The journey of an Orthodox mom.: December 2025

Little Thomas was about six or seven years old when St. Gregorios of Parumala visited his home parish, Puthiyacavu Church in Mavelikkara. As the saint interacted with the children, his eyes fell upon Thomas, and he embraced the boy warmly. At that moment, the parish vicar reminded St. Gregorios of a prophecy he had made concerning this child while still in his mother’s womb. The saint recalled the incident vividly.

Nearly six years earlier, a devout couple, Callumpurath Poovathur Mathew and Smt. Aleyamma, had sought an audience with St. Gregorios at Parumala. They requested his fervent prayers, as the expectant mother was facing severe health complications during pregnancy, worsened by fits. The saint assured them of his prayers and, by divine inspiration, foretold the destiny of the unborn child. He said, “Avante thalayil thoppi vekkan yogam ondu” (he is destined to wear the priestly cap). St. Gregorios instructed the parents to dedicate the child to the Lord. Through his intercessions, the mother’s health was restored, and the pregnancy progressed safely.

Thus, wrapped in prophecy and blessing, infant Thomas was born on 8 June 1887 in the Callumpurath household at Puthiyacavu, Mavelikkara. Recalling this divine moment, St. Gregorios reiterated his instruction to the parents about the boy’s sacred calling. The father, however, expressed his intention to send his younger son for priestly ministry while training Thomas in the family trade. Smiling, St. Gregorios replied, “God has set the elder one apart—may He utilise the younger one also,” indicating that both sons would serve the Church. This prophecy came true: Thomas became a stalwart bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Church, and his younger brother, C.M. Isaac, was ordained a priest.

St. Gregorios then ordained little Thomas to serve at the Holy Altar and instructed the parish vicar to ensure the boy was thoroughly taught the Orthodox faith. From that day, the roots of faith were deeply planted in Thomas’s heart, shaping a life dedicated to God and His Church.

Thomas completed his schooling at Mavelikkara B.H. High School and later graduated from CMS College, Kottayam. He was then ordained as a deacon by the revered Malankara Sabha Bhasuran, St. Dionysius Vattasseril, and pursued priestly education at the Old Seminary in Kottayam and the Parumala Seminary. His thirst for knowledge led him to Calcutta, where he secured admission to the MBBS programme at the Prince of Wales Medical College. Semassen envisioned serving humanity both as a doctor and a priest. However, after completing his first year of medical studies, St. Dionysius Vattasseril recalled him to Kerala, as the Malankara Orthodox Church was facing severe challenges and urgently needed committed ministers like Thomas Semassen to strengthen the faithful.

Thomas began his public life as a teacher at M.D. High School for two years and later served as the headmaster of M.G.D. School, Kundara, for 14 years. During his tenure in Kundara, Semassen undertook a 40-day fast every year, entirely of his own accord, spending those days in prayer and solitude at a small church dedicated to Prophet Elijah (Mar Elijah) in Koduvilla near Kundara. It was in this sacred silence that he received the inspiration to establish a monastic order. These contemplative periods not only deepened his spiritual life but also became the wellspring for many of his devotionals and sermons that would later inspire generations.

During the tenure of Semassen as the headmaster of M.G.D. English School, Kundara (1916–1930), one remarkable incident occurred that revealed the depth of his character and Christ-like compassion. One afternoon, after completing his official duties, Deacon C.M. Thomas retired to his room for a brief rest. What seemed like an ordinary day soon turned extraordinary with the unexpected arrival of a visitor.

The uninvited guest was a tall, middle-aged Tamilian man with an imposing physique. At first glance, Semassen sensed that the stranger was not of noble character. Yet, with characteristic grace and courtesy, the young deacon engaged him in polite conversation, striking a friendly chord. Before leaving hurriedly, the man handed over a suitcase to Deacon Thomas, instructing him to keep it safe and promising to return within three days to collect it.

Suspicious of the man’s intentions, Semassen examined the suitcase after the visitor departed. It did not take long to discover that the contents were stolen goods. Without delay, he informed the Kollam Deputy Superintendent of Police and local authorities. But for Semassen, duty did not end with reporting the crime. The love of Christ burned deeply within him, compelling him to seek not only justice but redemption for the offender. With courage and compassion, he made an unusual request to the senior police official:

“Please do not harm the man physically. Give him an opportunity to reform, he could become an asset to society. Perhaps he might even serve in your department. It will be difficult to overpower him by force, so please send two constables in civilian clothes to Kundara on the day he returns.”

Moved by Semassen’s conviction, the Deputy Superintendent agreed.

On the appointed day, the thief returned to reclaim the suitcase. Semassen welcomed him calmly and led him to a room. In a gentle yet firm tone, he said: “You will have a good future if you speak the truth; otherwise, matters will worsen. Say only the truth.”

The man broke down: “Sir, please save me. I will tell the truth. These are stolen belongings.”

As he confessed, the two plainclothes policemen waiting in the adjacent room stepped forward to arrest him. While they escorted the man to the station, Semassen reminded them not to harm him and to ensure he was given food in jail.

The thief spent a few days in custody, but thanks to Semassen’s intervention, he was treated with dignity. The deacon personally followed up on the case and, impressed by the man’s good conduct, appealed to higher officials for leniency. In time, the man was pardoned and—on Semassen’s recommendation—appointed as a constable in the Travancore Police Department. Grateful for this extraordinary act of mercy, the former thief often returned to Kundara to express his heartfelt thanks to Deacon Thomas.

A gifted orator, Thomas Semassen’s sermons and devotionals stirred hearts and strengthened the faithful to remain steadfast in the True Faith during a time marred by schisms and defections to other churches. This was an era when transportation was scarce, and speakers had no microphones to amplify their voices. For over two hours, one had to shout to be heard by large gatherings—a testament to Semassen’s endurance and zeal.

An incident of God’s providence in Semassen’s life stands out vividly. His success in fortifying the faithful against reformist propaganda provoked hostility. A young man, influenced by such propaganda, plotted to attack Semassen. Concealing himself in the bushes with his accomplices, he waited for the deacon to pass. But divine intervention prevailed—the man was bitten by a snake, causing commotion. Unaware of the deadly plan, Semassen happened upon the scene and, seeing the man in distress, ensured he received proper medical care. Days later, the young man and his father came to Semassen, seeking forgiveness—a powerful witness to grace overcoming malice.

Pathanapuram, covered by thick forests, is inhabited by wild elephants. Back then, the tree canopy was so dense that sunlight could barely penetrate through it. While passing through this region, Semassen learned of a lower primary school about to be closed. Seizing the opportunity, he purchased it and established a proper school in honour of St Stephen, the proto-martyr—offering education without barriers of religion, caste, or creed. This was revolutionary in an era when literacy was a privilege for a few. In newly independent India, educational opportunities were scarce, yet Mar Dionysius Thirumeni’s vision transformed Pathanapuram from kaadu (forest) to naadu (town). Today, the institutions he founded-schools for boys and girls, training schools, an art college, and technical colleges, stand as towers of excellence, attracting students from across India and bearing witness to his foresight.

In 1933, Thomas Semassen was ordained to the priesthood. The following year, he accompanied His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II, the Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan, to Holms, Syria, for peace talks concerning church disputes. He embraced monastic life in 1937 and was consecrated as a bishop in 1940. In the interim, he pursued higher studies at Oxford University, enrolling in the B.Litt. programme, where he studied alongside eminent scholars, including Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, later President of India. During his time in England, he also spent enriching days with the Cowley Fathers, learning deeply about their monastic order.

In 1942, Thirumeni accepted the British Indian Government’s invitation to serve as a military chaplain during World War II. Traversing the length and breadth of the country, he ministered to soldiers, offering spiritual solace in turbulent times. This experience impressed upon him the need for the Malankara Church to extend its reach across India. Acting on this vision, he established a school in Tiruchirapalli upon his return.

In Pathanapuram, Thirumeni saw not only the need for education but also for a monastic order to nurture an ascetic life. Thus was born Mount Tabor Monastery, founded on four guiding principles: transfer, transform, transfigure, and translate. The monks embraced simplicity, combining spiritual duties with manual labour and administrative responsibilities in educational institutions. Thirumeni ensured they received the best education, producing leaders of exceptional calibre. Mount Tabor has since given several bishops—including a Catholicos—to the Malankara Orthodox Church. A convent was also established nearby, furthering his vision of consecrated service.

Mar Dionysius Thirumeni was renowned for his compassion, extending help without regard for religion or caste. Under his care, an inmate named Vadakkan Mohammad lived to the age of 108. Witnesses recall Thirumeni feeding him with his own hands and, upon his passing, ensuring burial according to Islamic rites—a profound testimony to Christian love.

People from all walks of life were drawn to Thirumeni’s towering personality. He moved with ease among global and national leaders while remaining a tender father to the poor and needy. If anyone offered him a gift, he would slip it into his cassock pocket and, without even glancing at it, hand it to the first person in need. His life was a seamless blend of humility, generosity, and vision, a shepherd who built not only churches but futures.

Two years before Thirumeni’s repose in the Lord, an incident revealed the depth of his compassion and simplicity. After the morning prayers and Holy Qurbana, Thirumeni was resting in his room when a few priests from the Dayara came in for a conversation. At that moment, a man known to Thirumeni entered. By his appearance, he seemed to be a middle-class family man—his clothing suggested he was not poor or destitute. The priests present assumed the same, but Thirumeni knew his background and the financial struggles he was facing.

After speaking with the man, Thirumeni quietly reached into his cassock pocket, took out a bundle of currency notes, and handed it to him. The money was what Thirumeni had received the previous day as a token of gratitude for officiating a marriage sacrament. Witnessing this act of generosity, one senior priest asked, “Thirumeni, it is a blessing to support the poor and needy, but what good is it to help those who seem financially secure?”

Thirumeni replied with characteristic wisdom: “Achen, if a man does not hesitate to ask for help, we should not hesitate to give. Our Lord has commanded us to help the one who asks.”

After serving the Malankara Orthodox Church as a bishop for 32 glorious years, His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan entered eternal rest on 3 December 1972. His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I, Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan (of blessed memory) once said: “I faced immense sadness only once in my life. And that occasion was the departure of His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Thirumeni- he who like a father, selflessly loved me, brought up and raised me to this status. This incident remains the greatness sorrow of my life.”

The immense contributions of His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan to the Church and society cannot be captured in a few paragraphs. May this article offer a glimpse of the blessed life of this saintly father to inspire the younger generation.

By the prayers of our holy father among the saints, His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan, Lord, have mercy upon us and help us.

In Christ,

Rincy

Ref: My humble gratitude and thanks to Shri George Kuruvilla, nephew of His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan (of blessed memory) for sharing the precious stories about Thirumeni. Other sources: Translated from Malayalam- ‘Manushya Snehiyaaya Mar Deevannasiyos’, Very Rev. N. J. Thomas Ramban, Mount Tabore Dayara, Pathanapuram, April 2014 (Third Edition). All image sources are the from the personal collections of Mr.Gikku George Kuruvilla.

His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan alongwith His Grace Abraham Mar Clemis of Knanaya coming out after the WCC conference in Delhi in 1964. Also seen- Fr. K.C Thomas (later His Grace Thomas Mar Makarios Metropolitan), Fr. K. Philipose (later His Grace Dr. Philipose Mar Theophilus Metropolitan), Fr. Paul Varghese (later His Grace Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios Metropolitan) and Mr. K.M Cherian (Malayala Manorama).

Meeting the Oxford colleague- the then President of India- Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.

With the then Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan His Holiness Baselios Augen I, when Augen Bava Thirumeni was on his way to Kerala from Edessa (Mosul) with the holy relics of St. Thomas the Apostle.

His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan with his spiritual guru- His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan.

His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan with his dear spiritual son- His Grace Thomas Mar Timethios Metropolitan (later His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I, Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan).

His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan and His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan welcoming Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I at Catholicate Palace- Kottayam.

At WCC- New Delhi-1964

His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan with his brothers- Fr. C.M Isaac and C.M. George.

The mortal remains of His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius Metropolitan at Medical College Kottayam on Dec 03, 1972. Also see are- His Grace Mathews Mar Athanasius Metropolitan (later His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews I Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan), Very Rev. Zachariah Rambachan (later His Grace Zachariah Mar Dionysius Metropolitan) and His Grace Thomas Mar Timethios Metropolitan (later His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I, Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan)