|
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.
Consecration of Retreat Centre and Foundation stone laying ceremony of the Chapel at Gregorian Mount Centre, Anikkad, Mallappally onThursday Feb 11, 2010 at 2:00 PM H.B Catholicos Baselios Thomas I consecrated Retreat Centre and laid foundation stone for the Chapel at Gregorian Mount Centre, Anikkad, Mallappally. Metropolitans Their Eminences Mor Dionysius Behnan Jajawi (Syria), Mor Osthatheos Matta Rohum (Jazirah & Euphrates), Mor Aphrem Mathews, Mor Theodosius Mathews, Mor Gregorios Kuriakose, Mor Osthatheos Issac, Mor Barnabas Geevarghese & Dr. Mor Coorilos Geevarghese were present during the occasion. Lots of priests and laymen from Niranam diocese were also present during the occasion.

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.
H.E Dr. Geevarghese Mor Coorilos Metropolitan has been nominated as a member of an Advisory Group on Economic Matters (AGEM), appointed by Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches. AGEM is a small group of international ecumenical leaders, theologians and ethicists, apointed by the WCC to take stock of the current global economic crisis, offer theological and ethical perspectives on economic matters and to propose alternative forms of economic systems. The first meeting of the AGEM will be held in Geneva in the month of May, 2009. Mor Coorilos also serves the WCC as Moderator of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME)which is responsible for organising World Mission Conferences. Mor Coorilos has also served on several other bodies of the WCC in the past.
MALLAPPALLY: Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese, His Grace Dr. Mor Coorilos Geevarghese laid foundation stone for the proposed Gregorian Mount Centre of Niranam Diocese on 01 October 2009 at Anikkadu near Mallappally. Gregorian Mound Centre, Anikkadu, Mallappally, a multipurpose project of Niranam diocese is primarily meant to be a retreat cum conference centere with modern facilities. This project includes chapel, Bishop house, Ashram, Administration building, Retreat center, Accommodation blocks, Auditorium, Seminar halls, Gazebos. Theeram day care centre school for disabled. etc.... Niranam Diocese is Planning to build a Confrence-Cum-Retreat center at Anikkadu, Mallappally named Gregorian Mount Center under the Leader ship of H.G. Mor Coorilos Geevarghese Metropolitan. For this project about 2.5 acres of land on a serene hill top has been donated to Niranam diocese by the Mr. Varghese Philip, Mr. Oommen Varghese, and Mr. Joseph Varghese of Vadakkedathu Family, Puramattom Jacobite Syrian Church.
|