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Parumala Thirumeni
At the turn of the
20th century, there lived a holy man on a haunted island, called Parumala,
on the banks of River Pampa in Kerala, India. He was the prophet of his
time, who set moral tone for his people. Powerful like Prophet Elijah and
glittering like John the Baptist, he remains the beacon and a great Saint
of the Malankara Orthodox Church.
 It
was on June 15, 1848, that Kochu Ipeora (Geevarghese) was born in
Chathuruthy family, Mulanthuruthy, Kerala. His parents were Kochu Mathai
and Mariam, who had three sons and two daughters. After the birth of fifth
child Ipeora, Mariam died. After the early days of education under Malpan
(teacher) Gee Varghese of Chathuruthy, Kochu Ipeora was ordained as decon
on September 14, 1859; he was only ten years old at that time One day
Malpan became seriously ill with smallpox. Deacon Geevarghese was the only
one who stayed and took care of him, while all others were sent home
On the eightday
Malpan died and Deacon became ill. During this time he had a vision of St.
Mary in his dream, descending to console him, and exhorting him to dedicate
the rest of his life to the lord. He pledged ;He Would This was a heavenly
vision that enable him to become a humble servant of God. Very soon the
deacon recovered. At the age of 18, in 1865 he was ordained as a priest.
Joseph Mar Dionysios raised him to the order of monks (Ramban) in 1872. The
Patriarch of Antioch consecrated four(4) metropolitans at Paravoor Church,
Kerala in December 10, 1876. The youngest among them was Geevarghese Ramban
and who was named Mar Gregorios. Because of his age everybody called him ;Kochu
Thirumeni (Youngest Bishop). Mar Gregorios was appointed the bishop of
Niranam, Kerala. He started a monastery at Parumala,Kerala
.
Mar Gregorios was a man of God, who lived not according to the way of the
flesh but according to the law of god. He led a virtuous and austere life,
like a monk, living on frugal diet enriched by prayer and fasting.
At
Parumala Seminary he led a austere life. He woke up at 4am in the morning
and prayed till 5am. He taught deacons till 7am followed by prayer and his
life breakfast. From 9am till 11am he taught deacons again. From 11am to
noon he took care of administrative matters and again went to prayer at
noon and then to lunch. He rested till 1:30pm and taught till 4pm with a
brief prayer in between. From 4pm to 5:30pm he was busy with his
administrative duties. After evening prayers and supper he taught bible to
the deacons. After the complaining, at 9pm he would let the deacons go to
bed, but he would still be praying until midnight. On Wednesdays and
Fridays and Lenten days, he would fast till evening. Besides, he observed
his own special fasts. People came from far and near to seek his blessings
and paternal advices. In his own words Prayer brings truth, religious faith,
honesty and respect among the people
St. Gregorios became sick when he returned from
Veeyapuram Church after blessing a marriage. Even from the beginning of his
illness he knew that he was in his last days. The news of illness spread
all over Malankara. Although he grew weaker day by day, his face shone
brighter and brighter. It was on November 2, 1902, midnight he was ready to
meet his heavenly father. He left his earthly abode and flew to eternity.
In 1947, The Holy Episcopal synod canonized and proclaimed him a Saint of
the Orthodox Church. There are hundreds of instances that proved his
Saintliness. Thousands of people receive favors and blessings through his
intercession. The growing flow of pilgrims to his tomb, several years after
his demise, tells a story of a man of faith, prayer, healing, and great
intercession.
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