St. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios

June 15, 1848 - November 2, 1902

Born on 15th June 1848, ordained bishop on 10th December 1876 at the young age of 28, passed away on 2nd November 1902 at the age of 54 his short life span in this world was synonymous with purity, prayer and fasting. When we read the life history of the only canonized saint our church has ever groomed, we can't but be amazed at the wonderful fruits of the Spirit that Parumala Thirumeni attained.

St.Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala, who is the first canonized saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is the Patron Saint of our Parish. Our Parish celebrates the Feast day or "Perunal" on November Second every year which is the day on which Mar Gregorios was called for heavenly abode. Mar Gregorios Thirumeni intercedes continuously for our Fellowship and its member families before God and fortifies our Parish.

Mar Gregorios was born to Kochu Mathai and Mariam of the priestly family of Chathurithy in Mulanthuruthy, Kerala, India. In the childhood, he was called by the pet name Kochu Iypara. He was baptized in the Mar Thoman Church in Mulanthuruthy and given with the baptismal name as Geevarghese. At the age of two, his mother expired and Kochu Iypara was brought up under the care of his sister Mariam. At the age of five, young Iypara commenced his formal education under 'Onakkavil Ayya', a local Hindu teacher in a traditional village school. Later Iypara studied Theology and Syriac under the discipleship of his uncle Rev. Geevarghese Malpan, Konat Malpan and Patriarchal delegate Yuyakkim Mar Koorilose. In a short while Iypara became an expert in Syriac language.

Iypara was ordained as a deacon at the age of ten on September 14, 1859 by Palakkunnathu, H.G. Mathews Mar Athanasios Metropolitan. When his uncle and tutor Malpan was infected with smallpox, Dn. Geevarghese nursed him on the bedside. On the eight day Malpan died and Dn. Geevargheese was infected with same disease as he was in close contact with the patient. On his sick bed, the deacon had vision of St. Mary consoling him and urging him to dedicate his further life in service of Lord. Thereafter Deacon got cured from smallpox and dedicated his life for ascetic spiritual life as per his vision.

H.G. Joseph Mar Dionysius had ordained Dn. Geevarghese as a priest at the age of 18, in 1865. During that time Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysios Metropolitan had established a preliminary Seminary in Parumala with vision of training the would-be priests and Fr. Geevarghese was put in charge of same. In 1872 Fr. Geevarghese was raised to the order of Ramban.

On December 10, 1876, Geevarghese Ramban was consecrated as a Metropolitan by The Patriarch of Antioch H.H. Ignatius Peter IV in the Paravoor Church. Three other Metropolitans were also consecrated on the same occasion and Mar Gregorios was the youngest among them of 28 Years old, and hence he was known as "Kochu Thirumeni" or as "Parumala Kochu Thirumeni".

Thirumeni was a man of constant prayer. With his in-depth knowledge of Syriac language, His Grace had translated many liturgies and prayer books from Syriac to Malayalam. He was very compassionate with the poor and Dalit, by which, he initiated and worked extensively for their freedom, education and spiritual growth. Parumala Thirumeni was an advocate for the English Education and he started many English Schools in Malankara.

As it was a long cherished desire, Thirumeni visited the Holy Land in 1895. The Holy Land travelogue, Thirumeni had written is a very rich Malayalam literary contribution. Many literary Scholars believe that it is the first travelogue available in Malayalam.

After returning from Holyland Mar Gregorios Thirumeni in association with Pulikkottil Mar Dionasius Thirumeni had constructed the Parumla Church and consecrated the Church in the name of St. Peter and St. Paul.

The Original Parumala Church Built By Mar Gregorios Thirumeni:

In the midnight on November 2, 1902 Parumala Thirumeni was called for heavenly abode and Thirumeni breathed his last, and was gathered to His people. Parumala Thirumeni was a saint while he was living itself. The Holy Episcopal synod canonized and proclaimed Mar Gregorios as the first Saint of the Orthodox Church in 1947. We remember our Patron Saint, Mar Gregorios Thirumeni in the fifth Diptychs or Great Intercessory Prayer [Thubden] in every Holy Qurbana.

Words of Wisdom

"Prayer is the enthusiasm of childhood, the refuge of youth and peace during old age."

"Prayer helps education to cultivate truth, morality, faith, devotion, mutual respect among people."

"He who prays to God every day would never be without truth, morality, faith and devotion, and would never turn against his master or society."

"When we pray with a heart full of devotion, God accepts it and we receive blessings in return."

"If man does not raise his hands in prayer for himself and for the sake of his people, even after knowing God, how can we say man is better than animals who are not wise and cannot think about their future."

"Prayer is, in many ways, the golden chain that binds this world to the feet of God."

"Pray earnestly to God during day and night. Such prayer is the best way to remove the darkness and fatigue in us: and also the means to attain salvation and the Kingdom of Heaven. Put your faith in God and pray to Him."

"God is on the side of the poor. Remember God in what ever you do; then everything will turn out for good."

"Whatever is due to the Church must be given forthwith. If your mind is pure in that matter, your house will also be pure. If in such things you think of any gain or revenue, then you will lose that ten-fold. Therefore all of you be pure in depending on God, in brotherly love and in loving your neighbors."

"Don't try to be smart, nor be foolish. Never love body more than sprit, and money more than God."

"Forgiveness is strength. It gives a person good name. It is the distinguishing feature of righteous people."

"Consult God in everything; consult your father too. If your father abandons you, God will also abandon you. Do not be adamant in silly things, which will bring in dislike of both God and men."

"Never be proud. Let God save you from every grave danger. Hold on to God in everything. He will bless you abundantly."

"Avoid arrogance, quarrel, and pride while dealing in Church matters; instead, let your humility shine before others. Those who place their trust in God, and satisfy the people are blessed. May God bless them."

"Remember God in every thing. Let no one grieve because of you. Never let go of an opportunity to do something good. Only those things will remain with you till the end."

"As far as possible never do evil to any one; or it will ruin you, your children and your house. Hold on steadfastly to prayer, fasting and works of charity. Do them with faith and devotion."

"If you are lazy, your learning cannot progress. Hold on to God tight. Humility should be the best ornament for you."

"Death is at everybody's door. Keep that in mind."

"You must regularly read the Holy Bible. You must obey your spiritual fathers and increase their good name and honor before God and men by your exemplary life."

"Those who disobey their parents and join their enemies, are liable to be cursed by them. They will not inherit the legacy of their parents and will be disqualified for this world as well as the next."

"Never be proud, pride is followed by fall. Humility is followed by greatness."

"If there is a quarrel in the family, keep away from it. A quarrelsome house is the haven of the devil; and God is nowhere near it."

"Be rich in love of man and love of God. Brothers should never cheat each other. When you move away from unity you are sure to move away from God."

"It is not spiritual wisdom to try to conquer the enemy with evil than with virtue. If you depend on the God of Truth and go out with a truthful heart, God will accomplish things for you."

"Loss and difficulties come when God moves away. On such occasions, never look for a reason or another. Instead, know that God has kept away because of your sins; then cling to God, he will show mercy upon you."

"Be obedient in all your dealings. Identify the good and love it; throw away laziness; be enthusiastic to do good things, day and night."

MIRACLES

"Who is that?" ,"Who are you?", "Are you my father?"

An incident that happened in the period while the saint was living in the Azhippura still causes wonderment among the local inhabitants. One night in an autumn season when there was full moon, the saint was roaming around the southern courtyard after evening prayer and bath as usual. The time was not over 7 p.m. Saint saw somebody standing near the northern fencing. The saint suspected that the black complexioned person must be from the neighborhood. So the saint did not ask anything and turned back. When the saint came again to that side, the man was again to be seen. The saint asked, "Who is that?" And the answer was "It is me". The saint again asked, "Who are you?" Then he answered "I am your father"; the saint asked, "Are you my father?" The answer was "If you worship me I will give all these". The saint understood who he was and what was his intention, and answered seriously " If you are my father, let me adore my father". The saint turned to the right and made the sign of cross and knelt down on earth and turned to him and made the sign of cross. By that time the black figure was running in fear.

Thirumeni entered his room and took rest for some time. While their master was perceived taking rest as against routines, the Deacons asked the reason. When they insisted, the saint explained what had happened. They knew no bounds for their joy when they were sure that their master could frighten even the evil powers and spirits, with God's Grace. A few of the disciples who were a witness of this event lived long.

"Fixed time for the heavy rain "

The preparation was started a year prior to the actual date (Vrichikam 12,1897) to celebrate the silver jubilee of priesthood ordination of H. G. Mar Dionesios Metropolitan, Pulikkottil at Kottayam. The large-scale arrangements were approaching the actual date. The continuous heavy rain also started. Many suspected that the program would be postponed. The energy of the organizers subsided seeing the heavy rain. All were confused as how to proceed further. There was no limit to the rain. On Sunday the saint delivered the sermon. He said, We longed to do certain things. It is our belief that it is in accordance with the will of God. The arrangements are almost over to see that the program is successful. But the heavy rains are disturbing it. God could only discover a solution for this. It is our prayer to grant our wish and desire. It is our faith that the heavy rains will be over by that time. And he concluded the speech.

It was a day close to Jubilee. Many invitees and people belonging to different denominations were there. They as well as our members could not believe it. They found difficulty in believing so. Many of them had murmured over this statement too. While many spent time in worries Thirumeni was hopeful and was depending on the grace of God. Thirumeni gave instruction to perform all activities as pre-planned and said that the rain would move away. The heavy cooking pots were kept to prepare the dinner of the day. Ah! What a surprise' Suddenly the heavy rains stopped. As God had swept the rain with the wind, the clouds became clear and the atmosphere became bright. The flow of the faithful increased. Large parties were arranged with 1300 drums of rice during the supper and the next day meals. The next day there was a royal procession from M. D. Seminary to the old seminary. Soon after the procession, there was a display of fireworks. All these events were over without the disturbance of the rain. The incidents after this were quite surprising. As mentioned in the Edavaka Pathrika (Church Bulletin) of 1897, the rains had gone to some other places allowing the church to celebrate the Jubilee. This incident was a surprise to all, irrespective of their religion. So the fame of the saint increased and all alike was attracted to him.

"Can't the devil move from there !!!"

Another incident which was also well known was for the power of life. It came out from the words of the saint and is quoted here from memory, as it is best suited for the opportunity. Once the saint visited Thumpamon Parish when it came under his administration. It is heard that this was in 1857 or 1858. One day Thirumeni intended to visit the land set apart for the cemetery. So the saint along with the priests and other responsible laymen set apart a time to visit there after Morning Prayer. It was just opposite to church in the eastern side. While they were returning from the plot, one lady was noticed standing at the entrance of the plot staring at the saint and blocking the way to the church. Thirumeni didn't care about it and stood where they all were standing. The time passed ahead. The lady did not move. Thirumeni thought of going to the church after the lady moved from there and they purposely stayed for some more time. The lady was quite young, beautiful, and dressed in wet clothes, after taking bath in a pond nearby. She was a Nair lady on her way to her home with her aides. One person asked her to move from the way, but she didn't. The saint wanted to go to the church for some urgent need. Still she did not move. The saint finally asked, "Can't the devil move from there", after which the assistants took her home by force since they were running short of time. The lady was murmuring something. When she reached home her talking increased much more. The family members got frightened in the sudden change of the lady's nature. Many physicians were brought in. As there was no relief after months, the close relatives took interest in seeking treatment from a magician. He was of the opinion that it was the curse of a holy monk.

The saint ignorant of what had happened to the lady, had left Thumpamon and had visited several other churches. In due course of time Thirumeni reached Thumpamon for his next visit. By the time the close relatives were looking for the Holy monk from whom the lady had been cursed and approached the Holy Saint for help.The problem was solved. The private prayers and meditation of the saint hindered the hastiness of the family members. Their anxiety increased. They also prayed to God Almighty with all their hearts for the welfare of their lady. The saint had covered hours together in private prayers. When the saint was coming out of the church for other personal needs, he listened to the same sort of prayers from a group. The saint was surprised. When Thirumeni saw the lady with folded hands standing in a great feeling of awe, he sympathized. They all listened -"Don't worry. She will be fine. But she must lead a good life. " These were the words that came out then and there from the saint. The listeners were thrilled. Whenever the saint visited Thumpamon church later, the members of her family used to bring presents to honour the saint.

Small Pox

Many people from Thumpamon area died of smallpox after 1886. When the saint heard about this, he rushed to the place and visited the homes of the patients one after another irrespective of caste, creed or colour. Thirumeni's visit was a soothing relief from the fear, due to his prayers and possible services, which were rendered during the visits. The saint had asked his followers to do the same for the frightened people. The patients got relief slowly but steadily. Until the killer disease had completely disappeared from that place, Thirumeni stayed at the church. By that time faith and respects toward Thirumeni from the local inhabitants doubled many times.

He came near the boat and inquired the reason for their cry

Another incident is reported here. It happened when saint had been staying in the new room. In those days, the construction of the church and the seminary had not reached the present stage. A temporary building was the church of those days. It was a rainy season when Pampa River got flooded. Water entered the shores and the water came to the courtyard of the new room also. The flow of water and the underground currents made the travel of the heavy load boats very disturbed. In this atmosphere a boat loaded with goods from the east was stopped near Parumala church in the evening. The boat carried Mangoes, Jackfruits, Tapioca etc. from Kollakadavu for the sale at the western areas. The boatmen belonged to the place called Veeyapuram. They had stopped at Parumala looking for a safe place. They spent the night without sleeping. At about midnight they saw black complexioned people entering the boat. They were frightened, even though they had thought about God and the church but they could not concentrate in their real prayer. Their attentions were distracted.

They were thinking more about their lives than they were thinking about their goods for livelihood. At that time they noticed that a long person in white robes coming from the side of the church. They hoped for help and requested by crying. He came near the boat and inquired the reason for their cry. When all details were told, he instructed them to keep the boat further ahead and told that there would not be any disturbances. They did as they were asked. Afterwards they did not see anyone. Next morning Thirumeni was taking rest in the room after the morning prayers. The boatmen came there with certain presents for helping them in the previous night. But Thirumeni had no idea about the previous night's incidents. This fact frightened the boatmen further. But Thirumeni was sure about the black complexioned and the white robed person. The person who helped them had come from the church.

When the boatmen knew that the church was dedicated to St. Peter, they knew the person who helped them was St. Peter and the place shown to them as the safest place was straight to the room of St. Gregorious. When they realized that St. Peter, the first among the apostles, too recognized St. Gregarious as a fort of protection, they were very much surprised.

Thirumeni made the cross sign with blessed oil and said..........

The late Chalil Annam (sister of famous Chalil Kochu Korah who was married to the Tharakan family) had a severe pain under the knee. It was so severe that a black patch developed on the affected area. She underwent many treatments under several specialist physicians. But all was in vain. Once when Thirumeni had visited Mulanthuruthy church, Annam reached there with gifts for Thirumeni and told about the illness. Thirumeni made the cross sign with blessed oil and said the disease would be cured soon. With in one or two weeks she became completely all right.

"It doesn't matter", "The swelling and the pain is not so serious"

While Thirumeni was staying in Nadamel church, Thrippunithara, one servant of the saint saw a cow on the road in front of the church. Due to his attraction to the animal, he softly touched the cow. When the owner of the cow saw this he became very angry and man handled the servant. The servant reported the matter to the saint. Thirumeni did not ask who had beaten him, but the saint said, " It doesn t matter". Next day the owner of the cow had severe pain and swelling on the right hand. He immediately came to the saint and informed about his own foolishness. The kindhearted saint gave some good advice and said, "The swelling and the pain is not so serious" and sent him from there. From that moment the man got great relief from the pain and swelling got down. Later he made it a regular practice to see Thirumeni, whenever Thirumeni used to visit the northern area. The man used to kiss the blessed hand of the saint, even though he was not a member of the Church.

Did you pray with incense , "Yes"

A cross was erected in the south of Karingachira church. St. Gregorious had conducted prayers there at the cross with incense. There is a Hindu Temple in the neighborhood of the position of the cross. The authorities of the temple did not like the erection of the cross near the temple. The prayer with incense doubled their anger. They filed a petition in Kochi Magistrate Court against the Trustees of Karingachira church. Parumala Thirumeni's name was given as a witness. The temple authorities argued that the services at the cross were not pleasing for them. The advocate for the Trustees suggested that Thirumeni must not confess that he had conducted the prayer at the cross and if agreed, it would adversely affect the Trustees. The Trustees tried their level best to inspire Thirumeni to make a statement that Thirumeni had never prayed with incense. When the advocate asked, Did you pray with incense the answer was Yes. The Trustees were punished. Thirumeni called the Trustees and told them not to feel disappointed and they would get justice in the appeal. It happened so in the judgment of the appeal. Later both the parties had an agreement in between them and the position of the cross was moved from there further away. It remains there still.

Strong winds rains were stopped

When Rev. Fr. Kuriakose, Kolathu Kalathil, Kurichy, Vicar of Kurichy church was seriously ill due to old age, St. Gregorious had given the anointing of the sick. After that Thirumeni moved to Kallunkathra church. Without much delay Fr. Kuriakose entered the heavenly abode. (On 9th Makaram 1073) people were sent for Thirumeni to conduct the burial services. By noon the boat had reached Kallumkathra. If had started through the calm rivers, it would have delayed much to reach the destination. The boatmen were not brave enough to go through the lake; moreover the boat was small too. Thirumeni wanted to reach Kurichy at the earliest. "Otherwise how much others would suffer." was the thought of the saint. By Thirumeni s instruction the journey was started through the lake. By 2 p.m. the wind and rain became much worse. We could just guess what would happen to the small boat. After a little time, Thirumeni came to the entrance of the boathouse and made the sign of cross on the water. What a surprise? The lake became extraordinary calm and quite. The rest of the journey was quick and safe. This incident was told to His Holiness the Catholicose of those days by the eyewitnesses.

"You may take it! "

It is a truth that saint had brought the solar system also under his control like Joshua, the prophet. Mr. D 'Cruz the official Royal painter and famous thinker got the fortune to witness the ability of the saint. Mr. K. M. Varghese (Chithramezhuth great painter) had reported the matter in the newspapers of those days. Wonder happened in the sky was the headline of the news. Mr. D'cruz stated that the incident was above reasons and explanations. Mr. D'cruz admits that he was really frightened. He says that he had thirty year's experience in the photography. The day on which he had attempted to photograph Parumala Thirumeni was not at all a favorable day. It was in 1902. He had attempted to take a photograph of Thirumeni as the Divan Mr. Nagamayya directed him. The Divan wanted a photograph of the Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church to add in the Travancore state manual as a model. Parumala Thirumeni was staying at Trivandrum church in those days. As pre-planned, Mr. D'cruz reached the church in the morning itself.

At that time Thirumeni was inside the church conducting prayers followed by the celebration of the Holy Qurbana. By 7 a.m. the sunlight was hot. So he returned and went back by 4 p.m. By that time Thirumeni had entered the private prayers and meditations. He had to go after Thirumeni two or three days to get a convenient time. One day he got a chance at 10 a.m. By that time the sunlight was too bright. Thirumeni understood the photographer's problem and pitiful condition. Then he looked at the sun and stood two minutes in silence. The photographer looked at Thirumeni's face as well as at the sky. In the meantime, Thirumeni raised the Sleeba in his hand and blessed in the shape of cross. Within no time the bright sun was covered by a thin cloud so that the extreme brightness was covered, providing most suitable light for the photography. Thirumeni said, You may take it. As soon as he took the photograph the sun became extremely bright as before.