Niranam Diocese of Jacobite Syrian Christian Church
Niranam diocese, although the smallest diocese of the Jacobite Syriac Christian Church (Malankara Archdiocese of Universal Syriac Orthodox Church), is historically one of the oldest dioceses. The land of Niranam had been blessed by the foot prints of St. Thomas, the apostle of India. The diocese was founded by Patriarch Peter IV of blessed memory during the Holy Father’s apostolic visit to India during 1875-1877. St. Gregorios, the first Indian saint to be canonized was appointed as the first Metropolitan of Niranam diocese by Patriarch Peter IV himself. The dioceses was also blessed by the service and leadership of such illustrious fathers as Mor Dionysius Michael, most popularly known as the “roaring lion of Malankara” and Mor Kuriakose Koorilos Metropolitan "undeclared Yacoob Burdana of southern diocese of Malankara" who toiled hard to sustain the faithful in the true apostolic faith and traditions of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church. In spite of His Grace’s il-health, Mor Koorilos Kuriakose Thirumeni worked tirelessly for welfare of the diocese, especially at a crucial time in the history of our church where we had to face several challenges from the dissident faction. The “Aramana” at Adoor had been the fruit of Thirumeni’s strenuous efforts, although Thirumeni did not have the fortune of living there.
The Late Lamented Mor Markose Coorilos Thirumeni was given independent charge of Niranam diocese. Thirumeni’s tenure was unfortunately very brief as His Grace was called to eternal rest by the Lord in 2005. His Grace will always be remembered by the faithful for his dedicated service and unflinching loyalty to the Patriarchal throne of Antioch.
After the untimely demise of Mor Coorilos Markose Thirumeni, Niranam dioceses has been left without a full time residing bishop. However, much to the joy of its people, the dioceses of Niranam has now been made an independent diocese with Dr. Mor Coorilos Geevarghese as its Metropolitan who was consecrated as bishop on 3rd July 2006 at St. Thomas Church, Paravur.
A centre for Niranam diocese has been a long cherished dream for its faithful members. This dream has now become a reality by God’s abundant grace. St. Gregoriose Diocesan Centre of Niranam, a three storied Bishop's house-cum-guest house was blessed and dedicated to the sacred memory of St. Gregorios of Chathuruthil on the saint’s feast day, 2nd November 2007 by Catholicose of India His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselious Thomas I in the presence of H.G.Dr.Geevarghese Mor Coorilose, H.G. Joseph Mor Gregorious former Metropolitan of the Diocese, other bishops and dignitaries of the church.
The Niranam diocese is proud to gift His Grace Geevarghese Mor Policarpos Metropolitan (member of the Chennithala Horeb Church) to the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church.
His Grace was born in 1933 in Pallivadakkethil House (Nadayil Kudumbam) Chennithala, Mavelikkara. He was ordained deacon in 1956 and priest in 1957. He was consecrated Cor-Episcopos in 1978 during the time in which he served for the Evangelistic Association of the East. He was consecrated Metropolitan in 1990 as bishop of Evangelistic Association of the East at Damascus by H.H.Ignatios Zakka I Iwas.
His Grace is the Patron and President of The Evangelistic Association of the East (E.A.E), the first Missionary Association of the Syriac Orthodox Church, under the direct control of the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East.
Archdiocese of Universal Syriac Orthodox Church), is historically one of the oldest dioceses. The land of Niranam had been blessed by the foot prints of St. Thomas, the apostle of India. The diocese was founded by Patriarch Peter IV of blessed memory during the Holy Father’s apostolic visit to India during 1875-1877. St. Gregorios, the first Indian saint to be canonized was appointed as the first Metropolitan of Niranam diocese by Patriarch Peter IV himself. The dioceses was also blessed by the service and leadership of such illustrious fathers as Mor Dionysius Michael, most popularly known as the “roaring lion of Malankara” and Mor Kuriakose Koorilos Metropolitan "undeclared Yacoob Burdana of southern diocese of Malankara" who toiled hard to sustain the faithful in the true apostolic faith and traditions of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church. In spite of His Grace’s il-health, Mor Koorilos Kuriakose Thirumeni worked tirelessly for welfare of the diocese, especially at a crucial time in the history of our church where we had to face several challenges from the dissident faction. The “Aramana” at Adoor had been the fruit of Thirumeni’s strenuous efforts, although Thirumeni did not have the fortune of living there.
His Grace was born in 1933 in Pallivadakkethil House (Nadayil Kudumbam) Chennithala, Mavelikkara. He was ordained deacon in 1956 and priest in 1957. He was consecrated Cor-Episcopos in 1978 during the time in which he served for the Evangelistic Association of the East. He was consecrated Metropolitan in 1990 as bishop of Evangelistic Association of the East at Damascus by H.H.Ignatios Zakka I Iwas.