Alexander Mar Thoma
Encyclopedia
Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan was the head of the Mar Thoma Church
with its center in Kerala
state in south-western India
. About his life he wrote in his autobiography, “My life was a filled with trials and tribulations, joy and sorrow, pain and gain, struggles and rewards. But it was by the grace of God, that stood like a pillar of cloud during day and like a pillar of fire at night, I was able to withstand them all.”
“Look at that a Khadi
wearing Bishop, with research interest in Gita. This Kerala Christians are an amazing lot and he looks amazing.” - Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India.
, Ayroor
, Thadiyoor
, Pullad
lies a village Kuriannoor that is well known for its beauty and peace. Maliackel family was one of the well known families here. A member of this family, Rev. M.C.George (Rev. Maliackel Chandy George) was a well educated, much respected vicar of the Mar Thoma parish in Kuriannoor. His son Kunjachen ( Alexander Mar Thoma) was born on April 10, 1913. His mother was Mariamma of Maramon
, Anjilivelil family. The baby was baptised by Rev. A.V.Mathew, at the Maramon
church and was given the name M.G.Chandy, (Maliackel George Chandy).
But in 1923, when he was only ten years old, his father died and a great responsibility fell on his head. The whole village was sympathetic to the family, and encouraged to send him to famous schools away from his home village. But his mother was very particular that the children should live with her and so Kunjachen was sent to nearby High School at Kozhencherry
. While he was at Kozhencherry
school, he became a book-lover and voracious reader.
He continued his studies at Maharajas College
, Ernakulam
and at Union Christian College, Aluva. For the next one year he was looking around for a suitable teaching post but was not successful. With no major income he had to look after his mother, a brother and six sisters. At last after one year he got a teaching post at C.M.S.High school, Kottayam
. There he taught Mathematics for 12 years. It was here he took interest in missionary work and began to take part in social activities.
, when he was called by Dr.Abraham Mar Thoma
Metropolitan to join the ministry. He accepted the offer and in 1945 joined United Theological College, Bangalore.
During his holidays, on June 7, 1946 he was ordained as a clergy. He returned to Bangalore and in addition to his studies, was also the Assistant vicar to the Mar Thoma parish.
In 1948 he completed the course and was offered admission at Union Theological college, New York. He was able to obtain S.T.M. (Master of Systematic Theology). In 1949 he was at Hartford Seminary Foundation for his PhD. He received his Ph.D in 1951. The title of his thesis was, “Viśvarūpa Darśana : a study of the vision of God in the Bhagavadgītā”.
After returning to India in 1951, he was appointed as the vicar of Manganam (near Kottayam
) Marthoma church for about a year.
It was at this time Mar Thoma Church
opened a College for higher education at Tiruvalla
. Rev. M.G.Chandy was appointed as its first principal and the college opened 1952.
Metropolitan paid a visit to the parish. While they were talking about the parish and the destitute home at Manganam, Kottayam
, Metropolitan casually asked Rev. Chandy, if there was a call to be a bishop, what would be his response. He replied that he was not capable of such a high position.
But the church Mandalam (representative assembly) realized the need for three more bishops. Rev. M.G. Chandy was one of those who were selected to be a bishop.
On May 23, 1953, Juhanon Mar Thoma
Metropolitan assisted by Mathews Mar Athanasius Episcopa
ordained Rev. M.G.Chandy as episcopa and was given the episcopal title, Alexander Mar Theophilus. Rev. P.Thomas ( Thomas Mar Athanasius) and Rev. Philip Oommen (Philipose Mar Chrysostom
) were also ordained on the same day.
After the great swearing in 1653 it became necessary to appoint a bishop. For this purpose a special chair was made and Mar Thoma I
the first bishop of Malankara church was enthroned. This throne, used for the consecration of Mar Thoma I
, is in the possession of the Mar Thoma Church
and is kept at Tiruvalla
, It has been used in the installation of every Mar Thoma Metropolitan, to this day, so that the continuity of the throne of Mar Thoma is ensured. This was the throne used for the consecration of Mar Thoma XIX, Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan.
Metropolitan died in September 1976. Being the senior bishop, Alexander Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan was enthroned as the next Metropolitan on October 23, 1976 at Kottayam
and was given the name Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan.
Mar Thoma Church
was an active member of the World Council of Churches
.
Mar Thoma Church
, Church of South India
and Church of North India
formed a joint council in 1978.
Came into full communion with the Anglican communion
. So in 1980 he attended the enthronement of Canterbury
Arch Bishop Robert Runcie; and in 1984 attended its consultative council in Nairobi.
Suffragan Metropolitan. Alexander Mar Thoma was the first Valia Thirumeni of the church.
By January 2000 he became weak and he died on January 11, 2000. He was interred in the Bishops’ cemetery in the SCS Compound, Tiruvalla
.
Mar Thoma Church
The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church also known as the Mar Thoma Church is a Christian denomination based in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It has an entirely different identity when compared with other Churches in India. Most Christian churches around the world are divided into...
with its center in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
state in south-western India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. About his life he wrote in his autobiography, “My life was a filled with trials and tribulations, joy and sorrow, pain and gain, struggles and rewards. But it was by the grace of God, that stood like a pillar of cloud during day and like a pillar of fire at night, I was able to withstand them all.”
“Look at that a Khadi
Khadi
The term khādī or khaddar means cotton. khādī is Indian handspun and hand-woven cloth. The raw materials may be cotton, silk, or wool, which are spun into threads on a spinning wheel called a charkha. It is a versatile fabric, cool in the summer and warm in the winter...
wearing Bishop, with research interest in Gita. This Kerala Christians are an amazing lot and he looks amazing.” - Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India.
Family
In the state of Kerala, India, on the banks of river Pamba, surrounded by the villages MaramonMaramon
Maramon is a small town on the Pampa River, opposite to Kozhencherry town in the state of Kerala, India. It is 12 km from the Pathanamthitta district headquarters, the town of Pathanamthitta. Maramon is famous because of the Maramon Convention, the largest Christian gathering in Asia...
, Ayroor
Ayroor
Ayroor is a village situated on the western part of Ranni Taluk of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala state, India. Formerly, Ayroor was part of Tiruvalla Taluk in Alleppey District and is considered as part of Edanadu in Kerala. The Pamba River flows by the southern side of this scenic village and...
, Thadiyoor
Thadiyoor
Thadiyoor is a village located in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India, approximately from Tiruvalla and from Ranni. It is separated by three panchayats....
, Pullad
Pullad
Pullad is a small town in Pathanamthitta district, with fast growing place. It is in the Thiruvalla Taluk, 13 km east from Thiruvalla town Kerala state, India. Pullad is connected to other towns by T.K. Road...
lies a village Kuriannoor that is well known for its beauty and peace. Maliackel family was one of the well known families here. A member of this family, Rev. M.C.George (Rev. Maliackel Chandy George) was a well educated, much respected vicar of the Mar Thoma parish in Kuriannoor. His son Kunjachen ( Alexander Mar Thoma) was born on April 10, 1913. His mother was Mariamma of Maramon
Maramon
Maramon is a small town on the Pampa River, opposite to Kozhencherry town in the state of Kerala, India. It is 12 km from the Pathanamthitta district headquarters, the town of Pathanamthitta. Maramon is famous because of the Maramon Convention, the largest Christian gathering in Asia...
, Anjilivelil family. The baby was baptised by Rev. A.V.Mathew, at the Maramon
Maramon
Maramon is a small town on the Pampa River, opposite to Kozhencherry town in the state of Kerala, India. It is 12 km from the Pathanamthitta district headquarters, the town of Pathanamthitta. Maramon is famous because of the Maramon Convention, the largest Christian gathering in Asia...
church and was given the name M.G.Chandy, (Maliackel George Chandy).
Education
He began his schooling at the age of four. Because he was a very bright student the school gave him double promotion (skipped classes and promoted to the next class) Because of this by the time he completed eight years of education two of his elder sisters became his classmates.But in 1923, when he was only ten years old, his father died and a great responsibility fell on his head. The whole village was sympathetic to the family, and encouraged to send him to famous schools away from his home village. But his mother was very particular that the children should live with her and so Kunjachen was sent to nearby High School at Kozhencherry
Kozhencherry
Kozhencherry is a small town in Pathanamthitta district of Central Travancore region in Kerala state, South India. It is on the banks of river Pampa. It is a commercial centre with many of the Banks and trade companies have their establishments here. It is believed that once the Kovilans of...
. While he was at Kozhencherry
Kozhencherry
Kozhencherry is a small town in Pathanamthitta district of Central Travancore region in Kerala state, South India. It is on the banks of river Pampa. It is a commercial centre with many of the Banks and trade companies have their establishments here. It is believed that once the Kovilans of...
school, he became a book-lover and voracious reader.
He continued his studies at Maharajas College
Maharajas College
The Maharaja's College is one of the biggest centres of learning and higher education in Kerala, India. Located in the heart of Cochin city, it is spread over a campus of on the banks of Vembanad Lake...
, Ernakulam
Ernakulam
Ernakulam refers to the downtown area or the western part of the mainland of Kochi city in Kerala, India. The city is the most urban part of Kochi and has lent its name to the Ernakulam district. Ernakulam is called the commercial capital of the state of Kerala and is a main nerve of business in...
and at Union Christian College, Aluva. For the next one year he was looking around for a suitable teaching post but was not successful. With no major income he had to look after his mother, a brother and six sisters. At last after one year he got a teaching post at C.M.S.High school, Kottayam
Kottayam
Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative capital of the Kottayam district. Kottayam Kottayam (Malayalam: കോട്ടയം) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative...
. There he taught Mathematics for 12 years. It was here he took interest in missionary work and began to take part in social activities.
Ordination
To further his studies, he was making arrangements to go to AgraAgra
Agra a.k.a. Akbarabad is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, west of state capital, Lucknow and south from national capital New Delhi. With a population of 1,686,976 , it is one of the most populous cities in Uttar Pradesh and the 19th most...
, when he was called by Dr.Abraham Mar Thoma
Abraham Mar Thoma
Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan was the Head of the Mar Thoma Church from 1944-1947. He was called Maret Kochu Thirumeni by his people...
Metropolitan to join the ministry. He accepted the offer and in 1945 joined United Theological College, Bangalore.
During his holidays, on June 7, 1946 he was ordained as a clergy. He returned to Bangalore and in addition to his studies, was also the Assistant vicar to the Mar Thoma parish.
In 1948 he completed the course and was offered admission at Union Theological college, New York. He was able to obtain S.T.M. (Master of Systematic Theology). In 1949 he was at Hartford Seminary Foundation for his PhD. He received his Ph.D in 1951. The title of his thesis was, “Viśvarūpa Darśana : a study of the vision of God in the Bhagavadgītā”.
After returning to India in 1951, he was appointed as the vicar of Manganam (near Kottayam
Kottayam
Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative capital of the Kottayam district. Kottayam Kottayam (Malayalam: കോട്ടയം) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative...
) Marthoma church for about a year.
It was at this time Mar Thoma Church
Mar Thoma Church
The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church also known as the Mar Thoma Church is a Christian denomination based in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It has an entirely different identity when compared with other Churches in India. Most Christian churches around the world are divided into...
opened a College for higher education at Tiruvalla
Tiruvalla
Tiruvalla , is a city and a Taluk headquarters located in Pathanamthitta district in the State of Kerala in South India, spread over an area of 27.94 km2...
. Rev. M.G.Chandy was appointed as its first principal and the college opened 1952.
Episcopa
One day while he was vicar at Manganam parish, Juhanon Mar ThomaJuhanon Mar Thoma
Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan was the Head of the Mar Thoma church from 1947–1976, who gave leadership to the church and at the same time actively participated in social and political arenas. He was respected by people from all walks of life, from all religions and from all age groups. He is...
Metropolitan paid a visit to the parish. While they were talking about the parish and the destitute home at Manganam, Kottayam
Kottayam
Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative capital of the Kottayam district. Kottayam Kottayam (Malayalam: കോട്ടയം) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative...
, Metropolitan casually asked Rev. Chandy, if there was a call to be a bishop, what would be his response. He replied that he was not capable of such a high position.
But the church Mandalam (representative assembly) realized the need for three more bishops. Rev. M.G. Chandy was one of those who were selected to be a bishop.
On May 23, 1953, Juhanon Mar Thoma
Juhanon Mar Thoma
Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan was the Head of the Mar Thoma church from 1947–1976, who gave leadership to the church and at the same time actively participated in social and political arenas. He was respected by people from all walks of life, from all religions and from all age groups. He is...
Metropolitan assisted by Mathews Mar Athanasius Episcopa
Mathews Mar Athanasius Episcopa
Mathews Mar Athenasius Episcopa was the first missionary bishop of the Mar Thoma Church. As a diocesan Episcopa he did remarkable pioneering work in organizing parishes and new mission fields...
ordained Rev. M.G.Chandy as episcopa and was given the episcopal title, Alexander Mar Theophilus. Rev. P.Thomas ( Thomas Mar Athanasius) and Rev. Philip Oommen (Philipose Mar Chrysostom
Philipose Mar Chrysostom
-See also:* Mar Thoma Church* Syrian Malabar Nasrani* Saint Thomas Christians* Christianity in India* List of Syrian Malabar Nasranis* Juhanon Mar Thoma* Alexander Mar Thoma* Joseph Mar Thoma-Further reading:...
) were also ordained on the same day.
Suffragan Metropolitan
He was ordained as a suffragan in 1974 and was given the title Alexander Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan.Malankara throne
Mar Thoma I
-See also:*Indian Orthodox Church*Jacobite Syrian Church*Mar Thoma Church*Malankara Church*Dutch East India Company*Syrian Malabar Nasrani-Further reading:...
the first bishop of Malankara church was enthroned. This throne, used for the consecration of Mar Thoma I
Mar Thoma I
-See also:*Indian Orthodox Church*Jacobite Syrian Church*Mar Thoma Church*Malankara Church*Dutch East India Company*Syrian Malabar Nasrani-Further reading:...
, is in the possession of the Mar Thoma Church
Mar Thoma Church
The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church also known as the Mar Thoma Church is a Christian denomination based in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It has an entirely different identity when compared with other Churches in India. Most Christian churches around the world are divided into...
and is kept at Tiruvalla
Tiruvalla
Tiruvalla , is a city and a Taluk headquarters located in Pathanamthitta district in the State of Kerala in South India, spread over an area of 27.94 km2...
, It has been used in the installation of every Mar Thoma Metropolitan, to this day, so that the continuity of the throne of Mar Thoma is ensured. This was the throne used for the consecration of Mar Thoma XIX, Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan.
Enthronement
Juhanon Mar ThomaJuhanon Mar Thoma
Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan was the Head of the Mar Thoma church from 1947–1976, who gave leadership to the church and at the same time actively participated in social and political arenas. He was respected by people from all walks of life, from all religions and from all age groups. He is...
Metropolitan died in September 1976. Being the senior bishop, Alexander Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan was enthroned as the next Metropolitan on October 23, 1976 at Kottayam
Kottayam
Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative capital of the Kottayam district. Kottayam Kottayam (Malayalam: കോട്ടയം) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative...
and was given the name Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan.
Developmental projects
For the development of under developed villages and for the low income group Metropolitan took interest to begin a number of developments projects. They included CARD (Christian Agency for Rural Development); STARD South Travancore Ag4ency for Rural Development); for ladies SVS (Sthree Jena Vikasana Samithi) and MCRD (Marthoma Centre for Rehabilitation and Development). For backward children Nava Jyothi school and for hill tribes, Giri Deepthi school were established.Ecumenical relations
During this period a number of Marthomites settled in various parts of India and began to migrate to other countries. This made it necessary to get the assistance of various established churches in those areas. For this, Mar Thoma church came into close relation with suitable churches in various parts of India and around the world.Mar Thoma Church
Mar Thoma Church
The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church also known as the Mar Thoma Church is a Christian denomination based in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It has an entirely different identity when compared with other Churches in India. Most Christian churches around the world are divided into...
was an active member of the World Council of Churches
World Council of Churches
The World Council of Churches is a worldwide fellowship of 349 global, regional and sub-regional, national and local churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service. It is a Christian ecumenical organization that is based in the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland...
.
Mar Thoma Church
Mar Thoma Church
The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church also known as the Mar Thoma Church is a Christian denomination based in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It has an entirely different identity when compared with other Churches in India. Most Christian churches around the world are divided into...
, Church of South India
Church of South India
The Church of South India is the successor of the Church of England in India. It came into being in 1947 as a union of Anglican and Protestant churches in South India. With a membership of over 3.8 million, it is India's second largest Christian church after the Roman Catholic Church in India...
and Church of North India
Church of North India
The Church of North India , the dominant Protestant denomination in northern India, is a united church established on 29 November 1970 by bringing together the main Protestant churches working in northern India...
formed a joint council in 1978.
Came into full communion with the Anglican communion
Anglican Communion
The Anglican Communion is an international association of national and regional Anglican churches in full communion with the Church of England and specifically with its principal primate, the Archbishop of Canterbury...
. So in 1980 he attended the enthronement of Canterbury
Canterbury
Canterbury is a historic English cathedral city, which lies at the heart of the City of Canterbury, a district of Kent in South East England. It lies on the River Stour....
Arch Bishop Robert Runcie; and in 1984 attended its consultative council in Nairobi.
Last days
By 1999 his health deteriorated and he wished to pass on his responsibilities to his successor. So according to the decision of church Mandalam (representative assembly) he was elevated to the position of Valia Thirumeni (senior Metropolitan) on November 23, 1999 and the responsibilities of the church were given to his successor Philipose Mar ChrysostomPhilipose Mar Chrysostom
-See also:* Mar Thoma Church* Syrian Malabar Nasrani* Saint Thomas Christians* Christianity in India* List of Syrian Malabar Nasranis* Juhanon Mar Thoma* Alexander Mar Thoma* Joseph Mar Thoma-Further reading:...
Suffragan Metropolitan. Alexander Mar Thoma was the first Valia Thirumeni of the church.
By January 2000 he became weak and he died on January 11, 2000. He was interred in the Bishops’ cemetery in the SCS Compound, Tiruvalla
Tiruvalla
Tiruvalla , is a city and a Taluk headquarters located in Pathanamthitta district in the State of Kerala in South India, spread over an area of 27.94 km2...
.
See also
- Mar Thoma ChurchMar Thoma ChurchThe Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church also known as the Mar Thoma Church is a Christian denomination based in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It has an entirely different identity when compared with other Churches in India. Most Christian churches around the world are divided into...
- Syrian Malabar NasraniSyrian Malabar NasraniThe Syrian Malabar Nasrani people, also known as Saint Thomas Christians, "'Nasrani Mappila'" and Nasranis, are an ethnoreligious group from Kerala, India, adhering to the various churches of the Saint Thomas Christian tradition...
- Saint Thomas ChristiansSaint Thomas ChristiansThe Saint Thomas Christians are an ancient body of Christians from Kerala, India, who trace their origins to the evangelical activity of Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century. They are also known as "Nasranis" because they are followers of "Jesus of Nazareth". The term "Nasrani" is still used by St...
- Christianity in IndiaChristianity in IndiaChristianity is India's third-largest religion, with approximately 24 million followers, constituting 2.3% of India's population. The works of scholars and Eastern Christian writings and 14th century Portuguese missionaries created an illusion to convert Indians that Christianity was introduced to...
- List of Catholicoi of the East and Malankara Metropolitans
- List of Syrian Malabar Nasranis
- Juhanon Mar ThomaJuhanon Mar ThomaJuhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan was the Head of the Mar Thoma church from 1947–1976, who gave leadership to the church and at the same time actively participated in social and political arenas. He was respected by people from all walks of life, from all religions and from all age groups. He is...
- Philipose Mar ChrysostomPhilipose Mar Chrysostom-See also:* Mar Thoma Church* Syrian Malabar Nasrani* Saint Thomas Christians* Christianity in India* List of Syrian Malabar Nasranis* Juhanon Mar Thoma* Alexander Mar Thoma* Joseph Mar Thoma-Further reading:...
For further reading
-
- Dr. Alexander Marthoma Metropolitan. (1985) The Mar Thoma ChurchMar Thoma ChurchThe Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church also known as the Mar Thoma Church is a Christian denomination based in the state of Kerala in southwestern India. It has an entirely different identity when compared with other Churches in India. Most Christian churches around the world are divided into...
– Heritage and Mission. - Dr. Alexander Marthoma Metropolitan. (1998). Deiva kripayude Thanalil. (In the shadow of the grace of God).
- Juhanon Marthoma Metropolitan, The Most Rev. Dr. (1952). Christianity in IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and a Brief History of the Marthoma Syrian Church.. Pub: K.M. Cherian. - Zac Varghese Dr. & Mathew A. Kallumpram. (2003). ‘’Glimpses of Mar Thoma Church History’’. London, England. ISBN 81/900854/4/1
- Chacko, T.C. (1936) Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charithra Samgraham’’. (Concise History of Marthoma Church), Pub: E.J. Institute, Kompady, Tiruvalla.
- Eapen, Prof. Dr. K.V. (2001). ‘’Malankara Marthoma Suryani Sabha Charitram’’. (History of Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church). Pub: Kallettu, Muttambalam, KottayamKottayamKottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative capital of the Kottayam district. Kottayam Kottayam (Malayalam: കോട്ടയം) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative...
. - Mathew, N.M. ‘’Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charitram’’, (History of the Marthoma Church), Volume 1.(2006), Volume II (2007). Volume III (2008) Pub. E.J.Institute, Thiruvalla
- Valia Metropolitan (Malayalam) Published by Mar Thoma Sabha Publication.(2001).
- Dr. Alexander Marthoma Metropolitan. (1985) The Mar Thoma Church