MEMORY ETERNAL H.G. GEEVARGHESE MAR IVANIOS

With the Hope of resurrection, would like to inform you about the heavenly departure of H.G.Geevarghese Mar Ivanios,the Metropolitan of Kottayam Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Thirumeni entered into eternal rest today (April 12th) at 7.30 AM (Indian time) at Karipal Hospital, Kottayam. Thirumeni was well known for his prayer life and spiritual leadership. He was instrumental in establishing Njaliyakuzhy Dayara which became the modern Mount Athos of the Malankara Orthodox church. He served the church as the professor of Orthodox Theological seminary and the President of the St. Thomas Vydika Sangam, an organization for the clergies of the church. As a Metropolitan he was very particular for the spiritual discipline and growth of the Kottayam Diocese. His prophetic voice always became a corrective force against the evil trends in the church and the society. Thirumeni stands parallel with Pampadi Thirumeni for his devotion and human love. He had visited the United States many times, inspired and encouraged many youth for a dedicated devotional life. As Thirumeni moves into history, we, visibly miss one more bishop with true vision and devotion. May his soul rest with the righteous and the just in the heavenly abode. May his prayers be a refuge for us before God Almighty.

LIFE LINE: Diocese: Kottayam
Original Name: Geevarghese
Date of Birth: 14 Nov. 1940
Ordination (Deacon): 1963
Ordination (Priest): 1973
Ordination (Episcopa): 1985
Ordination (Bishop): 1991

His Grace was born in 1940 at the Keeyath family, Othara. After his schooling, he did his BSc from Fathima Matha College, Kollam. Further to that he took his post graduation in Hebrew and Syriac Languages from Mansfield College, England. Also he took a Masters in Theology from Oxford University. Meanwhile, he learnt Sanskrit and Latin.

He was ordained a deacon in 1963 and a priest in 1973, respectively, by His Grace Mathews Mar Kurilos. Thereupon, he worked as the Vicar of Karappuzha Chappel. In 1979, HH Marthoma Mathews I, ordained him to the rank of a ramban.

His Grace was ordained an episcopa in 1985 at St Mary’s Church, Puthiakavu, Mavelikkara. Since then, he is working as the Bishop of Kottayam Diocese. He was ordained as a metropolitan in 1991.

From 1971 onwards, he is teaching at the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam and has authored a book, “Hridaya Sudhikaranam”. His Grace is also a known guru in meditation!

* There will be a special prayer service on behalf of HG on Friday & Sunday in the liturgy.Please participate.

- Fr. Shibu Venad Mathai

OBITUARY - MRS. MARIAMMA ABRAHAM

It is with deep sorrow, let me inform you, the demise of Mrs. Mariamma Abraham, the beloved mother of A.O. Abraham and Thomas O. Abraham. She was very active in our church activities. As announced before, she was sick for about a week and was admitted to the Moss Rehab Einstein Hospital.

A special prayer service will be held tomorrow (Saturday, February 2nd), at 6 pm at the residence of Mr. Thomas O. Abraham to offer prayer on behalf of the departed soul. Address: 1116 Stratford Avenue, Elkins Park, PA 19027. Ph: 215-635-5916.

VIEWING SERVICE:
Place: St. Gregorios Orthodox Church, 4136 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem PA 19020
Date: February 3, 2013, Sunday
Time: Family Time: 3.30 pm - 4.00 pm; Public: 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm

FUNERAL SERVICE:
Place: St.Gregorios Orthodox Church, 4136 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem PA-19020
Date: February 4, 2013, Monday.
Viewing Time: Family Time: 8:30 am - 9:00 am

Funeral Service: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
10.10 am: Procession to the cemetery.

INTERMENT SERVICE:
Place: Forest Hills Cemetery-101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
Time: 10:45 am

Contacts:
Treasurer- Mr. Biju Mani - 484-919-5966
Secretary- Mr. Ciby Abraham - 267-625-5651

Heartfelt condolence and prayers from SGMOC family,

- Biju K. Mani

H.G. MATHEWS MAR BARNABAS - MEMORIAL

Our parish has had very close association with Barnabas Thirumeni from the time we acquired the Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia church building in 1994. Later on, he laid the corner stone of our new Church building at Bensalem, Pennsylvania in 2007 and was the chief celebrant at the consecration ceremony in 2009. Thirumeni was one of the first contributors to our Church building fund and gave us a generous donation. This Memorial page is published in honor of our cherished Barnabas Thirumeni with reflections, memories and tributes to this saintly shepherd. We dedicate this Memorial page to the feet of our dearly esteemed father who joined with the cloud of Saints.

Please Click on the Link below or follow the Menu Path Tributes to read the full Memorial Page:

H.G. Mathews Mar Barnabas - Memorial