‘Satyamev Jayate’ (Truth alone triumphs).

Life and times of Blessed Alvares Mar Julius Metropolitan (of blessed memory). Commemorated on 23^rd September.

In the early hours of 14 September 1895, around 298 Maratha sepoys of the Portuguese Indian army broke open the door of the ammunitions store at the Panjim police headquarters, gathered the arms and ammunitions and with the Maratha war cry of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, rose up in rebellion. This was the second mutiny witnessed in the Portuguese Indian army after the great mutiny of 1857 that jolted their next-door colonial neighbor in the Indian subcontinent- the British.

Blessed Alvares Thirumeni’s name was in focus as being the instigator of the mutiny alongwith fellow Goan - Mr. Ignacio Caetano de Carvalho, the Viscount of Bardez.

Mozambique was another colony of Portugal and the services of the Marathas from Goa, whose fighting spirit the Portuguese were appreciative of, was called to crush the revolt in Africa. The highhanded decree, pitiable working conditions, low wages, no guarantee of the period of stay in Africa or maintenance of their families while they were away led to a high discontentment among the soldiers. The final blow was when the soldiers were threatened to be sent to Mozambique by force and subjected to physical violence. A fertile cause for mutiny. Later, the mutineers were joined by the Ranes and the revolt became so explosive that a military expedition under the command of a royal family member had to come from Portugal.

The allegations against Blessed Alvares Thirumeni was levelled by Captain Gomes da Costa, the Administrator of Ilhas, who claimed that Bishop Alvares and Viscount of Bardez were instigating the masses and the soldiers to unite and fight for the cause “India for the Indians”. Bishop Alvares had nothing to do with the revolt save for the fact that him pleaded for the cause of Maratha Sepoys in his periodicals and thus the establishment’s needle of suspicion focused on him.

Another reason why Bishop Alvares was suspected is because that newspapers in Lisbon attributed the mutiny chiefly to Lt. Col, Julio Luis Felner, the commander of the battalion who was greatly respected by the sepoys for he treated them fairly. Interestingly, Lt. Col. Felner, was also accused of lending a voice in the defense of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni when Thirumeni was tried by the Portuguese government for ‘inciting seditious’ sentiments through his newspaper, ‘O Brado Indiano’. Lt. Col. Felner’s visiting card had been found in the possession of Bishop Alvares leading to speculation that both worked hand in gloves in inciting the mutiny. What followed was a ruthless attempt by the government to crush any ‘anti-national’ voice. A war council was established filling the jails all those who were suspected to be associated with Ranes revolt/mutiny. Alvares Thirumeni's periodicals were banned and his press burnt. Thus, Alvares Thirumeni was forced to flee from his home state.

This wasn’t the first time Blessed Alvares Thirumeni suffered for siding with the truth and certainly it wasn’t the last.

As a Roman catholic priest, Padre Alvares took up the editorship of the journal, ‘A Cruz’, a religious journal dedicated to the defense of the religious and social interests of the country that appeared in 1876,  after the untimely death of its editor Fr. Manuel Agostinho de Carvalho due to tuberculosis. The young Padre exposed fearlessly, in each journal issue, the excesses and the shortcomings of the Portuguese government. The situation started to worsen with the coming of the new Archbishop- Dom Sebastião António Valente, who also became the first Patriarch of the East Indies when Goan archdiocese was elevated to the position of the Patriarchate of the East Indies in 1886. Within two months of his arrival, the Archbishop issued a decree banned ‘A Cruz’ calling it scandalous and revolutionary, forbidding the faithful from reading it. Padre Alvares wasn’t going to take it lying down and appealed to the Crown. The Goa High Court gave a ruling in Padre Alvares’ favour. Satyamev Jayate.

The was a blow to Archbishop Valente, and he used his might to file an appeal in the Supreme Court which refused to take cognizance of his petition.

Padre Alvares was forced to start another ‘A Verdade’ (meaning truth) since ‘A Cruz’ lost its readership due to the Archbishop’s orders. He also started other periodicals as well- ‘O Progresso de Goa’ and ‘Times of Goa’. Archbishop Valente became the chairman of the governing council in 1885 and Padre Alvares decided to quit Goa owing to harassment by Archbishop Valente who now exercised both ecclesiastical as well as civil powers. The following years saw Padre Alvares accepting the Orthodox faith and discharging his ecclesiastical duties as being ordained to the Episcopate as the Metropolitan of Goa, Ceylon and India (outside Malabar).

Blessed Alvares Thirumeni continued his journalistic duties to expose the corruptions and shortcomings of the government. In the July 1895 issue of 'O Brado Indiano', a riddle was published wherein the readers had to guess the name of the army officer who did a series of offences while stationed at different places. This provoked Capt. Gomes da Costa as he felt the references were attributed to him. Capt. Gomes da Costa not only took the matter to court but also demanded that a clear explanation be made in the journal's next issue as to whether the riddle was targeted at him.

Blessed Alvares Thirumeni gave a sharp-witted response in the next edition; he stated of all the people, only Captain Gomes da Costa demanded for such a clarification and that only he (Captain da Costa) can throw some light regarding his demand. Capt. Gomes da Costa was in a spot!

The matter ended in court when the respondents explained that it's just a riddle and will remain so unless the reader comes with a solution.

Vengeful Captain Gomes da Costa plotted a revenge against the venerable bishop. On 19th August, at 7 PM, Blessed Alvares Thirumeni was returning in a horse driven car from Santa Cruz when few policemen arrested him near the Phoenix fountain. On the way, the policemen forcefully tried to snatch Thirumeni's pectoral cross and ring, to which Thirumeni offered stiff resistance and said that they could remove those only after he was dead. But the violence used against Thirumeni was so great that he was forcibly deprived of the Episcopal signia. The policemen didn't stop there. They stripped the venerable bishop of his ecclesiastical vestments and paraded him to the police station in his undergarments. Alvares Thirumeni was kept in a small filthy cell measuring 3 metres long and 1.5 metres wide smelling of urine and faeces without light, air, or even a chair. 

Cases of apostasy, offences against Portugal's religion, including undue wearing of clerical vestments (a 'crime' Alvares Thirumeni was convicted and cleared of in 1890). Bishop Alvares was honorably acquitted by court on reviewing the documentary evidences. Satyamev Jayate.

Capt Gomes da Costa's vengeance wasn't satiated. He had Alvares Thirumeni arrested two days later citing treason and being a security threat both internally and externally. A leading lawyer Mr. F.X. Sales de Andrade offered security of Rs 5000 (a princely sum in those times!) for Alvares Thirumeni's bail which the judge accepted. The public prosecutor claimed that the offence was non-bailable and submitted an appeal in the High Court. Truth triumphed again as the High Court upheld the ruling of the lower court. Satyamev Jayate.

Facing innumerable persecution from the Portuguese civil and clerical authorities, Blessed Alvares Thirumeni accepted British citizenship (being a subject of British India) in 1904 and had shifted his residence, for a considerable time to Castle Rock (present day Karnataka).

In 1906, Alvares Thirumeni visited Goa and this time too, the Portuguese authorities illegally detained him. The ordeal lasted more than 30 hours. The authorities had the blessings of Archbishop Valente- the Patriarch of East Indies (the same Archbishop who we read earlier as having banned 'A Cruz') to take such action. That Alvares Thirumeni was a British subject or that he was an old man  was all thrown to the winds. The vengeance of the authorities knew no bounds. The British Consul in Goa had to intervene to release Thirumeni.

We can't even fathom the extent of harassment and dangers which Alvares Thirumeni had to undergo for speaking the truth and choosing the Orthodox faith. Even in his deathbed, there were attempts to make him renounce the Orthodox faith.

It is worth mentioning that the same Portuguese government authorities which had accused Thirumeni of being a traitor had sent distinguished representatives to stand in the first row of the funeral procession of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni. In the annals of history, the names of oppressors are forgotten but names of brave souls like Blessed Alvares Thirumeni, who fought for truth and justice till the last breath, are etched for eternity. Truth can never be hidden forever. Satyamev Jayate.

May the memory of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni be eternal! 

In Christ,

Rincy John

 

References: 

Carmo Azevedo; Patriot and Saint- The Life Story of Bishop Mar Julius –I, Panjim 1988

Edavaka Pathrika, 1906- Kumbham.

George Kurian, Saint Alvares Mar Julius (A life history), St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Ribander, Goa, Pgs-141-146 (includes photographs).

Pratima Kamat, Mutiny in the Portuguese Army, Farar Far, Local resistance to colonial hegemony in Goa-1510-1912, Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji, Goa.

 

 

The Treasure

Life and times of Blessed Alvares Mar Julius Metropolitan (of blessed memory). Commemorated on 23^rd September.

Friday, October 05, 1979. A feeling of excitement and anticipation prevailed over a small group of people assembled at St Inez church situated in the Santa Inez part of Panjim. An uncommon sentiment since the sight of a graveyard usually evokes the emotion of sorrow, prayer, remembrance of the dear departed and of course, fear and dread in many.

At around 3 PM that day, His Grace Dr. Philipose Mar Theophilus Metropolitan (Bombay and Angamaly diocese), Mr. Francis Alleluia Menezes (Panjim Municipal Council Chairman), Rev Fr. T.E. Isaac (Vicar- St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Panjim) along with the managing committee members of the parish were present at the St Inez Cemetery beholding a cross that stood tall amongst the wild bushes and plants which had engulfed its surroundings. That cross indeed was a simulacrum of the blessed soul, buried underneath eons ago, who withstood his ground against the ruling establishment and the Roman religious authorities even as he faced severe persecution.

The wild vegetation was cleaned with the help of cemetery workers. The onlookers bowed their heads to the tomb over which was a marble slab that stated, ‘Padre Alvares, who was a great humanitarian missionary and a great patriot.

“Offer incense before opening the grave. Gather any bone fragments found therein. If there are none, then collect the topmost portion of the soil just beneath the grave, bring it to the church and entomb it in there with grandeur.” Such were the instructions from His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews I Bava Thirumeni.

Theophilus Thirumeni offered incense and prayed at the grave. The cemetery workers removed the marble slab. The sound of the church bell resonated in the premises (another burial was shortly to happen in the cemetery and a large gathering was present). It appeared a thrilling discovery was about to be made. Everyone was anxiously waiting.

The journey to this stage was a long one. There was no Orthodox Church in Panjim during the period following the Goan liberation. As the time passed, Holy Qurbana used to be celebrated in the military camps at Margao and Bambolim as and when a priest was available. Thereafter, Rev Fr. Philip Pallichira would come from Mangalore once in a month and celebrate the Divine Liturgy. This proceeded on a regular basis and thus a congregation of Orthodox faithful was formed in Goa.

In 1967, His Grace Mathews Mar Athanasios Metropolitan (Outside Kerala Diocese) (later His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews I Catholicose of the East and Malankara Metropolitan) visited Goa and celebrated Holy Qurbana at St Inez Church (St Inez Church had opened its doors for the Orthodox Christians to use the church for Divine Liturgy). Thirumeni was aware that Alvares Thirumeni spent his last days in Goa and was buried there. 

After the Holy Qurbana, while having a casual chat with the vicar of St Inez Church, Thirumeni inquired about Bishop Alvares. The vicar- Rev Fr Joaquim Augesto Dias knew about Blessed Alvares Thirumeni and the exact place where he was buried. The bushes were cleared and the tomb of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni was identified. On the same day, a meeting of the Malankara Orthodox Christians was held, and it was decided that an Orthodox Church should grace Goa and the relics of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni should be translocated into this church. The realization of this dream took another 12 years. On the occasion of the golden jubilee commemoration of Alvares Thirumeni- 23 September 1973, the foundation stone of the Orthodox church in Panjim (Ribander) was laid. It was a daunting task for this small congregation to build a church, financial issues being an important concern. 

Coming back to the events of October 05, 1979. When cement and soil was removed from the grave, a lead box became visible which was taken outside with due devotion.

With trembling hands, the cover of the box was removed. The bones of the venerable bishop, whose body became one with the earth fifty-six years back, was intact and well preserved! It was indeed a glorious witness to his blessed life.

“Achen and I are taking this. You all can come after the tomb has been organized properly”, Theophilus Thirumeni’s voice choked as he said. Theophilus Thirumeni and Isaac Achen proceeded to St Mary’s Orthodox Church, with such joy and enthusiasm as if they had secured a treasure. A treasure it indeed was!

The box was brought to Ribander church with piety and respect. The lead box was covered with a black covering and a sign of cross was made over it with a white cloth. Amidst candles and cross, the relics were kept for public viewing. Two days later, on October 07^th Sunday, after the Holy Qurbana, the remains of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni were entombed in St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Ribander, Panjim.

During the public meeting which happened after the services got over, Theophilus Thirumeni said that this tomb/church will become a pilgrim center not just for Bombay diocese (St. Mary’s Orthodox church, Ribander now comes under the diocese of Brahmavar) but of the entire Malankara Orthodox Church. Those prophetic words were fulfilled thirty years later in the year 2008. Panjim Municipal Mayor expressed happiness that, with the veneration accorded to Blessed Alvares Thirumeni that day, the decision taken by the Panjim municipality in 1923 was fulfilled to a certain extent (in 1923, the Panjim Municipal council had decided to erect a memorial in remembrance of the great Goan freedom fighter- Alvares Thirumeni which was refused by the Portuguese government).

When the church was reconstructed in the same place, Blessed Alvares Thirumeni’s relics were moved to the present mausoleum made on the side of the altar by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, Catholicose of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, in the year 2001.

St. John Chrysostom extols Antioch which received he relics of St Ignatius Noorono (who was martyred in Rome) thus: “For that city (Rome) received his blood as it dropped, but you (Antioch) were honoured with his remains, you enjoyed his episcopate, they enjoyed his martyrdom. They saw him in conflict, and victorious, and crowned, but you have him continually. For a little time, God removed him from you, and with greater glory granted him again to you.” (Homily on St. Ignatius, NPNF, Series-I, Volume IX)

The oppressors thought they had erased the memory of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni forever, but truth triumphed, and the treasure was revealed. With greater glory, God granted back to the children of the Malankara Orthodox church the venerable holy father who continuously intercedes for his spiritual children and whose life is a mighty inspiration for generations to come.

By the prayers of our holy father among the saints-Blessed Alvares Thirumeni, Lord have mercy upon us!

In Christ,

Rincy John

References:

1) (Abridged; Translated from Malayalam): Rev Fr. T.E Isaac, The Great humanitarian missionary and a patriot, Malankara Sabha, September 2001, Pg-6,7.

2) George Kurian, Saint Alvares Mar Julius (A life history), St Mary’s Orthodox Church, Ribander, Goa, Pgs-141-146 (includes photographs).

06th August- Commemorating His Grace Alexios Mar Theodosius Metropolitan (of blessed memory).

As we celebrate the Feast of Transfiguration of our Lord, the Malankara Orthodox Church also commemorates the holy father- His Grace Alexios Mar Theodosius Metropolitan, the champion of Orthodoxy, who like the apostle(s)- St John, epitomized purity of heart; like St Peter, was zealous in his convictions; and like St James exemplified moral courage.

One of the common sayings of Mar Theodosius Thirumeni was-

“Only a converted man can convert another man; Only a converted church can convert the world”. *

The great Feast of Transfiguration commemorates the event of Christ’s appearance becoming glorious and radiant as He prayed at Mount Tabor with His disciples Peter, James, and John. There appeared Elijah and Moses, speaking with Jesus and the disciples heard a voice from the cloud- “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” After this awe-inspiring event, Jesus Christ and His disciples come down from the mountain and continued with healing ministry. In this context, the saying of Mar Theodosius Thirumeni is of great importance and learning. To be converted simply doesn’t mean updating the ‘religion’ section in the govt forms/IDs. The calling to the summit of the mountain is not merely to acknowledge Christ’s presence. The conversion, more than a literal physical meaning, implies the transformation of our hearts to be receptive to Christ’s Love and to share that love with others at the foothill.

BIRTH/EARLY LIFE

Mar Theodosius was born on August 28, 1888 as Chandy/M.M. Alexander in the traditionally priestly family of Mattackal at Niranam to parents Mathai and Kunjadamma. He had his school education at Mar Gregorios Memorial High School, Tiruvalla and Mar Dionysius High School, Kottayam and College education (1912-15) in the Church Missionary Society College at Kottayam.

At the age of 19, the young Alexander was called to serve in the Lord’s vineyard and received diaconate ordination from His Beatitude Joseph Mar Dionysius V (Pulikkotil II) Thirumeni. Dn Alexander joined Barisol Divinity College in East Bengal in 1915 and later in 1918 Serampore, for theological studies. In 1918, Dn. Alexander was ordained a priest by His Grace Yuyakim Mar Ivanios Metropolitan at Parumala Seminary and was called Fr. Alexios.

MEETING FR. P. T. GEEVARGHESE

It was in Serampore, that Fr. Alexios came in contact with Fr. P. T. Geevarghese (later Mar Ivanios of Syro-Malankara faction). Their focus was on starting a monastic movement which was well received among the Church dignitaries. On their return from Serampore in 1918. they established a unique monastery named Bethany and a monastic order at Mundanmala, a hilly forest area at Perunadu near Ranny on a hundred-acre plot donated by E.J. John.

Over the years, Bethany Monastery grew in stature but received a catastrophic blow when Fr. P. T. Geevarghese, its Superior, defected to the Roman faith taking with him a number of inmates on September 20,1930. It seemed that everything which Bethany stood for was lost. Fr Alexios rising up to the occasion like a flaming tower, gave Bethany a new life and led it from success to success. Today, Bethany has a complex of institutions- monastery, convent, schools and hospitals.

METROPOLITAN

Fr. Alexios was raised to the office of Episcopate on April 7, 1938 by His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Bava Thirumeni at Carmel Dayara, Mulanthuruthy, and took the name Mar Theodosius. Diocese of Kollam and the Outside Kerala Diocese were assigned to the Metropolitan’s charge. Mar Theodosius had the foresight and vision of the future development possibilities of the Church beyond the frontiers of Kerala. In fact, Mar Theodosios Thirumeni was the architect of the Outside Kerala Diocese. In 1947, a nucleus of the Diocese was laid when the Metropolitan formed the Indian Orthodox Mission at Madras. This was followed by organising a group of four dedicated priests viz Fr. K. A. George, Fr. C.V. John, Fr. Simon Mathews and Fr. K.C. Thomas (later His Grace Thomas Mar Makarios Metropolitan of blessed memory), who were sent to Pune, Calcutta, Coonnor and Delhi respectively. 

INTERNATIONAL FORUMS

Mar Theodosius Thirumeni took keen interest in representing the Malankara Orthodox Church in international inter-church forums and focus the attention of Western Churches to the ancient apostolic origin of Malankara Church. He travelled to London in 1933 to attend the Centenary Celebrations of Oxford Movement, to Oxford in 1937 to represent the Malankara Orthodox Church in the first Faith and Order Conference and to Edinburgh the same year to attend the Life and Work Conference, and in 1948 to Amsterdam to participate in the World Council of Churches (WCC) Conference along with His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Bava Thirumeni. Till 1953, Mar Theodosius Thirumeni was a member of the Central Committee of WCC.

The ardent stress on conviction of faith and on the autocephalous nature of Malankara Orthodox Church was a distinguishing trait in Mar Theodosius Thirumeni. He stood firm in his mother church even when his overwhelming mentor- Fr. P. T. Geevarghese (Mar Ivanios) left the mother church. He is quoted to have said “Even if it happens that I become the old lay man Chandy, I do not like to be a Metropolitan of a Church which has lost its freedom.”

HEAVENLY ABODE

On August 6, 1965, after battling prolonged illness, coinciding the day when the Church celebrates the Feast of Transfiguration, this great luminary of the Malankara Orthodox Church left for heavenly abode.

Mar Theodosius Thirumeni was an austere ascetic and a good shepherd who led a simple life devoted to prayer and worship. His simplicity, asceticism, conviction of faith, love, care and concern have inspired many.

May the prayers and intercessions of the holy father be our refuge always.

In Christ,

Rincy John

Ref: David Daniel, The Orthodox Church of India (History), © 1986, Published by Rachel David, New Delhi, Pgs 530-534.

*Quote of Theodosius Thirumeni referred from Bethany Asramam website-http://bethanyasramam.com/inspirers.php (accessed 05 August 2020)

The inclusive and global vision of His Beatitude Joseph Mar Dionysius V (Pulikkottil II), Malankara Metropolitan (Malankara Sabha Thejas).

Like a caring shepherd, Pulikkottil II Thirumeni not only faithfully guided the flock but also envisaged a brilliant vision to have the flame of the Orthodox faith be lit worldwide. Under Thirumeni’s leadership, we see the emergence of two such prominent clergies- one from the Roman church and one from the Parsi community, namely Blessed Alvares Mar Julius Thirumeni and Fr Dr. S.D. Baba respectively.

(     A) Fr. Dr. S.D. Baba- From Zoroastrianism to Orthodoxy.

Pulikkotil II Thirumeni lived in an era when India was under the colonial rule of the British Empire. Thirumeni wished that an ambassador of the Orthodox Church in India should be present in London who would mainly publish details/news regarding the Malankara Church in the English newspapers and represent the Malankara Orthodox Church in important events taking place in London- the capital of that empire known as the one on which the sun never sets. Thirumeni’s vision was that having such representation will increase the glory of Malankara Orthodox Church worldwide. Without much delay, Thirumeni’s fervent prayers for this desire was answered in the person of Fr. Dr. S.D. Baba.

Dr. S.D. Baba was a Parsi by birth and a native of Pune. He left for England at a young age and became a doctor by profession after completing medical studies. He embraced Christianity and was a part of the Presbyterian church. He also became an ordained minister with Presbyterian community.

Though Dr. Baba wasn’t known to Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni but he was aware about the existence of the Malankara Orthodox church and her history. We can assume that it would have been due to Alvares Thirumeni’s outreach that someone like Dr Baba would have known about the Malankara Orthodox church which was then concentrated in Kerala only. Of course, that period was almost a century before the internet or social media happened wherein, we could get the information on our fingertips.

Eventually, Dr Baba met Pulikkottil II Thirumeni and over the course of time he became well versed with the tenets of the Orthodox faith and became a member of the Malankara church. Dr S.D. Baba wished to be an ordained priest of the Malankara Orthodox church. Since the ordination from Presbyterian church was not considered valid and travelling from London to India will be a cumbersome affair (including financial burden), Pulikkottil Thirumeni instructed him to travel to Jerusalem and get ordained by the Syriac Metropolitan Elias Mar Ivanios Thirumeni. Mar Ivanios gave diaconate and priesthood ordination to Dr S.D. Baba. With the approval from Pulikkottil Thirumeni, Fr. Dr. S.D. Baba was appointed as the Ambassador of the Malankara Orthodox Church to London.

He was a passionate about and remained firm in the Orthodox faith. He translated the liturgy of St James in English and would celebrate the Holy Qurbana in English using the translated version. It is sad to note that almost a century later, there are still parishes in the diaspora who are in two minds about having the liturgy in English catering to the youth!

Fr Dr. S.D Baba had written articles and essays about our Church in the English dailies. Fr S.D. Baba was invited as the representative of the Malankara Church to attend the funeral of King Edward and was given the honor equivalent to what was bestowed to the ambassadors from different countries.

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    B) Blessed Alvares Mar Julius Thirumeni- the courageous prelate who upheld the True Faith amidst persecutions.

The Goan priest Fr. Alvares was disgruntled with the Roman church and his quest for the true apostolic church led him to Malankara. What attracted the Goan padre to the Orthodox fold, was not only its faith and the indigenous nature of the Malankara Church, but also the pleasing and loving personality of Pulikkottil II Thirumeni. Thirumeni wholeheartedly welcomed Fr Alvares to the Orthodox faith, who was later ordained to the order of bishophood. Like this nation’s patron saint- St Thomas, Blessed Alvares Thirumeni’s mission was spread across geographies many of which is yet to be discovered.

It is impossible to pen down the missionary activities of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni’s in few paragraphs. In a society entrenched deep into caste-based discrimination, Mar Alvares’s mission extended to the people of lower castes (which included the fishermen community in the present Tamil Nadu). This happened ages before Mahatma Gandhi coined the term ‘Harijan’.  At a time when it was unthinkable to include people from lower caste to the mainstream, Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni offered his support to the newly converts thus- “this group was to be considered as my own flock and I take much interest and warm care in their welfare.”

One thing to note as we commemorate Pulikkottil II Thirumeni’s memory is his vision and focus on the Church’s outreach to different communities which is seen from the example above. It was also evident with the ordination of Rene Villate (Mar Timetheos) to cater the spiritual needs of the Western world.

With Pulikkottil II Thirumeni’s repose, the disconnect with Mar Alvares Thirumeni’s mission grew and it is an unfortunate naked truth that Mar Alvares wasn’t accorded the due honor for countless years by the Malankara Orthodox Church. Now, when we commemorate the memory of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni with much devotion and glory, indeed the soul of his spiritual guru- Pulikkottil II Thirumeni will be content!

Had it not been for the Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni- the brilliant visionary, the church would have been never blessed with the presence of Blessed Alvares Thirumeni and Fr. Dr. S.D Baba!

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May the prayers and intercessions of the holy fathers be our refuge always!

In Christ,

Rincy John

Reference:

Translated from Malayalam, Malankara Sabhayude Suvarna Yugasilpi, Malankara Sabha Thejas Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius II, Vol. I, Editor- Fr. Dr. Joseph Cheeran, Published by: Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios, M. J. D. Publishing House, Kunnamkulam, 2011, Pg-641,642.

Saints, Goddesses And Kings - Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society, 1700-1900, Susan Bayly, Cambridge University Press-1989. Pg 318.

St Thomas in the Holy Scripture: “Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”” (St Matthew 8:21; NKJV).

Below is an excerpt from a Malayalam article by the venerable (late) MC Kuriakose Rambachan- the author of many illustrious literary works.

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Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”” (St Matthew 8:21; NKJV).

Some commentators are of the opinion that this question was asked by St Thomas. Lord Jesus Christ was preparing to leave Capernaum and cross the Sea (of Galilee). St Thomas was attracted to the teachings of Christ and became His adherent. A question popped up in his mind- ‘whether to follow Christ immediately or should he do that after bidding final farewell to his father’? And that is how he asked the question- “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” The multitude following Jesus was content with seeing Him and hearing with what He preached. However, the blessed apostle's focus was firmly set on Christ and his heart entrenched with His divine instructions. (While listening to our Lord’s preaching) the apostle developed a thought about leading a life of sacrifice- renouncing everything for Christ’s sake. Let the readers contemplate that having such thoughts is the first step for living a hope filled life.

It is good to have a desire to live a life of sacrifice but one should be wary about thinking too much (or excessively scrutinizing such desire). The latter is dangerous and acts as a deterrent. We have noted this from the experience of many people.

One should trust in God and take the ‘leap of faith’ when being inclined to renounce everything for Christ. Leave the future to God. The Psalmist implores- “O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed” (Psalm 25:2). If we have that faith and longing expressed by the Psalmist, then we will not be put to shame.

Lord Jesus Christ’s response to the disciple’s question was thus- “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (St Matthew 8:22).

Once they have set their mind to serve the Church, many young men have doubts like- should I get ordained or not? Should I marry or lead a celibate life? There are faithful, who having decided to offer financial contribution to the church, keep on delaying the date for giving the offering.

A delay in working upon godly desires only prevents us in experiencing the virtue of sacrifice.

St Thomas was in two minds- his heart had a great longing to follow Christ, but at the same time, thoughts about his duties as a son also took birth in his mind. (Upon hearing Christ’s response) St Thomas took the ‘leap of faith’. He didn’t resort to excessive thinking- calculating the pros and cons of following Christ, and that is why the former thought process (about following Christ) won over the latter (waiting till he has completed obligations towards his father).

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O Lord Jesus Christ, by the prayers and intercession of our patron saint- St Thomas the Apostle, may our hearts be receptive to your teachings and be strengthened to be able to respond promptly to godly inspirations.

In Christ,

Rincy John

Reference: Translated from the Malayalam article- 'Mar Thoma Shleeha, Malankara Sabha, July issue, 1949.

Picture: (Late) MC Kuriakose Rambachan with His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Bava Thirumeni (of blessed memory) and His Grace Kuriakose Mar Gregorios Metropolitan (of blessed memory)/Pampady Thirumeni.

‘Six traits of the fishermen that 'fishers of men' ought to have’ - His Grace Zachariah Mar Dionysius Metropolitan (of blessed memory)

Sayings of the saintly fathers series/June 30-Feast of Twelve Apostles.

 The liturgical calendar of the Indian Orthodox Church commemorates the twelve apostles on June 30th. The Lord called few simple fishermen to His ministry and told them- “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him." (St Matthew 4: 19-20).

In the previous post, we noted His Grace Zachariah Mar Dionysius Thirumeni (of blessed memory) reminding us of our evangelical responsibility as we commemorate the holy apostles. In this post Thirumeni elucidates few qualities of the fishermen disciples which is needed for 'fishers of men' and should be specially noted by those who are engaged in gospel work including preaching. 

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1) Patience: The fisherman needs to be patient; exhibiting signs of impatience will only decrease the chances of catching the fish. As the farmer waits (for the harvest), the evangelist needs to wait till the Gospel finds home in the heart of men and grows fruit.

2) Perseverance: In the process of catching fishes, the fisherman throws the net again and again. Similarly, the evangelist needs to have a perseverant attitude.

3) Courage: The fisherman's boat is very small as compared to the gigantic sea. But the fisherman is courageous enough to face the perils of the sea. Likewise, the evangelist should be courageous to face any opposition and even death when proclaiming the True Faith. 

His Grace Zachariah Mar Dionysius Metropolitan of blessed memory

4) Alert: The fisherman needs to be alert at all times during the fishing process. When the fishes are caught in the net, the fisherman needs to promptly pull the nets at the right time. There arise many instances in a man’s life, when he would intently listen to the Gospel, and be moved to repentance. This is the apt time when the evangelist needs to lead them to the Lord.

5) Fit the bait to the fish: The water bodies contain variety of fishes - big and small. The ideal bait would be the one which attracts all kinds of fishes. The evangelist should study various aspects of his audience/gospel listeners- like their educational and social background and adapt his sermon/approach accordingly. We can seek inspiration from St Paul’s methodology. He proclaimed Christ as the God whom Athenians worshipped without knowing. (St Paul saw an altar with inscription- To the unknown God' in Athens (Acts of the Apostles 17:22 onwards)). St Paul says- "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22, NKJV).

6) Keep himself out of the sight: A good fisherman knows how to conceal himself and ensure that the fishes never sense his presence. Similarly, a preacher should never project himself while preaching. His only focus should be Christ and his evangelical duty. Even Christ, during His public ministry and preaching, focused on the Heavenly Father and made Him known to the men. St John the Baptist is a model figure for the evangelists. When Christ came in the view, the Baptist took a backseat. The reason why the hearts of listeners isn't moved when they hear sermons in Churches and elsewhere is because the preacher usually tries to make himself the focus of sermon.

May the feast of the apostles encourage us to inculcate the true spirit of evangelism.

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May the prayers of the holy apostles be our refuge always.

In Christ,

Rincy John

Reference:

Zachariah Mar Dionysius- Vrathashudhiyil thalliritta jeevitham, Ed- Ramban Elias Koshy, Published by Mount Tabor Dayara Pathanapuram, Nov 2014 Pg- 173-175. 

The first Seminarians.

His Grace Geevarghese Mar Ivanios Thirumeni of blessed memory shares the spiritual lessons learnt from the journey of the ‘first seminarians’-the holy Apostles. Excerpts below:

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The world’s first theological seminary was the place where the disciples received the doctrinal and spiritual instructions. The Lord Himself was their Teacher in the subject of theology. The below Scripture verses are from the notes of the last lecture that they attended to in the ‘classroom’.

“Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”  When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marvelled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence.” (St Luke 24: 36-43; NKJV)

Even after completing their ‘theological studies’ over the course of three and half years, the disciples still battled with doubts, disagreements and faithlessness.

Simon Peter was the leader of the disciple band; in the present-day seminary terms, he was selected as the ‘Reesh’ (leader) of this group.

The attributes of Simon Peter’s personality are reflective of the disposition of the entire disciple community. In a nutshell, he was an impulsive individual. There are many passages in the Holy Scripture that reveal this aspect of Simon Peter’s persona.

When Simon Peter saw that the Lord was walking over the waters, he too felt an urge to do the same (ref -St Matthew 14:22-33). The Lord called him- ‘Come’. Simon Peter got off the boat, looked onto the Lord, kept his foot on the waters and started walking. Suddenly the wind started blowing. Simon Peter got scared and started drowning. The Lord gave him a helping hand and safely took him ashore.

We need to pay attention to an important fact when we read about this incident. As soon as Simon Peter took his gaze off from the Lord, he started sinking in the waters! It isn’t the only lesson that we learn from this episode. These verses caution us of our desire to become Christ-like hastily, without putting any effort. In today’s times, everyone wants to quickly reach a stage when they can perform miracles. One nurtures a desire to be ‘the one’ who can walk on waters and be the object of awe of the mesmerized onlookers on the dry land. This thought of being ‘the one’- wherein we exaggerate our worth and wish to become the entity of reverence for others – this very thought is harmful for the spiritual life.

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Let us pray- O Lord, You who called the holy Apostles- ordinary men for a divine mission, transforming them- patiently and lovingly, in Your abundant mercy, transform and illumine our hardened hearts.

By the prayers and intercessions of the holy Apostles, may the Lord have mercy upon us and help us!

Wishing all a blessed Apostles Fast.

In Christ,

Rincy John

Reference: ‘Maunathinte Laavanyam’ (The Beauty of Silence); Chapter-2 ‘Gyanathinte Aathmaavu (‘The Spirit of Wisdom’), Baselian Books, Sixth Edition-Oct 2014 Pg-25, 26)

Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius II (Mar Dionysius V) Thirumeni and St. Peter's Armenian Church// Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni in Bombay -1864/65.

His Beatitude Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius II (Mar Dionysius V) Thirumeni.

Nearly three decades before the saintly fathers St. Gregorios of Parumala and St. Dionysius Vattasseril visited the St Peter's Armenian Church-Colaba, Bombay, this church had witnessed the blessed visit and stay of the spiritual guru of these two saints- His Beatitude Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius II (Mar Dionysius V) Thirumeni.

Part -1: Background

Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni was born as Yauseppu (Joseph/Ittoop) in the Pulikkottil family of Kunnamkulam. A summary of this saintly prelate’s biography is a subject matter of another post. This article is limited to the details of the visit of His Beatitude Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni to St. Peter's Armenian Church, Bombay.

At the invitation of His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch and with the consent of the Malankara Church, Youseppu Kasheesha (later Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni) travelled to Turkey, alongwith Mattummel Geevarghese Kasheesha and Koothoor Thaarappan, to be ordained as Metropolitan. This travel was necessitated by the fact that the Malankara Church needed an able leadership to safeguard its faith and counter the tirade of heterodox teachings and practices that were creeping in.

Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni's handwritten notes of this travelogue (kept in the archives of OTS, Kottayam).

Accordingly, they left Kunnamkulam on Kumbham 27, year 1038 (~ mid-March,1864) and boarded the ship from Kochi on Medam 14, year 1038 as per Malayalam calendar (~April 30,1864). When the ship reached Kannur, a Muslim merchant trader known to Youseppu Achen (they had met previously in Kozhikode) had boarded the ship and was going to Bombay as well. This kind-hearted man shared his food with Youseppu Achen and his co-travellers when their food supplies dwindled. He also invited them to his home in Bombay.

The ship reached Bombay on Medam 22 and the group was in Bombay till Edavam 09 (approx from second week till the last week of May) waiting for the ship going onwards to the Middle East.

Part-2: The quest to find the Armenian Church

Upon reaching Bombay they all headed to the Muslim man' home and kept their belongings therein. Thereafter, Youseppu Achen, Geevarghese Achen and Koothoor Thaarappan went in search of the Armenian Church. The search turned futile as nobody seemed to know where this Church was. 

Finally, they met a police constable who agreed to show the church for 4 annas (25 paisa). The priests and layman started walking behind the constable. Having walked for a considerable time, the constable pointed to a building with a huge dome and said it was the Armenian Church which they were looking for.

On entering the building, Youseppu Achen and others were confused to see turbaned Arabs and Muslims. They asked the constable if indeed this was the Armenian Church. The constable gave a positive response. This building was actually a mosque/'arabi pally'. Upon further probing, it was found that the constable confused the word Armenian with Arabic and that is why he took them to a wrong address. The people in the mosque were stern in telling the constable to show the visitors the exact location of the Armenian Church. Finally, they reached the correct destination.

Part- 3: Doubts cleared.

The Vicar of the Armenian Church was a native of Iran and advanced in age. He wasn’t too willing in giving accommodation to outsiders in the church. Seeing that Geevarghese Achen was wearing a white kuppayam (cassock), the Armenian priest refused to believe that these two men were Orthodox clergy, and this made him even more resolute in his decision to refuse them the accommodation in the church.

Youseppu Achen and Geevarghese Achen tried to reason with the Vicar that they were indeed Orthodox clergy. While the priests were discussing this matter, their conversation was overheard by an Armenian layman named Khoja Yakob. He corroborated what Youseppu Achen and Geevarghese Achen were saying and convinced the Armenian priest to allow them to stay in the church. The Vicar acceded to the request and a room in the church building was prepared for their stay.

Youseppu Achen, Geevarghese Achen and Koothoor Thaarappan then went to the Muslim man's house, retrieved their belongings, walked back to the Armenian Church and placed it in the room allocated to them. The sun had almost set by then and they realised that they hadn't had any food since morning. Immediately the trio went to a market and got some food. It was almost 11 PM when they had the dinner. Indeed, it was an eventful day.

The next morning, looking at the black cassocks of Youseppu Achen and Geevarghese Achen all doubts of the Armenian priest were removed. From that day onwards, Youseppu Achen and others would enquire every day for a ship leaving for Basrah (a city in modern day Iraq).

Part 4- A renewed spiritual strength at St Peter’s Church.

Mar Dionysus V Thirumeni mentions an inspiring event that happened during their stay in the Armenian Church. As their travel to the Patriarch was being planned, some people  with crooked mind had handed few letters to Geevarghese Achen to be given to the Patriarch. Geevarghese Achen, unaware of their intentions, took the letters along. It was in Bombay that the saintly priests became aware of the evil intentions.

Youseppu Achen was greatly dejected and thoughts of discontinuing the journey surfaced in his mind.

Youseppu Achen reasoned that while he was present in Malankara, the opponents of the Church were spreading lies against the faith and such behaviour would increase in his absence (when he was traveling abroad to get ordained). Achen also had received many discouraging comments when funds were being collected for his journey.  Geevarghese Achen and Thaarappan tried to console Youseppu Achen but the despair was too great.

Once when nobody was there in the Armenian Church, Youseppu Achen entered the Madbaha/Holy Altar and prayed on his knees with tears. The saintly father earnestly implored to God to alleviate the pitiable situation that the Malankara Church was in and to protect the Church from the onslaught of heterodox teachings. In Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni's own words- "I may not become the Metropolitan due to the plotting by evil men. But that is of no issue. I submitted by humble prayers to the Holy Throne of the Lord that he may chose an able bishop to lead the flock in Malankara."

After prayers, Youseppu Achen felt relieved in his heart and he felt that there was radiance in his face when he came outside. Indeed, this signified the time to come when he would be known as the 'radiance of the Church' (Malankara Sabha Thejas) as under his spiritual and able leadership that the Malankara Church gloriously grew by leaps and bounds.

It is so heartening to note that it was in St Peter's Armenian Church where Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni received immense spiritual strength to move ahead in the journey. Thirumeni had almost given up but his tearful prayers in this blessed Church gave him the spiritual vigour to proceed ahead.

On the 09th Edavam evening, Youseppu Achen, Geevarghese Achen and Koothoor Thaarappan entered the ship for Basra (Iraq) having paid the fees of Rs 96. The Armenian Christians of Bombay came to port to see them off.

Part 5- Meeting Dr Wilson.

Dr John Wilson

Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni on his way back to Kerala (after the consecration) had a stopover in Bombay again in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam 25, year 1039 (approx. second week of August in 1865).  Thirumeni stayed in Armenian Church this time as well. He was in Bombay till Chingam 23 (approx. second week of September 1865).

Wilson College (1893, Bombay)

During this period, he went to meet Dr Wilson at his college (Wilson College, Chowpatty Seaface Rd). Mar Dionysius could not meet Dr Wilson during their onward journey to Turkey as Dr Wilson was in Poona (Pune) at that time.

Dr Wilson was very happy on meeting Thirumeni.  He handed a ‘Masumoora book’ in Syriac (book of Psalms) to Thirumeni.  Dr Wilson and his students were elated when Thirumeni started reading the Syriac work. Dr Wilson, amongst other things, expounded the importance of Syriac to his students and told that it belonged to the linguistic family which Jesus spoke.

Dr Wilson was a great help to Thirumeni during the latter's stay in Bombay and also came to meet Thirumeni at the Armenian Church.

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May the prayers of the saintly fathers help us as we begin the journey to the holy Apostles’ fast.

In Christ,

Rincy John

Ref: Oru Paradeshayathrayude Katha, His Beatitude Joseph Mar Dionysius V, Pgs 44-47, 96, (Part-IV, Malankara Sabhayude Suvarna Yugasilpi Malankara Sabha Thejas Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius II, Vol. III, Editor: Fr. Dr. Joseph Cheeran, Published by His Grace Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios Metropolitan, M. J. D. Publishing House, Kunnamkulam).

Image reference pages for Mar Dionysius V Thirumeni’s portait and the picture showing his handwritten notes of this travelogue (kept in the archives of OTS, Kottayam)- Pgs 2(appendix) and 5.

Images of Dr John Wilson and Wilson College (image of 1893) taken from Wikipedia.