St. Geevarghese Gregorios of Parumala

St. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios, known as Parumala Thirumeni, was the first canonized Indian saint of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. A revered bishop, ascetic, and social reformer, he lived a life of prayer, service, and compassion. He is remembered for his deep spirituality and continues to be a source of inspiration.

St. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala, affectionately known as Parumala Thirumeni, is a saint of profound reverence in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. He was born on June 15, 1848, in Mulanthuruthy, a village in the Indian state of Kerala. From an early age, Geevarghese showed signs of deep spirituality and dedication. He was gifted in singing Syriac hymns, a skill that caught the attention of church leaders. His pious nature and devotion led him to be ordained as a deacon at just ten years old.

He pursued religious studies under the mentorship of Metropolitan Joseph Mar Dionysius. Over the years, he continued to grow spiritually and intellectually. In 1876, at the age of 28, he was consecrated as a bishop by Patriarch Ignatius Peter IV and was given charge of the Niranam and Thumpamon dioceses. His simplicity, humility, and ascetic practices made him stand out as a spiritual leader. He chose to reside in Parumala, where he established the St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Church in 1895. This church later became a spiritual center for the faithful.

St. Gregorios was deeply committed to a monastic way of life. He would wake as early as 4 a.m. and pray until midnight, with intermittent breaks only for essential activities. His fasting on Wednesdays, Fridays, and throughout Lent was strict and unwavering. Despite his austere personal life, he was warm and compassionate toward others, especially the poor and downtrodden. He actively engaged in missionary work and helped build schools and institutions for the upliftment of marginalized communities.

In addition to his spiritual contributions, he was an intellectual and left behind writings that include a detailed travelogue of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This travelogue provides insight into his thoughts and observations during his visit to sacred Christian sites in Jerusalem and other parts of the Middle East.

St. Gregorios fell ill and passed away on November 2, 1902, at the age of 54. He was buried at the church he founded in Parumala, which later became one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in Kerala. His sanctity and miracles reported by devotees led the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church to canonize him as a saint in 1947. He became the first Indian saint to be canonized by this church.

Even after his death, countless faithful continue to visit his tomb, seeking his intercession and blessings. His legacy lives on in the hearts of people not only in India but also in the global Orthodox Christian community. His feast is celebrated with great devotion every year on November 2.

Feast Day

2-11-1902

Birth Date

15-6-1848

Died Date

2-11-1902

Canonised Date

2-11-1947

St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Church, Parumala, Kerala, India

St. Geevarghese Gregorios, Beloved shepherd and servant of Christ, Pray for us to live with humility and devotion. Help us to follow your example of faith, And to serve others with love and compassion. Amen.
ST. GEEVARGHESE GREGORIOS OF PARUMALA

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ST. GEEVARGHESE GREGORIOS OF PARUMALA

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Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
US Catholic (Faith in Real Life) – Informational articles
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Pravachaka Sabdam (Malayalam) – Saint-related content and insights

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