St.Gregorios Geevarghese, popularly known as "PARUMALA THIRUMENI" was born in the distinguished priestly family of 'Pallithatta Thanagattu' in the village of Mulunthuruthy near Cochin on 15th June 1848.  He was baptized by name Geevarghese at the Mulanthuruthy MarThoman Church.  From childhood days he followed a very disciplined life which was enriched by prayer and fasting.  Mor Gregorios had a thorough knowledge in Theology and Syriac, which he learned from his teachers, Pallithatta Fr. Geevarghese Malpan (uncle), Konatt Malpan of Pambakkuda and Yuyakim Mor Kurillos Bava the Patriarchal delegate. His Grace was a man of prayer and made it clear to the world that Prayer and devotion is mightier than any worldly possession. The Holy Father's short life was remarkable in many respects. A deacon at the age of 10, a priest at the age of 18, a bishop at the young age of 28 (the reason for calling him 'Kochu Thirumeni'); he passed away on November 2nd 1902, after a saintly life of prayer to become the brightest jewel in the Jacobite Syrian Church. 

A  brief life history

St.Gregorios was blessed with the order of Korooyo at the tender age of ten by Palakunnath Mathews Mor Athanasius at the Karingachira St.George Jacobite Syrian Church.  At the age of 18, he was ordained Shamshono by Yuyakim Mor Kurillos, the then Patriarchal delegate of the Holy See of Antioch. Soon after Geevarghese was ordained Kassisso and later as Corepiscopa, again at the blessed hands of Yuyakim Mor Kurillos Bava.  Later he settled at the Vettikkal Dayro near Mulunthuruthy where he led a strict monastic life.  In 1872 he was ordained Ramban (Monk-Priest) by Pulikottil Mor Dionysius. 

The protestant missionary activities, aided by the British Government, was at its heights in those days.  The liberal stand taken by the protestants in matters of faith led to the crossing over of many of the Syrian Orthodox faithful to the new found churches.  To bring an end to this extraordinary situation the faithful in Malankara came together under the chairmanship of Ramban Geevarghese in September 1872.  But finding it difficult, they prayed for the help of the supreme head of the Church, the Patriarch of Antioch who was then residing in the monastery of Deir ez-Za`faran (Kurkumo Dayro) in Turkey. 

Accordingly, His Holiness Mor Ignatius Peter III, the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East, arrived in Malankara in 1875.  Ramban Geevarghese who was well versed in Syriac was appointed as the interpreter to the Patriarch.  The Patriarch, impressed with the young Ramban, chosen him also as H.H's private secretary.  When the historic Mulunthuruthy Synod was convened in the month of June/July 1876, the assistance of  Ramban Geevarghese was of much help to His Holiness. The Patriarch's esteem of the Ramban grew so high that His Holiness decided to elevate him to the order of Metropolitan.

On 10th December 1876, H.H. the Patriarch ordained Ramban Geevarghese as Metropolitan by name 'GREGORIOS' at the St.Thomas church in North Paravur.  When in Malankara, H.H. the Patriarch had consecrated six Metropolitans of which Mor Gregorios was the youngest and was only 28 and hence he came to be known by the endearing name Kochu Thirumeni.  The ancestral house where Mor Gregorios was born and brought up was known by name 'CHATHURUTHY' and for that reason he is also often referred to as Chathuruthy Thirumeni. 

After the departure of the Patriarch in 1877, at the behest of our Kochu Thirumeni, all the newly ordained Metropolitans observed a 40 day lent at the 'Vettikkal Dayro' before their assumption as Diocesan Metropolitans. In his bishopric, he established various churches and was the motivator to establish schools in different parts of Malankara. Mor Gregorios was a man who grasped the value of Education for the upliftment of the society. In late 1890's, many educational institutions were started by the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church under the initiative and guidance of  Parumala Kochu Thirumeni and Pulikottil Joseph Mor Dionysius (Malankara Metropolitan). St.Thomas School at Mulanthuruthy, St. Ignatius School at Kunnamkulam (named after his mentor the Patriarch of Antioch Mor Ignatius Peter IV), the Syrian English School (now known as 'MGM High School') at Thiruvalla, etc., were some of the well known schools of the Church at that time. 

The saintly father was closely and intimately associated with varied activities and development of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church.  He was very much admired for his organizing ability and was very popular with the masses. Following the demise of Metropolitans, the administration of Thumpamon and Kollam dioceses also fell under him.  In 1887, the first block of the 'Parumala Seminary', was consecrated.

Mor Gregorios was keen in maintaining relationship with all section of people, irrespective of caste or community. He always showed love and cared for the poor and suffering. He was very particular for the truthfulness and helping the poor. His Grace took special interest in preaching the Holy Gospel of Our Lord among the backward communities and many were accepted into our fold.  He also worked hard to uplift this marginalized people.

While staying at Parumala Seminary, Mor Gregorios taught Syriac to deacons.  His ability to tack Syriac hymns was extraordinary. Even in the midst of the busy schedule, he gave maximum importance to prayers and lent.  He used to get up at 4 am for prayer.  His Grace observed prayers seven times a day as taught by the Holy Fathers of the Church.  He was very particular about observation of lent with fasting, particularly on Fridays and Wednesdays.

His Grace's long standing desire to visit the Holy Land was fulfilled in 1895, nineteen years after his ordination as Metropolitan.  During his Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he stayed at the "Sehion Malika" (Monastery of St.Mark) which was the diocesan headquarters of the Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan. During his stay there, H.G. visited almost all the important places of Christendom and led the  Passion Week services at the altars of our Syrian church in the Holy City. On his return, His Grace collected a certain amount from all the Parishes in Malankara and sent a Silver Cross as offering to the Jerusalem Church. 

At the age of 54 Thirumeni became seriously sick.  He knew that his end was near.  While the Metropolitans and priests and others were praying, Kochu Thirumeni uttered, "MY LORD" and closed his eyes.   Kochu Thirumeni passed away on 2nd November 1902 and his mortal remains were entombed at the St.Peter's Church, Parumala.     

Mor Gregorios Students Association

The Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church in 1907 had formed a "Syrian Students Conference" for the proper guidance of the youth in the Church.  But the split of the Syrian Church in 1911, created problems for the smooth functioning of the Students association.  Hence the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church decided to reorganize the Students movement. Accordingly on 6th May 1922, a Students meeting was convened at the Cheruthottukunnel St. George's Church of Angamali diocese under the guidance of the Malankara Metropolitan Paulose Mor Athanasius (Valiya Thirumeni of Aluva).  The congregation named its students movement as Mor Gregorios Students Association.  This was the first students organization in Malankara, that adopted the name Mor Gregorios of Parumala.  Later in 1960's, students wing of the unified Church came to be known as 'Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Students Movement'  (MGOCSM). 

Remembering 'Mor Gregorios' in the 5th 'TUBDEN'

Mor Gregorios was considered as a saintly bishop during his life time itself.  Many were said to have cured of serious illness and other sufferings through His Grace's intercession. His prayerful life was an inspiration to all.  After the Holy father's demise in 1902, pilgrimage to his tomb seeking intercession, became regular.  Since the tomb of the Holy Father was situated in South Kerala, people from North found it difficult to pay homage because of the limited transportation facilities available in those times.  It is thus places like Malecuriz Dayro and Perumpally Church where the relics of the Holy Father are installed, gained importance.

Just four years after the demise of Saint Gregorios, in 1906, a shrine was established at Vettickal near Mulanthuruthy in His Grace's name by one Parasseril Varkey. This was the first shrine established anywhere in the name of Mor Gregorios.  (This shrine and the adjoining 5 cents of land was later surrendered to Vettickal Karmelkunnu St.Thomas Syrian Simhasana Church and is situated adjacent to the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary). 

While in the Roman Catholic Church an elaborate and complex system of Beatification and Canonization of bereaved people who lived a divine life exists, the Oriental (Lesser) Orthodox Churches (Syrian Orthodox Church belongs to this group) do not have such an elaborate and bureaucratic system.  The Oriental Churches give emphasis on following the footsteps of such divine people by remembering them.  Like the other ancient Oriental Churches, Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch too follows this faith and remembers the names of its Holy Fathers in the TUBDEN (Holy Diptych).  It is the ultimate recognition for those who served the Church in commune with the God. 

On 22nd August 1987, the Holy  Episcopal Synod of Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, held under the patronship of the late Catholicose of the East Aboon Mor Baselios Paulose II, made requests before the Supreme Spiritual head His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, to permit the name of Mor Gregorios to be recited in the 5th 'TUBDEN' along with the other monks and martyrs of the Holy Church.  

On 20th December  1987, the historical Patriarchal Bull from His Holiness Mor Ignatius Zakka I, authorizing the recital of the name of MOR GREGORIOS of Malankara in the Fifth 'TUBDEN' (diptych), was issued. This Bull was first read in his home parish at the Mulanthuruthy MarThoman Church.  (Click Here for the concerned Encyclical of the Patriarch). The name of the Holy father is recited in the 5th TUBDEN immediately after the names of late Patriarch of Antioch Mor Ignatius Elias III (Manjanikkara, 1932) and Maphriyono Mor Baselios Yeldho (Kothamangalam, 1685). (All the remaining 23 Holy fathers remembered in the 5th TUBDEN, belongs to the pre-7th century period. Among them, Mor Gregorios is the only prelate of Indian origin whose name is included in the 'TUBDEN').

About a decade later in 2000, the Independent Orthodox church of Malankara also started to recite the name of Mor Gregorios in the 5th 'TUBDEN' along with Maphriyono Mor Baselios Yeldho. The holy relics of St. Gregorios is now interred in many churches.  A large number of churches are built in his name all over the world. The churches and shrines built by the Malankara Syrian Christians in recent times, named after ST. GREGORIOS, are the largest in number, next only to those which bear the names of St.Mary and  St.George.

Many still believes that the situations which led to the unfortunate division of Malankara Church in 1911 could have been avoided if Mor Gregorios Bava who was influential among the faithful of both north and south Kerala, was alive for some more years.  No one could actually disobey this Holy Father.  He was considered as the successor to the then Malankara Metropolitan.  His unexpected demise happened when he was only 54.  Malankara Metropolitan Pulikottil Joseph Mor Dionysius, and Kadavil Paulose Mor Athanasius of Aluva were his closest aides.  Kadavil Thirumeni died exactly five years after the demise of Mor Gregorios, on 2nd November 1907; and Mor Dionysius died in 1909.

Mor Gregorios was a master in the Syriac language which fascinated him greatly, especially its beauty and melody; its glorious past and spiritual history. To him, the prayers forming an integral part of the Holy Qurbono had a real relevance and significance which held him steadfast in his loyalty to the Apostolic See of Antioch founded by St. Peter, acknowledged as chief among the apostles.  He was true to the traditions and history built up by the Holy Fathers listed in the 5th TUBDEN, starting with the venerable St. James, Apostle, Martyr and the first Prelate of Jerusalem.  He had no doubts about the Church hierarchy as spelt out in the 1st Tubden, which gives the pride of place to Mor Ignatius, our Patriarch. His SALMUSA bears ample testimony to his unflinching loyalty to the Holy Throne. No one is left in doubt as to what Thirumeni considered to be the essentials of the Syrian Christian culture, its faith, belief and tradition.

Mor Gregorios was the prophet of his time who set the moral tone for his people. He loved everybody specially the poor and needy.  A saint is one who is totally dedicated to God.  Mor Gregorios Bava, faithfully followed his master, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 Let us Pray for the Intercession of this great Saint of Malankara

Important Dates