Ajesh T Philip
Chief Project Coordinator-MARP
10/9/13

Several Orthodox faithful in India are still doubtful about the true history of Mar Julius and remain unaware about his relationship with the Indian Orthodox Church.  The purpose of the following article is to bring out certain historical evidences which prove that Saintly Alvaruz Julius was indeed a Prelate of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church.

The Beginning

The Independent Catholic Mission of Ceylon and Goa came to know about the Syrian Church of Malabar (Indian Malankara Orthodox Church-IMOC) in 1885. They understood and realized that it is an indigenous Christian community, in Oriental Orthodox Communion. They approached the church for the Episcopal support and help. The holy synod of IMOC decided to accept their request and gave a favorable reply. After receiving the favorable reply from IMOC, Dr. P M Lisboa Pinto (Secretary of Independent Catholic Mission of Ceylon and Goa) met with H.E Pulikkottil Mar Joseph Dioysius II (Malankara Metropolitan) and H.G Chathuruthy Mar Gregorious Geevarghese (Niranam) at Bombay on their apostolic visit to Goa and Bombay. After that Padre Alvares met H.E Mar Joseph Dionysius II at Travancore and discussed their situation. H E Malankara Metropolitan responded favorably and invited Padre Alvarez to his Palace.

Reunion to the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church

Independent Catholic Mission decided to join the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church and they were officially incorporated into IMOC in a great gathering (around 4000 people attended) of the Independent Catholic Mission at the Karvar cost near South Canara on 1887.

Later Padrae Alvarez came to Kerala and Met H.E Malankara Metropolitan and also stayed with Mar Gregorious at Parumal where he learned the faith and ecclesiological aspects and Orthodox doctrines of the Church with much patience. The Episcopal Synod of the Malankara church provided Fr. Alvarez the title ‘Apostolic Prefect of Independent Catholic Mission of Ceylon and Goa’ and also, gave Chrism.

The Independent Catholic Mission elected Fr. Alvares for the Episcopal order and proposed his name to the Malankara Metropolitan and the Holy Episcopal Synod to consecrate him as  bishop of the community. The Holy Episcopal Synod accepted the request of the and decided to consecrate Fr. AFX Alvarez as the Bishop of Latin Rite of Indian Malankara Orthodox Church (The Episcopal synod considered and decided Catholic mission will be the part of the main church with autonomous status and Latin liturgy).

The synod sends the proposal along with the request to the Patriarchate of Anthioc for the approval and gets the same.   Fr. Alvarez was ordained as Monk on 27^th July 1889 at the Old seminary Kottayam by H.G Mar Gregoroius. Later Monk Alvares was consecrated as the Arch- bishop of Latin rite of Malankara Orthodox Church in the Name of Julius I (synod decided that Julius is to be reserved as the official name for the Latin Rite bishops) on 29^th July 1889 at old seminary Chapel Kottayam.

The consecration ceremony was lead by H.E Mar Dynosious and assisted by H.G. Mar Athanasius, HG Mar Ivanios and HG Mar Gregorius of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church. The bull reveals that Fr. Alvres was known to be as Alvares Mar Julius I,  the Archbishop and Metropolitan of Ceylon, Goa and India (excluding Malabar), of the Latin rite of Syrian Orthodox Church of Malabar.

Vice-President of Malankara Association

Archbishop Alvares was an integral part of Mankara Suriyan Christiyani Association (Syrian Christian Association) and has also served as one of the vice-presidents of the Association. He attended and signed in the minutes of many of the Malankara Managing Committee meeting, and Syrian Christian association as Vice- president. He ordained many priests and deacons of the church at various occasions. He visited the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate as the official delegate of Indian Malankara Orthodox Church in 1911. He was as the chief celebrant of the consecrations of various churches in Kerala such as St Marys’ Church Niranam, St.Marys Church Nadamel, St. George church Kunnakurudy etc.

He gave the permission to start a church at Mukkalimon in the name of St. George near Ranni, under the jurisdiction of Niranam diocese. He conducted several apostolic visits and celebrated Holy Qurbana (Divine Liturgy) at various churches like Parumala St. Peters and St. Pauls Seminary chapel, Mar Elia Chapel Kottayam, St. Mary’s Big Church Kottayam, St Mary’s Small Church Kottayam, St. Mary’s Church Vadakkan Paravoor, St.Peters and St.Pauls Church Kolencherry, St. George Church Mannathoor etc. He was consecrated as the bishop of India-excluding Malabar, but Kochi Naserath Church was under his jurisdiction. In 1919 he retired from the position of Archbishop and the charge was handed over to the then Malankara Metropolitan, St Vattasseril Dionysius.

After the Demise of Julis I, the Goan High court send his vestments and belonging to the Malankara Metropolitan.

The above mentioned evidences revels that Saintly Archbishop Alvarez Mar Julius I- The Arch- Bishop of Ceylon, Goa and India (Excluding Malabar) was the integral part of the indigenous Indian Malankara Orthodox Church.

Source: Independent 

22/9/13
Ajesh T Philip
Chief Project Coordinator – MARP

Dr.S. D. BABA was a Goan who shifted to Bengal in his childhood. He completed his academic studies in Medicine and practiced as a medical practitioner in Calcutta and later in London. He was a member of an Anglican high church. He was a good friend of the Dr. P.M Libsoba Pinto, the Secretary of the Latin rite of the Syrian church of Malabar (Indian Malankara Orthodox Church). Dr. Baba was impressed in the faith and practices of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church. He joined the Indian church under the jurisdiction of the Arch Bishop Alvarez Mar Julius I. He became a genuine devotee of the Indian church in England. He acted as the ambassador and correspondent of Latin rite of Indian Malankara Orthodox Church (Independent Catholic Mission of Ceylon) in England. He had an intimate relation with the palace of Queen Victoria and East India Company. This helped to initiate missionary activities of Independent Catholic Mission in British colonies in India.

Alvarez Mar Julius I introduced Dr. Baba to Malankara Metropolitan, H E Joseph Dionysis II. His Eminence was impressed with Dr Baba’s activities and vision about the church and made frequent communications with him. His Eminence elevated Dr. Baba as the ambassador of Malankara Metropolitan in England. He was the first and the last ambassador of Malankara Metropolitan outside Malabar. Later Dr. Baba requested Malankara metropolitan as the head of the church, to ordain himself as a priest. His Eminence and Mar Alvruz decided to ordain him as the priest of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church in London. H.E Dionysius requested Metropolitan of Jerusalem of Syrian Orthodox Church H.G Alias Mar Ivanios to ordain Dr. Baba as a priest of Indian Malankara Orthodox Church and the same was granted. Thus Dr. Baba became Fr. Dr. Baba of Indian Malankara Orthodox Church in England. The Malankara Metropolitan gave Fr. Dr. S. D Baba, the ‘sthathicon’ and the appointment order as the official Ambassador of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church in England.

Fr. Dr. Baba, translated St James Liturgy in English and even served funeral rites. Fr. Baba was invited as the official delegate of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church to attend the funeral ceremony of King Edward of England, and he was treated along with the ambassadors of other nations of the world. H H. Ignatius Abdulla Patriarch of Antioch stayed with Dr.Baba in England as the Guest of Indian Malankara Orthodox Church in 1909. Fr. Baba visited Antioch as the official delegate of the Indian Orthodox Church in 1911 and made various discussions with the Patriarch. Dr Baba was also a writer in Independent Catholic (official journal of Latin rite of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church).

Source:
Independent 

St Mary’s Church in Chempatty

Fr. Joseph De Demello and Mr.I Savari Muthu Pillai (Founder)

Church Interior after the renovation in 1963

Anthoni Swami- One of the Present custodian and the Senior Member of the church

Metropolitan Alexios Mar Theodosius

Ajesh T Phillip (OCP Delegate and Chief Project Coordinator – MARP)

The Independent Catholic Church – under the holy jurisdiction of The Indian Malankara Orthodox Church – The See of St Thomas and All East.

The Church is know by the name St Mary’s and St James Independent Catholic Church, Chempatty.  

Also read- The Lost Orthodox Christians of St Gregorious of Parumala in Dindigul:

St. Mary’s Independent Catholic Church was the first Christian congregation in Chempatty area which is about 13 Km away from Dindigul. The church was initiated in 1890 by the leaders of the Independent Catholic Church of Ceylon, Goa and India under the Jurisdiction of Late Glorified Saintly Archbishop Alvarez Mar Julius I.

Fr. Luis Mariano Soares and Fr. Joseph De Demello were the driving force behind the church. This church was started as an annexure of Trichnapally church. Divine Liturgy was held every alternate Saturdays and Sundays by priests from Trichnapally.

The church was constructed for the family who migrated from Trichnapally to Chempatty, who were also close relatives of Mr. Ponnayya of Trichnapally. Late I. Savarimuthu Pillai is considered to be the founder of this church. He was a true devotee of Saintly Alvares Mar Julius I. From 1890 onwards the Church community followed the faith and practices of Independent Catholic Church of Ceylon, Goa and India. Fr. J D Demello served here as the vicar for a long period of time. Archbishop Alvarez Mar Julius I visited the church many times, as the part of his apostolic visits to Tamil Nadu. Later Fr. Jacob Chemankattil, became the vicar of this church, followed by Fr. N J Thomas (Monk Priest N J Thomas) who served this church from 1945-1946. Later Fr. Joseph from Thiruvalla was appointed as the vicar.

In ME 1125(1948) H G Mar Alexious Theodosius visited the Chempatty church and stayed here from Oct 14(Tuesday) to Oct 16 (Thursday) and celebrated Divine Liturgy and it was organized as part of the Mission Journey to south India. His comments have been recorded in the Church minutes and visitors diary as the Apostolic delegate from the See of St Thomas.

It was very difficult for an Independent Catholic Church (Orthodox community) to survive in Chempatty. There were several challenges from the Roman Catholic churche. But Late I. Savarimuthu Pillai and his family overcame from the threats of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1955 I. Savarimuthu Pillai (founder) passed away and his wife Maria Nallammal died in 1956. His funeral was lead by Fr. Joseph De Demello and he was buried in this church. The Chempatty community often visited Goa to take part in the feast of sanity Alvarez until1955.

After the demise of Fr. Demello there was no proper communication and support from the Indian Orthodox Church. But they continued to orgnize prayers every evening and continue to follow thier founder’s vision till date. In 1960’s the Roman Catholic Catholic church of Dindigul attempted to annex the Chempatty church as their parish. But they failed as the Church trust laws are opposing to cannon of the Roman Catholic Church and hence they had to quit the attempt. They started a new congregation in the name of Mother of perpetual help (St. Mary).

The Chempatty church continue to exist as reminiscence of Independent Catholic Church of Ceylon Goa and India of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church by the grace of almighty God and the prayers of Saintly Archbishop Alvarez Julius I.

Note: The Chempatty church was found in 1890 and belonged to the Independent Catholic Rite of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church. The Church was lost during the period of 1956-57. Ajest Phillip rediscovered this church after a gap of 57 years.

In 2013 we celebrate 90th year of the demise of Alvaruz Julius whereas 2012 was the 125th yr of the reunion of Independent Catholic Church to the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church and 2014 will mark the 125th year of the consecration of the first Latin Bishop of India Malankara Orthodox Church – Saintly Alvaruz Julius I.

Copyright © 2013 Metropolitan Alvaruz Julius Research Projectc (MARP).All rights reserved. No part of the article/news or photo shall be published in any format or in any form without prior permission of the publisher.For republishing permission contact – theorthodoxchurch.info@gmail.com

Only direct link to this article is permitted to post in websites, blogs and social media networks.

Source:
MARP 

East side view of Sempatty Church

The Cross built at the place of first Altar in 1974.

Fr. Joseph De Demello

Metropolitan Dioscorous at Dindigul

Ajesh T Philip – Chief Project Coordinator – MARP – 15/12/13

Read: REDISCOVERY OF ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH IN CHEMPATTY

Read: Metropolitan Dioscoros Yuhanon paves historic visit to Independent Catholic Church and St Gregorious Community

• Introduction
• Methodology
• Observations
• Outcome
• Conclusion 

Introduction

Dindigul was the one of the oldest Christian center in south India. Christian community has its presence in Dindigul for the past four hundred years. Dindigul was under the Portuguese colony for a long period of time; later the British and American missionaries started their churches in this area. After the year 1886, due the Padre movement in the Roman Catholic Church, many of the Roman Catholic believers left their faith and the jurisdiction of Roman Pope. Around 5000 to 6000 people of Dindigul area joined the Orthodox faith of church of Malabar along with Fr. AFX Alvarez and Fr. Luis Mariano Soarez. Due to continuous persecution from the Roman Catholic Church, lack of proper pastoral care from the church of Malabar, Socio-political reasons, pressure from government, scarcity of priests and leadership resulted in the gradual degradation of the reunited Roman Catholic community of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church.

But there still remain remnants this community in Dindigul. The present article focus on the current situation of the Independent Catholic Mission of Goa Ceylon and India of (Church of Malabar) IMOC. In this study, the researcher tries to identify important centers of Independent Catholic Church in Dindigul, Community of St Gregorious and rediscovery of the St. Mary’s and St. James Independent Catholic Church.

Dindigul: Geographical Sketch

Dindigul district was carved out of the composite Madurai District in 15.9.1985. Dindigul District was also known by the names Dindigul Anna, Quaid-e-Milleth and Mannar Thirumalai, which was under the rule of the famous Muslim Monarch, Tippusultan. The historical Rock Fort of this district was constructed by the famous Naik King Muthukrishnappa Naicker. It is located between 10005” and 100 9” North Latitude and 77030” and 78020” East Longitude. This district is bordered by Erode, Coimbatore, Karur and Trichy districts on the North, by Sivaganga and Tiruchi Districts on the East, by Madurai district on the South and by Theni and Coimbatore Districts and Kerala State on the West. It extends over an area of 6266.64 Sq. Km. It comprises of three Revenue Divisions, eight Taluks and fourteen Panchayat Unions. This district is privileged to have one of the Six Celebrated Hill Abodes of “Lord Muruga” at Palani Hills, where the famous Dhandayuthapani Temple is situated on the hilly rock at a height of about 450 mts.

For a long time, Dindigul town has been associated with Iron locks, Iron safe of good quality and durability. A lock manufacturing unit under co-operative sector is functioning here. Another industry for which Dindigul is noted is Leather Tanning Dindigul having a flourishing handloom industry at Chinnalapatti, which is located at 11 Kms away from Dindigul on the Madurai-Dindigul road. Art –Silk saris and Sungudi saris produced in Chinnalapatti are famous throughout India. More than 1000 families are engaged in this Industry.

Methodology:

The project started in December 2010. It was designed as a three-year project (2010-2013) by the Department of Church research and Studies of Orthodoxy Cognate Page Society.

Ajesh T. Philip was the project coordinator. The members of Church research and Studies department of OCP Society supported whole-heartedly the coordinator and they worked as a unit for the successful completion of the project. They travelled to several areas in Dindigul and collected all available data’s. The data’s were analyzed and correlated with published and unpublished manuscripts.

Observations:

1. Dindigul was the one of the major centers of Independent Roman Catholic Mission (Alvarez community) of IMOC.
2. There still remain some remnants of the community.
3. Presence of community of St. Gregorious of Parumala was identified.
4. Rediscovery of St.Mary’s and St. James Independent Roman Catholic Church.

1. Dindigul was the one of the major centers of Independent Roman Catholic Mission (Alvarez community) of IMOC.

Dindigul was the part of Madras presidency before independence which falls under the Madurai district. In Dindigul around 5000-6000 people joined to the Orthodox faith of the Church of Malabar along with the Padre Movement leaders like A F X Alvarez, Fr.Luis Mareano Soares, Fr M. D Valerian etc. During the time, there was only one Christian church in Dindigul- Our Lady of Seven Dollars, Begamboor (Vyakula matha Kovil)- which served the faithful of sixteen villages in an around the area. From 1888 onwards, this church was under the jurisdiction of Independent Roman Catholic Church of Ceylon Goa and India. Saintly Alvarez Mar Julius I –Arch bishop of the Latin Rite of the church of Malabar visited the area several times and celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Many veterans’ still remember Padre Alvrez and his visits to the church. Fr. Luis Mariano Soares was the vicar general of the Ceylon and India, and the church was under his leadership. In 1890 a small chapel was constructed at Muthulagu patty near Dindigul. In 1899 Fr. Soares was consecrated as a bishop in the name Baselius and resided at Muthulaguar Patty.

In 1902 Nov. 21 Mar Basilius Soarez ordinated Ulric Vernon Herford, a British man to priesthood at this church. U V Herford was a student of Buddhism from London, he was impressed by the Independent Roman Catholic Church, and lived in India and Ceylon between 1885- 1893. Later he became the founder of Evangelical Catholic Church of London. Mar Basilius Soarez decided to elevate Fr. Ulric Vernon Herford as a bishop and his Episcopal consecration was held at the church of Epiphany at Pallithanam, near Kaliyar Kovil, Sivaganga at Madurai district on 30th November 1902 (on the feast dy of St Andrews).

Mar Baselius stayed at his house in Muthulaguar Patty until his demise on 30th June 1903. This church was under the jurisdiction of Mar Julis-I, until 1910. After the demise of Fr M. D Valerian the church was gradually fallunder custody of Roman Catholic Church under the jurisdiction of Madras Diocese. The families who reunited the Orthodox Church later on disintegrated due to lack of proper care from the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church and returned to the Roman Catholic Rite.

2. Presence of the Community of St. Gregorious of Parumala

At present, there remain few families in Dindigul. They lead more or a less isolated life. They believe in the sainthood of St. Gregorious of Parumala, practice ‘Siddha’ Medicine (Traditional medicine), and perform treatment with the intercession and blessing of St. Gregorious of Parumala. They are indigenous people speaking Tamil language. Occasionally they use to visit Parumala Church (Burial Place of St Gregorious of Parumala) and Bethel Orthodox Church at Chenganoor (A Church situated in the Diocese of Cheganoor of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church) as pilgrims.

They have a separate burial yard and practice unique life unlike other Christians. At several instances, they have lost connections to the past and their Orthodox origin. Hence, they also find it hard to recall their lost Orthodox past. The Family is headed by Mr. Pal Raj and consists of his wife, children, their spouses and grand children. Though Orthodox Christians in origin they attend a Roman Catholic Church and practice their sacraments.

“Parumala Ayya”

“Parumala Ayya”; this is how they respectfully address St Gregorious of Parumala. They have drawn a portrait of St. Gregorious at their home. The family believes that their practice of ‘Siddha Medicine’ is a blessing from ‘Parumala Ayya’ and Sidhan. They have special practices of treating fractures and dislocation in the name and intercession of St. Gregorious of Parumala.

The family is still unaware of their historical connection to St Gregorious. Mr Xavier described that his forefathers (Periyappa or great grandfather) had an intimate spiritual connection with St Gregorious of Parumala. However, he is unaware how the connection began. At the same time, their contemporary presence in Kerala in the form of Siddha Medicine studies and mason job should have helped them to pay frequent visits to the Parumala Church. It is interesting to note that Mr Xavier visited Kerala (Parumala Church) for the first at the age of nine, but even before that, he knew about Parumala Ayya from his parents and used to make intercession prayers.

Xavier strongly stated that they were not part of the Roman Catholic Church, but since their migration to Dindigul they were forced to practice Roman Catholicism since they were left out with any other options. Xavier also added that their spiritual relation with the great Saint of Parumala is hereditary passed on from generation to generation.
Strong Belief in the Intercession of ‘Parumala Ayya’

The Family has great reverence for the Saint of Parumala and strongly believes in the intercession and blessings. Paul Raj’s youngest daughter did not have children after three years of marriage. Their deep intercession prayers in the name of St Gregorious have gifted them with a baby boy. Their testimony reveals the deep-rooted faith and relation with Parumala Ayya. Xavier confirms that he use to have miraculous vision of Parumlala Ayya while sleeping where the saint prompts him to make pilgrimage to the Parumala Church.

Birth of ‘Parumala’ inside Parumala Church

Xavier’s fist daughter was born inside the Parumala Church. He explains the incident as follows Twenty years back, Mr Xavier and his wife visited the Parumala Church on bicycle, but unfortunately, it was a day of strike in Kerala. His wife was pregnant and it was the ninth month for her. Suddenly the pain began and she gave birth to a baby girl with the help of some nuns who were present inside the church. Hence, they gave the name “Parumala” to their first-born daughter as they consider her birth as a great blessing from the saint.
Siddha treatment in the name of St Gregorious of Parumala

The Siddha treatments performed with the blessing of the great saint, especially for neurotic problems, impotency, and serious fractures. The medicinal plants are collected from the nearby hills of Dindigul Chirumalai and Pandrimalai. Local belief is that these two hills had fallen from the hands Hanuman while carrying the hills with ‘Mrithasangivini’ in his hands. He prints business card in Tamil with the photo of St Gregorious of Parumala and he has distributed it to several places like Sri Lanka, South Africa.
Claim of a Community of St. Gregorious in South Africa

Once a South African family came for Siddha treatment and they where healed. They got very much inspired by the blessing of St Gregorious of Parumala. They took several cards of Pruamala Ayya from Xavier. Xavier claims that an indigenous community in the name of St Gregorious has been formed in South Africa recently. This community practice intercession prayers in the name of St Gregarious.

Possibility of Metropolitan Julius Alvariz Connection

Some literature sources reveal that Dindugul was one of the Mission centers of the Saintly Archbishop Mor Julius Alvariz of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church with the possibility of more than hundred families. In addition, Tirunelveli is one of the oldest Christian centers including the presence of Orthodox Christians. This is the place from which Paul Raj’s and Xaviers’ father hails from. The OCP delegation showed the picture of Metropolitan Mor Julius Alvariz to Mr Xavier but he could not recognize the Bishop. However, there shall be a possible link between the origin of this community and the missionary toils of Saintly Mor Julius Alvariz and his reunion movement to the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church.
Family Cemetery

The family has a separate cemetery apart from the Roman Catholic Church Cemetery to which they belong at present. The family cemetery is located almost 100 meters away from the common cemetery. They light candles every evening at the family graveyard, a tradition from their forefathers which is Orthodox in nature. Their great grandfather was buried in Dindigul but somehow they lost the exact place. Later with the help of a map they located the exact position of the burial place and constructed their fmaily cemetery.

3. Rediscovery of St. Mary’s and St. James Independent Catholic Church

St. Mary’s and St James Independent Catholic Church was the first Christian congregation in Chempatty area which is about 13 Km away from Dindigul. The church was initiated in 1890 by the leaders of the Independent Catholic Church of Ceylon, Goa and India under the Jurisdiction of Late Glorified Saintly Archbishop Alvarez Mar Julius I.
Fr. Luis Mariano Soares and Fr. Joseph De Demello were the driving force behind the church. This church was started as an annexure of Trichnapally church. Divine Liturgy was held every alternate Saturdays and Sundays by priests from Trichnapally.

The church was constructed for the family who migrated from Trichnapally to Chempatty, who were also close relatives of Mr. Ponnayya of Trichnapally. Late I. Savarimuthu Pillai is considered to be the founder of this church. He was a true devotee of Saintly Alvares Mar Julius I.

From 1890 onwards the Church community followed the faith and practices of Independent Catholic Church of Ceylon, Goa and India. Fr. J D Demello served here as the vicar for a long period of time. Archbishop Alvarez Mar Julius I visited the church many times, as the part of his apostolic visits to Tamil Nadu. Later Fr. Jacob Chemankattil, became the vicar of this church, followed by Fr. N J Thomas (Monk Priest N J Thomas) who served this church from 1945-1946. Later Fr. Joseph from Thiruvalla was appointed as the vicar.

In ME 1125(1948) H G Mar Alexious Theodosius visited the Chempatty church and stayed here from Oct 14(Tuesday) to Oct 16 (Thursday) and celebrated Divine Liturgy and it was organized as part of the Mission Journey to south India. His comments have been recorded in the Church minutes and visitors diary as the Apostolic delegate from the See of St Thomas.

It was very difficult for an Independent Catholic Church (Orthodox community) to survive in Chempatty. There were several challenges from the Roman Catholic Church. However, Late I. Savarimuthu Pillai and his family overcame from the threats of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1955, I. Savarimuthu Pillai (founder) passed away and his wife Maria Nallammal died in 1956. His funeral was lead by Fr. Joseph De Demello and he was buried in this church. The Chempatty community often visited Goa to take part in the feast of sanity Alvarez until1955.

After the demise of Fr. Demello there was no proper communication and support from the Indian Orthodox Church. Nevertheless, they continued to organize prayers every evening and continue to follow their founder’s vision till date. In 1960’s the Roman Catholic Catholic church of Dindigul attempted to annex the Chempatty church as their parish. However, they failed as the Church trust laws are opposing to cannon of the Roman Catholic Church and hence they had to quit the attempt. They started a new congregation in the name of Mother of perpetual help (St. Mary).

The Chempatty church continues to exist as the reminiscence of Independent Catholic Church of Ceylon Goa and India of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church by the grace of almighty God and the prayers of Saintly Archbishop Alvarez Julius I.

Note: The Chempatty church was founded in 1890 and belonged to the Independent Catholic Rite of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church. The Church was lost during the period of 1956-57. Ajest Phillip rediscovered this church after a gap of 57 years.

In 2013, we celebrate 90th year of the demise of Alvaruz Julius whereas 2012 was the 125th yr of the reunion of Independent Catholic Church to the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church and 2014 will mark the 125th year of the consecration of the first Latin Bishop of India Malankara Orthodox Church – Saintly Alvaruz Julius I. In 1955, H G Mar Theodocious Alexiose visited the church and celebrated the Holy Qurbana in memory of the founder I. Savarimuthu Pillai.

Outcome:

The Department of Church Research and Studies presented a report to the Executive CouncilT. The Executive Council of Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE initiated discussions about this community, the St. Mary’s and St James Independent Catholic Church at Chempatty with the hierarchy of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church and submitted a detailed proposal about the prevailing situation in the area to the diocesan metropolitan of Madras diocese of IMOC.

As per the proposal to diocesan bishop of Madras IMOC, on 6th December 2013, Metropolitan Dioscoros Yuhanon of the Madras diocese of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church made a historic visit to the Independent Catholic Church at Chempatty. Metropolitan and delegation from Madras diocese along with Ajesh T Philip (OCP delegate) met with caretakers of the Church. Evening prayers were observed at the Church. Prayers were also made at the tomb of late I. Savarimuthu Pillai (founder of the Chempatty St Marys’s and St James Church) The OCP icon of St Gregorious of Parumala was presented to the Church leaders. It was the first ever visit made by an Indian Malankara Orthodox Church Metropolitan to this church after a gap of 57 years. (The Chempatty church was founded in 1890 and belonged to the Independent Catholic Rite of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church. The Church was lost during the period of 1956-57. Ajest Phillip (OCP delegate and Chief Project Coordinator – MARP) rediscovered this church after a gap of 57 years.)

Metropolitan and the delegation also visited the St Gregorious community at Dindigul and made discussions with the leaders and faithful. He also visited their homes. Several people gathered to receive blessings from the prelate. The St Gregorious Community at Dindigul was rediscovered by Ajesh Philip (OCP Delegate) in the year 2011.

St Gregorious Mission Dindigul to be created

A new mission at Dindigul in The name of St. Gregorious will be created soon. ‘St Gregorious Mission Dindigul, will be under the jurisdiction of the Madras diocese of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church with the spiritual guidance of the Metropolitan Dioscoros. A new chapel is being planned to be constructed in the area.

Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE Society will monitor the Mission activities. OCP Department of Church Research and Studies will act as the consultant agency to the Mission and Ajesh Philip will hold the office of Chief consultant.

Conclusion:

The present study reveals the historic mission of Mar Julius Alvarez of Independent Catholic Mission Ceylon, Goa and India. Systematic documentation and scientific study would help to preserve the data related to the indigenous orthodox community. This work also gives scope for appropriate scientific, excavation and historic studies on the growth, evolution and mission of Orthodox Church in the Indian sub -continent.

Copyright © 2013  MARP. All rights reserved. No part of the article/news or photo shall be published in any format or in any form without prior permission of the publisher.For republishing permission contact – theorthodoxchurch.info@gmail.com

Only direct link to this article is permitted to post in websites, blogs and social media networks.

Source:
MARP

Fr Joseph Thomas

Skull Cap of Fr Demello

Vestments for normal use and for Holy Week

Vestment

MARP – February 2014 - Exclusive

Also Read: REDISCOVERY OF ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE INDIAN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH IN CHEMPATTY

“The Grow more Food” Campaign at St. James the great, Mission Church Chempatty by Mar Thomas Dionysius of Niranam.

Ajesh Philip (Chief Project Coordinator – MARP) during the month of February 2014, discovered an old Visitors diary at St James Mission Church Sempatty. It is an exclusive document written by the late lamented Metropolitan Thmas Mar Dynosious of Malankara, which reveals that this church was under the Jurisdiction of Indian Malankara Orthodox Church. According to Metropolitan Thomas Dynosious this Church was considered to be outside mission field the Malankara Orthodox Church. The following things were found out from the church.

1. Vestments which were used by Fr. Demello  prepared in Indo-Portuguese tradition were discovered.

2.Tableetha” A piece of wooden slab upon where the pattern and the Chalice are placed with a measurement of 18” x 9”. (A piece of wooden slab upon which the Paten and the Chalice are placed. It can also be made of marble slab. But Wood is considered to be better. If it is wood, it should be made of tree which contains a kind of milky or oily substance. Jack wood slab is used usually; But Teak and Rose wood are not used. It will be 18 inches length and 9 inches in breath. If there is no availability of altar, the Divine Liturgy (Holy Qurbana )can be celebrated using with this slab. With out this, the Qurbana cannot be celebrated. )

Briefing of the pinions written Mar Thomas Dionysius in the visitor’s diary of the Semaptty Church is given below.

Part – I

“I visited the church of St. James the Great, this morning together with the Rev. Father L.S Jakson M.A (warden and correspondent of St. Stephens English High School, Mount Tabore Pathanapuram). We were received ceremoniously by vicar, the Rev. Father N J Thomas and the Trustee Sri.I SavarimuthuPillay, Land Lord and trustee of St. Jamese church. After Luthsnias the prayers of Visitation, we were taken to the parsonage. We had refreshments. I was glad that the trustee and the vicar have spared their pains in making the church and premises more clean and neat. It appeared in tidier conditions than my previous visit to the church. The Parsonage also looked very neat and tidy. I advised the authorities to plant vegetables and fruit trees in the premises and in the garden which had enough scope for the purpose. I hope the trustee will be interested in “The Grow more Food” campaign in this compound.

Fr. Jackson, my secretary and Deacon Philippose Mangalaserry and myself stayed here and found that the efforts and self-sacrifice of Sri. Savarimuthu Pillay has had its present progress and has been flourishing in day to day manner and its impact is tasted by all section of the population regardless of their religious affiliation. I wish very much that the benefactors of this locality will see that in the near future, a dispensary for the poor, an elementary school for the children of all cast and creed. And several other things which will yield good results for all sections of the society. I wish him all success and I wish the vicar good luck in his new enterprises. I give them both my blessings.”

Metropolitan of Niranam
And Bishop Superior of
The Society of the sacred transformation,
Mount Tabore.
Sembati
18/11/49.

Part – II

“I had a visit again to this church and had a long talk with the vicar and the Trustee Mr. I Savarimuthu Pillay about certain matter in connection with the progress of the mission and future works to be implemented in the locality. I was glad to note that “the grow more food” scheme was being put into practice in the garden properly land out for this purpose for the progress and the stability of the mission. I suggested to the vicar my desire of opening Religious homes, where Priests and the nuns can work. They can also run schools, orphanages and dispensaries. This locality being so illiterate, it seems that there is immediate necessity renew adult education and begin schools as soon as possible.

I had the pleasure of pleasure of visiting the tombs in the Cemetery after the Liturgy and offered prayers for the departed souls.”

+MarThoma Dionysius
Superior and Bishop
Sembatti
14/12/49

Copyright ©2014 Metropolitan Alvaruz Julius Research Project (MARP).All rights reserved. No part of the article/news or photo shall be published in any format or in any form without prior permission of the publisher.For republishing permission contact – theorthodoxchurch.info@gmail.com

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Writings from the dairy of St Dynosius Vattaserril

The Statue of Holy Theotkos, St Joseph and Jesus Christ found at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Good Death

Ajesh T Phillip (OCP Delegate of Indian Sub-Continent & Chief Project Coordinator MARP)
12/9/14

Our Lady of Good Death (Boa Morte), Colombo: Cathedral and Head Quarters of Latin Rite (Independent Catholics of Ceylon) of Indian Orthodox Malankara Church

The church of Our Lady of Good death is the oldest church constructed by Portuguese missionaries in the Fort Area of Old Colombo. During the Padro movement this church community sided with the rebellious group lead by Dr P M Lisboa Pinto and Fr. AFX Alvarez. After 1889 it became the Head Quarters of Latin Rite (Independent Catholics of Ceylon) of Indian Orthodox Church. The Secretariat office was also located in the campus. Dr. Pinto and Mr De Silva worked as the secretaries of the Latin rite. The church was known as the cathedral of Independent Catholics of Ceylon.

In 1892 May 23, the consecration of Archbishop Rene Villate took place at the Church of Our Lady of Good Death, Colombo Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and was done canonically according to the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch and the Indian Orthodox Malankara Church. He was consecrated by Archbishop Julius Alvarez I (a Portuguese convert to Orthodoxy from Roman Catholicism and later glorified a saint), Archbishop Paul Athanasius (Bishop of Kottayam), and Archbishop Gregorius (Bishop of Niranam) who was later glorified as a saint of the Indian (Malankara Orthodox) Church.

According to His Holiness Mor Baselius Geevarghese I (Karuchira Geevarghese Ramban’s Diary) it has been mentioned that this Church is the largest church and cathedral of Alvares Julius I. Around 5000 people took part in the consecration ceremony. Fr. L M Soareas, Fr J De Demello & Fr. JtM Alvarez were served as vicars of this church In 1925 St Vattasseril Dynosius wrote a letter to the Parish priest FR JTM Alvares regarding the arrangement of matters after the demise of Alvarez Julius I (Letter book Unpublished). Fr Alvares was the last priest who passed away in 1948. He wrote a letter to Malankara asking help and to send one priest to Colombo. But no positive response was given from the church (Auto biography of Rev. Fr. Dr V C Samuel) After 1940 most of the members joined Roman Catholic Church (St Sebastian’s church), and the area also became dominant by the Muslim community.

But a hand full of families still exist (About 5 families); but seek their spiritual needs from St Sebastian’s Roman Catholic Church. Many of the priests and laymen of Independent Catholic Church was buried in the compound of this Cathedral. The church was definitely under the Jurisdiction of Indian Orthodox Malankara CHurch (Ceylon Blue Book _Census data; 1898- 1949).

Roman Catholics and other Christian denominations moved out of the area due the increase in the number of Muslim population. Moss of them sold their properties for very good price to Muslim businessmen and moved out and other followed the suit.

The Vicar of the nearby St. Sebastian parish priest, still maintains Our Lady of Good Death Church (The Cathedral Church of Metropolitan Alvares Julius), with the participation of few poor Tamil and Sinhalese Orthodox Christians (Independent catholic members) as members of the parish. It has been really hard for the Priest of St Sebastian Church to maintain the Cathedral of Alvares Julius. Divine Liturgy (Latin Mass) is celebrated twice  a week and the annual feast is held on 15th of August.

Metropolitan Alexious Mar Thedosious (Bishop of Kollam and Outside Kerala diocese) of Indian Orthodox Malankara Church visited Our Lady of Good death Church in 1938. He started a programme for Bethany nuns and a convent. In 1940 again he visited the church for a second time and celebrated Divine Liturgy.

Further Notes

The Church is canonical because the first Primate, Metropolitan Timotheos Rene Villate of Blessed Memory, was consecrated in Colombo Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, by bishops of the Syriac and Malankara Syrian Churches. His Holiness Ignatius Peter III, Patriarch of Antioch, issued a Bull in 1892 and the consecration took place on May 23, 1892. The consecration took place at the Church of Our Lady of Good Death, Colombo Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and was done canonically according to the Orthodox Syrian Church of Antioch. He was consecrated by Archbishop Julius Alvarez I (a Portuguese convert to Orthodoxy from Roman Catholicism and later glorified a saint), Archbishop Paul Athanasius (Bishop of Kottayam), and Archbishop George Gregorius (Bishop of Niranam) who was later glorified a saint of the Indian (Malankara Syrian) Church. The Bull authorizing the consecration was issued on December 29, 1891. Two bishops who took part in the consecration of Metropolitan Timotheos in 1892 are now glorified saints of the Holy Church, i.e., St Gregorios of Parumala and St Julius of Goa.

1890-1892 Support for Vilatte’s consecration came from the Independent Catholic Church of Sri Lanka, Goa and India, through Father Bernard Harding, a priest in Roman orders who had been a missionary there (then called Ceylon) before joining the Society of Precious Blood in 1890. Upon his recommendation, synodal council members were in touch with the bishops of that church and in particular, Bishop Antonio F.X. Alverez. The Bishop gave a positive answer to their request and stated that he had to consult with the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch, Ignatius Peter III, to whom he owed his obedience, and with his colleagues, the Syrian Malabar bishops of India. The patriarch gave his permission for the consecration in a bull that was issued in Mardine, on December 29, 1891, and the ceremony tool place in the Cathedral of Our of Good Death, in Colombo, on May 29, 1892. Indian Malabar bishops, Mar Paul Athanasius (Kottayam) and Mar Gregorius (Niranan, India). acted as co-consecrators. U.S. Council, William Morey acted as official witness. Returning to Wisconsin, Vilatte established his see at Duvall and used saint Mary’s as his pro-cathedral.

Vilatte ordained Edward Knowles on August 15, for an English speaking mission in West Sutton, Massachusetts, Published the book, Ecclesiastical Relations with Foreign Churches, written in collaboration with synodal officers G. Barrette, E. De Bekker and A. Marchand. The document deals mostly with the difficult rapports with Anglican Bishop Grafton of Fond du Lac and the Old Catholics in Europe, following Vilatte’s episcopal election in 1889.

1893 Vilatte wrote and published an Encyclical to Bishops of the Apostolic Succession, mostly to respond to false accusations made by Bishop Grafton re: his episcopate. Opened new parishes St Joseph in Walhaim, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Admitted a new Society of Precious Blood member, Louis A. Fournier.

Copyright ©2014 Metropolitan Alvaruz Julius Research Project (MARP)- Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE. All rights reserved. No part of the article/news or photo shall be published in any format or in any form without prior permission of the publisher. For republishing permission contact – theorthodoxchurch.info@gmail.com

Only direct link to this article is permitted to post in websites, blogs and social media networks.

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MARP
Dept. Church Research and Studies
OCP Society

Late Shri I. Savarimuthupillai

St James Church

Shri Antonisami and his fmaily iwth Metropolitan Diascorous

12/3/14

S.A.MARY CHINNARANI BA BL
(Granddaughter of I. Savarimuthupillai)

ST JAMES INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SEMPATTY (Under the Indian Orthodox Malankara Church)

I.SAVARIMUTHU PILLAI, the Founder of St James Independent Catholic Church in Sembatty was born as the son of Ignasimuthpillai (a) Molaiyapillai-Mariammal in Athoor. His father was a Landlord. His father was the first and only person who got converted to Christianity in Athoor.

During the period there were restrictions imposed and no Christian missionaries were entering allowed to enter Athoor. Mr. Molaiyapillai who was a clever man who made a Christian priest to enter the area disguised as a farmer. This incident marked the entry of Christian faith in Athoor. He gave his house to the Christian missionary and it was made the first church (Adaikala Annai church) in Athoor area. At present the building is used by the Sacred Heart convent and the middle school.

Savarimuthu Pillai was the seventh sibling of Molaiyapillai, who was a great devotee of Christian faith. He was the last child in the family with two elder brothers and two sisters. In He was a very well disciplined kid. He completed his intermediate course. He wished to join the Jesuit order to be trained as a priest. But his family did not agree. They urged him to get married and as per their wish, he was married to Marianallammal. They had four children, Maria Rajammal, Lazar Ignasiaus (advocate and Dindigul Municipal Chairman), Maria Natchathiram and Singarayar Pillai.

Savaraimuthu Pillia founded the St.James Church, at Semapatti in 1820. He also bought a sandy, property. Afterwards he purchased several acres of land which made him owner of the majority areas in Sempatti. He died in 04-01-1955whereas his wife Marianallammal died on 15-12-1956. After their death, the church was transferred to their two sons (Lazar Ignasious and Singarayar Pillai). After their demise the church ownership got transferred to their Grandsons (Late L.Savarimuthu Rajan, L.George Joseph, Late L.Mahimairaj, Late S.James, S.Antony Samy, S.Jesuraj.)

Source:
MARP

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GOOD DEATH (BUONA MORTE CHURCH): THE CATHEDRAL AND HEADQUARTERS OF THE INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH OF CEYLON, GOA and INDIA (EXCLUDING MALABAR) UNDER THE INDIAN ORTHODOX MALANKARA CHURCH

Ajesh T Phillip – (Chief Project Coordinator – MARP)
April 2015 – 18/4/15

ALSO READ -The historic Cathedral of Metropolitan Alvares Julius in Colombo Rediscovered by OCP-MARP Initiative:

THE INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH OF CEYLON, GOA and INDIA (EXCLUDING MALABAR) UNDER THE INDIAN ORTHODOX MALANKARA CHURCH.

Dr Pedro Manoel Lisboa Pinto, was a beacon star in the history of the Latin Rite believers ((Independent Catholic Mission Church of Ceylon Goa and India) of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church. He was born in a Brahmin-Catholic family in Portuguese Goa in the year 1857. He completed his primary education and joined for medicine in Bombay and graduated as a medical doctor and a scholar. He became a most vigorous defender of the faith as well as a patriot “swedeshabhimani”. In the 1880’s there was a great conflict in the Roman Catholic church of Goa. The reasons for the break with the papacy were more political than doctrinal. Since the sixteenth century, the Holy See had allowed the King of Portugal to nominate Bishops to the diocese of Latin Rite India. In 1887 Pope Leo XIII abolished this royal Portuguese patronage (“Patronado”) system. In India some dissident priests formed “Patronado Defense Association (PDA)” that tried to get the old system restored but were not at all successful. Dr. Pinot was one the key figure of the PDA. He was the leading layman in the Patronado Defense Association and had traveled to both Rome and Lisbon on their behalf to restore the traditional system of nomination. But there no favorable movement from the part of Vatican.

During the time, Dr. Pinto heard about the indigenous Christians of Travancore and Malabar. He visited Travancore and met His Eminence Mar Dynosious Joseph II (Malankara Metropolitan and Primate of the Orthodox Church of Malabar). Dr Pinto explained their situation and hardships. Mar Dynosious offered all moral supports for the Patronando Defense Association. At that time the church of Malabar was facing two difficulties- The missionary enthusiasm of CMS mission, and Renovation movements of Palakunnathu Malppan. To overcome the missionary enthusiasm it was an urgency to start Mission among the poor. The charge of the mission of the Church of Malabar was with Mar Athanasious Kadavil I and Mar Gregorious Chathuruthil. Mar Dynosious discussed details about the Patronado Defense movement within the Roman Catholic Church. Kadavil bishop and Chathuruthil bishop gave whole hearted support for the Malankara Metropolitan. The Holy Synod of the church approved moral and spiritual support to the PDA and was considered to be a mission community of the church of Malabar.

In 1886 the PDA bifurcated from the Roman Catholic Church and formed as an Independent Catholic Church. It was registered as a charitable organization known by the name Independent Catholic Mission (ICM) of Goa and Ceylon. More than 10 priests and a number of seminary students and thousands of lay man joined in this organization (ICM). Again in 1886 Dr Pinto met the Malankara Metropolitan, Mar Gregorious and EM Philip at Travancore, and requested for spiritual support and explained their situation. Pulikottil bishop offered all the support to them and was ready to accept them as an Autonomous Latin Rite Community of The Church of Malabar. After the meeting the ICM elected Padrae AFX Alvares and send hom to Travancore to study the Orthodox faith and orders of the church of Malabar. He stayed with Mar Pulikottil and Mar Gregorious of Niranam at Parumala Seminary and also spend his time at MD Seminary, Kottayam. In 1887, ICM was inducted to the Orthodox church of Malabar at a ceremony held at Karvar cost of South Canara.

Fr. Alvares was appointed as the Apostolic Prefect of IMC and Later in 1889 he was elevated as the Arch Bishop of Independent Catholic Mission Church of Portuguese Goa, British Ceylon and India excluding Malabar. Dr Pinto was the one and only Master brain behind the entire movement.

According to a contemporary report, “Dr. Lisboa Pinto was the most vigorous defender of the faith of this new Church.” He wrote a book entitled as “The Anthioch and Rome” which explains the lineage of St Peter and its legacy. He immigrated to Ceylon and stayed at Hrusdorff and worked as a Medical doctor as well as the president of the church. His colleague and friend Dr Bhabha SD became the ambassador of the Malankara Metropolitan in England (Later he became a priest of IMOC as Fr. Dr. Bhabha SD) until the demise of Mar Dionysius Vattasseril. Dr Pinto and his friends started printing press in Colombo also the Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Printers Union. It was the first trade union in the history of Ceylon and Dr Pinto was the president of the same. He was a major driving force behind several labor movements in Ceylon. The thoughts on labour movement was sparked in the “Independent catholic” which was the official magazine of the Church. Dr Pinto was the chief editor that as well. He wrote a book for the public interest “Alcoholic Drinks, or notes on the medical, social, political and religious aspects of the liquor question”. Dr Lisboa Pinto was also a member of the Honorary Council of the United States of America in the Colony of Ceylon. Dr Pinto was one of the Patrons of ‘The Knightly and religious Order of the Crown of Thrones’. He was also a fellow of the R.G S. of Lisbon.

While Mar Julius I was away from Ceylon; Fathers Soares and Kempis left Colombo and built church in South India. Dr. Pinto (1898) suddenly died but there was no single priest in Colombo available to officiate his funeral. “The absence of our Clergy at the grave was a great humiliation to us” observed an anonymous petitioner.

The sacrifice, service and Faith of Dr Pinto for the church and society is indispensable and invaluable. He was a true legend and great human.

May his soul rest in eternal peace!!!

Copyright ©2015 Metropolitan Alvares Julius Research Project (MARP)- Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE. All rights reserved. No part of the article/news or photos shall be published in any format or in any form without prior permission of the publisher.

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OCP -MARP

The Old Epiphany Church

The New Roman Catholic Church of Three Kings

ŢABLÎTHO (TABLET)

ŢABLÎTHO (TABLET)

ŢABLÎTHO (TABLET)

Epiphany Church

Inside the Epiphany Church

REDISCOVERY OF ŢABLÎTHO (TABLET) OF THE CHURCH OF MALABAR (INDIAN ORTHODOX MALANKARA CHURCH) FROM THE HOLY EPIPHANY CHURCH (MOOVARASAR ALAYAM), PALLITHAMAM, TAMIL NADU.

Dr. AJESH T. PHILIP
Br. SUBIN VARGHESE
VIPIN VARGHESE
(OCP- MARP – Dept. of Church Research and Studies- Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE)
July 2015

India: OCP- MARP research delegation have rediscovered an ancient ŢABLÎTHO (TABLET) from Holy Epiphany Church (known as MOOVARASAR AALAYAM), Pallithamam, Near Kaliyar Kovil, Sivagangai, Madurai during their field visit on 25-29 Jan 2015. (Three day Holy Lent days). The Tablitho is more than 100 years old. The church was build by Maruthu brothers during 1783 – 1801, for the spiritual welfare of the Orthodox Christian community of Pallithammam.

Since 1898, the church was under the apostolic jurisdiction of Independent Catholic (ICM) Mission of Ceylon, Goa and India-  the Latin Rite of the Church of Malabar (Indian Orthodox Malankara Church). Fr. L. M Soarez (Second Vicar General – ICM) was the vicar of this church during 1898-1903. More than 800 Christian families inhabited this area. Until 1911 the church remained under the jurisdiction of the Church of Malabar. Later there was a conflict with the Roman Catholic Church. Hence the Epiphany church was constituted as a trust and is under the supervision of Salesian monks.

After 1915, a spilt occurred between the faithful of the church where one portion joined the Roman Catholic faith and the other remained Orthodox. Land and properties are under the Roman Catholic fraction. But the church building remains under Orthodox fiathful. Due the absence of priests and persecution from Roman Catholic community, many left the faith. Roman Catholic faction is unable to demolish the old church because of the deep faith and resistance from the remaining Orthodox faithful. Near to the old church, Romans have constructed a new church in the name of ‘Three Kings’.

The OCP-MARP research delegation visited the old church on 26th January 2015 under the leadership of Dr. Ajesh T. Philip (Chief Coordinator – MARP). The delegation also consisted of Vipin Varghese (Director- Dept. of Public Relations-OCP), Br. Subin Varghese (Vice-Chairman –OCP). They found the Tablet on the ‘Hykala’ of the church, which was wrapped in muslin cloth. The tablet is made of a marble stone. On the upper right hand side of the tablet, a symbol of the holy cross is found.

Later the tablet was moved to the Chempetty Mission Center by Br. Subin. By the decision of Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE Executive Council, the same was handed over to the Metropolitan Dioescoros Yuhanon of Chennai Diocese of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church and is presently kept at the Old Bishop House of the Diocese, in Vinayakapuram, Chennai.

The Holy Epiphany Church in Pallithammam was an integral part of the history of ICM. On 30th Nov.1902, Mar Baselius Soarez (Fr. L. M Soarez) ordained an Anglican priest for ICM -Colombo as the bishop of Medix & All London in the name of Mar Jacob Ulric Vernon Herford.

The Tablîtho (tablet) is used in the Divine Liturgy in those churches with Syriac Orthodox tradition. Before the Second Vatican Council, Latin-Rite priests were allowed to celebrate Liturgy on a single piece of natural stone (marble). This tradition was followed by the Latin Rite of the Church of Malabar (Alvarez Community).

Additional Notes on ŢABLÎTHO
However, it is no longer used by the Antiochian Orthodox Church (which follows the liturgical practice of Constantinople and they use the antimins) or the Assyrian Church of the East and Chaldean Catholic Church. In the Ethiopian Tawahedo Church, the tâbot is functionally similar to the tablitho. However, this word is also used in the Ge’ez language to describe the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark is symbolically represented by the manbara tâbôt (‘throne of the Ark’), a casket that sits on the altar. The tâbot itself, the wooden tablet, is taken out before the anaphora, and symbolizes the giving of the Ten Commandments.

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, a wooden tablet, the maqta‘ or al-lawh al-khashab, is the liturgical equivalent of the ţablîtho in contemporary usage. Usually it is decorated with a cross and bears letters in Coptic which signify “Jesus Christ Son of God” in the four squares between the arms of the cross. In Greek Orthodox Church antimins is the liturgical equivalent. It is a rectangular piece of cloth, of either linen or silk, typically decorated with representations of the entombment of Christ, the four Evangelists, and scriptural passages related to the Eucharist. A small relic of a martyr is sewn into it. The Eucharist cannot be celebrated without antimins.

Before the Second Vatican Council, Latin-Rite priests could lawfully celebrate Mass only on a properly consecrated altar. This consecration was carried out by a bishop, and involved specially blessed “Gregorian Water” (water to which wine, salt, and ashes are added), anointings and ceremonies. The First class relics of at least two saints, at least one of which had to be a martyr, were inserted in a cavity in the altar which was then sealed, a practice that was meant to recall the use of martyrs’ tombs as places of Eucharistic celebration during the persecutions of the Church in the first through fourth centuries. Also in the cavity were sealed documents relating to the altar’s consecration. The tabletop of the altar, the “mensa”, had to be of a single piece of natural stone (always marble).

Copyright ©2015 Metropolitan Alvares Julius Research Project (MARP)- Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE. All rights reserved. No part of the article/news or photos shall be published in any format or in any form without prior permission of the publisher.

Source:
OCP-MARP

Abo Alexious in front of the St Paul’s Church – 25th October 1937.

Metropolitan Alvares Julius I

Catholicos and delegation with Bishop of the Church of Ceylon and Fr. Basil Jayawardhanae on 26th Oct 1937

Catholicos and delegation with Bishop of the Church of Ceylon and Fr. Basil Jayawardhanae on 26th Oct 1937

Nativity Greetings from the Catholicos of the East

Dr Ajesh T Phillip (Chief Project Coordinator)
(OCP- MARP – Dept. of Church Research and Studies- Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE)
July 2015

The role played by two legends- Mor Julius Alvarez I and Mar Theodosius Alexious in expanding the mission outreach of Indian Orthodox Malankara Church is far more important than we understand. With the blessings of Mar Dynosyious Joseph II and Mor Gregorious Geevarghese; Mar Julius Alvarez began ‘Orthodox Mission’ among the marginalized people of Portuguese Goa, British India and Ceylon. The Mission was known by the name ‘Independent Catholic Mission’ or ICM. Under this mission about 50 churches were established in various parts of Ceylon, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Bombay, England, and Hawaii and so on. During the time (1876 H.H Peter III of Antioch) the Indian church had seven dioceses, each with an average of 21 churches.

Both Metropolitans were true patriots and fought for the freedom of their nation and were very about their faith and church. They lived for the freedom and autocephaly of their church. Both were persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church.

Padre Alvares established his mission in 1887 at Karwar and Ceylon. It flourished tremendously and it reached its climax in 1898. Due to continues persecution from the Roman Catholic Church, ill health of Mar Julius and scarcity of local priests, the mission activities slowed down by 1919. Unfortunately the mother church was not able to provide the sufficient back up to the Latin rite. After the deimse of Mor Julius I in 1923, there was no efficient successor and a shepherded.

Mar Theodosious was born in 1888. He was ordained as Koruyo in 1907and Samsono in1909. Young Chandi Kunju (Alexious) was very active in church activities. From As a good observer and true believer he was impressed monastic life and activities of Mor Julius I. Deacon Chandy was ordained as a Priest in 1919 and was tonsured as Monk on 1920. After the death of Mor Julius I, his vestments and belongings were collected from the Judge of Goa High court by Fr. P. G Koshy. Those were handed over to St. Dynosious of Vattassery. Later it was kept under the custody of Mar Ivanious Geevarghese and Fr. Chandy.

He became the superior of the Oder of Imitation of Christ (Bethany Monastery Perunadu), and received the new name Alexious. Abo Alexious was elected as bishop (Mor Theodosious) in1934 for Kollam.

By the time he had already begun his journey through the mission fields of Mar Julius I. He visited London many times in 1933. There he visited Abby’s Monastery (Under Alvarez lineage), St Milagris Convent of Cauly fathers (Anglo-Catholic church).

In 1933 Mar Theodosius visited Ceylon and met with the faithful of  Orthodox Syrian and  Latin rite churches of Alvarez mission. He visited the bishop house of Church of Ceylon (Anglican Church of Sri Lanka under the Canterbury Archbishop) along with Fr. Basil Jaywardana and developed a good relation with them. They discussed about the ecumenical relation between the church of Malabar and the Church of Ceylon. In 1937 Oct 24, a delegation of the Orthodox Church of the East (Mar Theodosius Alexious, Catholicose of the East His Holiness Baselious Geevarghese II, Fr. M. P Mathew and Dn. K B Koshy ) visited Colombo and stayed at the Presbyterian Guest House (Bishop house) and Celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Pauls Church. Later they visited Alvarez mission churches at Hulsdorf, Petta, and Wovendel along with Fr. J M T Alvarez, Fr. J De Mello. On 25th Orthodox Syrian Christians of Ceylon gave a garden party to the delegation at Suvasa. On 26th they attend the holy liturgy of the church of Ceylon and returned back on 27th evening.

After the visit appointed many Malayalee priests to churches in Lanka. They are Fr. K B Mathews, Fr. A David, Fr. Youhanon etc. In 1939 Mar Theodosius send three women to St Margaret’s convent for monastic training. They were Ms. T K Thankamma, Ms C.Z Annamma, Ms. K A Deenamma. After two year training, in 1941 they were elevated as Nuns for the Bethany convent situated in Travancore. After 1942, there was some political problems in Colombo, but the communication between Bethany convent, St Paul’s Church and St. Margret’s convent last for few more years.

The bishop of the Anglican community in Sri Lanka has expressed his interest in reestablishing the relationship with Indian Orthodox Malankara Church. For the same they have communicated with church hierarchy of IMOC.

Mar Theodosius was a great visionary and true successor to Mar Julius I. There is an urgent need to refocus on the contributions of the two legendary missionary champion of Malankara.

Source:
OCP-MARP

Copyright ©2015 Metropolitan Alvares Julius Research Project (MARP)- Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE. All rights reserved. No part of the article/news or photos shall be published in any format or in any form without prior permission of the publisher.