Focus April 2016

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FOCUS April 2016 Vol. 4 No: 2

A Bishop with Ecumenical Vision, Rev. Dr. M. J. Joseph, Kottayam - Page 10

Cover Photo, late Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church (1938 – 2015)

A Publication of Diaspora FOCUS

A Master of Dreams, Dr. George Zachariah, Washington – Page12

Editorial – Spirituality and Compassion - Page 3

Easter Message, Most Rev. Justin Welby, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, England - Page 4

The Dreaming Bishop, Dr. Thomas Abraham, U. S. A.- Page 14

My Beloved Brother, Mr. Oommen Johnson, Kochi - Page 6

Condolence Message, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, WCC - Page 16

Akashathilaye Bava (Bishop of the Skies), Dr. Zac Varghese, London - Page 8

A Good and Faithful Servant of God, Mr. Abraham Mattackal, Los Angeles - Page 17

Remembering Kochu Thirumeni, Dr. P. J. Alexander, I. P. S. (Rtd), Trivandrum - Page 9

Memories of Zacharias Thirumeni, Mr. Thampy Kurien, Boston - Page 19

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Editorial Spirituality and Compassion It is indeed a blessing to dedicate this issue of the FOCUS in honor and loving memory of Rt. Revd. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church. This is an opportunity to record what this beloved friend and outstanding builder of a world-wide Mar Thoma Church and ecumenical leader meant to so many. Everyone who was involved with the FOCUS seminars at Santhigiri from 1999-2003 would remember how these seminars, the themes, and the name ‘For Christian Understanding and Solidarity–FOCUS’ came about through deep-rooted friendships because Christian faith is rooted in friendship. He forged relationships among Mar Thoma Diaspora communities spread over the world. This journal itself is a lasting memorial to his vision and understanding. He was an outstanding bishop in so many different ways. This is our grateful offering to a most dear and well-loved bishop.

Various contributors to this issue have examined various dimensions and impact of his ministry. Calling, discipleship, diakonia and koinonia were keys to his ministry. Discipleship in this context means knowing Jesus Christ, following in His footsteps and bringing others into this sacred fellowship. It is simply listening to a call and obediently following ‘the way’ of the Master. Many stories and illustrations relating to the life of Thirumeni in this issue show what it deeply entailed to be a disciple of Christ. He experienced a deep longing for God and heard God’s call at a very young age to follow Jesus. In absolute humility he recognized the cost of this discipleship in its totality and surrendered his will to God’s will unconditionally.

Thirumeni recognized that he had been blessed to bring blessings to others, which he did throughout his life. Two words, spirituality and compassion will briefly summarize his life; he was a very spiritual person and had an immense spiritual presence. Spirituality and holiness were the basis of his ministering, preaching, pastoral care, facilitation and administering. Spirituality is rooted in a person’s attitude to life and it is the way one lives one’s life as related to the Transcendent. The nature of this spirituality is rooted and shaped by one’s identity. The identity of Thirumeni was that he was the chosen mediator and facilitator in the interaction of God and other people. He stood at the intersection of the human and divine; it was indeed a costly understanding and undertaking. This identity colored his life. The whole purpose his spirituality was to become and more conscious of the needs of others, more sympathetic and more caring; sharing and caring are inner spiritual qualities of being.

He recognized that spirituality begins and culminates in compassion. He transformed compassion from a mere lifeless word into an action-oriented life to solve problems, which confronted him. Being a very compassionate person he was sensitive to poverty in the midst of affluence and richness. He recognized three types of poverty: first, physical poverty of lack of food, clothing, shelter, and

health-related issues; secondly, emotional poverty of lack love and compassion; and finally, intellectual poverty. He addressed all these issues in his ministry.

Thirumeni understood the importance of tackling the second type of poverty first; he realized that if we have love and compassion, we will wholeheartedly serve and help those who lack food, shelter and health. All of his projects were rooted in this belief; he believed that spirituality and compassion should grow together. Thirumeni’s life is a very good example of this. This is indeed the lesson Jesus taught us through the story of the Good Samaritan. Zacharias Thirumeni was that Good Samaritan who did not allow prescriptive formulaic faith and constitutional strait jackets to prevent him from reaching out and doing the work that Jesus entrusted him. He was also a man of towering intellect and very engaging conversationalist. We may remember these dialogues and conversations because they were all about some elementary need of helping someone physically, emotionally or intellectually. We all will miss this great human being.

Unlike the life of a monk in a monastic community, a diocesan bishop is called for involvement and service to the community. He cannot become a Thirumeni, a holy person, apart from the community to which he is sent. He becomes holy within the community by ministering to it and leading a Eucharistic life every day of the week. This is why it is important not to confuse being a priest or a bishop with doing rituals, ceremonies and other such priestly things. The consummation and maturity of priesthood is reflected in the commitment and bonding between priest and his people.

Zacharias Thirumeni was a model of this this commitment and bonding. His spiritualty reflected in his compassion.

There is no litmus test to decide what is or what was a great life, but in Zacharias Thirumeni’s case we know that he left an indelible mark for us to follow his examples to create a world with kingdom values. Let us thank God for Thirumeni’s life and ministry.

The Editorial Board http://www.issuu.com/diasporafocus http://www.scribd.com/diasporafocus Disclaimer: Diaspora FOCUS is a non-profit organization registered in United States, originally formed in late Nineties in London for the Diaspora Marthomites. It is an independent laymovement of the Diaspora laity of the Mar Thoma Church; and as such Focus is not an official publication of the Mar Thoma Church. Opinions expressed in any article or statements are of the individuals and are not to be deemed as an endorsement of the view expressed therein by Diaspora FOCUS. Thanks.

www.facebook.com/groups/mtfocus E-Mail: mtfocusgroup@gmail.com

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ARCHBISHOP OFCANTERBURY Easter 2016 The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Ecumenical Easter Letter This Eastertide I greet you once again in the name of the Risen Christ, our Lord and Saviour!

We live in times in which the ultimate hope of our faith seems particularly difficult to communicate, and we look to find reassurance in the midst of doubt, courage in the face of despair, and joy in the depths of pain. Dear friends, let us continue to be comforted that we find all of this and more in the Easter story.

The day of Easter dawned on a world unaware of the transforming event of Christ’s Resurrection. It appeared that the powers that had conspired against Jesus had won the day. His friends and followers were faced with trauma of the unjust and violent death of their Lord Jesus, in whom they had placed all their faith, hope and love. They were in the grip of confusion over what those events meant, deep guilt and shame over their own failure to stand with him when he most needed them, and fear of the future, both at the hands of the authorities, and the existential dilemma that would have come with the realization that their Messiah had been defeated, causing them to go into hiding, or share their thoughts and feelings only with those of their own trusted circle.

What began to change them and the whole world was that their Jesus, the risen Lord, came to them and revealed himself to them. In the Gospel of Luke we read the account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, trying in intense conversation to make sense out of what had transpired, when “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them.”

Noting could stop Jesus coming alongside and falling into step with them, sharing their journey and their concerns and opening their eyes and hearts until they recognized their Lord. In different situations and to different individuals the risen Jesus appeared and had fellowship with them, even to Simon Peter, the one weighed down by his own personal guilt of having betrayed his Saviour. An all those to whom he revealed himself saw him and proclaimed that “the Lord is risen indeed.”

It is in this context that we rediscover the Good News of the Gospel, which we share as Christians across the globe: that Jesus makes himself known to us in our own lives, and that no power or principality or circumstances can “separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” from which we draw all of our hope.

And because he first loved us, we take courage to share this love, to be his witnesses and disciples. It becomes our call to come alongside our brothers and sisters, be they of our own faith or not, to be Christ to them in solidarity with their concerns and needs, by sharing our confidence in the risen Lord through word and deed.

May the joy of the living Christ be yours as you celebrate Easter wherever he comes to meet you.

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury

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Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus: My Beloved Brother Mr. Oommen Johnson, Kochi Therefore, do not lament on my leaving.

In this world of pain, trouble and tribulation, Just that I have not lived a little longer does not matter, It is only for a short while we are separated, We together will see our Lord, Face to face and that is our hope and faith.”

From what I have seen, heard and experienced, I admire Thirumeni for four of his qualities: 1. He was a Bishop of FAITH, HOPE and LOVE

Only but once we pass this way, let us leave fragrance on the path we tread. Those who follow the Masters steps would reach His side unwaveringly, so wrote Thirumeni.

Yes, on Dec. 27th he reached his Father's side, after a glorious life of 77 years, 3 months and 29 days in this world.

Niranom is a tiny village of paddy fields, coconuts groves, jackfruits, mango trees and sugar canes abounding in greenery. The gentle but sparkling flow of river Pampa and its tributary Manimalayar is music to ears. Her tradition encompasses the arrival of St .Thomas in AD 52.

In this village, in the Mattakkal family, Sunny was born to Sri. V. K Oommen and Srimati. Mariamma Oommen, both were employed in Govt. Service. Sunny alias Oommen Koruth became the 39th generation of priests and the second Bishop of the family.

For me, Sunny Achachen was a loving and caring brother, a counsellor and a friend, with whom I had the privilege to work with, as the Secretary of Santhigiri Trust, for over 23 years. His untimely demise created a void in me, towards the evening of my life, as his calls and visits will no more be there to refresh and cheer me up.

Dr. Zac Varghese, in the January issue of ECHO, nicknamed Thirumeni as the "Bishop of the Skies”.

Making this name more meaningful, Thirumeni’s last journey started in mid- air on his way back from Muscat to Trivandrum. Just before landing, he became unconscious and began his journey for eternal rest. We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected end of our beloved Thirumeni. As Barbara C. Reyberg, in one of her famous poems, reassured a close relative: "When I am gone from here, I will be with Jesus,

I have often wondered how he could maintain personal relationship with so many friends and church members; he made it a point to introduce many of his friends to family members as well.

On 24 Dec, 2015, a day before his scheduled return from Muscat, he phoned me up to tell that he will be arriving at Trivandrum on 26th morning, and that later on his way back from Abu Dhabi, in early Jan 2016, he would come via Kochi and visit my sister and me. Most importantly, he said, on his way to a cousin’s house for breakfast, he will see SANKARAN, who was his cook 25 years back before at Kottaym Aramana. I got a picture from SANKARAN meeting Thirumeni along with few of his Pakistani friends – a Bishop who loved and cared for his former cook.

2. He was a Bishop of ACTION COMPASSION and MISSIONARY ZEAL

driven

by

The driving force of many of his programmes and Projects - be it Santhigiri, Tharangom, Mochana, and the numerous other programmes were the results of his sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings of others.

Thirumeni was eager to win people for Christ.

Narasapuram mission field in Andhra Pradesh was one area where he paid more emphasis and attention to achieve this goal.

3. He was a Bishop with ECUMENICAL VISION Mattakkal family has ten branches and ours is the only branch with Marthomites; maybe Thirumeni’s interaction, in the formative years, with cousins of all denominations could have sown the seeds of ecumenism in him. The influence of Union Christian College, Alwaye, jointly run

by CSI, MAR THOMA AND ORTHODOX Churches has been a source of strength to his ecumenical outlook and enabled him to scale greater heights in the WCC.

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4. A Bishop with Efficient MANAGERIAL SKILLS The advice of Jethro (father-in-law of Moses) of the importance of delegation was practically implemented by Thirumeni in various Dioceses, Programmes and Projects.

His selection of Clergy and Lay leaders to head various institutions was proof of success of every programme he initiated.

My Unforgettable personal encounters with Thirumeni 1. In one of my visits to home from Ernakulam, my father asked me to visit Sunny Achachen at Perumbavoor School to make an on the spot evaluation of my brother, and as to enquire why he was growing his beard? Was it due to any problem with the School or something personal? Along with a cousin of mine I visited Perumbavoor and found achachan healthy and happy playing football with students. I noted that he had dedicated his life for Christ. I reported this to appachan. A few months later he approached appachen for permission to resign his job and go for Theological studies.

2. It was during the period when his name was announced by the nomination committee as a suitable candidate for Episcopacy that he visited me at Ernakulam. Some well-wishers told me that canvassing was necessary among Mandalam members to get requisite percentage of votes; therefore, I and asked him whether necessary for any canvassing. His reply was a firm no and not to bother about it at all. He said, "I am a priest by God’s call and if it is God’s plan only let me be a Bishop". Without canvassing he secured 96.8%, the highest percentage ever secured by a candidate so far and became an Episcopa of the Church.

3. Santhigiri Trust was started with just four founder members with Zacharias Thirumeni as Chairman, myself as Executive Trustee, Mr. George Kovoor, as Secretary and Mr. John Mathew as Treasurer. As the constructions progressed and a number of programmes were regularly held, few clergy and laymen who were close to Thirumeni, questioned its formation. With the timely intervention of Alexander Metropolitan the issue was resolved making certain amendments in the Deed. With the sincere intention of not tarnishing the image of my brother I decided to resign and met Alexander Thirumeni in one of our Trust meetings with the resignation letter in my hand.

He replied, “Johnson, there is no need for you to resign, the issue is different and we shall resolve it." After the meeting Zacharias Thirumeni told me, "you too wanted to leave me during the time of trouble?" That really did hurt me, and I promised him that I will visit Santhigiri as often as I could and do my best for the rest of my life.

4. In one of our chats, I enquired about a rumour that Thirumeni was planning for retirement. He said that such matters were private and confidential and could not be discussed. He further added that if and when he retired, he would prefer to stay in Tharangom to be with the people whom he loved and who loved him unconditionally. He had all praise for the clergy, lay leaders and the entire people of Chengannor Mavelikkara Diocese, who supported him whole heartedly in a variety of activities. God's plan was different - there was no need for retirement, God accepted Thirumeni much in advance and appointed him in Heaven.

OUR FAMILY IS THANKFUL TO ALL We thank God Almighty for giving such a wonderful "Sunny” to our parents and an unmatched brother to my sisters and me!

We thank the Mar Thoma Church, hundreds of thousands of its members and a host of friends from different denominations world over for the love, care, and support given to Thirumeni. We thank Chrysostom Valiya Metropolitan for that parting kiss, which came from his heart.

We thank all the personal staff of Thirumeni in the Aramamna who were one family for over ten years for their love care and fellowship.

ADIEU MY BROTHER ADIEU

Editor’s Note: Mr. oommen Johnson is the younger brother of Zacharias Thirumeni and he lives in Kochi, Kerala.

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Rt. Revd. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan: ‘Akashathilaye Bhava’ (Bishop of the Skies) Dr. Zac Varghese, London collection I have a photograph of Thirumeni, catching forty winks of sleep on an airport bench, totally exhausted from his work and travels. It is amazing that he also spent the last few hours of his life on this earth in the skies. Even when he was tired and when his doctors advised him rest, he struggled on, his ministry was important than his personal comforts. His untimely death is an irreplaceable loss for the Church and the humanity.

He was also greatly loved and respected by the ‘Focolare’ community, and he was affectionately known as Metropolitan Zacharias to the fraternity of Bishops in this movement and also in the WCC. He was also known as ‘Zacharias the dreamer’ for dreaming of amazing projects and plans; Santhigiri and Tharangam at Aratupuzha are examples of his dreams becoming true or demonstrating that his ideas have legs. He left a wonderful legacy through his amazing contributions. I coined the phrase: ‘A harvest of peace and a festival peace’ for writing a tribute to him in the book, ‘A journey by Faith’, published by the Diocese of North America and Europe in 1998. Let us thank God for this amazing humble servant of God who cared for the poor and the underprivileged though many charitable projects that he started during his servant ministry following the example of his master and saviour, Jesus the Christ.

It seemed like only yesterday that I opened a Christmas card and email from our very dear Zachariah Thirumeni. It therefore, came as an enormous shock to hear of his untimely and unexpected death on 27 December 2015. He was one of the great leaders and visionaries of our church and of our times. th

It seemed that from the start he was destined for greatness.

Thirumeni was born on 29 August 1938 in the family of Venparampil Mattackal at Niranam. His father was Mr. V. K. Oommen and the mother was Mrs. Mariamma Oommen. His parents affectionately named him Sunny; he maintained a sunny smiling countenance all his life. His official name was Oommen Koruth. He studied at the Union Christian College, Alwaye, and at the Titus II teachers college at Thiruvalla. He taught at various schools: the Perumbhavoor Ashram School, St. Thomas school at Mysore, and also at St. Thomas School at Trivandrum. While he was teaching he had a very special divine call for the ministry.

He then studied theology at Jabalpur and Princeton Theological Colleges. He was ordained as a deacon and then as a priest in 1966. He was consecrated as a Ramban in April 1980 and as a bishop on 1 May 1980. Therefore, he has been bishop of our church for the last 35 years. These were blessed years for those came in contact with him. He was the first resident Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of North America and Europe, and was mostly responsible for it is current status and structure. th

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The title of this obituary is based on a loving nickname that he earned as ‘the Bishop of the skies’ during his spell as the Diocesan bishop of North America and Europe, and his 15 years involvement with various committees and commissions of the WCC. He was travelling all over the North America and Europe, indeed the world for establishing Mar Thoma diaspora communities and establishing ecumenical relationships. In my

He was indeed a bright star and a beacon of light to many desperate and helpless people; one of the bright lights has now gone out. He brought wisdom and understanding through his sermons and writings. Zacharias Thirumeni was a man of amazing God-given talents, he spoke with wit, intellect and style; he wrote with ease and a flowing style. He had a poetic imagination and amazing creativity. He also wrote poetry and hymns. His very short articles in the Tharaka under the name, Mar Theo, addressed topical issues of importance with wit, logic and philosophical insights. He was loyal to the great reforming traditions of our church. He tried his best to stimulate the theological understandings, missional, sociological, ecumenical, and ecological responsibilities of the church. He was a great friend of the people, a listening pastor, and a man of strict and compassionate discipline in diocesan administration and ministry.

The Mar Thoma Church and international ecumenical communities are indebted to Thirumeni for his great contributions, and everyone who knew him will miss him greatly.

Thirumeni had an amazing God-given presence, which is difficult to define or explain, and it is something that you felt in his august presence. May God be praised for his entire amazing gift and his boundless capacity for love. Let us thank God for this humble servant of God. May his soul rest in peace.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Zac Varghese, London, U.K., was the director of Renal & Transplantation Immunology Research of Royal Free Hospital and Medical School in London.. He is also a prolific writer on religious and ecumenical issues; he continues to work relentlessly for the ‘common good’ of the worldwide Mar Thoma Diaspora communities.

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Remembering Kochu Thirumeni, Let us Thank the Lord for Theophilus Thirumeni Dr. P. J. Alexander, Trivandrum In the Thubaden, Theophilus Thirumeni’s name will not be mentioned from next Sunday onwards. He now belongs to history. What remains is the flavor of his inimitable personality, the fragrance of his unassuming selfless service, and his unique capacity to build friendships and keep them strong.

The call from the Metropolitan at the International Airport in Trivandrum during the early hours of Saturday did not ring any alarm. In fact, we thought that medical help was so close and that Thirumeni, with his usual grit and determination, would pull through – but it was not to be. The Lord wanted him there, and so he left. Let us thank the Lord for all the services of this Good Shepherd. The last seven days in Muscat were indeed hectic, and he literally died in harness. He celebrated the Holy Qurbana in all the parishes and ministered to the spiritual needs of his folk, reminding himself that it was a visit after a long spell and that he had attend to all the demands on him. Marthomites have a way with their Bishops: they love them and respect them, but they also over-utilize them. Thirumeni did indeed pour out all his physical energy in the distant desert land along with the devout Marthomites. I hear now that, in his busy schedule, he had clean forgotten to take his medicines in time for nearly three days.

Some of the parishioners who were travelling with him told me that he was very keen to get back and did not want a day or two in a hospital there or to delay his departure for medical help. It was quite like him; he had promises to keep.

What is it that come upper most to mind as I rue over the cruel destiny that snatched away a Thirumeni who was very close to me and with whom I had planned to do many things for the Church? It is, of course, the unfinished agenda of introducing necessary and urgent changes in the personnel management of the Church. It was one of the themes I had introduced during my talk to the Achens at the Annual Clergy Conference at Charalakunne a few weeks ago. Thirumeni wanted a note on those points on which he thought further action could be planned after discussion in the Synod and the Council. Thirumeni thought that mentoring of the young clergy by select senior retired Achens with outstanding track records was an idea that should be pursued.

He also thought that formal evaluation of the service of young Achens would be a good beginning for better manmanagement. He flashed one of his mischievous smiles on the conclusion of my talk quoting John 12:20 – “Sir, we want to see Jesus” – the irreducible minimum demand of the laity to their clergy. Thirumeni added wryly, “But that is a quest like one for the Holy Grail.” We had a good laugh.

Years ago, Oommen Koruth Achen was the most eligible candidate to be consecrated a Bishop of the Mar Thoma Church. He was trained as a teacher and had in him all that it takes to be a good student and a good communicator. He was so good-looking that I used to call him Kochu Thirumeni even after many younger Achens joined the ranks of the Bishops, and he thus became quite senior. The three of us, including Chandy from Kuwait, born on the last days of August, used to meet to celebrate our birthdays together. It was an occasion for introspection and sharing of the Christian fellowship. The theme that surfaced every time and on which we concluded our brief interlude was: “The Lord is good.” With Chandy leaving a few years earlier, the celebrations became rare, and it came down to exchanging wishes or stepping in for a cup of coffee or a piece of cake. Now I am left alone to think of these two friends who enriched my life so much.

Thirumeni was very fond of me, and I of him. It was at his insistence that Dr. Zac Varghese and I went to the World Council of Churches meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe. It was an exhilarating experience to think of the Christian world coming together on the single theme of Jesus, the answer. While at Harare, we went on a river cruise on the Zambezi river near Victoria Falls where Thirumeni was the host, and, but for an alert mind of Dr. Zac Varghese quickly dousing a flame that caught the loose cassock of Thirumeni, we would have a different story to tell.

Thirumeni had a dream of combining Indian asceticism with Eastern monasticism, and he thought that Santhigiri was to be a model where Christianity can be inclusive and extending a caring hand to those who are in need wherever they are. He also had visions of Santhigiri transforming itself into a self-sufficient unit caring for the body, mind, and spirit. He scrutinized every detail from the Santhi mount to the herbal garden. He thought that bringing together his contemporaries – praying, laughing, eating, thinking, meditating, resting together – at Santhigiri was bound to enrich the vision of Santhigiri as well as the fullness of life for each. All these have now to wait for someone to pick up the threads.

Each of the Bishops who have left us has in turn left behind a rich legacy. Theophilus Thirumeni, too, has left behind a unique bequest – a simple, committed lifestyle in the traditional Indian style, enriched by the teachings of the Man from Galilee who promised to transform us in all respects, from ordinary fishermen to those who cared for the lives of people. It is a challenge. I thank God for this great Thirumeni, for all his unique gifts and sacrifices for the Church. I am sure he is finding much needed respite in His presence.

Editor’s Note: Dr. P. J. Alexander IPS (Rtd.) was a Director General of Police in the State of Kerala and a Former Director and Professor of the Institute of Management in Government. He is a devoted Christian, deeply involved in all aspects of the life of the Mar Thoma Church over the last sixty years.

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Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan – A Bishop with an Ecumenical Vision Par Excellence Rev. Dr. M. J. Joseph, Kottayam Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan has been called to his Eternal home on Sunday the 27 December 2015.He has left a legacy for the Church. May God Almighty help us to translate the tenets of his legacy into living tradition of service to the whole humanity. th

and an ecumenist of repute as “Theophilus- a friend of God and of the ecumenical Movement” whose gentleness and warmth of friendship have made him a worthy ambassador of the Mar Thoma Church. (See the Festschrift volume under the title, A Journey by Faith, published by the Diocese of North America and Europe on his 60 birthday, 1998). His contributions in the Ecumenical circles at the national and global level are indeed great. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the WCC for two terms, 1991-1998 and 1999-2006.His leadership role in the several subcommittees of the WCC and the CCA have been well recognized. Dr. Mathews George, CCA Executive qualifies him as an Ecumenical diplomat. th

Who is an ecumenist?

In an article by a Roman Catholic Theologian, an attempt was made to describe the identity of the Mar Thoma Church by quoting the words of Isaac to Jacob. “The voice of the Mar Thoma Church is of the Protestant, but the hands are the hands of the Syrian Church.”. For him, the Mar Thoma Church has a dual identity. Church historians like Dr. Kaag Bago had pigeon- holed Mar Thoma Church as a strange combination of Catholicism and Protestantism, of conservatism and radicalism, of traditionalism in worship and revivalism in preaching….All the churches know a little about the tension between tradition and reformation, between Catholicism and Protestantism. But I know of no other church in the world where the tension is greater than the Mar Thoma Church…However in this tension or rather in the ability to comprehend both the Orthodox tradition and the protestant message one may find the significance of the Mar Thomas Church in the families of Christian Churches in the world. In the 349- member Churches under the umbrella of the WCC, the Mar Thoma Church has assumed a new identity of its own through the presence and participation of our Church leaders like Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan who truly represents the ethos and the identity of the Church in a creative tension. In a festschrift article on his 60th birthday, Justice K. T. Thomas qualified Thirumeni “as a blend of the Old and the New”. This ecumenical trait of Thirumeni is further elaborated by Fr. Dr. K. M. George, an orthodox theologian

I would say: those who are concerned with the affirmation of life for all in a borderless world are ecumenists. The Oikoumene vision for the whole inhabited earth makes him restless. In the ecumenical involvement of Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan one may notice his passionate commitment to the pillars of wider ecumenism. The contemporary ecumenism of today without negating the meaning of classical ecumenism affirms two important aspects of a holistic ministry. They are: -inter-religious ecumenism searching for a theological understanding of other faiths and ecological ecumenism envisioning a caring attitude to God’s creation. Santhigiri ashram, the brainchild of Mar Theophilus, is where all these three dimensions of ecumenism are given visible expressions in a humble way. Of late his a decade of service to the Chengannur-Mavelikara Diocese, as the Diocesan Bishop, Thirumeni’s secular and diaconal ministry at large is quite visible through the programs and projects of Tharangam-institutions.

The dynamic ecumenical leadership of Thirumeni is seen in his active involvement in the Nilackal Ecumenical TRUST as its first secretary. His active leadership in the WCC deliberations from Canberra (1991) to Harare (1998) and later to Brazil (2006) as a member of the Central Committee of the WCC have also left indelible marks on the sands of time.

Ideas have legs: As a practical ecumenist, the incarnation of God in Christ has its ultimate bearing on humanization. This ecumenical vision has found visible expressions through his participation in various bodies of the CCA and the WCC and the World Vision.

This concern has found a fitting space at the establishment of Mochana at Manganam, the founding of Asha Bhavan at Pathanapuram and the launching of a Cancer and Palliative care unit at Santhigiri. In a press interview published by the Malayala Manorama on his 70th birthday (29 August 2008), Thirumeni has elaborated the compelling scenes that had prompted him to start these ecumenical forums for the

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suffering ones. The family trait of Mar Theophilus, as written by a biographer P. T. Kuruvilla, makes good sense. Mattackal family had its dwelling near the bank of a river at Niranam. A river is the highest form of the ecumenical symbol. A river that flows assimilates and absorbs everything with a high sense of comprehension. The river has it borders, but it always overflows. The degree of convergence makes a delta, which becomes a sacred space. This family trait, which I call “ecumenical”, is widely attested in the life of the bishop by a host of his WCC friends and others in the Festschrift volume, ‘A Journey by Faith’ (edited by Abraham Mattackal, 1998).

None will dispute the fact that Thirumeni has been the brand ambassador of ecological Ecumenism. The ecological innovations at Santhigiri and the various speeches he delivered and the articles he wrote on eco-concerns testify to this.

the world Church for combating the evils of violence, sexism and moral decay. Disintegration of the family, he pointed out, is a result of a steep decline in spiritual life. (In a message given to the Church in Essen, West Germany) The credibility of the Church as a Eucharistic community rooted in the values of the Kingdom of God should form the basic norm for Christian praxis.

In several of the WCC negotiations, Thirumeni has been holding the flag of peace and harmony. In a negotiation of WCC in combating ethnic strife at Sudan, bishop was a participant. He was quite consistent with his message for peace and reconciliation. The Church has to get involved in conflictive situations. But the counter culture it represents makes a difference in the total situation.

In an article entitled, “Ecumenical Journey towards the 21 century”, Dr. Konrad Raiser, the former general Secretary of the WCC, calls Mar Theophilus a “faithful and sensitive member of the Executive Committee of the WCC and one who is fully aware of the hopes and crises which characterize the ecumenical journey towards the 21 Century”. In another article, Dr. Geevarghse Mar Theodosius gives credit to the ecumenical contributions of Mar Theophilus in organizing the Mar Thoma Diaspora communities in North America and Africa. Dr. K. C. Abraham, an Indian theologian of repute, speaks of the bishop as “ an ecumenical leader with passionate commitment to pastoral ministry and is one deeply rooted in the local realities. Dr. Zac Varghese of London adds colorful feathers in the ecumenical cap of Mar Theophilus by describing Santhigiri as “a harvest of silence and a festival of peace”. Writing about the ecumenical involvement of Mar Theophilus in the WCC meetings His Holiness Aram I, moderator of WCC, writes: “Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus participates in the ecumenical movement out of his own conviction and not just as a representative of his Church”. I am also happy to note that Thirumeni had the privilege to serve the Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore as its chairman during 1993-95. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Thirumeni not only as a clergyman of the Church but also as one had the privilege to serve the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary under his care as its principal. st

Scanning his Ecumenical thoughts: Our late Metropolitan, Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan, having acknowledged his leadership and ecumenical potential wrote: “We thank God for the vision and leadership of Mar Theophilus and for the different ways in which God used him to serve His people in different parts of the world.” Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Suffragan Metropolitan, who wrote the Foreword to the volume, compares him to Joseph the dreamer. One should recall the words of Dr. P. J. Abdulkalam, the former President of India in this context. “The Dream is not what you see in sleep. Dream is the thing which does not let you sleep”. The dream, which Mar Theophilus had in a hotel room at Denmark, while attending a WCC meeting, has been realized in the establishment of Santhigriri ashram.

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“We cannot do all great things, but we can do small things with great care”.

In the WCC meetings, Mar Theophilus used to remind the Churches that excellence in Christian mission should go with ethics. While reflecting on the wide impact of globalization, he cautioned the churches to remain in vigilance. He added that globalization should not be regarded as sign of unity, but simply as an economic process where ethical values are sidetracked. This has been widely reported in the WCC networks. In the ministry of the Church the pastoral and the prophetic elements should go hand in hand. He has exhorted

Editor’s Notre: Rev. Dr. M.J. Joseph, M.Th., D. Th, is the former Director of the Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore. He has also served as Professor and Principal, Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam, India.

As a former member, Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, he is widely known for his ecumenical and ecological contributions. He has served as Secretary Board of Theological Education, Senate of Serampore College (University). He currently serves as Convener, Ecological Commission, of the Mar Thoma Church. Dr. Joseph has also authored several articles, poems and books available both in English and Malayalam languages.

E-Mail: drmjjoseph_65@yahoo.co.in

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A Master of Dreams: A Tribute to Zacharias Thirumeni Dr. George K. Zachariah, Washington It is with great gratification that I learned from Dr. Zac Varghese that FOCUS was going to publish a special number to pay tribute to Zacharias Thirumeni for his great life and mission to the world at large, I greatly appreciate being asked to contribute to it. In this appreciation I venture to speak for all who have known him and have been beneficiaries of his magnificent life. Opportunities like this provide us with the inspiration to follow the path of those whom we honor.

Many years ago I was greatly impressed when I read the memoirs of the Nobel Prize winning Yiddish writer Isaac B. Singer entitled ‘Master of Dreams. I chose that title for this piece because it is an apt identification of Thirumeni when we look at his life and numerous accomplishments. I have known Thirumeni for the past sixty or more years from the days at Union Christian College, Alwaye as a student and one of my wards in Chacko Hostel. Furthermore, he was a relative of mine. The flame of friendship has burned brightly all these years. For each of us there are a few people who come into our lives at the right time and provide friendship elevating our lives to a higher stratosphere. I have had many opportunities to facilitate him during his life and lastly to give my tribute at a condolence meeting after his passing.

Many years ago at the National Youth Conference in Chicago, I was asked to felicitate him during his first visit to the U. S. after his consecration as an Episcopa. At that time, I recall, I used Robert Greenleaf’s telling phrase ‘servant leader’ to characterize him. Whenever I think of leadership, a legend from ancient Wales and the paradigm of leadership presented in Greenleaf’s book ‘Servant Leadership’ often come to my mind. In far off days the warriors of the land were rushing through the wilderness to defend their homes and win peace and security. Suddenly they reached a raging river, across which they were powerless to go. There was no bridge. To ford the angry waters was impossible. At this critical time of desperate need came one of the guardian giants of the Welsh. He laid down his great body across the torrent, and over him the men walked to safety and in the land where they had to be. Afterward the giant was heard to say, ‘He who would lead the people must be a bridge.’ Our Thirumeni was indeed a veritable bridge of the Mar Thoma Church to the world. I spoke in a diocesan meeting few years ago celebrating his 60 birthday and the Messenger had his picture on the cover page with the title ‘Servant Leader’ from my speech th

He was a unique smiling presence who brought a fresh air in our thinking and relationships. His disarming ability to be at home in many places, his uncanny way of making friends with very diverse types of peoples, his sense of humor and sharp wit, and a vision of a global church were indeed commendable. Greatness is the grandeur in the things we do

and simplicity in the way we do them; doing things that influences the lives of many people, but preserving always the greatest personal simplicity. For greatness is simplicity.

In Christian terms, our greatness depends upon the radiation of Christ in us. Andre Gide said wisely “A great man has only one concern, to become as human as possible.” There was nothing sanctimonious about him. David Thoreau remarked that there is no better equipment for what we call happiness than these fine four things: goodness of heart, freedom of spirit, gaiety of temper, and friendliness of disposition. He continued saying that ‘goodness is the only investment that never fails.” Marian Anderson, the great singer often said quoting her mother, “Grace must always come before greatness.’ Ezra Pound once remarked that we have an obligation to visit the great men of our time. Our Thirumeni was indeed such a great man.

There is a verse in Daniel chapter 12 which reads thus: “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament’ and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” His unmistakable ‘élan was obvious to all of us. He was a wise man in stature and a great man in mind, heart and soul, kindled with boundless energy. It was in his walk, in his talk and in his schedules. Kathleen Ann Porter about Marcelle, “A working angel with wings that never tires”, reminds me of a characterization. I have rarely encountered any one for whom the joy was more his ‘nature’. His infectious optimism and perpetual good cheer were unforgettable.

The psalmist tells us “He that in heaven sits shall laugh” (Psalms 2: 4).

Looking at the disparity between our pretenses and our performance we can understand Lincoln’s comment that it hurts too much to laugh, and we are too old to cry. A sense of humor can be a saving grace in many situations. It is always well to be reminded of Kierkegaard’s dictum that we should relate ourselves relatively to the relative and absolutely to the Absolute.

The tone of

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Thirumeni’s voice: soft, comforting, reasoning and above all patient. Of course he got angry with those who do not do the things assigned as well as they should. His crusty good nature and smiling face are disarming. His luminous smile, an all-embracing smile, is indeed fascinating. He had no public ‘persona’. He was always the same man, kind, gentle, modest, considerate, and totally dedicated to the mission of the church. To be with him was a benediction. Simply to be in the presence of a holy person brings with it a darshana, a form of blessing. He is one of those persons who showed me that you don’t have to have the same mother to be a brother. I will be remiss in my tribute if I don’t mention that the whole ‘FOCUS’ movement had its momentum through the unstinting support of Thirumeni. I have attended several of his meetings. Especially I remember the excellent focus seminars held at Santhigiri in 1999. All our bishops except the Metropolitan were there to bless the gathering. The Metropolitan himself heard the report of the meeting at Poolatheen with great enthusiasm and blessing.

We were indeed fortunate to have him as our Diocesan bishop. During his tenure of about eight years as the first resident bishop he accomplished much and was instrumental in the phenomenal growth of our diocese. All that is well known. I had the good fortune of serving the Diocese of North America and Europe in its Diocesan Council during his episcopacy in our diocese. He gave me many opportunities to serve. I was asked to give a message to the Diocesan Assembly, serve as a member of the National Council of Churches representing the diocese when we joined that esteemed body (The Messenger had on its cover a picture of Thirumeni, the President of NCC, and me).

He asked me to organize the Senior Fellowship, which I did.

He was instrumental in forming Yuvajana Sakhyam and Young Couples’ Fellowship. I remember once when I gave him a ride from Baltimore to Washington telling me that as long as I am here in Washington our own church building will be a reality. Within a week probably because of his blessing I was able to find the church building, which we acquired shortly thereafter. Thirumeni dedicated the church building in 1995. I had requested Thirumeni to write a foreword to my recent book ‘The Student Apostolate’s Manifesto’. I knew he was very busy. I did not hear from him when he passed away I was disappointed. However, before I started writing this

piece, and as I opened the computer I found that he in fact had responded and had written a highly complementary foreword. That was written in December shortly before his demise. He conducted the weddings of my eldest son and daughter. When he learned that my younger sister passed away, he informed us that he would come for the burial without our invitation.

I am a grateful man. I have every reason to be. He was a brother to me – A younger brother, a partner true to the end.

He was not hatched from a special egg. He came from an ordinary family like yours and mine, yet he achieved greatness through his willing surrender to God and His calling. What makes him great is that he was ‘a great man of God.’ Thomas Merton once wrote to one of his friends about Helder Camara, the Brazilian Archbishop that he was a ‘live bishop and not a rack for episcopal robes’. I repeat his words vis-à-vis Thirumeni.

During a recent visit to Washington Thirumeni casually told me that I was responsible for his becoming a bishop. To satisfy my curiosity he mentioned that it was because I was there at Union Christian College as a faculty member that he obtained admission. On his father’s suggestion that I would help him get admission there, he came. I do not think I had much to do. He got admission because of his good grades.

Mine was a minimal part. But for Alwaye, he added, he would not have probably had the vision to choose priesthood as his vocation. When I was seriously ill he took the trouble of visiting me twice coming all the way from New York. He had stayed with us quite a few times and was very appreciative of our hospitality. I spent several weekends with him at Santhigiri Ashram and one time with Dr. Zac Varghese also there was quite memorable. He was a meticulous scholar with an awesome range of knowledge and was a penetrating thinker. His ability to communicate probably none could excel. His services with his uncommon ability to sing well and chant were as is well known very attractive and soothing to hear. He used his poetic genius in writing very good Christian lyrics. His felicitous use of language both English and Malayalam to communicate meaning beautifully was a great asset.

If Thirumeni seemed larger than life when you were in his presence, the measure of his leadership is that he always pointed beyond himself. As a leader of the larger ecumenical movement he believed that true ecumenicity grew out of honest dialogue from within a tradition. He in a sense did not belong to the Mar Thoma church family life, but belonged to the worldwide church. As someone perceptively remarked “The church was a koinonia and a diaconia before it became an ecclesia.” When we think of his passing, we know that everything happens in divine punctuality. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews wrote: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Remember how they lived and reflecting upon the outcome of their life and work, follow the example of their faith.” He continues with the declaration of our faith: Jesus Christ is always the same, yesterday, today, and forever. As we celebrate the loving memory of a life that was well spent, we too are admonished by the writer to the Hebrews to do likewise.

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Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan - “The Dreaming Bishop” Dr. Thomas Abraham, USA It is a great honor to write about Zacharias Thirumeni, a great servant of God. It is said that dreams come true sometimes for some, but Thirumeni’s dreams came true always. Most people dream about their own progress in life, for greater achievements and glory, but Thirumeni’s dreams were all for uplifting the poor and the needy and preparing our people for a gospel-oriented ministry and mission with values of the kingdom of God. In quiet moments he dreamed about what and how to establish various projects to help the sick, the poor and the needy. This is reflected in the establishment of various charitable institutions he built.

Thirumeni started his career as a teacher at Asram School, Perumpavoor. There he had a divine call to enter into the ministry of the Mar Thoma Church. He obeyed that call faithfully in the way Samuel and Isaiah obeyed: ‘Here I am, you called me.’ or ‘Here am I, sent me.’ The rest was the entire life of Zacharias Thirumeni that we came to know and witness; it was indeed an amazing life. He faithfully enlarged several folds the talents God entrusted him for the benefit of humanity; God will be certainly pleased with his accounts.

My association with Thirumeni started when he was an Achen in New York, while he was a student at Princeton theological college and later at Boston University. Oommen Koruthu Achen was ordained as a bishop of Mar Thoma church in 1980. He was the first resident bishop of the diocese of North America and Europe. He was a great visionary. The Sinai Mar Thoma Center was designed and built under his supervision.

Our relationship grew stronger while he was our bishop in America. I had the opportunity to take care of his medical needs. Some of my doctor friends also took care of his health issues. They remember him as a gentle smiling bishop. He was a charmer, polite, diplomatic, and charismatic.

The establishment of Santhigiri, Alwaye and Tharangam at Avattupuzha were the fulfillment of his dream. The medical clinic at Santhigiri was built with the financial support of the Association of Physicians and Dentists of the Mar Thoma Church in North America (A.P. D. M). We are thankful for his continuous encouragement and support of the A.P.D.M. In February 1998, the Santhigiri Medical Clinic was dedicated and inaugurated. I attended the ceremony with my daughter Marina. At that time we performed an acupuncture clinic at Santhigiri. During that time we also visited Munnar and Vattavada were there is a Mar Thoma Mission center, which Thirumeni helped to establish. A.P.D.M also helped to establish a medical clinic at Vattavada and has been supporting the clinic financially since then.

In 1998 he invited my wife Marykutty and I to attend the meeting of the World Council of Churches in Harare, Zimbabwe. We were able to attend the conference for two weeks and the wonderful memories are still vivid in our minds.

In 1999, we toured the Holy Land for nine days with Thirumeni and Dr. Zac Varghese and Elzi Zac of London, England. It was a great learning tour in which Thirumeni explained about the

various places Jesus lived and worked. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we all spent together and remember them as though they happened only a few days ago. While we were in Israel, we discussed and designed the building of a chapel at Santhigiri. Soon after, A.P.D.M. members made a substantial contribution for the building of this chapel.

We also discussed about a series of ‘For Christian Understanding and Solidarity- FOCUS’ seminars at Santhigiri, establishing a diaspora center for the Mar Thoma Church. The Diaspora Sunday in the month of November following thanksgiving in the United State, and the Special Diaspora Issue of the Mar Thoma Messenger were the results of these discussions in the Holy Land. It was while sitting by the side of Sea of Galilee one beautiful moonlit night that we discussed how to finance the building of the beautiful chapel at Santhigiri; it was indeed a very memorable visit; the chapel always reminds me of this visit. There are so many other intimate personal moments in our lives, but they will always remain personal and blessed moments. We are very grateful to God and to Thirumeni for the friends that he brought to our lives as well. He had an amazing network of loyal friends and we share our loss with all of them. It was sad and a great shock to hear about the illness and untimely and unexpected demise of Thirumeni. It is a great loss for the Mar Thoma church, the ecumenical movements and for those who cross his path. His unfading Love and smiling face will last in our memory forever. Thirumeni has gone to his heavenly Father, who will recognize him as Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25: verse 40.

Thirumeni told me a story about a two-year-old child calling him Jesus. I can tell you that story: one day he visited my son Sajan, his wife Sera and their daughter Marissa in Boston.

While he was stepping into house, my granddaughter Marissa, who was two years old at that time ran to her mother and said mommy Jesus is here. Children are innocent and they tell the truth. He was truly a representative of Jesus on earth. He had a personal affection for my family. Whenever we talked, he always asked about the children and how we all were. He never forgot to mention my children by name and frequently discussed the Bible with my son Mathew. His passing away was a great loss for my family. He will never fade away from our memory and will be remembered always. It is very rare and precious to come across such a good friend and it was a God-given friendship.

Let us be thankful to God for giving us a great leader of the Mar Thomas church, the world council of churches, ecumenism and a humble servant of God. He always had a soft corner of his mind for the sick, poor and needy fellow human beings. Our great tribute to him will be to try to follow his good examples he left with us. His vision was for healing the fractured world; let us continue that healing process. May his soul rest in piece with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is sitting at the right side of his heavenly Father the Almighty God.

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A Posthumous Personal Letter to Zacharias Thirumeni: Lal Varghese, Esq. Dallas Dear Zacharias Thirumeni, I recollect our friendship since 1977, and it happened while Thirumeni was serving as the Vicar of St. Thomas Mar Thoma church, Kozhencherry as Rev. Oommen Koruthu Achen and I just began my practice as an Advocate at Pathanamthitta. I remember, Thirumeni telling me that while studying at U. C. College, Alwaye, Thirumeni was hesitant to enter the class because all the other students (23 of them) were girls and Thirumeni used to wait outside the door and enter the class only after the lecturer came in. I told you Thirumeni then that we studied at the same U. C. College, Alwaye took the same main subject, sat on the same bench in the same class, but Thirumeni studied before I was born.

Later I had the privilege and honor to work closely with you Thirumeni in my capacity as the Secretary of the undivided Mar Thoma Church of Dallas during the period 1995 and also as the first secretary of Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch in 1996. I remember one crucial moment during 1995 when the issue of the name to be given to both parishes came as a stumbling block for an effective decision making for Thirumeni. Both parishes wanted the name Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, which was the name of the undivided Mar Thoma Church in Dallas since 1976, and both parties wanted the same name since it was a prestige issue too for both groups. At the meeting of the representatives of both parishes during the Family Conference in 1995 hosted by the Mar Thoma Church of Dallas in DFW Hilton Conference Center near DFW airport, I remember with gratitude that Thirumeni accepted my suggestion to give the name Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch to those who moved to the City of Farmers Branch and Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Grand Prairie to those who decided to continue in the old facility in the city of Grand Prairie.

Thirumeni suggested the names to both parties at the meeting as your decision, and both parties whole-heartedly accepted this. It showed Thirumeni's decision-making capacity by satisfying both parties.

I also remember Thirumeni asked me to write a detailed report of the parish for the year 1996 including all incidents relating to the formation of MTC Dallas, Farmers Branch, so that it can be record for the future generations and Thirumeni approved the report for the year 1996 along with minutes of the annual general body of the parish. I recollect the opportunity I had to work closely with Thirumeni as Diocesan legal counsel from 1995-2001 until Thirumeni left this Diocese. It was during Thirumeni's tenure as Diocesan Bishop that the Diocese built the present diocesan Center in Merrick, New York and dedicated the same in 1998.

Thirumeni you are the builder of this Diocese and its parishes. It was also during this time that Mar Thoma Church was accepted as a member of the Council of Churches in USA. Thirumeni was elected to central executive committee of WCC during your tenure here.

I remember couple of incidents first one in 1998 during the dedication of Diocesan Center at Merrick, NY. I was not able

to enter into the building and participate in the dedication service due to the limitation of space inside the Aramana.

When Thirumeni came to know after the service that I was not able to get inside (I was the Diocesan Legal Counsel) you came down and took me to the inside of the Aramana. It shows Thirumeni, your attention even to little things and concern for people close to you.

I remember Thirumeni has to appear before the civil court in New York as a witness in a case (Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church et al., Appellants, v. Thomas C. Alexander et al.) in your capacity as the Diocesan Bishop by few members of one of our parishes in New York. Thirumeni you told me that it would first time that in your life that you will be appearing in a court in connection with a case. We discussed about the case including pleadings filed from both side, relevant provisions of the Sabha Constitution especially regarding parishes. I have briefed Thirumeni about the type of questions that can be asked from the attorneys representing both parties. Finally, I am glad that New York Supreme Court ruled that Mar Thoma Church is a hierarchical Church and parishes are under the Diocese of the parent denomination.

Another incident I remember during the Navathy celebrations of Chrysostom Thirumeni, you asked me for the photos of Mexico mission, which I provided and you included my name also in the Navathy Memoir among the list of people who helped the publication of the Memoir.

Finally, in 2000, when you came first time to my house along with Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Suffragan Thirumeni you made fun of me by saying that it took me seven years to invite the Diocesan Bishop to my house and that too only when my relative Thirumeni came to my house.

I also keep in my memory our contacts each other by e-mail all these years discussing about various issues of the Diocese and parent church in detail especially how to keep our future generation in the faith journey of the Mar Thoma Church. My last contact by email with you was on Dec. 17th, 2015, the day Thirumeni left to Muscat. I thought I would reply after Thirumeni returns from Muscat, but you have gone to be with our Lord. In that e-nail Thirumeni you wrote to me: “Dear Lal, ..............................Tonight I am going to Muscat for the Christmas programs at different parishes......................” Thirumeni you asked me to follow up certain matters, which I have suggested in my e-mail to Thirumeni, which I sent to you couple of days ago. I assure you Thirumeni that I will follow it up as Thirumeni's last wish, which was entrusted to me as a faithful member of Mar Thoma Church. I pray that we can meet you beloved Zacharias Thirumeni with our Lord Jesus Christ for an eternal life. Thanks.

Note: Probably the last song composed by Zacharias Thirumeni, which reveals him as an instrument of love of God almighty. Please click the link below to listen to the last song written and composed by Zacharias Thirumeni. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIDWY2y5XDs

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Condolence Message from the WCC General Secretary on the Passing Away of His Eminence the Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus, Suffragan Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church Eminence was a faithful bearer of the global fellowship. He served as a member of the Central and Executive Committees of the WCC for two terms; from 1991-1998 and 1999 to 2006. Alongside this he was also a member of the Special Commission on Orthodox Participation in the WCC, a member of the WCC Asia Regional Group (1999-2006) and the WCCCCA Joint Working Group. He represented the WCC in various ecumenical and pastoral solidarity visits as part of the Decade to Overcome Violence. (2001-2010) Even as we mourn his loss we are grateful to God for the many ways in which His Eminence enriched the Church and the Ecumenical movement through his leadership and witness.

Geneva, 28 December 2015, in a letter to His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma, The Metropolitan, Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church I am deeply saddened to hear that His Eminence the Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus, Suffragan Metropolitan has been called to eternity. On behalf of the World Council of Churches I wish to offer my sincere condolences to you, the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, his bereaved family and all those who mourn the loss of this exemplary minister of the Gospel of Christ.

His Eminence Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus made immense contributions to the Church and the Ecumenical Movement in various capacities.

Consecrated a bishop of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church in India in 1980, he served as Diocesan Bishop in different dioceses in the country. He also served as Bishop of the North America-Europe Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church and was based in New York, USA from 1993 to 2003. His episcopal ministry was marked by a remarkable commitment and an ability to respond to the spiritual and social needs of his context as evidenced by his contributions to the strengthening of the mission work in the dioceses that he ministered.

I had the privilege of meeting His Eminence when I visited Kerala in 2011. His longstanding association with the ecumenical movement is a wonderful example of a strong and steadfast commitment to all it stands for. Having attended the WCC assemblies in Canberra, Harare, PortoAlegre and Busan, His

At this time of separation and sorrow, may the following verses from 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 offer all of us who mourn the needed strength and solace: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.”

May the comfort and consolation of our Lord Jesus Christ who said, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted,” become real to us in our time of need.

As we thank God profoundly for the life and witness of His Eminence Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus, may his soul rest in peace and rise in glory and may his memory be eternal.

Yours in Christ, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit General Secretary World Council of Churches

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Our Beloved Zacharias Thirumeni – A Good and Faithful Servant of God Mr. Abraham Mattackal, Los Angeles When a small number of Marthomites living in the greater New York area in the early 70's were rightfully told by their Church authorities to join the local Episcopal or Presbyterian Churches for their Sunday worship and other service-related needs, the arrival of Rev. Oommen Koruthu as a student at Princeton Theological Seminary was a God-sent opportunity for them to have Mar Thoma services held by one of their own Achens whenever he could make it. Even though regular contacts on a daily basis was not at all feasible in those days, yet Oommen Koruthu Achen kept his appointments to lead Committee meetings or attend any special functions at members' apartments. Even during the time of his doctoral studies at Boston University after obtaining his Masters from Princeton, Oommen Koruthu Achen came down to New York/New Jersey whenever he could to conduct a Sunday Service or attend a private function. I have written a few times in the past about an incident that happened in one such function.

Oommen Koruthu Achen agreed to come for the house warming of our first house in Teaneck, New Jersey. It was scheduled for the second Saturday in April 1974 at 5 p.m.

Achen told me in advance not to send anyone to the Railway Station to pick him up and that he would walk down to my house. It was continuously snowing from the morning on and by evening there was an accumulation of about 1 ½ ft. of snow all around. All the streets were covered with snow.

Since the cold wind was blowing with snow flurries and Achen did not arrive up to 5.15 p.m. we were worried and looking through the window. At about 5.30 p.m. we saw Oommen Koruthu Achen coming through the snow with great difficulty. When he reached our front door, I noticed he was not even wearing a snow boot but only a thick sandal type shoe. After the function, when Achen was about to leave with my friend to stay overnight with him, I gave Achen a check for $75.00 (which in those days was a high amount of gift) with which I thought he would buy a much needed snow boot. To my utter surprise, I received in mail a stamped receipt from the Mar Thoma School for the Deaf,

Kasaragod (if I remember correctly) “for the $75.00 you gave to Rev. Oommen Koruthu” after about two months.

Most of the early settlers in the United States particularly in the East Coast Region, kept in touch with Oommen Koruthu Achen after his return to Kerala in 1976. No doubt they were delighted to know that on 26 of April 1980 Rt. Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom, Suffragan Metropolitan initiated Oommen Koruthu Achen in to the order of Ramban and on May 1, 1980 he was consecrated as the Bishop of the Mar Thoma Church with the name Zacharias Mar Theophilus, by His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan. The name 'Theophilus' meaning ' God's friend’ had been very much relevant in what he did as a Teacher, as a Mar Thoma Priest and finally as the Suffragan Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church. Bishop Theophilus knew his mind and mission. He was determined to achieve his mission, under any circumstance. All the early settlers in this Diocese received the news about Zacharias Thirumeni’s appointment in October 1993 as the first resident Bishop of the Diocese of North America & Europe with much enthusiasm and joy.

He traveled extensively in the North American continent to connect with our people living not only in cities and towns but also in remote areas of the United States and Canada, and organize Mar Thoma congregations or parishes wherever needed. Under his leadership, the Diocese of North America and Europe entered into a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to provide shelter for the deprived people within the American Society. When it was decided by the new Diocesan Assembly and Council to sell the Diocesan Center in Philadelphia so that a new one could be built in New York, Zacharias Thirumeni lost no time in the planning and development of a new one. The Sinai Mar Thoma Center in Merrick, New York where the offices of the Diocese and residential units are situated is an epitome of architectural beauty constructed with the guidance and supervision of Zacharias Thirumeni. th

Zacharias Thirumeni truly believed from the very beginning that whatever position he was placed in, he was prepared to face the challenges and go beyond his responsibilities for the benefit of the oppressed, the unwanted, the least and the lost. That is very much evident from the numerous projects and institutions he was involved with from the very beginning of his priesthood such as Thomas Mar Athanasius Memorial Center at Manganam, Asha Bhavan, a center for physically handicapped, Mochana, a center for rehabilitation of the Alcoholics and above all Santhigiri Ashram, a spirituality and retreat center with a medical mission among the non-Christians. Thirumeni's vision was to create a Resort Center at Santhigiri for the spiritual rehabilitation, for the old as well as the young, irrespective of one's religious beliefs or social status where people seeking inner peace, perfectly in harmony with nature, can spend time together or in solitude and where the lonely and helpless will be given support and guidance. That vision was accomplished when

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he was the Bishop of this Diocese. Although the nine acre land on a barren hill area, about 7 kilometers from Aluva, was purchased with the money received from the sale of Thirumeni’s own family property in Niranam, various projects at Santhigiri such as Medical and Dental clinics, the Meditation Center, Prayer Tower, the Garden of Prayer, hostels, living quarters, the fish pond etc. were all built with donations and contributions received from committed members from this diocese and around the world.

Tharangam, Aarattupuzha was the last major project Zacharias Thirumeni was involved in. His last visit to the United States was to collect funds for the completion of that project. During his first stop in Los Angeles, he stayed with us for three days when he had a chance to meet with many of his old friends. Bishop Theophilus was elected to the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches at its 7thAssembly held in 1991 at Canberra, Australia and later was elected to its Executive Committee. Those of us who worked with him closely during his tenure as the Bishop of North American Diocese , remember very well the enthusiasm and the vigor with which Thirumeni attended various meetings of the Executive Committee and many sub-committees of the WCC from time to time. Under the leadership of Zacharias Thirumeni and Dr. Zac Varghese of London, U.K. a three day FOCUS Seminar was held at Santhigiri in the late 90's in which Mar Thoma delegates from Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Middle Eastern Countries, and U.K. And North America attended. All our Mar Thoma Bishops also participated in that Seminar.

up his essential being. Nothing deters him or destroys his energetic enthusiasm and vibrant sense of humor” wrote Dr. Charles A Ryerson III of the Princeton Theological Seminary.

President of the World Council of Churches and Bishop of the African Methodist Church His Grace Vinton R. Anderson wrote “ Bishop Zacharias has consistently promoted the unity and wholeness of the Church and has, in appropriate ways, opposed the dividing issues “. To His Holiness Aram 1 of the Catholicos of Cilicia, Antelias, Lebanon, “Bishop Theophilus was a “man of prayer, commitment, knowledge and vision. “ Rev. Joan B. Campbell, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in USA wrote, “Like the Mar Thoma Church itself, Bishop Theophilus has served as a bridge between East and West, Orthodox and Protestant, Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere”. Rev. Wolfgang Glade, Superintendent and Dean of the Protestant Church in Essen, Germany wrote: “His words, well applied, impressed the old and the young and to everyone's mind, he was a wonderful friend sent by God to us.”

Zacharias Thirumeni was well aware of the struggles and agonies the early settlers had to go through in the 60's and 70’s. He had heard about many stories and seen some of them with his own eyes. Above all he experienced himself many difficult situations during the time when he was a student in this country. I heard about a few difficult times he faced when he was a student at Princeton. The monthly allowance of $17.00 scholarship money he received from the University was for food expenses and other personal expenses. Since the hostel mess was closed on Saturday and Sunday, very often towards the end of the month Oommen Koruthu Achen had no money left to buy any fast food or even a cup of coffee during the week ends. In the United States Thanksgiving, the 2 most important holiday in the country, is celebrated on the last Thursday in November to remember about the difficulties the early British immigrants, pilgrims as they are often called went through in the winter of 1620 A.D. nd

My association with Zacharias Thirumeni extends over 42 years. Volumes of writings are needed to fully express the feelings and gratefulness of hundreds and thousands of people all around the world whose lives were touched, healed, reconciled and renewed through Thirumeni's genuine faith and gracious ministry. Wherever he was posted as an Achen or as a Bishop, Zacharias Thirumeni did something for the benefit of the poor, the needy and the community at large. It is very much apparent from the numerous articles written by many friends and dear ones from around the world in the book “A Journey by Faith “published in 1998 on the 60 Birthday celebrations of Zacharias Thirumeni. I had the honor and privilege to serve as the Editor and Publisher of this book. th

“The initiative, decisiveness, energy and good nature displayed by Bishop Theophilus on various occasions sum

To coincide with the Thanksgiving celebrations, the Diocesan Assembly and Council in 1999 passed a Resolution to celebrate Diaspora Sunday in our Diocese every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to remember about the struggles and tragedies our early settlers faced in the land of their settlement without friends or dear ones nearby. Zacharias Thirumeni’s help in this decision is unforgettable and with great gratitude we started celebrating Diaspora Sunday every year from 2000 on in our Diocese.

God willing, our efforts to get Diaspora Sunday on our Church Calendar would be successful during the next Mandalam meeting. The sudden passing away of our beloved Zacharias Thirumeni is an agonizing experience to thousands of his friends and dear ones all around this world.

A worthy Ambassador of the Mar Thoma Church, Zacharias Thirumeni has very well demonstrated in his life that the quality of interpersonal relationship is fundamental to the fostering of the ecumenical movement. He was a man of God. His very life exemplifies what it means to live by faith in God's grace. He was a real inspiration to many who loved him so much. Thirumeni will always be remembered in our hearts and it is our hope and belief that one day we too will join with him in the presence of Angels and Archangels.

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Memories of Zacharias Mar Theophilus Thirumeni Mr. Thampy Kurien, Boston, USA* *[A Talk given at the Memorial service held by the Diocese of North America and Europe at St. John’s MTC, NY on January 12, 2016. Mr. Kurien is one of the Sabha Council members for the Diocese] Respected friends,

Theodosius

Thirumeni,

Achens,

and

Mathew 10:42 says, “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

What am I to do? I expect to pass through this world but once. Therefore, any good work, any kindness, or any service I can render to any soul of man or animal let me do it now, let me not neglect or defer it, for I shall not pass this way again. Our beloved Zacharias Thirumeni lived true to this old Quaker saying. He was a man truly dedicated to the ministry he had chosen, and leaves for our church a void that is difficult to fill.

almost every parish had difficulties dealing with issues of starting congregations, building churches etc. and he had to deal with all these, which he did with much wisdom. He handled reconciliation meetings with a winning smile.

I served as building committee convener for Boston Parish at that time. This was a painful task, and it was only because of Thirumeni’s prayerful support and wise dealings that the church was completed. Ours was the last church building that he dedicated before he left USA. His name is etched on the granite foundation stone, on the front wall of our church.

Because of this connection I developed a close relationship with him. Before he left he said he would come for my daughter’s wedding. Surprisingly he happened to be in New York at the time of her engagement in May 2013, and attended this ceremony. He also came back and conducted her wedding in August 2013. At that time he visited our church and conducted Holy Communion. This was his last visit to our church.

I was able to support some of Thirumeni’s projects and I know many of you here have done it too, projects such as Navathi, Shantigiri, Karuthal, Vivaha sahaya nidhi, Higher education loan project, etc. I also had the privilege of attending the inauguration of Navathi project, Archana Ecumenical hall at Shantigiri, Tharangam Palliative and Cancer Center in Arattupuzha, and Kaval Counseling and Cancer Center at Haripad.

There is a lot one can say about Thirumeni, and most of you have already heard or read plenty about him.

You may have had a chance to associate with him while he was a student here, and while he served as our first resident Diocesan Bishop. I just want to briefly say a few things, some of which are taken from his book ‘Ormakaluda Edanazhiyiludae’ and some from my personal relationship with him.

During his term in USA, he saw the growth of several parishes, the building of several churches, including the Boston Carmel Church, as also the Diocesan center in New York. In his book towards the end, he gives the details of his service in USA, titling it as ‘Anugrahithavum Durithapurnavumaya Jeevitham’, and saying in English that it was “the most blessed and the most miserable life”. During the growth period

He cared for the homeless evidenced by his Navathi project, done in honor of Chrysostom Thirumeni, which was initially for 900 houses, but ultimately went to 2050 houses. Balance from that fund is still being utilized to give 100 houses every year.

He cared for youths and their education, which led to Higher Education Loan Project that supported professional education for more than 200 students in Chenganoor – Mavelikara Diocese. His concern regarding marriage for girls led to Vivaha Sahaya Nidhi, which has supported marriage for more than 500 girls. Care for elderly, widows and widowers led to the Ministry for Widows Widowers and the aged in his diocese.

Caring for children, he had Bodhana, which equipped children in holistic spiritual nurturing to become good

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citizens with Christian values. And so the list goes on.

According to his book there are thirty-six active projects going on. It is interesting to know the story behind some of his projects, and I would like to tell you about two of them.

1) Karuthal Project In 2005 when Thirumeni took charge of Chengannur – Mavelikera Diocese, he visited a family in Shornoor.

The husband had cancer, and had to sell his store for money for treatment. His wife, a teacher lost her job due to absence from work, because of taking time off for her husband’s care. The older daughter left school to care for her little sister. They lost their possessions, and literally were on the street even without food. He saw the agony of the family. Karuthal, the cancer support project, which cares for the family as a whole, was started for families like this, and today ten years later, they provide resources to more than 1500 such families.

development , Camp, Retreat, Prayer and Meditation Center, Convention center, De- addiction center, a Vocational development center for specially challenged people, and ecumenical Dialogue center.

The Amphitheater is a famous tourist attraction now.

There is an auditorium that needs to be completed and donations are welcome for this last project as well as for sustaining the place.

Dr. Zac told me that Thirumeni was called the ‘Bishop of the skies’, or ‘Akashathilaye Bava’, a nick name he earned because of his extensive travel while he was in charge of North America and Europe, and fifteen years of involvement with World Council of Churches.

Amazingly he spent the last few hours of his life on this earth, also in the skies.

2) Asha Nikethan – Mochana Project One morning Thirumeni was about to leave Kottayam Bethel Aramana, when a young lady came and told about her hardships, of no food, no job, mother terminally ill, father an alcoholic etc. He promised to help her. From this came a small-scale industry to provide jobs for woman making umbrellas, bookbinding and a printing press, as also the deaddiction center. The first Mar Thoma alcoholic anonymous group was formed.

Thirumeni once said all things are possible if we connect the human needs, and every project is a Biblical response to a contextual challenge. Thirumeni loved beautiful things, like art, music, paintings, flowers, gardens, and animals. All these we can find in Shanthigiri and other places he created. Santhigiri means peace and harmony. Here, one can experience the presence of God through the relationship between people, animal and nature. It has beautiful gardens, an ecumenical retreat center, an artistic chapel, medical service center, rooms for overnight stay, and plenty of areas just to relax and meditate. I stayed in Shantigiri on three different occasions.

He had more plans for Santhigiri, and one was to start a Monastry. According to Dr. Zac, a friend of mine in London, Thirumeni abandoned this idea after his experience of spending two days in a London Monastery, which Thirumeni called “The most miserable days in his life”. Tharangam is envisioned to become a HUB for more than 36 mission and humanitarian projects of the Diocese- like, Cancer and Palliative care, Counseling, Human resource

About five years ago Thirumeni faced death while at Lakeshore Hospital. He was on a ventilator after prostate surgery. He survived and wrote in his book ’I do not know why this last extension from God’ and quoted from Cardinal Newman in England ‘one step enough for me.’

I want to end with what Thirumeni wrote in the beginning of his book, something similar to the old Quaker saying I mentioned earlier.

Orikkalayi mathram nam yeevazhi pokunnu Poya vazhiyil narumanam avasheshikkatte Nadhante Pathe pokunnavarPatharathe Nadhante charay anayum Yevarkkum athu bhavikkatte.

Memory of the righteous will be a blessing (Proverbs 10:7) We will cherish his memories and let the memories empower our thoughts and actions.

Please join me in singing one stanza of one of Zacharias Thirumeni’s favorite Maramon songs: “Stothrthin ganangal padeedum gnan yennum…..2011 Marmon convention song.

Thank you and May God Bless our Mar Thoma Church

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Walking Down the Memory Lane: Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan Rev. Thomas George, Olivet Aramana, Chengannur He was a great man, spiritual father, a brother, social worker, humble at heart, rich with ideas, gracious, soft spoken, dignified, a gentleman, a thinker, a poet, a school teacher, a sports coach, a singer, a guitarist, a lyricist, visionary and missionary, an architect, an engineer, a designer, an ecumenical person, an interfaith leader, theologian, liturgist, and a “big-boss” to nobody.

There are people… who have been taught by him at school, whose weddings he blessed including my parents’, who were ordained by him, who have worked with him as colleagues, who have been clergy with him, who have been bishops with him, who have enjoyed his hospitality, who have hosted him at home, who have travelled with him far and wide, who have been partners with him in his mission endeavors, who have been his secretaries of which I have the privilege of being the last in the list, the second last being Rev. Thomas K Mathew.

He would plan his week meticulously. He would have special time for prayer and meditation, reading, writing, preparing for sermons, for visitors, for Diocesan project discussions. To say “His Grace” yes grace was over flowing from his face all the time with a graceful smile that comforts all and covers you with a fatherly care. He did look like Santa by face and by the acts of gifting hope and assurance in life for multitudes. The projects, institutions and missions that have been initiated by him are all on the basis of Christian love and concern for humanity, to live life dignified.

The last five months spent together was such a blessed time; to know him personally, to work for him

and with him, to live with him, to learn a lot of things from him. He was witty and quick at it. He would laugh his heart out and that is an event to see. He would pull your leg like a grandfather out of love. You have no idea of how tech savvy he is. Clicks pictures on his iPod and iPhone S 6 plus, active on Whatsapp, Facebook and e-mails; and was interested in getting familiar with the latest of technologies and gadgets.

Days’ round up and next days’ schedule was confirmed before saying “good night” each night. For the staff at Olivet we realized only today that there we won’t be able to hear “good night” anymore.

Rajuchayan has been Thirumeni’s driver for over three decades. From Ambassador to Audi cars have changed with time but their relationship have only grown deeper from just a driver to a soul keeper. He Saji joined as cook to Thirumeni looking down the memory lane of 16 years it is he who have made sure Thirumeni’s biological clock is intact. Binu aka Kuttan joined Thirumeni 8 years back, from the Peringala Mission Field. He made sure Thirumeni’s cassocks were pressed, the garden was irrigated, tea/coffee was served to all the guests according to what Thirumeni had in mind. Binu aka Kothamangalam joined Thirumeni’s cook four years ago and continued to be so till Thirumeni skipped a meal and went to the heavenly abode. Nebu Ipe serves as the Aramana office staff typing out and filing correspondences. This is his third year. Rev. Thomas K Mathew aka Gudu Achen was handpicked by Thirumeni fresh from the Seminary. Ever since he was ordained in 2005 he has been serving with Thirumeni in His vineyard with such dedication, passion and guidance from Thirumeni.

Thomas Achen knows what Thirumeni’s next thought was going to be. This knowledge comes only with affection and experience. The love they shared cannot be measured. Neenu Kochamma, Shona, Kuchi and Mishty were so close to Thirmunei’s heart like a father and a grand pa to the kids.

Praise God for the life of Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan. Our Zacharias Thirumeni has gone to the Diocese in heaven. At the coming of our Lord we will meet him again. The great man he was, his immortal memories will remain with us forever. Thank God for Thirumeni’s blessed life that inspires us to live as a human being spreading the love of Christ.

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'Are We Not Brothers?'

Sermon by Rt. Late Rev. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan [Extract from Devotional Address delivered at Maramon Convention 2008 Original in Malayalam: Translated for ‘Light Of Life’ by Editor Dr. Rajan Mathew Philadelphia, USA] 'Now the LORD had said to Abram, Go out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you: And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing: ...Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you?

Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.'

[Genesis 12:1-2; 13:1-11]

Key Verse of the above cited scripture portion is that 'Are we not brothers? Are we not sisters?’ In addition to these two questions, we should add two more questions for our meditation in this lent period: "Where do we go? What do we go for?" We live in an age of increased conflicts, confrontation, friction, feud, litigations and altercations. Even Churches and social organizations are not exception for these. Peace and happiness are now got escheated. Growth and progress are now shriveled up. As each one considers his brother as enemy, violence and plunder are increased. In this context, the question of Abraham, 'Are we not brothers?’ is very relevant, apt, significant and worthy of thought. The separation of Abraham and Lot is described here. This portion gives us a

message how to handle strife with utmost maturity, prudence, wisdom, discernment and humility.

In the first two sentences, we read that, God the Lord had chosen and separated Abraham. Lord told him to leave his country, relatives, and father’s house and go to the land shown by God. The command was to believe and trust God to go from security to insecurity.

It was a challenge and promise to Abraham. It was an invitation to plunge into an uncertainty. The promise of God was that he would be a blessing for all clans and families of the earth. At the age of seventy-five years, Abraham took Sara his wife, and Lot his brother's son and started his journey to Canaan. Canaan was inhibited by Canaanites and Perizzites. Abraham was an alien to the land. Abraham pitched his tent and built an altar there to the Lord as per his worshipping practice. The tent and altar were incessant companions of Abraham. This involves two major thoughts, firstly, Abraham considered his life of this world as a pilgrimage, and secondly, he was a true worshipper of Lord. He practiced it wherever he was, whether it is in Shechem, Bethel, Canaan or any other place.

It was at this time there was a famine in the land of Canaan. The famine had shaken Abraham and he failed to recall for a while about his call and mission of God and his solemn vows. Overpowered by his selfthoughts, Abraham went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. There, we see that Abraham did not make any altar in Egypt. As he made his own decision he messed up everything.

His care for self-security made him to loose his esteem, honesty and dignity in Egypt. Though she was old, Sarah was beautiful. Eventually, Sarah had to reach out in the palace of Pharaoh with clandestine involvement. The thoughtlessness of Abraham had caused to jeopardize him. Pharaoh treated Abraham well for her sake: and he gave him sheep, oxen, heasses, menservants, maidservants, she-asses and camels. These indecent and improper riches stooped Abraham to an indecorous and problematic life.

One of the causes for the restlessness of our contemporary society is indecent and improper riches.

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Though Abraham became very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold, his improper wealth has caused feud, strife and quarrel in the household. The herdsmen of Abraham and herdsmen of Lot started to quarrel each other. Their possessions were so great that they were not able to dwell together. However, Abraham did not desire that this strife among the herdsmen should outspread to the owner's level. Here there are two important pertinent questions: How to handle strife and how to handle prosperity? Exactly as the poverty is a big setback for the society, the riches are also a burden. There is a burden of care in getting them, fear in keeping them, temptation in using them, guilt in abusing them, sorrow in losing them. Great possessions make men heavy and unwieldy. The quarrels due to riches are the reproach of wealth, and give occasion, as much as any thing, to the adversaries to bring shame for the name of God.

Now the riches are turned out as catalyst for breaking relations. The consideration of our relation to each other, as brothers and sisters, should always prevail to subdue our passions and thwart our contentions.

Brothers should be loved as brothers above all prosperity. This is the great biblical consideration.

Abraham made the first overture of reconciliation with affection and great consideration and with a condescending spirit. The proposition of Abraham was ruled by reason. Let there be no strife between us and let us part as friends and brothers to turn away any wrath and for the sake of peace. If we need to keep peace, never render railing for railing.

Lot had an eye to the goodness of the land. Jordan was well watered everywhere and with great greenery.

It stood near to Sodom. That valley was like the Garden of Eden itself. Lot chose all that plain of the Valley of Jordan. Earth is now the center of dream of man. The evil choices and settlements are guided and governed by the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye, or the pride of life. But our choices should be based on Christian principles. What we feel best for our life may not be the best for our souls.

We read of the sorrowful parting between Jesus and the young rich man. The young man asked Christ what he should do more than he has done to obtain eternal life. Jesus had a kindness for him and He loved him.

Jesus said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." This story points to us the difficulty of the salvation for those who have an abundance of this world. The riches of good men are the fruits of God’s blessing and it is to share with the neighbors.

Last year this time, Mar Thoma Church had decided for making 1500 houses for poor and called for the participation of its members. The plan was to raise nine Crores of Rupees to make 1500 houses at the rate of Rs. 60000 for each house. Above the expectations of all of us, the Church members had sumptuously contributed fourteen Crores of Rupees which was sufficient for building 2500 houses. Now we have around 3500 applications and we will be able to give houses for these applicants in course of time as the funds are still coming in.

Religion should not be limited within the four walls of Church. God had become man to be with man. Jesus was a campaigner for the poor, oppressed, tormented, separated, rejected, neglected, marginalized and hated by the main stream. That is the way of Christ.

Church is established for this same cause. 'Are we not brothers and sisters?’ That is the root thoughts for all these.

Worldly wealth is given to us as a steward. It is not for the self-use, but it is to share with others; by which the giver and the taker both get joy out of it. True piety will very well consist with great prosperity. The Christian way is not grabbing but it is sharing. We should be thankful to God for whatever we have received.

Editors Note: Thirumeni’s sermons (video) delivered during Maramon Convention since 2011 are available at the official web site: www.mtconvention.com.

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Is Christ Really Risen?

Mr. P. Jegadish Gandhi, Vellore, India [The resurrection of Jesus Christ was a major argument of St. Paul’s in 1 Corinthians 15, where he defends the truth of the resurrection by explaining the whole Christian gospel depends on it: “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied” (1 Corinthians 15:14; 17-19). St. Paul explains that the resurrection is not only a fundamental part of the gospel, but it is the glue that holds every part of the gospel together.

Without it, Christians believe in vain and are without hope.

This is the gospel Zacharias Thirumeni preached and lived for. May his soul rest in peace and resurrect in glory; let us have the eternal hope that Thirumeni being made right in God’s sight, and having eternal life through Christ Jesus. The following reflection by Professor Gandhi is a fitting way to end this memorial issue. Editors] Let the Lenten season come. Come controversies, claims and counter-claims related to the life story of Jesus Christ. This season, ‘Risen’ is an American biblical drama film directed by Kevin Reynolds, and written by Reynolds and Paul Aiello was released on February 19, 2016.

It is about a Roman soldier’s search for Jesus’ body following the resurrection. The plot goes on like this: after crushing a Zealot revolution lead by Barabbas, Clavius, a powerful Roman tribune, is charged by Pontius Pilate to investigate the rumors of a risen Jewish Messiah and to locate the missing body of Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth), in order to quell an imminent uprising in Jerusalem during the first 40 days following Christ’s resurrection. Failing to find the body, Clavius seeks and finds the disciples of Yeshua, and unexpectedly finds the risen Yeshua. Pilate learns that Clavius has apparently betrayed him, and sends a contingent of Roman troops to pursue Clavius and the followers of Yeshua. Clavius helps the disciples to evade the Romans and witnesses the healing of a leper, and then the ascension of Yeshua into heaven.

We see Clavius struggling to reconcile what he has seen with what he knows of the world.

“Passion of the Christ”, Gibson’s 2004 blockbuster, is known for its gory and controversial presentation of Jesus’ crucifixion. The multitude of faith-based films that have since followed Gibson’s work have failed to

surpass the director’s 2004 project, including last year’s much hullabaloo “rival”, “Son of God”. The new biblically inspired film, “Risen” takes an imaginative approach to the New Testament accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, who the Bible describes as being resurrected from the dead three days later. The new film is told from the perspective of a fictional top Roman military official who oversees Jesus’ death on a cross. The unbelieving tribune, named Clavius, is commanded by Pontius Pilate “to find the body, dispel rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.” “Risen” picks up where that film dropped off in the biblical story of Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension”.

“Risen” is the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection and the weeks that followed, as seen through the eyes of an unbelieving Clavius, a high-ranking Roman Military Tribune. Clavius and his aide Lucius are instructed by Pontius Pilate to ensure Jesus’ radical followers don’t steal his body and claim resurrection.

When the body goes missing within days, Clavius sets out on a mission to locate the missing body in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem. At the end of the film, the Roman solider confessed: “I believe… my life will not be same again”. “Risen,” offers contextually accurate, real-world journey that reminds us that even the most unlikely person can be drawn to – and forever changed by – Jesus.

The Empty Tomb was narrated in three Gospels (Matt.

28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-11). In forty days Jesus made enough undeniable appearances to convince each of his disciples – even skeptical Thomas – that he had indeed overthrown death.

Reports of Jesus’ resurrection resound throughout Acts. “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25).

Paul is very emphatic in his words: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and is your faith” (I Corin.15: 13-14). My wife and I had the opportunity to visit The Empty Tomb as part of our Holy Land tour in 2013.

We came out with some inexplicable experience both physically and spiritually and uttered involuntarily “He has risen; He is not here”. Let us go and tell others! The message of Easter is: The Risen Lord reigns today waiting to descend soon to meet and judge all of us. Are you ready to meet the really risen Christ in the Second Coming!

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Zacharias Thirumeni: A Remembrance Dr. Titus Mathews and Mrs. Sarah Mathews, Calgary, Canada We knew Zacharias Thirumeni as a student of Union Christian College, Aluva, as the Vicar of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Kozhencherri and as Bishop of the Diocese of North America and Europe. He has visited us in Calgary several times and stayed with us. We have visited him in Santhigiri and in Olivet Aramana, Chenagnnur. We had a personal relationship with him, which went beyond that of a bishop and mere parishioners. Because we were members of the same Church and alumni of the same college, we had many common interests to share. His visits with us were always memorable and happy occasions. With his passing we feel we have lost a vital connection to parent church and indeed to Kerala.

bought with Thirumeni’s inheritance, it is a center of meditation modeled on the Taize Community in France for young and old. The Ashram was built with all the small and large gifts Thirumeni received while he was the Diocesan Bishop in North America.

Many memorabilia he had collected during his extensive travel throughout the world are displayed in the Santhigiri Museum. Thirumeni was very proud, rightly, of the Santhigiri. We had the opportunity to visit it and stay there on a couple of occasions and enjoyed the environmental beauty, peace and tranquility of the place.

There was little in his early childhood to point that he would become such a luminous personality that he became later in life.

He was an ordinary student in NSS College in Changanassery, but in U.C. College he found his way forward. While a teacher in Ashram School in Perumbavoor he found his real calling to serve the Lord and blossom in life. He went for theological studies at Leonard Theological Seminary in Jabalpur before getting ordained as a priest in 1966. When he was appointed as vicar of the Mar Thoma Church in Mysore, that parish was not doing well at all. The school they started was in dire straights. By the time he left it was a flourishing parish and the Mar Thoma School had become one of the best schools in Mysore.

Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan spotted his potential and arranged to have him study at Princeton Theological Seminary in US. After completing M.Th. degree he joined the Boston University for doctoral studies, which he completed in 1976. On returning to India he became Vicar of Santacruz Mar Thoma Church in Bombay. Next important assignment was to be Vicar of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church in Kozhencherry, our mother parish. It was while there that he was chosen to be an Episcopa in 1980 with the highest vote in Sabha Mandalam in the history of the Mar Thoma Church. Thirumeni considered it as a blessing and a privilege to be given an Amsvadi made from those used by Yuhanon Mar Thoma and Alexander Mar Thoma at the time of his consecration.

Mar Thoma Church has been blessed with eminent bishops from time to time. Zacharias Thirumeni was one in that illustrious list. Thirumeni was a visionary, aiming at and planning the big picture, not just the immediate ones, with a holistic approach. He was a builder of institutions, just like Mathews Mar Athanasius before him for the benefits and uplift of people spiritually, physically as well as socially.

Giridipthi. Mochana, Asahabhavan, etc., are testimonies to his vision and concern for disadvantaged people. Under Thirumeni’s supervision, the Thomas Mar Athanasius Orientation Center became a training center for priests posted to serve parishes abroad.

The Santhigiri Ashram in Edathala near Aluva is a true memorial for Thirumeni. Built on a ten-acre plot of land

The growth and strength of the North America &Europe Diocese can be largely attributed to Zacharias Thirumeni.

He was the first resident bishop of our diocese. When he became the diocesan bishop in 1993 all we had was a bunch of disparate parishes in a few places. He brought them all under the umbrella of the diocese. He was the architect of the beautiful Diocesan Center in New York at its location in Merrick Avenue, half way between JFK and LaGuardia airports. From there he travelled to all parts of United States, Canada and Europe and established new Mar Thoma parishes and congregations in accordance with the constitution of the Church and pledging allegiance to the Metropolitan. He had to face certain difficult challenges, such as appearing in a court of law, which was very painful to him.

At the Canberra assembly of the World Council of Churches, Thirumeni was elected to its council and its Executive Committee. He was re-elected for a second term in 1998 at the Harare assembly and thus served for fourteen years in that capacity. Serving as the Bishop of North America and Europe diocese and on the Central Committee of WCC allowed Thirumeni to travel all over the world. His travels were not sight seeing tours, but study tours. He also used every occasion to meet with Church leaders. Thus he met Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict as well as Pope Francis.

He attended the Anglican Communion gathering and met

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Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace, his official residence. Wherever he went he sought out old friends and members of the Church to spend time with them to encourage and uplift them in their spiritual journey.

fascinated and marveled at the beauty of the Canadian Rockies whenever we took him to Banff, Lake Louis and other such spots and wondered at God’s creations - how great and beautiful they are!

Thirumeni had the opportunity to work with three General Secretaries of WCC. Emilio Castro from Uruguay, an eloquent orator and a philanthropist, was the General Secretary at the Canberra assembly. Konrad Raiser, from Germany, succeeded him. Later Sam Kobia from Ghana succeeded him. All of them have come to Kerala and delivered messages at the Maramon convention. The Mar Thoma Church was seen with high respect at WCC and Thirumeni was partly responsible for that. With Juhanon Thirumeni as a former President and Dr. M.M. Thomas as moderator of WCC many people were well informed of our Church. Thirumeni was the ecumenical face of the Mar Thoma Church not only internationally but also in Kerala.

In spite of his ascending the higher steps of ecumenical ladder, Thirumeni remained a humble person at heart.

Thirumeni had a gentle demeanor and a pleasant smile, and he was known as the ‘smiling Bishop’ among the children.

He did not show anger in his speech or actions. He was very people-oriented and had made friends from all over the world at all levels. Whenever he came to Calgary he showed keen interest in meeting with the Anglican Bishops and priests who helped us with services when we had no resident priests and thanked them for their assistance. His friends, especially from college days were very dear to him.

He would visit them at every opportunity irrespective of whether they were members of Mar Thoma Church or not.

They all loved him dearly and were very proud of him. He had an ability to deal with people at their level, whether they were leaders of Churches in the West or just humble servants in his Aramana. He treated his driver, cook and others as members of his family and held family prayers with all of them included. He had the rare capacity to empathize with people in any situation, and offered help and consoling words to them. When visiting us he would sit in the kitchen to talk to us rather than remain in the living room.

The Mar Thoma Church is a worldwide Church today.

Thirumeni played a vital role in making it so. He was very proud of the uniqueness of the Mar Thoma Church. The specialty of our Church is that it embraces the features of both the Western and Eastern Churches. Once Thirumeni presented a problem to the General Secretary, Dr. Emilio Castro, of WCC that “the Mar Thoma Church is not included in the Orthodox group of Churches. It is not a Protestant denomination.

Neither is it included in the Anglican Communion. It cannot be enlisted in any of the reformed Church Groups”. “You are a unique Church”, Dr. Castro replied, “and that’s your specialty.” The Mar Thoma Church is talked of in the corridors of the Central office (of WCC) at Geneva as “a Church with an Eastern altar and a western pulpit”.

In 2001 Thirumeni returned to Kerala and took charge of the Chengannur - Mavelikkara diocese and lived in the Olivet Aramana for the rest of his life. There he was fully engaged in development activities.

Care, Ministry for widows, widowers and the Aged (MIWWA), Higher Education Loan Project (HELP), etc., were the result. The last time when we visited him in Chengannur he was engaged in building Tharangam, an imaginative new ‘Mission in Action’ retreat center in Arattupuzha. He had the blue print for the project ready and showed it to us with great enthusiasm. We are told; it has become a gathering place, functioning with a palliative care facility, living rooms for visitors, buildings for addiction remediation and other facilities.

Thirumeni had the gift of language and he was very proficient in both Malayalam and English. He wrote several books and composed many devotional songs and numerous short poems. Many of the songs found their way into Maramon conventions.

Two CDs ‘Santhagadha’ and ‘Adramayi’ contain some of the songs. He had a great sense of natural beauty and endeavored to make his projects beautiful. That is quite evident if you visit Santhigiri or Tharangam. The open-air stadium in Tharangam is built on the banks of Pampa River where there are also statues of Jesus Christ as well as his favorite disciples. Pictures taken there would give the impression that one is on the shores of the Sea of Galilee with them. This is a true testament to Thirumeni’s imagination and genius spirit. He was always

Thirumeni was always concerned about the growth of parishes and the wellbeing of his flocks. Once on his visit to us in Calgary, he asked about the mission and charitable projects of our Parish. Hearing the lame answer that we are a very small parish and we do not have the human resources or financial power to take up any major mission activity he said “every true Christian, every Marthomite is a missionary and every other person he or she encounter is a mission field. If your attitude, words or action in any way inspire and influence that person to experience the love of Jesus, that itself is a wonderful mission work.” He continued to ask “how many of your neighbors or friends join you in a worship in your house or in your Church? As a Parish how are you attracting others to worship with you and feel the power of true worship? Your church is not only for the Mar Thoma members, but a mission field to bring others to Christ.”

Those words and advice still echoes in our ears and heart.

In recent years Thirumeni was not in very good health. He had to be hospitalized several times. In spite of this, Thirumeni carried on to discharge his duties as diocesan bishop. He used his God given talents to enlighten others, uplift the downtrodden, shared the unconditional love of God with others and spread the good news to the ends of the world. He made our Church and us proud of him as our good shepherd, teacher, caregiver, visionary and good friend. His ministry was a very blessed one. His passing away is an irreplaceable loss for us. He will be missed terribly but loved and respected always.

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An End Piece: Three Phases of a Spiritual Journey: Home Coming and a Father’s Kiss Dr. Zac Varghese, London

community told about her reflections on the painting of prodigal son in this way: ‘whether you are the younger son or the elder son, you have to realise that you are called to become the father.’ Nouwen did not realise this amazing transforming stages in his life, but Mosteller continued: ‘You have been looking for friends all your life: you have been craving for affection as long as I have known you; you have been interested in thousands of things; you have been begging for attention, appreciation, and affirmation left and right.

The time has come to claim your true vocation–to be father who can welcome his children home without asking them any question and without asking them anything in return. Look at the father in the painting of Rembrandt and you will know who you are called to be.

We, at Daybreak, and most people around you don’t need you to be a good friend or even a kind brother. We need you to be a father who can claim for himself the authority of true compassion.”

The following is a reflection after watching a video on the funeral service of Zacharias Thirumeni where Chrysostom Valiaya Metropolitan stooped down and kissed Zacharias Thirumeni. This gracious act touched people around the world in different ways, but it reminded me of the incidents described by Henri Nouwen in his book, ‘The Return of the Prodigal Son.’ This book is based on his reflection on a painting of the same name by the Dutch artist Rembrandt.

Professor Nouwen on leaving twenty years’ teaching at Harvard University moved to ‘Daybreak’ in Toronto, L’Arche centre for disabled and mentally handicapped people where two of his friends commented about three stages of his spiritual journey. In that, he saw himself as the prodigal son, the elder brother, and the benevolent and gracious father. Rembrandt’s painting influenced Nouwen enormously and his book on the painting is a spiritual classic. Sue Mosteller who had a significant role in bringing Nouwen from Harvard to Daybreak

Chrysostom Thirumeni’s spontaneous act of the visible expression of love touched many of us differently. It was an amazing spiritual moment on that sad day when Chrysostom Thirumeni put himself in the father’s place and kissed him. The journey about talking and teaching about love to acting in love is not an easy one.

Zacharias Thirumeni’s life was a love in action. It was not a ‘’need-love, but a ‘gift-love’ in the way CS Lewis described.

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Farewell Mar Theodosius Thirumeni

Welcome Mar Philoxenos Thirumeni

Thank you Theodosius Thirumeni for your sacrificial service in the Diocese of North America and Europe of the Mar Thoma Church for the past 7 plus years (January 2009 to March 2016). You dredged the unknown paths and visited the less frequented Samaritan wells including Mexico Mission, Native American Mission and Neighborhood Mission and gave special consideration to the needs of the Diaspora Marthomites especially the younger generation born and brought up in this Diocese. You did not build any structures for the Diocese, but built the people especially the younger generation, which resulted in the formation of Alter Boys and Covenant Girls who assist in the service including girls assisting in the Madbaha. When you move in to the new horizons of your shepherding ministry in the new Diocese in Mumbai, FOCUS wishes you the best and prays that our Lord may keep you in His providence to continue the faith journey of the Mar Thoma Church. May our Lord bless you and our prayers will be there always for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to be showered upon you and your ministry and to continue the faith journey of Mar Thoma Church.

Welcome to Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa who takes charge of the Diocese of North America and Europe on April 1, 2016. Thirumeni will be completing 40 years as a priest on June 9, 2016 and will be completing 23 years as a Bishop of the Mar Thoma Church on October 2, 2016. Philoxenos Thirumeni obtained MA degree in theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, NJ. (1985-1986). Thirumeni secured PhD. from Banaras Hindu University on the topic “Doctrine of grace in Vaishnavism and Christianity.” Thirumeni served as Diocesan Bishop at Bombay – Delhi Diocese (1993-2001), Kottayam–Kochi Diocese (2001-2008) and Chennai–Bangalore Diocese (2009 – 2016). Thirumeni also served as a faculty member at Mar Thoma theological Seminary at Kottayam.

(1992 – 1993) At present Thirumeni is the President of Senate of Serampore University, Central Committee member of World Council of Churches (WCC). Thirumeni initiated the Navjeevan Center in Mumbai, and also “Dharma Jyothi Vidya Peeth” at Faridabad, near New Delhi. FOCUS welcomes Mar Philoxenos to this Diocese. May our Lord Jeus Christ Keep Thirumeni in His providence in your shephering ministry in this Diocese.

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Funeral Service of Zacharias Thirumeni Photo Series - 1

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Funeral Service of Zacharias Thirumeni Photo Series 2

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Funeral Service of Zacharias Thirumeni Photo Series 3

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