MGOCSM-NEWS AND VIEWS

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MGOCSM

News and Views

Published by MGOCSM of India

FOUNDED IN 1908

Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement of India

Orthodox Christian Student Centre,

P.B.No.610. Kottayam.686001

Phone: 0481-2567338; 2567215

(For Private Circulation )

Vol. 2 July - September 2004 Book 6

Message
HAVE ASRAM MOVEMENT DEGENERATED INTO COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRES?
“In recent times many of them have taken up different service projects like schools,
hospitals, orphanages etc. as tangible expression of their concern in witness. This brings forward
a danger to the Ashram life at least in some cases, where the Ashram is swallowed up by the
number of institutions, in due course.....
The fact remains that the Gospel is presented and Christ and His teachings are made
meaningful to many through these centres... The evangelistic work of making Christ known
to fellowmen is going on everyday through the Ashram. It is perhaps not in the numerical
number of converts gained every day or month that this evangelistic work is to be measured
but in the way Christ and His teachings are made relevant and acceptable in one’s own life
situation, or in the way Christ becomes meaningful in one’s own life style” H.G. PHILIPOS
MAR EUSEBIUS, PRESIDENT, MGOCSM

Courtesy:- Page 244. PRATHIBADHATHAYUDE PRAVACHAKAN.

ED:- FR. T. A. EDAYADI

“The Christian is not one who has gone all the way with Christ. None of us has. The
Christian is one who has found the right road.” Charles Allen
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EDITOR’S SPACE
Holiness
God alone is Holy. Then why we address our Catholicos as “His Holiness”?. Holiness is
the quality or the state of being holy. It is divinity; blessedness; sanctification. It is used as a title
for high religious dignitaries; Catholicos, Pope are examples.
So one explanation is that Catholicos is the head of the Church. Church is the body of
Christ. So the position Catholicos holds is Holy. So he is addressed as His Holiness.
If I remember correctly, this doubt was raised in the 86th Annual conference of the
MGOCSM (at Trivandrum in 1994) to H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios who was chairing a
session. As far as I can remember and in my words, Thirumeni’s reply was as follows: God alone
is Holy. Though we are only mundane creatures of God, we can become holy. We have been
created by God in His image. He has also shown us the way to acquire His nature. The mantle
of Holiness falls on us the moment we become part of God by participating in His flesh and
blood. In other words when we repent and get absolved of all our sins and take part in the
Koinonia of Christ’s blood and flesh, we become part of God and thus become Holy. Thus all of
us can become holy, at least at that moment of participating in the Eucharist. Jesus clearly gave
the mandate when at the Last Supper he offered his high-priestly intercession, praying that the
disciples and all those who believe in him “may all be one. Father! May they be in us just as you
are in me and I am in you” (John 17:21). So repentance is the road to holiness.
Saints were constantly in touch with God and were ever ready to repent. Hence God was
constantly absolving them from their sins. Thus Saints have been Holy. So all who are ready to
be in constant touch with God and participate in Eucharist can be part of God and Holy.
Parumala Thirumeni, Vattaseril Thirumeni, Baselius Geevarghese IInd of Kurichy were
all thus in continuous contact with God and hence we call them saints. Our Bawa’s greatest
blessing is his continuous prayer. So he is Holy not only because he is the head of the Church,
but also because he is in constant contact with God.
Prof.Joseph K.Alexander

Executive Editor & Treasurer of MGOCSM

Rev.Dr. M.C. Zacharia Remban writes.......

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
MGOCSM is planning to conduct its 96th Annual Conference at
St. Mary’s College, Sultan Battery, from 27th -31st Dec. 2004. We need
your prayer for the blessing of the conference. Three financially backward
Dioceses in our Church are Malabar, Idukki and Sultan Battery. In 1999
the conference was at Malabar Diocese and 2003 in Idukki Diocese.
One of our aim is to start new MGOCSM units in the Sultan Battery
Diocese and spend some days with them. Please pray for the Diocese
and the people there.
We hope to complete the new student centre at Iritty which is in Sultan Battery Diocese.
With love and prayers.
Rev. Dr. M.C. Zacharia Ramban
Gen. Secretary and Chief Editor
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Note:- Seventh Memory of the late H.G. Philipos Mar Theophilus, long time president and

architect of the presentday MGOCSM is on 28th September 2004. Let us pray for him and for

his intercession in our prayers to God. Executive Editor

What are fasting and prayer?

Fasting is the subjugation of the body, prayer is converse with God, vigil is a war against
Satan, abstinence is being weaned from meats, humility is the state of the first man, kneeling is
the inclining of the body before the Judge, tears are the remembrance of sins, nakedness is our
captivity which is caused by the transgression of the command, and service is constant
supplication to and praise of God.

“The Paradise of the Holy Fathers”. Quoted by Mark Sadek

Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime, and too sleepy to worry

at night”. Leo Aikman

MGOCSM CENTRE NEWS

General Assembly

MGOCSM General Assembly was held on 21st Saturday 2004 at the Mar Theophilus
Study Centre of the MGOCSM Complex at Kottayam.
It was preceded by the Leaders Conference held on 20th which was addressed by H.G.
Paulos Mar Milithios and the devotional talk was by Rev. Fr. K.M.Koshy Vaidyan. On 21st
morning the audience was addressed by Rev. Fr. Yohannan Sankarathil and Rev.Fr. Philen P.
Mathew.
The General Assembly presided by the President H.G. Philipos Mar Eusebius, commenced
at 2 P.M. After the Presidential address the Annual report for 2003-’04 was presented by the
Gen. Secretary Ver. Rev. Dr. Zacharia Remban.
The Accounts was presented by the treasurer Prof. Joseph K. Alexander. Both were passed.
Thereupon the Gen. Secretary presented the Plan of Activities for 2004-’05 which was discussed
and approved. This was followed by the election to the Executive committee. The following
members were elected / nominated to the Executive Committee for the year 2004-’05.
1. Senior Vice President - Prof. E. Jacob John, Tvm
2. Student Vice Presidents - a. Vivek Geevarghese Alex, K.G. College, Pampady
b. Sherin M. Thomas, St. George, Puthuppally
3. General Secretary - Rev. Dr. Zachariah Remban
Acting Gen. Secretary - Rev. Dn. Issac B. Prakash
4. Associate Secretaries - a. Kurian Kunju, Baselius College
b. Priya Jacob, M.G.H.S.S., Thumpamon
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5. Student Jt. Secretaries - a. Abraham Mathew, S.B. College, Changanachery
b. Teema Mary Cheriyan, Catholicate HSS Pathanamthitta
6. Treasurer - Prof. Joseph K. Alexander
Asst. Treasurer - Prof. Issac P. Abraham
7. Executive Committee
Seniors : - a. K.V. Varghese, b. Adv. Alex George
c. Oommen Kochummen, d. Mrs. Sallymol D. Thomas
Students : - a. Jitheesh, Sultan Battery
b. Santhosh Thankachen, St. Gregorios, Kottarakkara
c. Jobins Peter T., Kunnamkulam,
d. Teena Susan Mathew, Niranam
e. Feba Anna John, Vazhoor
8. UTOCA Secretary - Prof. George Varghese Koppara, Catholicate College
9. HSSTOCA Secretary - Dr. Mathew P. George, Catholicate HSS
10. STOCA Secretary - Varghese Pothen, HSS, Mattom
11. Medical Auxiliary (V.P.) - Dr. Varghese Punnoose, Medical College, Alapuzha
12. Technical Auxiliary (V.P.)- Eng. Chikku Abraham, Pathanamthitta
13. Missionary Forum (V.P.) - Prof. Rajan Idukkula, St. George College, Kottarakara
14. Literary Forum (V.P.) - Binu K. Sam, St. Mary’s H.S. Pathanamthitta
15. Secretary of the Forum - Yardley, Metropolitan HSS, Puthenkavu

The Assembly appointed Very Rev. M.C. Zacharia Remban, the present General secretary

as the Executive Director of the Centenary Programme of the MGOCSM.

Rev. Dn. Issac B. Prakash has been appointed as the Acting General Secretary of the
Movement during the absence of the Gen. Sec. This, he will hold in addition to his present post
of Organising Secretary.
Permission has been granted to the Organizing Secretaries Rev. Dn. Isaac B. Parkash and
Mr. Koshy Mathew to conduct a tour in the Gulf Countries to propagate the Centenary
Programme. They are Scheduled to be back by the end of September.

Congratulations Newly Ordained Deacons

LAIJU MATHEW THAMPY VARGHESE
Ms. DIANA ANN ISSAC
3rd Rank B.Com., M.G. University
D/o. Prof. Issac P. Abraham
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NEW STUDENT CHAPLAINS FOR MGOCSM
Two student chaplains for MGOCSM : Fr. Paul T. Varughese for Bangalore and Fr.
Thomas Philip for Mangalore regions have been appointed. MGOCSM sponsored them for
their theological studies in our seminary and they successfully finished their courses and
joined the movement for service. Those who are studying in Bangalore, Devengere, Kolar,
Ananthapur etc. please contact Fr. Paul T. Varughese or Mr. T.V. Varughese in Bangalore.
Fr. Thomas Philip, staying in Mangalore is planning to contact students in different colleges
in Mangalore, Manipal, Sulliya, Nitte, Shimoga, etc. There will be regular services on every
third and fourth Sunday in Manipal UCC Chapel. If your children, friends or relatives are
studying in these areas, Ver. Rev. Dr. M.C. Zachariah Remban requests you to please contact
MGOCSM or these regional chaplains.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Venue: Mar Theophilus Study centre. Dates 22,23,24 August 2004, Theme: “God
has called you - to Holiness”.
Over 180 students from different parts of Kerala participated. H.G. Paulos Mar
Pachomios Vice President of MGOCSM inaugurated the Conference. Revd. Fathers Philen
P. Mathew, Mohan Joseph, Josy Jacob, Paul T. Verghese, Thomas Zacharia, Dr. Mathew
Baby and Mr. Cherian Verghese were the main resource persons. H.G. Philipos Mar Eusebius
President of MGOCSM conducted the Holy Qurbana on the final day and presided over
the closing session. Delegates went with a determination to attend all future MGOCSM
conferences.

VISION 2004

This is an Indian Orthodox Mercy Fellowship (IOMF) project of Kuwait Parishes
established in association with, MGOCSM in Kerala. MGOCSM is arranging 20 Eye Camps,
one in each Diocese. IOMF is helping poor patients in getting Eye care, medicines and Eye
operations for those who need it. The cost of the camps, medicines and operations are all
met by IOMF of Kuwait. Eye Camps were held in this quarter at Kunnakurudy, Koottical,
Konni and Alampara St. Gregorios School. The Alampara Camp on 23rd July 2004 was
under the auspices of The Mercy fellowship, Trivandrum.
EYE CAMP AT KUNNAKURUDY 24TH JULY 04 EYE CAMP AT KOOTTICKAL, MUNDAKAYAM ON 2ND AUGUST 04
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EYE CAMP AT ATHIRUNKAL, KONNI

Rev. Fr. Dr. M.C. cherian has been ordained to the order of Remban

Congratulations.....

REV. DR. M.C. ZACHARIAS REMBAN IMMEDIATELY AFTER
ORDINATION AT DEVALOKAM WITH MGOCSM MEMBERS

MGOCSM PROJECT VISION 2004

Vacation in India for spiritual
insight on Orthodox Nurture. This is a
project of MGOCSM exclusively for
outside Kerala Students. 15 students
from Gulf Area Parishes of our Church
came on 17th July. In 4 days they toured
heritage places of our Church. Rev. Dn.
Isac B.Prakash and Mr. Koshy Mathew,
Organising Secreatries of the Movement and Sisters of Chegamanad Convent conducted
them through all the scheduled heritage centres.
His Holiness Marthoma Mathews II inaugurates the Total Education
Programme in the presence of H.G. Philipos Mar Eusebius, and other
dignitaries

TOTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME

MGOCSM has started another of its
Centenary projects.This Total Education
Programme is symbolic of what our church
must do immediately. 2012 is the Centenary
year of the reactivation of the Catholicate in
Malankara. By that year, there shall not even
be a single student in our church who do not
have the proper ambience and resources to
develop his God-given faculties. In these days
of globalised competition and growing
PHOTO TAKEN AT THE OLD SEMINARY WITH GUIDES OF THE TOUR REV.
DN.ISSAC B. PRAKASH, K.C. SACHARIA, KOSHY MATHEW AND MS. VINI.
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marginalisation and unemployment of Youth (14.4 % of the working population of the worldas
compared to 6.2 % of the elder group. ILO Report 2004), it is the duty of each parish in
our church to identify students who require help and provide the necessary resources and
prayer to make them grow into productive and respectable members of our Church.
MGOCSM has symbolically started this work, more as a model for the Parishes to
emulate. We decided to adopt 100 primary students from the Parishes in Kerala , who are
good at studies and require external aid to continue their studies. Applications were invited
and we could select 80 students from all over Kerala for the aid. These students will be
provided funds for their studies up to post-graduate or post-doctoral studies, provided they
keep up their studiousness and marks. H.H.Baselius Mar Thoma Mathews IInd distributed
the first year instalments of the aid to these students in July 2004 in a grand function attended
by the Dignitaries of the Church and the media.

MGOCSM DIARY 2005

MGOCSM Diary 2005. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. MGOCSM is publishing its
Diary 2005 in Nov. 2004 at Parumala on the Perunal Day. Send your comments and suggestions
for the new one. Send the Tel.No. of parishes and institutions. If possible send Rs. 2000/
- as one page sponsor of a full page advertisement. Wish you all a caring onam festival.
With love and prayers, VER. REV. DR. M.C. ZACHARIAH RAMBAN.

St. Basil Association of the Catholicate College: Pathanamthitta. It was formally

inaugurated on 24th September 2004 by Ver. Rev. Dr. Zacharia Remban, Gen. Sec. of

MGOCSM in a public meeting presided by H.G. Philipos Mar Eusebius, President of

MGOCSM and a large gathering of students and elders.

USA NEWS
Divina Mary Varghese, San Antonio Reports:
An MGOCSM unit was inaugurated at the St. George Indian Orthodox Church of
San Antonio for the benefit of UTSA and the youth group of the other surrounding colleges
and schools. It was inaugurated by His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, the Metropolitan
of Bombay Diocese. Following members were selected as office bearers for 2004-2005.
Vice-President: Joby Jacob, Treasurer: Divina Mary Varghese, Secretary: Thomas
Kuruvilla, Bible Study Coordinator: Juby Joy, Adult Advisor: Mini Varghese.
MGOCSM NEWS & VIEWS
Articles, Short Stories, Poems and sharing your experiences are invited from
members of MGOCSM in Word Format by e-mail josekan@vsnl.net to Exe. Editor
Prof. Joseph K. Alexander, Kanianthra, 14/2144, Medes lane, Trivandrum-34. Phone:
0471-2321955.
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President resident H..G G. . PHILIPOS MAR EUSEBIUS
Senior Vice P President resident Prof rof rof. . E E. . JA JACOB COB JOHN
Student Vice P Presidents residents A. VIVEK GEEV GEEVARGHESE ARGHESE ALEX ALEX, K..G G. . COLLEGE P PAMP AMP AMPAD AD ADY
SHERIN M. THOMAS THOMAS, ST ST. . GEORGE GEORGE, , PUTHUPP PUTHUPPALL ALL ALLY
Associate Secretaries KURIAN URIAN K KUNJU UNJU UNJU, BASELIUS COLLEGE
PRIY PRIYA A JA JACOB COB COB, , M.G G..H H..S S..S S., ., THUMP THUMPAMON AMON
Student Jt. Secretaries ABRAHAM MA MATHEW THEW THEW, S..B B. . COLLEGE COLLEGE, , CHANGANA CHANGANACHER CHER CHERY
TEEMA MAR MARY Y CHERIY CHERIYAN AN AN,
CA CATHOLICA THOLICA THOLICATE TE HSS HSS, , P PATHANAMTHITT THANAMTHITT THANAMTHITTA
Rev ev ev..F Fr. . Philen P P. . Mathew DIRECT DIRECTOR OR AND WARDEN WARDEN, TRIV TRIVANDRUM ANDRUM CENTRE
Executive Editor Prof rof rof. . JOSEPH K K. . ALEXANDER (TREASURER)
Chief Editor Rev ev ev. . D Dr. . M.C. ZA ZACHARIA CHARIA REMBAN (GEN GEN. . SECRET SECRETAR AR ARY) Y)
E--MAIL MAIL: frcherian@hotmail.com
VISIT MAR GREGORIOS REHABILITATION CENTRE WEBSITE : www.charityfordisabled.com
and VISIT MGOCSM WEBSITE : www.mgocsmindia.com
INTERNATIONAL GUEST HOUSE
“A Home away from Home”, Orthodox Student Centre, Contact:
Ph: 0471 - 2477604, 2469408
People are funny, they want the fromt of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.
Fr. John Brian
“Whoever does the will of God is my brother, sister and mother”. (St. Mk. 3:35) Let us follow the example
of St. Mary, who is considered as the greatest of all saints.
Mathews Barnabas Metropolitan USA
Printed and published by Rev.Dr. M.C. Zacharia Remban, Gen. Sec. MGOCSM at Jayem Press,
Trivandrum. For Private Circulation. Only Donation Price Rs. 2/-. Those who require copies by
post may please send necessary amount for postage
EDITORIAL BOARD

Niranam St.Marys church website Mistake in the Antique section

Niranam St.Marys church website

Mistake in the Antique section

“There is a stone with undeciphered letters carved on it. The date of the stone and the meaning of the inscription have not been determined.”

This is a sentence in your website on Antiques of Niranam church. Let me first congratulate you on maintaining a website of the St. Mary’s Orthodox Church and its activities for the benefit of the younger generation and posterity.

Your statement that the date of the stone and the meaning of inscription have not been determined is regretted.

I am giving its photograph below.

I personally took it to the Kerala University Manuscript Library at Kariyavattam and got it translated. They also conferred the translation given by Mr.T.K.Joseph and Chitramezhuthu K.M.Varghese. You too can take it to anyone who can decipher such old inscriptions.

I am reproducing the relevant pages of the “Kanianthra Family History” book page 55-57 published in 2001 in English. This is an abridged version of the Malayalam edition also written by me in 1991. I have taken the material from a still earlier Malayalam edition

(1965) of the same book authored by late Mr. K.J.Ninan, a contemporary of  Mr.T.K.Joseph, the Chief Archaeologist, Government of Kerala, and Mr.Chitrmezhuthu K.M.Varghese, renowned authorities in deciphering old inscriptions in different forms .

This particular writing is in vattezuth and pertains to the 16^th century. It is not 92 AD as claimed by G.T.Macknzie in his book "Christianity in Travancore"

The following is the reproduction of the relevant pages of the above Book “KANIANTHRA FAMILY HISTORY” maintained in CD. (1)

“THOMMEN CHANDY 1507 — 1567 AD.

Chronological calculations show that this Valiappen was the son or grandson of Thommen Valiappen; who first settled in Mepral. This gentleman Thommen Chandy was a rich landlord and a prominent member of the society. Even though he stayed at Mepral, he invariably attended the Holy qurbana at Niranam church on every Sunday. He was buried inside the church and a tomb-stone, with his name and the date of his death inscribed on it was placed on his tomb. When the Niranam church was rebuilt, this stone slab was embedded in the wall of the church. But later when the Niranam church was again rebuilt, during the time of Kanianthra Kizhakaeveettil Ninan Kathanar (2), who was the parish priest of the church (1866 – 1909) he wanted to put the slab on the wall. Local members of the church resented it and it was kept in the store room under the church building. Later they without realising the importance and the historical value of the stone discarded it even from the store room. They used it as a corner stone of the boundary line separating the church premises from the church compound. In later years some members of the Kanianthra family noticed the stone and realized the importance and value of it. Kovoor Dr. J. Alexander(4), Pullucatt, Rev. Fr. Alexander Cor episcopa, Puthenparambil Mr. K.T. Mathew, Pulinthara Shri Mammachen and Mr. K .J. Ninan consulted among themselves and got a photograph taken of the stone. They showed this photograph to Mr. T. K. Joseph, who was the chief archeologist in Kerala. He translated the old Malayalam script of the inscription as “Mepral – Thommen Chandy – 742 year, Medam njayar 9 – passed away”. Professor Joseph Alexander also showed the photograph of the stone to the Manuscript Library experts at the (Kerala) University Archaeological Department. They also ascertained and confirmed that the date written was Malayalam era 742 year 9th Medam and “not 92nd year”, as claimed by Dr. G.T. Mckenzie. So, the date should be 1567 AD, Sunday, 9th Medam (month).

Some of our ancestors realising the importance of the stone, as a landmark, in their history, wanted to bring the stone to Mepral. They went with boats and men. But somehow, the Nirvana church members came to know of it and realizing the historical importance of the stone took and deposited it again in the storeroom beneath the church building. So the Kanianthra family members could not retrieve the stone. Dr. G.T. McKenzie, I.C.S., who was the British resident of Travancore between 1899 - 1904 in his book “Christianity in Travancore” mentions about this stone. He has written that Niranam church is one of the oldest churches of Travancore and it was built on the site of the church established by St.Thomas himself. He went on saying that in that church, he saw two tomb stone slabs with writings on it. On one of it was written in old Malayalam – “Mepral Thommen Chandy 92 Medam 9th sunday passed away”.

This is the tomb stone of our ancestor. The Malayalam inscription is as follows:-

“Mepral Thommen Chandy 742nd year Medam Njayara 9th Nalla Vazhi Chernnu”.

In English it can be translated as “Mepral Thommen Chandy died on 742nd year sunday Medom 9th”.

He must have been a rich land lord and inland trader of spices and prominent member of the society.”

Notes:-

The Malayalam edition of the “Kanianthra Kudumba Charitram” contains more details. This book is available with the Kanianthra Pallath Family members of the Nirvana Parish. Their predecessor Kanianthra Pallath Thommy Chandy Kathanar (1787-1847) was the chief parish priest of the Niranam St. Marys Orthodox Church in his time.

1.      Kanianthra Family got converted to Christanity probably in the 10^th Century AD or earlier. Because of the persecution of the Brahmins they migrated from Idinjillam, their native village, to Niranam in the 10^th century. They remained there till around 1460 AD, when one Valiappan migrated to Mepral and settled there.

2.      Niranam St. Marys Orthodox Church was the parish church of the Kanianthra Family even after they migrated to Mepral. The Mepral St. Johns Church was built only in 1861-1864

3.      Rev. Ninan Kathanar was believed to be the 12^th Kanianthra Family priest of the Niranam St. Mary’s Orthodox Church. He was a monk. My Father Fr. K.J.Alexander Corepiscopa, (1882-1955), Vicar General of the Niranam Diocese was believed to be the 13th priest in the Family.

4.      a. Dr. Alexander was a physician. Kanianthra Family History was first written by him. He started writing it in 1916 when he was studying in England for his MBBS Degree. It was a brief synopsis completed after extensive research and first published in 1935

b. Pullucat Rev.Fr.Alexander of the Kanianthra family was the Parish priest of the Mepral Church

c. Mr. K.T.Mathew IFS, educated in England, was in Tamil Nadu Government Service

d. Pulinthra Mammachen was a senior member of the Kanianthra family

e. Mr. K.J. Ninan, author of the second edition (1965) of the “Kanianthra Kudumba Charitram” was a member of the editorial board of Malayala Manorama Daily and a member of the Board of Directors of the Malayala Manorama Company

These persons took the photograph to Mr.T.K.Joseph and Chitramezhuthu for translation of the inscription. Later in 1984 I personally took it to the Manuscript Library of the Kerala University for translation.

This photograph of the tombstone was taken in the 1940's by these 5 persons

                         

ELECTION OF BISHOPS IN MALANKARA ORTHODOX CHURCH

I have been the chief Election Officer of the Malankara Association 4 times since 1977.

1. 16th May 1977 at Kottayam to elect 5 Bishops .

2. 1st may 1980 at Kottayam to elect Catholicos Designate, Lay Trustee and the formal election of the Managing Committee.

3. 28th Dec. 1982 at Thiruvalla to elect 5 Bishops. We were ready with all the paraphernalia for the conduct of the election.12 were in the list. 7 of them declined and hence the remaining 5 were declared elected.

4. 29th Dec. 1987 at Kottayam to elect one as Bishop and a Priest trustee. For the Bishop post 10 were in the list.3 declined. Others contested. But none got the required majority, Late Rev Fr. Mathai Nooranal got elected as priest trustee.

In the next Association held at Pathanamthitta, I declined to participate as my cousin H.G.Job Mar Philoxenos was a contender.

Our Church is Episcopal. Yet our election of Church leaders is reasonably democratic and scientific. I still agree that there are many more details remain to be addressed to perfect the system.

But to compare the selection of our Bishop or Catholicos to the election of the President of USA or any politician is preposterous.

It is the Malankara Metropolitan (and not the People in the Church), who is selecting His Bishops, But He gives enough importance to the opinion of the church members about each candidate, by asking at least 30 of them to nominate any candidate.

He also gives very great value to the opinion of experts committee, Managing committee and the Synod who are all His advisors in this selection process.

The main guide lines for the election of the Bishops and trustees were already available. With the help of The Office Secretary Mr. O.A.Mathew we drew up the sub rules and election orders on the basis of our experience over the years and the brochure of the Parliament election. ( in which I had enough experience since 1957) .I think this is being still followed ,though the latest Malankara Association elected a person other than from the list recommended by the "Bava in Synod and Managing Committee."

The election of a Bishop is very much unlike that of a politician. A person who claims and offers himself as being worthy to become a Bishop should not be elected under any circumstance. This is not a post of profit or emoluments. It is a "pattam Kettal "to be a servant of God and of the Church. It is true that some are not able to live up to that ideal.

Hence the system evolved out by 1977-1989 and existing in our Church (I Hope) at present is ideal.

Any 30 or more members of the Malankara Association can present a request to the Malankara Metrpolitan specifying that  so and so is in their opinion suitable to become a Bishop.

Then the sub-committee of the working committee of our church request the nominated candidate to give a detailed biodata in the proforma supplied from the office. After receiving this bio data , the office will send out a 4 page printed proforma to 100 to 150 persons who know the particular priest for a fairly long period of time, with a printed note  as to how to fill up the pro-forma.

This is a very confidential and detailed document.

On getting them the committee objectively gives marks for each point of merit and demerit of candidates to become a Bishop of our Church. Educational attainments, spiritual life pattern, behaviour in the society, attitude towards church and social issues, health, physical appearance etc, are all considered.

Then each candidate is evaluated and given marks on the basis of the biodata and confidential report.

They are ranked on the basis of the total marks attained by each of them.

It is this list that is submitted by the Committee to Bava from 

Teacher and students.

Article for the Souvenir of The Poorva Vidhyarthi Sanghatana of the Government College, Kottayam. February 2006

Teacher and students.

Prof.Joseph K. Alexander

First Principal of the Kottayam

Government College. Nattakam.

Education of a child starts in the womb of the mother.” When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby moved within her.”Bible. Luke.1: 41.Babes in womb hear what goes outside.  So the mother, father and near relatives who frequent the mother, in that order of priority, are the first type of teachers. When the student start going into the brick and mortar schools and colleges, we have teachers in the formal meaning of that term. The primary and the university level teachers are of two different types in their role and relation to the students.

The role of the parents, near relatives, priests, elders and wise men of a society is to pass on their knowledge and skills to the child. This is to induct the young into ways of feeling, thinking, believing and acting in the way that society does. This is to make the child to conform to that social pattern and to make the young a regular member of that society. The role of the primary teacher is a continuation of this along with the inculcation of the three r s.

In both these categories of primary teachers, the teacher is not only a disciplinarian, but also a confidant of the student. The child must feel free to confide all his thinking, feelings and opinions to the parent / teacher, to get it corrected and to conform to the ethical standards of that society. Here the teacher is a surrogate of the parents and elders. So even punishing an erring pupil is well within his duty and will be appreciated by the child, if not then, later in reflective moods. He may even venerate such character moulders.

The relation of the University teacher on the other hand is different. In the university and colleges the teacher induce in the student new political and economic ideas and thoughts necessary for social change and development Though he is merely expected to argue out both sides of the controversial issues to make his pupil to form his opinion, the teacher himself in the process may take a definite position of left or right. So he may endanger himself to be favored or not, by the political grouping in power with all its consequences. The teacher and the student may come thus to hold even differing views on controversial issues.

While at the school, the relation of the teacher to the student is that of a substitute to parent - intimate, caring, and concerned- at the university level the relation is more of a counselor or guide. It is not paternal. It is that of an intimate and caring friend. There also, student must have enough freedom and intimacy to rub shoulders with his teacher to equip and prune him to excel others in the society. In the school the teacher tries to make him conform to the society, in the University he helps him to articulate and communicate his own ideas effectively and to compete and excel others. He-the future citizen-has to project his own individuality to have a niche for himself.

The present day professional teachers of school or university are a recent species in the history of education. With the onslaught of professionalism, the missionary zeal of the erstwhile teacher has disappeared except in a minority of teachers. The unionized modern teacher perhaps may fail to create intimacy / rapport with his students. For them, he may appear to be too self-centered or group oriented. So the old world gurukulam type ideal teacher student relationship is now a myth. Exceptions only prove the rule.

To conclude, a teacher whether of the school; or college, should be an intimate friend of the pupil and capable of guiding his ward. This warrants real love for the profession, and his students. The university teacher must also have the ability to rise to the ideal standards, his teen aged ward expect him to be. He must be sincere, honest, hardworking, informative, helpful problem-solver and concerned about his wards. If he has these qualities and can convey to his students that he has these abilities, they will consider him as their role model, think tank and moulder of their individualities. This is what a student expects from his university teacher. Indeed a real challenging profession.

I am aware that there are several other aspects of the relation between the teacher and the student that warrant further scrutiny. This is only one aspect of that relation. Others can be examined later or by others who are involved in working out these relations for the benefit of themselves and the society.

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