CHRISTIAN NEWS MAGAZINE FOR KERALA MALAYALEE CHRISTIANS FROM INDIA AROUND THE WORLD
JULY 2007 HOMAGE
VOL:6 ISSUE:07
TRIBUTE

H.G. AUGEN MAR DIONYSIUS METROPOLITAN
By EDITOR DR. RAJAN MATHEW, PHILADELPHIA, USA



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.

Augen Mar Dionysius Metropolitan was born to Mathai Kurien couple of Ranni Pakalomattom Thazhamon family at Mavelil Perangattu house at Mukkalumon, Ranni on July 1, 1955. After acquiring a postgraduate degree (M.A.) in History, Zachariah proceeded for the Theological studies at Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam. After completing his B.D. with distinction of 'Best Outgoing Student' in 1979, he was ordained as Deacon by H.H. Marthoma Mathews I. In 1980 Dn. Zachariah was ordained to priesthood and further in 1992 he was elevated as a Ramban by H.H. Basalios Marthoma Mathews II.

Ramaban Augen served as the Secretary to late Catholicos Marthoma Mathews I for 16 years. Ramaban Augen have served in different capacities in the Church as Devalokam Aramana manager, First secretary of Central diocesan secretary Kottayam, Holy Episcopal Synod Office Secretary, Distribution Manager for Church Utensils, Member of Church Publication Department, and Member of Church Defense Committee etc. He was Vicar to Parishes Kummanam St. George Church, Karapuzha Mar Gregorios Church and Azhutha St. Thomas Church. He had edited and published Devotional Meditations, Prayer Books and Liturgical studies and Travelogue Marusadhvalangalilude. From 1982 onwards he was the Manager of Vallikkattu Dayara, Vakathanam, Kottayam.

On March 5, 2005 Augen Ramban was elevated to His Episcopate. He took over as the Metropolitan of Idukki diocese on July 1, 2005. During these two years of his tenure as the diocesan Metropolitan, he had put diligent efforts to address many of the issues faced by the people. The simplicity and dedication of Thirumeni made him a perfect fit for a backward diocese like Idukki. He was a good administrator and lived like a yogi who worked silently with out making any noise or publicity. He lived and died serving the people. In his short span of lifetime, he could make an indelible impression in the hearts of the mass.

His untimely departure is a great loss for Idukki people and the church at large. With profound grief, LOL family as a whole respectfully express our condolences on the sad demise of H. G. Augen Mar Dionysius Metropolitan and pay our loving tribute to the beloved Thirumeni.

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SHORT BIOGRAPHIES OF CHURCH FATHERS

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