JOSEPH MOR GREGORIOS METROPOLITAN humanitarian deeds over the years.
Belonging to the fourth generation of the family of Saint of Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Chathuruthil Geevarghese Mor Gregorious (ParumalaThirumeni), His Grace Joseph Mar Gregorios Thirumeni was the one chosen by God Almighty to be raised to the status of Metrapolitan in the same name after the demise of Saint Parumala Thirumeni. HG was born on November 10, 1960, in Perumpilly as the fourth child to Srambikal Pallathattayil Late Varghese and Late Saramma. Mulanthuruthy Marthoman Cathedral was the home parish. He grew up along with his two brothers Varghese and Ummachan and his only sister Shanta . At the age of 13, He was anointed as ‘Shemashan’ (Deacon) by His Grace Late Perumpilly Geevarghese Mor Gregorios Metrapolitan. HG completed his basic education from Perumpilly Primary School and Mulanthuruthy Government High School and additionally he attended Perumpilly Mar Yulios Seminary for theological studies to prepare for the chosen path of a priestly life. HG obtained a degree in Economics from Maharajas College and later a degree in theological studies from Ireland’s St. Patricks University,Dublin. HG also completed M.Phil. from Dublin University and has a diploma in Clinical and Pastoral Counselling from a renowned American University. HG was ordained as ‘Kassisso’ (priest), at the age of 23 by HB Late Baselios Paulose II Catholicose. HG, who was then known as Fr. Joseph was appointed as Vicar at St. Mary’sChurch, Banglore, where he served for five years. HG was instrumental in the establishment of St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox Church in London and also held the position of Vicar there for about four years. On 22, December 1993 owing to the retirement of HG Late Thomas Mor Osthathios Metrapolitan who was the Metrapolitan Head of Kochi Diocese, Fr. Joseph was chosen for the position of Metrapolitan, as a successor. At the age of 33, HG was consecr ated by then Patriarch HH Ignatius Zakka I Bava to the status of Metrapolitan of Kochi Diocese on 16, January 1994 in Damascus. HG has been gracefully occupying the position for the last 30 years. HG also served as the ‘Sunnahados’ Secretary of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church for 18 years and has represented the Church in various Ecumenical platforms. Through the years , Thirumeni has held many positions of significance such as, the President of Akhila Malankara Sunday School Association, as The President of Manjinikkara Theertha Yathra Sangham. Additionally, HG has served in UK, Gulf, European, Niranam, Kollam, Thumpamon, Malabar and Angamaly Kothamangalam Region dioceses during various points in time. Presently, he serves as the as the Malankara Metropolitan (Metrapolitan Trustee) of the Church since being elected in 2019, and Re-elected 2023 October 24 th . Thirumeni-A Sour A Source of Hope f ce of Hope for the Poor and Downtrodden In addition to fulfilling his episcopal duties HG has also done numerous charity works and have laid foundation to many philanthropic endeavours. ‘Metrapolitan Poor Fund’ established by Thirumeni has carried out countless of
In the year 1995, Thirumeni, jointly with Kerala Housing Board adopted an entire village in Vettickal near Mulanthuruthy and constructed houses for many of the financially backward families there. Further more HG has played substantial role in construction of houses for the homeless regardless of their religion, caste or creed. Within 10 years 73 houses are completed. HG also spearheads ‘Secure House Foundation’ an establishment with an aim to complete 70 houses within the span of 6 years and has already fortuitously built flat- model houses in Karikkodu, Perumpilly & Korenchira and will soon complete the remaining projects. Aside from the various contributions made towards encouraging education, HG has set up a scholarship for young girls from poor families, interested in pursuing nursing. Similarly, HG has set up a fund to help raise money for medical treatments of individuals from poor financial backgrounds and has been for years providing free lunch for patients at Mulanthuruthy Government Hospital. In Collaboration with the Health Department, HG also runs a ‘Pain & Palliative Care Centre’ in Mulanthuruthy Govt. Hospital providing the needful for the ailing and also provided dinner everynight, everyday at the hospital. On the 20th Anniversary of his consecration as a Metrapolitan ,HG paid for all the arrangements of nuptial ceremonies of twenty young women hailing from financially destitute families. and 25 women marriage done at 25 th anniversary. During the 2018 and 2019 Kerala floods HG cooperated with the Kerala Government in organizing relief centres in various spots throughout the state and made contributions to the Chief Minister Relief Fund. Likewise during the Covid-19 pandemic period, HG helped hundreds of families in dire need of essential supplies and took part in several Covid-19 awareness campaigns. HG also helped the Church in forming a Youth Body responsible for arranging funeral ceremonies (adhering to Covid protocols) of individuals who passed away due to Covid-19. 'Tabore Heights Charitable Trust’ and ‘Metrapolitan Poor Relief’, two organisations working under HG’s supervision has been instrumental in substantiating many of the aforementioned ventures. With his incredible foresight and vision HG has helped develop two of the permier educational institutions in Kerala, Thiruvankulam Georgian Academy High School and Marad Gregorian Public School where he serves as the Chairman Head. These two institutions have made notable contributions in the educational field.
HG also established Janey Centre in Thripunithra providing special education and vocational training for the differently- abled. Free education, and free therapy for autistic children. Free health insurance for the poor families in the diocese until which was taken over by the Government. ................................................................................................................................ kap-Zm-b-]-{XnI 134 Contd... Page 136
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