His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese I Catholicose
17th December- Commemorating His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese I Catholicose (of blessed memory).
“Everyone would kiss his hands one day, its just that I did it first” so said the maternal aunt of the infant Geevarghese [later His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese I (of blessed memory)] while kissing his hands when he was born. Indeed her words weren’t futile!
Born to Vaakathanam Kaaruchira Punnachan and Puthupally Kuttanchira Unichiyamma on 13th January 1870, little Geevarghese was nurtured in spiritual atmosphere at home. The parents dedicated the young one for the service of God.
At the age of sixteen, the young boy was ordained as deacon and was sent for the theological training in Old Seminary, Kottayam, under guidance of Vattasseril Geevarghese Kathanar (‘Malankara Sabha Bhasuran’/ ‘The Illuminator of the Malankara Church’) and Konattu Mathen Malpan. Not only was deacon Geevarghese proficient in studies but also displayed the virtue of humility while interacting with others.
Konattu Malpan presented the young deacon with a bronze lamp (as appreciation of the deacon’s excellence in studies) which he preserved respectfully with him till his death.
Deacon Geevarghese was appointed as the secretary of Metropolitan Kadavil Mar Athanasios and during this tenure, the young deacon acquired extensive knowledge and experience. Metropolitan Kadavil Mar Athanasius then ordained this deacon,- whose fame spread far and wide throughout the Church, as a priest and then as ‘Remban’ (‘monk-priest’). Known for his keen observation and efficient administrative skills, it couldn’t escape anyone’s notice as to how competent Rembachan was. After the demise of Metropolitan Mar Athanasius, Rembachan shifted his base to the Vaakathaanam Vallikkattu Church. Rembachan used to lead a very simple life; eventually he could develop the monastery there (Vallikkattu Dayara).
Meanwhile, he was ‘called’ for taking up greater responsibilities as a Metropolitan (he was given the title of Mar Philexinos and entrusted with the Diocese of Kottayam). It was also a golden period for this place (Vaakathaanam) when the forty four years old Metropolitan started living in the monastery (Vaakathaanam Vallikkattu Dayara). The Metropolitan initiated many community development programs like opening of schools, post office etc. and also led a life of prayers and fasting.
The search for the second Catholicose had commenced, after the earthly departure of the first Catholicose who was entombed at the Pampakkuda Church (Pampakkuda Cheriya Pally). Vattesseril Thirumeni was the then Malankara Metropolitan. Of the three Metropolitans of that time, Kaarottu veettil Yuyakim Mar Ivanios was bedridden due to his ill health. Vattesseril Thirumeni called the other two Metropolitans regarding the issue of the selection of the new Catholicose. Mar Philoxenos Thirumeni excused himself by saying that he is unwell. Kallasseril Mar Gregorios Thirumeni excused himself by saying that he is very young.
When both the Metropolitans had backed out from the selection process, Vattasseril Thirumeni put the lot among the two bishops and it fell in favour of Mar Philexinos. Mar Philoxenos immediately requested Vattasseril Thirumeni to avoid him from the selection- however Vattesseril Thirumeni instructed him that he shouldn’t back out since this is the will of God. The Malankara Association was held at Niranam and thus Mar Philaxenos was elected as the second Catholicose.
The ascetic prayer life of His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese I Catholicose (of blessed memory) was an inspiration to many. During his journeys, he would keep a keen eye for spiritual youth and encourage them to dedicate their life for the service of God. One of his peculiar habit was that his clerical/monastic garb (kammeez, kappa, masnapsa etc) was stitched by himself (on his own sewing machine!).
He himself would prepare the bread for the Eucharistic liturgy using the stone grinder and would store enough wheat flour for this purpose. He was skilled in carpentry as well.
Following an abdominal operation at Neyyoor Hospital, His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese I Catholicose left for heavenly abode on 17 December 1928 and is entombed at Vallikkaattu Dayara (Vallikkaattu monastery).
May the prayers and intercession of the holy father be our refuge always!
(Ref: Excerpts from ‘Sabha Pithakanmaar’ (‘Fathers of the Church’), Part-III, KV Mammen, Pg 48-60; the above is an amateur translation from Malayalam.)
