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Geevarghese Ramban's Ordination as METROPOLITAN |
To have a clear idea about the events that led to the ordination of the six Metropolitans for the Syrian Church in 1876, a brief history of the Church in the early 19th century is explained in the first part.
Part I - History of the Church in the first three quarters of the 19th century
Part II - Ordination of Ramban Geevarghese as METROPOLITAN
History of the Church in the first 3 quarters of the 19th century
The 19th century is a period in which the Syrian Church in Malankara faced a different type of persecution compared to the Portuguese aggressions of the 16th and the 17th centuries.
The European missionaries who came in large numbers to Malankara from the very beginning of the 19th century initially acted as the well wishers of the Syrian Church. But in the next few years these missionaries tried to bring everything under their control which resulted in friction between the Syrian Christians and the reformists. These missionaries found that it is the continued association of Malankara Syrian Christians with the mother Church at Antioch which make them difficult to penetrate much. So they tried to prevent the Syrian fathers from visiting Malankara.
Mor Dioscorus who came to Malankara in 1806 as the representative of the Patriarch of Antioch had to return soon following a directive from Carnal Makloin, the British Governor. In 1825 another Patriarchal representative by name Mor Athanasius Abdul 'Mesiha was sent to Malankara on the request of Mor Dionysius III, but he was arrested by the British and later sacked from India. Meanwhile the governmental authorities came in full support of the deposed Metropolitan Palakunnath Mathews Mor Athanasius who was trying to impose Europe's anti-orthodox belief in the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church. With the British support these missionaries were even able to manipulate the court orders. The Syrian Christians became frustrated due to the continuous harassing by the judiciary under the British rule.
After the demise of Mor Dionysius III in 1825, Pallipatt Philipose Malpan of Cheppaud became Metropolitan for the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church by name Mor Dionysius IV. Initially, like his predecessors, he too tried his best to have a good relationship with the British missionaries. But the hostile attitude of these missionaries towards the Syrian Christians forced the Malankara Church to have a rethinking. In 1836 the Church representatives from all over Malankara assembled at Mavelikara Puthiakavu St.Mary's church under the leadership of Cheppaud Mor Dionysius and reaffirmed their faith in the Holy See of Antioch. The declaration of faith documented at this important Synod is known in the history as MAVELIKARA PADIYOLA. This resulted in the end of the cordial relationship the Malankara Church had with the British missionaries, if any. Meanwhile, through a Panchayath judgment, Church Missionary Society (C.M.S) got most of the properties of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church. (Click Here to access the full text of the 'Mavelikara Padiyola')
In 1846 Metropolitan Mor Kurillos Yuyakkim from Tur-Abdin was send to Malankara by the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Yakoob II to enquire about the anti-church activities of Palakunnath Metran and to take necessary actions if found necessary. Palakunnath Mor Athanasius Metran was found guilty and was excommunicated from the Holy Church through a decree of the Patriarch. But the deposed metropolitan, influenced the Travancore Courts through his friend, the British Resident. In 1848, the two officers of the panchayat appointed by the Travancore Government made a declaration in favour of the Palakunnath Metran. In 1849 another Metropolitan Mor Athanasius Stephanos was send by the Patriarch to hold discussions with the British government. But the British Resident disallowed even the stay of delegates in either the Travancore or Cochin States. Mor Athanasius Stephanos left for England and briefed the directors of 'East India Company' about the difficulties faced by the Malankara Church under British rule. Finally the Metropolitan received a favourable decision which resulted in the cancellation of the previous orders issued by the Resident Governor of British India. This was the only moral victory for the Church at that time. In 1855, Mor Dionysius IV (Cheppatt Thirumeni) died and the Patriarchal delegate Mor Kurillos Yuyakkim was left alone to lead the Malankara Syrian Church. The local British authorities meanwhile raised new objections against the delegate which made it difficult to perform his administrative responsibilities.
The Patriarch then requested the Malankara Church to select a bishop candidate from among themselves as he wanted to call back the delegates who were facing many difficulties. Moreover the increasing number of court cases, the unawareness of local language, climatic variations etc. made the life of the delegates in Malankara very hazardous. So the Patriarch may have thought it better to appoint a native as Bishop to manage the temporal affairs of Malankara Church. (Ref:- page 26 of Biography of Mor Dionysius V published in 1901). But the Malankara Church wished to had the presence of a Patriarchal delegate in Malankara and they unanimously submitted this request before their spiritual supreme. Finally the Patriarch decided to retain Metropolitan Mor Kurillos Yuyakkim here in Malankara; he stayed here giving spiritual guidance to the local Church (Biography of Mor Dionysius V).
In 1865, Rev.Fr. Joseph Pulikottil of Kunnamkulam, who was elected as the Metropolitan-delegate, left for Mardin for his ordination. After a long journey Fr.Joseph reached Patriarchal Head quarters at the Dayro of Mardin in Turkey. There he was ordained as Metropolitan by name Mor Dionysius on 26th Medam (Sunday), 1865. On his return the new Metropolitan together with Mor Kurillos Yuyakkim worked hard for the reestablishment of the Apostolic faith here, particularly in southern Travancore, where the missionary activities was in its heights. A decade later on September 2, 1874, Mor Kurillos Yuyakkim died and was entombed at the Mulunthuruthy Church. Metropolitan Joseph Mor Dionysius found it very difficult to stand against the influential 'reformists' group led by Palakunnath Methran. The Malankara Syrian Christians then was facing a loosing battle. Hence the Malankara Church again send requests to the Patriarch for urgent help.
The seriousness of the situation and the consideration for his faithful prompted the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Pathros IV (III) to travel all the way to Malankara ignoring his old age (74) and health. For a man of his age, this long journey that continued for many months was extremely difficult. H.H. the Patriarch started from Mardin in 1874. He first went to London and pleaded before the India Secretary residing there. Impressed by His Holiness, the British authorities at London advised the Madras government to avoid any unnecessary interference in the internal affairs of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Church. Until then the Metropolitans ordained for the Malankara Church had to first get the concurrence of the British India authorities for their functioning. The European missionaries who came here with the support of the British East India Company neatly exploited this situation. Consequent to the discussions with the Patriarch, British government agreed to revoke this very clause. After successfully completing his mission at London, the Patriarch continued his journey to India.
The holy Patriarch reached Malankara in June 1875. The local governmental authorities reversed its earlier decisions which were against the interests of the Church. The Patriarchal bull to excommunicate the rebellious Metropolitan Palakunnath Mathews Mor Athanasius was endorsed by the government. All the cases regarding the Church properties were left to independent Judicial authorities. Thus the first part of the Patriarchal mission ended successfully and the Malankara Syrian Church was able to recoup its lost confidence.
The Patriarch, then wanted to reorganize the administration of the Malankara Church. Important decisions were taken after several rounds of talks with the local Church members. On 29th June 1876, His Holiness convened a Synod at the Mulunthuruthy MarThoman Church which lasted for 3 days; the Metropolitans participated were Mor Gregorios Abdulla of Jerusalem (later Patriarch of Antioch (1906-15) Mor Ignatius Abded'Aloho) and Mor Dionysius Joseph of Malankara. The chief organizer of this historic Synod was Chathuruthy Geevarghese Ramban. The Ramban who was the most trusted aide of the Patriarch, was also His Holiness's private secretary.
Representatives from 103 Churches signed the agreement at the end of the 3 day session. It was at this Synod the title of Malankara Metropolitan was created. Pulikottil Joseph Mor Dionysius became the first Malankara Metropolitan and was since then known as 'Mor Dionysius V'. It was as per the decision of this Synod, the Church register was introduced for the first time. Under advise of the Patriarch, a general body by name "Syrian Christian Association" was formed for the effective administration of the Church. A core committee (Managing committee), compromising of 24 members from various parishes were also appointed by His Holiness at this Synod. (CLICK HERE for the list of 24 member committee)
The committee president was Pulikottil Mor Dionysius Thirumeni (Mor Dionysius V Joseph). On the last day of the historic Synod (on 1st July 1876) the participants of the Holy Synod adopted a resolution, popularly known as the "Mulunthuruthy Padiyola". It was Chathuruthy Geevarghese Ramaban who drafted this historic resolution which says that the Patriarch of Antioch is the supreme head of the Malankara Church, confirming the faith of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church. A decision was also taken at the Holy Synod to form six new dioceses namely, Angamali, Kandanad, Kochi, Kollam, Niranam, and Thumpamon and Metropolitans (as suffurgans to the Malankara Metropolitan) to be ordained for each dioceses.
Holy Fathers who convened the historic Synod at the Mulunthuruthy MarThoman church in AD 1876
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MORAN MOR IGNATIUS PETER IV Patriarch of Antioch & all the East (1872-'94)
-- Presided the Holy Synod of Malankara Church in 1876 -- -- Ordained six metropolitans for the Malankara Church including Parumala Thirumeni -- -- Consecrated the Holy MURON in 1876 at the MarThoman Church, Mulunthuruthy --
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Ordination of Ramban Geevarghese as
Metropolitan 'Mor Gregorios'
(ordained by Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV, the Patriarch of Antioch & All the East)
The Patriarch on reaching Malankara (1875), initially spend most of his time at the MarThoman church, Mulunthuruthy. Ramban Geevarghese (Chathuruthy) was then serving as one of the Priests of that church. Mor Dionysius V (Pulikottil Mor Dionysius Joseph), being well aware of Ramban's knowledge in Syriac, appointed him as the translator to the Patriarch. Within a few days, His Holiness impressed by Chathuruthy Ramban's dedication and integrity, appointed him as his private secretary. From then onwards till the Patriarch's departure in 1877,he continued in this privileged position. It was during this period, the Patriarch elevated 'Vettikkal KurisuPalli' as a 'Dayro' (Monastery) on the request of Chathuruthy Ramban. It happens to be the first monastery of the Malankara Syrian Church.
Ramban Geevarghese also had the rare privilege to assist His Holiness the Patriarch Peter IV (III) during the consecration of "HOLY MOORON" (Holy Chrism) for the first time in Malankara, at the Mulunthuruthy MarThoman Church on 31st August AD.1876 (M.E. 15th Chingam 1052). He assisted the Patriarch together with Mor Dionysius Joseph of Malankara and Mor Gregorios Abdulla of Jerusalem. (As per the Canon of the Syrian Church, only the supreme head of the Holy Church, the Patriarch, can consecrate the 'Holy MOORON' - Ref: Page 128, Biography of Pulikottil Mor Divanasios V, published by Malayala Manorama in 1901)
The Ramban as secretary and as the closest aide of the Patriarch, was in the forefront helping His Holiness to organise the historical Mulunthuruthy Synod (1876) and for the drafting of its various religious and administrative documents. The 'Mulunthuruthy Padiyola' in which the history of the Malankara Syrian Church and its Apostolic faith is recorded, was drafted by Chathuruthy Ramban and was later approved by the entire Malankara Church. (Click here for the English translation of the Padiyola).
Finally when the Malankara Syrian Church decided to consecrate six new Metropolitans for the proposed dioceses, the Patriarch impressed by the simplicity, humility and spiritual fervor of Ramban Geevarghese, nominated him to the order of Metropolitan. Initially the Ramban who wanted to remain as a Monk, requested the Patriarch to relieve him from being ordained as Metropolitan, but he finally had to oblige to the wishes of the Holy Father. {Another Metropolitan nominee of the Patriarch, Fr. Geevarghese of Mookencheril had also requested to exempt him and this was accepted by the Patriarch considering his old age.}
On 3rd December 1876 Kadavil Ramban and Konatt Ramban were ordained as Metropolitans by names 'Mor Athanasius Paulose' (Kadavil) and 'Mor Julius Geevarghese' (Konatt) respectively by the supreme head of the Malankara Church the Patriarch of Antioch, at the ancient St.Thomas church of North Paravur.
Seven days after, on Sunday the 10th of December 1876 (M.E.1052, Vrischikam 27), the Patriarch His Holiness Mor Ignatius Peter III (IV) ordained two more Metropolitans at the North Paravur St.Thomas church; Chathuruthy Geevarghese Ramban was ordained by name 'MOR GREGORIOS GREGORIOS' and Ambatt Geevarghese Ramban was ordained by name 'Mor Kurillos Geevarghese'. Mor Gregorios who was only 29 then, was the youngest of all the newly ordained Metropolitans.
Considering his young age people called him, 'Kochu Thirumeni'. Later when he assumed charge of Niranam diocese the diocesan headquarters was at Parumala, hence Mor Gregorios also came to be known as 'Parumala Thirumeni'.
The name 'Mor Gregorios' entrusted for Chathuruthy Ramban by the Patriarch during Metropolitan consecration, was the honorable titular of the Metropolitan of Jerusalem diocese under the Holy See of Antioch. It is said that the Patriarch wished to install Chathuruthy Mor Gregorios Kochu Thirumeni as the bishop of Jerusalem, but later the idea has to be dropped on the appeal of the local community leaders.
1. As per traditions of the Syrian Church, the naming of a new Metropolitan is the sole discretion of the supreme head of the Holy Church, the Patriarch. It will not be disclosed even to the Metropolitan-designates till their enthronement.
2. It was the title 'Mor Gregorios' of the Jerusalem Archbishoprics, that was earlier recited in the 1st TUBDEN (diptych) after the names of the prevailing Patriarch 'Mor Ignatius' and Maphriyono 'Mor Baselios' in the Holy Qurbono of the Syrian Orthodox Church. Jerusalem being the most important City in the Christendom, the Metropolitan residing there, had a special privilege. St. Gregorios Abdul'Galeel who re-established the Jacobite faith in Malankara after a period of Portuguese aggression - entombed at North Paravur Church (AD 1681) - was a Metropolitan of the Jerusalem diocese.
Metropolitans ordained by the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV
in 1876 and 1877
Besides Mor Gregorios, Metropolitans ordained at the North Paravur St.Thomas Church, were Kadavil Paulose Mor Athanasius (on 3rd Dec) for the 'Kollam diocese', 'Konattu Geevarghese Mor Julius' (3rd Dec) for 'Thumpamon diocese' and Ambattu Geevarghese Mor Kurillos (10th Dec) for 'Angamali diocese'. Two other Metropolitans, 'Murimattom Paulose Mor Ivanios' for 'Kandanad diocese' and 'Karoottuveettil Shemavun Mor Dionysius' for 'Kochi diocese' were also ordained by the Patriarch on 17th May 1877 at the Kunnamkulam Chiralayam St. Lazarus Church.
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St.Thomas Church at Vadakkan (North) Paravur |
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(It was here St. Gregorios was ordained Metropolitan by the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV on 10th Dec, 1876) |
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Metropolitans ordained in 1876 & 1877 by His Holiness the Patriarch:-
| Ordained date | Venue of Ordination | Diocese | Date of Demise | Entombed at :- | ||
| 1 | Kadavil Paulose Mor Athanasius | 3rd December 1876 | St. Thomas church, Vadakken Paravur | Kollam | 2 Nov 1907 | Aluva Thrikkunnathu St. Mary's church |
| 2 | Konattu Geevarghese Mor Julius | 3rd December 1876 | St. Thomas church, Vadakken Paravur | Thumpamon | 21 March 1884 | Pampakuda St. John's church |
| 3 | Ambattu Geevarghese Mor Koorilose | 10th December 1876 | St. Thomas church, Vadakken Paravur | Angamaly | 9 March 1891 | Angamali St. Mary's Cheriapally |
| 4 | Chathuruthy Geevarghese Mor Gregorios | 10th December 1876 | St. Thomas church, Vadakken Paravur | Niranam | 2 Nov 1902 | Parumala St.Peter's church |
| 5 | Karoottuveettil Shemavun Mor Dionysius | 17th May 1877 | St. Lazarus church, Chiralayam (Kunnamkulam) | Kochi | 2 Oct 1886 | Kadugamangalam St.Peter's & St.Paul's church |
| 6 | Murimattom Paulose Mor Ivanios | 17th May 1877 | St. Lazaruschurch, Chiralayam (Kunnamkulam) | Kandanadu | 2 May 1913 | Pampakuda St.Thomas Cheriyapalli |
'SALMUSA'
At the time of his ordination as Metropolitan, a declaration (Udambadi - 'SALMUSA') containing 11 statements was voluntarily submitted by St. Gregorios before his Supreme Spiritual head H.H. Ignatius Peter III (IV), the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East and was later registered at the Govt. Sub-Registrar office.
Excerpts from translated version of the 6th Para says:- "Like all Syrian Christians in Antioch, Malankara, India and the far East, I accept that it is meet and right that I should always be obedient and loyal to the Apostolic creeds, and be subject to the ecclesiastical authority of the exalted Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Peter the IIIrd, firmly seated on the ancient Apostolic throne of Antioch and All the East.............. I will never add or subtract, nor deviate to the left or to the right from Your Holiness's commandments, canonical injunctions, or established rules and procedures.............". For full Malayalam text of the Salmusa, Click HERE .
Patriarch returns
On 16th May 1877, the Patriarch left for Jerusalem from Bombay, after successfully completing his historical Apostolic visit. It is a well known fact that, it was only the Patriarch's sincere efforts that helped the Malankara Church to overcome one of its most turbulent times. Before coming to India, he had to travel to, as far as England to persuade the British authorities. Later His Holiness stayed at Malankara for almost two years and helped to reorganize the administration of Malankara Church in a democratic way. These facts are emphatically recorded in many of the books and articles of the time, including the biography of Pulikottil Mor Dionysius written by M P Varkey and published by K I Varghese Mapillai, the then Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama Co. Ltd. in 1901.
In the entire period of the Patriarch's visit to Malankara, Kochu Thirumeni was His Holiness's constant companion. When the Holy Synod of the Malankara Church was convened at Mulunthuruthy in 1876, Mor Gregorios functioned as the right hand person of the Patriarch Ignatius Peter IV and all the documents presented there was originally drafted by Parumala Bawa on behalf of his supreme spiritual head, the Patriarch of Antioch. As mentioned earlier, Kochu Thirumeni agreed to be a Metropolitan only because of the Patriarch's strong request. Their relationship was so unique and incomparable. {The Patriarch Mor Ignatius Peter IV died 17 years later at the age of 94, on 10th Oct 1894 (M.E. 1070 'Kanni' 25) and was entombed at the famous KURKKUMA Dayro in Turkey.} (In some books the date of demise of the Patriarch is mentioned as Sep 24th).
After the departure of the Patriarch, at the behest of Kochu Thirumeni, all the newly ordained Metropolitans observed a 40 day lent at the 'Vettikkal Dayro' before their assumption as diocesan Metropolitans. The event was comparable to, Christ's disciples waiting in prayer for the arrival of Holy Ghost at "Sehiyon Malika" prior to their de
