On 5th May 1877 Mor Gregorios received the 'Sthathikon' from His Holiness the Patriarch, appointing his Grace as the Metropolitan of Niranam diocese. The initial responsibility for the Metropolitan was to organize the newly formed diocese. His administrative headquarters was at Parumala where a seminary was already functioning under the supervision of Malankara Metropolitan (Mor Dionysius V). European missionary influence was at its highest in this part of the Malankara Church. Initially Mor Gregorios  had to work tirelessly to bring back the flocks, who had left the Church under the influence of protestant missionaries. The seat of Niranam diocese was selected at Parumala  in this pretext. 

1.    Parumala Seminary in A.D. 1877

2.    A Good Shepherd

3.    Additional Responsibility

4.    Gospel Missions 

5.    Fr. Alwarez of Roman Catholic Church joins the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch

1.  Parumala Seminary in AD 1877

The original place selected to start the seminary, was the newly constructed building located in the premises of the ancient Mavelikara Puthenpally.  It was constructed as per the instruction of the Malankara Metropolitan, 'Mor Dionysius V'.   But on completion, the parishioners of the church were reluctant to handover the building, so His Grace was forced to find another place . Unlike in the northern Kerala, most of the parishes then around Niranam, Thumbamon & Kollam dioceses, were under the influence of reformists led by Palakunnath Mathews Mor Athanasius.   So 'Mor Dionysius V'  was very particular to find another place nearby to safeguard the ancient Suryani faith in the area.  It was at this juncture one Korula Mathen of Arikupuram family staying  at Parumala, donated some land for the cause.  (ref: page 114, biography of Pulikottil Mor Dionysius V, published in connection with the golden jubilee celebrations of his sacerdotal ordination - AD 1901.  CLICK HERE  for the extracts from the biography)

Establishment of the Seminary at Parumala in  A.D. 1872

Parumala at that time was an island of about 4 sq.miles. Country boats were the only source then to reach there.  A 'Badrakali Temple' ('Pannayur Kavu') was located in that place.  As per the faith of the locals, a devil 'Parumala Yakshi' was supposed to be haunting in that place.  To appease the deity of the temple, elephant and other animal sacrifices were common.  But the most disturbing was the human sacrifice. Only looters and such anti-social elements were living there. 

The Christians in the long history of the state, were very enthusiastic and adventurous people. They were in the forefront to acquire unused lands & business activities and thereby these groups prospered through the centuries.  In the second half of the 19th century, a  wealthy adventurous Syrian Christian,  Korula Mathen of Arikupurath family bought some land at Parumala and decided to stay there.  It was the tradition of the Christians at that time to build a church nearby their establishments.  

Meanwhile the Metropolitan of the Malankara Church, Mor Dionysius Joseph, was searching for a place to start a Seminary ('Padithaveedu' in Malayalam) in the South.  He finally located a place in Parumala owned by Korula Mathen of Arikupurath family.  There were around 25 churches nearby and was a strong hold of the Syrian Christians. The Metropolitan negotiated to buy the land, but the rich landlord, Korula Mathen, was kind enough to donate  30 'dandu' (measure) of square land to the Malankara Church.   On  13th 'Karkidakam' (English month-July27th or 28th) 1872, this Korula (Koruthu) Mathen registered the document in favour of the Metropolitan on behalf of the supreme spiritual leader of the Malankara Church His Holiness Ignatius, the Patriarch of Antioch.   

(Excerpts from the copy of registered document is shown below.   Source, "VISSUDHA EDAYAN", the biography of Parumala Thirumeni published by Prof. P.N. Chacko)

Mor Gregorious in Parumala

After the assumption of Mor Gregorios as Metropolitan of the Niranam diocese, the Parumala Seminary premises happened to be the diocesan headquarters of Kochu Thirumeni.   Mor Gregorios (Kochu Thirumeni) besides managing the affairs of the diocese, taught the deacons Syriac & theology.   The Seminary continued to function as before.  The tough daily schedule of the Thirumeni, was an inspiration for his students.  Even in the midst of administering the dioceses, he continued his Prayers and fasting like before.

 Chathuruthy Kochu Thirumeni  (29)

(Source:- 'Yakoobyan' Special issue, Oct 2001)

The Chapel at the Seminary Premises

At those times, the Holy Qurbono was celebrated in a temporary Shed owned by the Arikupuram family near the 'Azhipura'.   Kochu Thirumeni wished to construct a two storied structure which includes a church and a seminary anywhere in the place.   For that more land was required.  When Thirumeni expressed his desires, the land owners (the Arikupuram family), without any hesitance surrendered more land for the proposed Seminary building.  The documentation was done in the name of the Malankara Metropolitan on the request of Kochu Thirumeni.   Mor Gregorios was able to raise an huge amount of Rs.15,000 for the construction of the new structure.  After the completion of its initial portions, Mor Gregorios waited for his mentor, the Patriarch of Antioch to consecrate the newly built Church.  But on knowing that the Patriarch's visit was not possible (Patriarch Mor Peter III died on 21st April,1894 and the new Patriarch was about to get ordained), Mor Gregorios in the presence of Malankara Metropolitan Mor Dionysius V, consecrated the new church at Parumala on 15th August 1895 and His Grace celebrated the first Holy Qurbono. The Church was named after the Apostle St.Peter.

Reinstated Seminary building at Parumala- Originally constructed by Parumala Thirumeni

(Source: 'Yakoobyan' special issue, Oct 2001)

Daily Schedule of Mor Gregorios at Parumala

During his stay at Parumala, Kochu Thirumeni used to follow a strict schedule.  A day starts for him at 4 a.m. and his early morning prayers will continue till 5 p.m.  For the next two hours, Thirumeni taught theology to the seminarians.  This is followed by the private prayers (Church prayers of Third hour) at 9 a.m. and then will continue the teaching till 11 a.m..   Then its time for Diocesan administration.   After lunch and rest, he again spent time for administration, starting from 4.  Before that he will have his 'Church prayers of Sixth and Ninth hour'.   Evening Prayer will be at 6.30 p.m., after that he will again start teaching, this time Syriac hymns in open air.   At those sessions, Thirumeni usually sits on a Chair and the deacons on the ground with lamps.  He had an extraordinary skill to sing Syriac hymns, it was very pleasing and incomparable.  Thirumeni is said to be very strict and never allowed his students any excuses. 

Later many of his disciples occupied important positions in the Church, though in the two different factions. The long list included,  Fr.Wattasseril Geevarghese (later Mor Dionysius VI, the Malankara Metropolitan),  Kuttikattil Painadath Paulose Ramban  (late Mor Athanasius Paulose, the Malankara Metropolitan  of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church- 1917 to 1952), Kallasseril Punnoose Ramban of Kurichi (later Mor Baselios Geevarghese II, the Catholicose of the Orthodox Syrian Church-Methran faction, from 1929 to 1963), Kodiattu Kuriakose Corepiscopa, Mattakkal Alexander Malpan,  Payyampalli Fr. David, Pulikkaparambil Fr. Punnoose and many such prominent dignitaries.  All of them were great scholars. 

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2.  A Good Shepherd

 When the highly dangerous disease of small pox was wide spread in Thumpamon and nearby areas, Mor Gregorios visited and stayed at the place.  Because of the seriousness of the infectious disease, many tried to dissuade him from visiting there.  But His Grace, was very determined to visit every house affected, irrespective of caste or creed and prayed for the sick and needy.  The sincerity of this Holy man was becoming more visible to the Church and the society as a whole.   

He taught the people, the power of prayer and fasting and proved the healing powers through continuous prayers.  People came to him wherever he was. The plain water this Holy man gave for the patients after Prayer, is said to be had a remarkable healing effect.

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3.  Additional  Responsibility

Kochu Thirumeni was given the additional responsibility of the Thumpamon diocese when Konatt Mor Julius Geevarghese died.  Later Kollam diocese, administered by Mor Dionysius V, also came under the administration of Thirumeni.  Thus Mor Gregorios Geevarghese became the Metropolitan in charge of  all the three dioceses in the southern Travancore, 'Niranam', 'Thumbamon' & 'Kollam'.  Naturally his responsibility increased.  In spite of the busy schedule, he observed the routine prayer, fasting and meditation.  This gave him the strength to manage the day-to-day affairs of the Church.

Another great thing we can see in this Holy man, is about his ability to execute JUST decisions without any serious opposition. Once a priest close to Pulikottil Mor Dionysius, consecrated a marriage of a rich and influential man, who already had a wife.  On knowing the facts, Parumala Thirumeni excommunicated the concerned priest.  He was very stubborn in taking 'just decisions' like this without any hesitance.  

Mor Gregorios's administrative capability was extraordinary and this had helped for the development of not just the dioceses he controlled, but the entire Malankara Church itself.  He succeeded in solving the disputes & schisms in the churches as nobody was willing to disobey this Holy man.  Many of the difficulties in various churches around Malankara, which the able administrator Mor Dionysius V found impossible to solve, were ratified by a simple word of this Saint.  

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4.  Gospel  Missions

Parumala Thirumeni being well aware of the necessity for preaching the Holy Gospel, an organization namely 'Malankara Syrian Clerical Sangham' was initiated in 1892 at a function held at Parumala Seminary.  Some of the important aims of this group were, to organize prayer meetings and start Sunday Schools in all Parishes; to encourage Gospel expositions by the Priests in between every Holy Qurbono; to visit every Parish by the group; to start Seminaries and similar institutions for proper training of the Priests; and to baptize the untouchables who prefer to be a part of the Holy Church and also to construct new churches for them.  Thirumeni had  personally baptized many of the converts and was instrumental in building new churches like that in  'Chennithala', 'Kalikunnu', 'Mallappally', 'Puthupally', 'Kallumkathra' etc., for them.   He can be said to be the first Metropolitan of Malankara Church, who had a sense of mission to the non-Christian brethren.

Mor Gregorios was one of the regular participants of the famous annual conventions held at Aluva Manalpuram  during Sivarathri festival.  There he used to spent a lot of time preaching the Gospel of God. {These conventions held at Aluva, was the first of its kind anywhere in Malankara, by any of the Churches.  The Syrian Deacon Sleebo (later St. Osthatheos Sleebo, the Patriarchal delegate), was the main organizer and preacher of those meetings }

The main associates of our Kochu Thirumeni in these Gospel works were  Konatt Mathen Corepiscopa (later Malankara Malpan),  Kaniyanthara Fr.Ninan and Murathoonkil Fr.Mathen.   Through a Patriarchal Bull dated 3rd Oct 1893,  His Holiness 'Mor Ignatius Peter III', had specially appreciated the dedicated services of Mor Gregorios Thirumeni in his endeavors.

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5.  Fr. Alwarez of Roman Catholic Church joins the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch.

Fr.Alwarez was born in a Roman Catholic family at Goa.  After completing his studies from the 'Real Seminary' of Rakkol, at the age of 30 in 1860, he joined the Jesuits Missionary at Bombay.   Though he remained with them for many years, he was  disillusioned  with their activities and  so he returned to his native place.  After reaching Goa, he started an orphanage and later a college.  He was a known social worker.  During his stay there, he published some periodicals and through this he criticized the misgivings of the Jesuit Missionaries which was a known fact at that time.  On seeing these articles, Archbishop of Goa excommunicated him from the Roman Catholic Church and he was forced to leave the place due to the continuous persecution against him risen out of the vengeance.   He later escaped to Travancore. 

During his stay at Travancore he came to know more about the Apostolic Suryani Church of Antioch.  He was attracted towards it.  Meanwhile he started a movement namely "Swathantra Catholic Mission" and through this, opposed the atrocities of the Roman Catholic Church.   Later Dr.Lisbowa Pinto, a member of this movement with other like minded people of the Catholic Church started a periodical, "Independent Catholic" published from Colombo.  Many others were also convinced in the Apostolic Episcopacy of the Syrian Orthodox Church.  Around the time, Fr.Alwarez who was in regular contact with the Patriarch of Antioch, met Malankara Metropolitan Mor Dionysius V (Pulikottil Thirumeni) on His Holiness request.  With the permission of the Patriarch, Mor Gregorios Geevarghese (Parumala Kochu Thirumeni) consecrated Fr.Alwarez as a Ramban of the Syrian Orthodox Church.   On Monday the 29th July 1889, the Ramban was consecrated as 'Metropolitan' at the Kottayam old Seminary chapel by Malankara Metropolitan Mor Dionysius V and assisted by other Metropolitans including our Kochu Thirumeni.  The new Metropolitan Alwarez Mor Julius was given the charge of the new Mangalore and Bombay dioceses.  Later many people, particularly the disillusioned Roman Catholics from other parts of India and Ceylon joined the Syrian Church.  Under the influence of the new Metropolitan, many  from the old Catholic Church of America including one Rev.J Rene Vilatte, a French Priest,  joined the Church. 

Later on the advice of Metropolitan Alwarez Mor Julius, the Patriarch of Antioch gave permission for the consecration of Rev.Rene Vilatte as a Metropolitan.  The ceremony was planned at the St.Mary's Church, Colombo.  On the Ascension day (26th May) in 1892, Rev.J Rene Vilatte was elevated as a Ramban and three days later, he was consecrated as  Metropolitan 'Mor Thimotheos',  by  Kadavil Paulose Mor Athanasius of Kottayam diocese,  Our Kochu Thirumeni of Niranam diocese and Alwarez Mor Julius.  The new Metropolitan, Mor Thimotheos was appointed as the Archbishop of American diocese under the Holy See of Antioch.  This was an eventful day for the Universal Syrian Church. The expense of the ceremony was shared by the representative of the American government in Colombo.   In a special function that followed, the governmental authorities  awarded a rare title of "Commander of the Crown of Thorns" to the three Metropolitans including our Kochu Thirumeni.

In all the discussions with the newly converted Metropolitans, Parumala Mor Gregorios Bawa (together with Pulikottil Thirumeni and Kadavil Thirumeni) participated as an intermediary.  It was he who contacted and informed about the latest developments to the Patriarch.  Many such decisions regarding Malankara Church were taken by the Patriarch Ignatius Peter III, mainly on the advice our Kochu Thirumeni.  Both were in constant contact, until the last days of the Patriarch. 

(Sitting from left:  Rene Vilatte Mor Thimotheos, Murimattom Mor Ivanios,  Pulikottil Mor Divanyasious V, Kadavil Mor Athanasius, Chathuruthy Mor Gregorios, Mor Julius Alwarez )

(The dioceses founded by Alwarez Mor Julius and Mor Thimotheos weakened after their demises. The religious persecutions of the Goan rulers in their strongholds forced many of the converted Catholics to return. Because of the internal squabble, the Malankara Church too was not in a position to extend any help to them. 

Since the demise of Mor Thimotheos (1854-1929), the American diocese founded by him is functioning independently.

The diocese founded by Alwarez Mor Julius too had declined in numbers, but still continues in the faith of Syriac Orthodox Church. The St.Antony's Congregation founded by Mor Julius Alwarez is now administered by a Metropolitan appointed by the Patriarch of Antioch. Mor Polycarpus Geevarghese is the present Metropolitan of the diocese. The Honawar mission and its centers in Mangalore under the Evangelic Association of the East (E.A.E), are the remnants of this group.)

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