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Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala (Geevargese Mar Gregorios) | |
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| Metropolitan of Niranam | |
| Born | Geevarghese 15 June 1848 Mulanthuruthy,Kerala,India |
| Died | 2 November 1902 (aged 54) Parumala,Kerala, India |
| Venerated in | Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church |
| Canonized | 2 November 1947 byBaselios Geevarghese II ofMalankara Orthodox Syrian Church 20 October 1987 byIgnatius Zakka I ofSyriac Orthodox Church |
| Majorshrine | Saint Peter's and Saint Paul's Orthodox Syrian Church, Parumala |
| Feast | 2 November |
| Attributes | Wearing a bishop's vestment, pectoral cross worn around his neck while holding an crucifix and crozier |
| Patronage | Parumala |
Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala (15 June 1848 – 2 November 1902), also known asParumala Thirumeni, was aMetropolitan of theMalankara Church.[1][2] Parumala Thirumeni became the first person of Indian origin to be canonised as saint. In 1947, theMalankara Orthodox Syrian Church declared Mar Gregorios as a saint,[3] making him the first saint from India canonized by that Church.[4] On the 20th of October, 1987, His HolinessIgnatius Zakka I, theSyriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, solemnly proclaimed the canonization ofSt. Gregorios of Parumala, thereby confirming his sanctity and establishing his veneration throughout theSyriac Orthodox Church.[5][6][7]
Geevarghese was born in the Pallathetta family of Chathuruthy house atMulanthuruthy nearCochin,India on 15 June 1848. His parents were Mathai Geevarghese and Mariam Geevarghese.[8] He was called by the name ‘Kochaippora’ and was given the baptismal name ‘Geevarghese’. Geevarghese had two brothers and two sisters; Kurian, Eli, Mariam and Varkey.[9] Geevarghese was the youngest. Geevarghese's mother died when he was a small boy and since then he was under the loving care of his elder sister Mariam.[10]
At a very young age, Geevarghese had shown interest in spiritual matters. His devotion, humility and above all, his ability to sing the traditionalSyriac hymns beautifully and perfectly, came to the notice of his uncle Geevarghese Malpan. The uncle wanted to raise his nephew to be a priest and his family members, who knew Geevarghese's character, agreed to the Malpan's request.
Geevarghese Mar Gregorios was born into a well-known family of Malankara Christians, with a lineage that can be traced back to the brotherhood ofMor Anthrayos, a bishop of theSyriac Orthodox Church in Jerusalem.[11] He was taught by his uncle Geevarghese Malpan and was ordained the 9-year-old Geevarghese, aqoruyo (sub-deacon) on theFeast of the Cross (Kanni 14, M.E.1033 / 26 September 1857) at the age of ten byMalankara MetropolitanMathews Mar Athanasius atSt. George Syrian Cathedral, Karingachira.[10] He continued his training with Malpan until the latter died fromsmallpox. Gregorios was also infected with smallpox but survived. He was ordained as aMshamshono (Deacon) by Yuyakim Mor KoorilosReesh-Episcopa of Malankara (Patriarchal Delegate of Malankara) then after one month Priest at the age of 18 in 1865 also Cor-Episcopa (Monk-Archpriest) again by Yuyakim Mor KoorilosReesh-Episcopa of Malankara (Patriarchal Delegate of Malankara) and as a Ramban (monk-priest) at the age of 22 byMalankara MetropolitanJoseph Mar Dionysios in 1872.[10][8]
On 10 December 1876, theIgnatius Peter IVPatriarch of Antioch, promoted the 28-year old Gregorios to be a Metropolitan at St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church,Vadakkan Paravoor,[10][8] at which point his official name became Geevarghese Mar Gregorios. He was the youngest of who all were elevated as bishops and was calledKochu Thirumeni (Young Bishop). Gregorios was given the charge of Niranam Diocese.
In his bishopric, in theNiranam Diocese,[8] Gregorios established various churches and was the motivator to establish schools in different parts of Malankara. In the late 1890s, many educational institutions were started by the Malankara Church under the initiative and guidance of him and Joseph Mar Dionysius. Examples of these include St. Thomas School atMulanthuruthy, St. Ignatius School atKunnamkulam, and the Syrian English School (now known as MGM High School) atThiruvalla.[10]
Following the death of fellow metropolitans (bishops), the administration of Thumpamon and Kollam dioceses was also passed down to him. In 1887, the first block of theParumala Seminary was consecrated.[12]
By 1895, Gregorios had made Parumala his main spiritual centre. The church that he founded there in that year was consecrated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. He would wake at 4 am to pray theShehimo prayers and he fasted on Wednesday and Fridays, as well as duringLent.[8]
Geevarghese visited Jerusalem in 1895. He visited almost all the important places of Christendom and led thePassion Week services atSyrian Orthodox Church in theHoly City with accompanied membersGeevarghese Mar Dionysius of Vattasseril,Kochuparambil Paulose Mar Koorilos andSleeba Mor Osthathios of Arthat (LaterPatriarchal Delegate of Malankara)[13] led as guide. On his return, he collected a certain amount from all the Parishes in Malankara and sent a Silver Cross as offering to the Holy church inJerusalem.[14]
In the 1890s,Gregorios of Parumala visitedMazhuvannoor near Kolenchery and stayed there for a period of time. Local traditions link his visit to events such as efforts to protect the paddy fields of Njeriyamkuzhi Paadam from pest infestations and a prophecy concerning thePeriyar River, which later became a key source of irrigation for the region through the Periyar Valley High Level Canal Project, even though theMuvattupuzha River is geographically closer. According to these accounts, he prayed that the river’s flow would reach the area and that the land would yield “a hundred, sixty, and thirtyfold harvest.”[15]
Among the many disciples of Gregorios, five deserve special notice
The Saint had been subjected to a stomach ulcer and it became chronic in 1902. Treatment proved futile and he grew weaker and weaker. On 2 November 1902, Thirumeni left for his heavenly abode. The funeral was conducted atSaint Peter's and Saint Paul's Orthodox Church, Parumala, on 3 November 1902. Thousands of people and hundreds of priests were present at the funeral who gave testimony of the saintly Gregorios. The mausoleum which Gregorios wasinterred in, has become a popular pilgrimage site.
On the occasion of 45th death anniversary of Geevarghese Mar Gregorios, based on the decision of the episcopal synod held in 1947,Baselios Geevarghese II,Catholicos of the East andMalankara Metropolitan declared Mar Gregorios as a saint for theMalankara Orthodox Syrian Church on 2 November 1947.[8]
According to the recommendation of the local synod of Church in India, held on 22 August 1987Ignatius Zakka I, Patriarch of Antioch, head ofSyriac Orthodox Church declared Mar Gregorios as canonized saint forJacobite Syrian Christian Church on 20 October 1987.[17][6][7]
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