St. Kuriakose Seminary, Kundara
Address: St. Kuriakose Seminary in Kundara was started in 1915. His Holiness Baselios Geevarghes II Catholicose planned the activities of the southern dioceses residing in Kundara. Its objectives were imparting training to priests, uplift of the Dalit community and setting up educational institutions. |
Kottapuram Seminary, Kottarakara |
Address: Kottapuram Seminary, Pulamon .P.O., Kottarakara Phone: (0475) 2452994Parumala Geevarghese Mar Gregorios found the Kottapuram Seminary in 1898,
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Thazhakara Seminary |
Address: M.S. Seminary, Thazhakara P.O, Mavelikara.690102 Kerala The Thazhakara Seminary also known as Malankara Syrian Seminary. was started on 25 Dhanu, 1038 by Parampil Idychandy Kathanar to cater the spiritual needs of few families at Thazhakara, Mavelikara. |
Sophia Centre, Kottayam |
Address: Sophia Centre , P.B. NO.98, Kottayam Phone:(0481) 2566650 Metropolitan Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios founded the Sophia center in 1974 and it is also the venue for HOLY SYNOD.. |
Threesai Shubaho Centre, Pampakuda |
Address: Threesai Shubaho Centre, Pampakuda P.O. Muvattupuzha – 686 667 Phone: Fax: 0485- 272829 Threesai Shubaho centre is a monement in memory of the Konatt Malpans of Pampakuda. |
Mar Epiphanios Centre, Adoor |
Address: Mar Epiphanios Centre, Kunnamcode, Adoor P.O., Phone: (0473) 2427117 Metropolitan Mathews mar Epiphanios started the Mar Epiphanios Center.His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II Catholicose consecrated on 22 November 1997. |
St. Gregorios Shantinilayam Counselling Centre |
Address: St. Gregorios Shantnilayam Councelling Centre. Pathanamthitta – 689 645 Phone: 0473- 2322243 Pathanamthitta. Metropolitan Philipose Mar Eusebios found the St. Gregorios Shantinilayam Counseling Centre, which is housed in the Daniel Mar Philexinos Memorial Mandiram under the Thumpamon Diocese. His Holiness Mathews II the Catholicos inaugurated it on 22 May 1997. |
Month: February 2018
Holy Synod
MEMBERS OF THE HOLY EPISCOPAL SYNOD |
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No. |
Name&Address |
Date Of Birth |
1 |
His Holiness Baselius Mar Thoma Didymus I |
29 Oct 1921 |
(President) | ||
Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan | ||
Catholicate Aramana |
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Devalokam, Kottayam -686 038 | ||
2 |
His Beatitude Paulose Mar Milithios |
30 Aug 1946 |
Catholicos Designate and |
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Assistant to Malankara Metropolitan | ||
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kunnamkulam |
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Bishop’s House | ||
Arthat, Kunnamkulam 680 521 | ||
3 |
His Grace Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios |
9 Dec 1918 |
Sr. Metropolitan of the Diocese of Niranam | ||
Bethany Aramana | ||
Tiruvalla 689 101 | ||
4 |
His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas |
9 Aug. 1924 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of America | ||
80-34 Commonwealth Blvd. | ||
Bellrose, NY. 11426, U. S. A. |
5 | His Grace Dr. Gabriel Mar Gregorios |
10 Feb 1948 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Thiruvananthapuram |
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Orthodox Church Centre, Ulloor |
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Medical College P. 0. | ||
Thiruvananthapuram -695 011 | ||
6 |
His Grace Zachariah Mar Anthonios |
19 Jul 1946 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kollam | ||
Bishop’s House, Cross Junction | ||
Kollam 691 001 | ||
7 | His Grace Kuriakose Mar Clemis |
26 July 1936 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Thumpamon | ||
Basil Aramana, Pathanamthitta 689 645 | ||
8 |
His Grace Thomas Mar Athanasius |
3 April 1938 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Chengannur | ||
Bethel Aramana, Chengannur 689 121 |
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9 |
His Grace Geevarghese Mar Ivanios |
14 Nov. 1940 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kottayam | ||
Kuriakose Mar Gregorios Centre | ||
M. D. Seminary, Kottayam -686 001 | ||
10 |
His Grace Abraham Mar Epiphanios |
17 Sept 1960 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Sultan’s Bathery, Bangalore Assistant | ||
Nirmalagiri, Sultan Battery | ||
Wayanad 673 592 | ||
11 |
His Grace Iyoob Mar Philoxenos |
8 May 1939 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Delhi | ||
The Delhi Orthodox Centre | ||
2, Institutional Area | ||
Thuglaqabad, New Delhi 110 062 | ||
12 |
His Grace Jacob Mar Irenios |
15 Aug 1949 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kochi | ||
Zion Seminary, Koratty, Chalakudy 680308 |
13 |
His Grace Dr. Mathews Mar Severios |
12 Feb. 1949 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kandanad West |
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Mar Pachomius Mount, | ||
Meempara, 682308 | ||
14 |
His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos |
7 Oct 1949 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Mumbai | ||
Orthodox Church Centre |
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Sector 10 -A, Vashi | ||
Juhu Nagar, New Mumbai 400 763 | ||
15 |
His Grace Paulose Mar Pachomios |
26 Jan 1946 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Mavelikara | ||
Bishop’s House, Thazhakkara, | ||
Mavelikara – 690 102 |
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16 |
His Grace Yuhanon Mar Dioscorus |
8 Apr 1965 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Chennai | ||
Bishop’s House | ||
56 Surapet Main Road | ||
Vinayaga Nagar, Chennai 600 099 | ||
17 |
His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasius |
28 June 1952 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Kandanad East | ||
Bishop’s House, Muvattupuzha, | ||
18 |
His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mor Meletius |
04 July 1954 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Thrissur |
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Gedseemon, Mannuthy, Thrissur | ||
19 |
His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos |
13 Aug 1959 |
Assistant to Metropolitan of America, | ||
Indian Orthodox Church Centre, | ||
80-34 Commonwealth Blvd., | ||
ellerose, N.Y-11426, U S A. | ||
20 |
His Grace Dr. Zachariah Mar Theophilus |
17 Aug 1952 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Malabar | ||
Mount Hermon, NITC P.O., | ||
Kozhikode – 673 601 | ||
21 |
His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Chrisostomos |
07 Jan 1955 |
Bethany Aramana, Tiruvalla 689 101 | ||
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Niranam | ||
22 | His Grace Alexios Mar Eusebios | |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of South West America | ||
23 | His Grace Joseph Mar Dionysius |
15 Jun 1956 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Culcutta | ||
St. Thomas Ashram | ||
PB No.24, Kailash Nagar, | ||
Bhilai (Chattisgarh, India) | ||
24 | His Grace Mathews Mar Themothios |
03 May 1963 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Europe & Africa | ||
25 | His Grace Mathews Mar Theodosius |
15 Sep 1955 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Idukki | ||
26 | His Grace Yuhanon Mar Polycarpos |
30 Mar 1955 |
Metropolitan of the Diocese of Ankamaly | ||
Ankamaly West | ||
Thrikkunathu Seminary | ||
Aluva, Ernakulam District | ||
Ankamaly East | ||
Mar Basil Aramana | ||
Kothamanalam P.O. | ||
Ernakulam District |
Training Schemes
St. Paul’s Mission Training Center, Mavelikara
Address: St. Paul’s Mission Training Center was started by Deacon M.V. George (Dr Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Metropolitan) on 15 August 1943. On 15 August 1979 the Holy Synod recognized this as the first Mission Training Center. It offers a three year diploma course in Mission studies. The Marriage Aid Fund, the Sick Aid Foundation, House Building Aid Fund, Widow Aid Fund and ” Sneha Sandesham” are functioning under the St. Paul’s Mission Center. |
Divyabodhanam: Scheme for Training laymen |
Address: The study Scheme for the spiritual growth of the laymen of the Orthodox Church was started in 1984. In 1984 a certificate course (P.O.C.E) (Proficiency in Orthodox Christian Education) in Religious studies was started. Those passing the certificate course are offered a two- year Diploma course (D.O.C.E) and those passing this are offered the G.O.C.E. Course. In 1990 a certificate course in Bible commentary was started. It was in 1997 that the degree course was started. A syllabus comprising twenty books has been prescribed for the course. Uutil 1997 more than 1000 men and women have completed the course. Currently 400 women and 641 men are undergoing training in Religious studies through various courses. Office bearers:
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Sruthi, School of Liturgical Music, Kottayam: |
Address: Sruthi, Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam – 686 001. Phone: (0481) 2585384. In 1989 His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I Catholicose started the Sruthi School of Liturgical Music in Orthodox Theological seminary premises. Its objective is to teach music scientifically and also to encourage research in liturgical music. It gives short and long term courses in organ, violin, guitar, veena and other musical instruments and also offers training in liturgical music, Carnatic music, light and western music. It conducts leadership camps for the Malankara Orthodox Choir Association. It also trains a choir group of 60 members called “Sumoro” which serves as a model choir group in liturgical music. Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios was the Principal of Sruthi from 1989-96.
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Civil Service Academy, Thiruvananthapuram: |
Address: On 6 November 1991 His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II Catholicose started the civil service Academy adjacent to the Orthodox Students center in Thiruvanan- thapuram for training students for the I.A.S and I.P.S examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. This institution has been successfully training students for the past five years. Five students who studied here have passed the final examinations so far. Of these 3 have been selected for central services, one for I.A.S and one for I.P.S. The course is conducted in two sections: Preliminary course (January – May) and Main Course (August- November.
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Human Recourse Development and Catholicate Study Centre |
Address: In 1993 His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I Catholicose established the ‘Human Resource Center’ with the M.D. Seminary Kottayam as the headquarters. In 1997 it was expanded with the objective to work for human resourses development and also offer special coaching for the various examinations |
Prathyasha Counselling Centre, Kottayam |
Address: His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II Catholicose inaugurated the Center on 5 August 1995. Prathyasha Counselling offers courses for the priests and laymen of the Sabha. The teachers of the Orthodox Theological Seminary conduct the classes. Office bearers:Rev. Fr. Dr. K.M George (Chairman) |
St Basil Bible School, Sasthamkotta |
Address: The Basil Bible School was started in 2000 to offer Counselling Courses for the laymen of the Sabha. His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II Catholicose inaugurated the Center. |
Social Activities
Malankara Orthodox Church Mission Society |
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Address: St. Paul’s Mission Center Mavelikara-3. The Malankara Orthodox Church Mission Society was started in 1989 with the objectives of evangelization of India.. It strives to convey the Gospel message through mission activities, mission seminars, caps, mission training classes, publications, centres for worship, relief activities in times of natural calamities and through secular service. Office bearers:
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Malankara Orthodox Church Mission Board |
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The Mission Society was started in 1979 in order to give an organized and invigorating leadership to Missionary Activities of the Malankara Orthodox Church. The fundamental objective of the Malankara Orthodox Mission Board is to share with the poor and evangelize India before A. D 2000. The Mission Board consists of one- third of the memebers of the Mission Society. The National Forum for Mission Studies, ‘NAMS’ (National Association for Mission Studies) was founded in 1984 by Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathious. The monthly investment for Mission Evangelization Scheme was started in 1996 under the Mission Board to pay allowances to missionaries who work in the mission field. Office bearers:
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House Building Scheme |
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Address: House Building Scheme, Catholicate office, Devalokam, Kottayam – 686 038
The list of houses donated through the Scheme is given below: Thiruvananthapuram (86) Office bearers: Other members of the Committee are: 1 . Dr. Alexander Karakkal (Association Secretary)
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Scheme for Community Marriage |
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His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II Catholicose gave formal recognition to the Scheme for Community M arriages in 1992 and a Central Committee was formed in this regard.
The Central Committee consisted of His Holiness Catholicose as the Patron and Metropolitans Thomas Mar Timotheos, Philipose Mar Theophilos, Geevarghese Mar Osthathios, Thomas Mar Makarios as assistants to the patron. Fr. Mathai Nooranal , Fr.Joseph Vendasapala. Fr. T. J. Joshua, Fr. T.C. John, K.M. Mathew, P.C. Abraham, M.T. Paul, A.K.Thomas, Jagan Philipose, P.C.Alias, Jacob Thomas Arikkupuram as members and Thomas Mathew as Convener. Besides these, the Secretary of every diocese is also a member of the Central Committee. First Phase: (1992- March 1997) Second Phase: ( April 1997-1998) Thus a total of Rs. 4.6 million was distributed for 313 marriages and for the Church it is a great achievement in the field of social welfare. The fund raised for this purpose was collected from individuals and institutions. A major share of this fund came from Parumala Seminary. Like the house-building scheme of the Church, the marriages scheme is also a recurring continual scheme benefiting hundreds of people all over India
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Dayaras
VALLIKATTU DAYARA: (VAKATHANAM) |
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Address:
Valikattu Dayara, The Dayara was founded by Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysios in 1868 and in 1875 Ramban Geevarghese Karuchira developed it into a Dayara. Manager: Very. Rev. Joseph Ramban |
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MAR BASIL DAYARA: (PATHANAMTHITTA) |
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Address:
Basil Dayara, The Dayara was started by Metropolitan Puthencavu Geevarghese Mar Philexinos of Thumpamon diocese in 1938. Office Bearers: Thumpamon Diocesan Metropolitan Philipose Mar Eusebios. |
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ST.GEORGE DAYARA: OTHARA |
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Address:
St. George Dayara, The Othara Dayara was founded on the land donated to the Church by Thottapurath T. K. Alexander. in 1944. Office Bearers: Fr. E. Mathews served as its Superior for a long period. |
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St.THOMAS DAYARA: VETTICKAL |
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Address: St. Thomas Dayara, Vettikal, Mulanthuruthy. Phone: 0484 – 2740220The beginning of today’s Dayara started here in 1125 with the installation of one of the crosses of Mulanthuruthy Church. In 1809 the younger Bava of Kattumangattu family was interred here. Parumala Thirumeni was consecrated here as Metropolitancon 10 December 1896. On 10 December 1976 the Holy Relics of Parumala Thirumeni were interred here. Office Bearers: Fr. P.A.S. Yohanan is its manager now. |
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MAR KURIAKOSE DAYARA: PAMPADY |
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Address:
Mar Kuriakose Dayara, The Dayara was founded by Kuriakose Mar Gregorios in 1909. K.G.College, B.M.M. English Medium Central School, I.T.C., M.G.M. Abhayabhavan, Mar Gregorios Balabhavanan are functioning under the Dayara. Office Bearers: Rev. Fr. C A Varghese is the Asst. Manager Website: http://www.pampadydayara.com/ |
Colleges
Corporate Management |
Address:
Catholicate Aramana Phone: (0481) 2578234 The Corporate Management was created on 5 July 1979. Former Office Bearers: Current Office Bearers: |
Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta |
Address:
Catholicate College, The first college of the Malankara Orthodox Church was started at Pathanamthitta in 1952. There are 4000 students getting their education here. The college has 147 teaching and 147 administrative staff on its rolls. There are degree courses in English, Malayalam, Hindi, Economics, History, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Commerce. The college also has research facilities in the Departments of Malayalam, Hindi, Zoology and Botany. The College also has a study center of the Indira Gandhi National Open University. Metropolitan Philipose Mar Eusebios is the present Manager. Prncipal : Daniel Mar Philexinos (P.E. Daniel Ramban) was the first principal. (1952-53) Website: http://www.catholicatecollege.co.in/ |
K.G.College, Pampady |
Address:
K.G. College, Pampady – 686 502 K.G.College in Pampady was started in memory of Kuriakose Mar Gregorios.on 14 February 1981. The college offers graduate courses in Economics, Chemistry and Commerce. There are 1101 students undergoing various courses now. 43 teaching and 36 administrative staff is currently serving there. Prof. Titus Varkey was the first Principal.. Website: http://www.pampadycollege.com |
Baselius College, Kottayam |
Address: Baselious College, Kottayam – 686 001 Phone: 0481 2563918 & 2565958
The college offers Post Graduate Courses in English, Economics, Political Science, Malayalam, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Commerce. Principal: Dr. A. P. Mani (1964-82), Prfo. E. J. John (1982-88), Prof. M. J. Thomas (1988-95), Dr. Alexander Karackal (1995-96), Prof. K. P. Joy (1996-98) and Prof. P. C. Alias (1998-) Prof. E.John Mathew (2001) Website: http://www.baselius.ac.in/ |
St. Mary’s College, Sultan Bathery |
Address: St. Mary’s College, Kuppadi P.O. Sultan Bathery – 673 592 Phone: 04936 220246 St.Mary’s College was started in July 1965 under the leadership of Fr. Mathai Nooranal. The college offers post graduate courses in Politics and Chemistry and graduate course in Economics, Politics, Chemistry, Physics, Botony and Commerce.Chief Office bearers: Website: http://www.stmaryssby.org/ |
Mar Dionysius College, Pazhanji |
Address:
M.D College, Pazhanji, Trissur. M.D.College in Pazhani was started in memory of Pulikottil Mar Dionysious I .in 1982 Principal:. Website: http://www.mdcollege.net/ |
St. Cyril’s College, Adoor |
Address: St. Cyril’s College, Adoor. Phone: (04734) 222443, 210043 The St. Cyril’s Collegewas founded by Metropolitan Mathews Mar Coorilose (His Holiness Mathews II Catholicose) in 1981 . The College offers graduate courses in English, History and Chemistry. MetroplitanMathews Mar Epiphanios is currently the manager. |
St. Stephen’s College, Pathanapuram |
Address:
St. Stephen’s College, Maloor, The St. Stephen’s Collge in Pathanapuram was started by Thomas Mar Dionysios on 8 July 1964 . Principal: Website: http://www.st-stephens1964.org |
St. Gegorios College , Kottarakara |
Address:
St. Gregorios College, The St. Gregorios College was founded by the Metroplitan Mathews Mar Coorilose (His Holiness Mathews II Catholicose) in 1964 Principal: |
Mount Tabor Training College, Pathanapuram |
Address:
Mount Tabor Training College, Thoma Mar Dionysios, started the Mount Tabor Traning College in July 1960. Principal: |
Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II (BMM II) Training College, Kottarakara |
Address:
Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II B. ED College, His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II Catholicose started the Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II Training College in 1995. Principal: Website: http://www.bmm2tc.org/ |
St. Thomas College, Chennai |
Address:
St.Thomas College,140/6, AKR Road, The St. Thomas College, established in September 1999 as a coeducational institution, is governed by the St. Thomas Orthodox Syrian Cathedral Parish Trust headed by Bishop Dr. Yakob Mar Irenaios, Metropolitan of the Madras diocese of the Indian Orthodox Church as its Founder-Chairman. Website: http://www.stthomascollege.org/ |
St.Thomas College, Ranni |
Address:
St.Thomas College Ranni Phone:04735 226238 & 226738 Principal: Prof.Babu Joseph |
St. Thomas College, Bhilai |
Address:
St.Thomas College Principal: Prof. P.O. Zacharia, Website: http://www.stthomascollege.net/ |
St.Peter’s College, Kolenchery |
Address:
St.Peters College , Website: http://www.stpeterscollege.ac.in/ |
Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Tech, Peerumedu |
Address:
Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering & Technology Website: http://www.mbcpeermade.com/ |
Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II (BMM II) College of Engineering, Sasthamkotta |
Address:
BMM II College of Engineering, |
MOSC Medical College, Kolenchery |
Address:
MOSC Medical College, Website: http://www.moscmm.org/ |
Theophilos College of Nursing, Kangazha |
Address:
Theophilos College of Nursing |
SG College of Nursing, Parumala |
Address:
SG College of Nursing Website: http://sghospital.org/home.html |
M.G.M. Junior College, Bhilai |
Address:
MGM Junior College Principal: Prof.K.C.Mani |
M.P.C. College of Engineering & Technology, Bhilai |
Address:
MPC COllege of Engineering Principal: Prof. Alias Varghese Website: http://www.mpccet.ac.in/ |
St.Marys Syrian College, Brahmavar |
Address: St.Mary’s Syrian College Brahmavar 576214 Phone: 08252 261293 |
SG College of Social Science, Parumala |
Address:
SG College of Social Science, Website: http://sghospital.org/home.html |
Publications
Malankara Sabha Magazine | ||
Address: Malankara Sabha Magazine, Devalokam, Kottayam- 38 Ph: 0481 – 2573234 Malankara Sabha , the official publication of the Malankara Orthodox Church was started in 1946 by His Holiness Geevarghese II Catholicose. Former Office Bearers: Current Chief Office bearers: Philipose Mar Eusebios Metropolitan (President) Members of the Editorial Board:
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Publications | Bethel Pathrika | |
Address: ‘Bethel Pathrika’, Bethel Aramana, Chengannur – 699 121 The publication was sarted in 1987.
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Publications | Dhoothan | |
Address: ‘Dhoothan’, St. Paul’s Mission Centre Mavelikara – 3 Ph: 0479 2302473 The publication was started in 1988. Office Bearers (Editorial Board): President : H. G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Metropolitan Sub-Editors : Fr. K. K. Gheevarghese Nallila Campaign Secretary: Aji Varghese
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Publications | The Gateway | |
Address: ‘The Gateway’, Orthodox Church Center, Juhu Nagar, Vashi, Bombay – 400703. This bi-annual magazine is being published from the office of the Bombay Diocese.
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Publications | Hermon Sannesham | |
Address: ‘Hermon Sannesham’, Mount Hermon Aramana, R.E.C. P.O., Kozhikode -1. The publication was started in1997.
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Publications | The Light | |
Address: ‘The Light’, St. Thomas Ashram, P. B. No.24, Bhilai 490 001 “Light” the official publication of Calcutta Diocese is being published from Nagpur
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Publications | Malankara Sabha Deepam | |
Address: Malankara Sabha Deepam, P. B. No. 611, Kottayam – 686 001
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Publications | Orthodox Youth | |
Address: Orthodox Youth Devalokam Kottayam The publication was started in 1958 and it is the official magazine of the Students’ Movement
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Publications | Paurasthya Taram | |
Address: ‘Paurasthya Taram’, Bishop’s House, KollamThe publication was started in 1990.
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Publications | Purohithan | |
Address: Orthodox Theological Group Devalokam Kottayam This magazine is being published under the auspices of the St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Group
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Publications | Snehalokam | |
Address: ‘Snehalokam’, St. Thomas Mission Centre, Haripad – 690 514 This magazine is being published under the St.Thomas Missionary Group.
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Publications | Sabha Chandrika | |
Address: ‘Sabha Chandrika’, Trikunnath seminary, Aluva. This tri-annual magazine is being published under the Angamali Diocese.
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Publications | Star of the East | |
Address: Delhi Orthodox Center New Delhi The publication was started in 1979.
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Publications | Sathyavishwasa Deepthi | |
Address: ‘Sathyavishwasa Deepthi’, Kriakose Mar Gregorios Center, M.D. Seminary, Kottayam-1 This bimonthly is being published from Kottayam diocesan Centre.
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Publications | Manna | |
Address: Manna This monthly internet magazine is being published from MGOCSM Bombay diocese
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PRESS | Catholicate Press, Develokam | |
Address: Catholicate Press, Develokam – 686 038. Phone:(0481) 578499. The Catholicate press was started in 1896 by His Holiness Baselios Oughen I Catholicose to undertakes the printings of Sunday school and O.V.B.S books, Malankara Sabha Magazine, M.O.C. Publications and also the materials sent from Develokam Aramana and Catholicate Office.
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PRESS | MOC Publications | |
Address: M.O.C. Publications, Cathoicate Aramana, Devalokam,Kottayam 38 The Publication Wing of the Malankara Orthodox Church “M.O.C. Publications” was startedin 1982 Office bearers: H.G.Thomas Mar Athanasius (President) |
Orphanages
Basalel Girls Home
Sooranad – 690 522 – Ph. 0476 2851427
Bethanya Bhavan
Tiruvalla – 689 101 – Ph. 0469 600158
BMM II Balabhavan
Chengamanadu, Kottarakkara.
BMM II Sneha Bhavan
Kizhakketheruvu, Kottarakkara – Ph. 0474 2652060
Cheppad Mar Dionysius Foundation
Cheppad – Ph. 0479 2474182
Hanna Bhavan
Koratty – 680 308
Holy Trinity Disabled Childrens Home
Althara, Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram. – 0471 2418767
Karunya Visranthi Bhavan
Kattela, Sreekariyam, Trivandrum -695 017 – Ph. 0471 2596418
Kottukalam Visranthy Bhavan
Kuzhimattom.
Mar Gregorios Blind Rehabilitation Centre
Devagiri, Kodunganoor P.O., Thiruvananthapuram- 695 013 – Ph: +91 471 2378436
Mar Gregorios Asram
Kandand, – 0484 2792140 and 2792424
Mar Baselius Childrens Home
Mannapra, Palakkad – Ph.0492 2255556
Mar Athanasius Memorial Prathyasa Bhavan
Kuzhimattom
Mar Baselius Childrens Home
Vadavucode – 682 310 – Ph.0484 2730464
Mar Gregorios Balabhavan
Thadagom, Coimbatore
Mar Baselius Santhi Bhavan
Thalavoor, Kottarakara – Ph. 0475 2328103
Mar Baselios Gregorios Mercy Home
Mannadisala, Vechoochira, Ranni – Ph. 04735 265533
M.G.Bethel Karuna Centre
South Karassery, Thathankulam P.O., (T.N) 628622 – Ph. 04630 263274
M.G.D Asram Balabhavan
Karunagiri, Karukachal – Ph. 0481 2486384
M.G.M Abhaya Bhavan
Pothenpuram, Pampady – Ph. 0481 2507741, 2505935
NAMS Snehasadan
No.28, Vodarahalli, Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore – 560 097 – Ph. 080 65375538
Joseph Mar Pachomios Memorial Pratheeksha Bhavan
Karimpana P.O., Koothattukulam – Ph. 0485 2253504
St.Gregorios Balagram,
Nirmalagiri,
Yacharam A.P. – Ph. 08414 243234
St.Marys Boys Home
Thalacode, Mulanthuruthy – Ph. 0484 2711290
St.Pauls Bala Bhavan
Puthuppady, Kozhikode – Ph. 0495 2235247
St.Thomas Childrens Home
Bhilai M.P – Ph. 0788 2381309
St.Thomas Balabhavan
Haripad – 690 514 – Ph. 0479 2412764
St.Marys Balikamandiram
Kizhakkambalam, Alwaye – Ph. 0484 2680283
St.George Balikagram
St.Thomas Nagar, Mamuridi,
Dehu Road Cantt. P.O.,
Pune – 412 101 – Ph.020 27671066, 27673785
St.Thomas Balabhavan
Vazhuthoor, Neyyattinkara – Ph. 0471 224603
St.Thomas Balabhavan
Nellipathy,Agali P.O., Palakkad.
St.Thomas Childrens Home
Sasthamkotta.
St.Macreena Santhi Bhavan
Baselios Convent, Kottarakara – Ph. 0475 2452543
St.Pauls Balagram
P.N.45, Raisalpur, ltarsi,
M.P 461 111 – Ph. 07572 273943
Valayanchirangara Balagram
Perumbavoor – Ph. 0484 2657141
Vattasseril Mar Dionysius Home
Madavoor, Muvattupuzha.
Hospitals
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History
Introduction
Malankara Orthodox Church is an ancient Church of India and it traces its origin to as far back as A. D. 52 when St. Thomas one of the Disciples of Jesus Christ came to India and established Christanity in the South Western parts of the sub-continent.
The St. Thomas Christians or the Syrian Christians exist at present in different churches and denominations. But a major section of the parent body of St. Thomas Christians which has maintained its independent nature constitute the Orthodox Church under the Catholicate of the East with Headquarters at Devalokam, Kottayam.
The Beginning of the Church
That the Apostle Thomas one of the twelve is the founder of the St. Thomas Christians has been well established. Christian writers and representatives of the Churches at least from the 4th century refer to the evangelistic labours of the Apostle Thomas in India and the Indian Christians ascribe the origin of their Church to this event in the first century.
It is reasonable to believe that the Apostle came to India, preached the gospel, established the Church and died here as a Martyr.Tradition has it that the Apostle Thomas established Churches in Kerala and appointed Priests for them.
The Persian Connection
The Indian Church came in contact with the East Syrian Church possibly from the 4th century. In the 5th century, the church of Persia came to its own. The Catholicos with his seat at Seleucia -Ctesiphon began to be called also Patriarch and in 486 A. D. the Church officially accepted a resolution in its Synod to recognise Nestorius as a Saint and Church Father. This decision was not however accepted by a minority of Persian Christians who acknowledged a Catholicos at Tagrit in northern Mesopotamia as their spiritual head in 629 A. D.
We have evidence that in the 8th century the Indian Church had its Primate known as “The Metropolitan and the Gate of All India” a title adopted presumably under Islamic influence. The Vatican Codex 22, written in Cranganore in 1301 gives the titles as “The Metropolitan of the Throne of St. Thomas and of the whole Church of the Christians in India.”
The Indian Church maintained its autonomous administration. The Church of Persia had a tradition which acknowledged autonomy of Churches in its communion abroad. The Church in Kerala continued as an administratively independent community till the 16th century.
The Portugese Period
Things changed during the Portuguese period. The missionaries who came from abroad were eager to bring the Indian Church into communion with Rome. They worked on it almost through the 16th century. In 1599 by the Synod of Diamper, the assembly of representatives from churches was forced to give up the Indian Church’s connection with the Patriarch of the Persian Church in favour of the Pope of Rome. But there was dissatisfaction among the people. This dissatisfaction led to a general revolt in 1653 known commonly as the Coonan Cross revolt. Portuguese efforts to put it down by force did not succeed. Now Rome entered the field directly through Missionaries, and a section of those who rebelled went back to Roman allegiance.
A body of the people led by the Archdeacon, who stood for the administrative autonomy of the Indian Church inspite of serious difficulties were determined to keep to the independence of the Indian Church. The Portuguese were in fact instrumental in causing a division in the one united church in India. Although they succeeded in getting the allegiance of a party in the Church to the Roman Catholic community, an equally important party did not follow their way.
The Antiochene Connection
The party that sought to preserve the Church’s freedom appealed to several Eastern Christian Centres for help in restoring its episcopal succession. The Antiochene Syrian Patriarch responded and sent to India a Bishop, Metropolitan Mar Gregorios of Jerusalem who came to India in 1665. The Archdeacon who had been declared in the meantime to be Metropolitan MarThoma by the laying on of hands by twelve Presbyters was now confirmed by him in his episcopal rank, and both of them worked together to organisethe church on firm footing. Mar Thoma I was followed in succession by a series of Prelates with the same name till 1816 when the last of them namely Mar Thoma IX came to the scene, but was soon replaced by Mar Dionysius II.
Malankara Orthodox Church had felt the need of assistance for establishing systematic education for its clergy, teaching the people in the faith, instructing the clergy in properly celebrating the liturgical services and above all assistance in the maintenance of the episcopal succession intact. But the Orthodox Church maintained its autonomous administration and life under local leadership. Even the help from the Antiochene Syrian Patriarch was without any idea of formally submitting to his jurisdiction, but only for an over all spiritual supervision and of keeping to a friendly relation.
There were differences of opinion over the authority of the Patriarch in the Malankara Church and it created certain difficulties. But the Church has always been successful in maintaining its freedom and never allowed any foreign domination.
Co-operation with the C.M.S
By 1795 the British established themselves in South India and Kerala came under their sway. During the time of Col. Munroe who was the British Resident in Kerala, P’ulikottillttoop Ramban expressed his interest in founding a Seminary for the teaching of the Church’s Clergy. The Resident supported him and the seminary was founded in 1815. Pulikottil lttoop Ramban became a Bishop -Metropolitan Mar Dionysius II.
From 1816 the experiment of co-operation between the Malankara Church and the C. M. S. of the Anglican Church was carried on, but it was found to be unsuccessful and was called off in 1836.
This incident led to the division of the community into three bodies. One of them a reformed group tried to bring about serious reforms in the liturgy and practices of the Church as a whole but failed. After about half a century of conflict within the church this body had to withdraw and organise itself as the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. A smaller body of the Syrian Christians opted to join with the missionaries and be absorbed in the Anglican Church. The majority of the community continued in the Church without accepting the reforms.
Authority of the Patriarch of Antioch
The conflict between the body which adopted the reform and that which opposed it, was a serious development in the church during the 19th century. This led to the latter to appeal for help from the Antiochene Syrian Patriarch. In 1875 Patriarch Peter III came to Kerala and held a Synod of representatives of Churches .at Mulanthuruthy in 1876. This Synod adopted a number of resolutions including an admission that the Church would continue in the communion of the Patriarch and the Syrian Church of Antioch. However the Patriach tried to see in these decisions more than the Indian Church really wanted to acknowledge.
Following the Synod of Mulanthuruthy in 1876 a litigation in court between the party in favour of the reforms and the party against it continued. It came to an end in 1889 with the judgement announced in favour of the latter by the then highest court of Kerala, the Royal Court of Appeal. The majority in a panel of three judges gave their verdict admitting that from the middle of the 18th century an over- all spiritual supervision used to be-exercised by the Patriarch over the Malankara Church and that he had a right to claim it.
Patriarch Peter I1I was not satisfied with this judgement. He was keen to establish that he had full authority over the Malankara Church bothin its spiritual and in its temporal matters and not merely an over all spiritual supervision. In fact he protested though nobody responsible in the matter took note of it. His second successor Patriarch Mar Abdullah II was determined to follow up the matter. With this intention he came to Kerala in 1909 and pressed the issue. But that led to a sad division in the Church from 1911, one party siding with the Patriarch and the other lining up with Metropolitan Mar Dionysius VI of Vattasseril who stood against him and wanted to keep up the independence of Malankara Church.
Catholicate established in Malankara in 1912
In this conflict the Metropolitan could obtain the support of Patriarch Mar Abdul Messiah the immediate successor to Patriarch Peter III. Patriarch Peter III was succeeded in 1895 by Mar Abdul Messiah. Bya state interference he had lost his position in Turkey and came to be replaced by Mar Abdulla. While Mertopolitan Mar Dionysius VI clashed with Mar Abdullah, the Canonical senior Patriarch Abdul Messiah offered to come to the assistance of the former. Thus in 1912 he came to Kerala and associated with Mar Dionysius VI and the Bishops and the Church with him, to establish the Catholicate of the East in Malankara. The ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Church, Niranam on 15 September 1912; Niranam Church is one of the seven Churches founded by St. Thomas during his visit here in the first century.
The Catholicate of the East was thus established in Malankara, with the co-operation of the canonical Patriarch Abdul Messiah, who was senior to Mar Abdulla. Thereby the Patriarch himself has withdrawn his right of spiritual oversight if any in the Indian Church, which the Royal Court of Appeal had acknowledged for him in 1889.
The designation “Catholicos of the East” to the successors of St. Thomas the Apostle was given by the Jerusalem Synod of AD 231. The head quarters of the Orthodox Church of the East was first at Uraha (Edessa) in Persia. This was moved to ‘Selucia’ and it was there the title “Catholicos of the East” originated. Catholicos is an ecclesiastical dignitary recognised in the Antiochen Syrian Church also. He is equal in rank with the Patriarch though the latter is considered as first among equals (primus interparees)
Constitution of the Church Adopted in 1934
Malankara Orthodox Church is now administered as per the constitution adopted in 1934 which was passed by the Malankara Syrian Christian Association. The Association is a fully representative body of the church with elected members -priests and laymen -from all the Parish Churches. Now one priest each and laymen 1 to 10 depending on the number of members in each parish are members of the Association. There are about 1400 parishes under the Malankara Orthodox Church. It is the Association which elects the Catholicos and the Malankara Metropolitan and also the Bishops.
There is a Managing Committee for the Association with members from each Diocese elected by the Association. The Malankara Metropolitan is the President of the Managing Committee and the remaining Prelates having administrative charge are the Vice-Presidents.
The Association Mahaging Committee has a Working Committee with Malankara Metropolitan as the President. The Working Committee is aJso the Consultative Committee of the Malankara Metropolitan.
The Episcopal Synod has all the Prelates of the Malankara Church as members. Matters concerning Faith, Order and Discipline are under the authority of the Episcopal Synod. It is the Episcopal Synod which installs the Catholicos.
Conclusion
The Indian Church has an Apostolic foundation. Now with the establishment of the Catholicate in 1912 the Orthodox Church has come to its own.
Although majority of the members of the church numbering about 2.5 million live in Kerala, they could be found now spread over not only in all the different states of India, but also in all the continents through out the world. There are a total of 21 Dioceses now, 15 of them in Kerala and 6 of them outside Kerala ie Madras, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, America and the Diocese of Canada-UK-Europe. Parishes outside India, other than those in the two Dioceses of America and Canada-UK-Euro.pe are included in the four Dioceses of Madras, Bombay, Calcutta and Delhi.
Orthodox Church is an Ancient, Autonomous, Independent, Indian Church whose Supreme Head is His Holiness The Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, with headquarters at Catholicate Aramana, Devalokam, Kottayam, Kerala.