Diocese Of Mavelikara

Mavelikara has an esteemed place in the history of Syrian Christians in Kerala. It is one of the ancient Syrian Christian settlements in Kerala. Its traditional relation with the Christian communities of Kollam and Niranam nurtured its Christian legacy. Mavelikara is distinct in the modern Christian history because of the historic Mavelikara Padiyola, a brave attempt of the Syrian Christians to protect their orthodox Christian faith and to resist the colonial attempts to anglicize the church. Mavelikara diocese is proud of its spiritual children who have asserted their uniqueness in various walks of life. Among the line of great Fathers of the Malankara Orthodox church H.H. Baselios Marthoma Didymus I, H.G. Philippose Mar Dionysius IV, H.G. Thoma Mar Dionysius, Sabharatnam H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios hailed from the Parishes of Mavelikara diocese. Their intercession is our strength and their model of life our inspiration. That legacy continues to the present day through Metropolitans H.G.Dr. Mathews Mar Thimotheos and H.G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Thevodoros. The Mavelikara diocese is always proudof her children who are revered by the country and were stalwarts in nation building, in its political and administrative leadership. From time to time men and women with zeal and vigour for the beliefs and independent existence of the church have risen to lead the church. As Sir Issac Newton said, “I have seen this far only by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Let us continue to stand upon the shoulders of these giants looking forward to the Kingdom of God and working for the glory of God’s name.

Establishment

The Diocese of Mavelikara came in to existence on 10th August, 2002 with the decision of the holy Episcopal Synod of Malankara Orthodox Church. Late Lamented H.H.BaseliosMarthoma Mathews II Catholicos formally announced the formation of the Mavelikara diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Churchthrough Kalpana no. 134/2002. His Holiness appointed H.G.Paulose Mar Pachomiosmetropolitan as the first diocesean Metropolitan. The craftsmanship and administrative skills of Mar Pachomios Metropolitan helped the diocese to keep its root fixed for its future growth and development. The priest’s and laymen’s personal attachment to Pachomios Metropolitan was one of the primary reasons that kept the diocese united in its initial days. Forty-oneparishes and twelve chapels of the dioceses of Kollam, Niranam and Chengannoor, were annexed to the newly formed Mavelikara Diocese. Though the diocese is a newly formed one, it has the rich heritage kept by its ancient churches and communities. The spiritual guidance of H.G. Dr.Geevarghese Mar Osthathios, H.G.Mathews Mar Epiphanios and H.G. Thomas Mar Athanasius to the parishes from their respective dioceses was priceless in formulating the spiritual foundation of the diocese.

Diocesan Center

The M.S. Seminary,Thazhakkara, Mavelikara was the temporary diocesan office and bishop’s residence.  In view of having a permanent diocesan office and Aramana,1.22acres of land was purchasedin Thazhakkara villagein 2005. It has all the conveniences of a town with the serenity of a village and isstrategically located in proximity to Saint Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Puthiyakavu, Mavelikara and the M.S. Seminary Thazhakkara.Under the guidance and leadership of the late lamented H.G.Paulose Mar PachomiosMetropolitan, abeautiful Aramana was constructed in 2008. The newly built Diocesan center, named TheobhavanAramana was consecrated by late H.H.Baselios Marthoma Didymus I Catholicos on 17thOctober, 2008.Along with serving as the residence of the metropolitan and the diocesan office, TheobhavanAramana is designed with a vision to serve multiple needs of the diocese. The diocesan centre consists of a chapel for regular worship, office for spiritual organizations, guest rooms, diocesan council room, conference rooms and quarters for staff and other inmates.

In 2018, the diocese purchased a prime land of 57 cents and a building adjacent to the Aramana, for future expansions. The office of the Orthodox Syrian Church Navajothy MOMs charitable society currently functions there.

Administration

While administering his pastoral care for the initial growth and development of the diocese H.G. Paulose Mar Pachomios entered into eternal rest on 1stAugust, 2012 and is entombed at Bethany Asram, Ranni - Perunad. H.H.Baselios Paulose II Catholicos took over the charge of the diocesan Metropolitan and administers the diocese. On 10th December 2012, BavaThirumeniappointed Nilackal diocesan Metropolitan H.G.Dr.Joshua Mar Nicodimos as Assistant Metropolitan of the diocese to help His Holiness. From September 20, 2017 H.G.Alexios Mar Eusebius Metropolitan has been appointed as the assistant metropolitan of the diocese.

The metropolitans from time to time are assisted by the diocesan secretaries and diocesan council of the period. Rev.Fr. V.M. Mathai Vilanilam served as the first secretary of the Mavelikara diocese. Rev.Fr.Jacob John Kallada became the second diocesan secretary and served office for the period 2009-2014. He was succeeded by Rev.Fr. Ebey Philip for the period 2014-2019. In 2019 Rev.Fr.Johns Eapenwas elected as the new diocesan secretary and has assumed office from December 21, 2019.

The Diocesan Council consists of Rev. Fr. P. D. Skaria Ponvanibham, Rev. Fr. K. P. Varghese, Sri. Binu Samuel, Sri. Johnson P. Kannanakuzhy, Sri. T. K. Mathai and Sri. S. Thankachan Kollamala gives applaudable support to Metropolitan and Diocesan Secreatary in the administration of the diocese.

Aramana Family

Rev.Fr.Joykutty Varghese serves as the present Aramana manager. Rev. Fr. Allen S. Mathew serves as the assistant Manager and supervises the agricultural works along with the day to day affairs. The Aramanahas a full-fledgedoffice with Rev.Fr. Dennis Samuel as theManager and principal secretary to the metropolitanand Sri.John Cherianas the accountant. The seminary aspirants reside at the aramana and undergo training with biblical and liturgical orientation under the guidance of the metropolitan. Deacons who completed their theological studies live in the Aramana and serve as secretary to the metropolitan.  Metropolitan’s driver, a farmer and cook also reside at the Aramana making the family an extended one.  Life at the Aramana campus is rich and diverse with a cow and a brood of hens which provide for the needs of Aramana kitchen. The organic farming with a variety of vegetables and fruit trees helps to be self-sufficient to a great extent.

Diocesan Mission

The mission of the Mavelikkara diocese is to maintain and practice the orthodox faith and thereby enhance the spiritual growth of all members of the diocesan community and to continue as the ambassadors of Christian love to serve humankind and to sustain the creation.

• Priests

The mission of the diocese is taken up and carried forward by its folk in an appreciable manner. In this they are led by the priests of the diocese. The diocese has five Cor-Episcopas: Very. Rev.P.T. Daniel, Very. Rev.G. Ninan, Very. Rev. P.J. Mathew, Very. Rev. K.L. Mathew Vaidyan and Very. Rev. M.K. Varghese. Fifty four priests serve in the regular active ministry. The senior retired priests always enrich the diocese with their spiritual advice and experienced guidance. The diocese now has ten students who are undergoing priestly training in the Orthodox Theological Seminary.

• Parishes

The parishes of the diocese are of diverse socio-economic backgrounds, yet keep the same Christian spirit. Forty-one churches of the diocese extend from Kottampally to Kuttemperoor, and from Chunakkara to Mathirampally all of which are admirable examples of Christian witness.The diocese has sixteen chapels under its parishes. Among them five chapels have Holy Qurbana on every Sundays and the rest on alternative Sundays and on special occasions.

Along with the parishes M.S.Seminary Chapel founded by H.B.Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysius V, and St. Paul’s M.T.C Chapel blessed by the tomb of H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Metropolitanserves to fulfill the liturgical and spiritual requirements of believers. CheppadSt.GeorgeValiyapalli, with the tomb of Philippose Mar Dionysius IV malankara metropolitan, KarthikapallySt.Thomas Cathedral with its ancient design and collection of ancient manuscripts, PuthiyakavuSt.Mary’s Cathedral and KayamkulamKadeesa Cathedral with their traditions of centuries are among the ancient parishes of Malankara Orthodox Church.

• Institutions

The diocese manifests its Christian responsibility and services to the societythrough various means:

• The Paulose Mar PachomiosShalemBhavan at Arunoottimangalam, whichwas taken over by the diocese on October 30,2014 in the loving memory of the first diocesan metropolitan H.G.Paulose Mar Pachomios,provides rehabilitation for eighty destitute, male, mentally ill inmates. Rev.Fr.Josie John serves as its director assisted by Rev.Fr. Linu Thomas.
• Haripad St. Thomas Balabhavan under the initiative of St.Thomas Mission Centre provides accommodation and education to boys under the age of 21.
• Philippose Mar Dionysius Old Age Home, Cheppad provides commendable service by taking care of elderly parents who donot get sufficient care from their homes due to various reasons.

• Publications

1. Theonadham magazine is a quarterly publication from The obhavan Aramana.
2. Snehalokam magazine is a monthly publication from Haripad St.Thomas mission center on behalf of St.Thomas Suvishesha Sangam.

• Spiritual Services

The Premarital counselling conducted on alternative Saturdays under experienced resource persons has proved to be fruitful to the young generation. The spiritual organizations for Youth, Women, Children and Students are active in enriching the spiritual life of the parishes and believers. The Sunday School, Balasamajam, M.G.O.C.S.M, Orthodox Christian Youth Movement, Martha Mariam Vanitha Samajam, Navajyothi MOMs, Suvushesha Sangam, PrarthanaYogam, Divyabodhanam, Sushrushaka Sangam, Bodhanam internal mission of the diocese are functioning in an exemplary manner under the active and dedicated leadership ofrespective vice presidents and other office bearers.The MDM School of Liturgical Music under the guidance of Fr. Joice V. Joy imparts training for liturgical and devotional music to our aspiring choir singers.

• Community Services

Along with the spiritual organizations, the departments of Human Resource and the Ecology, the Prison Ministry and evangelism, the diocese extends its services to the community and thereby accomplishes its social commitment.

• Promotion of Eco friendliness and environment protection

All parishes under the diocese are urged to promote and implement Eco- friendly practices in order to protect our natural environment.

Contact details

TheobhavanAramana, Thazhakkara P.O, Mavelikkara- 690102

Phone: 0479-2309900

Email: marpachomios@gmail.com,mavelikaraorthodoxdiocese@gmail.com