Full text of "His Holiness Moran Mar Baselius Augen I, Catholicose"

See other formats

Historic Moments: H.H. Yacoob III, Installs H.H. Augen as Catholicose - 1*

Mar Augen Catholicos with three Aramana Managers, Fr. T.C. Jacob F
T.G. Zacharia, Fr. K.V. Joseph and the Author K.V. Mammen - 1965. ’

Mar Augen Symposium at Kottayam. Fr^

paper. From left: N.M. Abraham, Joseph Mar Pacomiosp HP^esents hi
Marthoma Mathews I - 1976. ’ Basils..

Basel

iu<

mS HOLINESS

MORAN MAR BASELIUS AUGEN I,

CATHOLICOSE

(BIOGRAPHY)

Author

K.V.Mammen

Translated by
Jose Kurian Puliyeril

Published by
Kottackal Publishers
Manganam, Kottayam.

Mar Augen Catholica Bava
(Life History - - Malayalam)

K.V.Mammen,

Printed at

National Offset Printers, Perumthuruthy.

First Published : 22 May 1976

His Holiness Moran Mar Baselius Augen I Catholicose
(Biography)

Author : K.V.Mammen

Translated By : Jose Kurian Puliyeril

Published By : Kottackel Publishers
Manganam, Kottayam.

Copy right : Author (reserved)

STATEMENT

This book is a part of an attempt to have a look at the eventful life of His
Holiness Mora,n Mar Baselius Augen I, Catholicose, and to judge His
Holiness' unforgettable and unique services to the Church, impartially and to
understand the way of the arrows originated with unsteadiness from some
people of their own established interests. His Holiness was not willing to
cause any harm for the Church where he was the supreme head for about 12
years, even though there were pressures from certain comers. His Holiness
has entered the heavenly abode after handing over the steering of the Church
to the mighty hands. His Holiness had suffered many sacrifices for about 50
years for the sake of peace, and when peace was re-established, he rejoiced
too much and when some of the colleagues tried to spoil the peace His
Holiness had suffered the pain too much.

This book is to record the uncontrollable reverence to, this Holy Father, who
was immersed in the dependence of God and to the attitudes accepted by him
which were as strong as the rocks. I am sure that I am not qualified enough
to prepare the biography of the bright life of sacrifices of 90 years where as I
was bom when His Holiness was 45 years old. The reason behind this harsh
attempt is the self confidence gained through my acquaintance with His
Holiness started through the society of the servants of the Cross, Church
weekly and Malayala Manorama for about last 25 years. Hope this book will
also serve as a small guide for the one who may attempt in the future to write
some thesis or history based on His Holiness' life and period of service

When I had visited Devalokam Catholicate palace, Rev.Fr.T.G. Zachariah
had introduced me to His Holiness as 'Mammachen of Malayala Manorama'.
I cannot forget the words from His Holiness " Manorama people are great.
They only control the world affairs. May God bless you Mamachen". I am
quite sure that His Holiness who had blessed me and my family will accept
this book which is a humble present of word's garland for His Holiness'
twelfth accession day.

I have tried to give the details of two unforgettable events in the life of His
Holiness. The first one being the persecution he had suffered at Piravam and
His Holiness' audience with His Holiness The Pope is the second event. The
Piravam incident is very clear from the descriptions of the people linked with
that incident. I do record my gratitude to them all.

My humble respects and reverence to His Holiness Moran Mar Baselius
Marthoma Mathews I, Catholicose, the present supreme head of the Indian

Orthodox Church for the kind willingness expressed to release this book. His
Holiness was very happy with my attempt. Rev.Fr. C.S.Scariah, an
honourable priest had served His Holiness Mar Augen Catholicose with great
awe-inspiring respects. He was the previous Head Master of Vadakara High
School. He had provided me many authoritative, genuine and impartial
information helpful for the preparabon of this book. I do record my heartfelt
thanks to him. Rev. Fr. Abraham Konatt, the blessed Malankara Mai pan and
one of the chief disciples of His Holiness The Augen Catholicose, kindly
listened to the entire contents of the book first, before getting it printed and
suggested certain corrections. Also he encouraged my sincere attempts by
writing the profound preface of this book. I am deeply grateful to Rev.Fr.
Abraham Konatt. Mr. N.M. Abraham, one of my respected semor colleagues,
who always have tried to put good inspirations in me was kind enough to
express the achievements and qualities of His Holiness Moran Mar Augen
Catholicose, along with Rev.Fr. C.S. Scariah and Rev.Fr. Abraham Konatt
during the symposium conducted in connection with the release of the book.
I do express my boundless humble thanks to him also.

I do not hide the fact that there are so many friends and well wishers in India
and abroad who had congratulated this attempt. I do express my deep
gratitude to one and all who had sent me money on the basis of pre-
publication schemes. So also my gratitude is expressed to Mr.N.M.Joseph,
proprietor of Nalathra Printers and his colleagues who got this book printed
within a small time. I do humbly submit "His Holiness Moran Mar Augen I
Catholicose" in front of the blessed memory of (the Late) His Grace
Mukkancherril Pathrose Mar Osthathiose Metropolitan - my personal
adorable High Priest, the founder president of the society of the servants of
the Cross, and is also a colleague of Moran Mar Augen Catholicose, who is
the modem St.Paul of Malankara Church in the missionary fields.

K.V. Mammen, Manorama.

Kottayam

22.5.1976.

ABOUT THE TRANSLATION.

When Mr.K.V.Mammen asked me to translate his noble work - the
biography of His Holiness Moran Mar Basel ius Augen I, Catholicose of the
East, I was taking up the task as a privilage and a blessing. I do express my
sincere gratitude to Mr.K.V.Mammen. I get thrilled when I look back to the
lucky chances enough to go near His Holiness several times in my young age
and the chances I got to learn about the pious and holy life through close
watchings. I do believe this translation would enable many those who could
not read Malayalam to gain more information about the saintly and unique
life style of this Holy Father. I do express my heartfelt thanks to
Mr.Geevarghese Koshy (Babu), Chairman of M.G.Koshy Muthalaly
Memorial Educational Trust, Chathannoor, and Mrs. Leelamma
Geevarghesc, for the kind preparation of the type set of the English Version.
So also my deep gratitude is expressed to one and all who have helped in a
way or other for the publication of this book in English. May the prayers
and intercessions of this Holy Father be a fort and protection for everyone
especially who may go through this book.

Jose Kurian Puliyeril

Kollad, Kottayam-29
14 11.1995.

PREFACE

Eastern Orthodox Syrian Church was established by St.Thomas, one of the
twelve Apostles of Lord Jesus Christ, with Edessa as the centre. In course of
time the centre of the Church was moved to Selucia, Tigris and Mousul and
there occured a situation where there was no right heir to the throne by the
end of the 19th century. By 1912 the eastern catholicate was re-established
in Malankara which was a part of the previous centres. His Holiness Moran
Mar Baselius Augen I, is the fourth Catholicose enthroned on the catholicate
throne after it's re-establishment in Malankara. When we subject the
Malankara Church History for our crucial study, we will come to know that
the leaders of this Church in the positions of the Malankara Metropolitans or
the Eastern Catholicoses were having either or the other problems in their
terms of office and they had the Godly guidance and protection to keep this
Church firm in the divine faith and order.

According to the general tradition. His Holiness Moran Mar Augen I
Catholicose also had to face a problem. It was a question about the
priesthood and throne of St.Thomas, the founder and first High Priest of
Eastern Orthodox Syrian Church. So also there was a threat to the spiritual
and worldly powers of the Eastern Catholicose which had been approved and
ratified by the whole Christendom, in the Jerusalem synod in AD 231. His
Holiness Mar Augen I Catholicose who was generally seemed in the outlook
and ordinary dealing as most humble became very strong and a firm decision
maker when the freedom, according to Christian tradition, of the Church
under the control of His Holiness according to God's will, was questioned and
His Holiness had to meet the problems face to face.

At certain occasions I have felt that the extreme humbleness in talks and
dealings of His Holiness was mistaken as an easy way to overcome His
Holiness by some leaders who initiated the present crisis in the Church.
When His Holiness was elected as the Catholicose Designate in 1962, for the
people who knew His Holiness closely it was quite unexpected as His
Holiness was the owner of a simple and humble life without any sort of
splcndur, pomp or proudy. I do remember a word uttered by His Holiness
Moran Mar Baselius Geevarghese II, the predecessor of His Holiness Moran
Mar Augen I, as a joke. " His Grace Mar Themotheos Metropolitan is
suitable of this post by all means. But the only problem is that he is more
humble".

This extra humbleness shined in him might have been considered as a good
:hance by the people who wanted to implement their desires of power by
force. By the Supreme court judgement of 1958, all cases were over and
jerfect peace was re-established in the Church. But not after a long time. His
Holiness Moran Mar Yacub III, Patriarch had questioned the throne of
St.Thomas, the salutation of the Catholicose as His Holiness and using red
letters in the letter heads etc., in one of the letters. But when His Holiness
Moran Mar Baselius Geevarghese II, Catholicose of the East had replied
firmly justifying all these reasons, the Patriarch had kept mum for a long
time.

When His Holiness Moran Mar Augen Catholicose came to power, the extra
humbleness inspirated and certain traditions from the system followed by the
previous Catholicose were removed. His Holiness followed the system of
mentioning the throne of St.Thomas only in certain orders released officially
as the Catholicose. Whenever His Holiness wrote letters, the letter heads
were not used. His Holiness used to write 'humble servant' also along with
the name. His Holiness had expressed this sort of natural humbleness when
the Patriarch visited India in 1964 and when His Holiness visited Demascus
etc. in 1965. When such humbleness were noticed they might have thought
of using the sword against His Holiness which was taken back due to the
resistance of His Holiness Moran Mar Geevarghese II, Catholicose,
previously. This time the sword was thrown with great force with the heresy
teaching that St.Thomas had no priesthood. But the sword sent for the
second time not only did not do the designed and desired result but also had
gone back to the place of origin. When the extreme humble person stood like
a rock, the sword was more forcibly sent back to the original place.

I could not find anyone else who used to fast and pray so strictly even though
all know that fasting and prayer are the weapons of a true Christian. All the
timely prayers were conducted in it's time itself with strict order. During the
lent times especially during 3 days and 50 days Lents he was taking a meal a
day. At 3 p.m. he used to drink a glass of water after that time's prayers.
And in the evening he would have a soft light food. During the Lents also
His Holiness used to fast upto 3'o clock. In addition to the canonical Lents,
His Holiness had several other personal Lents. He had strictly observed all
these Lents until when the body became too weak due to old age. Even when
there was no lent His Holiness used to take very simple food. That also with
great limit. I have witnessed these qualities as myself was with His Holiness
for a very long period.

His Holiness was a hard working and deeply interested person in readi
studying especially the Theological subjects. Even in the midst of ver
schedules. His Holiness used to utilize the times available in betwee
reading. His Holiness had studied English language upto 4th standard
So it was difficult for His Holiness to write and speak in English flu
But His Holiness had an extra brilliant ability to read any English bool
to grasp ideas from them easily. In Syriac language he was a great so
not only in India but also in the regions where it is a spoken languag
have never heard of any one of this century who could utilize Syriac langi
so easily and beautifully. After the time of Mar Gregorios Bar Abraya >
His Holiness is a great syriac scholar. His Holiness had read and studiec
the theological texts in Syriac language available in India as well as abre
So as a result His Holiness has written so many books and translated a lot
books from Syriac to Malayalam. Such books are the permanent treasure
this church.

My relation with His Holiness had started in my early childhood. In tho:
days he was Augen Ramban. His relation with our family had started lor
before it. My beloved father was his spiritual guide and teacher from h
young age. Within a short span of time he had acquired extra ordinal
ability in Syriac language as well as the matters of Church service. So f
joined MD seminary for English education. He studied upto 4th standar
there. Due to his interests and devotion to Syriac language and the dogma
of the Church, he washed to visit the Holy land. And when he was Di
Mathai, he started to Palestine when he as only 20 years old. His aim wa
not only to visit the Holy land. He visited the important centres and studie
the available religious and theological books. He willingly took discipleshi
from great Church fathers there and learnt what all he could in Syria
language and Theology. In both these subjects he became a veteran. In thos
days -there were two claiming for the Patriarchal throne. These were Ma
Abdel Misiha and Mar Abdullah. His Holiness had met them both separate!
and tried to understand their stand by watching them closely. His Holines
had stayed with them both. So also His Holiness had informed the impartk
statements to the Church fathers in India then and there. His letters of thos
days are so famous. During his foreign stay, he reached a monastery in th
name of St. Augen in 'Thurabdeen'. He stayed there for a few years and had
detailed study about St. Augen. Due to the great devoteness felt to the saini
he accepted the name Augen instead of his own name Mathai. From tha
monastery he became a monk and returned to home land in 1908 as Augei
Ramban.

Ln the beginning he had a contact with my father for a short period. But
■when he returned from the middle east, he used to contact my father
frequently. He used to visit and stay in Pampakuda Church and used to read
the ancient books of Pampakuda library. He used to copy down many Syriac
books, and also used to help my father in preparing the press copy of the
books to be printed. In those days my father was contacting so many church
leaders and prelates of the middle east churches. Augen Ramban used to
help my father in those correspondences. In such occasions Augen Ramban
used to take food from my family and he was considered one among the
members of our family. I do remember with great respect that I was a very
•small boy and he used to take me with him and was pleased to advise me of
many things. In those days he used to present me with certain attractive
presents. Likewise from the childhood itself I have enjoyed a sort of paternal
affection from him.

Even though my father Kora Mathan Mai pan was a known great scholar of
Syriac language and Theology, I could not undergo priestly training and
education from him. I had a chance to learn a few initial chapters of Syriac
language only from him. As and when I had completed the English
education and was about to study Syriac, my father was called to eternal rest.
When he was bedridden, he knew that he could not grant me Syijac
education. So he requested His Grace Mar Thimothios, Metropolitan of
Kandanad, to take the responsibility of teaching me. And suggested me to go
with His Gfrace even forgetting my responsibilities towards the family. That
is how I became a disciple of His Holiness. After the death of my father I
stayed with His Grace who had to travel a lot for the needs of the diocese, as
well as for so many other burdens, used to spend a little time for me daily.
Usually he used to teach me during the journeys either in car or boat. I do
remember with due reverence and affection to His Grace that what all
knowledge I have at present in the Syriac language. Theology or church
history whatever it may be I am indebted for them to His Grace .

The Patriarch had dismissed His Grace Vattassaril Mar Dionesius not much
later than the return of His Grace as Augen Ramban after his studies and
travels in the Holy land. From that time till 1942 when His Grace had
accepted His Holiness Moran Mar Baselious Geevarghese II ,
unconditionally, while being the Diocean Metropolitan of Kandanad, His
Grace was following a distinct nature where his opponents accused him of
not having a firm opinion and his activities were against the traditions. For
those who may watch from outside may seem this argument as meaningful.

But if one is examining with a close watch into his church activities, he could
understand that His Grace had accepted a stand where he was truly cautious
of the traditions of the Church and he had acted accordingly. And he has
done according to the circumstances without moving from the entire aim.
And if it is to be clearly understood, it is essential to look back to the events
that took place in this church since about past 100 years.

Before a century, i.e. in 1876, the then Patriarch His Holiness Moran Mar
Peter III had visited Malankara Church and introduced certain administrative
systems through the Mulanthuruthy Synod and strengthened the relation of
this Church with the Anthiocan throne. Then only His Holiness had returned
to Syria. It was a time when there was no eastern Catholicose. His Holiness
Mar Peter III Patriarch entered the Heavenly abode in 1894 and his successor
was not elected unanimously. When the synod was convened to elect a new
Patriarch the name of His Grace Coorilose Geevarghese, the care taker of
the throne after the demise of Patriarch Peter III came first for consideration,
as His Grace was a Church father of good reputation. Even though His
Grace was pressured strongly, His Grace declined saying that His Grace
was not eligible for such a high post. So it was compelled to suggest one
more name. Instead of one, three names of His grace Dionesius Mar Abdal
Misiha, Mar Gregorios Abdullah, Mar Dionesius Baneham came up. As Mar
Abdallah had been the secretary of His Holiness for a long time and he was
with His Holiness during the *visit to India, all were expecting that Mar
Abdallah would be elected. But when the election took place. Mar Abdel
Masiah was elected with at least a small majority. Mar Abdallah got the
second position only . Like wise Mar Abdal Masiha was enthroned as the
Patriarch.

The recognition of Turkey Sultan which is known as 'Farman' was granted to
His Holiness Mar Abdal Masiah Patriarch. In those days the farman was a
must for the Patriarch to apply certain worldly powers in Turkey and its
provinces. Immediately His Grace Mar Abdallah embraced Roman Catholic
Church. There is a saying that due to some reason he had been a victim of
the displeasure of the Turkey Government and to safeguard himself from the
persecutions, he took refuge with French council acting as he was a member
of Catholic Church. Let the facts and figures of these incidents be as it
should be. In 1905 the farman of Abdal Misiha was withdrawn by Turkey
government. Mar Abdallah Metropolitan came back from the Roman
Church and celebrated the Holy Qurbana in Syrian Orthodox Church
publicly. As the farman of the His Holiness Mar Abdal Masiha was
withdrawn by the Turkey government they were in need of a person to the

post with government's approval and recognition. So the Synod was
convened. His Grace Mar Abdallah was elected as the Patriarch
unanimously. As soon as he was enthroned, the Farman was issued in his
name. These matters could be understood from the "Edavaka

Pathrika" (Parish bulletin) the chief organ of the church of those days.

Likewise there were two persons claiming for the throne of Patriarch at the
same time. His Holiness Mar Abdal Masiah remained as the Patriarch who
had lost the worldly powers and His Holiness Mar Abdallah as the Patriarch
with the approval and recognition of the Government. But the Malankara
Church understood or better say Malankara church was informed that His
Holiness Mar Abdal Masiah Patriarch was removed from his position due to
many reasons like poor administration, wrong ruling against the principles
and teachings of the Church, drunkenness etc. by the H. Synod and
Canonically His Holiness Mar Abdallah was elected by the H. Synod and
enthroned as the Patriarch. So it was the understanding of Malankara
Church that His Holiness Mar Abdallah was the only Patriarch of that time
who was lawfully installed. From His Holiness only His Grace Vattassenl
Mar Dionasius and His Grace Kochuparampil Mar Coorilose had accepted
the Metropolitan position. Not much later His Holiness Moran Mar Abdalla
Patriarch visited Malankara and His Holiness was honoured as the real
Patriarch. Soon His. Holiness dismissed His Grace Vattasseril Mar
Dionesius. Soon the split came in the Church.

Moreover Rev.Dn. Augen (Later His Holiness Moran Mar Augen I) had
visited the middle east countries when there were two Patriarchs at a time.
So the Malankara Church came to know that Patriarch Mar Abdal Mishah's
Farman was only withdrawn by the Turkey Government for some reason and
the allegation that the H. Synod had replaced him was baseless because of the
vast and vivid journeys, studies and contacts of Dn. Augen with both the
Patriarchs. In those days the church there used to respect His Holiness Mar
Abdel Masiah as the Patriarch considering his spiritual powers and His
Holiness was exercising many spiritual activities as the head of the church as
the Patriarch itself. His Holiness Mar Augen had greatly respected
His. Holiness Mar Abdal Masiah as the spiritual head and his authority from
those days. It was a time when the Malankara Church which was under the
i eastern Catholicate canonically and traditionally had longed to get the
! Catholicate re-established in Malankara which had lost its existence in
Persia. His Holiness Mar Augen had discussed this desire with both the
Patriarchs. Many people are aware of the letters sent by Dn. Augen from

Syria in this regard. His Holiness Mar Augen easily understood that His
Holiness Mar Abdal Mishah Patriarch was in favour of the re-establishment
of the Catholicate and His Holiness Mar Abdallah was against the
suggestion. In these circumstances only Very. Rev. Augen Ramban had
returned to Malankara after his visit to Palestine.

By the time the split in Malankara became severe. His Grace Joseph Mar
Dionesius had expired in 1909. So His Grace Geevarghese Mar Dionesius
became the Malankara Metropolitan. Not much later His Holiness Moran
Mar Abdallah Patriarch visited Malankara. There was unrest between the
Patriarch and the Malankara Metropolitan due to many reasons. As a result
the Patriarch dismissed the Metropolitan and the Patriarch went back in
1911.

When a good number of the people of Malankara and the Metropolitan
himself was sure that the dismissal order was baseless and without reason,
they thought of approaching the help of His Holiness Moran Mar Abdel
Masiah Patriarch. So the attempts for the purpose had started. By the time
there came a division in the Church by the name Bava's group (those who
sided by the Patriarch) Kandanad, Ankamali and Kochi Dioceses almost
totally and a good share of Kottayam Dioceses sided strongly with the
Patriarch group. The Dioceses south of Kottayam were almost strongly
siding the Metropolitans group. In this division Very. Rev. Augen Remban
also remained in the Patriarch group considering the geographical factors.
At this time only His Holiness Moran Mar Abdel Masiah Patriarch had
reached Malankara as a result of the attempts of His Grace Vattasseril Mar
Dionesius and his followers in 1912. The Patriarch side did not accept His
Holiness with the argument that His Holiness had lost his spiritual powers
due to the withdrawal of Farman by the Turkey government. The people who
sided the Metropolitan welcomed His Holiness Moran Mar Abdel Mishah
Patriarch according to the instructions of the Hoodaya Canon(7:l).
His. Holiness cancelled the dismissal order against His Grace Vattasseril
Mar Dionesius Metropolitan.

As desired here from the time of His Grace Joseph Mar Dionesius, the
Patriarch co-operated the attempts to re-establish the Eastern Catholicate
where there were no heirs, in Malankara. His Holiness lead the services to
enthrone Murimattathil Paulos Mar Ivanios Metropolitan as the successor to
the throne of Catholicate at Niranam.

Very Rev. Augen Ramban had gone to Niranam and had attended the
services ignoring the splits because of his personal regards and respects
towards HiS Holiness Moran Mar Abdal Misiha Patriarch and also due to his
personal long felt desire of re-establishing the Catholicate in Malankara.
] Moreover His Grace Murimattathil Mar Ivanios Metropolitan was his
i father's spiritual guide and likewise Augen Ramban had great appreciation
; about the Catholicose designate. As Augen Ramban had to continue his
ifuture life in the northern dioceses it was a step out of limits. But he had
continued in his native place as a supporter of Patriarchal group. By the
time he had started many Christian spiritual activities in Kandanad and
Ankamali Dioceses.

He had firstly started the evangelical works among the low caste people
i centralising the northern dioceses. He had given baptism for so many and
i they were given membership to the church. Then he started attempts to
i establish schools where education was far behind. He had done great services
| in the establishment of Piravom and Kolenchery High Schools. He had to
remain staunch to the Patriarchal side to continue his missionary works in
I these areas where the group dominated. His Grace Pathrose Mar Osthathios
I Metropolitan, founder president of the Society of Servants of the Cross and
i all members of his family were on the side of the Metropolitan group from
l die very beginning. But for the sake of the success of His Grace's attempts of
i missionary works through the society of servants of the Cross among the
I oeople who were staunch in Patriarchal side, he had accepted the priesthood
I Tom the Patriarchal side only. His grace Mar Osthathios had done so only
I aecause of the advice of Very. Rev. Augen Ramban, a well-wisher and
i issociate of the servants of the Cross.

i \s time passed forward, in 1927 Augen Ramban was nominated as the
! Metropolitan designate of Kandanad Diocese and was consecrated as a
1 Metropolitan at Jerusalem with the name Augen Mar Thimothios by His
I Holiness Mar Elias III, Patriarch. This was very essential for the smooth
: iinning of the Kandanad Diocese which stood very loyal to the Patriarchal
j *roup. Soon after this His Grace Augen Mar Thimotheos had conducted his
l administration of the Diocese efficiently as a Metropolitan of the Patriarchal
! jroup.

: Even though His grace Mar Augen remained with the Patriarchal group after
I he devision of 1912, he had a great inner feeling and faith that His Holiness
' Mar Abdel Masiah was the right Patriarch having the true spiritual rights,
.ind the Catholicate re-established in Malankara was quite significant and

•4

reasonable because of his persona! knowledge of Church history and
Theology especially from the knowledge he had gained through his vast
travels in Palestine. So also His Grace had tried his best to teach these
facts to the faithful so that their enmity may get lightened slowly. It was the
top priority of His Grace 's attempt after taking charge of the Diocese to re¬
establish peace in the Church. Many of His Grace ’s attempts are personally
known to me as I was a companion of His Grace in those days. His. Grace
had conducted a large number of correspondence with His Holiness Mar
Aprem I, Patriarch for this purpose. His Holiness Mar Aprem Patriarch had
informed His Grace that Abdel Misiha Patriarch had lost all his spiritual
powers. So the present Catholicose had to accept the ordination from a
canonical Patriarch. That was what informed by Mar Aprem Patriarch and
also informed his readiness to recognise the Catholicate in Malankara in that
specific condition. Even though this suggestion was against his
understanding and faith. His Grace Mar Augen went forward with the
desire to have complete peace in the Church.

His Grace met His Holiness Moran Mar Geevarghese n, the then
Catholicose several times and had consultations. As His Holiness also
longed to have peace anyhow or other, finally agreed to move as desired by
the Patriarch due to his self desire as well as the pressure of His Grace Mar
Augen.

The reply of His Holiness is still echoing in my ears." Your Grace, I am sure
that there is no shortage for my position. If I had a feeling like that I would
not have worn this dress for the only sake of proudy. I am not a man of that
type. But I am willing to sacrifice anything for the peace in the Church. If
you all compel, I shall bow my head before anybody like Lord Jesus who
bowed before St. John the Baptist. If somebody is there willing, let them put
their hands above my head. If there is anything wrong in doing so, the sin
will remain with the one who lays his hand. I will be free”. As a result of
this agreement, the arrangements were made for the Alwaye round table
conference, the last but greater attempt of His Holiness. At the end of this,
His Holiness was willing to accept ordination from His Grace Mar
Athanasius at Thrikkunnath Seminary Alwaye. But due to certain technical
reasons, that meeting did not take place. Sometimes it would have been a
miraculous decision of God. Whatever it may be, His Grace got desperate
and got back from the attempts for peace. In continuation to this His Grace
Mar Augen started to be more close to the Metropolitan group and started to
co-operate more openly with His Holiness Moran Mar Geevarghese II,
Catholicose.

In the meantime, due to such activities, His Grace had acquired hatred and
enmity of the leaders of the patriarchal group and especially the Patriarchal
representative. His Grace Mar Julius Metropolitan. Due to their
inspirations His Holiness the Patriarch started to send orders of criticism to
His Grace Mar Augen. It was the time when the case was going on in the
District Court. In that case the name of His Grace Mar Augen was
included in the list of witness for the plaintiff. Likewise His Grace was
examined by a commission at Moovattupuzha, Bishop's palace. During the
examination and cross examination. His Grace told the truth according to
his knowledge regarding the group which may be benefited by it. The
statement of His Grace was generally harmful for the Patriarchal group. By
this, their anger towards His Grace had increased too much; as ten times
and even more. Then they started attempts to get His Grace dismissed by
the Patriarch. At this problem stage only His Grace invited His Holiness
Mar Geevarghese II, Catholicose to Moovattupuzha Church and accepted His
Holiness publicly and embraced the group lead by the Catholicose. This
reception was arranged on the basis of the resolution passed with the majority
of the diocesan representatives of Kandanad Diocese on the same day. But it
was an unfortunate truth that the support of the majority did not last long.
Without much delay His Grace was suspended by the Patriarch. But with
the support of a large number of priests and laymen. His Grace continued
the administration of the Diocese loyally to the Catholicose. From that
period till 1958 when the peace was re-established due to the supreme Court
Judgment, His Grace suffered a lot of ill treatments and persecutions and
the sufferings of His Grace during those sixteen years are numberless. The
incidents of manhandling are also well known. Lastly by the Supreme Court
Judgment, the peace was established in the Church in 1958. The Patriarchal
group who till then abused His Holiness as an old man Punnose without any
priesthood powers, all on a sudden agreed to accept him as His Holiness
Moran Mar Baselius Geevarghese II Catholicose of all the East, without any
pre-conditions. The ordinary people who stood behind that leadership with
eagerness who had listened and believed got astonished. So the peace and
happiness remained in the Church for some time. The one who rejoiced
more must be His Grace Augen Mar Thimotheos Metropolitan, who longed
for peace from his early childhood.

Even though peace was re-established in the Church, as far as His Grace
Mar Augen is concerned, it took more time for him to enjoy the peace. Soon
after the mutual recognition and the Malankara Association at Puthencavu,
when the matter of handing over the dioceses to the Metropolitans of the
former Patriarchal group came up. His Grace Mar Augen and His Grace

Paulose Philoxenos came together as heirs of Kandanad Diocese. Even
though the Holy Episcopal Synod discussed so many ways to solve this
situation and finally appointed them both as joint Metropolitans. They both
had to share the administrative affairs of the Diocese. Sooner everyone felt
that this suggestion was totally impractical. Then arose rift in between the
two Metropolitans. The matter was brought before the Holy Episcopal
Synod. In the meantime His Grace Paulose Mar Philoxenos had organised
an "Antiochan Movement' with the help of certain unhappy extremists of the
old Patriarchal group in northern and southern dioceses who accused publicly
that the mutual recognising ceremony held at the Sanctuary of Orthodox
Theological Seminary on 16 December 1958 was only a tactic for the
advance of rift. It was a stand against the peace of the Church. There were
moves from the Patriarch indirectly in favor of this move. But it is worthy to
note that the Metropolitans who were devout to Patriarch previously did not
favour the new move. Due to these reasons the Synod had to suspend His
Grace Mar Philoxenos and to entrust the entire responsibility of the Diocese
to His Grace Augen Mar Thimotheos. So it caused the rift again in
Kandanad Diocese. At this critical situation only His Grace Mar Augen
initiated the works of the present Moovattupuzha Bishop's House. And he
was able to complete the construction of the first floor disregarding the
oppositionfrom His Grace Mar Philoxenos. In 1962 His Grace Mar Augen
was elected as the Catholicos-Designate as the successor of His Holiness
Moran Mar Baselius Geevarghese II. Still His Grace continued to stay in
Moovattupuzha Aramana as the Metropolitan of Kandanad Diocese. His
Grace lived there till 1964 when His Holiness Moran Mar Geevarghese II
was called to eternal rest. After the demise of His Holiness, Mar Augen
shifted his residence to Catholicate Palace at Kottayam, taking up the
responsibilities of the Malankara Metropolitan as the elected successor.
Without much delay His Holiness Moran Mar Yakub III Patriarch arrived as
His Holiness was invited by the Malankara Episcopal Synod, to elevate His
Grace Augen Mar Thimotheos as the Catholicose. Even though the
dissidents tried to deviate His Holiness from his mission. His Holiness was
very strong for the cause honouring the mutual agreement of 1958 and sacred
traditions of the Holy Church. So His Grace Mar Philoxenos had no other
way than to associate with His Holiness and the mission. Likewise Mar
Augen was elevated as the Catholicose of the East, by the then Patriarch
recognised in accordance with the constitution of the Holy Church and in the
assistance of all Metropolitans of Malankara irrespective of the groups, on
22nd May 1964 at Mar Elia Cathedral, Kottayam. Even though His Holiness
Moran Mar Augen is the 4th Catholicose after the re-installation of
Catholicate in India, it is significant to note that His Holiness is the first

catholicoe elevated to this position in an atmosphere of complete and entire
peace of the church. We will come to the conclusion that the present position
is so suitable for him when we will consider his previous history and
activities.

It is a painful fact that the peace did not last long till the end of His Holiness.
His Holiness or anyone of the authorities of the chur ch under the control of
His Holiness are not responsible for the rift which is still prevalent in the
Church. Moreover His Holiness Moran Mar Augen was dealing with the
Patriarch with more reverence and whole heartily than any one of his
predecessors. And when things were going smoothly and not at ail against
the mutual agreements of 1958 and 1964, the Patriarch sent the infamous
order No. 203/70 without any reason. The only accusation in that order was
using the letter head with "the throne of St. Thomas" while St. Thomas had no
throne and even Priesthood in the version of the Patriarch. His Holiness was
mentally tortured much with the thought that if he liad withdrawn "the
throne of St. Thomas", he would be also supporting the heresy against the
priest hood of St. Thomas. Many leaders and well-wishers of His Holiness
advised him to do so for the sake of the peace of the church. But His
Holiness expressed his staunch faith in St. Thomas, the founder and patron
saint of Indian Church. His Holiness was of the opinion that he never
wanted to be the head of the Church if its founder was degraded When we
consider the real aim of order number 203/70, we understandtliat it was not
just to hinder the usage of the throne, from the vast experiences thereafter.
We do remember with due respect how much reasonable and honorable was
the stand taken by His Holiness Moran Mar Augen Catholicose. Due to all
these reasons. His Holiness had left this world to his heavenly abode with
little mental strain but in the sight of children of St. Thomas, he has become
much more venerable. And thus the biessed name of His Holiness Mar
Augen Catholicose is recorded in the Malankara Syrian Church History in
golden letters.

It is a satisfactory matter that my young friend Mr. K.V. Mammen has come
forward to write a condensed history of the eventful life of TIis Holiness much
later than the demise of this Holy Father. Mr. Mammen, a member of the
editorial board of Malayala Manorama is very actively participating in
different types of activities of Malankara Orthodox Church even in the midst
of his heavy official responsibilities. His dedicated services in orthodox
youth movement and other student movement and similar spiritual
organisations are really appreciable. He is rendering a very valuable service
through his contributions towards the Malankara Sabha, Orthodox youth.

Church Weekly etc. which are the official publications of the Holy church. It
is really glad to see him coming forward to write the biography of His
Holiness in the midst of his different busiest activities. I do present this book
to the public by congratulating him for completing its work in a short span of
time and I do wish all the best for its publication. Let the intercession of His
Holiness Moran Mar Baselius Augen I, Catholicose be a shelter for us
always.

Konatt Abraham Malpan

Pampakkuda

5.5.1976.

1 BIRTH OF A CONTROVERSIAL PERSON

It is the strong traditionally known fact that St.Thomas had reached
Cranganore, the western entrance of Kerala by AD 52 by sea and many of the
inhabitants had embraced Cliristianity due to his evangelical work and a few
churches were established. The secular feelings and the traditions of
civilizations of Hindu rulers provided shelter for Christianity. But later when
Christianity had to face persecutions many of the Mar Thorna Christians had
left Cranganore and the nearby places.

A family called Thuruthy had settled in Vengola near Perurnpavoor, when
they had moved from Cranganore. This area was later known as
Thuruthippilly. His Holiness Moran Mar Baselius Augen I was bom to
Rev. Fr. Abraham C hettamkulangara of Thuruthy family and Annamma
daughter of Mathew, Valiyal, Puthencruz, on 26th June 1884. Among Paily
Abraham, Kuriakose and Uyakim, the four brothers of His Holiness,
Abraham and Uyakim are still alive and they have settled in Kodanat and
Malabar respectively. Dr.P.C.Kuriakose, Pro- Vice Chancellor of Cochin
University is the son of Paily, Rev.Fr. Abraham, nephew of His Holiness is
serving as the Headmaster of Mar Augen High School, Kodanad.
Rev.Fr. Abraham, father of His Holiness had lead a righteous life. He was a
Scholar of Syriac language. He was so particular about the seven times
; prayers without break and also in leading a systematic sacramental life.
Parents of His Holiness had lived long and later only entered the heavenly
abode.

His Holiness was baptised by His Grace Mar Ivanios Metropolitan of
Kandanad Diocese, who later became the 1st Cathoiicose of Malankara. His
Holiness was named Mathai1 by His Grace Mar Ivanios who was the teacher
of Rev.Fr. Abraham. His Holiness had his primary education at Puthencruz
while staying at his Mother's house. In the early childhood itself he had
i accepted the discipleship of Malankara Malpan (Religious Teacher) V.Rev.
Konatt Mathen Cor-Episcopa and had the theological studies at the
I Pampakuda Seminary. In the meantime he was ordained as a Deacon by His
I Grace Kadavil Paulose Mar Athanasius Metropolitan. Rev.Dn. Mathai who
! had attained good influence in Malayalam and Syriac languages as well as in
that art of orating joined M.D. Seminary High School, Kottayam for his
i English education.

In those days he had met Rev. Dn.Sleeba from Syria (who became His Grace
Sleeba Mar Osthathios Metropolitan later). They both had visited almost all
churches in Malankara together and Dn.Mathai had translated the speeches
of Dn.Sleeba. Dn.Mathai had no plans to enter the Married life and to
remain as a vicar of a church. Due to his strong and staunch affection to the
Syriac language and Syrian church Dn. Mathai had gone to Syria with
Dn.Sleeba in 1905and had accepted ordination of full Deacon at St.Mathew's
monastery in Assyria. He had travelled to Mardin and Thurabdeen where
Syrians were living in large numbers. The journey through Mousul to these
places were reahy troublesome. Whi'e staying in the oldest monastery of
Mar Augen in 1 nurabdeen, he changed his own name and accepted the new
name ’'Augen* . He stayea a few days with the senior Patriarch His Holiness
Moran Mar Abdel Massiha, whose recognition was withdrawn by Sultan of
Turkey, at the monastery of Mar Abraham at Thurabdeen. Then he travelled
to Mardeen and reached KurKuma Dayara where His Holiness Moran Mar
Abdulla Patriarch was living. There he stayed for about nine months and
studied many precious and rare books in Syriac language. There he got the
chance to meet Mar Elias III and Mar Aprem who were successors to the
throne of Patriarch. The sufferings of Syrian Christians, under the rule of
Sultan of Turkey, were noticed by Dn. Augen. So also he was able to visit so
many places of historical importance. His Holiness Abdullah Patriarch
elevated Dn. Augen as a monk (Ramban) at the monastery of St.Mark in
Jerusalem in 1908. In Malankara it was not a practice to elevate someone as
a Ramban before the ordination as a priest.

While staying at Thurabdeen, Very Rev. Augen Ramban had thought
vigorously about the future of Malankara Church and with a far sighted
vision, he had held correspondence with certain leaders in Malankara. Many
of our people may be ignorant about the decisive influence of V. Rev. Augen
Ramban in the re-establishment of Catholicate in Malankara. He only had
provided the realistic and true information about His Holiness Mar Abdel
Misiha Patriarch who was quite noble and pious and about His Holiness Mar
Abdullah Patriarch who was more cunning than righteous. It was clearly
mentioned in the letters and articles of Rev. Augen Ramban that His Holiness
Abdullah Patriarch was not in favour and His Holiness Mar Abdel Massiha
Patriarch was fully in favour of the re-establishment of the Catholicate.

When V.Rev.Augen Ramban came back to Malankara, he was ordained as a
priest by His Grace Sleeba Mar Osthathios Metropolitan at Kottayam
Church (Cberiya Pally). V.Rev.Augen Ramban had travelled all over the
churches in Kerala with His Holiness Abdullah Patriarch and His Grace
Sleeba Mar Osthathios Metropolitan as their interpreter in 1909.
Very. Rev. Augen Ramban had tried his level best to be impartial in between
the two groups in the Malankara Church.

His Holiness Moran Mar Abdel Massiha Patriarch arrived Kerala in 1912 as
and when His Holiness Abdulla Patriarch, who had attempted to occupy the
secular powers in Malankara, had gone back. Considering the personal
contacts with the Patriarch, Very. Rev. Augen Ramban had gone to Niranam
and had an audience with the Holy Father. So also he attended the
enthronement services of His Grace Murimattathil Mar Ivanios the teacher
of his father, as the 1st Catholicose of Malankara. It is quite natural that the
Patriarch group of that time felt ill feeling towards V.Rev.Augen Ramban.
Even before this itself he had turned as a controversial person.

In those days very . Rev. Ramban had gone to Madras, as per the request of late
K.K.Lukose Judge and in consideration of our members there, to conduct our
services at Madras Anglican Church. That was the beginning of a service
center in outside Kerala. The spirit of Mar Augen Catholicose must be
rejoicing in the fast development of Madras Parish as the Head quarter of a
Diocese of the Church.

2. GOSPEL & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Very Rev. Augen Ramban who returned from Madras, the great city,
accepted Vadagara Church and the surrounding places as the action fields of
his gospel and educational activities and services. He succeeded in helping
so many families to embrace Christianity while he roamed among the low
class people, doing good through his gospel activities. Hundreds of
converted Christians enjoyed the shelter and shade of the great tree - the
church. We could say that the society of the servants of the Cross started by
Rev.Dn.M.P. Peter, Mukkamcherril was the continuation of the works started
by Very. Rev. Augen Ramban. It was no body else other than Very. Rev. Augen
Ramban who supported and enabled the society of the servants of the Cross to
cover the obstacles raised by the Government of Sir.C.P. and the high class
Hindus who objected the conversion of low class people, considering their
own interests. The society has described Very.Rev.Augen Ramban as the
anchor of the society ship. When there were the two groups strong with their
arguments in the Church, His Grace Augen Mar Thimotheos Metropolitan
had been the patron of the Society. It is a historical fact that his association
with the society enabled it to achieve strong holds in the northern Dioceses.
In the early years, the annual conferences of the society had been presided by
His Grace Augen Mar Timotheos Metropolitan. In one of those annual
conferences at Pallikkara, Mr. O.M.Cherian was the main speaker. So the
representative of Patriarch objected His Grace Mar Thimotheos from
attending and presiding the meeting. But he only presided the meeting. No
body was able to hinder the flow of his deep concern for gospelisation. The
services rendered by him while being the Episcopal Defense made him the
blessed. There is no doubt about it.

He started an English Medium Middle School in 1918 after constructing a
building in the grounds of the 'Cross’ at Vadagara, with the strong feeling
that English education is a must for the progress of the newly converted
Christians (from the backward class) even though the locals had no interest
in the purpose. It will be difficult for the present day generation to
understand the troubles and pains suffered by Very.Rev.Augen Ramban for
the construction of the first building and the two storied building raised later.
See what is told by Rev.Fr.C.S.Scariah, the previous Head Master of the
famous St.Johns High School, Vadagara.

Very.Rev.Augen Ramban reached Vadagara seeing the splendid Church
there. The affection towards his classmates Rev.Fr. Mathai Tharayanil (He
.entered the heavenly abode at Jerusalem when he had gone there with

Very. Rev. Augen Ramban), Rev.Fr.Paulose Kunankal, and Rcv.Fr. Joseph
Kuttippalackel had attracted him to the place. There were a large number of
backward class people belonging to Tulaya' tribe. He started visiting their
homes to preach the gospel with the co-operation of their landlords, with the
strong feeling that it was a good field for gospelisation. More than 200
families as a whole accepted baptism. Cloths were distributed among them.
Their Marriages and house warmings were solemnized by Very .Rev. Augen
Ramban and the local priests. His Grace Pathros Mar Osthathios
Metropolitan also started his functions. Now-a-days those families are living
in very good standards. He had ignored the suggestion to have a separate
church for the newly converted. As the 'old' Christians could not achieve
freedom from the bondage of Liquor the "New' Christians were also of the
same experience. There are funny occurrences where old Christians had
compelled new Christians to share their seats in the toddy shops where as the
new Christians weren't willing to sit with the old with respect.

It was impossible for Veiy.Rev. Augen Ramban to sit idle other than engaging
himself in new activities and fields. He selected the educational field. There
was no English Schools in between Kottayam and Alwaye. It was a time
when the Vadagara Parish had handed over the management of the Anglo
Vernacular School at Koothattukulam to the State Government. An attempt
of the locals to erect a Girls primary School under the Government
Management had also failed. In these circumstances Very. Rev. Ramban had
t thought about the formation of an English School. Many who heard the
suggestion were not pleased. But the optimism of Very. Rev. Ramban was
many times stronger than the pessimism of others. He expressed his
willingness to erect the school building if the required land was granted
somewhere near the Church. All agreed to this proposal. He summoned a
meeting of the parish representatives of Vadagara and surrounding places.
They promised some of the required funds. Immediately arrangements were
made for collection of funds from houses after houses. Very.Rev.Ramban
accepted the very small amounts with great satisfaction. Rice, money and
timber were collected from the people. In the accounts of receipts very small
donations are seen as accounted.

I had met him again while his collection campaign was going on. When I
had been to my mother's house for the mid summer vacation, I had met him
with my maternal uncle Rev.Fr.Mathew. He enquired my opinion about the
school project. I had given a pleasing opinion. I had never expected that I
would become the Headmaster and the luck would favour myself and the
School at a time. My intention was to join M.D. Seminary High School as per

the direction of my teacher Mr.K.V.Chacko. He told me that he did not
receive any promising answers from anyone. I am always optimistic then
and now. With the funds received from people belonging to the different
faiths, the middle school building's construction was completed. Immediately
the preparatory class was started. I was appointed as the Headmaster. But as
I had lost a subject of my BA degree, I had gone back to S.P.G. College,
Trichinappally. Mr.M.B.Ninan, Mattackel, Niranam was appointed here as
the Headmaster. Rev.Fr. Thomas, Kokeril was appointed as the asst.
Headmaster. There were more students than expected. As per the request of
the parishioners, he agreed to be the Manager of the School: He had no
desire for money, power,pomp and proudy. After giving instructions to
Rev.Fr. Kokeril and Rev.Fr.Chalembil to carry on the necessary works, he
had gone back to his native place.

I passed my B.A. examination. As my teacher and well wisher Mr. Chacko
Master had ideas to leave the position of Headmaster of M.D. Seminary High
School, Kottayam, and as my relatives had a disliking to send me to the
south, I did not consider to join MD Seminary School. Luckily the plans to
elevate the middle school as a High School became prevalent.
Very. Rev. Ramban came again to the forefront. A meeting of the parishioners
was convened. The parishes of the neighborhood also promised to co¬
operate. A small hilly area of beautiful seven acres, on Koothattukulam -
Emakulam main road was purchased for the purpose by the Parish. With the
advance from the parish construction works of a two storied building in TT
shape was started. Very.Rev Ramban initiated the fund collection and
collected money, rice and timber. And hence the construction works were
completed. It took seven years. In this period only V.Rev.Ramban's
willingness to physical strain, suffering natures, ability for collection of
funds etc. were exhibited. The fifty days lent time was the time for
collection. In those days all people would be there in their houses. Lent
won't allow to accept food and receptions. Hence he could visit more houses
saving a lot of time. He needed a light refreshment at 3'o clock after noon.
Those who were moving around with him were permitted to take food as and
when required. But it should not be a hindrance for his programme. When
he would reach a house, he will notice a big tree and would approach it. The
head of the family would say "Ramban, please don't take that. I will give the
next one". Immediately the arrangements would be made for cutting into
pieces and sending to saw mills. He used to approach all alike, the rich and
poor. Those who were not able to send their wards to English Schools
because of their inability to pay the fees were also approached. I once asked
him why the poor were not ignored from the collection and why the tallest

and biggest trees were demanded from the well to do families. He answered
"This is the psychology of collection. If you ask the biggest, then only you
will get the small at least. From the poor only you will get comparatively
bigger amounts". We all studied that what he told was absolutely correct.
One day at 3 PM he broke the fast by taking tender coconut water. But he
was totally exhausted due to the heat. He felt very tired. He told me to pray
for him, by keeping my hand on his forehead. He said "I will die now, please

keep your hand on my forehead and pray". I was worried. As we got the
effective medicine from a house he got relief. If help was needed to load the
timber in the carts, he was willing to do what he could. In those days the
wheels of the carts used to struck on the roads. Very Rev.Ramban was
usually the first person to pull the wheel from the mud. In those days the
roads were not metalled. Rev.Fr.Kocheril will also join V. Rev.Ramban. I
was not strong so I won't join them. He used to say that Rambans are not
forbidden to toil. When the foundation pit was prepared Very. Rev.Ramban
only started preparing the pit first.

He desired that things must go in the right way. He never longed for any ^rt
of wealth, well being, fame and popularity. And finally it became a High
School.

In the meantime he longed to have an Asram of his own. So he established
the Zion Asram near Malayattoor and started staying there. The Church
started with the Asram was a relief for the people who had settled there.
Recently the church and Asram were renovated and Mar Augen High School
was established. The author remembers the words of Late Rev. Fr.T.C. Jacob,
Manager of Catholicate Aramana that His Holiness had helped the school
construction with the contribution of a big amount. In addition to this. His
Grace Augen Mar Thimotheos Metropolitan had a permanent role in the
establishment of Piravom Seminary middle school and Kolenchery High
School.

3. METROPOLITAN

Very. Rev. Augen Ramban was consecrated as His Grace Thimothios
Metropolitan by His Holiness Moran Mar Elias ID Patriarch, (who was later
buried at Manjanikkara) by the unanimous wish of Kandanad Diocese. The
Consecration took place at the St. Marks Asram Church in 1927.

When Very. Rev. Augen Ramban had set apart to Syria for consecration, he
was asked to execute a contract registered. It was mentioned in the contract
that it was a must on the part of the Metropolitan candidates to execute the
contract and it won't be a hindrance to act for the welfare of Malankara
Church. This additional clause was an objection and delay for the
Consecration. Patriarch got a cable message "Augen should be punished and
returned". Incidentally he had to bargain and argue with Mar Aprem
Severios (Later Patriarch) about the Catholicate. Rev.Fr. Chollenpil who was
with Very. Rev. Augen Ramban prepared another agreement in English with
the pleasure of the Patriarch. When His Grace Mar Augen returned to
India, Mar Julius was insisting to register the agreement and His Grace did
not take the request seriously. From that day Mar Julios was not in good
terms with Mar Thimotheos.

As soon as His. Grace returned to Kerala, he started living at Piravom
Seminary. Even though the Piravom Parish had donated 5 acres of land to
build the Diocesan Head Quarters, it did not take place due to several
reasons. The Metropolitan of Kandanad Diocese who succeeded Mar
Themothios sold the same land to Piravom Church itself recently. His Grace
Mar T1 imothios joined a chit fund at Cherai Bank to form a Diocesan Fund.

Again the attention of His Grace was diverted towards Moovattupuzha. He
regained the land and small building at the prominent place at
Moovattupuzha close to M.C.Road, originally purchased by His Grace
Ivanios the first Metropolitan of Kandanad (Later His Holiness Mar Baselius
Paulose I, Cathoiicose) from the unjust occupants and His Grace Mar
Thimotheos started living there.' His Grace did his best to convert the land as
fertile and constructed the present Church there. It was the beginning of a
worship centre for the Orthodox Syrian Christians. A few Deacons had come
to Moovattupuzha and they had stayed there for some time. The names of
His Grace Yoohanon Mar Severios (Cochin Diocese), His Grace Phlipose
Mar Thcophilos (Ankamali & Bombay Dioceses) and His Grace Abraham
Mar Clemese (Knanaya Diocese) are worth mentioning.

[There was an agricultural field of more than 300 acres in Chathamattom
area, for Piravom Seminary (which was known as Metron Coup.) originally
earned by Mar Coorilos who was the Diocesan Metropolitan for some time.
| Before the coming of Mar Augen as in charge of the Diocese, almost the
whole area was under the occupation of many others. It was quite difficult to
regain the land. Still he succeeded in getting 10 acres of land and started a
Rubber Estate with the assistance and initiative of Rev.Fr.Skariah,
Chemmankuzhy. But due to financial shortage enough care was not provided
to the estate. Metropolitan had to suffer many struggles of financial and
other matters due to the troubles in the Church.

His Grace longed much to erect a good building in the place of the old hut
where he stayed at Moovattupuzha. He had tried for the purpose soon after
the peace was re-established. But unfortunately the meeting convened for the
purpose was adjourned. It was only because of the disagreement of the joint
Metropolitan. He was pained much in the incident. He even thought of
leaving everything aside and to lead a rest life in Kodanad Asram. When a
few gave inspiration he felt happy. He visited the Dioceses in the south. He
visited the parishes and approached the well wishers for fund collection. He
spent Rs. 3 1,000/- and completed the construction of the first floor. He
longed to see the completion of the second floor also. For this purpose His
Grace authorised the Diocesan Metropolitan to make use of certain
properties worth Rs. 9,000/-. So also handed over an amount of Rs. 3, 000/-.
When the Diocesan Metropolitan sold the estate he got Rs. 26,000/- and from
the sale of the plot at Piravom he got Rs. 3,000/- From Chit Fund of Cherai
Bank, His Grace was able to hand over another Rs.3,000/- as ready cash
after H.G’s incidental expenses. It is natural to keep an amount of pocket
money. His Grace also could have reserved, but His Grace did not do it.
When His Grace had settled at Kottayam also. His Grace had enquired
about the construction of the second floor. When the second floor was
completed His Grace reached there and enjoyed the sight. When the first
floor was completed many people had suggested to erect a Marble plate with
the inscription of the memory of the peace of 1958 and the building
construction. But His Grace did not favour the suggestion saying that such
upraises were unnecessary. But Rev.Fr. Chemmankuzhy arranged the Marble
slate with the following inscription:

" To the Glory of God and in Jubilant memory of the mutual
acceptance of the Patriarchate and Catholicate on 16., 12. 1958,
during the blessed period of His Holiness the Patriarch of
Antioch Moran Mar Ignatius Yakub III, and His Holiness The

Catholicose of the East Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese II, this
Metropolitan residence was erected by His Grace Mar Augen
Themotheose Metropolitan of Kandanad Diocese on the site
earned by His Holiness Moran Mar Baseliose Paulose I, the 1st
Catholocose of the East in India (installed in 1912 ( former His
Grace Mar Ivanios Metropolitan) of happy memory of the
Kandanad Diocese".

Moovattupuzha,

15.8.1961.

The portraits of His Holiness first Catholicose and His Holiness Mar Augen
Catholicose were placed in the new building. When this book is written,
those portraits and the Marble slab are not seen there. His Holiness
Geevarghese II had thought that as in the case of ordinary individuals, His
Grace Mar Thimotheos Metropolitan would also hesitate to move from
Muvattupuzha when His Grace would be consecrated as a Catholicose as
the Metropolitan residence was erected with His Grace 's efforts only. His
Holiness had asked Rev.Fr. Cliemmankuzhy to ask His Grace Mar
Themotheos Metropolitan to move to Kottayam and stay in the Catholicate
Palace after the time of His Holiness. Father conveyed message to His
Grace "Father you don't know that I won't stick to something. I have longed
to see things being done in the right way" was the reply from His Grace .
His Grace had worked at several places and established so many institutions.
But His Grace was never proud of those achievements or had shown extra
ordinary affection to those activities.

While His Grace was the Principal of Theological Seminary at Kottayam, he
told once, "It is nice that I have come from Muvattupuzha. In a way it is
good that the Members of Kandanad Diocese have forgotten me. Now my
interests are with the translation of the manuscript books in Syriac which are
beyond reach of the ordinary people. I have longed for this since long. Now
only I got time and people to publish them". While assessing the value of
literature, these books are of great importance and value. These books were
written by Church fathers who were scholars and saints and the books are full
of biblical verses and beautiful illustrations. They were translated to very
good Malayalam literature. The services of His Grace in translating the
precious books can't be ignored by anyone as all services are conducted in
Malayalam language. The new Testament which was translated by
Pampakuda Malpan was edited and published by His Grace . He has written
books of independent nature in addition to the translations. The Holy

Synods, life after death. Truth of Church teachings etc. are his famous works.
"The Hoothomo" of Holy Qurbana, the penkisa prayer for the memory of
St.Thomas and St. George were translated as poetry itself and were published.
As and when His Grace left Muvattupuzha it became a blessing for the
entire Church. His Grace had emerged himself in several attempts to end
the disputes in the church.

His Grace favoured the stand of His Grace Geevarghese Mar Dionesios
(Vattasseril) in the peace conferences held in the presence of His Holiness
Mar Elias Patriarch. His Grace Mar Dionesios had presented a formula of
mutual recognition. Even after the demise of Patriarch, His Grace
participated in many meetings with Palampadam advocate. At last His
Grace organised the round table conference at Alwaye. It was His Grace 's
last attempt for peace. By this attempt His Grace was ignored away from
the flock of Metropolitans of Patriarch's group. His Grace gave statements
in the court for the right canon in favour of the group of Catholicos.
V.Rev.Marasseril Itteera Malpan and Konatt Abraham Malpan also gave
similar statements. His Grace gave the inspiration to bring out the real
canon of 700 years old (manuscript of Syrian Origin) from Pampakuda.

In 1942 while His Grace was staying at Muvattupuzha, he accepted the
leadership of His Holiness Moran Mar Beseleos Geevarghese II, Catholicose
publicly and sang 'Oxyos' for His Holiness while a Diocesan general body
was going on. Even though these were in perfect order and system, this
resulted in the unrest of the Diocese. In almost all parishes both the groups
became active and the cases also started.

Without much delay His Grace was appointed as the Principal of Kottayam
Theological Seminary and he started staying there. When His Grace Mar
Philoxenos Metropolitan of Thumpamon expired. His Grace Mar Augen
took charge of the Diocese and started staying at PathanamthitCa. In 1953
His Grace participated the Metropolitan Consecration held at Kottayam
when Mar Ivanios, Mar Athanasios, Mar Phillexenos, Mar Osthathios and
Mar Coorilos were elevated as Metropolitans. When His Grace Daniel Mar
Philexenos took charge of Thumpamon Diocese, His Grace Mar Augen went
back to Muvattupuzha. During those days only He was able to enjoy the
happiness of peace for which His Grace had longed much. The verdict of
the supreme court came in 1958 and His Holiness The Patriarch and His
Holiness Catholicose recognised mutually and exchanged letters of mutual
acceptance. His Grace enjoyed great relief for his mind. The
administration of Kandanad Diocese was at a stand still. The attempts to

construct a Metropolitan residence were ignored till then and His Grace
succeeded in implementing the plans for the construction under the
leadership of Rev.Fr. Chemmankuzhy. In the mean time His Grace was
admitted m Velloor CMC Hospital for an operation. While His Grace had
come back to Muvattupuzha after the recovery. His Grace had been elected
as the Catholicose Designate.

4. PIRAVOM PERSECUTION

lie Piravom incident is a black chapter of in the biography of His Holiness
4ar Augen Catholicose as well as in the history of Malankara Orthodox
Church. It is a black dark spot, which cannot be removed, as far as the
amous Piravom parish is concerned. The culprits were ridiculed in the sight
.f the world because of their act in the p re-planed act of darkness. The wrath
God was showered upon them. The one who was manhandled shined like
a jewel of the fire.

rhe following description is the sum and substance of the statements of the
ye witnesses. This fact was collected from them personally as there is no
eal picture of this incident as a written record so far. It is expected that the
i nanhandling of the anointed of the Lord God won't take place in future,
j whatever be the temptation for the cruel act. In 1942, it was on the Maundy
rhursday after the acceptance of His Holiness Moran Mar Catholicose as the
spiritual head by His Grace Mar Augen that His Grace was manhandled and
ridiculed by his own people as what happened in the time of Lord Jesus
I Christ.

In those days the Metropolitan was living in the Piravom Seminary of
[ Kandanad Diocese. His Grace was taking rest after the Maundy Thursday
special services.

On that day there was a committee meeting at Piravom Church. When
Rev.Dn.N.M.Thomas had taken two years leave from the post of Head Master
of Piravom English Middle School, to resume the responsibilities of the
Secretary of Syrian Students Conference, he had handed over the official
responsibility of the School to the Asst. Head Master. But the Priest who was
acting as the Manager of the School appointed another controversial person
as the Head Master without consulting others. When this act was questioned
in the Church Committee, the priest who was the manager said "when I went
to the School there was no Head Master. So I have appointed another
person." After questioning this act, the members of Catholicose side walked
out. In the committee the Patriarch's side had enjoyed the majority. They
had taken decisions of their choice and had dispersed.

When the rift had increased among the two divisions, some prominent
persons of Piravom town who were followers of the Catholicose and some
prominent members of Pazhoor - Kakkad area who were followers of
Patriarch's side tried to direct the day to day affairs of the Church in the ways

they liked. The Vicar and the trustees of the Church were followers of the
Patriarchal group. In this circumstance the followers of Catholicose group
tried to bring His Grace Mar Thimothios Metropolitan to the Church. It is
said that those people had explained the benefits of His Grace ’s visit to the
Church. Two priests of the Catholicose side were also brought to the
presence of His Grace . They' were Rev.Fr.Mathai Alappatt and Rev. Fr.
Thomas Erumappetty. Actually Rev.Fr. Mathai wanted to ask His Grace
whether the visit was a must then and there. But as His Grace was noticed
ready to move to the Church, Rev.Fr.Mathai did not tell his opinion.

The Master motors bus which had service at Piravom area reached the
Seminary. Sunday School Children stood along both sides of the road with
lighted candles His Grace travelled in the bus. Even though simple but a
pontifical reception. The priests of the dissident group also participated His
Grace 's "Luthiniya" and evening prayers.

The members of the Church committee who were supporters of Patriarch
group and who had enjoyed majority did not participate the reception under
the auspices of the prohiinent persons of Piravom town. They did not raise
any objections too. But they held mutual consultations about His Grace 's
visit and tried to form up a public opinion against the visit.

The followers of Patriarchal group remained in the Church premises until
His Grace had gone for taking rest. The organisers of the reception had
requested them not to disperse from there. But they left the place.
Rev.Fr.Mathai also had gone from there.

Rev.Fr. Thomas, Rev. D ns. and a few young men who arranged the reception
remained in the Church. There was no disturbance for the quietness other
than the cold breeze from the Muvattupuzha river which had touched leaves
of the coconut trees softly. As it was the passion week so many faithful were
there in meditation, both inside and outside the Church.

The supporters of those who disliked the entrance of His Grace to the
Church which reminded the triumphant entry of Lord Jesus, went to Pazhoor
and Kakkad areas and were attracting some rowdy type people by saying that
"Robber entered the Church"

When there was no sort of rift in the diocesan administration, a young priest
was ex-communicated by His Grace for his disobedience. Even though he
had embraced Catholic Church, he gave leadership for the dissidents to
express his anger towards His Grace . The organisers of the dissident group

ought the advice of the leader who was engaged in the toddy business,
aoddy was brought to his house and was served among the rowdies. It is said
iat the priest who had embraced Catholic Church had followed the trouble
lakers upto the entrance of the Church with a turban. The people who came
> "send out" His Grace had brought some sticks of the coffee plant from a
ouse in Pazhoor. The coffee plant branches were strong and tender.

/hen the group reached the Church ai mid night all had fallen asleep. They
x)iled the petrol max lamp which was kept in the Church. The young priest
nd the Rev. D ns who were sleeping in front of His Grace *s room got up.
he bed room was opened with great force. Somebody caught hold of His
I srace 's shoulders and made him to get up. They questioned His Grace ‘s
ght to be there. They threatened His Grace 's life and asked to leave the
1 iace immediately. His Grace got ready to leave the place without any sort
f resistance. And got out of the room even without his shoes. When the
| roup showered abuses with words out of Dictionary, His Grace moved
I head slowly. There was enough moonlight to distinguish the persons known
i ersonally. A few members of the agitating group followed His Grace . A
! *w others caught hold of the young priest and manhandled him. At last he
i ad to runaway from there. The Rev. D ns who also were manhandied^ran
i ere and there as the place was not well known to them.

I /hen His Grace was getting down the steps on the eastern side one person
i ave a blow on His Grace 's back with the stick of coffee plant. When Kis
i hace turned back in great distress saw the guilty person and identified him.

his truth was revealed by His Grace later. Mr John Uchippillil who was
I :eeping in front of His Grace 's room said " I was sleeping in front of His
i irace 's bedroom by keeping the shirt and towel as the pillow. His Grace
; ad asked us to go back to our homes. But a few of us remained there. At
: lidnight a group of agitating people came looking for His Grace with talks
: 1 high sound. Immediately I had tried to enter His Grace 's room arid to
>ck it. But powerful push from outside made me fall down.

- as my dress identified to theirs, they counted me one among them. In the
! leantime somebody got into the Church and rang the main bell. When
lany people from the surroundings had reached the church, the agitators
/ere leading His Grace from the Church to the Piravom seminary by force,
heir sound of abuses were heard".

fr.M.U.Varkey, owner of the famous St.Mary's bankers at Piravom, son of
lr Varkey Uthup (Kunjappan) ex-trusty of the parish, and brother of
I fr.M.U. Abraham and Mr.M.U.Poulose said " when we heard the sound of

Church bell we ran to the Church. When we moved further we saw His
Grace walking barefoot among about forty rowdies, and their dirty abuses
were actually frightened. We hid ourselves from their sight and followed
them upto the seminary without their notice. On the way to seminary they
had thrown metal pieces against the house of ex-trusty Mr.Varkey Uthup
Mankidiyil. When he explained these truths Mr.Varkey Uthup shed tears.
He also remembered His Grace 's frequent advice "to Pray". When His
Grace reached the seminary the trouble makers had dispersed.

Rev.Fr.Mathai, Alappatt who had reached 88 years of age told the author on
7th May 1976 " 1 was not happy in His Grace 's trip to the Church. When I
reached Seminary to say "No", His Grace had made all arrangements for the
tnp. Then I had also joined him without raising an objection. I think there
were about 200 people By 8 PM we have reached the Church. I had
planned to bring His Grace back to the Seminary after the Prayers. When I
had compelled. His Grace had agreed to do so. But we could not arrange a
driver for the vehicle. Mr.Kuriakose the owner of Master Bus service
informed that the bus was not starting even after long trials. By the time it
was so late. As I was so tired and as my dress was completely wet due to
the sweat, I thought of taking a bath and changing the dress. And for this
and with intention of returning to the Church, I went home. His Grace had
told "my beloved, you all go to your homes, I shall return to Seminary in the
morning after the matins".

When I had reached home, I had a priest as guest. After the bath and supper
I did not prepare the bed. And while I was talking with the guest, I went to
sleep. At 5' o clock in the morning somebody toid me the details of the
unhappy incident in detail. When I rushed to the seminary 1 saw tears falling
from the eyes of His Grace . I knelt down at His Grace 's feet. And soon
Mr.Issac, Doctor of Local medicine was brought and he treated His Grace .
"Is it a must to record all these" was the question from respected Father
Mathai before explaining what he knew and what was there in his sharp
memory. When I kissed his blessed hand and said farewell, he hopefully
informed his desire and prayer to leave this world without much sufferings.

Even though His Grace got treatment of oil bath and massage for some
days, he had severe pain all those days. The marks of two beatings with the
coffee plant stick and manhandling were there on the handsome body which
was covered with robes always. In the morning when people gathered to
attend Good Friday's Service, they participated the pain of His Grace .
There is still a rumour that the dissidents only wanted to send His Grace out

the Church with out any sort of disturbances but the liquor had forced
j .em to act wildly.

lis Grace conducted the Good Friday’s long service while suffering the
nysical pains. In the sermon he did not mention about the persecution.

Within a few days a case was filed at Kottayam court with 3 1 plaintiffs. The
3lice superintendent utilised his influence and all the plaintiffs were
, Teased on bail. It is understood that all had a feeling that such a case is not
all a credit for the Church and hence the case was either withdrawn or
eakened later.

hose who tried to manhandle and ridicule His Grace, the anointed of God,
ere punished immediately by God Almighty. The right punishment for the
eserving at the right time is the peculiarity of tills incident. It is a truth that
le only son of the house at Pazhoor from where the coffee plant stick was
repared had fallen on the remaining piece of stick on the plant and had an
ajury on the belly and had expired immediately. The one who had beaten,
ad an unhealed wound on his body for years and years and was miraculously
ealed only after meeting His Grace with his family and begged the pardon.
Tie priest who had embraced the Catholic church and the owner of the toddy
hop had physically handicapped new born children. It is known that who
tad assembled the gathering and the people who had carried lanterns also got
easonable punishments. Later when His Grace used to visit Piravom
Church, people used to beg His Grace 's pardon for their own relative's
oolishness. Once His Grace had declared publicly that he had no ill feeling
o wards the one who had manhandled him and he had no complaint about
he incident. His Grace also had added that he had forgiven all culprits. It
s known that a few had proudly told about the incident to His Grace Mar
Athanasios of Alwaye and His Grace Mar Athanasios was not at all happy
o listen the news. It is said that His Grace had told ’’those who have
manhandled the anointed of Jehovah should not stand in my room - get out”.

Being a devotee full of Christian virtues. His Grace Mar Augen was not at
all happy to tell about the unhappy events to anyone or to maintain the
'rivalry to anyone. It is the historical fact that this incident has converted him
as a Martyr of the Christian church. Since this incident, the Catholieose
group used to conduct a silent procession from the Church to the Piravom
Seminary on a day of the passion week, every year. The silent procession
was stopped since the arrival of His Holiness The Patriarch to Malankara to
elevate His Grace Mar Augen as the Catholieose and their visit to the

Church as His Holiness The Cathohcose of the East and His Holiness The
Patriarch of the east. On that day they both had held each others hand while
stepping up the stairs to enter the Church.

Mr.Uthup Varkey, Mankidiyil is one of the prominent persons who felt very
bad about the Piravom incident, renovated the Cross and the base on the way
through which His Grace was made to walk. He spent Rs. 25,000/- to keep
the memory of His Grace . The newly built Cross and the base was
sanctified and blessed by His Holiness Augen Catholicose. We could see the
following writing. In memory of His Grace Mar Themothios (His Holiness
Moran Mar Baselius Augen I) Re-constructed by Uthup Varkey, Mankidiyil
(St. Mary's Bankers, Piravom - 1970)

5. THRONE OF CATHQLICOSE IN

MALANKARA

There were so many controversies about the Catholicate in Maiankara, which
ts considered as the symbol of the Independence, progress etc. Even when
there was no sort of disagreement in the church, certain leaders were
advocating to His Holiness The Patriarch for the establishment of the
Catholicate. Very Rev. Konatt Mathen Mai pan who rendered able leadership
for the old Patriarchal group was the Priest Trustee of the Church before the
commencing of the rift. His letter to the Patriarch asking to establish
Catholicate in India is a famous historical record. Resp.Malpan was strongly
demanding the Patriarch with reasonable arguments to re-establish the
catholicate that existed in Tigris for centuries. After all these events only the
rift came in the Church which was not wanted and expected by the ordinary
members. The reference to the letter of Very Rev. Mathen Malpan was made
:o make it clear that the Maiankara Church had not advocated for the
Catholicate on the basis of the rift. Today all members of Maiankara have to
feel proud about the Catholicate about which the leaders of the Church
respective of the group had a vision and the church as a whole had
appreciated it much. Even if some or other had any sort of disagreement,
hat might have disappeared today as His Holiness The Patriarch had come to
Kerala in 1964 and had Consecrated His Holiness Augen Catholicose as per
he decision and co-operation of the Holy Maiankara Episcopal Synod. In the
Antiochan Syrian Church there happened to be two Patriarchs at a time and
2ach one had excommunicated the other. These incidents are the modern
events of the Church History. Many knew the fact that Very. Rev. Augen
Ramban who had stayed with His Holiness Abdel Massiah Patriarch and His
Holiness Abdullah Patriarch for a long period and he knew them both very
well, had stood for the establishment of the Catholicate. Very Rev. Augen
Ramban had written to many leaders that senior Patriarch and the pious His
Holiness Abdel Massiah Patriarch had favoured the re-establishment of the
Catholicate in India. It is needless to mention specially that those letters had
helped to a certain extent in inviting His Holiness Moran Mar Abdul
Massiah Patriarch to Maiankara. In 1912 His Grace Paulose Mar Ivanios
Metropolitan of Kandanad Diocese was consecrated as the 1st Catholicose of
Maiankara at Niranam Church. (Those who had objected this saying that it
was a misappropriation, had given the name Paulose II, to His Grace Paulose
Mar Philexenos Metropolitan of Kandanad Diocese, when he was
consecrated as the rebel Catholicose in 1975) . The dissidents have agreed

that the establishment of Catholicate in Malankara is right by ignoring their
arguments against it while Catholicate was re-established in 1912.

While His Holiness Mar Abdel Massiah had re-established the Catholicate,
he had released approval orders to the effect that it would last long for ever.

In the speech soon after the re -establishment of Catholicate His Holiness
stressed that Catholicate and Patriarch are equal in powers and His Holiness
said like this:

" My blessed children, the service which took place here is so
divine and important. This is an incident which your fathers had
longed much to see, but they could not. The Malankara Orthodox
Church was established by St.Thomas, one of the Apostles of Lord
Jesus Christ. God has enabled today to re-establish the throne of
St.Thomas here, so that the Apostolic ordination could be
continued for ever In future there is no need to send someone to
Turkey to obtain ordination. The Catholicose enthroned today on
the blessed throne of St.Thomas is the successor of the
Catholicose who was there in Selucia. He is having the blessed
name Moran Mar Baselios. Let him live long. Let there be
mutual concern and consideration between you all and the
Catholicose. Let the Malankara Church obtain more glory and
progress through his leadership. You all should respect him and
honour him as a Catholicose. You all must obey his instructions,
love him and obtain Apostolic blessings from him. The
Metropolitans of Malankara will have the right to enthrone one
among them as the Catholicose after the period of present
Catholicose. Let the Catholicate enable the Malankara Church to
keep up its freedom This is the basement of the freedom of the
Church. Now I will tell the reason for the inspiration to re¬
establish the Catholicate in Malankara. I only know how difficult
and dangerous was the journey from Turkey to this place and I
have experienced them also. If insisted to suffer at much
difficulties by the members of Malankara Orthodox Church
always, it is unjust and not at all Christian spirit".

As mentioned in the speech of His Holiness The Patriarch, the 2nd and 3rd
Catholicose of Malankara were enthroned by the Metropolitans of
Malankara.

There was the final judgment for the cases of the Malankara Church on 12th
September 1958, by the Supreme Court of India, and hence the Catholicose
and the Patriarch accepted and recognised mutually on 16th December 1958
at old seminary, Kottayam. Actually this was the second recognition of
Patriarch as far as the Catholicate is concerned. When Catholicose had
written the mutual recognition he had written on the letter head showing
"Catholicose on the Throne of St. Thomas" and it was an act of long vision.
It is mentioned in the Supreme Court Judgment that the spiritual powers of
the Patriarch over the Malankara church were deteriorating due to the
enthronement of a Catholicose in Malankara.

6. 4TH CATHOLICOSE

As and when the third Catholicose His Holiness Moran Mar Baselius
Geevarghese II became ill due to old age. His Grace Augen Mar
Themothios, senior Metropolitan of Kandanad Diocese was elected as the
Catholicose designate by the Malankara Association held at Niranam on 17th
May 1962. On the same day when His Holiness The Catholicose said in his
speech to congratulate His Grace Mar Themothios, that His Grace had
excess humbleness, it became a famous talk later.

A small group of people who had no real Christian vision used to write to His
Holiness The Patriarch, criticising the peace and the stand of His Holiness
The Patriarch for the cause, after mutual reception and recognition and the
re-establishment of peace. It is a unique incident in the history of the
Malankara Church when His HolinessThe Patriarch was invited to be the
chief celebrant of enthronement of the 4th Catholicose according to the
traditions and when His Holiness The Patriarch accepted the invitation of the
Malankara Episcopal Synod. Chev.C.J.Kurian had written an article in
Malayala Manorama dated '24th August 1962 about the contribution of His
Holiness The Patriarch for the re-establishment of peace in Malankara. The
article says:

"Now there is no need to hide that there were rumors regarding the
arrival of His Holiness the Patriarch and many were worried over it.
But it is clear that His Holiness had no doubt about the visit and its
purpose. It is very clear from the statement of His Holiness at
Kottayam on 20.5. 1964. There was no hindrance for him to say boldly
that he was going to enthrone the Catholicose in Malankara. His
Holiness had visited Omallur Church where his predecessor and
personal guide's holy remains are laid to rest and on 22nd May 1964,
His Holiness enthroned His Grace Mar Augen Themotheos
Metropolitan as the Catholicose of the East, as it was planned earlier.
The statement of His Holiness the Patriarch are worthy to add in the
history of Malankara Church in golden letters. His Holiness had
expressed with his fatherly affection that he had enthroned the
canonical Catholicose of the East with out any sort of suspicion and he
had accepted all living and departed Metropolitans, priests and
Deacons and the faithful of the Church. His Holiness had exhorted the
faithful to work together unitedely as one ignoring all sorts of rifts
and rivalries for the sake of he improvement of the mother church.
All rifts and rivalries, as a result, disappeared from the minds of the

faithful asif mist may disappear in front of sun and they were united
one another with brotherly and affectionate regards. This sort of
feeling was experienced by many who attended the enthronement
services. What was started in 1958 was completed in 1964".

And when His Holiness The Patriarch enthroned Mar Augen Themotheos
Metropolitan as the Catholicose of the East on 22nd May 1964 at Mar Elia
'Cathedral, Kottayam, associated by the members of the Holy Episcopal
Synods of Malankara and Anthioch, His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios
Augen I became the first Catholicose of Malankara approved by the members
of Malankara, as a whole alike.

His Grace Mar Themotheos was a person who was much worried about the
rifts and disputes in the Church from the time when he was a Ramban. He
had longed for peace since long. When His Grace was in the Patriarch
group, he had honoured the principles of Catholicose group and he had a soft
comer towards the ideas of the opponent group. His Grace had later joined
the Catholicose group openly not only because of his favour for its ideas, but
also because of his prayer and longing to establish permanent peace in the
Church. His Grace had joined the Catholicose group with the knowledge'
that his existence in the original stand would only enable him to gain
personal benefits and achievements. His Grace's all good desires were
cherished on the Gold Friday on which he was enthroned as the Catholicose
of the East.

God only had selected and called His Grace to this top position. The
selection was also extra ordinarily unexpected. His Grace had never longed
for this position. As His Grace surrendered himself entirely to the mighty
arms of God Almighty, His Grace got the long life and health to carry out
the heavy burdens easily and successfully for 12 years. His Holiness Mar
Augen had rendered strong and able leadership to the Church by crossing so
many obstacles. As soon as His Holiness Augen Catholicose was enthroned.
His Holiness the Patriarch said in his speech that a new chapter had been
opened in the history of the Church and declared that the peace had become
re-established. The memorable speech continues:

" As it is said that my beloved is like a rose flower among the throns,
the Holy Church is a rose among the thorns of the world. There had
been pressures and persecutions against the Church from different
comers. There were disputes among the members of the Church
Malankara Church had been a victim of disputes of different natures

So I had to come to this place at this time. We must forget totally the
period where we were in disputes and nits. Many sacrifices were
exercised by the Church to remove the rifts and differences of
opinions. Hence the Church had been totally exhausted. Many people
came forward and worked hard for the peace of the Church. His
Holiness Moran Mar Elias Patriarch of Manjinikkara is one among
them. His. Holiness had come to this place to put an end to the
disputes, but he did not get a chance to do accordingly. Or in other
words God did not allow him to do so. Hence it was an unavoidable
need to grant peace for the Church. As soon as I became the Patriarch
I have thought about this need seriously and after a year of my
enthronement I have sent an order to the effect, as many of you know.
By this I had accepted the previous Catholicose.

So I was able to fix the foundation of the peace of the Church. So it is
my duty to complete the peace. That is why, I have come to your
midst from the far-away place. As we achieved complete freedom,
our happiness has been complete. (Applause). Hence our happiness is
beyond limitations.

Before we were able to elevate a Catholicose of the East for this
Church, I do believe that by this good act the Church will progress
tremendously. All those who had tried for the peace of the Church,
through the enthronement of Catholicose, could rejoice well. All your
fathers had longed to see this blessed day. They might be enjoying in
spirits today. In this good activity all must enjoy well. Now I would
like to make one thing clear.

Now I have not only elevated Mar Augen as the Catholicose, but also I
have accepted all the Metropolitans and priests who were away from
me. I have accepted all the Metropolitans and the priests as true
priests and I do pray for all the laymen.

So in future you all must accept my message without any difference of
opinion. As I have accepted, you also must accept. If you think that I
am head of the Church, you must obey my words As 1 enjoy in
today's good deed, we do wish all the best of happiness and prosperity
to the Catholicose of the East. May God bless Him. Let the Church
prosper and rise up during his period. So also we do congratulate all
the Metropolitans. All our Church members in Syria also do rejoice
today. 1 have great pleasure to invite my brother His Holiness The

Catholicise and all their Graces the Metropolitans to Syria for a visit.
They all must come there for the happiness of the entire church. May
God bless us all. May God grant peace and prosperity to the Church.
Let it be in the intercession of St. Mary, Mother of God, St. Thomas
and others saints 'Amen'

In the reply speech of His Holiness Mar Augen Catholicose it was said "The
Malankara Church will remember the act of the Patriarch who had joined the
two fractions of the church. Even though the throne of St. Peter and the
throne of St. Thomas are different, they are the one.

7. A PERIOD OF 12 YEARS

His Grace Augen Mar Themothios Metropolitan who was elected as the
Catholicose Designate by the Malankara Association on 17th May 1962,
took charge of the Malankara Metropolitan on the demise of the third
Catholicose His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese II on 3rd January
1964. His Grace had declared that he would stand for justice, truth and
principles and would follow the good principles and footstep of his
predecessor during the funeral speech. His Grace followed and practiced
what he had promised.

The Malankara Synod decided to invite His Holiness Moran Patriarch to
participate the Catholicose elevation ceremony in accordance to the Hudaya
canon, to remove the hurdles of perfect peace and to nourish the emotional
unity of the Church. It is believed that the decision was entirely based on the
sincere desire to have complete peace and unity because it seems that the
Synod had considered the mutual recognition of 1958 and had ignored the
fact that His Holiness The Catholicose was not invited for the Patriarchal
elevation ceremony of the present Patriarch. In February 1964 it was
confirmed that His Holiness The Patriarch and three other Bishops would
participate the Catholicose elevation ceremony. Later it was understood that
certain leaders of the Patriarchal side had attempted to create certain hurdles
for the arrival of His Holiness The Patriarch and those attempts were not
succeeded

His Holiness The Patriarch and the delegation at the expense of the
Malankara Church visited His Highness The President of India Dr. Radha
Krishnan at New Delhi and participated in many receptions in Kerala. The
members of the Church knew very lately that the Synod had agreed to leave
the parishes in Kuwait etc. which were directly under the Catholicose, just to
please His Holiness The Patriarch. It was agreed to make arrangements for
meeting the spiritual needs of the rich Malayalees there. Events proved that
the above agreements were not effective. The ceremony of elevation of
Catholicose in association with the members of the Malankara Orthodox
Synod was an event of great significance. But the action of some dissidents
publishing the photo of the Patriarch and the delegation only participating
the ceremony (they had cut the photos of the local bishops and were removed)
was worse than that of pagans. Many people who had witnessed the
ceremony are still living in northern and southern Kerala. Even if cameras
could play tricks, the human eyes could not ignore the facts what were
witnessed.

^ the elevation of the Catholicose, both the fractions of the Church were
j ted together . The Catholicate became the sole property of the entire
urch. The Catholicate re-established in Malankara in 1912 was not
oroved by His Holiness Abdullah Patriarch and his followers. The
tholicose and the followers had not approved the Patriarchs. All believed
it this mutual disagreement was turned over for ever. The usage of 'WeM
ii Tou' disappeared from the Church as there was Patriarch and
tholicose of cent percent recognition of the Church. The minority who
i disagreement with the peace order of Patriarch of 1958, must have
epted the Catholicate when they have listened to the speech of the
riarch.

->u must hold the peace established in Malankara very firmly. That would
your precious present for me. Moreover you must lead a holy spiritual
. There won't be any use to the Church or for any body to say about or to
ke quarrel on the basis of the rifts existed in Malankara Church If
) lebody is trying to create problems based on the pervious unpleasant
s nts, they will have the destiny of the wife of Lot". This is a part of the
I ech of His Holiness at Kottayam Simhasana Church. When one turns
[ k to the unhappy incidents of the past he would be prompted to go further
i d rifts and divisions. So the reminding of the wife of lot was relevant.

1 a few raised their heads as the wife of Lot. And it is quite unfortunate.

Holiness Mar Augen Catholicose had to bear heavy responsibilities. His
decessors had to consider and respect the proposals and suggestions of one'
up only. But it was a Herculean task to win the confidence of two
rtions together which were well versed in different opinions. Some
iters cannot be stressed. Certain truths cannot be expressed publicly. His
t .iness The Catholicose who was reaching 80 years of age had to take the
den of going ahead cautiously in word and deed. We could say that the
lition of Catholicose was a mattress of thrones as far as he is concerned, as
had walked through the paths of thrones till then. His Holiness The
riarch had left for his home town by wishing the progress in the creative
ds of the Church and also permanent peace. So there was a peaceful
losphere to open any creative activities in the Church. Even before taking
the office of the Catholicose, the planning committee of the Church had
ted functioning with creative thoughts. The relationship with other
nodox churches became solid and strong. In July 1963 His Grace
1 thews Mar Athanasius Metropolitan and His Grace Daniel Mar
I loxenos Metropolitan visited Moscow and other places and attended the
i Jen Jubilee celebration of the Metropolitan consecration of His Holiness

Alexis Patriarch, at the invitation of Russian Orthodox Church. The Church
managing Committee decided to re-organise the Catholicate Central Office in
the most modern way. An Episcopal council office was deputed for the
execution of the day to day affairs in September 1963. Even though there
were burdens and problems, the Church administration was quiet and
systematic in the beginning years of His Holiness. Those who remained as
two fractions started worshipping together. Certain priests dedicated Holy
Communions in the Churches where they had not entered before. And the
Church moved towards the emotional unity.

His Holiness deputed a Ruling Comnuttee to implement the necessary’
constitutional amendments. Considering the progress of the church, it was
decided on 20th November to ordain a few' more Bishops. The Holy Synod
elected His Grace Geevarghese Mar Gregonos, Metropolitan of Ankamaly as
the President, Very Rev. Kaniyamparampil Kunan Cor-Episcopa as the
Director General and Rev.Fr.K. David as the publication officer of the
Sunday School Samajam.

In January 1965, His Holiness the Catholicose attended the synod of Eastern
oriental orthodox Churches at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with His Holiness the
Patriarch, and visited the churches and places of Holy importance accepting
the invitation of His Holiness The Patriarch. His Holiness Moran Mar Augen
renewed his memories of young age. His Holiness the Patriarch presented a
small share of the Holy relics of St Thomas to His Holiness the Catholicose.
When the Orthodox Theological seminaiy was elevated as a degree (B.D.)
college with effect from 1st February 1965, His Holiness, who was the
Principal of the Theological College earlier, enjoyed and rejoiced. The
Church as a whole celebrated the Catholicate day as the symbol of church's
solidarity, independence and peace. The Holy Episcopal Synod decided to
implement timely changes in the rituals and services of Malankara Church.
The necessary action steps were accepted to implement the preliminary works
to establish a medical mission activities of the church. His Holiness the
Catholicose announced that all recommendations of church planning
commission were accepted in the joint meeting of the Synod, Managing
Committee and the planning commission held at old seminary on 27th
August 1965 The Managing Committee held on 5th October decided to
convene the Malankara Association meeting on 28th December and to elect
five Metropolitan candidates. The association elected Fr.N.A. Yohannan
Malpan, Fr.K. Philipose, Fr.T.Paul Varghse. Fr.M.V.George, V.Rev.C.T.
Thomas Ramban unanimously. Fr.T.S. Abra un was elected as the priest
Trustee instead of Rev.Fr. Manalil Jacob who resigned from the post.

>th year jubilee of Orthodox Theological Seminary' was celebrated by the
1 of December In the inaugural functions His Holiness, one of the
’vious principals of the seminaiy, presided. H E. The Kerala Governor
A. P. Jain inaugurated the function. Later only His Holiness had gone to
liopia to attend the Synod there. The concession granted without
itening the significance and importance of the lent, is one of the important
orovements executed at the time of His Holiness Mar Augen Catholicose.
£ Catholicose group who had disagreed with the lent reformation of His
tliness Aprem I Patriarch, approved the lent reformation only after the
abhshment of peace in the Church. Except the 3 day Lents, Passion week,
xinesdays and Fndays of 50 days lent people could use milk and by
•ducts and fish if so essential. This was the concession of the lent
plemented.

the end of March 1966, His Holiness declared that Mar Elia Chapel,
ttayam, will be the official cathedral of Catholicose in future.
-.P C. Abraham, Padinjarekkara was elected as the secretary of Maiankara
sociation Managing Committee. Till then Mr. E.J. Joseph held this position
idenng remarkable services.

en though five metropolitan designates were elected, the decision to
:vate three of them only as Metropolitans raised the objection ail over the
urch His Holiness Mar Augen hesitated to take a firm stand against a few
the Synod His Holiness could find an end to the civil cases in Manarcad
d Cherai parishes. His Holiness had stayed at Manarcad lor a week to see
e peace. Due to his ill health, he could not find permanent peace at
iithupally and Kunnamkuiam.

pilgrim delegation under the leadership of V.Rev. Aprem Aboodi Ramban
-sited His Holiness The Patriarch and churches in S>na and Holy Land, as
.ere was peace of high standard between Maiankara and Antioch. His
oliness elevated His Grace Yuhanon Mar Savenos, His Grace Thomas
ar Thimotheos and His Grace Philipose Mar Theophilos as Metropolitans
i 24th August 1966 at Kolenchery. His Holiness The Patriarch described
•out this consecration as the symbol of the development of the Church,
imediately His Grace Yuhanon Mar Sevenos was given the charge of
ochin Diocese, His Grace Thomas Mar Thimothios was given the charge of
alabar Diocese, and His Grace Philipose Mar Theophilos was given the
targe of Ankamali Dioceses. The death of His Grace Mar Theodosius of
uilon Diocese on 6th August and His grace Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of
nkamaly Diocese on 6th November doubled the sorrow of His Holiness Mar

Augen. But when by the end of 1967, the small church at Puthuppally was
locked by Fr. Jesus and the key was handed over to Mr. P C. Abraham and
witnessed the establishment of peace at Puthupally enabled His Holiness to
rejoice much. His Holiness conducted the preparation ceremony of Holy
Mooron, a right of the Catholicose, at old seminary Kottayam on 21st
December 1967.

When the physical strain and ill health of His Holiness increased, the
Malankara Association was convened on 31st December 1970 at
M.D. Seminary, Kcttavam. When all the Metropolitans of the Church and
the 3000 representatives of aii churches in Malankara elected His Grace
Dr. Mathews Mar Athanasios, a really suitable candidate for the post, as the
Catholicose Designate, it was a great relief for His Holiness Moran Mar
Augen in all respects.

His Holiness Moran Mar Augen had told in his inaugural speech that "all
Metropolitans had assembled at Parumala seeking the intercession of St.
Gregorios to Find out God's will to elect a nght successor to the Catholicose.
All candidates except one "declined their candidature with a sacrificial mind.
If the last one also had declined, it would have created a problem. It is a
matter of great joy and blessing Praise be to God. " There is great pleasure
to elect the Managing Committee also unanimously. We have great
appreciation for their love towards the church and respect to the saints."

"You must save the Church and live with moral principles and ideal natures
in front of others. You must move ahead in principles of the Church. If so
your families, your country and the church will enter success. You are the
protectors of the Church. Your honour and dishonor will be the honor and
dishonour of the church. You must work together with love, affection and
happiness and must bring glory to the church."

It was mentioned earlier that some dissidents were there with their own
arguments with every step of progress. His Holiness has said several times
that selfish thoughts and desires of a few were creating problems in the
church. His Holiness being a lover of peace and quietness and a noble
devotee, felt much mental pain. When the priesthood and the throne was
questioned from certain comers of the church. His Holiness took a firm and
strong position to defend the faith and truth. Hence he is admired by all as
an efficient and strong Catholicose of the east. When once somebody hinted
f B.at Moran Mar Augen would be excommunicated by His Holiness The
Patriarch, His Holiness Moran Mar Augen replied "He won't dare to

*ommunicate St. Thomas even" It is a truth that Augen Catholicise was
n willing to accept a matrydom for the sake of the exi stance of the
jrch, when question in this regard arose.

8. PROGRESS AND HINDRANCES

The Church improved in several fields soon after the re-establishment of
peace when His Holiness Mar Augen Catholicose was on the throne.
Kolencheriy medical mission Hospital, Theological degree college, student
centers, new colleges. High Schools and orphanages are the products of the
peace in the Church.

But in certain areas like Ankamali Diocese, a few priests and laymen, who
longed for leadership, tried to create dissident groups purposely and they had
tried to squeeze the ordinary faithful in the name of the so called "Anthoican
faith" which was not defined by any one till then. They were able to oppose
and abuse the Diocesan Metropolitan through their ill statements and wrong
propaganda. Even the mob was inspirited to bum the car of the
Metropolitan. The history will record that the leaders who were blind due to
false proud had committed certain acts of worst mind for which the uttermost
people may reluctant to act.

His Holiness the Catholicose had a firm belief that the peace of the church
was spoiled by a group of selfish people. He longed God may excuse their ill
treatments. The whole world could learn that His Holiness Mar Augen is a
person who had suffered so many pains, sufferings and manhandling for the
sake of peace and had accepted stabbing on the chest after the crucifixion,
from the leaders of Ankamali.

His Holiness Augen Catholicose could reign the church as one even though
there was division. The pervious Catholicoses were able to see peace from a
distance as Moses witnessed Canan. Mar Augen Catholicose could render a
tender touch at the peace of the Church. If the people who embraced
Anglican Church and reformation ideas and like wise Marthoma Church had
left the Holy Church at the time of Cheppad Mar Dionesius Metropolitan and
Pulikkottil Mar Dionesius Metropolitan, the dissident groups were united at
the time of His Holiness Moran Mar Augen and they became one and created
a history. His Holiness was of the opinion that the boat which was
progressing through the watei of peace and those who hindered its progress
by creating tides in the water will have to suffer wrath of God. The order of
His Holiness Patriarch to the effect that St. Thomas had no priesthood and he
was only an ordinary lay man (order number 203 of 1970) created an
impression of adding poison to the milk for the infant, when even the Roman
Catholic church also accept that St.Thomas is the Apostle of India.

2 false teaching which is as good as a heresy caused much mental pain for
» Holiness. He had great feeling of worry as the heresy originated from a
riarch.

2 false teaching enabled one and all at Malankara to learn more about
Thomas and to be staunch in faith like St.Thomas. The 19th Centenary of

Martyrdom of St.Thomas was celebrated at Kottayam with the co¬
nation of the entire church. A great ocean of people assembled there. His
liness Moran Mar Augen in his inaugural address said " St.Thomas was
only establishing a church in India far away from his mother country', but

3 uplifting the position of Indian Christians by granting them priest hood
h his own hand for which he was also empowered by Lord Jesus Christ by
blessed and honourable priesthood. Our happiness will overflow, and our
udness will increase when we will honour this patron saint St.Thomas
d enabled our Church to have the sacred faith and sacred priesthood much
ore than many of the western countries known as Christian centres and
ore many of the eastern centres. St. Thomas is the base of our power,
piration and faith."

the same year when we observed the 19th centenary' of the Martyrdom of
rhomas, a few leaders of Managing Committee who stood with the church
dership for about 14 years, had gone out from the Managing Committee
ii even from the Church. They had raised the question of St.Thomas but
ir aim was to fight for leadership. The minority who staged a walk out
n the managing committee were ignorant about the importance of the
h power of the committee or they were attracted to good inspirations of
spiritual life. It was not necessary to educate the majority who could
lk and find facts that there is no significance in the walk out of the few
3 had no faith or no concern for the tradition of St.Thomas. There were
es and arguments in regard to the spiritual power of His Holiness The
riarch over the Malankara church before the acceptance of Malankara
arch constitution. They never had touched the throne of St.Thomas.
ere are orders from Patriarchs which addresses the Catholicose on the
one of St.Thomas. It is a lesson from the experience of the Christian
irch that ones who advocated for the false treatment which was not dreamt
none till then, will have to repent. May God forgive one and all who tried
spoil the beauty of the church by applying and advocating the false
jhing.

9. CATHOLICOSE - POPE CONVERSATION

His Holiness Pope Paul VI had reached Bombay to attend the Holy Congress
in December 1964. Then only the long cherished desire of His Holiness the
Pope to meet His Holiness Moran Mar Augen Catholicose the head of Indian
Orthodox Church on the throne of St. Thomas was fulfilled. His Grace
Phi li pose Mar Theophilos, Metropolitan of Ankamali (the then
Fr.K.Philopose) had made all sorts of arangements. His Holiness the
Catholicose reached Bombay ignoring his personal ill health at the age of 80,
to fulfill the desire of His Holiness The Pope

The audience between the two heads of churches took place on 3rd December
1964 at 9 AM. A specially arranged room in the palace of Bombay Arch
Bishop and the first Cardinal of India, Valarian Gracious was the venue. On
that morning the traffic to Bud house Cathedral was entirely under control of
the traffic officials. His Holiness the Catholicose and Fr.K.Philipose who
were taking rest at the residence of Mr. K.M. Philip reached Bud house
Bishop's Palace at the right time in a beautiful car. Secretary to His Holiness
The Pope, and Papal representative in India jointly received His Holiness the
Catholicose with due reverence and was taken to the room of His Holiness
the Pope on the second floor through the lift.

Unforgettable valuable moments. The embracement of the east and west.
The joint mingling of the north and south poles. The glare and shining of
the spiritual lights remained in the room. A thrilling experience for the
witnesses who watched the audience of two heads of churches after long
centuries. Both of them well known for their humbleness and simplicity
remained on top of mountains of spiritual experiences. A reunion of
brothers who were separated for long long years. A Ganges - Yamuna re¬
union of Christian spirituality based on meditation.

They embraced each other on left and right. His Holiness the Pope made His
Holiness the Catholicose to share his sofa. The thrones of St. Thomas and St.
Peter have joined together. There was no question of position, power or
throne. A pleasant atmosphere of perfect love and mutual recognition.

His Holiness Moran Mar Augen informed that his trip to Bombay was only
with the desire to meet His Holiness the Pope. The face of His Holiness the
Pope shined like a full moon of Christian virtues and it look life as if it was
travelling through high clouds of happiness and perfect satisfaction.

i that solemn atmosphere, it was seemed that the waves of Christian love
sre transmitted from the minds of both and that had created twinkling
: hoes of spiritual satisfaction in their hearts which were like guitar of an
list. His Holiness the Pope said that he would be happy only when His
oliness would reach Rome and stay there for a few days as one his greatest
iests. Cardinal Gracious and Fr.K.Philipose were the only two persons to
itness the talk of the hearts.

iter a few minutes talk between the supreme heads of two churches. His
oliness the Pope allowed an audience with the then central Government
( linister and prominent member of Indian Orthodox Church
) lr.A.M.Thomas and Mr.V.M.Marangoli, the chief representative of
! lalayala Manorama at New Delhi. Mr.Marangoli presented that day’s
i lanorama news paper which was actually decorated with different attractive
i ictures of His Holiness The Pope. With a pleasant smile at the news paper
I lis Holiness The Pope passed it to the Cardinal. Visitors were introduced to
I lis Holiness by Fr.K.Philipose.

f.K.Philipose read the message of His Holiness The Catholicose to His
ioliness The Pope and submitted. In the message there were 433 words.

’ "he reply message of 470 words was read by His Holiness the Pope. In both
I he messages it was made clear that Indian Orthodox Church is an Apostolic
"hurch. His Holiness The Pope expressed his desire to visit Kerala and to
neet all Christians there. In the message it was said that His Holiness The
3ope enjoyed the fact that India was lucky enough to listen the gospel when
he European countries also had listened. Also it was mentioned that His
ioliness the Pope was recognising His Holiness The Catholicose as well as
he members of this ancient church at the same time. In the both messages,
he hope and desire for a close contact on the basis of the apostolic faith is
expressed. The high level meting will ever and ever remain as the happiest
nours of the church history.

GREETING OF HIS HOLINESS THE CATHOLICOSE

AUGEN I

TO HIS HOLINESS THE POPE PAUL VI

Holy Father in Christ,

We give glory to God, The Holy Trinity for His great mercy in making this
meeting possible. This great land of India with its ancient history and
tradition of great religious saints had extended its welcome to the Christian
Church in the middle of the first century A.D. when St.Thomas one of the
twelve disciples of Jesus Christ founded it. Through the centuries the Church
has lived its life here as part of the life and history of India, for long it has
been isolated from the main currents of Christian Church and its growth in
the western world. However, it maintained its correction with Persia and the
See of Antioch. At present Syrian Christians include Orthodox Syrians,
Catholic Syrians, Anglican Syrians and Marthoma Syrians. In spite of all
these influences and other vicissitudes it is a matter profound gratefulness to
God that we have kept the faith once delivered to the saints. The ancient
Catholicate of the east was revived here at the beginning of this century and
my humble self is the fourth occupant of the throne since its establishment ilj,
India in 1912.

The Orthodox Syrian Church has been viewing with keen interest, the
deliberations of the second Vatican Council under the able leadership of Pope
John of blessed memory and Your Holiness. We had sent observers to the
Council in response to Your Holiness kind invitation. The Council has
opened vistas of new hope and expectations in the minds of Christians all
over the world about the union of the Christian Churches. The Orthodox
Church in India shares that hope and is united in prayer with Holiness in this
great venture that the high priestly prayer of our Lord may be fulfilled in the
way and time that the Holy Spirit wills.

I may venture to express to Your Holiness that the new spirit that Your
Holiness and Your saintly predecessor have brought in, will inaugurate a new
relationship of cordiality between our Churches. There have been painful
instances of groups changing from one faith to another often without
theological or doctrinal grounds which I believe have not contributed to the
best in Christian witness.

spite of my old age and present conditions of healthl did not want to miss
s great privilege of meeting Your Holiness and exchange fraternal
stings with You on this historical occasion of the first visit to our land by
■: primate of the See of Rome. Let us join to praise God for all his blessings
oughout the ages and to pray Him for His inestimable blessings and
idaance in the years to come.

GREETING OF HIS HOLINESS THE POPE PAUL VI

TO HIS HOLINESS THE CATHOLICOS AUGEN I.

Your Holiness,

It is in a spirit of great joy that We greet you today. Our pilgrimage to the
Congress which is meeting in this city of Bombay in order to renew Our
devotion and fidelity to Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ receives new
inspiration from the knowledge that you also have been able to come here to
meet with Us and exchange with Us a fraternal and Christian greeting.

How great a pleasure it would have been for Us to visit the state of Kerala
and personally greet the flourishing Christian communities which are
established there. Their traditions of Christian life and witness extend back
to Apostolic times, and We rejoice in the fact that even as the message of love
and reconciliation was being brought to Europe through Christ's Apostles,
ambassadors of peace, it was also reaching out at the same time to embrace
your own native land. It established deep roots, and from the beginning has
contributed greatly to the spiritual and cultural life of India.

If the restricted nature of Our present pilgrimage makes it impossible for Us
to make this visit at this time, We are comforted by the fact that, in the
person of Your Holiness, We are able to salute the many thousands of
Christians you represent. Even as We rejoice that so many Christians in this
land glory in being heirs to the traditions of the Apostles, so also We face the
realityy that unhappily there do not exist the bonds of full communion among
those whom the Lord calls to be of one heart and one soul (Act,4.32). The
pain which this causes also spurs Us on to strive humbly but confidently for
the reconciliation of all Christians in the unity of the one and only Church of
Christ (Deer de Oecumenismo, n.24). Fidelity to the faith preached by the
Apostles and the Fathers as well as loyalty to the Apostolic charge wheih the
Lord has laid upon Us make us understand that the way to full communion is
a difficult one which offers an opportunity to the genuine charity of all
Christians and to their patience in striving to carry out the inscrutable
decrees of God.

As we salute Your Holiness and, in your person, the venerable church of
which you are the pastor, We wish to express our desire and determination
that Catholics also full accept that opportunity.

xi grant that the fraternal greeting we are exchanging now be the pledge of
ir common desire that, with the grace, of God and according to the ways
such He will determine, Catholics and Orthodox in India may one day
4»>e at that happy state which once characterized their apostolic forbears
10, the sacred writer tells us, ’’continued steadfastly in the teaching of the
jostles and the communion of the breaking of the bread and in the prayers”
cts 2, 42).

10. ETHIOPIAN SYNOD

His Holiness Moran Mar Augen I, got the golden opportunity to attend the
Synod of Heads of Eastern Orthodox Churches, as the head of Indian
Orthodox Church in January 1965. The synod was convened in the interests
of His Highness The Heyli Zelazi, Ruler of Ethiopia. His Holiness Moran
Mar Ignatius Yakub III, Patriarch of Antioch also had participated the
Synod. His Grace Daniel Mar Philoxinos, Secretary of Malankara Episcopal
Synod, His Grace Paulose Mar Philexinos, Rev. Fr. T.C. Jacob, Rev. Dr.
V.C. Samuel and Rev.Dr.K.C. Joseph represented the Indian Orthodox
Church. The late His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese II had
expressed the desire for convening such a broadminded conference for the
first time.

The love, respect and reverence expressed by the ruler of Ethiopia as well as
other participants of the Synod towards His Holiness Moran Mar Augen
Catholicose who attended the Synod ignoring his old age is beyond
explanation. This conference is a record in the history of the churches as
long as all the Eastern Orthodox churches are free and independent for their
administrative affairs. His Holiness The Catholicose got yet another chance
to visit the church centres in Syria and the holy land as he was invited by His
Holiness The Patriarch.

His Holiness the Catholicose and delegation had started the flight from
Cochin on 11th January and reached Asmara in Ethiopia via-Bombay -
Karachi and Aden. His Holiness and the delegation stayed in Government
guest houses in Asmara on the day of arrival. The severe cold there had
affected His Holiness and Fr.T.C. Jacob unfavourably. They continued their
journey to a Addis Ababa the next day. In the same flight His Holiness The
Patriarch, two Metropolitans and two Rambans from Syria were also there.
Both the heads of each delegation as well as the members embraced each
other.

When the flight landed at Addis Ababa the Ruler of Ethiopia, His Grace
Aboona Mar Theophilos, acting Patriarch of Ethiopia and more than 15
Bishops were waiting to receive the visiting delegations. For the welcome
speech of Aboona Mar Theophilos, His Holiness The Patriarch and His
Holiness The Catholicose replied promptly. On that evening The Patriarch
and His Holiness The Catholicose visited the Emperor of Ethiopia and had a
talk. Emperor expressed satisfaction and surprise for the arrival of His

loliness The Catholicose who was 81 years old. By the presence of His
loliness Mar Augen, actually Indian Orthodox Church was honoured there.

Tie Conference started on 15th January. His Holiness The Patriarch of
aithioch, Armenian Supreme Catholicose His Holiness Mar Vaskan, His
loliness Mar Augen Catholicose, Cilician Catholicose His Holiness Mar
iorin and Aboona Theophilus sat on both sides of the Emperor on the stage,
[is Highness The Emperor had inaugurated the conference. His Holiness The
atriarch of Antioch and His Holiness Mar Vaskan Catholicose spoke on the
ccasion.

here was a difference of opinion about the representation of the Armenian
hurch. So there was no meetings in the same evening and also the next
ay. The meeting procedures were resumed on 18th and many important
j ecisions in regard to the orthodox churches were taken, on 25th January
1 is Highness The Catholicose and the Indian Delegation reached Cairo as
i uests of the Coptic Orthodox Church. His Holiness Patriarch had gone to
'amascus from Cairo. The Indian delegation visited so many important
mtres and churches.

| iter two days visit His Holiness The Catholicose and the delegation went to
irusalem. His Holiness Mar Augen got one more chance to visit the
nportant pilgrim centres of Holy Land at his old age.

< fter visiting Beirut, Antliaz - the Headquarters of His Holiness The Korin
atholicose. His Holiness Mar Augen Catholicose and delegation reached
amascus on 3rd February. A warm reception was granted to the
atholicose of the east by the Patriarch of the East.

is Holiness The Patriarch was curios to know about the high level of peace
i Malankara and he enquired to all members of the delegation. Both the
eads of the Churches occupied similar seats without any discrimination of
le thrones and had a friendly talk.

is Holiness The Catholicose and delegation visited Homes, Aleppo,
esakka, Derik and Moosul.

1 1. HOLY RELICS OF ST. THOMAS

When His Holiness The Catholicose and the delegation had reached Moosul
by train with His Holiness The Patriarch and the delegation. Mar Severios
Zaka, Metropolitan was waiting at the Railway Station to extend a warm
reception and all of them were taken to Moosul Metropolitan Head Quarters
as a procession.

The Church there is in the name of St. Thomas. When renovation works for
the wall was carried out, the Holy relics of St. Thomas was regained. It was
well kept in a Marble box. It was written in old Esthrangela language that it
contained the Holy relics of the founder of Indian Church. When the Holy
relics was regained. His Holiness The Patriarch considered it as a present for
the re-established peace in Malankara Church and a witness of the saint's
missionary works in India. The matter was informed by cable message by
His Holiness The Patriarch.

In the beginning the Holy relics of St. Thomas was taken to Edessa. Those
holy relics were dedicated in St. Thomas Church in Uraha in AD 394. The
Holy Church decided to observe July 3 as the Thikarono' (feast) of St.
Thomas. The history says that parts of the Holy relics were taken to different
parts of the world. In due course of time Uraha became the tomb of St.
Thomas as well as the Head Quarters of Eastern Catholicoses. As and when
the Headquarters of the Catholicose were moved from one place to the other,
they carried the Holy relics also with them.

His Holiness The Catholicose celebrated Holy Qurbana at St. Thomas
Church Moosul. During the Holy Qurbana His Holiness The Patriarch
reached there and took the Holy relics of St. Thomas from the place it was
kept with much honour and reverence and kept on a specially decorated place
in the Chancel. After the special prayers with incense. His Holiness the
Patriarch made a small speech and presented the holy relics to His Holiness
The Catholicose. His Holiness Moran Mar Augen Catholicose received the
Holy relics with due respects and honour and expressed deep gratitude to His
Holiness The Patriarch and His Grace Mar Zaka for their kind gesture.
Then both their Holinesses, Metropolitans, Rambans, Priests and Deacons
had a procession of praising and completed the Holy Qurbana. This Holy
relics is kept in Kottayam Catholicate Palace Chapel; as a gift for the
Church.

is Holiness The Catholicose and delegation visited Baghdad, Basra,
ahrain, Qatar and the Malankara Orthodox Congregations there. When His
oliness The Catholicose reached Cochin via Bombay, a warm reception was
Tanged by the Church as a whole in honour of the delegation as well as the
i sly relics of St. Thomas. The high degree of awe-inspiring expressions of
e faithful are beyond words. His Holiness Moran Mar Augen Catholicose
ached back his Palace on 9th March 1965.

12. ARGUMENT OF MODERN THRONE

Some dissidents accused that His Holiness Moran Mar Augen I, Catholicose
had introduced the theory called throne of St. Thomas and they tried to cover
the great mistakes of Patriarch through their false statements. This is the
most unhappy incident of the Church history in this century. It is a fact that
His Holiness Moran Mar Augen I had never invented a new throne and he
did not create one also. As he was enthroned on the throne of St. Thomas,
His Holiness bravely reigned the church and opposed all attacks which may
hurt the glory of St. Thomas or the Church, bravely like a rock.

The St. Thomas tradition of Malankara Church is as old as 20 centuries. No
one has recorded in the history that anybody else other than St. Thomas had
established the Indian Church.

Malankara Church has got links with the Antiochan Church as old as 3
centuries only. In the mean time many Patriarchs have written letters to
Malankara addressing the one on the throne of St. Thomas. These are the
talking evidences of history. His Holiness Moran Mar Abdel Masiah had
clearly said that he was elevating the Catholicose to the throne of St. Thomas
in AD 1912 at Niranam. That meant that there was a throne of St. Thomas
in existence. And if it was a new cieation in 1912, then also His Holiness
Moran Mar Augen Catholicose was innocent.

Aprem Aboodi Ramban who had reached Manjanikkara to serve the tomb
there, was the first person to advocate the false teaching. He wrote an article
to the effect in Syrian news and tried to create problems by throwing stones
into the Malankara pond to make the water dirty. To establish that St.Peter
only had a throne, they made St. Thomas an ordinary layman. The whole
Christendom would consider the order No.203 of 1970 from Patriarch as a
heresy. The official order was later interpreted as a private letter and they
were committing mistakes over mistakes. We cannot justify the act of the
Patriarch who had written in a book that St. Thomas had received the
ordination with other Apostles in AD 28 and who had presented the Holy
relics of St. Thomas for Malankara in AD 1965 with due respect and
honour. What else to say, it was the misfortune of Malankara church. The
copies of the order were passed to His Grace Paulose Mar philoxenose His
Grace Abraham Mar Clemis and Mr.Eaoen Thomas Palampadam. There
was a discussion in the working committee also. As the sum and substance
of the Order was a heresy, nobody tried to publish it.

•s Holiness Mar Augen Catholicose replied to the Patriarch. The news
cout the order was flashed from the above mentioned circle. When His
nliness Patriarch was adamant for the order and when he ordained Bishops
d appointed a delegate without the information of the Synod in Malankara,
ributed a qualification of a number one enemy of the Church. The heart)
dcome and reception received by the Patriarch in Kerala in 1964 was so
onderful. No other Patriarch would get such a reception in future also.

; the responsibilities of the Malankara Metropolitan who is dealing with the
orldly administration and the Catholicose who is dealing with the spiritual
ministration lies in one person, he has to act differently to execute his
sponsibilities. Malankara Association and the managing Committee are
nvened as being the Malankara Metropolitan. For that reason he need not
e the Letter head of Catholicose. Such letter heads were used by His
aliness Augen Catholicose for some time as per the advice of some well
shers to help emotional unity. But in the later cases as there was certain
obiems His Holiness The Catholicose started using the Letter heads of
i itholicose for all sorts of correspondences. The dissidents who got angry
er it staged a walk out from the Managing Committee of August 1972.

le throne of St. Thomas was not questioned in the civil cases which had
olonged for years earlier. It is worthy to think that the Church had started'
think about the throne when it completed 2000 years of existence. The
rone of St. Thomas is traditional fact. Everybody knows that there is no
sic principle in the arguments against the throne and the disputes.

ate) Mr. K.M.Cherian, the previous chief editor of Maiayala Manorama
no had tried his level best for the peace in the church at the last Jays of his
e is of the opinion that the dispute about the throne matter is due to
iisunderstanding. In the speech at Chengalam St. Thomas Church on 2nd
ly 1972, in connection with the 19th centenary celebration of St. Thomas's
artyrdom he said "the throne of St. Thomas in Tigris is connected to the
atholicate throne. That is what the history says. We had re-established the
f itholicate when the church had two groups and there was rivalry in between
bem. One of the groups had told that the establishment of catholicate in
:*dia was in continuation of the catholicate of Tigris and the same was the
jrone of St. Thomas. It was a golden opportunity in the Church history
hen the Patriarch as well as both the groups had recognised the Catholicate
id when peace was re-established in the Church.

ut when the eastern Catholicate was approved and recognised unanimously,
atriarch had expressed a desire not to use the term "throne of St. Thomas on

the letter heads of the Catholicose as well as in the letters addressed to the
Patriarch. As reason explained for such a request by the Patriarch was that
two apostolic thrones for one church was not relevant and as a symbol of the
entire Syrian church, Malanka Church should also consider the same throne
of St. Peter as their own. In my opinion Malankara Church could have the
throne of St. Thomas. Roman Catholic Church is a living example of a
church having two thrones. They claim the thrones of St. Peter and St. Paul.
The church is continuing as one.

Really the 12 Apostles of Lord Jesus are the common inheritance of the
whole church. So also their thrones. All Christian churches may claim
those apostles and their thrones. Throne is considered as a symbol of the
apostolic position. So there is no reason to have rivalry on the basis of the
thrones." In the jurisdiction the Catholicose there was no place for a delegate
and as the Patriarch also has approved and accepted the constitution. He
cannot authorise a delegate to discharge the duties assigned to him in the
constitution. Mr.K.M. Chenan strongly stated these arguments. Why the
Patriarch is reluctant to agree that the church in Syria and the Church in
Malankara are two separate churches? There is no reason to disagree that the
supreme head of the Church in Syria is the Patriarch and the Supreme head
of the Church in Malankara is the Catholicose.

Kadavil Paul Ramban (now His Grace Kadavil Mar Athanasios), a scholar
in history has written in his book "Syrian Church and its principles" that
Malankara Orthodox church is not a part or branch of Antiochan Orthodox
Church.

The reason for the latest troubles and rivalries is the "throne of St. Thomas"
in the Letter head of His Holiness Moran Mar Augen Catholicose. Is n't it?

His Holiness Abdel Masiha Patriarch had re-established the Catholicate in
India in 1912. In his statement it was said "Beloved Mar Ivanios is
appointed as Baselios Catholicose on the throne of St. Thomas." The throne
came into existence in India in 1912. Even before that the Malankara
Metropolitans had tried to use this name and certain Syrian powers had tried
to oppose it. Second Catholicose Baselios Geevarghese I had used the
letterhead stating "Catholicose of the Eastern Apostolic throne". It was
printed both in English and Malayalam. Third Catholicose His Holiness
Baselios Geevarghese II had started the orders with the letterhead "The
Eastern Throne of St. Thomas". When in 1958, His Holiness The
Catholicose wrote the order to accept Patriarch in accordance to the

vtalankara Orthodox Church constitution, it was also written on the letter
lead "The throne of St. Thomas". When the enthronement of His Holiness
■doran Mar Augen Catholicose took place on 22nd May 1964, he had
.emembered the Throne and had told it in public. In these circumstances
iow one could say that the Throne of St. Thomas was a creation of His
Holiness Moran Mar Augen Catholicose.

13. END OF LIFE

Even though certain administrative problems had disturbed, generally His
Holiness Moran Mar Augen Catholicose had a very peaceful end. He will
also have a definite place in the time of saints who had completed the run,
upheld the faith and longed for the crown of justice. His Holiness was cent
percent happy and satisfied as the administration was handed over to the able
and mighty hands. Physical strains due to the old age compelled him to look
for a rest life. He was controlled by a feeling and thought that the church
must improve and all matters concerned must be in good order and the
members must depend upon the Grace of God. The thoughts about powers,
rights etc. had never touched him. But he longed to resign from all
responsibilities to have a peaceful rest life. But it seems that he had longed
to consecrate enough Bishops for the Church and his own successor.

Rev. Fr. M.V. George, Rev.Fr.Paul Varghese, Rev.Fr.K.K.Punnose,
Rev.Fr.K.C. Thomas and Rev. Fr.P.V. Joseph were elevated as Metropolitans
designates by the Malankara Association held at Niranam on 2nd October
1974. The Consecration of these five priests as Bishops at Niranam on 16th
February 1978 was the important event in the last days of His Holiness. His
Holiness was taking rest at Peringanad Convent Chapel, Adoor. The author
and Rev.Fr.T.G.Zachariah reached Adoor on 14th February to get an order
from His Holiness The Catholicose regarding the consecration. His Holiness
was in fear of an objection from Udupi court and so he asked "we should
publish the news in paper tomorrow". When we informed that there won't be
any problem he said "if Fr.Zakharia and Mamachen says so I shall sign the
order". When the draft order was read His Holiness suggested a few
corrections. The corrections were the proof that there was no harm for the
memory power or brain of His Holiness. The order is as follows

" when Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is passing through the
unique era, five of our prominent priests will be consecrated as
Metropolitans today at the ancient Niranam Church founded by
St. Thomas, for the growth and development of the Church. We
have no doubt that these priests who have been elected in
accordance with the constitution, canon, tradition and established
rules and procedures, will shine in the church and they will make
the Churgh shine."

As His Grace Thomas Mar Dionesius has expired there must be a shepherd
for Niranam Diocese. One Metropolitan is to be the in outside Kerala

; diocese as His Grace Mathews Mar Athanasios has been elected as the
Catholicose Designate. An Assistant is to be given to His Grace Mathews
i wlar Ivanios who has crossed 88 years. Moreover certain Dioceses are to be
e-arranged for the convenient sake. On these circumstances 5 of our priests
vill be elevated for the sake of the bright future of the Church. We do not
gnore the fact that the consecration iiad to be postponed due to certain
lissident group's ill treatments.

rhe Malankara Association held at Niranam which was convened after the
^reparation of six months and at the expense of thousands of Rupees, had
| sleeted these priests. Some people had approached the courts to create
problems and now the High Court has untied all knots. These instances
-eminds us all that God Almighty guides us and He will not forsake us.

Du r Lord Jesus had selected his twelve apostles as the chief disciples and
Jiey were given the right of priest hood by his own touch. They had given
lie priesthood to their followers. And the continuity of priesthood was
carried out from generations to generations. A faithful achieves the blessings
Tirough a high priest who is anointed by another. The western as well as the
eastern church maintains a strong faith in this teaching. Moreover the high
priest is a middle person in between God and man. A representative of man
before God and a representative of God before man. The high priests have
lie responsibility of leading the faithful like the apostles in the same style of
Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus had taught and advised. Like wise the Metropolitans
i must also do as they occupy the power from Lord Jesus who blessed his
I followers at the time of Ascension to heaven.

There will be significance and powers for the Metropolitans ordained in
accordance with the constitution. In the Constitution it is said that " If one
is to be consecrated as an Episcopal or a Metropolitan, he must be elected by
the Malankara Association and the election must be rectified by the
Malankara Episcopal Synod. And if these conditions are fulfilled, the
Catholicose could consecrate him. And the newly consecrated must write an
agreement to the Catholicose who is the Head of he Synod. And the
Catholicose grants the newly consecrated the Sthathikon "paper of power"
His Holiness The Catholicose declared that as these five prominent and able
Metropolitans were consecrated, the church is benefited. During the lengthy
service His Holiness was seemed quite healthy irrespective of his pretty old
age. His Holiness handed over the Powers of the Catholicose as well as the
Malankara Metropolitan to the Catholicose Designate after a consultation
with the Synod members as well as the managing committee. His Holiness

created a new tradition and made himself an admirable model. The Church
as a whole appreciated the noble deed of His Holiness.

On 27th October 1975, His Grace Dr.Mathews Mar Athanasius, The
Catholicose Designate was enthroned as the 5th Catholicose of Malankara.
As His Holiness Moran Mar Augen was ill, he could not attend the
ceremonies. But when His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Mathews I,
Cathlicose visited His Holiness Moran Mar Augen, he blessed the newly
enthroned by placing his hand on the successor's forehead. The boat of His
Holiness Moran Mar Augen I which was not troubled by the storms and tides,
was reaching fast to the destination. During his last days. His Holiness was
admitted in Kangazha Hospital.

Moran Mar Augen Catholicose had not suffered much due to illness. The
germs might have failed in the fight on His Holiness's body where flesh was
less. His Holiness passed away from this troublesome world of hardships. It
was a blessed and peaceful end. The world Christian Council, which was
meeting at Nairobi, also offered respects for the memory of His Holiness.
His Grace Phitifk>se Mar Theophilos who was attending the WCC meeting
could attend the funeral of the Holy Father.

In the presence of thousands of admirers and followers His Holiness was
buried at Catholicate Palace Chapel, close to the tomb of His Holiness
Moran Mar Geevarghese II Catholicose.

Let the intercession of His Holiness Moran Mar Baseliose Augen I
Catholicose be a fort and protection for the Church as a whole.

<&Lai

|li-U vO^Jl Us 1 I ci\ Yu

€x H ibris

lictl) fflarbutljo Hibrarp

The Malphono George Anton Kiraz Collection

Ilo'Vi ^so Loi LaKnN cnA Ixd ^2

IviViy K«~» l.Xmv' )oou )o_2o Qiivi o!

.!o ^ °>i c h*A< l;\mo 1 1 °i\ o. .. V-> ^ Uuojo
£y*2S lu-CD oA. looo OUk.' |v^-CO ChA KA

❖ C* 0 ,A>. oA>- ^-2>c>u< Lo,-y ■ - 1> f! I - ~*»

Anyone who asks for this volume, to
read, collate, or copy from it, anci who
appropriates it to himself or herself, or
cuts anything out of it, should realize
that (s)he will have to give answer before
God’s awesome tribunal as if (s)he had
robbed a sanctuary. Let such a person be
held anathema and receive no forgiveness
until the book is returned. So be it,
Amen! And anyone who removes these
anathemas, digitally or otherwise, shall
himself receive them in double.

MAR AUGEN CATHOLICOS

(The strong prelate behind the Catholicate)

But for the truthful and timely moves effected by Augen Ramban (later
Augen Bava), the re-establishment of the throne of the Catholicos in Malankara
would have remained merely a dream.

The real facts concerning the saintly Patriarch Abded Masiha were made
known to the Malankara Metropolitan Vattasseril Mar Dionysius at the proper
time by Augen Ramban from abroad. The Ramban gave witness from his own
experience that the story about the Patriarch being insane was mere fiction
fabricated in the background of the Trust Fund Suit. The Ramban pointed out
that Patriarch Abdulla was opposed to the establishment of the Catholicate and
the best way to achieve the aim of the Church was to invite Patriarch Abded
Masiha., Augen Ramban also participated in the installation of the Catholicose
in 1912, disregarding the protests of the northerners. The brave behaviour of
Augen Ramban was instrumental in getting back the spiritual authority that was
lost to the Malankara Church. This was the greatest achievement of the
Malankara Church during this Century.

The English translation of the book “Mar Augen Catholica Bava” is being
published in order to provider good understanding of the modern church history
to the members of the church who live outside Kerala and who are able to talk
but unable to read or write the Malayalam language.

I am extremely thankfull to the leading members of the Malankara
Orthodox Church in Kuwait who have helped me in meeting the printing
expenses.

I am glad to record with all gratitude that Kollad Puliyeril Jose Kurien who
made the good translation deserves the compliments of the coming generations.
The prayers of Mar Augen Bava will certainly be a tower of strength to those who
come to know him better and revere him.

K.V. MAMMEN
Kottackal

Manganam

8-12-1996

Price: Rs. 25/-

JOSE KURIEN

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "His Holiness Moran Mar Baselius Augen I, Catholicose"

See other formats