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At the turn of the 20th century, there lived a Holy man on a haunted island, called Parumala, on the banks of Rivers Pampa
and Achencovil in Kerala,India.He was the prophet of his time, who set moral tone for his people.Powerful like Prophet Elijah
and glittering like John the Baptist,he remains the beacon and a great Saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church.
It was on June 15, 1848 that Kochu Iypera (Geevarghese) was born in the priestly family of "Pallithatta Thanagattu" of Chathuruthy,
Mulanthuruthy, Kerala. His parents were Kochu Mathai and Mariam, who had three sons and two daughters. After the birth of
fifth child Iypera,his mother Mariam died.He was baptised as Geevarghese at his home Parish, MarThoman Church Mulunthuruthy.
The disciplined life of Mar Gregorios enriched by prayer & fasting helped him to commune with God from his childhood days.
He had a thorough knowledge in Theology and Syriac, which he developed through his teachers, Pallithatta Rev.Fr. Gheevarghese
Malpan (his uncle), Konat Malpan & the Patriarchal delegate Yuyakkim Mar Koorilose. His Grace was a man of prayer and made
it clear to the world that Prayer and devotion is mightier than any worldly possession. Parumala Thirumeni's short life was
remarkable in many respects. After the early days of education in Syriac and theology, Kochu Iypera was ordained as decon
on September 14, 1859,by palakunnathu Mathews Mar Athanasios Metropolitan.He was only ten years old at that time.
"Remember your forefathers,who spoke God's message to you.
Think back on how they lived and died,and imitate their faith.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and for ever."
One day Malpan became seriously ill with smallpox. Deacon Geevarghese was the only one who stayed and took care of him, while
all others were sent home. On the eight day Malpan died and Deacon became ill. During this time he had a vision of St. Mary
in his dream, descending to console him, and exhorting him to dedicate the rest of his life to the Lord. He pledged "He would".
This was a heavenly vision that enables him to become a humble servant of God. Very soon the deacon recovered.Deacon Geevarghese
continued his theological training under Konat Malpan at pampakuda.Some times later,he joined Yoyakim Mar Ivanios,the Metropolitan
of Syria who was sojourning in Malankara,as private secretary as well as learning Syric from him.Thirumeni was blessed with
the order of 'Korooyo' at the tender age of ten by Palakunnath Mor Athnasius at the Karingachira St.George church. At the
age of 18, he was elevated as 'Shamshono' and In 1865 Mar Ivanios ordained the deacon as 'Kassisso' and 'Corepiscopa' by Yuyakkim
Mor Koorilose. Later he stayed at the Vettikkal Dayra and led a strict monastic life. In 1872 he was ordained as Ramban Geevarghese
(Monk-Priest) by Pulikottil Mar Dionysius.
Fr.Geevarghese ministered in Mulanthuruthy church for a time residing at Vettical Dayara.It was here that the future Metropolitan
trained his body and mind by ascetic virtues in gaining communion with God.Today it serves as head quarters of Kandanad diocese.
Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysios Metropolitan had established the frame of a future Seminary at Parumala in the south.Mar Dionysios
soon put Fr.Geevarghese in charge of training deacons in theology and Syric.Mar Dionysios raised him to the order of monks(Ramban)
in 1872.
When Patriarch Ignatius Mar Peter III visited Malankara in 1875, Ramban Geevarghese served as his secretary and interpreter,and
traveled with him through out Kerala. Impressed by the simplicity,sincerity, commitment, and spirituality of Geevarghese Ramban.The
Patriarch of Antioch consecrated four (4) Metropolitans at St.Thomas North Paravur church, Kerala in December 10, 1876. The
youngest among them was Geevarghese Ramban and who was named Mar Gregorios. Because of his age everybody called him "Kochu
Thirumeni"(Youngest Bishop). Mar Gregorios was appointed as the bishop of Niranam diocese, Kerala. He started a monastery
at Parumala, Kerala.
Mar Gregorios was a man of God, who lived not according to the way of the flesh but according to the law of God. He led a
virtuous and austere life, like a monk, living on frugal diet enriched by prayer and fasting.
At Parumala Seminary he led a austere life. He woke up at 4 am in the morning and prayed till 5am. He taught deacons till
7am followed by prayer and his light breakfast. From 9am till 11am he taught deacons again. From 11am to noon he took care
of administrative matters and again went to prayer at noon and then to lunch. He rested till 1:30pm and taught till 4pm with
a brief prayer in between. From 4pm to 5:30pm he was busy with his administrative duties. After evening prayers and supper
he taught Bible to the deacons. After the complaining, at 9pm he would let the deacons go to bed, but he would still be praying
until midnight. On Wednesdays and Fridays and lenten days, he would fast till evening. Besides, he observed his own special
fasts. People came from far and near to seek his blessings and paternal advises.
In his own words "Prayer brings truth, religious faith, honesty and respect among the people."In his life time,Mar Gregorios
was known for strict observance of ascetic rigorous in the footsteps of St.Antony and had gained divine powers.
Mar Gregorios had a wider acceptance among all the sections of the Syrian Church. In the earlier part of his life, Mar Gregorios
spent most of his time in North Kerala. But after becoming a Metropolitan for Niranam diocese, his activities continued in
the south. Until then, marriages between people staying North and South of Kerala, were not common. On the insistence of Mor
Gregorios, who had a wider acceptance among the entire Syrian Christian community of Malankara, many marriages took place
among these people and this resulted in having a closer cultural contact.
With the initiative of Parumala Kochu Thirumeni and Joseph Mar Dionysius, the then Malankara Metropolitan, many educational
institutions were started by the Malankara
Four years,the Metropolitan served the diocese and was a strong defence against the reform movement. St. Gregorios became
sick when he returned from Veeyapuram Church after blessing a marriage. Even from the beginning of his illness he knew that
he was in his last days. The news of illness spread all over Malankara. Although he grew weaker day by day, his face shone
brighter and brighter. It was on November 2, 1902, midnight he was ready to meet his heavenly father. He left his earthly
abode and flew to his heavenly eternity. In 1947, The Holy Episcopal synod canonized and proclaimed Mar Gregorios as a Saint
of the Orthodox Church. The Saint's tomb at Parumala today is a pilgrimage center. There are hundreds of instances that proved
his Saintliness. Countless people receive favours and blessings through his intercession.
The growing flow of pilgrims to his tomb, several years after his demise, tells a story of a man of faith, prayer, healing,
and great intercession.
What are some of the qualities that made ParumalaThirumeni and exemplary bishop and a spiritual leader.
1. Call of God. From his childhood he was aware of his call to serve the Lord and the Church.He surrendered his life completely
to God and allowed the Holy Spirit toindwell in him and to control and guide his life.
2. Dependenceon God. He depended upon God for his physical,emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs. He was not concerned
aboutwhat would happen to him in the future. He believed that God would providefor him. How many of us worry about what will
happen in the future?
3. Communion withGod. He was a prayer "warrior". Hisdisciplined prayer life helped him to commune with God and receive guidancefrom
Him. Before making any major decision, he used to spend time in fastingand prayer. Many of us recite our canonical prayers,
but we don't knowhow to commune with God.
4. Life-long Student. Geevarghese Malpan and Konattu Malpan had great influence upon Deacon Geevarghese.Under the guidance
of Konattu Malpan, he studied Syriac, the Holy Scriptures,theology, worship, and canon law. He also made very good use of
MalpanAchen's library. He continued his studies during the rest of his life.
5. Dedicated andDevoted Teacher. His rigorous religioustraining at Pampakuda with Konattu Malpan Achen helped him to become
adedicated and devoted teacher. He provided religious and spiritual trainingfor all the deacons who lived with him at Parumala
Seminary. He influencedall of them by his life and example. Many of his students became spiritualleaders in Malankara Syrian
Orthodox Church. How many of us have any influenceon the lives of our students?
6. Serving Others. He always remembered what Jesus said, "If you want to be great in the Kingdomof God, be a servant." He
served God's people without expecting anythingin return. Since he had experienced the unconditional love of God, he sharedthat
love with others. He reached out and touched the lives of many thatwere in need.
7. Trusting in God. Since he trusted in God to provide for his needs, he never worried about "tomorrow." Whatever he had,
belonged to God, and he believed they were God's gifts. Whatever he received from the people belonged to the Church. How many
of our leaders really trust in God? Don't we try to keep everything in our names?
8. Healing the Sick. During his ministry as a priest and bishop, people used to ask him to pray for them. They especially
askedhim to pray for the sick and lay his hands on them for healing. Many miraculoushealing took place during his lifetime.
The healing ministry of ParumalaThirumeni is still continuing. How many of us have time to pray for others?
9. Friend of the Poor. He was a friend of the poor, downtrodden,and untouchables. He encouraged the establishment of schools
and the spread of the Gospel to the neighboring states and to low caste people who lived among the Syrian Christians.
10. Defender of the Faith. As a priest and a metropolitan,he defended the Orthodox faith and taught the believers through
letters,articles, and sermons. Even though he was the Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese,his ministry extended all over Malankara.
11. Glorified God in Sickness. Even in his sickness and suffering, he glorified God and thanked Him for His grace. With Paul
he was able to say, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Hedid not consider death "as an enemy" but "as a friend."
How many of usare afraid of death?
May the life of Parumala Thirumeni be an inspiration for all of us. Let us ask him to intercede for us. May his prayers be
a stronghold for us.
Parumala Seminary
The most important of the spiritual centers of the Malankara is the Tomb of His Holiness the "Parumala Thirumeni". The 30
cents of land that Arikupuram Koruthu Mathen donated to Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysios in July 1872 became in later years
Parumala Seminary. The Arikupuram family also gave land for building a church adjacent to the Seminary. The Church was constructed
as a result of the efforts of Parumala Geevarghese Mar Gregorios. On 27 January 1825 a provisional consecration of the Church
was conducted. Later, on 19 August 1912 His Holiness Abdheth Misheha, the Patriarch consecrated the Parumala Church. The Church
is built and named after the Apostle St. Peter and St. Paul. The burial place of Yuyakim Mar Ivanios can also be seen here.
On 8 September 1912 Kallasseril Geevarghese Mar Gregorios and on 3 November 1930 Puthencavu Geevarghese Mar Philexinos were
consecrated in Parumala. On 29 April 1991 at the seminary the installation of His Holiness Baselios mar Thoma Mathews II Catholicos
took place. Here 5 Episcopas were consecrated on 30 April 1991 and on 16 August 1993 2 more Episcopas were consecrated.
Here the Malankara Association met in 1873 and on 18 February 1878 with Pulikkotil Joseph Dionysius in the chair and again
on 10 September 1992 and on 26 May 1994. The Church is situated 1/2 a K.m away to the east from the Mannar Junction and is
10 Kms towards the south from Tiruvalla on Thiruvalla- Mavelikara Road and 9 K.ms towards the north from Mavelikara. Here
on Fridays the Holy Qurbana with three celebrants (Munninmel) is conducted and meditative discourse is given. During the day
of 'Pentecost' the 'tarrying Meet' and during the '3 day Fast' and the 'Lenten season', 'Meditation Meets' are conducted.
November 1 and 2 are the main feast days. In connection with this feast a whole week is being observed as 'Pilgrimage Week'.
Various Seminars are conducted and lectures given. Medical camps are also held under the auspices of the Mar Gregorios Hospital
in Parumala. The New Church in Parumala is being constructed at the cost of Rupees Three Crores. Rev.Fr. P.M.Kuriakose is
the Manager.
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