Snippets from the life and times of Puthencavu Kochu Thirumeni (commemorating 17th April).

Part-4- A student guiding a teacher- ‘Mar Philexinos discouraged me from joining the Roman fold’- Mar Ivanios of Bethany (later Archbishop Mar Ivanios of the Syro Malankara rite).

Funeral photo of Philexinos Thirumeni

When Mar Ivanios of Bethany joined the Roman fold, he greatly desired his former student (Mar Philexinos as deacon KT Geevarghese was the student of Fr PT Geevarghese, later Mar Ivanios of Bethany) come with him as well and did try various tactics to convince his pupil. Such exercises remained futile. Once Archbishop Mar Ivanios came to visit Kochu Thirumeni at Bethel Aramana. Those were also the times when litigations against Mar Ivanios were ongoing concerning the schools entrusted to him when he was a bishop of the Orthodox church. Without exhibiting any iota of anger, Kochu Thirumeni accorded the same reception to Archbishop Ivanios befitting a bishop. This led to a rumor that Philexinos Thirumeni will soon join the ‘Reethu’ faction. There was also widespread propaganda spread through pamphlets that Kochu Thirumeni had already joined the Roman church.

Some church members of the Thumpamon diocese decided to visit Thirumeni to confirm the truth. Kochu Thirumeni was the Metropolitan of Thumpamon diocese which was also once led by St Gregorios of Parumala. Like Parumala Thirumeni, Mar Philexinos was ordained as a bishop at a young age and since he was youngest among the lot, he too was fondly addressed as ‘Kochu Thirumeni.

So church members went to Thirumeni, took the customary blessings from him and asked – “Thirumeni, we heard some news about you”

Kochu Thirumeni – “What is that news all about?”

They responded – “That you are going to join the Reethu faction/Syro-Malankara rite.” 

To which Thirumeni replied- “So you also have heard it.”

Philexinos Thirumeni called his secretary shemassan (deacon) and asked him to get Thirumeni’s purse. He took a quarter anna (1 anna was 1/16 INR), and gave it one of the church members and said to him - “You take the bus from here and get down at Puthencavu junction. You then proceed to the Kizhakethalekal house whereupon at the portico you will find an aged priest with white beard sitting on the chair.

You observe his face well and then come back here to check my face.” (note- The Malayalee community would understand what the phrase would mean).

Like Parumala Kochu Thirumeni, Philexinos Kochu Thirumeni deeply loved his Church and faith. Philexinos Kochu Thirumeni was accorded the title of ‘catholicatinte Ratnadeepam’ (Catholicate’s Jewel lamp) in 2013.

At an assembly to commemorate the departure of Philexinos Kochu Thirumeni and offer condolences in Trivandrum, Archbishop Ivanios who chaired the meeting, offered the following eulogy:

“Mar Philexinos life was dedicated to the entire humanity and not just one community. If he had lived a little more in his earthly life, then many issues that the Malankara Orthodox church is currently wading through would have seen a resolution. When I had decided to join the Roman church, Mar Philexinos, who was a Rembachan (monk-priest) then, deterred me from doing so. That act shows his Philexinos Thirumeni’s immense love for his church. I have taught him at Serampore college (Calcutta). Thirumeni’s demise has been a great loss for India- especially the state of Kerala.”

May Philexinos Kochu Thirumeni’s prayers help us to love Christ and His Church the way he exhibited in his earthly journey!

In Christ,

Rincy John

Ref:

1) Puthenkavu Kochuthirumeni Katholicattinte Karuthanaya Vakthavu, By- Adv. P. C. Mathew Pulikottil and K. V. Mammen Kottackal, Kottackal Publishers, 2004, pages 134-136

2) Image courtesy: Kaalam Cheyutha Parishudha Geevarghese Dwidhiyan Catholica Bava Thirumanassile Janmashathabdhi Smaragu grantham; Malankara Sabha Special, 1973 July edition, Book 28, Issue 9, Pg 36

From L to R- His Grace Kuriakose Mar Gregorios (of blessed memory)-Pampady Thirumeni.

St. Dionysius (Vattasseril), His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Catholicos (of blessed memory) and His Grace Kuriakose Mar Gregorios (of blessed memory)-Pampady Thirumeni. Mar Ivanios of Bethany (later Archbishop Mar Ivanios).

3) Funeral photo of Mar Philexinos Thirumeni taken from Wikipedia.

Snippets from the life and times of Puthencavu Kochu Thirumeni (commemorating 17th April).

Part-3- A Unique 'Dowry'.

On one Wednesday in the month of March- year 1929, Vattasseril Thirumeni, who staying at Old Seminary Kottayam, asked his secretary Mannalil Achen to arrange for a car as he wanted to visit a place. Vattasseril Thirumeni didn't own a car and if a car wasn't available then an 'eight-seater bus' (probably a term for van in those times) would be rented and he would travel in such. Usually his entourage consisted of a priest and two deacons to accompany him. That day he insisted only one deacon would go with him on the journey. Thirumeni didn't specify the destination. Everybody was surprised about this unusual travel plan.

While the car was being arranged, Thirumeni went to the chapel at Old Seminary and spent considerable time in prayers. After the prayers, Thirumeni and the deacon proceed towards the car and started their journey. The deacon saw Thirumeni carrying a packet alongwith him in the car. The destination was the home of Thoma Kathanar Kizhakethalekal in Puthencavu.

Vattasseril Thirumeni asked deacon to check if Achen was at home. On getting a positive response, Thirumeni got out from the car with support from deacon and walked slowly towards Geevarghese Semmasan's home. Thomas Achen wasn't at all expecting Vattasseril Thirumeni- he ran quickly inside to change his clothes, received the customary blessings and welcomed Thirumeni to his home.

Thirumeni asked deacon to wait in the car as he and Achen wanted to have a private audience. The atmosphere was sombre. 

Vattasseril Thirumeni then talked about the betrayal of Mar Ivanios (later Archbishop Mar Ivanios of the Syro Malankara rite of the Roman church) with choked sentiments. Achen tried consoling him. Thirumeni lamented -"Aboon Ivanios will leave us. There is not much time left. Before our flock get embroiled in hopelessness and confusion we have to provide with a glimmer of hope. If Achen thinks I am blabbering foolishness, then please forgive me". He paused for a while and got emotional. Thomas Achen's heart ached to see Thirumeni in such a state.

Composing himself, Thirumeni asked "Achen, will you give your son to the Church for him to be ordained as a Metropolitan?”

Thomas Achen wanted to see Geevarghese Semmasan become a married priest. Semassan was highly educated (he was MA in English literature)- a rarity in those times and had started getting proposals from well-to-do families offering a dowry of two thousand rupees which was a massive amount then. Its magnanimity can be assessed from the fact that a school headmaster in Malabar would draw a monthly salary worth five rupees. Perhaps Vattasseril Thirumeni would have come to know of the proposal discussions happening for Geevarghese Semmassan.  

Thirumeni continued- “I know your family is currently facing financial difficulties but considering the situation that our church is going through……if Achen doesn’t have any concerns..”. Thirumeni couldn’t bring about to finish the sentence and had tears in his eyes. Achen’s eyes welled up. In the next room Sosamma Kochamma was listening to their conversation and the saintly lady didn’t utter a word against this proposal.

Vattasseril Thirumeni suffered from tremors in the left hand. With his right hand, he took the packet that he had carefully placed in the pocket of his clerical robe and kept it on the table as Thomas Achen looked on. Considering that Achen and Kochamma’s silence meant acceptance of Thirumeni’s proposal, Thirumeni bid them farewell and continued his journey.

That packet had two thousand rupees.

Vattasseril Thirumeni’s proposal intended that Semmassan be spiritually married to the Church’s cause and dedicate his life for it. Vattasseril Thirumeni offered the ‘dowry’ to Geevarghese Semmassan’s parents so that the Church could get a blessed monk and bishop to lead her flock spiritually.

Mar Ivanios of Bethany (who later defected to the Roman church and became Archbishop Mar Ivanios) was MA in history and graduated with third class. It was sheer God’s grace coupled with Vattasseril Thirumeni’s spiritual leadership acumen that when a MA history (3^rd class) monk left the Orthodox faith, She received another postgraduate monk who graduated in MA (English literature) with flying colours (second class).

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

In Christ,

Rincy John

Ref: 1) Puthenkavu Kochuthirumeni Katholicattinte Karuthanaya Vakthavu, By- Adv. P. C. Mathew Pulikottil and K. V. Mammen Kottackal, Kottackal Publishers, 2004, pages 52-54.

2) Image courtesy: Kaalam Cheyutha Parishudha Geevarghese Dwidhiyan Catholica Bava Thirumanassile Janmashathabdhi Smaragu grantham; Malankara Sabha Special, 1973 July edition, Book 28, Issue 9, Pg 36

From L to R- His Grace Geevarghese Mar Philexinos (of blessed memory)-Puthencavu Kochu Thirumeni, St. Dionysius (Vattasseril), His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Catholicos (of blessed memory) and His Grace Kuriakose Mar Gregorios (of blessed memory)-Pampady Thirumeni.

Snippets from the life and times of Puthencavu Kochu Thirumeni (commemorating 17th April).

Part-2- An erudite student whose memory stunned Vattasseril Thirumeni. An encouraging teacher with a love for football.

Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni  with Sunday School Students

Young KT Geevarghese was a brilliant student with a radiant demeanour who always stood first in his class. Whenever her son was showered with praises in his scholarly abilities by his teachers and relatives, Sosamma Kochamma never exhibited pride and she always brought to remembrance in her mind that her son was almost taken away and returned to her as a gift by the Lord. Fr Thomas would always pray for the Lord's will to be done in his son's life. Indeed, they are model parents who were humble about their kids’ achievements and never pushed their own agenda on their young ones.

Little Geevarghese was also known for his singing skills. He did high school education from Chengannur Govt HS School where his favourite subject was English. A competitive boy, his hard work resulted in him getting highest marks in that subject. His main competitor in school was the headmaster- Ramavarma Thamburan's daughter named Lakshmi N Menon, who later became a freedom fighter and held notable positions in Indian polity. There is no doubt that if KT Geevarghese had pursued a secular vocation he would have won numerous laurels.

After finishing High School, KT Geevarghese was encouraged by Vattasseril Thirumeni to pursue theological studies. As such Vattasseril Thirumeni asked Fr PT Geevarghese (who was a professor in Serampore college then and who later defected to the Roman church) to take the young man to Calcutta. Before going to Calcutta, young Geevarghese was ordained a deacon by Gregorios Thirumeni (later HH Geevarghese II Catholicose). Deacon Geevarghese graduated in theological studies with flying colours and earned the B.D. (Bachelor of Divinity) degree. He came back to his hometown in Kerala and was respectfully known as the 'BD Semmasan' (deacon).

Once the Malankara Metropolitan- St Dionysius of Vattasseril was dictating a Kalpana to Deacon Geevarghese to be sent to a major parish in the central Travancore region at Old Seminary, Kottayam. Few months later, the Malankara metropolitan needed to send another Kalpana to the same church and for that he needed to reference the previously sent one. The previous Kalpana was nowhere to be found in the files. Coincidentally, Deacon Geevarghese had come to the Old Seminary then for some other work. Vattasseril Thirumeni called for the Geevarghese Semmassen and asked if he remembered anything about the same Kalapana that he had jotted down few months back. Semmassan responded in affirmative and was able to provide all the details from his memory including the serial number! Semmasan’s sharp memory amazed Vattaseril Thirumeni.

When the parish members came to receive the new Kalpana they had also brought the old Kalpana with them. Vatasseril Thirumeni was astounded to note that whatever Geevarghese Semmasen stated from his memory matched exactly what was written in the Kalpana including the serial number. There would have been no doubt in the mind of Vattasseril Thirumeni that this young student of his was destined to be an asset to the Church.

After teaching in MD School for sometime, he went to Calcutta again- this time for pursuing postgraduate studies (MA in English literature). He graduated with a second class and it was extremely rare to note postgraduates in those times. Contrary to everyone's expectation, Geevarghese Semassan chose the noble profession of teaching and assumed the role of a headmaster in E.M.S school in Puthencavu. He had offers of plum jobs even from abroad, but he chose his motherland, his village over all such 'greener pastures' and lucrative assignments.

Deacon Geevarghese was respected by teachers and students alike. His classes weren’t limited to textbooks- he would discuss the biography of great leaders, foreign affairs, moral and civic studies, health and hygiene etc. in a fun and engaging manner. His stature as a great teacher grew very quickly and was often invited to other schools to take model class. His command over English and Malayalam and his sweet voice mesmerized the students. The students would be in rapt attention when he would teach.

Deacon Geevarghese enjoyed playing football with students- he also took time to engage in co and extracurricular activities with them. He gave leadership to ensure that good football players in his school are given proper coaching for external tournaments. Students who brought laurels to the school in various championships were given magnificent reception at school. This encouraged the students to excel in sports activities.

May the prayers and intercessions of this blessed teacher be our refuge always.

In Christ,

Rincy John

Ref: 1) Puthenkavu Kochuthirumeni Katholicattinte Karuthanaya Vakthavu, By- Adv. P. C. Mathew Pulikottil and K. V. Mammen Kottackal, Kottackal Publishers, 2004, pages 36-48.

2) Image courtesy: Facebook page of Historic Images of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

Snippets from the life and times of Puthencavu Kochu Thirumeni (commemorating 17th April).

Part-1- Darkness before a dawn.

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

The Malankara Orthodox Church is blessed to have monks and ascetics whose prayerful life have been a fortress for the faithful and inspiration to many. We will commemorate one such saintly figure in the coming days. This series aims to provide some short and inspiring incidents from his life.

Fondly known as Puthencavu Kochu Thirumeni, His Grace Geevarghese Mar Philexinos was born as the second son to Kizhakethalekal Thoma Kathanar (Fr Thomas of Kizhakethalekal family) and Sosamma Kochamma on June 10, 1897. Kizhakethalekal Thoma Kathanar was a renowned orator and a caring shepherd who held his flock in the True Faith. Sosamma kochamma was a saintly lady who deeply loved the Orthodox faith. It was, but natural that that the progeny of such virtuous couple would be a blessing to the Church.

There is a wonderful narrative around the birth of His Grace. Sosamma Kochamma, carrying baby Geevarghese, went into an early labour when she was eight months pregnant (Puthencavu Kochu Thirumeni’s name was K. T. Geevarghese). She was milking the cow while going about her routine duties when the animal suddenly gave her a blow and she fell. Two days later she delivered a baby boy. The newborn didn’t cry, and nobody could confirm if the infant was alive/breathing. Though there was a strong suspicion that the baby had died but it was a divine intervention that prevented the household members to out rightly declare the newborn dead. He was instead kept under mother’s bed and the lady (‘aaya’) who looked after the new mother also kept an eye on the infant. The aaya witnessed that infant’s skin color would change frequently and sometimes even seven colors would be visible. Eventually the skin color turned bright red and then the soothing cries of the newborn was heard! Sosamma kochamma received complete consciousness after 3 days and she was informed about the baby being alive and well. Everybody felt that the Lord had a special purpose for this baby who came back from the clutches of death. Indeed, this was a special child- the one chosen to work in His vineyard. Indeed how lovely is the Scripture verse-

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you" (Jeremiah 1:5)

This child’s birth was a kept hidden from neighbors (for the family wasn’t sure if the infant was indeed alive) but when he finished his course on the earth at a young age of 54, an enormous number of faithful assembled to bid farewell to their beloved Kochu Thirumeni.

In Christ,
Rincy John

Ref: 1) Puthenkavu Kochuthirumeni Katholicattinte Karuthanaya Vakthavu, By- Adv. P. C. Mathew Pulikottil and K. V. Mammen Kottackal, Kottackal Publishers, 2004, pages 26, 27.

2) MC Kuriakose Ramban (of blessed memory), ‘Bethelile Thamara’, 10 May 1951, Malayala Manorama Press, Kottayam, Page 5.

‘What the Lord did not form in the womb, he fashioned it in public’- St Irenaeus of Lyons

St Irenaeus of Lyons (~130-202 AD), a Greek bishop from St Polycarp’s hometown Symrna, offers an interesting angle to the miracle of healing of the man born blind (St John 9:1-41)- the miracle which we commemorated last Sunday (the sixth Sunday of the Great Lent). He opines that the Lord healed many people by His word because sin was the reason of the infirmities of these people. However, in this case the man was born blind and neither the man’s nor his parents’ sins being the cause of his blindness. 

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. (St John 9:1-3)

St Irenaeus says that as per the book of Genesis the Lord took clay from the earth and formed man; in a similar manner we are fashioned in the womb of the mother. Hence, what the Lord omitted to form in womb of the blind man’s mother (i.e. his eyes), He fashioned that publicly by smearing clay (made from His spit on the ground)!

St Irenaeus says:

“..And thus also He healed by a word all the others who were in a weakly condition because of sin; to whom also He said, Behold, you are made whole, sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you: (St. John 5:14) pointing out by this, that, because of the sin of disobedience, infirmities have come upon men. 

To that man, however, who had been blind from his birth, He gave sight, not by means of a word, but by an outward action; doing this not without a purpose, or because it so happened, but that He might show forth the hand of God, that which at the beginning had moulded man. 

And therefore, when His disciples asked Him for what cause the man had been born blind, whether for his own or his parents' fault, He replied, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (St. John 9:3).

Now the work of God is the fashioning of man. For, as the Scripture says, He made [man] by a kind of process: And the Lord took clay from the earth, and formed man (Genesis 2:7).Wherefore also the Lord spat on the ground and made clay, and smeared it upon the eyes, pointing out the original fashioning [of man], how it was effected, and manifesting the hand of God to those who can understand by what [hand] man was formed out of the dust. 

For that which the artificer, the Word, had omitted to form in the womb, [viz., the blind man's eyes], He then supplied in public, that the works of God might be manifested in him, in order that we might not be seeking out another hand by which man was fashioned, nor another Father; knowing that this hand of God which formed us at the beginning, and which does form us in the womb, has in the last times sought us out who were lost, winning back His own, and taking up the lost sheep upon His shoulders, and with joy restoring it to the fold of life.”- St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 15, Ante-Nicene Fathers-Vol. 1.

In Christ,

Rincy John