Life of Parumala Thirumeni – St. Geevargese Mar Gregorios

In the name of God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus

The Indian Orthodox Church commemorates the life and death of one of her beloved member of the Church – Late Lamented His Grace Geevargese Mar Gregorios, also lovingly known as Parumala Thirumeni. He is a beloved saint of both the factions of the Orthodox Church in India. He is first declared saint of the Indian Orthodox Church. He is a patron saint of many churches of the Indian Orthodox Church and he is a revered saint for not only the members of the Church but also for the the people of different faith backgrounds in and round Parumala. Let us learn and come to know more about this beloved son of the Church.

Our beloved Parumala Thirumeni from child hood days led a very pious and simple life.  Dedication and sacrifice were the key words of his life.  His busy schedules never deterred him from hearing the grievances of the common man and was always in the forefront extending necessary help to them.  Thirumeni’s life was one of righteousness and holiness.  Many in his generation can testify their personal experience in being blessed with divine grace revived by them through this Holy father.  Mor Gregorios was an able bishop who ministered to the spiritual and temporal needs of his flock.  Through his prayers many were cured from mental illness and evil spirit and many received peace and spiritual prosperity. This blog is an attempt to know and learn from his life to live a life dedicated to our Master and Lord Jesus Christ.

Early Life

It was on June 15, 1848 that Kochu Ipeora (Baptismal name – Geevarghese) was born in Pallathetta family in the Chathuruthy house at Mulanthuruthy (near Cochin), Kerala. His parents were Kochu Mathai and Mariam who had three sons and two daughters. Geevarghese had two brothers and two sisters; Kurian, Eli, Mariam and Varkey. Geevarghese was the youngest. Geevarghese’s mother died when he was a small boy and since then he was under the loving care of his elder sister Mariam.

From childhood days he followed a very disciplined life which was enriched by prayer and fasting. Mor Gregorios had a thorough knowledge in Theology and Syriac, which he learned from his teachers, Pallithatta Fr. Geevarghese Malpan (uncle), Konatt Malpan of Pambakkuda and Yuyakim Mor Kurillos Bava the Patriarchal delegate. His Grace was a man of prayer and made it clear to the world that Prayer and devotion is mightier than any worldly possession. The Holy Father’s short life was remarkable in many respects. A deacon at the age of 10, a priest at the age of 18, a bishop at the young age of 28 (the reason for calling him ‘Kochu Thirumeni’); he passed away on November 2nd 1902, after a saintly life of prayer to become the brightest jewel in the Indian Orthodox Church.

At a very young age Geevarghese had shown interest in spiritual matters. His devotion, humility and above all, his ability to sing the traditional Syriac hymns beautifully and perfectly, came to the notice of his uncle Malpan Geevarghese. The uncle wanted his nephew to be raised to priesthood and the family members who knew Geevarghese’s character too agreed to the Malpan’s request.

In 1857, on the Feast of the Cross (September 14, 1857), the Malankara Metropolitan Mathews Athanasius ordained the 9 year old Geevarghese, a quroyo (sub-deacon), at St. George Jacobite Syrian Cathedral, Karingachira.

Life as a Priest and Metropolitan (Bishop)

At the age of 18, he was ordained Shamshono by His Grace Yuyakim Mor Kurillos, the then Patriarchal delegate of the Holy See of Antioch. Soon after Geevarghese was ordained Kassisso and later as Cor-episcopa, again at the blessed hands of His Grace Yuyakim Mor Kurillos Bava. Later he settled at the Vettikkal Dayro near Mulunthuruthy where he led a strict monastic life. In 1872 he was ordained Ramban (Monk-Priest) by Pulikottil Mor Dionysius.

The protestant missionary activities, aided by the British Government, was at its heights in those days. The liberal stand taken by the protestants in matters of faith led to the crossing over of many of the Syrian Orthodox faithful to the new found churches. To bring an end to this extraordinary situation the faithful in Malankara came together under the chairmanship of Ramban Geevarghese in September 1872. But finding it difficult, they prayed for the help from the Patriarch of Antioch who was then residing in the monastery of Deir ez-Za`faran (Kurkumo Dayro) in Turkey.

Accordingly, His Holiness Ignatius Mor Peter III, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East, arrived in Malankara in 1875. Ramban Geevarghese who was well versed in Syriac was appointed as the interpreter to the Patriarch. The Patriarch, impressed with the young Ramban chose him also as His Holiness’ private secretary. When the historic Mulunthuruthy Synod was convened in the month of June/July 1876, the assistance of Ramban Geevarghese was of much help to His Holiness. The Patriarch’s esteem of the Ramban grew so high that His Holiness decided to elevate him to the order of Metropolitan.

On 10th December 1876, the Patriarch of Antioch, His Holiness Ignatius Mor Peter III ordained the 28 year old Ramban Geevarghese as Metropolitan by name ‘GREGORIOS’ at the St. Thomas Church in North Paravur. At this point his official name became Geevarghese Mar Gregorios. 

When in Malankara, H.H. the Patriarch had consecrated six Metropolitans of which Mor Gregorios was the youngest and was only 28 and hence he came to be known by the endearing name Kochu Thirumeni. The ancestral house where Mor Gregorios was born and brought up was known by name ‘CHATHURUTHY’ and for that reason he is also often referred to as Chathuruthy Thirumeni.

Mar Gregorios took charge of the Niranam Diocese and started staying at Parumala. There at Parumala, 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. Mar Gregorios engaged in a threefold activity of tireless service for the church: Diocesan administration, Ministerial formation of deacons, and Missionary witness of the church through inner spiritual and theological consolidation, along with evangelical reaching out.

In his bishopric His Grace Gregorios established various churches and was the motivator to establish schools in different parts of Malankara. In the late 1890s, many educational institutions were started by the Malankara Church under the initiative and guidance of him and His Grace Joseph Mar Dionysius. Examples of these include St. Thomas School at Mulanthuruthy, St. Ignatius School at Kunnamkulam, and the Syrian English School (now known as MGM High School) at Thiruvalla.

His Grace was very keen in maintaining relationship with all section of people, irrespective of caste or community. He always showed love and cared for the poor and suffering. He was very particular for the truthfulness and helping the poor. His Grace took special interest in preaching the Holy Gospel of Our Lord among the backward communities and many were accepted into our fold.  He also worked hard to uplift this marginalized people.

Following the death of his fellow metropolitans (bishops), the administration of Thumpamon and Kollam dioceses also passed to him. In 1887 the first block of the Parumala Seminary was consecrated.

By 1895, His Grace Gregorios had made Parumala his main spiritual center. The church that he founded there in that year was consecrated in the names of St. Peter and St. Paul. He would wake at 4 am to pray the Shehimo prayers and he fasted on Wednesday and Fridays, as well as during Lenten period.

His Grace’s long standing desire to visit the Holy Land was fulfilled in 1895. During his pilgrimage, he stayed at the “Sehion Malika” (Monastery of St. Mark) which was the diocesan headquarters of the Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan. He visited almost all the important places of Christendom and led the Passion Week services at Syrian Orthodox Church in the Holy City with accompanied members His Grace Geevarghese Mar Dionysius of Vattasseril, His Grace Koorilos Mar Paulose Kochuparambil and His Grace Sleeba Mar Osthathios led as guide. On his return, he collected a certain amount from all the Parishes in Malankara and sent a Silver Cross as offering to the Holy church in Jerusalem.

During his time on earth as a Bishop, His Grace was involved in elevating Fr. Alvarez to the position of Ramban (Monk) and further consecrated as Metropolitan Alvarez Mor Julius in July 1989. Metropolitan Alvarez Mor Julius was given the charge of Mangalore and Bombay dioceses and many Roman Catholics from different parts of India and Sri Lanka joined the Indian Orthodox Church under the leadership of H. G. Alvarez Mor Julius.

It was also under advice from His Grace Gregorios and His Grace Alvarez Mor Julius that a French priest of the Roman Catholic Church, Rev. Rene Vilatte was ordained as Ramban on 26th May 1892 and later as Metropolitan by name ‘Thimotheos’ on 29th May 1892.

After his return from Jerusalem, His Grace Gregorios wished to spend rest of his life in prayer and meditation.  The pilgrimage to the Holy Land had made him more devotional.  Except in urgency he avoided interfering in the administrative matters of the dioceses.  However the circumstances did not allowed him to remain subdued for long.  The Malankara Metropolitan Mor Dionysius always wanted our Kochu Thirumeni by his side. Many problems which Valiya Thirumeni found it difficult to overcome was easily solved by His Grace Gregorios Thirumeni.  Thirumeni also had greater acceptance among all sections of people. In later years we see the emergence of a visionary who works more among the downtrodden and underprivileged. Thirumeni started more churches for the Christian converts and also initiated many English schools.

Heavenly Abode

Parumala Kochu Thirumeni  had to suffer much of a lingering disease of piles as he approached the last days of his life.  About 3 months before his heavenly abode, Thirumeni’s illness become very serious.  It was then one of his most trusted disciples Fr. Kochu Koshy visited the Seminary.  On the request of Thirumeni,  Fr. Kochu Koshy stayed back and nursed His Grace with utmost care.  After a few days Vattasseril Geevarghese Malpan also reached there to nurse him.  Though some Ayurvedic treatments were done, his health didn’t improved.  Thirumeni since then was predicting his death, that would happen within a few months.  As soon as the news spread, faithful from north to south were visiting him. Even in his bed, Thirumeni enquired about the welfare of each and every visitor and was very particular in serving them.  The faithful living nearby, out of their deep affection and respect for this Holy father, contributed enough rice and other items required for supplying daily bread to the people visiting Kochu Thirumeni.   This continued for more than a month till his last.

Kochu Thirumeni’s body was becoming weaker and weaker, and around five days before his death, he called one of his chief disciples, Vattasseril Geevarghese Malpan by the bed side and entrusted him with the keys and other documents. His Grace then told his esteemed colleagues that he will leave this world within a few days.  Then for a couple of days he lay speechless.  On the third day towards midnight he asked those standing nearby “What is the date today?”. “Eighteenth” (as per Malayalam month) they said. 

“My Lord I must endure this pain for two more days”, sighed His Grace. Holy Father actually knew even the date of his death. Two days after, on Sunday the 20th (2nd November), “Kantheela” (Syriac word for the Holy Sacrament of the sick) was celebrated for Thirumeni. At around midnight the same day, Thirumeni in a feeble voice said  “Ente Karthave” (My Lord !!!).  Punnoose Ramban and other priests standing nearby, had the Prayers then and suddenly the Great Saint of the Church left this world submitting his soul to his Heavenly Father.   Eye witnesses testify that they saw a bright light as he lay breathing his last.

Last Rites

News of his death spread like wild fire and faithful from different parts of the Church streamed into Parumala to see for the last time their beloved shepherd and to pay their last respects. His Grace’s body was kept in sitting position in a chair with the pastoral staff (Crosier)  and Sleeba (Cross) in both hands, inside the church as per the rites of the Syriac Church.

First part of the funeral rites were conducted on Monday (November 3rd).  On Tuesday morning, Metropolitan Mar Ivanios Paulose of Kandanad diocese together with around 200 Priests and deacons continued the Holy Prayers.  Pulikottil Mor Dionysius Valiya Thirumeni came inside the church many times to see the body of his favorite fellow metropolitan, but he was in such a deep sorrow that he was not even able to stand there to have prayers and hence had to return to his room.  Tears were flowing from his eyes. More than 7000 people assembled there to participate in the Prayers.  By around 2 P.M. on November 4th, the services inside the church ended. 

Then ‘Nagarikanikkal’ (traditional procession around the place) started, Thirumeni’s body was kept in a sitting position in the Chair, with the faithful carrying Silver crosses, Church flags etc..After that the people were allowed to kiss the hands of departed Thirumeni, which continued for more than three hours and finally the last rites started.  The most emotional moment of the service was the farewell prayers.   His Grace’s body was laid to rest in a specially erected tomb inside the ‘Madbho’ (Altar) of the seminary church. The place of his tomb was selected by Thirumeni himself a few days before his illness was known, in September.   The faithful filled the tomb with frankincense as per the tradition of the Church.   After the funeral, new cloths were offered to the poor & needy who were present there.

After the Holy Father’s heavenly abode, people used to pray for his intercession and his blessings are obtained by many as evidenced by the strong faith of the people in Mor Gregorios Thirumeni.

The words about the life of our beloved Thirumeni cannot be expressed within one blog. There are many instances in the life of our Thirumeni of blessed memory that needs to be said but I am leaving unsaid due to the length of this post. God willing, I will share few of such instances in the future. May the life of our Thirumeni be an example for us all and may his intercessions be a strength to us all, especially in current times where the whole world is suffering due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Your brother in Christ Jesus

Jobin George

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geevarghese_Gregorios_of_Parumala
• http://syriacchristianity.info/StGG/SaintGregorios.htm
• https://www.sgiocperth.org.au/st-gregorios/
• https://www.ds-wa.org/parumala-thirumeni.html