From the childhood days Kochu Thirumeni had the opportunity to be the student of famous scholars Srambikkal Pallathitta Geevarghese Kassisso and Konatt Malpan.  He studied the basics of theology and Syriac from them. Later his interest for the monastic movement developed through his increased contact with H.G. Yuyakim Mor Kurillos Bava, the then Patriarchal delegate to Malankara.  For some years he stayed with Mor Kurillos; this helped him to have a greater knowledge of the faith and traditions of the Syrian Church. The stories of the sacrifices of early Church Fathers increased his inspiration to become a monk. In 1865 he was ordained Priest by Mor Kurillos Yuyakim.  After some period Geevarghese Corepiscopa (Parumala Thirumeni) settled at Vettikkal Dayro, leading a monastic life.   

Here in this section a brief description of some of the most prominent closest aides of Parumala Thirumeni is included.

{I}   Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV

In 1875, Patriarch of Antioch Mor Ignatius Peter IV (III), came to India on the request of the Pulikottil Mor Dionysius Joseph II and the Malankara Syrian Church. Three years before in Sep 1872 itself, a meeting convened under the chairmanship of Chathuruthy Geevarghese Ramban had prayed to the Patriarch to visit Malankara for saving it from the severe crisis it was facing. 

After reaching Malankara His Holiness initially spent most of the time at Mulanthuruthy Church and during this period, the Patriarch came to know about Ramban Geevarghese. The Patriarch being so impressed with the Ramban, appointed him as his translator & secretary. He continued to be in the privileged position all through the Holy Apostolic visit. Chathuruthy Ramban was the chief organizer of the historical Mulanthuruthy Synod convened by the Patriarch in June 1876 and was His Holiness's right hand person. The Ramban also had the privilege to prepare the draft of the 'Mulanthuruthy Padiyola' (agreement signed and submitted to the Patriarch by the Malankara Church - Click here for the English translation of the Padiyola).

Later when it was decided to ordain some Metropolitans for Malankara Syrian Church, the Patriarch's first choice was Ramban Geevarghese. Though initially he refused to be a Metropolitan, he could not ignore the Patriarch's continuous request.  Thus in December 1876, he and three others were ordained as Metropolitans at the famous St.Thomas Church, N.Paravur by the Patriarch.  The names given to the Metropolitans in the Syriac Church during their ordination being the sole discretion of the spiritual head, it was the Patriarch who named Ramban Geevarghese as 'Mor Gregorios',  the honorable title of the Archbishop of the Holy Land under the Apostolic See of Antioch. The Patriarch's intention was to take Parumala Thirumeni (who was his secretary during the Patriarch's stay in India) with him and install him as the bishop of Jerusalem.  It is said that community leaders appealed to the Patriarch and persuaded him not to take Thirumeni away from Malankara.

Parumala Thirumeni was a very close companion of the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Peter IV.  Even after His Holiness left India, their intimate relationship continued.  All the decisions concerning Malankara Church was taken by the Patriarch only after consultations with Chathuruthy Mor Gregorios Bawa.  It was Mor Gregorios who was entrusted with the mission of collecting the 'Ressessa' (an amount given to the Holy Throne by every family) and he continued this service with utmost sincerity till his last. Their relationship is said to be so unique.  Later when Parumala Thirumeni started a School at Kunnamkulam in 1899,  it was named 'Mor Ignatius School' after this Patriarch, 'Mor Ignatius Peter IV (III)'.  His Holiness died on 8th Oct 1894 (M.E. 1070 'Kanni' 25) and his mortal remains were interred at the famous Kurkuma Dayro, Turkey. (In some books the date of demise of the Patriarch is mentioned as September 26}.

Article related to the collection of 'Ressessa' by Parumala Mor Gregorios

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{II}  Pulikottil Thirumeni  &  Kadavil Thirumeni

After becoming a Metropolitan, Parumala Bawa along with Pulikottil Mor Dionysius V  and  Kadavil Mor Athanasius Paulose, tirelessly worked for the uplift of the Syriac community.  These two fellow Metropolitans were the most trusted aides of Parumala Thirumeni in the later part of his life.  It was the combined effort of the three, that helped the spiritual revival of the Syriac community.   Many new Educational institutions, Seminaries etc., were established by them.   Pulikottil Thirumeni, who was then the Malankara Metropolitan (the chief prelate of the local Church) had in his mind to ordain Parumala Kochu Thirumeni as his successor.  But Parumala Thirumeni's sudden demise in 1902 was a severe blow for Pulikottil Thirumeni. 

Kadavil Mor Athanasius Paulose died on the same day (Nov 2nd), five years after the demise of Parumala Mor Gregorios, in 1907 and was entombed at the Aluva St.Mary's church (Thrikkunnathu Seminary).  Mor Athanasius Paulose was ordained as a Metropolitan in December 1876 at his home Parish of North Paravur St.Thomas church, just a week before the ordination of Parumala Thirumeni as the Metropolitan at the same Parish.

After serving the Church in its turbulent days for more than half a century,  Malankara Metropolitan  Pulikottil Mor Dionysius V,  died at the age of 76 on 11th July 1909.  His body was entombed on the northern side of the Old Seminary Church, Kottayam.  The hardship faced by Mor Dionysius during his earlier years as Metropolitan was unexplainable, but his strong faith, and the service rendered by the Holy See of Antioch at the appropriate time, helped the  Malankara Church to overcome its difficult periods of the 19th century. 

The vision and the efforts of these three Metropolitans - Pulikottil Thirumeni, Kadavil Thirumeni and Parumala Thirumeni - in establishing Theological Seminaries, Monasteries, schools and other spiritual organizations, will ever be remembered by the Malankara Suryani Church with great veneration. 

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{III}  Mor Dionysius Geevarghese  &  Mor Kurillos Paulose

Metropolitan, 1908-1934 Malankara Metropolitan of the Methran faction

Metropolitan, 1908-1917 Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Church

Kochuparambil Paulose and Wattasseril Fr.Geevarghese were two of the most trusted aides of Parumala Thirumeni.   Both were with Mor Gregorios for many years. While Wattasseril Mar Dionysius, was a genius who was well versed with the traditions and practices of the Church, Kochuparambil Mor Kurillos Paulose all through his life followed the monastic life of his mentor, Parumala Thirumeni.  When Mor Gregorios Thirumeni left for Parumala after his ordination as Metropolitan, it was Kochuparambil Paulose Ramban who was given the charge of 'Vettikkal Kurisu Palli', where Mor Gregorios used to spend most of his time in prayer and meditation earlier.  Later Paulose Ramban rebuilt the Dayro at Vettikkal, which happens to be the first Monastery of the Malankara Church.  In 1901, again it was he who was authorized by Parumala Thirumeni to supervise the construction of the first Suryani Church at Thiruvanathapuram. After its completion in 1902, Ramban Paulose returned to Old Seminary. 

It was after becoming a Metropolitan of Southern dioceses, Parumala Thirumeni came closer with Wattasseril Rev. Fr.Geevarghese.  He was one of the famous disciples of Thirumeni.  Fr.Geevarghese was all along with the Parumala Thirumeni during his last days. Three days before his death, Thirumeni had handed over the Staff, Crosier and other insignia to Wattasseril Fr.Gevarghese. (The Staff and some of the insignias, were later handed over to the Patriarch the spiritual head of the Church, as per the practices followed by the Suryani Church. This Staff used by Parumala Thirumeni was later given to Mor Sevarious, the first Knanaya Metropolitan during his ordination by the Patriarch and is now with the senior most Metropolitan of Malankara, H.G. Mor Clemis Abraham of Knanaya Church). In 1895, both Paulose Ramban and Fr. Geevarghese had the privilege to accompany Parumala Thirumeni during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land.       

                On the 30th day of demise of Parumala Mor Gregorios Bawa, the Malankara Metropolitan convened a Holy Synod and choose two of Parumala Thirumeni's closest companions, 'Kochuparambil Ramban Paulose'  and  'Wattasseril Fr. Geevarghese', as Metropolitan-designates. At that time, both Kochuparambil Ramban Paulose  and Wattasseril Fr. Geevarghese were at the Kottayam Old Seminary, serving as Malpans (teachers).  

Six years after the death of Parumala Thirumeni in 1908, the elected Metropolitan-designates were ordained as Bishops, Mar Kurillos Paulose and Mar Dionysius Geevarghese by the then Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mor Ignatius Abded'Aloho II (Abdulla)  at the Dayro of Markose, in Jerusalem.  After the death of Pulikottil Mor Dionysius V  in 1909,  Mar Dionysius Geevarghese become his successor as 'Malankara Metropolitan' of the Jacobite Syrian Church.

But just two years later, the Church split vertically due to various reasons which could have been avoided.  Of the three trustees of the Syrian Church, while the Metropolitan Trustee 'Mar Dionysius V' defied the spiritual authority of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Abded'Aloho II, the other two (the lay trustee & the Priest trustee) stood with the Holy Apostolic Church.  Subsequently in 1911, the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church elected Kochuparambil Paulose Mor Kurillos, as Malankara Metropolitan of the Holy Church.   Mor Kurillos remained as the Malankara Metropolitan till his death in 1917 and his body was laid to rest at the Panampady St.Mary's Church, Kottayam.  In 1934, Wattasseril Mar Dionysius VI, the Malankara Metropolitan of the Orthodox Syrian Church (Metran faction) died and was entombed at the Kottayam Old Seminary.  

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{IV}   St. Osthatheos Sleebo

Kunnamkulam

Deacon Sleebo (Saleebo) from Turabdin, in Turkey, who later become the Patriarchal delegate to Malankara, was another of the closest  aides of Parumala Thirumeni.  Though he was only six years younger than Parumala Thirumeni, he remained as a Deacon all along the life of our Kochu Thirumeni.  

Deacon Sleebo came to Malankara with Shem`un Mor Athanasius, the delegate of the Patriarch of Antioch in 1881.  They reached India on the request of the then Malankara Metropolitan, Pulikottil Mor Dionysius V.  It was after the death of his teacher Shem`un Mor Athanasius in 1889, Deacon Sleebo came closer with Parumala Thirumeni.  Deacon Sleebo's knowledge in Syriac may have led to the closer contact between the two.  Further they had many other common interests.  Both of them used to spend a lot of time for lent and meditation.  Saint Anthony, the 3rd century Coptic Bishop, was the Patron Saint of both.   

Dn. Sleebo, a great preacher of Holy Gospel, was one of the main organizers of the famous convention then held at Aluva Manalpuram (beach).  Parumala Thirumeni was a frequent speaker at those conventions.  When Parumala Thirumeni  went on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Jerusalem in 1895, Dn. Sleeba accompanied him on his request.  Also among the  group were Kochuparambil Paulose Ramban (Paulose Mor Kurillos - Panampady Church) and  Wattasseril Fr. Geevarghese (Mor Divanasios VI - Old Seminary). In his famous book "OORSALAEM YATHRA VIVARANAM", Parumala Thirumeni had at many times referred to Dn. Sleebo's help.  Mor Gregorios's death was a severe blow for Dn.Sleeba.  He was there at Parumala throughout the last ceremonies and it was he who informed Syrian head quarters at Jerusalem about the saint's death.    

Six years after the death of Parumala Thirumeni,  Deacon Sleebo was ordained as the Metropolitan, "SLEEBO  MOR  OSTHATHEOS"  by the Patriarch of Antioch, Ignatius 'Abded Aloho (Abdullah) II', at the church of the Forty Martyrs in Mosul and appointed him the Apostolic Delegate of the Holy See to India, succeeding his mentor Mor Shem`un.  On March 19th, 1930 after a long stay in Malankara,  Mor Osthatheos Sleebo died and his mortal remains were interred at the "Arthat  St.Mary's Simhasana Church", Kunnamkulam. 

Even in his life time, Mor Osthatheos Sleebo was considered as a Saintly Holy father by the Malankarites.  The church were his mortal remains are interred, is now popularly known as 'BAWA's CHURCH'.  Many visits his tomb seeking intercession and is now a major pilgrim centre.  Annual pilgrimage on the remembrance day to his Holy Tomb is very popular.  Mor Osthatheos was always in the fore-front for serving the needy.  His prayers healed many sick, and those who were childless were blessed with children.  After his death, many children are given his name 'SLEEBA' during baptism.  

On 9th April 2000, the Patriarch of Antioch through a bull permitted to recite the 'Quqalya' hymns and prayers of the 'Zadeeqo' (saints) at the tombs of Mor Osthatheos Sleebo and Mor Gregorios Abdul' Galeel (N.Paravur, 1681) and beseech their intercession. 

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{V}  Malankara Metropolitan Mor Athanasius Paulose & Catholicose Mor Baselios Geevarghese II 

The other two famous disciples of Parumala Thirumeni, who were elevated to the highest order in the Church were, (Kuttikattil Painadath) Deacon Paulose of Akaparambu church in Angamali & (Kallasseril) Deacon Geevarghese of Kurichy.  The two deacons together were ordained as priests and also professed as monks (Rambans) by Parumala Thirumeni in 1898. (Click here for a news of their ordination, from the Church periodical 'Edavaka Pathrika') They  were in the forefront during the construction and development of the then St. Peter's Church at Parumala.  

In 1911, nine years after the demise of Parumala Thirumeni, 'Ramban Paulose' of Painadath was ordained as Metropolitan 'Paulose Mor Athanasius' for Angamali diocese by the Patriarch of Antioch Mor Ignatius Abded'Aloho II during His Holiness Apostolic visit to Malankara.  A year later, Kallasseril Geevarghese Ramban was ordained as Metropolitan for the Malankara Church led by Wattasseril Mor Dionysius.  All the events that happened since then, forced the Malankara Syrian community to side with either of the two groups of the then Malankara Church.   While most of the Northerners continued to be with the Holy See of Antioch, the majority in the South supported Metropolitan Wattasseril Mar Dionysius V.  

After the demise of Malankara Metropolitan Paulose Mor Kurillos in 1918,  Paulose Mor Athanasius of Alwaye was chosen and entrusted as the Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church.  In 1929, Metropolitan Mor Geevarghese (Kallasseril), become the third Catholicose of the Orthodox Syrians (Methran faction) and a few years later in 1934, Catholicose Geevarghese II (Kallasseril) was also elected as the Church's Malankara Metropolitan after his predecessor's death.   (Though from 1923 onwards the Church led by Wattasseril Mor Divanasious started to use the name 'Orthodox Syrian Church of Malabar', the same was officially approved only at this meeting held in 1934, which also adopted a constitution for its Church.)   Even at those turbulent days, both the disciples of Parumala Thirumeni -- 'Paulose Mor Athanasius', the Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church & 'Catholicose Mor Geevarghese II' of Orthodox Syrian Church -- who were the chief prelates of their respective Churches, maintained a close relationship and they always imitated their Guru in spiritual discipline and service to the church. 

It was under the instruction of Malankara Metropolitan Mor Athanasius Paulose, the Students organization of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church, came to be known as 'Mar Gregorious Students Association' in 1922.  This was the first students organization in Malankara, that adopted the name of Mor Gregorios of Parumala.  With the reunification of the Church in 1960's, students wing of the unified Church came to be known as 'Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Students Movement'  (M.G.O.C.S.M). 

Many still believe that if Parumala Thirumeni who had influence on both Northerners & Southerners, lived for another 10 years, the unfortunate split could have been avoided.   Malankara Metropolitan Mor Athanasius Paulose (popularly known as 'Valiya Thirumeni') was very particular in continuing the Apostolic faith and traditions taught by his 'Guru', Parumala Mor Gregorios Bawa.  Valiya Thirumeni died on 26th Jan 1953 and his mortal remains were interred at the Aluva St. Mary's church at Thrikkunnathu (Thrikkunnathu Seminary). On 3rd Jan 1963, Catholicose Baselios Geevarghese II died and was laid to rest at the Devalokam church, Kottayam.

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{VI}  Konatt Korah Mathen Malpan

Priest Trustee   (1901-1928)

Konatt Korah Mathen Corepiscopa, a great Syriac Scholar of the 20th century, was another of the most famous aides of Parumala Thirumeni.  He was born at Pambakuda near Kochi in 1860.  His earlier education was under his father who also was a great scholar.  Later he continued the studies under Parumala Kochu Thirumeni from whom he gained great scholarship in Syriac and religious science. In 1883 he was ordained a priest and began teaching at the seminary in Kottayam. Later he established and operated a small seminary in his own village from where a group of priests graduated. 

One of the greatest works of Konatt Mathen Malpan was the translation of the Prayer Book from Syriac to Malayalam, which is used by Malankara Suryani Church for almost a century now. This book, popularly known as 'Pampakuda Namaskaram' was first published in 1910 with the permission of the spiritual supreme of Church H.H. the Patriarch  Mor Ignatius Abded' Aloho (Abdulla II).

Mathen Malpan had also translated from Syriac into Malayalam, chapters from Bar Salibi's Scholia on the Gospel according to St.Mathew, the Nomocanon by Bar Hebraeus, the New Testament (except Revelation) which was published in 1936 and a selection of church rituals and hymns. Further more, he published the Ishhim (Regular Weekday Service Book of Prayers) some anaphoras, the service of deacons, the orders of baptism, marriage, and funerals as well as the service book for principal feast and the service book for the Week of the Passion.  There is also a book on church festivities and letters written by him. 

Even at a very young age, Konatt Achen's scholarship gained him great reputation in the Church. Impressed by his ability and truthfulness, Parumala Thirumeni recommended him as the Priest-Trustee of the Church.  In 1901, Konatt Mathen Malpan was elected as one of the three trustees of the Jacobite Syrian Church.  For eight years he continued in the position together with Pulikottil Mor Dionysius V, the then Metropolitan Trustee.   When Wattasseril Thirumeni assumed the office of Metropolitan Trustee in 1909, he continued as one of the co-trustees.  About a year later, some disputes started to surface in the Church.  He together with the lay trustee questioned some of the unilateral actions of the Metropolitan Trustee.  By 1911, the internal schism that followed led to a great split in the Church; a separate faction was organized under the leadership of Wattasseril Mor Dionysius Metran.  Inspite of the severe mental agony which he had to face as a result of the continuous threat from the dissident faction, Konatt Mathen Malpan bravely stood in the forefront together with the other prelates of the Holy Church, propagating its ancient faith and traditions.  All along he represented the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church as its Priest-Trustee.  In 1926, the Church honoured Konatt Malpan by ordaining him 'Corepiscopa', the highest order in the Church conferred to a married Priest.  Two years later in 1928 (at the age of 68) Mathen Corepiscopa passed away and was entombed in the chapel located in his family property at Pambakuda.

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The other prominent disciples of Parumala Thirumeni includes Kodiatt Kuriakose Corepiscopa,  Mattakkal Alexander Kathanar, Kanianthara Fr. Ninan, Murunthookkil Fr. Mathu,  Puthusseril Fr.P.P. Joseph (father of late Catholicose Aboon Mor Baselios Paulose II), Pankamittathu Fr.Abraham and Edavazhikal Fr. Lukose.  (Click here for a photo of the Parumala Thirumeni with Prelates of the Church, taken in 1892)