St. Gregorios Geevarghese, popularly known as "PARUMALA THIRUMENI" was born in the distinguished priestly family of 'Pallathattu Thanagattu' in the village of Mulunthuruthy near Cochin, India on 15th June 1848. He was baptized by name Geevarghese (George) at the Mulanthuruthy Mar Thoman Church. His extraordinary ability to sing Syriac hymns beautifully & perfectly came to the notice of his uncle (father's brother) Malpan Kassisso Geevarghese who was an authority in Syriac and a celibate priest. The later years the Malankara church was witnessing the emergence of a great monk who through continuous prayers, made it clear to the world that Prayer and devotion is mightier than any worldly possession. A deacon at the age of 10, a priest at the age of 18, a bishop at the young age of 28 (the reason for calling him 'Kochu Thirumeni'); he passed away at the age of 54 on 3rd November 1902, after a saintly life of prayer to become the brightest jewel of the Universal Syriac Orthodox (Jacobite) Church. Our Church was better for having him on earth. Our Church will be better for having him in heaven. He measured up splendidly to sanctity beyond the ordinary.

• published: 17 Jan 2011
• views: 39325
• author: Jobin Chacko