Saint Gregorios of Parumala
Saint Gregorios of Parumala, popularly known as ‘Parumala Thirumeni’, was the first declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church. He passed away on November 2, 1902, and remains a beacon of hope for millions.
Birth and Parentage
Mar Gregorios was born on June 15, 1848, to Kochu Mathai and Mariam of the Pallathetta family in Mulamthuruthy. His baptismal name was Geevarghese. He was the youngest of five siblings.
Reader-Deacon and Further Education
-
Ordained as a reader-deacon (Korooyo) on September 14, 1858.
-
Studied under Geevarghese Malpan, later continued studies at Pampakuda.
-
Associated with Syrian Bishop Yuyakim Mar Coorilos.
-
Ordained as a full deacon, priest, and cor-episcopa in 1865.
Vettickal Dayara
Moved to Vettickal Dayara, leading a hermit’s life of prayer and fasting. In 1872, he was made a ‘Ramban’ (Monk Priest).
Patriarchal Visit and Synod of Mulamthuruthy
-
In 1875, assisted Patriarch His Holiness Peter III.
-
Served as Secretary and Translator.
-
Helped in the consecration of the Holy Mooron and the 1876 synod.
Consecration as Metropolitan
-
On December 10, 1876, consecrated as a Metropolitan at St. Thomas Church, North Paravur.
-
Given the name Geevarghese Mar Gregorios.
-
Assigned to Niranam Diocese.
-
Other bishops consecrated: Murimattath Mar Ivanios, Kadavil Mar Athanasios, Ambattu Mar Coorilos, Karottuveetil Simon Mar Dionysius, and Konat Mar Julius.
Threefold Activity
-
Diocesan administration.
-
Ministerial formation of deacons.
-
Missionary witness through spiritual and theological outreach.
Holy Land Pilgrimage
In 1895, he made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and later published a travelogue, ‘Oorslem Yathra Vivaranam’.
Vision and Mission
-
Promoted education, including English teaching.
-
Started schools at Kunnamkulam, Mulamthuruthy, Niranam, Thumpamon, Thiruvalla, etc.
-
Evangelical outreach to various communities.
-
Formed the Malankara Syrian Clergy Association.
Disciples of Thirumeni
-
Vattasseril Rev. Fr. Geevarghese (later Geevarghese Mar Dionysius).
-
Kuttikattu Rev. Fr. Paulose (later Paulose Mar Athanasios of Aluva).
-
Kallasseril Rev. Fr. Geevarghese (later Catholicos Baselios Geevarghese II).
Departure from the World
In 1902, Mar Gregorios’ health declined, and he passed away on November 2. His funeral was conducted on November 3 at Parumala Church, which became a pilgrimage center. He was declared a saint in 1947 by Catholicos Baselios Geevarghese II.
For more details, visit www.parumalachurch.org
