Glimpses of Malankara Catholic History till 2008.

Slide 1: 

WELCOME AN ILLUSTRATED PRESENTATION OF

Slide 2: 

Glimpses of the History Of Malankara Catholic Church

Slide 3: 

Rev. Fr. Peter Kadamankod OIC Concept & Inspiration

Slide 4: 

Varughese Mathew Mekkaringattu Compilation, Design, Script & Creation Narration Renit Koshy Resource Catholicate Thiruvananthapuram Creative Support Chinnu Sara

Slide 5: 

“In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God…..No one has ever seen God, it is God the only son….who was made him known.”

: 

Between 4th BC & AD 29 Jesus Christ, Our Lord lived in Israel/Palestine and Preached the Good News of salvation to all People

Slide 7: 

Before the Ascension Jesus commissioned disciples, “…..Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit……”

AD 52: 

AD 52 St. Thomas, one of the original twelve disciples, carried the mission to India

Slide 9: 

St. Thomas landed at Malyankara (Malankara) in Southern Coastal Area of India. He Preached Good News to the natives. Many accepted the new ‘Margam’ (path) and became Christians.

The Seven Christian Communities (Churches) Founded by St. Thomas: 

The Seven Christian Communities (Churches) Founded by St. Thomas 1 . Azhicode at Kodungallur or Maliankara (first church) 2. Palur or Palayur (A place nearGuruvayur) 3. Paraur or Kottukavu (A Place near Cochin) 4. Kokkamangalam (A place between Alleppey and Kottayam) 5. Niranam (A place near Tiruvalla) 6. Chayal or Nilakkal (A hill side near Sabarimala) 7. Quilon or Kollam

Slide 11: 

Marthoma Nasranikal AD 52 to AD 1600 These Christians were also known as ‘St. Thomas Christians’ Their Bishops were Persians and they followed East Syrian liturgy (Khaldhaya Suriyani) The Nasrani Menorah (Syrian Cross)

Slide 12: 

Marthoma Christians lived as one church in communion with the Universal Catholic Church till 16th century.

16th Century – Portuguese arrived : 

16 th Century – Portuguese arrived Vasco De Gama Church, Cochin

16th Century – Latinization : 

16 th Century – Latinization Portuguese rejected anything other than Latin liturgy and traditions as heresy. They misunderstood St. Thomas Christians as Nestorians and decided use force to Latinize them. Vasco Da Gama

Kerala Latin Church: 

Kerala Latin Church Kerala Latin Catholic Church was founded by Portuguese missionaries by converting people from the coastal area of Kerala. It is also believed that there was a small Latin community lived in Kollam before the arrival of Portuguese. St. Francis Xavier arrived during this period.

1599- Udhayamperoor (Diamper) Synod: 

1599- Udhayamperoor (Diamper) Synod Diamper Synod decrees forced to bring the Indian Church under Portuguese jurisdiction and latinize the East Syrian liturgy

Suriyani Christians rebelled against Latinization: 

Suriyani Christians rebelled against Latinization 1653 - They pledged at Mattanchery, near Cochin that they would never be under those missionaries. This is known as Koonan Cross Oath. This pledge was not against the Roman Church but against the forceful Latinization.

Slide 18: 

1653 ‘Koonan Kurishu Sathyam’ “ Santhathiyulla kalatholam Sambaloor pathirimarude Keezhil Erikkukakyilla”

1653 - St.Thomas Church was split into two factions after the Koonan Cross Pledge : 

1653 - St.Thomas Church was split into two factions after the Koonan Cross Pledge Pazhaya Koottukar Those who found difficulties to sever relations with Rome continued under the Missionaries (Today’s Syro-Malabar Church) Puthen Koottukar. Those separated as Independent (Today’s Various Malankara Churches such as Orthodox, Jacobites, Mar Thoma, Malankara Catholics etc.)

1653 – The First Head of Puthankoor Community MARTHOMA I: 

1653 – The First Head of Puthankoor Community MARTHOMA I The same year of Koonan Kurishu Sathyam, the puthenkoor community consecrated their Bishop according to an unconfirmed written report from Pope presented by one Anjilimoottil Ittitomman Kathanar that twelve priests could consecrate a Bishop by ‘laying hand’. Thus, Archdeacon Parampil Thoma was installed as the ‘First Mar Thoma’ of Puthenkoottukar.This ‘Pattom’ was later regularised by the visiting Mar Gregorios from Persia in 1751. A typical Church of Suriyani Christians of 19th Century in the traditional Hindu temple style

First Throne of Puthenkoottukar after Koonan Cross Pledge: 

First Throne of Puthenkoottukar after Koonan Cross Pledge Malankara Throne, The throne (Chair) used for consecration of Mar Thoma I in 1653 (Now with Marthoma Church, Tiruvalla)

1772 – Division of Puthenkoottukar Thozhiyoor Church : 

1772 – Division of Puthenkoottukar Thozhiyoor Church In 1751, a team of West Asian Bishops arrived and consecrated one Kattumangattu Abraham Ramban as Mar Koorillose. Puthenkoor Metropolitan opposed it hence he was forced to go Malabar and stay in Thozhiyoor near Kunnamkulam. Those who followed this Bishop formed a tiny (10,000 people?) church and is known as Anjoor Sabha or Malabar Independent Suriyani Church now. They fully cooperate with the Marthoma Church in the consecration of Bishops.

1795 – English Missionaries arrive India : 

1795 – English Missionaries arrive India In 1815 CMS missionaries started working in ‘Thirukochi.’ They helped Puthenkoottukaar by financing the construction of Kottayam Seminary. Missionaries started a Free English School at Kottayam. Appointed Christians as Judges. Hence Puthenkootukar cooperated with the English Missionaries and they exploited this situation by spreading the protestant ideology among Puthenkoottukar. Puthenkoottukar realized the ‘danger of this westernization’ later and tried to keep themselves away from these Missionaries St Paul’s Cathedral London rebuilt in 1710 Martin Luther Protestant Reformer -1517 William Cecil established the Anglican Church in 1559 together with Queen Elizabeth 1

1836 – Malankara Jacobite Church Due to Anglican Influence in the Puthenkoottukar, second Mavelikkara Council accepted Antiochean Liturgy and the authority of Jocobite Bishops of West Asia. : 

1836 – Malankara Jacobite Church Due to Anglican Influence in the Puthenkoottukar, second Mavelikkara Council accepted Antiochean Liturgy and the authority of Jocobite Bishops of West Asia. Suriyani teachers of 19th century according to Anglican writers

1889 onwards – Divisions in Jacobite Church: Marthoma, Evangelical and CSI : 

1889 onwards – Divisions in Jacobite Church: Marthoma, Evangelical and CSI A ‘reformed’ (Naveekaranakkar) party formed in the Jacobite church with the influence of Protestant ideals of English Missionaries and later this party became the Mar Thoma Church. They retained the Antiochean liturgy and accepted the western protestant theology. Palakkunnathu Abraham Malpan was the leader of this Church. Later Marthoma Church was divided by ultra reformists and they formed their own Church, now known as Evangelical Church. Those Malankarites who fully accepted the Anglican Protestant ideals joined later to become CSI Church. This church is fully western. Abraham Malpan Anglican Church St. Thomas Evangelical Church

1912 - Jacobite Church again splits into Bava Kakshi and Methran Kakshi : 

1912 - Jacobite Church again splits into Bava Kakshi and Methran Kakshi Because of the undue interference of the Antiochean Patriarch Mar Abdulla, for the temporal wealth of this community, the peaceful life further disturbed. The jacobite Church was broken into two factions, one supporting the Patriarch of Antioch and the other against him but on the side of the native Metropolitan, Wattasseril Mar Divannasios. They were engaged in civil court cases and street quarrels. Leader of ‘Methran Kakshi (Today’s Orthodox Church) Wattasseril Mar Divannasios Methran Deacon PT GeeVarghese (Later Mar Ivanios) Bright student of Wattasseril Malpan

1912 The first Catholicate of India Malankara Orthodox Catholicate: 

1912 The first Catholicate of India Malankara Orthodox Catholicate The first Catholicate of India was consecrated by Patriarch Abdedh Messiha of Middle East for Methran Kakshi. Fr. PT Varghese popularly known as MA Achen (Later Mar Ivanios) is the architect of the first Catholicate of India Hence the Methran Kakshi became independent of Antiochean authority. Fr. PT Varghese, student and confidant of Wattasseril Methran, was behind his strength. Fr. PT Varghese or MA Achen Patriarch Abdedh Messiah

1913 onwards: Civil Case ‘Vattippanam’ and ‘Samudhaya Case’: 

1913 onwards: Civil Case ‘Vattippanam’ and ‘Samudhaya Case’ Bava kakshi and Methran Kakshi fought for the common Vattipanam and other properties for many years. Vattippanam was the money deposited in the bank for interest. Wattaseril Methran was involved in cases for many years. Church was loosing her spiritual life to quarrels and civil litigations.

1914 Fr. PT Varghese Serampore Professor: 

1914 Fr. PT Varghese Serampore Professor

1919 Fr. PT Varghese founded Bethany Ashram at Mundanmala, Perunnadu near Ranni. On 1925, 1st May, he was consecrated Bishop of Bethany as Geevarghese Mar Ivanios: 

1919 Fr. PT Varghese founded Bethany Ashram at Mundanmala, Perunnadu near Ranni. On 1925, 1 st May, he was consecrated Bishop of Bethany as Geevarghese Mar Ivanios The First Malankara Catholic Ashram at Thirumoolapuram, Kerala

Meals time in Ashram: 

Meals time in Ashram

1925 Bethany Convent for Women (Sisters of Imitation of Christ) founded by Mar Ivanios: 

1925 Bethany Convent for Women (Sisters of Imitation of Christ) founded by Mar Ivanios Bethany religious community for women was also founded by Mar Ivanios and that order is known as SIC (Sisters of Imitation of Christ.) The first Ashram was established in Tiruvalla, Tirumoolapuram. First 3 Sisters of Bethany Convent

SIC: 

SIC

SIC: 

SIC

1927 – Synod of Parumala decided to Join Roman Catholic Church: 

1927 – Synod of Parumala decided to Join Roman Catholic Church Losses in the civil litigations, hostility and conflict continued in the church. Antiochean Patriarch stood adamant for the temporal and spiritual power on Malankara Church. In this backdrop, the Orthodox Synod at Parumala discussed joining Roman Catholic Church. Gee Varghese Mar Ivanios, the then Metropolitan of Bethany was appointed for that job. He started communication with Rome. This letter is an enquiry of the then Catholicose of Orthodox Church about the progress of Reunion efforts to Mar Ivanios

1927-1929 Communication held between Rome and Malankara Church. Main demands of the Malankara Church : 

1927-1929 Communication held between Rome and Malankara Church. Main demands of the Malankara Church Continuation of Antiochean-Malankara Rite ( Rome Accepted) & Recognition of Catholicos and self administration ( Rome Rejected) By the time, on 30 th Aug 1930, church received the letter of recognition from Rome, Malankara Orthodox Church, upon gaining from civil cases, stepped back from the decision to unite with Rome but Mar Ivanios remained firm on his decision to join the Catholic Church. Pope Pious XI

Slide 37: 

1930 - Mar Ivanios and Bethany inmates left for reunion after denouncing every worldly wealth.

REUNION – 1930 The Historical Event of the Indian Church.: 

Bishop Mar Ivanios reunited with the Universal Catholic Church at Tangasseri, Quilon before Bishop Maria Aloysius, on Sep 20, 1930 under firm conviction that the church of Jesus is the Holy Catholic Church which is One, Holy, Apostolic and Catholic . REUNION – 1930 The Historical Event of the Indian Church.

1930 - The First Five Reunited: 

1930 - The First Five Reunited

Slide 40: 

The First Five Reunited

1930 0nwards - Reunion Movement: 

1930 0nwards - Reunion Movement The Reunion of Archbishop Mar Ivanios with the Catholic Church inspired many including the Bishops of the Orthodox, Knanaya and Independent Malabar Churches.

Missionaries of 1930s & 40s: 

Missionaries of 1930s & 40s

1930s – Daring and Convinced to defend the truth through their strong speeches & writings: 

1930s – Daring and Convinced to defend the truth through their strong speeches & writings Committed supporters of Reunion Movement Pulikkottu Joseph Ramban & Cheppattu Philopose Ramban

1932 Mar Ivanios Traveled to Rome to see Pope Pious 11th and then to Europe and America to meet the leaders of those countries : 

1932 Mar Ivanios Traveled to Rome to see Pope Pious 11 th and then to Europe and America to meet the leaders of those countries

Mar Ivanios attended the Holy Eucharistic Congress in Ireland: 

Mar Ivanios attended the Holy Eucharistic Congress in Ireland

Mar Ivanios visited Australia: 

Mar Ivanios visited Australia

1932, 11th June - Malankara Catholic Hierarchy Established : 

1932, 11 th June - Malankara Catholic Hierarchy Established By Pope Pius XI through the Apostolic Constitution Christo Pastorum Principi of 11 June 1932 a new Rite Church (Reethu Sabha) of Universal Catholic Church was born, Trivandrum as the Archdiocese and Tiruvalla as the suffragan diocese. Mar, Ivanios and Mar Theophilos, were the heads respectively .

1937 – Mar Severios joins the movement Bold and firm in his conviction, Mar Severios joined Reunion Movement and becomes Second Bishop of Tiruvalla: 

1937 – Mar Severios joins the movement Bold and firm in his conviction, Mar Severios joined Reunion Movement and becomes Second Bishop of Tiruvalla He continued loving the Orthodox church but firmly believed the fullness of his regional Church can only be achieved in communion with the Universal Catholic Church.

1938 – Evangelization of South India: 

1938 – Evangelization of South India Church engaged in her double missions - Reunion and evangelization - and began to increase in number.

Daughters of Mary - 1938: 

Daughters of Mary - 1938 With the blessing of Mar Ivanios, Monsignor Joseph Kuzhinjalil founded the missionary congregation of the Daughters of Mary in 1938 at Marthandam in Kanyakumari District.

1930 to 2008 Church and Educational Front: 

1930 to 2008 Church and Educational Front Mar Ivanios had the vision of the economical and cultural liberation of the children of Church through education. He Founded Mar Ivanios College. After 78 years of the Reunion movement, today Church has more than 500 educational institutions including Medical College and Engineering Colleges Mar Baselios Engineering College and Seminary as seen from Mar Ivanios Tower Mar Ivanios College

Mar Ivanios Last days: 

Mar Ivanios Last days

Before leaving this world Mar Ivanios consecrated his successor Mar Gregorios with his own hand: 

Before leaving this world Mar Ivanios consecrated his successor Mar Gregorios with his own hand

Slide 54: 

1953 Mar Ivanios passed away

Mar Ivanios gracefully Completed his Earthly Mission: 

Mar Ivanios gracefully Completed his Earthly Mission

Heavenly Journey: 

Heavenly Journey

Farewell to the Earthly Church: 

Farewell to the Earthly Church

‘Nagari Kanikkal’: 

‘Nagari Kanikkal’

1955 - The Second Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios : 

1955 - The Second Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios On 27 January 1955 Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregorios was enthroned as the Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and a new era commenced

1954 -The third Bishop of Tiruvalla: 

1954 -The third Bishop of Tiruvalla The Holy See appointed Zacharias Mar Athanasios as successor of Mar Severios, whose consecration took place on 22 April 1954.

1957- Kurishumala Ashram: 

1957- Kurishumala Ashram Rev.Fr.Philipose Nadamala, founder of Chayalpady Ashram and St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Church, Angamoozhy, is a monk from Kurishumala Ashram. Fr. Francis Acharya, a Belgian, Cistercian Monk came toTiruvalla. In the year 1957. He founded , the Kristiya Sanyasa Samaj known as Kurishumala Ashram in the high ranges of Vagamon.

1960s Nursing Job Opportunities in Germany : 

1960s Nursing Job Opportunities in Germany In the sixties, many of the Malankara Catholic families found new job opportunities in the west Germany. Church has encouraged and looked after them.

Slide 63: 

Mar Gregorios and Mar Athanasios attended the famous Second Vatican Council during 1962 to 65 with voting rights.

1978 - Mar Yoohanon: 

1978 - Mar Yoohanon After Mar Athanasios passed away Mar Yoohanon took over Tiruvalla diocese as the fourth Bishop

1978 – New Diocese Bethery and Dhyana Ashram: 

1978 – New Diocese Bethery and Dhyana Ashram The erection of the Eparchy of Bathery with the appointment of Cyril Mar Baselios as its first Bishop through the decree of the Holy See took place on 28 October 1978. On 15 May 1979 the Eparchial contemplative monastery, Dhyana Ashram , was founded in the Eparchy of Bathery by Fr. Silvester Kozhimannil.

1980-Golden Jubilee celebration of Reunion at Kottayam: 

1980-Golden Jubilee celebration of Reunion at Kottayam The Golden Jubilee of the Reunion Movement of the Syro - Malankara Catholic Church was celebrated in Kottayam on 26, 27 & 28 December 1980. His Eminence Wladyslaw Cardinal Rubin, the then Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches was the Papal Delegate for the Jubilee. Other eminent participants included His Beatitude Maximos V Hakim, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East of Alexandria and Jerusalem, His Excellency Most Rev. Luciano Storero, the then Apostolic Pro-Nuncio to India and Mother Teresa of Culcutta.

Extra territorial Regions in India (MCCIETR): 

Extra territorial Regions in India (MCCIETR) Another significant development is the organization of the Malankara Catholic Faithful in India, outside the canonical territorial boundaries (Dioceses) of the Church. On 26 th Dec 1997, with the appointment of Rev. Dr. John Berchmans OIC as the Coordinator of the Malankara Catholic Communities in the Extra territorial regions in India , the ecclesial lives of these parish communities were coordinated. Rev. Fr. Jose Chamakalayil Newly selected Senate members of 2006-2008

Germany and Europe: 

Germany witnessed the presence of Malankara Catholics from 1960s as the inflow of our sisters for the nursing jobs started. But a coordinator, Fr. John Varghese Easwarankudiyil, was appointed in the last quarter of nineteen nineties. Germany and Europe

Malankara Missions in America: 

Malankara Missions in America Witnessed the emergence of Malankara Catholic Communities and Parishes at various centers. In 1984 Mar Gregorios inaugurated the Malankara Churches in North America Rev. Fr. John Kalloor (Now Mar Chrysostom) and Chor-episcopo Geevarghese Mannikkarottu were the two among many who worked hard during the initial years. In New York, buildings to accommodate Headquarters and Bishop’s House have already been built. All major cities have mission centers.

1983 - Major Seminary: 

1983 - Major Seminary It was a dream of the Malankara Catholic Church to have a Major seminary. St. Mary’s Malankara Major Seminary was inaugurated at Pattom on 29 June 1983.

Pope John Paul II visits Malankara - 1986: 

Pope John Paul II visits Malankara - 1986 He laid the foundation of Malankara Major Seminary and said, “I revere the memory of Mar Ivanios….One of his most loved work was to improve the unity among Christians….” Pope John Paul further said, “Your Church started by St.Thomas and your liturgy was originated from Antioch where the disciples of Christ were first called Christians.”

1987-Visit of Cardinal Lourdsami: 

1987-Visit of Cardinal Lourdsami Following the visit of Pope John Paul II, His Eminence Cardinal Lourdusamy, the then Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, visited the Malankara Catholic Church on 18 and 19 August 1987. Cardinal strongly recommended to lift the Malankara Catholic Church to the status of Major Episcopal Church.

1988-New Bishop Mar Timotheos : 

1988-New Bishop Mar Timotheos Geevarghese Mar Timotheos was consecrated Bishop on 6 August 1988 and succeeded Mar Yoohanon as the Bishop of Tiruvalla. Old St.John’s Cathedral Tiruvalla - built in 1972

Gulf Countries 1988: 

Gulf Countries 1988 At some Centers of Gulf Countries small prayer groups were formed by laity in 1988 and Holy Eucharist celebrated by visiting Capuchin (Latin) and Malankara priests. Rev. Mannikkarottu and Rev. Abraham Kackanattu are the two names to remember specifically as the initiators. Today, UAE has around 3000 Malankara Catholics spread over 6 mission centers

1994 Mar Gregorios Passed away The Golden Era - 41 years: 

1994 Mar Gregorios Passed away The Golden Era - 41 years Mar Gregorios passed away on 10 October 1994 after an eventful service of long 41 years. His period is known as the Great Renaissance period of the Church

1995-The third Head of the Church: 

1995-The third Head of the Church Most Rev. Cyril Mar Baselios, the Bishop of Bathery having been appointed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, was enthroned as Metropolitan-Archbishop of Trivandrum and as the head of the Malankara Church on 14 December 1995.

New Bishop Geevarghese Mar Divannasios consecrated as Bishop of Bathery in place of Cyril Mar Baselios: 

New Bishop Geevarghese Mar Divannasios consecrated as Bishop of Bathery in place of Cyril Mar Baselios 5th February 1996 .

1996-Eparchy of Marthandam and Bishop Lawrence Mar Ephrem: 

1996-Eparchy of Marthandam and Bishop Lawrence Mar Ephrem Eparchy of Marhtandam was created by bifurcating Trivandrum arch diocese. Most Rev. Lawrence Mar Ephrem was appointed as its first Bishop. God called him to himself after a few months of his enthronement as Bishop of Marthandam, on 8 April 1997. Marthandam Cathedral

1997-98 New Bishops: 

1997-98 New Bishops 17 July 1997 Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos Consecrated as the Auxiliary Bishop of Tiruvalla 29 June 1998 Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom Consecrated as the Bishop of Marthandam. & Joshua Mar Ignathios Consecrated as the Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum.

1998 onwards – Strengthening of the Mission Centers in Gulf Countries: 

1998 onwards – Strengthening of the Mission Centers in Gulf Countries The first Malankara Catholic Priest arrrived for Gulf Region in 2002 - Rev Fr. Jerome. Till then Rev.Fr. Chacko Mannicheril OFM Cap was looking after the Malankara Community and celebrating the liturgy. Rev. Fr. Mathai replaced Fr. Jerome in 2004. Rev.Fr. Peter Kadamankod Arrived in 2005 for UAE and Muscat. Now, in 2008 there are three Malankara Catholic Priests in Gulf region. Cleemis Bava visited Gulf Countries in 2007 and 2008. Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos releases the Directory of Malankara Catholics in Oman

Christu Jayanthi and Sapthathy of Reunion Movement - 2000: 

Christu Jayanthi and Sapthathy of Reunion Movement - 2000 Christu Jayanthi Maha Jubilee and the Sapthathy of the Reunion Movement were celebrated jointly at Tiruvalla on 26, 27 & 28 December 2000. His Beatitude Ignace Moussa Daoud, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches was the Papal Delegate for the Celebration

2001 – Rev.Fr. Isaac Thottumkal Young and dynamic new Bishop: 

2001 – Rev.Fr. Isaac Thottumkal Young and dynamic new Bishop Holy Father John Paul II nominated Rev. Fr. Isaac Thottumkal, as Apostolic Visitor and the Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum on 29 May 2001 for North America and Europe. He was consecrated on 15 August 2001 with the name Bishop Isaac Mar Cleemis.

2003 - New Eparchy Muvattupuzha: 

2003 - New Eparchy Muvattupuzha Bifurcating the Eparchy of Tiruvalla, the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha was erected on 15 January 2003 and Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos was appointed as its first Bishop.

2003 – Issac Mar Cleemis Bishop of Tiruvalla : 

2003 – Issac Mar Cleemis Bishop of Tiruvalla On 29 March 2003 Bishop Mar Timotheos gave resignation to the Holy See due to super-annuation and the Holy See appointed Isaac Mar Cleemis, as the Bishop of Tiruvalla.

Declaration of the Crowning Event Installation of Catholicate 10th Feb 2005 : 

Declaration of the Crowning Event Installation of Catholicate 10 th Feb 2005 On 10th February 2005, Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was raised to the status of a Major Archiepiscopal Church. His Grace Pedro Lopez Quintana, the Apostolic Nuncio in India read the official declaration at St. Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Trivandrum. The Hierarchical Head was elevated as Major Archbishop who exercises patriarchal powers assisted by the Holy Synod of Bishops. The Major Archbishop also assumed the title "Catholicos" according to the Antiochene-Malankara tradition.

Slide 86: 

On Feb 19, 2005 Most Rev. Joseph Mar Thomas was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum and Apostolic Visitor to North America and Europe.

2005 - The Enthronement of Catholicos: 

2005 - The Enthronement of Catholicos The enthronement of the Major Archbishop-Catholicos as the Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on 14 May 2005 was officiated by His Eminence Ignace Moussa Cardinal Daoud, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. His Grace Pedro Lopez Quintana, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy Father in India, was present at the enthronement ceremony. The Malankara Major Archiepiscopal Curia (Catholicate Centre) started functioning at the St. Mary’s Campus, Pattom, Trivandrum. The first Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was convened from 16 to 18 August 2005 at the Major Archiepiscopal Curia, Trivandrum.

2005 - First Holy Synod : 

2005 - First Holy Synod

2005 Holy Synod: 

2005 Holy Synod Curia Centre

2005 - Platinum Jubilee of Reunion Movement: 

2005 - Platinum Jubilee of Reunion Movement The Platinum Jubilee of the Reunion Movement and the Year of the Eucharist were celebrated at Mar Ivanios Nagar, Punnamoodu, Mavelikara on 19, 20, 21 September 2005. His Grace Pedro Lopez Quintana, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy Father in India, Shri Bhaironsingh Shekhawat, the Vice-President of India, and Sri Oommen Chandy, the Chief Minister of Kerala, participated in the celebrations.

2006,June 10 –Tiruvalla elevated as new Archieparchy and Mar Cleemis as new Archbishop: 

2006,June 10 –Tiruvalla elevated as new Archieparchy and Mar Cleemis as new Archbishop By the decrees of the Major Archbishop-Catholicos, the Metropolitan Province of Thiruvalla was established on 14 May 2006 with the eparchies of Bethery and Muvattupuzha.

Associations of Laity: 

Associations of Laity In the course of development of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, besides the canonical institutions, various associations such as the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM), the Malankara Catholic Association (MCA),Mathruasangam, Baladeepam and other pious associations have become the backbone of the life of the Church.

Jan 18, 2007 Cyril Bava Passed Away : 

Jan 18, 2007 Cyril Bava Passed Away

Cyril Bava Journey to Eternity: 

Cyril Bava Journey to Eternity

Cyril Bava Leaves for Eternal Life: 

Cyril Bava Leaves for Eternal Life

Cyril Bava Journey to His Master: 

Cyril Bava Journey to His Master

Slide 97: 

Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios installed as the first Bishop on Feb. 16, 2007 . 2007 - New Eparchy – Mavelikkara

On March 5th 2007, Archbishop Issac Mar Cleemis elevated as the 4th Father of Church and 2nd Catholicos : 

On March 5 th 2007, Archbishop Issac Mar Cleemis elevated as the 4 th Father of Church and 2 nd Catholicos

2007 – Felicitations Catholicos HB Baselios Mar Cleemis: 

2007 – Felicitations Catholicos HB Baselios Mar Cleemis

2007 – Felicitations HB Major Archbishop Mar Cleemis: 

2007 – Felicitations HB Major Archbishop Mar Cleemis

Felicitations Cleemis Bava: 

Felicitations Cleemis Bava

2007-New Bishop Mar Barnabas : 

2007-New Bishop Mar Barnabas Rev. Dr. Chacko Aerath OIC was designated as the Apostolic Visitor for Extra-territorial region in India on 7th February 2007. He was consecrated as Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas on Saturday, 10th March, 2007 .

2007 - Daivadasan Mar Ivanios Canonization: 

2007 - Daivadasan Mar Ivanios Canonization Mar Ivanios declared as Daivadasan by Universal Catholic Church on July 14 2007, which is the first step towards sainthood

The cause of Canonization of Mar Ivanios is now in progress. : 

The cause of Canonization of Mar Ivanios is now in progress.

2007 - New Archbishop: 

2007 - New Archbishop Muvattupuzha Bishop Thomas Mar Koorilos elevated Archbishop of Tiruvalla Archdiocese

2007 – Rev. Dr. Abraham Kackanattu anointed as Abraham Mar Youlios New Bishop for Muvattupuzha: 

2007 – Rev. Dr. Abraham Kackanattu anointed as Abraham Mar Youlios New Bishop for Muvattupuzha

Slide 107: 

DEC 2007 First visit of a Malankara Catholic Prelate to UAE in the History. Cleemis Bava was received with fabulous and enthralling celebrations

Bava’s UAE Visit 2007 - Inaguration: 

Bava’s UAE Visit 2007 - Inaguration

Slide 109: 

Cultural Programs

Bava’s Visit – Holy Qurbana: 

Bava’s Visit – Holy Qurbana

Bava’s UAE Visit - 2007: 

Bava’s UAE Visit - 2007

Profiles of Our Late Bishops: 

Profiles of Our Late Bishops

Slide 113: 

Father of the Reunion Movement ( 1925 – 1953) Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios

Mar Ivanios In the Orthodox Church: 

Mar Ivanios In the Orthodox Church Born Geevarghese Panickeruveetil in Sep 21,1882 at Mavelikkara, Kerala, India. A brilliant student who received minor orders and later joined Madras Christian College. Obtained Masters degree and became the first ‘MA Achen’ (Priest with MA Degree). On 15 th Sep 1908 he was ordained priest as Fr. PT Varghese and was appointed Principal of MD Seminary School, Kottayam.

Mar Ivanios – An Indian Ascetic On Aug 15th, 1919 he returned to Kerala and founded the Bethany Ashram at Mundanmala near Ranni Kerala. This Monastery followed a lifestyle of many Hindu traditions with Christian faith. : 

Mar Ivanios – An Indian Ascetic On Aug 15 th , 1919 he returned to Kerala and founded the Bethany Ashram at Mundanmala near Ranni Kerala. This Monastery followed a lifestyle of many Hindu traditions with Christian faith. Later, moved to Serampoor Christian University, Culcutta as a Professor. There he contemplated for the spiritual revival of Indian Orthodox Church by establishing a monastery in line with the famous Ashrams of Gandhiji and Tagore.

Mar Ivanios A Catholic – ‘Newman of the East’: 

Mar Ivanios A Catholic – ‘Newman of the East’ Fr. PT Varghese was ordained Bishop for Bethany. Upon firm conviction, he reunited with the Roman Catholic Church on Sep 20 th , 1930 and he could inspire the most Bethany inhabitants to follow suit. This heralded the establishment of an eastern sui iuris Syro-Malnakra Catholic Church in India. In 1932, Mar Ivanios was named as the Archbishop of Trivandrum and received the pallium from Pope Pius XI, becoming the first metropolitan of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

Slide 117: 

Archbishop Mar Ivanios was declared ‘Servant of God’ (Daivadasan) on 14 July 2007, the day prior to the 54th anniversary of his death. The proclamation was read by Major Archbishop Baselios Mar Cleemis at the Cathedral in Trivandrum, India. He is the first member of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church to be so designated. His cause for canonization continues. Mar Ivanios - A Saint

Jacob Mar Theophilos 1929 to 1956 : 

Jacob Mar Theophilos 1929 to 1956 Jacob Mar Theophilos is the Co-founder of Reunion movement. He lived a true monastic life and always upheld the sanctity of such austereness. He was the ‘Bethany Guru Achan’ who brought many to the path of spirituality through his retreat messages in gifted voice at the Bethany Ashram of Perunnad. He was instituted by Pope as the first Bishop of Tiruvalla Diocese. Mar Theophlos is the source and spirit of asceticism in Malankara Catholic Church. He laid a spiritual basis for the Thiruvalla Diocese with sacrifices, intense prayers, exemplary life and quietude. He hails from Kottayam Olassa. Church celebrates his Ormaperunnal on 27th June.

Thomas Mar Dioscoros 1939-1943: 

Thomas Mar Dioscoros 1939-1943 The historic Reunion Movement of Mar Ivanios inspired many people to embrace the true Church. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Dioscoros, the Metropolitan of the Knanaya Jacobite Church, reunited with the Catholic Church on 12 November 1939. On 21 February 1943 Bishop Dioscoros passed away.

Joseph Mar Severios 1937 - 1955: 

Joseph Mar Severios 1937 - 1955 Mar Severios was the second bishop of Tiruvalla diocese. During the initial days of Reunion Movement, Mar Severios fought the movement fervently, but later realized the truth and joined that very movement. He found his spiritual life and the peace of the Malankara community can only be fulfilled in a reunited church. He is compared with Saint Paul who persecuted the Christian church before becoming the most ardent missionary. Mar Severios hails from Mallappally. His contribution towards the education sector of Thiruvalla Diocese is one of the most significant achievements. Even in the midst of financial difficulties and hostilities, he marched forward in full mission vivacity to establish the educational institutions and churches. Malankara Catholic Church celebrates his Ormaperunnal on Jan 18.

Zacharias Mar Athanasios 1954-77: 

Zacharias Mar Athanasios 1954-77 Bishop Mar Athanasios took the responsibility as the assistant of Tiruvalla Bishop Joseph Mar Severios in 1954. Due to the untimely death of Mar Severios, he had to take the charge of diocese within months. One of his main aims was to uplift the diocese from its poor financial status. For that he collected contributions from all possible sources. His European Connection helped many families by providing them nursing training and jobs in the hospitals of countries like Germany. Mar Athanasios laid the strong foundation of today’s Puspagiri. Agricultural estates of Muvattupuzha, Betheri and Tiruvalla dioceses are the pointers of the agro-economic expert in Mar Athanasios. He built small but strong church buildings throughout the diocese including the High range and Malabar. Mar Athanasios attended the second Vatican Council with the then Archbishop Mar Gregorios. He lived a spiritual life based on liturgy and faith. During his tenure Malankara Catholic Church didn’t have a liturgical committee. But Mar Athanasios maintained the liturgical identity of the Church in its fullness. Mar Athanasios hails from Tiruvalla. His long tenure can be said to be the ‘Golden era’ of Tiruvalla Diocese. Church celebrates his Ormaperunnal on Sep 28.

Isaac Mar Yoohanon 1978 - 1987: 

Isaac Mar Yoohanon 1978 - 1987 Appointment of Most Rev Isaac Mar Yoohanon as Bishop of Thiruvalla took place on 28 October 1978. He was a great missionary. Mar Yoohanon upheld the value of personal relationships with all people. He believed the church situates in the hearts of faithful. On 28 April 1987 His Excellency Mar Yoohanon, the Bishop of Tiruvalla passed away.

Benedict Mar Gregorios The second Archbishop (1953-1994): 

Benedict Mar Gregorios The second Archbishop (1953-1994) On 27 January 1955 Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregorios was enthroned as the second Metropolitan-Archbishop of Trivandrum. Under his able pastoral guidance and social commitment, the Church began to flourish in its multidimensional development. His era can be termed as the ‘Golden Years’ of Church. He hails from Mallappally, Kalloppara. Mar Gregorios passed away on 10 October 1994 after an eventful service of long 41 years. His tenure is also called as the ‘Renaissance Period’ of Malankara Catholic Church.

Lawrence Mar Ephraem 1996-1997: 

Lawrence Mar Ephraem 1996-1997 The fourth diocese of the Malankara Catholic Church – Marthandam - came into existence and Most Rev. Lawrence Mar Ephraem took charge as its first bishop . The enthronement as the Bishop took place on 23rd January 1997 at the Christuraja Cathedral Church, Marthandam. God called him to eternal rest after a few months of his enthronement as Bishop of Marthandom, on 8 April 1997.

Paulos Mar Philoxenos 1977 - 1998: 

Paulos Mar Philoxenos 1977 - 1998 Most Rev. Paulos Mar Philoxenos, the Metropolitan of the Malabar Independent Church (Thozhiyoor), united with the Syro Malankara Catholic Church on 28 August 1977 upon his firm conviction. Paulos Mar Philoxenos passed away on 3 November 1998.

Cyril Mar Baselios The First Catholicos and Major Archbishop : 

Cyril Mar Baselios The First Catholicos and Major Archbishop On Dec 14th, 1995 Cyril Mar Baselios took the responsibility as the third Head of Malankara Catholic Church. History would remember Mar Baselios as the architect who elevated the Church into a fully autonomous Major Arch Episcopal Church Born in 1935, Mar Baselios embraced the priesthood in 1960. After studies in Pune, he went to Rome and St. Johns’s University of America for the doctorate in canon law and Psychology respectively. On November 18th 1978 he was ordained the first bishop of newly formed Bathery Diocese. He has been also the President of Catholic Bishops Council of India. Mar Baselios passed away on 18th Jan 2007.

Today’s Statistics: 

Today’s Statistics Colleges/Schools 534 Hospitals/Health Centers 45 Home for the aged 7 Rehabilitation Center 8 Orphanages 12 Printing Centers 7 Publications 8

Slide 128: 

Lineage of Malankara Catholic Church AD 52 - 2007 St.Thomas Christians AD 52-1653 Pazhaya Koottukar (Today’s Syro-Malabar Church) Antiochean Jacobite Syrian Church Syro-Malankara Catholic Church 1930 - to date Indian Orthodox Syrian Church Antiochean Jacobite Syrian Church Puthen Koottukar Later enfolded by Antiochean Church Catholics Non-Catholics

Today’s Statistics : 

Today’s Statistics Malankara Faithful 4,10,000 Majr Archbishop 1 Archbishop 1 Bishops 7 Priests 694 Sisters 2091 Parishes and Mission stations 921 Major Seminary 1 Minor Seminaries 7

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Thank you A Presentation Created by Varughese Mathew, Mekkaringattu And Conceptualized by Fr. Peter Kadamankod Praise the Lord!