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Click here to go next Page 
 The Fathers who led the Sabha
| Pulikottil Thirumeni |
| -1816 |
| Founder of the Old Seminary |
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Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysius
was born into the Pulikottil family of Kunnam-kulam. Malankara Metropolitan Valiya Mar Dionysius ordained him as a priest and appointed him as the Vicar of chattukul- angara Arthatt Church. When Tippu Sultan attacked cochin in 1789, he insisted that the Vicar should join the Islam religion. But refusing to succumb to this pressure he spent his days in prayer.
He took the initiative to renovate the Arthatt church, which was ravaged by Tiipu Sultan. Dr. Claudias Bukanan who visited Arthatt church on 6 December 1806 has given us ass account about Pulikottil Joseph Kathananr.
On 27 August 1809 he was elevated to the rank of Ramban. After becoming Ramban, his activities were concentrated in Kottayam. He convinced the Tranvancore Resident Colonel Munro of the necessity of constructing 'House of Learning' (Seminaries) for training priests and the latter who was greatly interested, gave all support for starting the seminary. Queen Paravathi Bai of Travancore gave sixteen acres of land bordering the River Meenachil as gift to the Church and there a seminary was established.
In 1815 the Seminary started training priests. English education was started for the first time in Kerala here. On 21 March, 1815, Kidangan Mar Philexinos consecrated him as Malankara Metropolitan with the title 'Joseph Mar Dionysius'. The rulers of Travancore and Cochin sent forth 'Royal Proclamation' calling upon all Syrian Christians to respect and honor Joseph Mar Dionysius.
Mar Dionysius had a for- sighted vision regarding the Church. He passed away on 24 November 1816. He was laid to rest inside the Chapel in the Old Seminary.
His Death Anniversary is on 25 Novermber.
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| Cheppad Philipose Mar Dionysius |
| 1781-1855 |
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Cheppad Philipose Mar Dionysius was born into the Aangalimootil family in Cheppad in 1781. In 1825, Kidangan mar Philexinos consecrated him as Metroplitan Philipose Mar Dionysius at Cheriyapalli, Kottayam. The ruler of Travancore issued a Royal Proclamation acknowledging him as Malankara Metropolitan. He was not on good terms with the English missionaries who worked in Mala- nkara Church under the English Assistance commission. The foreign missionaries suggested to reform the 'Qurbana norms' according to the protestant standards, and to do away with the worship and prayer conducted for the dead, other suggestions included in raising of a fund to increase the salary of the priests, and giving ordination to only those priests who passed out from the Seminary and received the certificate from the Principal; The accounts of the Church every year must be submitted to the Resident for annual auditing the church services were to be conducted in Malayalam. The Metropolitan rejected all these suggestions outright. A meeting of the representatives of the church was convened in Puthiyacavu Church, Mavelikara in 1836 in order to discuss the recommendations of the missionaries. The Mavelikkara Padiola' was formulated in order to strongly resist the new reforms of the foreign missionaries.
In 1846, the Patriarch sent Metroplitan Yuyakim Mar Kuriyos of Antioch to Malankara. Later of cheppad Thirumeni gave up the position of Malankara Metropolitan and retired from administrative matters. He passed among in 9th October 1855. He was laid to rest in St. George Church, Cheppad. His Death Anniversary is on 12th October.
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| Pulikootil Joseph Mar Dionysius |
1833-1909| Founder of the M D Seminary |
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Pulikootil Joseph Mar Dionysius Joseph Mar Dianasios was born on 12th November 1833, in the famous Pulikottil family of Kunnamkulam. His father was Tharu Kurien, the nephew of 'Mar Divanyoious II' who was founder of the famous Old Seminary at Kottayam and mother, Thadamma of Paigamukku 'Kuthuru' family. The name given to him at baptism was Joseph. Young Joseph started his education at the age of five and in 1843, he became a disciple of his uncle Fr. Joseph who taught him theology and Syriac. Joseph being very studious and enthusiastic, mastered Hindustani and Sanskrit. Joseph was ordained as Koroyoo (Subdeacon) by Cheppatu Mar Divanyosious IV at the Kothamangalam Marthoman Cheria Pally on 10th October 1846 at his age of 13. The Patriarchal delegate Mor Athanasious Sthephanos, ordained him to the order of Samshono (Full Deacon), at Kunnamkulam Arthat St.Mary's Church in 1849. On 23rd August 1853, Dn. Joseph was ordained as a Full Priest at Chalassery Church near Kunnamkulam by Mar Koorilose Yuyakkim.
As per the decision of the Patriarch to ordain a new Metropolitan, Fr.Joseph Pulikottil was informally chosen as the candidate. After the Confirmation by the Patriachal delegate and ameeting with him at Kolenchery Church, Fr. Joseph left for the Patriarchate at Mardin on 14th March 1864. He was felicitated at a grand function held in his native place, Kunnamkulam before his departure to Mardin. On 30th May 1864, Fr.Joseph Pulikottil boarded the ship from Cochin along with Mattummel Fr. Geevarghese and Kuthuru Tharappan of Kunnamkulam. They travelled through various ancient Syriac Christian areas of Basara, Bagdad, Mosul etc. and after 4 months journey they reached the Patriarchal Palace of Mardin, one of the oldest Syriac Christian settlements situated in Turkey on 30th August 1864. The Church dignitaries and the local people gave a warm welcome to the Metropolitan-designate Fr.Joseph. Immediately after their arrival, within few days, Fr.Joseph Pulikottil Mattummel Fr. Geevarghese were infected with a serious illness. On 26th September, Fr. Geevarghese who was only 30, died of the epidemic and was buried at the Dayro church of Mardin. Fr. Joseph Pulikottil, however as per God's will, was miraculously cured in a few weeks time and continued his stay for another eight months, visiting many of the nearby Syriac churches including the famous Suriyani Orthodox Dayro at Mardin, Deiro d'Mor Gabriel at Midayat , Turkey. On 11th Medam as per the Malayalam Calender Fr.Joseph left for the church at Amida on the request of the Patriarch, for his ordination as Metropolitan. During the Holy Qurbono on 19th at Diyarbakir St. Mary's Church, the Patriarch formally announced the ordination of Fr.Joseph Pulikottil, which was scheduled for next Sunday. The day before his consecration as Metropolitan, Fr.Joseph was elevated to the order of Ramban by the Patriarch. On Sunday early morning, of 26th Medam AD.1865, Fr. Joseph was ordained at the famous Church of the Mother of God at Amida in Turkey.
During this historical Holy Synod held at Mulunthuruthy MarThoman Church, Mor Divanyasious Joseph was chosen as the Malankara Metropolitan and Head of the Local Synod. Thereafter he came to be known as Mor DIVANYASIOUS V, the title given to the chief prelate of the Malankara Church. On 30th Augustthe same year, Holy Muroon was consecrated for the first time in Malankara, by the Patriarch of Antioch Mor Ignatius Peter IV assisted by the new Malankara Metropolitan Pulikottil Mor Divanyasious V and Metropolitan of Jerusalem, Mor Gregorious Abdulla (Later Patriarch of Antioch). Later, as per the decision taken at the Mulunthuruthy Synod, five Metropolitans were ordained for the newly formed dioceses by the Patriarch before His Holiness left for Mardin.
Kadavil Paulose Mor Athanasius (Thrikkunnathu Seminary, Aluva) and Chathuruthy Geevarghese Mor Gregorious (Parumala Thirumeni), who were ordained as Metropolitans in AD 1876, were the two closest companions of Mor Divanyasious V. The three worked in unison for the uplift of the Malankara Suriyani Church. He was instrumental in starting theological seminaries and English Medium Schools, all over Malankara. In 1870, a Syriac printing press, Sainthomas was started at Cochin, as per the request of Mor Divanyasious V, for publishing Syriac prayer books. At around the same time he started a Church magazine, Kerala Pathaka in Malayalam, which was later merged with another news magazine, Paschima Thara. But again in January 1892, under the guidance of Mor Divanyasious and with Edavazhikal E M Philipose as the Chief editor, another periodical of the Syrian Church, Edavaka Pathrika was started publishing from Kottayam MarThoma Press. This was a necessity to propagate the messages of the Syrian Church in Malankara. Parumala Church (Old Church) Build by Geevarghese Mar Gregorios was consecrated by Mar Dianasios and Mar Gregorios.
On July 11, 1907 Mar Dianasios breathed his last.
On 29 April 1865 at Ameedh Patriarch Yakoob III elevated him to the rank of Ramban.On 30 April he was consecrated as Metroplitan Joseph Mar Dionysios.
During the eventful forty-four years between 1865 A.D to 1909 he adorned the Malankara Metropolitan's position with extraordinary skill. It was during that period that the Mulanthuruthy Synod, division of dioceses and the 'Holy Mooran Koodasha' took place. Through his unstinted effort, spiritual organizations like Sunday School and Students movement, and Church institutions like Parumala Seminary, Kunnamkulam Sihiyon Bunglow, Kottapuram Seminary and M.D. Seminary developed. The Royal Court passed the verdict in his favour in the Feformation Case. There after, the Marthoma Church was formed. He passed away on 1st July 1909. His mortal remains were interred in the western side of the chapel in Old Seminary. His Death Anniversary is on 12th July.
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| Vattasseri Geevarghese Mar Dionysios |
| 1858-1934 |
| "Malankara Sabha Basooran" |
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Malankara Sabha Basooran Vattasseri Geevarghese Mar Dionysios was born on 31 October 1858 to Joseph and Aleyamma of Vattasseri family in Mallappally. He lived in Vettikal Dayara and Parumala Seminary in order to learn under the desciplined training of Parumala Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the history of the Church, Syriac and the articles of Faith. He became on 16 October 1879 full deacon and on 18 January 1880 received priesthood from Parumala Mar Gregorios . Thereafter he was appointed to teach deacons at Parumala Seminary. He served as the principal of M.D. Seminary and the Malpan and Principal of old Seminary. On 2 November 1903 Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysios ordained him as a Ramban at the Old Seminary.
On 27 February 1908, when the Malankara Association met at the old Seminary, he was chosen as the successor to the Malankara Metropolitan. On 31 May 1908 at Jeruselam, His Holiness Patriarch Abdulla consecrated him as Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Dionysios. He gave able leadership for establishing the Catholicate in Malankara on 15 September 1912. For the progress of the Church he started many spiritual organizations like Students Movements, Women's Samajam, Sleebadas Samajam etc. He translated the liturgy from syriac into Malayalam and published a book on the tenents of the Orthodox faith called "Mathopadhesha Saram". He brought courageously to the utmost for the sovereignty and growth of the Holy throne of the Catholicose and earned this appellation of 'Sabha Basooran' he augured the golden period in the history of church's fight for independence. From 1909 to 1934 he served as the Malankara Metropolitan. On 23 February 1934 he passed away. His mortal remains were interred in the Old Seminary Chapel at Kottayam. His death Anniversary is on 23rd February.
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| H H Baselios Paulos I |
| 1836-1913 |
| "First Catholicose of Malankara" |
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His Holiness Baselios Paulos I was born on 19 January 1836 to Murimattom Kurian and Mariamma in Kolencherry. He received deaconship from Cheppad Mar Dionysius in 1843 and in 1852 he was ordained as Priest by Metropolitan Yuyakim Mar Kurilos. He served for a long period as Vicar of Kolencherry Church. On 17th May 1877, His Holiness Patriarch Pathrose consecrated him as Paulose Mar Ivanios at Cherallayam Palli, Kunnam kulam and appointed him as Metropolitan of Kandanad diocese. On 15th September 1912, His Holiness Patriarch Abdhedh Messiah with the co- operation of Vattasseril Geevarghese Mar Dionysios Metropolitan and Geevarghese Mar Gregorios Metropolitan elevated him to the Apstolic throne of St. Thomas as Catholicos of Malankara church. He passed away on 2 May 1913. He was laid to rest in Pampakuda Cheriya Palli. His death Anniversary is on 3rd May.
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| His Holiness Baselius Geevarghese I |
| 1870-1928 |
| "II Catholicose of Malankara" |
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His Holiness Baselius Geevarghese I was born in 1870 as the second son of Karuchira Paulose. He was ordained as 'Koruya' on 13 June 1885, as deacon in 1892, on 16 August 1896 as priest and on 23 August as Ramban by Metropolitan Kadavil Paulose Mar Athanasios. He served as Manager in Thrikunnath Seminary, Aluva from 1908 to 1910. On February 1913, he was consecrated as Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Philexinos. He was the Metropolitan of Kottayam and Angamaly diocese. He made Vallikattu Dayara his administrative headquarters.
On 30 April 1925 at Niranam, the Holy Synod installed him as the Catholicos of the East. Through prayer and fasting he achieved spiritual strength, which helped him to guide the Malankara Church into green pastures. He passed away on 17 December 1928 at Neyyoor Hospital. He was laid to rest on the northern side of Vallikattu Dayara. His death anniversary is on 17th December.
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| His Holiness Beselius Geevarghese II |
| 1874-1964 |
| "III Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan" |
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The Third Catholicos of Malankara and Malankara Metropolitan His Holiness Beselius Geevarghese II was born to Ulah- anan and Naithi of Kallaserri family in Kurichi, Kottayam on 16 June 1874. On 24 April 1892, Kadavil Paulose Mar Athanasios ordained him as deacon and on 24 November and 27 November 1898 he was ordained as priest and Ramban respectively by Parumala Mar Gregorios. As per the order of Parumala Thirumeni", he resided in Kadambanad church and took charge of the southern dioceses. He also served as Manager and Malpan of Old Seminary.He published books like "Sahodaran- marude Charithram". "Rehasya Prarthanakal". "Parudaisa", and "Mar Yuhanon Mamdana".
On 8 September 1912, His Holiness Patriarch Abdhedh Meshiah consecrated him as Metropolitan Geevarg- hese Mar Gregorios at Parumala Seminary. He was appointed as the Metropolitan of Thumpamon, Kollam and Niranam dioceses. On 15 February 1929. With the Malankara Metropolitan Vattaserril Geevarghese Mar Dionysios as the chief priest, he was installed as the Catholicos of the East. When the Association met on 24 December 1934 at M. D. Seminary, Kottayam, he was chosen as Malankara Metropolitan. It was a period when issues became very complex. Through prayer and fasting he received strength from God to lead his people for long years, courageously, inspiring his people to work for their church and for the glory of God. Following the peace pact of 1958, he had the good fortune to guide the destiny of the unified Malankara Church.
Apart from consecrating twelve Meropolitans, and ordaining more than thousand priests and decons, he founded and consecrated many churhes. On 22 April 1932 and on 20 April 1951 he conducted the 'Mooran Koodasha' at the Old Seminary. On 2 November 1947 he declared Parumala Mar Gregorios and Yeldo Mar Baselios as Saints. From his time onwards the offices of Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan came to repose in one and the same person. Shedding luster like a Beacon illuminating the history of the church, he led it from glory to glory. He entered the eternal realms on 3 January 1964 at Develokam Aramana He was laid to rest beside the Devalokam Aramana Chapel. His Anniversary is 3 January.
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| His Holiness Baselios Oughen I |
| 1781-1855 |
| "IV Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan" |
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The Fourth Catholicos of Malankara and Malakara Metropolitan His Holiness Baselios Oughen I was born on 26 June 1884 at Perumbavoor , Vengola, to Abraham Kathanar of Chettakulathukara family. He was ordained as deacon by Kadavil Paulose Mar Athanasios and in 1908 at Jerusalem he was elevated as Ramban Oughan. He was consecrated as Metropolitan Oughan Mar Timotheos on 15 May 1927 at Jerusalem. He was appointed as the fourth Metropolitan of Kandanad. He has left his imprint in several offices that he held during his life. He was principal of the Orthodox Theological Seminary, and the Metropolitan of Kandanad and Thumpamon dioseses.
On 17 May 1962, when the Malankara Association met at Niranam, he was chosen as the sucessor to the Malankara Metropolitan and Catholicos. It was on 22 May 1964 at M.D. Seminary, Kottayam that he was installed formally as the fourth Catholicos. As he was very old, he relinquished his position as Malankara Metropolitan to his successor on 24 September 1975.
Having achieved expectional scholarship in Malay- alam and Syriac languages, he translated into Malayalam the 'Pemkisa Namaskaram' 'Prumiyonukal', ' Valiya Nombilae Namaskaram', 'Pattamkoda Shushrusha Kramangal' and 'Pallikoodasha Kramangal'. He also composed the 'Hood- omakal' for 'Holy Synods' and the 'State after death'. He passed away on 8 December 1975 at Develokam Aramana and was laid to rest near the Aramana Chapel.
His Annverary: 8 December.
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| His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I |
| 1781-1855 |
| "V Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan" |
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The Fifth Catholicos of Malankara and Malakara Metropolitan His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews I was the 88th successor to the Throne of St. Thomas, the Apostle of India and the 5th Catholicose after re-establishment of the Catholicate in Malankara, India. Mar Baselios has been the traditional formal title of all Catholicose taken after the Great Theologian Mar Baselios of Cappodocia. The title “Mar Thoma” has been suffixed for the first time when H. H. Mathews I was installed as Catholicose. The title “Mar Thoma” has historical significance. Following the “Coonan Kurish Sathyam” of 1653 the Malankara Metropolitan was installed as “Mar Thoma” signifying the St. Thomas Tradition of Malankara Church. This title however was dropped at the intervention of the Church of Syria from the time of Marthoma VI (1765) who was forced to accept the title Mar Dionysius instead of “Mar Thoma.”
His Holiness was born on March 27, 1907. His parents were Fr. Cherian Kurian Vattakunnel, Kottayam and Mariam Pulikaparampil, Olesa, Kottayam. Fr. Kurian was the Vicar of St. Mary’s Syrian Church Manarcadu, Kottayam; St. Thomas Church, Vadakenmanoor, Kottayam and Nilakal Church Puthupally, Kotttayam. He was named V. K. Mathew and had his education at M.D. Seminary High School, Kottayam, C.M.S. College, Kottayam and graduated from University College (erstwhile Maharaja’s College) Thiruvananthapuram.
Dn. K.T. Verghese (Gevergese Mar Phelaxinose of Puthenkavil) and Vattaseril Geverghese Mar Dionysius (St. Dionysius) persuaded him to go for Theological studies at Calcutta. He then joined the Bishop’s College, Calcutta and obtained B.D. degree in 1936. After return he studied Syriac under Cheriamadathyl Malpan. He started teaching at the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam from 1942. He was appointed Principal in 1951 and retained the position till 1966.
High School, Kottayam,
C.M.S. College, Kottayam and graduated from University College
(erstwhile Maharaja’s College) Thiruvananthapuram.
Dn. K.T. Verghese (Gevergese Mar Phelaxinose of Puthenkavil)
and Vattaseril Geverghese Mar Dionysius (St. Dionysius) persuaded
him to go for Theological studies at Calcutta. He then joined
the Bishop’s College, Calcutta and obtained B.D. degree
in 1936. After return he studied Syriac under Cheriamadathyl
Malpan. He started teaching at the Orthodox Theological Seminary,
Kottayam from 1942. He was appointed Principal in 1951 and
retained the position till 1966.
He was ordained Sub Deacon on August 18, 1945 at Old seminary
Chapel and the next day i.e., on 19th August 1945 he was ordained
as Deacon by Geverghese II Catholiocose of the East . He was
ordained as Kashiso (Priest) on October 27, 1946 at Mar Elia
Chapel Kottayam by H.H. the Catholicose Geverghese II. Metropolitan 1953-’75.
The Malankara Syrian Christian Association, that held its meeting
in 1951, elected Fr. V. K. Mathews as Metropolitan and H.H. Geverghese
II Catholicose consecrated Fr. Mathews along with five others as
Episcopa Mar Athanasious at Mar Elia Chapel Kottayam on May 15,
1953.
In 1960, he was entrusted the charge of Diocese outside Kerala
which he shepherded till 1976. On December 31, 1970 Mar Athanasious
was elected as Malankara Metropolitan and Catholicose by the Malankara
Syrian Christian Association. On October 27, 1975 he was consecrated
as Catholicose of The East by the Malakara Orthodox Church Synod.
His Holiness had a vision for the Malankara Orthodox Church. He wished
the Malankara Church to be Known as Indian Orthodox Church and he
spent all his energy to preserve the Independence of the Malankara
Church. . During his time the Orthodox Theological Seminary at Kottayam
was affiliated to The Serampur University, Calcutta and the Seminary
was upgraded as a degree college. He wanted the Theological College
to be made an Independent University for Theology.
His many-sided personality, his sensitive understanding, his gaiety,
his human affection, his communication skills, commitment and vision
for the Malankara Orthodox Church, above all his deep rooted faith
in God and ability to provide leadership even at the point of crisis
were remarkable. It is a heartening sign of the time that there was
a heightened interest in the able leadership of His Holiness. His Holiness led an illustrious
life. His prodigious scholarship, intellectual acumen, moral courage
and honesty were well known. His concern for others, especially,
those who worked with him was well known.
His Holiness was an authority on Church Constitution and history.
He was closely associated with the Church cases when he was a laymen
and he used to seek advises in such matters from experts in the
field during the time, especially, his elder brother Advocate K.
Cherian Vattakunnel.
His
contribution to the congregation through translation of the Order
of Holy Qurbana -
Sunday service and the text of Good Friday Service
He translated and published the texts of Sunday service and Good
Friday service to Malayam with the help of Mr. C.P. Chandy the famous
Church Poet. He then published the ‘Holy Qurbana Kramam’
(Order of Holy Qurbana) with relevant songs for each Sunday. These
Prayer books are so popular that these are used by each member of
the church now. He also translated H. Qurbana Kramam to English
and also celebrated the Qurbana in English so that those who did
not know Malayalam could participate in the H. Qurbana actively.
He then made arrangements to translate the H. Qurbana Kramam to
Hindi and Tamil which is now used.
His
other contributions to the liturgy of the Orthodox Church
For the conservation of rare books and records he started the
Malankara Orthodox Archives. School of Liturgical Music was also
started at the Seminary by his deep initiative to preserve the same.
He was a good exponent in “Eccara” the canonical songs.
He was very concerned to preserve the order (‘Niram’)
of the songs.
For the Theological education of the Elderly he started a course
by the name “Divya Bodhanam” which has become very popular
now.
Sensitivity
and Sympathy
His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews I Catholicose’s quality
of sensitivity to his flock’s feelings enabled him to display
empathy. Another way which demonstrates love and concern was in
his availability. Bava Thirumeni as a God given transformed leader
recognized the aspirations of his people, with a long term perspective,
doing the right thing at the proper time with divine courage, appreciating
our strengths and weaknesses, facing the threats and utilizing the
divine plan for our Malankara Orthodox Church. With the full understanding
that expectations and reality were far apart, he set his heart to
transform expectations into the reality.
The present system of holding the Holy Episcopal Synod, the supreme
decision making body in matters of faith, discipline, order, policy
making and planning at least twice in a year at fixed periods and
with proper agendas became effective and exercise of authority.
He had consecrated “Mooron” twice, very rare function,
on April 1,1977 at Old seminary Chappel, Kottayam and in March 25,
1988 at Devalokam Catholicate Chappel.
He had consecrated 10 Bishops (Metropolitians), five at Pazhanji
Church on May 15, 1978 and at Puthiacav St Mary’s Church,
Mavelikara on May 15, 1985. His Holiness was awarded The Title “The
Order of St. Valdimer” by the Patriarch of Russia and as Fellow
by the Leningrad Theological Seminary. The Order of St. George was
awarded to him by the Georgian Catholicose. Serampur University
conferred on his Doctorate Degree (Honoris Cosa)
On April 27,1991 he relinquished the Titles of The Catholicose
and Malankara Metropolitan since he was not well. He expired on
November 8, 1996 at 7.40 A.M. and was entered into the Tomb at Devalokam
Chappel the next day. His top concern was the church and he used
his talents, energy and time for the good of the church. His Holiness
while taking charge as Catholicose declared that he will preserve
the Independence of the Malankara Orthodox Church as the iris of
his eyes which he did till his end.
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Fr. Johnson Punchakonam(vicar)
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