Child-hood

Mor Gregorios Geevarghese was born on 15th June 1848 as the youngest son of his blessed parents, Kochu Mathai and Mariya of 'Pallathitta Chathuruthil' house. He was christened as 'GEEVARGHESE'; baptism was at his home parish, the Mulanthuruthy MarThoman Church.

Geevarghese was youngest of all the five children and his pet name was, "Kochu Iypora". The "Pallathitta" family that he belonged to, was one of the prominent families of Mulunthuruthy. His mother "Mariam" was the daughter of "Pallippurathu Kallarackal Geevarghese" of 'KANDANAD'. Being the only child, Kochu Iypora's mother inherited the house at Kandanad and hence his parents lived there after marriage. But after the death of his maternal Grandparents, the whole family shifted to "CHATHURUTHIL" house built on his fathers ancestral property. Mor Gregorios Geevarghese was born and brought up in this house and hence he is often referred to as "CHATHURUTHY THIRUMENI".

About two years after his birth, mother 'Mariam' died. Thereafter his elder sister Mariam (married to "Aikkaranattil- Palal" family), took care of him with love and affection. Further details about his early Childhood days are obscure.

At the age of five, young Kochu Iypora started his formal education under 'Onakkavil Ayya', a local Ezhava (Hindu) teacher. His respect for the teacher was so great that many a times when Mor Gregorios visited his native village after becoming a Church dignitary, he would personally contact and offer gifts to the 'Nilathezuthu Aasan' and it is heard that at those meetings, he would not even sit in the presence of his teacher. Later he also studied under Mammoottil ManiAsan's 'kalari' (a traditional village School).

The place where Mor Gregorios started his primary education (in Malayalam 'Nilathezuthu') was later converted into a Shrine (Kurisu Palli) by Perumpally Thirumeni. The foundation stone was laid by Metropolitan Mor Philexinos Paulose (later Catholicos Baselios Paulose II) of Kandanad diocese on 8th December 1963 and the Holy relic of St.Gregorios was established here on 15th June 1966 by the then Catholicos Baselios Augen I. This place is located in between Mulunthuruthy MarThoman and Perumpally Simhasana churches. (Perumpally Simhasana church stands on the site where a small school was started by the Saintly Parumala Thirumeni over a 100 years ago and where he used to spend long hours in meditation and solitude.)

'Kurisu Palli' at Perumpally

(Mulunthuruthy)

Relics of Parumala Thirumeni

is installed here in the 'Kurisu Palli'

Srambikkal Pallathitta Geevarghese 'Kassisso' (Priest), who was Kochu Iypora's uncle, noticing his studious nature and noble character undertook his coaching. The boy studied theology and Syriac-the language in which Our Lord professed, from his uncle who was an authority in it. Proper guidance given by Geevarghese Kassisso, helped young Kochu Iypora to lead a pious life. Even at this young age, many observed a spiritual ability and intelligence in Kochu Iypora. He was more inclined to Prayer, reading the Holy Bible and listening to the stories of saints. The young boy was not very interested in worldly pleasures or the gaieties of life. Its heard that, he had a sharp intellect and a wonderful memory. His powers of observations and insight were very keen and penetrating. At this young age itself, he was able to sing Syriac hymns of the Church in proper rhythm and diction. Uncle's influence on young Geevarghese, increased his interest in the Holy Church and its traditions.