Our Declared Saints
St. Gregorios of Parumala
H.G. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios Metropolitan · 1848–1902
Saint Gregorios of Parumala is popularly known as ‘Parumala Thirumeni’. Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of the Malankara Orthodox Church who passed away on November 2nd 1902, became the first declared saint from Malankara (Kerala, India) naturally to be called, ‘Parumala Thirumeni’. He shines in the cloud of witnesses as a bright luminary giving rays of hope to millions in their suffering and struggles.
Early LifeBirth and Parentage
Mar Gregorios was born on 15th June 1848 (M.E. Mithunam 3, 1023) to Kochu Mathai and Mariam of Pallathetta family in the Chathuruthy house at Mulamthuruthy. He was called by the name ‘Kochaippora’ and was given the baptismal name ‘Geevarghese’.
FormationReader–Deacon and Further Education
He was ordained as a reader-deacon (Korooyo) on 14th September 1858 at the age of ten by Palakkunnath Mathews Mar Athanasios at Karingachira Church. Koroyo Geevarghese continued his training under Geevarghese Malpan until the latter died due to small pox.
Monastic LifeVettickal Dayara
The new priest’s short stay at Mulanthuruthy Marthommen Church gave him an inner conviction that he should lead a hermit’s life in a quieter place. Therefore he shifted his residence to Vettickal Dayara, where he started a strenuous life of prayer and fasting.
EpiscopateConsecration and Metropolitan
On December 10, 1876 the Patriarch consecrated six priests as bishops at St. Thomas Church, North Paravur. He was given the new name Geevarghese Mar Gregorios and was given the charge of Niranam Diocese.
The six bishops consecrated and their dioceses:
- Murimattath Mar Ivanios — Kandanad
- Kadavil Mar Athanasios — Kottayam
- Ambattu Mar Coorilos — Ankamaly
- Karottuveetil Simon Mar Dionysius — Cochin
- Konat Mar Julius — Thumpamon
- Geevarghese Mar Gregorios — Niranam
2 November 1902Departure from the World
At last the blessed soul left the earthly abode on 2nd November 1902. The funeral was conducted at Parumala on Tuesday the 3rd of November 1902 in the presence of thousands of people and hundreds of priests.
The many testimonies to the saintly intercession of Mar Gregorios made Parumala Church and the tomb a centre of pilgrimage. In 1947, Mar Gregorios of blessed memory was declared a saint by the then Catholicos of the Church, His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II.
St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius Vattasseril
Malankara Metropolitan · Sabha Bhasuran · 1858–1934
St. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius Vattasseril, Malankara Metropolitan, was a bright light for the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church that illumined during her dark and tumultuous times and possessed the vision to bring the Church triumphantly from the bonds of foreign oppression.
He confronted the dangers and obstacles directly responding with vigor, strength and remarkable conviction and confidence in God’s justice and plan, which was a product of his continual fasting and prayer.
Early LifeBirth and Education
St. Dionysius was born to his parents, Joseph Vattasseril of Mallappally and Eliamma Kolathu Kalathil of Kurichy on 31st October 1858. In 1876, while still a high school student, he was ordained as a sub deacon by H.H. Moran Mar Pathrose Patriarch.
Enduring ImpactLegacy
“When we look at the highest solemn position held by Vattasseril Thirumeni and his deep and firm faith in God, he seemed similar to Moses who led the sons of Abraham from the captive land of Egypt to the promised land of freedom and happiness.”
— H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese II, Catholicos
St. Baselios Yeldho
Kothamangalam Bava · Maphriyana of the East · 1593–1685
St. Baselios Yeldho was born in a village called Kooded (now known as Karakosh) near Mosul in Iraq. At a very young age he joined the Mar Bahanan Monastery and became a monk. In 1678 he was consecrated Maphriyana by the Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mar Ignatius Abdul Masiha I.
1685 · Age 92Mission to India
In 1685 at the age of 92, the holy father started the difficult mission to India at the request of Mar Thoma II of Malankara who informed the Patriarchate about the unpleasant situation of the Church here.
Kanni 19 · September 29Departure to Heavenly Home
Two days after (on Kanni 19, which is September 29) in the afternoon, the saintly father left his mortal self for his heavenly home at the age of 92.
The Saint told them that he was about to die and when his spirit leaves his body, there would be a sign on the Cross situated on the western side of the Church. And the huge granite Cross miraculously lit up at the time of the Saint’s demise.
In 1947, Mar Baselios Yeldho of blessed memory was declared a saint by the then Catholicos of the Church, His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II.