CHRISTIAN NEWS MAGAZINE FOR KERALA MALAYALEE CHRISTIANS FROM INDIA AROUND THE WORLD
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H.B. CATHOLICOS BASALIOS THOMAS I : HEAD OF JACOBITE SYRIAN CHURCH
H. B. Catholicos Baselios Thomas I, Head of the Jacobite Syrian Church, had departed this world for his heavenly abode on Thursday, 31 October 2024. He was 95 years old. He was entombed at St. Athanasius Cathedral at the Patriarchal Centre, Puthenkurishu near Ernakulum on 2nd November 2024. Mor Thomas I was prelate of the Syrian Jacobite Church in Kerala till his departure. On July 26, 2002 Mor Dionysius was consecrated as Catholicos of the Jacobite Church by H.H. Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas at Damascus. Since then till his passing away in 2024, he led the Jacobite Church as its prelate and supreme head. H.B. Catholicos Baselios Thomas I was chief celebrant for consecration of 13 bishops of the Church. Also he had the fortune to preside over the enthronement of Mor Ignatius Aphrem II as the Patriarch of Antioch in 2014.
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REV. FR. DR. T. J. JOSHUA - MALANKARA SABHA GURU RATNAM
Renowned Theologian and glowing Gospel Spokesman Rev. Fr. T.J. Joshua had passed away on Saturday July 20, 2024 at the age of 96. Fr. Joshua was a distinguished priest of Malankara orthodox Church, who dedicated more than fifty years teaching at the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, Kerala. In recognition of his vast services for the Church and society Malankara Orthodox Church honored him with the title Malankara Sabha Guru Ratnam in 2016. Rev. Fr. Dr. T. J. Joshua was one of the foremost orators of Malankara Orthodox Church. Fr. Joshua is blessed with a golden tongue to propagate the word of God. Serampore University at Calcutta awarded Fr. T.J. Joshua with honorary doctorate in recognition of his extensive service and excellence in the field of theological and biblical studies. Many of the Articles and Messages of beloved Joshua Achen are published in this Magazine Light of Life.
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V. REV. K. MATHAI COR-EPISCOPA
Our beloved Very Reverend K. Mathai Cor-Episcopa departed us for heavenly abode in the evening of Thursday 12th October 2023. Mathai Achen who was earnestly active during his entire life span, rendered his priestly spiritual service till the previous day of his demise. Achen was 81 years old. Dearly loved Cor-Episcopa Mathai Achen was a pertinent example and epitome for humility and simplicity of a Christian priest. The lowly spirit of humility of Achen was the reflex of seeing himself standing not before mass of people but before God. That is why the Scriptures inseparably bind humility and the fear of God together. “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor” ( Prov. 15:33 ). Mathai Achen desired to exemplify his self as an Acharyan than as a priest or vicar. Achen preserved this insight not only during his conscious state but also during his dreams as referred in his own sermons.
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REV. FR. BABU VARGHESE (SHEBALY)
Rev. Fr. Babu Varghese was senior priest of Malankara Orthodox Church, North East Diocese of USA. He was writer of many literature works. He is one of the originator of Light of Life Magazine. He was also known by his pen name Shebaly. He was also Chief Editor of Orthodox Herald. Rev. Fr. Yakob Kathanar, Thiruvinal, priest of Thumpamon Diocese Church, contemporary of Parumala Thirumeni, was his great Grandfather. He was grandson of Fr. Geevarghese Kathanar of Thiruvinal.
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H. H. BASALIOS MARTHOMA PAULOSE II CATHOLICOS
H.H. Basalios Marthoma Paulose II was the eighth Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan of Malankara Orthodox Church from 1st November 2010 to 12 July 2021. His Holiness was the 91st Primate on the Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas. Mar Basalios Paulose succeeded the Seventh Catholicos His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymos I. His Holiness had been called for his eternal abode on 12 July 2021. His mortal remains is interred in the Chapel at Catholicate Palace, Devalokam, Kottayam, India. At the young age of 36, the Malankara Syrian Christian Association which is the church Parliament elected Ramban K.I.Paul as Bishop. On 15th May 1985, he was consecrated as Episcopa (bishop) with the ecclesiastical title as Paulose Mar Milithios. Subsequently, His Grace was elevated as the first Metropolitan of the newly formed Kunnamkulam diocese on 1st August 1985. The Malankara Syrian Christian Association held at Parumala on 12th October 2006 unanimously elected His Grace Paulose Mar Milithios Metropolitan as the Catholicos Designate and the successor to the Malankara Metropolitan. As the seventh Catholicos His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I renounced the position due to illness, His Grace Paulose Mar Milithios Metropolitan was enthroned as the Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan on 1st November 2010 with title as His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II at St. Paul's and St. Peter's church at Parumala in the presence of his predecessor.
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MOST REV. CHRYSOSTOM MARTHOMA METROPOLITAN
Mar Chrysostom Marthoma Metropolitan of Marthoma Church departed for heavenly abode on 5 May 2021 at the age of 104 years. He was the prelate of Marthoma Church from 1999 to 2007. After relinquishing the Charge of Marthoma Metropolitan in 2007 he was known as Valiya Metropolitan (Metropolitan Emeritus). Chrysostom Marthoma was gold mouthed and was famous and loved by all, irrespective of cast, color or religious denominations, for his sense of humor and human love. So his ecclesiastical title was apt for these qualities and so known by this name after the early Church Father and archbishop of Constantinople Mar John Chrysostom. Metropolitan was a blessed spiritual leader, compassionate human lover, proliferate orator, voracious reader and an ardent writer. Many of his articles and messages are published in the Light of Life Magazine. LOL bow our head before Thirumeni as a token of our homage.
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MOST REV. JOSEPH MARTHOMA METROPOLITAN
Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma was the Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the title given to the supreme head of the Church, of The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, often condensed as Mar Thoma Church, from 2 October 2007 to 18 October 2020. He was preceded by Most Rev. Philipose Chrysostom Mar Thoma and Succeeded by Most Rev. Theodosius Mar Thoma. The 89 year old Metropolitan Joseph Mar Thoma entered into his eternal life in the early morning on 18 October 2020 after a prolonged illness. He diligently shepherded the Church for thirteen years till his last day of departure from this world. Joseph Mar Thoma was a prominent church leader in the country who was champion of the movements against social evils, in the field of charity and in ecumenical efforts for unity of churches. Joseph Mar Thoma had devoted his life for the marginalized, poor, sick, disabled, transgender, homeless and downtrodden in the society. Metropolitan brought about revolutionary efforts to bring transgender people to the forefront of social order. He was instrumental for establishing the Prathyasa Bhavan in Pathanapuram and Jyothis in Mavelikkara for the disabled. Prathyasa Bhavan Half-Way-Home is an ambitious project of the Ranni-Nilackal Diocese of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church for the rehabilitation of recovered mental patients. Jyothis is a training centre for mentally challenged children, which looked beyond the limitations of caste and community commenced under Adoor - Mavelikkara Diocese of Marthoma Church. He also initiated the Navajeevan movement for abandoned children of prostitutes in Mumbai's Red Street.
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H.G. THOMAS MAR ATHANASIOS METROPOLITAN
H. G. Thomas Mar Athanasios Metropolitan of the Chengannur diocese of Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church passed away on August 24, 2018 Friday morning after he fell from the train he was travelling. He was 80 years old. Mar Athanasios, an eminent educationist and a proficient organizer, was returning from Baroda to Chengannur in Kerala. His funeral services were held at the Othera Dayara Chapel, near Thiruvalla. His Grace was also a celebrated educationist and an efficient administrator with outstanding contributions in the field of education. He was the leader for foundation of several educational institutions counting six schools in Gujarat including, The Gujarat Refinery English Medium School, which is under the Trust of the Society of St. Basil; the founder of the Society of St. Basil was late Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos of Puthencavu. He was founder-principal of Basil School Baroda and Kalol M.G.M School. He was the founder Vice President of Baroda Guidance Association, President of St. Basil Society, Vice president of Students movement Baroda.
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H.G. MATHEWS MAR BARNABAS METROPOLITAN
His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas was unique in many respects. The well known simplicity, humility, sincerity, innocence, deep spirituality and purity at heart, His Grace was always jutting out in memory. His Grace’s life was that of complete surrender to the Lord and to the Malankara Orthodox Church. His Grace’s hospitality was also well-known. No one leaves the aramana without earing something. Even when His Grace comes to our churches or homes, His Grace makes sure all eat with His Grace at the same time.
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H.G. GEEVARGHESE MAR IVANIOS METROPOLITAN
Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Ivanios of the Kottayam Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church entered into eternal rest on 12th April 2013. The Metropolitan was 73 years old. K.G. George, who was born in 1940 in a Marthomite family, had become a member of Malankara Sabha by getting fascinated to the divine sacraments and pure faith of orthodox traditions. His education at Oxford University and co-living with Kauli fathers had made him to reach the pinnacle of spirituality and monastic life. He was called to His Episcopate in 1985 and became a Metropolitan of Orthodox Church in 1991. Miraculous deliverance from a mortal disease and the intercession of the saints involved in it had nurtured him to a great extent for his change in life. It was a great dream of this saint to establish an eastern monastery similar to the Mount Athos Orthodox Dayara and he could originate a similar one at Njaliyakuzhy near Kottayam. Thirumeni walked on same beeline with Pampadi Thirumeni for his devotion and compassion. Thirumeni loved to be away from noise and crowd as far as possible. He opposed many inappropriate traditional rituals with a clear mind to avert any aberration of the church from true orthodoxy. He loved the nature, silence and developed a new culture of blending with the nature by silent meditation and prayer.
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H.G. DR. GEEVARGHESE MAR OSTHATHIOS METROPOLITAN
What the life span of any man can achieve, cherish, aim or dream, these all were gained by the life in this world of H.G. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Metropolitan. Many renowned people achieved their celebrity out of position, handed over from the past, gained out of intelligence/Education/wealth or as a gift of birth. But what Mar Osthathios achieved is from none of these benevolences or from any favor of circumstances. He achieved everything out from a thorny surface, by hard work; purity of vision and the real love sprout out from God the Almighty. The life and achievement of beloved Mar Osthathios Thirumeni is beyond the limits of words which it can carry. He always surfaced out as a unique person send by God for commission of the Mission of a real church. His enriched life taught the world, what is the way a Church should look like and in what mode the church should act in this world. >
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H.H. BASALIOS MARTHOMA MATHEWS II CATHOLICOS
The most charismatic shepherd of Malankara had breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life and he is gathered to his people. [Ecclesiastical History] H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, Sixth Catholicose of Malankara Orthodox Church and 89th Apostolic Successor of St. Thomas had departed from this world for his heavenly abode at 5.10 PM on January 26, 2006 at Devalokan Aramana in Kottayam. His mortal remains were carried as a procession to Sasthamkotta and interred at Mount Horeb Monastery Chapel at Sasthamkotta on Saturday, January 28, 2006. The life of His Holiness was a well-celebrated one and he lived his life to the full, the richness of which touched the hearts of millions and imprinted enduring mark on the history of Malankara. Being anointed to His Holy Episcopate by the descent of the Holy Spirit, Mar Basalios guided the Malankara Orthodox Church with diligence of a most devoted shepherd for fifteen years from 1991 to 2006 in his Apostolic struggle in the New World.
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MAJOR ARCH BISHOP MOST REV. CYRIL MAR BASALIOS
Major Archbishop Most Rev. Cyril Mar Basalios, the Great Shepherd of Malankara Catholic Church, joined His flock for the heavenly abode on 18th January 2007 in Trivandrum. The mortal remains of Holy Father were laid to rest with full state honors on January 20, at the St Mary's Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum adjecent to the tombs of his predecessors, Archbishops Bendict Mar Gregorios and Geevarghese Mar Ivanios. As per the news reports, a huge crowd comprising around 30,000 lay people, 25 Bishops, 1500 priests and more than 3000 nuns assembled to bid tearful Farwell to their beloved spiritual patriarch. Seventy-one year old, Mar Basalios was the first Major Arch Bishop of the Church and served for His Episcopate more than 29 long years.
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H.G. STEPHANOS MAR THEODOSIUS METROPOLITAN
H. G. Stephanos Mar Theodosios, Diocesan Metropolitan of Calcutta Diocese of Malankara Orthodox Church passed away for his heavenly abode on November 5, 2007 at Muscat. The funeral was conducted at St. Thomas Ashram Bhilai on November 8th November 2007. Metropolitan Mar Theodosios was a pineer and champion leader of the North Indian Village mission of Malankara Church. He practiced the true theme of the mission of Jesus to preach and act for the downtrodden with out any tropical or racial discrimination. He could well identify the serious and sensitive problems of the poor and oppressed villagers in India and applied gospel message with human touch to uplift them physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. So he initiated for many missions of charity like St. Thomas Ashram, Macodia Mission, the Billai Mission etc. Thirumeni has been a great visionary and a man of courage and confidence to envision the true teachings of Jesus Christ.
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METROPOLITAN H.G. THOMAS MAR MAKARIOS
To explain how I come to make this tribute to a beloved departed bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church , let me give a short introduction. I am Fr John Brian, an American priest of the Mission Society of St Gregorios of India serving Holy Transfiguration Mission in Madison , Wisconsin . I also serve as a hospital chaplain and a chaplain at the local hospice care center. I was ordained to the Orthodox priesthood in 1987 in a now defunct American mission of the Holy Synod of Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, the only church membership I had known. I took a personal and voluntary leave of absence from active priesthood in 1992 which lasted until 1999 when I was fully re-activated to the priesthood. It was then that I was mystically led (I believe) through a series of events that brought me to an American mission of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church founded by His Grace Thomas Mar Makarios. This is how I have come to address you today.
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H.G. AUGEN MAR DIONYSIUS
H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius Metropolitan, the Diocesan Metropolitan of Idukki Diocese of Malankara Orthodox departed for his heavenly abode on June 6, 2007. His sudden demise occurred in a tragic car accident near Kottayam. His mortal remains were interred at Vallikkattu Dayara near Kottayam in Kerala. The accident took place while he was traveling to Idukki to distribute Books and Uniform for poor children as a part of his mission work. Mar Dionysius was a great spiritual leader and a raising sun of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Diocese Idukki is the most rural and financially challenged diocese of the Church. His spiritual and charitable mission work for upliftment of the poor in his diocesan area for last two years of taking over as the metropolitan of the diocese was greatly appreciated by all. He has rendered an effective leadership for the reconstruction of churches and other projects of spiritual, social and financial upliftment of the poor people of Idukki.
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H.G. PHILIPOSE MAR EUSEBIUS METROPOLITAN
His Grace Philipose Mar Eusebius is no more with us in physical body. It is indeed a time for the Church and all his friends to give thanks to God for the gift of a compassionate bishop. As the Eusebius of old, Metropolitan Mar Eusebius had shown great interest in the study of the history of the Churches. For him, Church history is not simply a record of light and shades, but an ongoing dialogue of God with the human race. The Orthodox moorings of the bishop do not make any compromise with anything less than the deposit of faith handed down from generation to generation. A man is remembered for what he is and what he does. Real memorial is the impression that we leave on others rather than a name inscribed on a plaque! I know Metropolitan Mar Eusebius since 1964 while he was a student of the United Theological College, Bangalore.He was senior in age, but was a year junior to me in the B.D.Class.We had something in common.It was the sense of humour and love we had cultivated there continued to survive till his death.
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VERY REV. THOMAS P. MUNDUKUZHY COR-EPISCOPA
The Very Rev. Thomas P. Mundukuzhy had gone for his heavenly abode on April 1, 2007 in New York at an age of 75. Fr. Mundukuzhy was very much a part of Light of Life Magazine by his continued writing 'Synopsis for Sermon and Meditation', which is a very dearly read series of the LOL Magazine for last five years. Dear Mundukuzhy Achen was very famous for his numbered sequences in all his writings which reflected his orderly, punctual and matured thinking and presentation. Very Rev. Thomas P. Mundukuzhy was a priest of status as a Cor Episcopa, the highest position for a married priest in Indian Orthodox Church. He was the Sunday School Director of American Diocese since 1980, for many years till he relinquished the position due to ill-health.
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ANJU MOL RAJU
6430 days lived with us in this earth and passed away to God on the same day when St. Mary visited Elizabeth (28th Nov. 2010). Many times fully read Holy Bible with great faith. She was not only best in studies but in drawing, singing, cooking and a born-in prayer warrior. She was the blessed lamp of Love and fragrance of joy in our Home. She was so friendly and caring to all. We trust she is in Heaven along with other saints praying for us now.....Deeply bereaved family members Raju, Shainey, Ajesh and Friends & Relatives. God allows things to happen for His own reasons, whether or not we understand them. Above all, however, we must remember that God is good, just, loving, and merciful. A Christian believer in Jesus never die. Our Lord Jesus had made a prominent declaration of Christian hope at the house of His friend in Bethany, "He who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die." [St. John 11:25]
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VINEETH JOHN
Vineeth John, the only child of John and Lissy Kunnathu, was born in Gondar, Ethiopia on April 3, 1985. He spent his childhood there and at the age of seven moved to India, before eventually settling in Houston, TX when he was ten. He departed from this life on May 6, 2008 at the age of 23. Vineeth was active in many facets of life and was very successful at the many things he did. He was active in church as an altar boy and as a Sunday school student. His passions involved acting and film; more specifically mimicry, mono-act, and creating short films. Vineeth has always excelled during his academic career. He graduated with honors from Jersey Village High School in 2003 and was granted a full scholarship to the University of Texas in Dallas, where he graduated in 2007 with a Bachelors degree in Business Management. Vineeth was most recently participating as an intern for Zeon Global Energy Inc, working in their renewable energy process division.
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POET C.P. CHANDY
Malankara Church Poet C.P. Chandy who had significant contributions for the Liturgy of the Eucharist and Prayer Lyrics had expired on May 4, 2005.
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MRS. MARIAM PHILIP GEORGE
It was a news of profound sorrow about the departure of Mrs. Mariam Philip George on 27 August, 2010. Light of Life was honored by Fr. Dr. K.M. George and Mrs. Mariam Philip George by giving consent for publishing the Prayer Book, 'My Grace is Sufficient for you' ['Ente Krupa Ninakku Mathi'] co-authored by Mrs. Mariam Philip George and so she was part of the Light of Life family. The content of the book witness how she faced the painful realities of mortal life as confirmation of faith in God and that way it became a great inspiration for many to live looking towards the real and eternal life. She clearly upheld in her book that the Christian way is to consider the sickness and pain as a cause for Godly blessings.
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MRS. K.M. MATHEW
Mrs. Annamma Mathew, popularly known as Mrs. K.M. Mathew, Chief Editor of the Malayalam Women?s Fortnightly ?Vanitha?, multi-faceted as an icon of Kerala Christian women and had earned her place in the "Healthy Recipes Hall of Fame" expired at 10.30 A.M on July 10, 2003 in a private Nursing Home at Kottayam after a prolonged illness. She was of 81 years of age. She was confined to a wheelchair over the last few years.
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PROF. K.M. THARAKAN
Well-known Malayalam litterateur, educationalist and former Chairman of Kerala Sahithya Academy, Prof. K.M. Tharakan expired on July 15 early morning 3 O? Clock at Thiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital. Prof. Tharakan was 73 years old. For a while, he was bedridden and under treatment after a paralytic stroke.
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FR. MATHAI NOORANAL
With sad demise of Fr.Mathai Noornal we lost an amazing personality with courage, exceptional managerial quality, wisdom and the spirit of sparkling entrepreneurship. He was a wonderful self made leader who could create imprints in several social, political and spiritual arenas of the society. Fr. Noornal made his own impacts in Wynad an educationally, socially and financially a backward area of Northern Kerala.
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