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H.G. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos Metropolitan, widely known as Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni, was a uniquely appealing leader and a foundational architect of the modern Malankara Orthodox Church. A spiritual champion and steadfast guardian of the faith, he served as the Metropolitan of the Thumpamon Diocese. He was a key advocate, authorized voice, and pillar for the Catholicate of the East, alongside being an efficient administrator recognized for establishing various educational institutions.
During the life time of Puthenkavil KochuThirumeni, the Malankara Orthodox Church experienced intense internal conflict, legal battles, and a major split between the pro-Patriarch faction (Bava Kakshi) and the pro-Metropolitan faction (Methran Kakshi). This period was marked by the establishment of the Catholicate in 1912 to secure autonomy, resulting in intense power struggles and court cases over Church properties and administrative control. Following the 1889 Royal Court verdict, the church was divided into two factions. The majority, supporting local autonomy, aligned with the Malankara Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Dionysius VI (Methran Kakshi), while a minority aligned with the Patriarch of Antioch (Bava Kakshi).
Also, reunion of the Malankara Church with the Catholic Church under Mar Ivanios took place during the lifetime of Puthenkavil Kochu Thirumeni. Kochu Thirumeni was handpicked by Vattasseril Thirumeni to strengthen the Catholicate and was a key figure in the legal and administrative battles against Mar Ivanios to retain church properties after the 1930, reunion. Therefore, the reunion happened exactly during the time Puthenkavil Kochu Thirumeni was active as a bishop (1930-1951) within the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Although they were contemporaries, Puthenkavil Kochu Thirumeni was a strong proponent of the Malankara Orthodox Church (Bavakakshi/Orthodox faction) and opposed the move by Mar Ivanios, who was originally from the Orthodox Church.
During the lifetime of Puthenkavil Kochu Thirumeni, the educational and social atmosphere in Mid-Travancore was characterized by a rapid transition from a deeply stratified feudal society to a more modern, educated, and socially assertive society. This era was marked by intense social reform movements, the expansion of English education, and a growing demand for civil rights among various communities, heavily influenced by both missionaries and indigenous educational reformers. The period saw a massive expansion in the school network. While the 19th century laid the foundation, the early 20th century, particularly under the reign of Shri Moolam Thirunal, saw the establishment of numerous vernacular and English schools in rural areas, making education more accessible beyond the elites.
Christian missions and community organizations were pivotal in expanding education. Puthenkavil Kochu Thirumeni himself was a pioneering educational figure, instrumental in founding institutions such as Catholicate High School, Pathanamthitta, Metropolitan High School, Puthencavu, and Teachers Training College, Pathanamthitta, and planning the Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta. The early 20th century in Travancore marked a significant rise in girls' education, with schools transitioning from exclusive settings to more public participation. The Malankara Orthodox Church, during this time, encouraged Sunday Schools to educate children in faith, and the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement (MGOCSM), founded in 1907, played a vital role in elevating the educational standards of youth, with Kochu Thirumeni serving as a key leader and patron.
The early 20th century witnessed intense, organized struggles against the rigid, traditional caste hierarchy. The 1930s and 40s were marked by assertive demands for social equality, leading to significant changes such as the 1936 Temple Entry Proclamation, which allowed all Hindus entry into temples. This era saw the formation of various organizations (like the SNDP Yogam for Ezhavas and Nair Service Society) to advocate for political representation and education for their respective communities. Puthenkavil Kochu Thirumeni played a key role in reforming the social and spiritual life of the Orthodox community, promoting the establishment of monasteries (like St. Basil Monastery, Pathanamthitta) and focusing on spiritual education, often reallocating resources from traditional, lavish celebrations towards education and charity. The traditional agricultural setup was shifting, with increasing commercialization of agriculture (cash crops) and the rise of a modern, educated middle class that challenged the traditional feudal landlord-tenant relationships.
In summary, the 1897-1951, the life period of Thirumeni, in Mid-Travancore was a vibrant time of transformation, where education was increasingly viewed as a tool for upward mobility and social reform, a shift actively supported by community leaders like Puthenkavil Kochu Thirumeni.
Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos was born on June 10, 1897, in Puthencavu, a village on the banks of the River Pamba, to Thoma Kathanar of the Kizhakethallekal family and Rachelamma of the Chungathil family of Koipuram. Known as Geevarghese during his childhood, he was the second child among four brothers and one sister. He completed his primary education in Puthencavu, middle school in Mavelikara, and high school in Chengannur. He was ordained as Deacon by H.G. Geevarghese Mar Dionysios, the then Malankara Metropolitan.
Dn. Geevarghese had his intermediate studies from CMS College, Kottayam and then traveled to Serampore College with Fr. P.T. Geevarghese (later Geevarghese Mar Ivanios) to complete his Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree.
In 1921, he joined the MD Seminary School as a teacher. He later completed his MA in English Literature from Calcutta University in 1926.
Deacon Geevarghese was ordained as a priest by His Grace Geevarghese Mar Dionysius Metropolitan. He later became the most beloved and dependable disciple of Mar Dionysius, who is revered as the Illuminator of the Church and is the second declared saint of our Church. He was elevated to the rank of Ramban (monk) in 1929. On November 2, 1930, he was consecrated as a Bishop by H.H. Baselios Geevarghese II, at Parumala Seminary, with ecclesiastical title as His Grace Geevarghese Mar Philexinos and assumed as Metropolitan of the Thumpamon Diocese. As he was the youngest living metropolitan at that time, he was affectionately called "Kochu Thirumeni."
Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni (Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos) served as the Metropolitan of the Thumpamon Diocese from 1930 to 1951. Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Yulios of Pampakuda was the first Metropolitan of the Thumpamon Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church, heading it from 1876 to 1883 following its creation after the Mulanthuruthy Synod in 1876. Parumala Thirumeni (Saint Gregorios of Parumala) served as the second Metropolitan (1883–1902). After several successive diocesan Metropolitans, Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos became the 7th Metropolitan of the diocese. Although named Thumpamon, the diocese was administered from Makkamkunnu, Pathanamthitta, where he established a diocesan center and built the Bishop’s House (Aramana), dedicating it to Saint Basil.
Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos Thirumeni established numerous educational institutions throughout Mid-Travancore, specifically Catholicate High School (Pathanamthitta), Metropolitan High School (Puthencavu), Teachers' Training School (Pathanamthitta), and Catholicate College (Pathanamthitta). Driven by his esteemed desire to nurture future church leaders, he also established the Othara Dayara and the Theological College at Makkamkunnu. Furthermore, Thirumeni played a key role in the development of places of worship, hospitals, and charitable homes, such as the Pongalady Church (Paranthal), Thumpamon Marth Mariam Center, and Eraviperoor Hospital, Bethel Aramana, the Headquarters of the Chengannur Diocese.
The Malankara Orthodox Church entrusted Puthenkavil Thirumeni with various key positions, specifically as President of the Sunday School, President of the Gospel Team, Leader of Spiritual Organizations, and Architect of Orthodox Conventions etc.
PuthenKavil Thirumeni with Sunday School Children
His Grace was a great admirer of art and literature and such an avid reader that he used his travel time to read. He sincerely desired to give the hymns and songs used in worship an Indian identity. Within the Church, he is honored as the "sweet violin of the Orthodox Church." Furthermore, he was a skilled swimmer and a great sportsman who extended his patronage to other athletes and teams.
PuthenKavil Thirumeni with Local Sports Team
Kochu Thirumeni was an ardent advocate of true and genuine ecumenism. Rather than focusing merely on institutional ecumenical values, he demonstrated a practical, open-minded approach toward brethren of all denominations and religions. Based on witness accounts, here are a few instances: he was beloved by all, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
On February 13, 1932, when His Holiness Elias III Bava passed away, Kochu Thirumeni rushed to Manjanikkara upon hearing the news and conducted the initial funeral services for the departed. There, he also consoled Yulios Metropolitha.
Later, when Abraham Marthoma Metropolitha passed away on September 1, 1947, and no other Metropolitans were present, Puthenkavil Thirumeni immediately arrived to conduct the initial funeral service for the high priest. Furthermore, when Puthenkavil Thirumeni himself passed away, the bells at the headquarters of the Mar Thoma Church began to toll in his honor. Puthenkavil Kochu Thirumeni was highly revered and respected by many Muslim leaders. He consistently worked for the welfare of the Muslim community.
(Excerpts from the speech of Shri Sunil P. Oommen)
Pazhaya Suriyani Pally (Old Syrian Church), Chengannur, situated in the heart of Chengannur, this ancient church is believed to be over 1650 years old, is co-owned and cordially shared by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. It is one of the oldest churches in Kerala and represents a unique model of cooperation between the two denominations, where both appoint trustees for the management of the church based on a Madras High Court verdict. While theological differences exist, the two communities coexist cordially at this site, often conducting services separately. Puthenkavu Kochu Thirumeni is very relevant in this context, though his primary seat was the nearby St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Puthencavu (Puthencavu Pally). The spirit of cooperation at the Old Syrian Church in Chengannur reflects a long history of shared tradition in the region, which was profoundly influenced by many fathers of the church, including those remembered from Puthencavu.
The primary connection between Puthenkavu Kochu Thirumeni and H.G. Daniel Mar Philoxenos Metropolitan is that Daniel Mar Philoxenos served as the personal secretary to Puthenkavu Kochu Thirumeni starting in 1937 while residing at the Basil Aramana. Fr. P. E. Daniel (later Daniel Mar Philoxenos) worked closely with Puthenkavu Kochu Thirumeni for many years. Clerry Daniel served under Puthenkavu Kochu Thirumeni at the Basil Aramana, which was established by the latter. Both bishops are remembered for their contributions to the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Augen Mar Themothios (later Baselios Augen I) succeeded H.G. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos as the diocesan Metropolitan of the Thumpamon diocese, serving after Philoxenos' term ended in 1951. H. G. Daniel Mar Philexinos later led the diocese from 1953 to 1990.
Thomas Mar Athanasios, the late Metropolitan of the Chengannur Diocese, was the nephew of Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni. As the grandson of Kizhakkethalackal Thoma Kathanar and nephew to Mar Philoxenos, His Grace inherited the rich priestly heritage of the Kizhakkethalackal family, a branch of the Mavelikara Vadakkethalakal Mahakudumbam renowned for its long tradition of producing priests. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos was the fourth bishop from the family following Simon Mar Dionysios, Yuakim Mar Ivanios, Abraham Marthoma. Thomas Mar Athanasios was the 42nd priest in his lineage and the fifth Bishop from the Vadakkethalackal family.
Kochu Thirumeni was known for his humorous conversation and melodious voice. He embraced simplicity in all aspects of his life—his speech, work, and manner of dress. It is said that he personally engaged in manual labor alongside workers during the construction of Catholicate College, partly to reduce expenses. His Grace was revered as a beacon of the Church, celebrated as both a gifted gospel orator and an efficient administrator. Throughout his service, he introduced the Church’s first-ever transfer, salary, and pension schemes for priests, while also establishing the administrative system for spiritual organizations.
H.G. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos Metropolitan in his ecclesiastical attire
Kochu Thirumeni passed away on April 17, 1951, at the age of 54, in the Marathamcode Mar Gregorios Chapel, where his room and bed are preserved as relics. He was buried at St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral in Puthencavu, alongside the entombed remains of Mar Thoma VI and Mar Thoma VIII.
Last Glimpse of Puthenkavil KochuThirumeni
Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni (Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos) is intimately connected to St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Puthencavu, as he was a renowned spiritual leader from that locality and his mortal remains are interred there. As a celebrated Metropolitan of the Thumpamon Diocese (1930–1951), he made the cathedral a prominent spiritual center, which was also included in same diocese. Being the beloved bishop of the Mother Church, his association with the church elevated its stature. He introduced strict regulations for the church feast at Puthencavu, such as banning fireworks and redirecting funds towards spiritual conventions and charity. The Cathedral itself has a long history, serving as a center for the Malankara Church, with the remains of other prominent leaders like Mar Thoma VI and VIII also interred there. Every year on April 17, the Dukrono (memorial feast) of Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni is celebrated at the Cathedral, drawing many faithful.
St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Puthencavu
The Holy Church honored Thirumeni with the title Catholicatinte Rathna Deepam (Jewel and Lamp of the Catholicosate), and he is revered as the Gaanakokilam (Songbird) of the Church. The tribute inscribed on his tomb by Vattakkunnel Mathews Achen (later Catholicos Mathews I) perfectly captures his essence:
'His presence was joyful, his voice sweet, his words inspiring, his manners endearing, his smile unforgettable.'
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