with the Portuguese missionaries. The majority of them restored ecclesial relationship with the Portuguese hierarchy (Malabar-Church) and the rest formed themselves into an independent ecclesial community and gradually got into an ecclesial relationship with the ancient Christian Church of Antioch (Malankara-Church).
This situation continued till the 16th century, when the Church in the West began to come in contact with the Indian Church through the Portuguese merchants and missionaries. These contacts were cordial in the beginning, but conflicts of different natures ensued later, as a result of which the early community of Indian Christians in 1653 broke off their relationship with the Portuguese missionaries. The majority of them restored ecclesial relationship with the Portuguese hierarchy (Malabar-Church) and the rest formed themselves into an independent ecclesial community and gradually got into an ecclesial relationship with the ancient Christian Church of Antioch (Malankara-Church).
From the Malankara Church there had always been attempts to restore communion with the Holy See of Rome and after 300 years of strenuous efforts, they, were crowned with success only in the first half of the 20th century.
In 1926 the Episcopal Synod of the Church of the "New Party" held at Parumala delegated Metropolitan Mar Ivanios to enter into negotiations with Rome in order to effect a reunion with the Catholic Church under the condition that the ancient and venerable traditions of the Malankara Church would be retained and kept intact. Pope Pius XI graciously accepted the conditions and welcomed the reunion.
Accordingly, on September 20, 1930 a representative group, headed by Archbishop Mar Ivanios and followed by Mar Theophilos, Rev. Fr. John Kuzhimepurath OIC, Deacon Alexander (later Fr. Seraphion OIC) and Mr. Chacko Kilileth, made their Profession of Faith and were duly received into the Catholic Communion by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. María Benziger, Bishop of Quilon, who was especially delegated by the Holy See for this purpose. The following day two Rembans, Most Rev. Joseph Pulikottil and Most Rev. Philipose Cheppad, also made their Profession of Faith and were likewise received into the Malankara Catholic Church.
In 1932 His Garce Mar Ivanios made his official visit to the Holy See of Rome and His Holiness Pope Pius XI invested him with the Sacred Pallium. With the Apostolic Constitution "Christo Pastorum Principi" of June 11, 1932 Pope Pius XI erected the Syro-Malankara Catholic Hierarchy comprising the Metropolitan Eparchy of Trivandrum and the Eparchy of Tiruvalla.
The Metropolitan Eparchy of Trivandrum was inaugurated on May 11, 1933 and His Grace Mar Ivanios was installed as its first Metropolitan. The Eparchy of Tiruvalla was inaugurated on November 6, 1933 and Most Rev. Jacob Mar Theophilos was appointed as its first Bishop.
The reunion of Archbishop Mar Ivanios with the Catholic church was a historical event in the Church, which inspired many of the Malankara Thomas Christians including many bishops of the Orthodox Church. On November 29, 1937 Most Rev. Joseph Severios of the Orthodox Church and on November 12, 1939 Most Rev.Thomas Dioscorus, Metropolitan of the Knanaya Jacobite Church, were reunited with the Catholic Church.
Under the spiritual, intellectual and pastoral leadership of Archbishop Mar Ivanios the Malankara Catholic Community was greatly strengthened in India and abroad. After a period of 22 years of strenuous and exhausting service to the Malankara Catholic Church Mar Ivanios fell sick for more than one year. During this time he consecrated His Excellency Most Rev. Benedict Gregorios as his auxiliary on January 29, 1953. Mar Ivanios, the pioneer of the reunion movement, passed away on July 15, 1953.
On January 27, 1955 Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregorios was installed as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum and the Head of the Syro-Malankara Hierarchy. At this time large numbers of people from other non-Catholic Malankara Curches reunited with the Catholic Church, and several parishes, missions, convents, schools, hospitals, orphanages and other institutions were established in different places. His Excellency Most Rev. Paulose Mar Philexinos, the Metropolitan of the Malabar Independent Church, was received into the Catholic Church as the Titular Bishop of Chayal on August 28, 1977. His Excellency Most Rev. Lawrence Mar Ephraem was appointed Auxiliary to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum on November 6, 1980 and was consecrated on December 27, 1980.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has been steadly growing and spreading throughout India. The Eparchy of Bathery was erected on October 28, 1978, bifurcating the Eparchy of Tiruvalla. Most Rev. Cyril Mar Baselios was appointed as the first Bishop of the new Eparchy.
After 41 years of dedicated service, Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, Head of the Malankara Catholic Church, passed away on October 10, 1994. His Excellency Most Rev. Cyril Mar Baselios, the then Bishop of Bathery, became the Apostolic Administrator of the Church. On November 6, 1995 he was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum and Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. His installation took place on December 14, 1995.
Bifurcating the Metropolitan Eparchy of Trivandrum, the Eparchy of Marthandom was erected on December 16, 1996 and Most Rev. Lawrence Mar Ephraem, the then Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum, was appointed as its first Bishop.
Thus in 1930, a small community from the Malankara Church regained communion with the Holy See and was recognized as the Malankara Catholic Church. It has today One Major Archdiocese, one Archdiocese, 6 dioceses, one Exarcate, 14 Bishops, about 900 priests, 2200 Religious men and women and 6,00,000 of faithful, leaving about 3 million people still in the Malankara non-Catholic Church.
Since the Malankara Church had entertained ecclesial relationship with the Antiochen Church, it has adopted the Antiochene Liturgy and canonical traditions, which, in turn, are very ancient and rooted in the apostolic traditions of the early oriental Churches. On February 10, 2005, His Holiness Pope John Paul II has raised the Syro-Malankara Metropolitan Church sui iuris to the rank of Major Archiepiscopal Church and has promoted H.E. Cyril Mar Baselios Malancharuvil to the dignity of Major Archbishop.
THE PATHANAMTHITTA DIOCESE The Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Catholic Church held in December 2009, presided over by His Excellency Major Arch Bishop Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, decided to form the new Eparchy of Pathanamthitta. Thus the seventh Eparchy in Malankara Catholic Church, the Diocese of Pathanamthitta came into existence with the consent of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, on 25th January 2010. The Diocese is erected bifurcating the Major Archi Episcopal Eparchy of Trivandrum. Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Bishop of Marthandam has been appointed as the first Bishop of this new Eparchy.
The Eparchy of Pathanamthitta has been officially inaugurated in a solemn function witnessed by thousands of people at District Stadium (Cyril Baselios Catholicos Nagar), Pathanamthitta on Saturday, 20th March 2010. Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom took charge as the First Bishop on the same day in another function held at Sacred Heart Malankara Catholic Church at Mylapra near Pathanamthitta.
The new Diocese is mainly confined to the revenue district of Pathanamthitta. There are 100 parishes in the Diocese and as many as 89 Priests are serving in the Diocese. The Diocesan area is basically hilly in nature including a considerable number of tribal colonies. The people in the area are keeping their centuries old faith in Christianity. The Nilackal/Chayal Church which was erected by St. Thomas the Apostole is situated in the diocesan area. St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church, Pathanamthitta is the Cathedral Church of the new Eparchy. Perunadu-Mundanmala where the Servant of God Arch Bishop Mar Ivanios started the reunion movement is also within the Eparchy.
In 1926 the Episcopal Synod of the Church of the "New Party" held at Parumala delegated Metropolitan Mar Ivanios to enter into negotiations with Rome in order to effect a reunion with the Catholic Church under the condition that the ancient and venerable traditions of the Malankara Church would be retained and kept intact. Pope Pius XI graciously accepted the conditions and welcomed the reunion.
Accordingly, on September 20, 1930 a representative group, headed by Archbishop Mar Ivanios and followed by Mar Theophilos, Rev. Fr. John Kuzhimepurath OIC, Deacon Alexander (later Fr. Seraphion OIC) and Mr. Chacko Kilileth, made their Profession of Faith and were duly received into the Catholic Communion by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. María Benziger, Bishop of Quilon, who was especially delegated by the Holy See for this purpose. The following day two Rembans, Most Rev. Joseph Pulikottil and Most Rev. Philipose Cheppad, also made their Profession of Faith and were likewise received into the Malankara Catholic Church.
In 1932 His Garce Mar Ivanios made his official visit to the Holy See of Rome and His Holiness Pope Pius XI invested him with the Sacred Pallium. With the Apostolic Constitution "Christo Pastorum Principi" of June 11, 1932 Pope Pius XI erected the Syro-Malankara Catholic Hierarchy comprising the Metropolitan Eparchy of Trivandrum and the Eparchy of Tiruvalla.
The Metropolitan Eparchy of Trivandrum was inaugurated on May 11, 1933 and His Grace Mar Ivanios was installed as its first Metropolitan. The Eparchy of Tiruvalla was inaugurated on November 6, 1933 and Most Rev. Jacob Mar Theophilos was appointed as its first Bishop.
The reunion of Archbishop Mar Ivanios with the Catholic church was a historical event in the Church, which inspired many of the Malankara Thomas Christians including many bishops of the Orthodox Church. On November 29, 1937 Most Rev. Joseph Severios of the Orthodox Church and on November 12, 1939 Most Rev.Thomas Dioscorus, Metropolitan of the Knanaya Jacobite Church, were reunited with the Catholic Church.
Under the spiritual, intellectual and pastoral leadership of Archbishop Mar Ivanios the Malankara Catholic Community was greatly strengthened in India and abroad. After a period of 22 years of strenuous and exhausting service to the Malankara Catholic Church Mar Ivanios fell sick for more than one year. During this time he consecrated His Excellency Most Rev. Benedict Gregorios as his auxiliary on January 29, 1953. Mar Ivanios, the pioneer of the reunion movement, passed away on July 15, 1953.
On January 27, 1955 Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregorios was installed as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum and the Head of the Syro-Malankara Hierarchy. At this time large numbers of people from other non-Catholic Malankara Curches reunited with the Catholic Church, and several parishes, missions, convents, schools, hospitals, orphanages and other institutions were established in different places. His Excellency Most Rev. Paulose Mar Philexinos, the Metropolitan of the Malabar Independent Church, was received into the Catholic Church as the Titular Bishop of Chayal on August 28, 1977. His Excellency Most Rev. Lawrence Mar Ephraem was appointed Auxiliary to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum on November 6, 1980 and was consecrated on December 27, 1980.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has been steadly growing and spreading throughout India. The Eparchy of Bathery was erected on October 28, 1978, bifurcating the Eparchy of Tiruvalla. Most Rev. Cyril Mar Baselios was appointed as the first Bishop of the new Eparchy.
After 41 years of dedicated service, Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, Head of the Malankara Catholic Church, passed away on October 10, 1994. His Excellency Most Rev. Cyril Mar Baselios, the then Bishop of Bathery, became the Apostolic Administrator of the Church. On November 6, 1995 he was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum and Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. His installation took place on December 14, 1995.
Bifurcating the Metropolitan Eparchy of Trivandrum, the Eparchy of Marthandom was erected on December 16, 1996 and Most Rev. Lawrence Mar Ephraem, the then Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum, was appointed as its first Bishop.
Thus in 1930, a small community from the Malankara Church regained communion with the Holy See and was recognized as the Malankara Catholic Church. It has today One Major Archdiocese, one Archdiocese, 6 dioceses, one Exarcate, 14 Bishops, about 900 priests, 2200 Religious men and women and 6,00,000 of faithful, leaving about 3 million people still in the Malankara non-Catholic Church.
Since the Malankara Church had entertained ecclesial relationship with the Antiochen Church, it has adopted the Antiochene Liturgy and canonical traditions, which, in turn, are very ancient and rooted in the apostolic traditions of the early oriental Churches. On February 10, 2005, His Holiness Pope John Paul II has raised the Syro-Malankara Metropolitan Church sui iuris to the rank of Major Archiepiscopal Church and has promoted H.E. Cyril Mar Baselios Malancharuvil to the dignity of Major Archbishop.
THE PATHANAMTHITTA DIOCESE The Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Catholic Church held in December 2009, presided over by His Excellency Major Arch Bishop Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, decided to form the new Eparchy of Pathanamthitta. Thus the seventh Eparchy in Malankara Catholic Church, the Diocese of Pathanamthitta came into existence with the consent of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, on 25th January 2010. The Diocese is erected bifurcating the Major Archi Episcopal Eparchy of Trivandrum. Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Bishop of Marthandam has been appointed as the first Bishop of this new Eparchy.
The Eparchy of Pathanamthitta has been officially inaugurated in a solemn function witnessed by thousands of people at District Stadium (Cyril Baselios Catholicos Nagar), Pathanamthitta on Saturday, 20th March 2010. Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom took charge as the First Bishop on the same day in another function held at Sacred Heart Malankara Catholic Church at Mylapra near Pathanamthitta.
The new Diocese is mainly confined to the revenue district of Pathanamthitta. There are 100 parishes in the Diocese and as many as 89 Priests are serving in the Diocese. The Diocesan area is basically hilly in nature including a considerable number of tribal colonies. The people in the area are keeping their centuries old faith in Christianity. The Nilackal/Chayal Church which was erected by St. Thomas the Apostole is situated in the diocesan area. St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church, Pathanamthitta is the Cathedral Church of the new Eparchy. Perunadu-Mundanmala where the Servant of God Arch Bishop Mar Ivanios started the reunion movement is also within the Eparchy.
LEADERS WHO LED THE PART IN THE PAST
SERVANT OF GOD ARCHBISHOP GEEVARGHESE MAR IVANIOSThe First Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
ARCHBISHOP BENEDICT MAR GREGORIOSThe Second Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
MAJOR ARCHBISHOP CYRIL MAR BASELIOS CATHOLICOSThe Third Metropolitan Archbishop and the First Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
JACOB MAR THEOPHILOSThe First Metropolitan of Tiruvalla
THOMAS MAR DEOSCOROSMetropolitan Tiruvalla
JOSEPH MAR SEVERIOSThe Second Metropolitan of Tiruvalla
ZACHARIAS MAR ATHANASIOSThe Third Metropolitan of Tiruvalla
LAWRENCE MAR EPHRAEMThe Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum (1980-1996) The First Metropolitan of Marthandom
PAULOSE MAR PHILOXINOSThe Titular Metropolitan of Chayyal
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