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Malankara World Journal
Arch Cor Episcopa Dr. Kurian Kaniamparambil Special
Volume 5 No. 310 October 23, 2015
Note: Pictures of Kaniamparambil achen's funeral are added. Please click the Table of Contents below to see the new enhanced Contents. |
II. Articles on Arch Cor Episcopa Dr. Kurian Kaniamparambil
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അന്ത്യോഖ്യായുടെയും കിഴക്കൊക്കെയുടെയും പരിശുദ്ധ പത്രോസിന്റെ അപ്പോസ്തോലീക
സിംഹാസനത്തിൻ കീഴിലുള്ള യാക്കോബായ സുറിയാനി ക്രിസ്ത്യാനി സഭയുടെ ഔദ്യോഗീക
പത്രപ്രസ്താവന
പുത്തന്കുരിശ് ● ലോകപ്രശസ്തനായ സുറിയാനിഭാഷാ പണ്ഡിതനും എഴുത്തുകാരനും ആകമാന
സുറിയാനി ഓര്ത്തഡോക്സ് സഭയുടെ ആര്ച്ച് കോര് എപ്പിസ്കോപ്പയുമായ മലങ്കര മല്പ്പാന്
വന്ദ്യ ഡോ:കുര്യന് കണിയാമ്പറമ്പില് ആര്ച്ച് കോര് എപ്പിസ്കോപ്പ കര്ത്താവില്
നിദ്ര പ്രാപിച്ചു. 103 വയസ്സായിരുന്ന അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ അന്ത്യം ഇന്ന് (ഒക്ടോബര് 19)
രാത്രി 10.05 മണിയോടെ എറണാകുളം കാഞ്ഞിരമറ്റത്തെ വസതിയില് ആയിരുന്നു. സംസ്കാരം
പിന്നീട്. പരേതയായ സാറാ കുര്യന് ആണ് ഭാര്യ. ശൈനോ കുര്യന്, ശ്ലോമോ ചെറിയാന്
എന്നിവരാണ് മക്കള്. കെ.എ കുര്യന് കോടിയാട്ട്, കെ.എം ചെറിയാന് പണിക്കമറ്റത്ത്
എന്നിവര് മരുമക്കളാണ്.
പ്രിയങ്കരനായ അച്ചന് പരിശുദ്ധ യാക്കോബായ സുറിയാനി ക്രിസ്ത്യാനി സഭയുടേയും ശ്രേഷ്ഠ
ബസ്സേലിയോസ് തോമസ് പ്രഥമൻ കാതോലിക്കാ ബാവയുടേയും ആദരാഞ്ജലികൾ!
Source: JSC News
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Source: Kanjiramattom St Ignatius Jacobite Syrian Orthodox
Church; SOCMNet
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Note from the Editor:Three years ago, when we were celebrating the birth centenary of Kaniamparambil achen, several of achen's disciples and friends asked me to produce a special souvenir edition of Malankara World Journal on that occasion. The time was very short and I tried very hard to collect enough articles to produce a souvenir edition. One of the persons I contacted was His Eminence Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, Metropolitan of Aleppo. Thirumeni promptly sent an article for that occasion. Unfortunately, I didn't get other promised articles in time. So, I decided to publish the special edition on another memorable occasion - perhaps on achen's 105th birthday and kept the article on reserve. Unfortunately achen didn't make it to 105 and so I am releasing the article in this edition of Malankara World Journal.This is a very special article. As we all know, Gregorios thirumeni had been abducted in Syria along with the Bishop of Greek Orthodox Church while on a humanitarian mission. It is over a year and we still have no words about the whereabouts of His Eminence. The article shows how caring His Eminence is and his great mastery of the English Language and HE's ability to write powerfully. Please pray for the safe return of Thirumeni who is very special for all of us and is a mentor of our current Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, Bava.Below is the cover letter from His Eminence. The original of this letter can be found in pdf form in Malankara World website. The original article, given below, can also be found in pdf form in Malankara World.Dr. Jacob Mathew ![]() Secretary, Holy Episcopal Synod It is my great pleasure on this special occasion of the centenary of our dear Malankara Malpan V Rev Dr Curien Corepiscopa Kaniamparampil, to write my reflection in some words. I hope that the birth century celebration of Malankara Malpan will take place, and it will still have a good impact on others, who believe that our dear Dr Curien Corepiscopa is a good model for us. Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim Metropolitan of Aleppo |
February 27, 2012
(1)
It was early and crispy February morning in 1980. After a demanding long flight
from Damascus to Cochin, with brief stopovers in Dubai and Madras, and
invigorated with the prospect of my first Episcopal mission, I reached my
destination. I stepped off the plane for the first time on Keralian soil.
I knew this land very well through deciphering ecclesiastical manuscripts,
archival documents and books in Deir Alzaafaran monastery, Tur Abdin, Mosul,
Damascus and Rome. I had dreamt that one day I would see the Indian home of our
beloved church which was blessed by St. Thomas the Apostle. It had been the
platform for his mission, a fertile ground to plant his immortal church, which
was the cause of his martyrdom and final resting place.
(2)
I was called, at thirty, without prior warning and chosen by the Lord to the
episcopi, and ordained in 1979 by His Holiness Patriarch Mar Ignatius Yacoub
III, as the Metropolitan of Aleppo. Patriarch Yacoub III was a Malayalam
speaker, a renowned scholar and historian of the Church in India. He treasured
his Malankaran experience and taught us to love the church in India, which he
considered a second lung of the Church. I was humbled by the honour afforded to
me by the Patriarch, appointing me the Apostolic Delegate, representing the
Supreme Head of the Church and presiding over the ceremonies of the celebration
of the See of Antioch at the Patriarchal Monastery at Omallur.
(3)
Omallur or Omalloor is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, where the River
Achankovil marks the eastern border of the Omalloor Panchayat. Omalloor is a
place of peace and harmony. There are many historically important spiritual
places of worship, Church feasts (Palliperunal) and pilgrims in Omalloor.
Manjanikkara Dayara is famous as an important place of pilgrimage. Every year
thousands of pilgrims come by foot to the tomb of the Patriarch of Antioch and
Saint Mor Ignatius Elias III at Manjanikkara.
The task was mammoth and the success of the mission was complex, and of
paramount importance. Nothing could prepare you for the task at hand. This
intra-church occasion had profound significance. The apostolic delegates,
represented the mirror or the prism through which the Church of Antioch was seen
by the faithful in India. Through the conduct of apostolic delegates, the
incumbents of the See of Antioch were judged.
(4)
The busy programme of the celebration was scheduled to start with a meeting of
the clergy in a small church not far from Cochin.
The Malpan of Malankara, Corepiscopa Dr Curien Kaniamparambil, an ingenious man
renowned in the Church East and West, whom I have heard about and was eager to
meet, was due to preside and preach in this meeting.
(5)
I entered the quaint church from the main western door facing the altar and
preacher. The scene in the church was an unforgettable experience. The small
church was packed with hundreds of clergy seated in orderly rows like pupils in
a classroom ogling with reverence at their teacher. Their senses were all
focused on the septuagenarian elder leaning on the podium as he was delivering
his sermon. They were eagerly receiving his words like a string of pearls of
wisdom.
Unfortunately, I could not fully understand the sermon, which was
delivered in part in Malayalam, the local vernacular. However, our reverend and
inspired Malpan was reciting in a beautiful Syriac homily of St. Ephrem the
Syrian, and translating sermon into Malayalam for his audience. I was impressed
with his perfect choice of homilies and the way he was adopting the teaching of
church fathers to spiritualize the occasion. I quietly took may place at the
nearest available place at the back of the church and became an integral part of
the quietly listening mass of pupils.
In such an electrified milieu, you could not but reflect and meditate fervently
on his homilies. I realized how the Holy Spirit works to move us and transfer
our life. I felt that the Malpan, I was listening to was truly gifted: a
Man of
Charisma. V Rev Dr Curien Corepiscopa proved to be able to harness all his
spiritual gifts for the good of the church. His diction and presence influenced
us profoundly and struck a chord with me as I imagined a similarity with Paul
the Apostle as he was addressing the Corinthians' about spiritual gifts. (1
Corinthians 12:1-3)
(6)
At the end of delivering his sermon, the preacher announced the arrival of the
young Apostolic Delegate. After a warm and reverent welcome, he invited me to
join him at the altar to deliver to the congregation the Antiochian message on
behalf of the Patriarch of Antioch. To reach the altar I had to negotiate a maze
through the audience with difficulties. Fr. Curien used perfect Syriac to
introduce me. As I was standing beside this spiritual giant the "Man of
Charisma" in that auditorium of shepherds, I felt the weight of the most
difficult early experience of my Episcopal vocation.
(7)
I reflected on my happiness for safely reaching the shores of Kerala the blessed
land of St. Thomas. I felt at home and delighted by the generous Indian
hospitality I received. I was delighted to visit the jewel of the Syrian
Orthodox Church of Antioch (SOCA) at the beginning of my Episcopal vocation.
After a short reflective pose, I turned to our Malphono, who was standing beside
me reverently and supportively, and said: "As I was listening to you pensively,
I was reminded of Great Church Fathers like St. Ephrem the Syrian, Mar Jacob of
Serug, Mar Balay and Mar Isaac of Antioch, who were the bright beacons who
guided our way. Today, I can see them through your stature, hear their voices in
your discourse and immerse myself in their spirituality through your writings. I
experienced such a phenomenon at the onset of my Episcopal journey of witness. I
was encouraged and exhilarated by the vitality of our ancient Church and its
ability to produce such apostle who could carry the beacon of its spiritual
message to the nations, while working to consolidate their apostolic
responsibilities and strengthen the church.
(8)
"There is no second chance to make a first impression." Since our first
encounter, I felt that we were closely related in thought, spirit and vision.
Our relations went from strength to strength maintained by mutual respect, and
admiration. Every time I had the opportunity to visit Kerala I was eager to find
some quality time to spend with our beloved Malpan whether at his house, Church
or his parish. Each time, I discovered a new quality, vigour, strength and depth
in his character and felt enlightened and enriched spiritually.
You are a "Man of Charisma", and generous in deploying your Charismata to
enliven others on their way. According to our Church's dogma, talents and gifts
are the work of the Holy Spirit and not the work of humans; it is more than
ceremonial and parades.
The mission of our Malpan Corepiscopa Curien Kaniamparambil, as any other priest
and shepherd of the church, was continuously subject to the test of the Holy
Spirit. During his long service in the vine of the Lord, Dr Curien had
successfully set a shining example in deploying his gifts and aptitudes in the
fulfilment of his vocation, pastoral duties and the passion of our Lord for
unity. His religious discourse, teaching, books and disciples are all living
testimonies to how he managed to use the "Gifts" that were bestowed on him by
the Holy Spirit. He was a shepherd, teacher, grammarian, exegesis, thinker and
reformer, to uphold the Church's dogma and unity.
(9)
Today our Church joyously celebrates the life of its captivating centenarian.
The curious question is how the celebrated Malpan managed to nurture all these
talents and what are the lessons for us to draw from his life, and
accomplishments? The answer is very simple for those who knew the stations of
the cross of his early journey. It could only be the Holy Spirit which worked in
him, on him and with him.
(10)
In 1925, he was enrolled as a 12 year old in the seminaries, and ever since,
lived under the aegis of renowned Church Fathers and mentors of the seminaries.
Some of them were beatified as Saints, such as Metopolitan Sleeba Mor Osthathios
Bava, Metropolitan Paulose Mor Athanasios, Metropolitan Elias Mor Yulios Bava.
He learned the necessary Biblical knowledge, liturgies and other essential
subjects of the syllabus. His considerable abilities were soon to be detected by
his teachers. Therefore, special care was given to nurture his abilities until
he had the call to serve the altar.
(11)
He knew all the Patriarchs of Antioch of the twentieth century, Mar Ignatius
Ellias III (1917-1932), Mar Ignatius Ephrem Barsoum (1933-1957), Mar Ignatius
Yacoub III (1957-1980), and Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas (1980). He was
blessed by receiving all his ordinations to the deaconate, Priesthood, and
Korepiscopi at the hands of Patriarchs, or their Apostolic Delegates.
(12)
In appreciation of his intellectual endeavours, Patriarch Ephrem Barsoum awarded
Very Rev Dr Curien with a Golden Medal, one of the very few medals that
Patriarch Barsoum conferred on worthy people throughout his 24 years as
Patriarch of Antioch. Succeeding Patriarchs bestowed upon him with titles of
honour. Patriarch Yacoub III bestowed upon him the title of The Malpan of
Malankara. Patriarch Zakka I bestowed upon him three honorary titles: Korooso
Dashroro (Preacher of the truth), Contemporary Jerome, and the Syriac Poet of
India. Catholicos Mor Baselios Paulose II awarded him two honorary titles:
Nathaniel, and Bar Hebraeus. Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I gave him the title
of Malankarayude Ezhuthachan. Abraham Mor Clemis gave him the following titles:
St. Michael the Syrian (the Great), Bar Salibi, and Bar Hebraeus.
He also received befitting honours from ecclesiastical and academic institutions
in appreciation of his work.
(13)
We, with great pleasure, are adding to the long list of honour and grace and
bestow upon him deservedly the honorific title: MAN OF CHARISMA.
(14)
One of the advantages of the celebrated is his ability to forge good relations
with native Syriac speakers. Visiting Metropolitans, and Patriarchs who came
from Antioch enabled him to acquire an excellent command of the Syriac language
and to excel in reading, writing and speaking it. He mastered Syriac like a
native speaker. He acquainted himself with its literature, most of the available
books on poetry, homilies, and liturgies. He also became familiar with
theological, religious, historical, and philosophical sources which he came
across in books or manuscripts.
(15)
His publication record covered more than eight decades. He was probably the
youngest author, and he is now the oldest author in SOCA. He translated the Book
of the Morning prayers from Syriac to Malayalam when he was 15 years old;
Reprinted editions of this book are still in use in SOCA. His next
accomplishment was translating the Syriac Grammar Book at the age of 18.
He kept up his publishing momentum. His publication record exceeded 88 titles,
in three languages: Syriac, Malayalam and English. It reflected his command of
languages and the depth of his intellect. Among his publications were, a
Syriac-Malayalam, Malayalam-Syriac Lexicon, Syriac - English Lexicon, a novel in
Syriac entitled Marghonetho (The Jewel), a Poetic Bible according to St Mathew
in Syriac, and a poem on Mary Magdalene in Syriac. He crowned his list of
publications with a new translation of the Bible from Peshito Syriac to
Malayalam including the apocrypha. Thus, such involvement of the "Preacher of
Truth" with Syriac literatures enabled him to live an enriched life with the
Syriac Fathers in their Holy Syriac milieu.
(16)
His passion for the Syriac language and literature crystallized his thoughts and
visions. He harnessed his talents and deployed his energies in the service of
his Holy Church and his beloved people.
He never declined a request to work, where his talents were needed within the
institutions of the Church or hesitated in making his service available when and
where needed. He gave special aMention to Sunday schools, where he spent almost
half his working life (around 30 years) as a headmaster.
(17)
Nothing can oil the wheel of progress and prosperity of a church, keep it
steady, and make headway in rough seas and the swift and reckless changes in our
world today, like providing proper religious education to enable future
generations to flourish and mentor and coach future leaders for the march ahead.
His active involvements with higher education sprang from his conviction that if
the church is to continue it needs its intelligentsia.
Such passion for education is still energizing him, on the eve of his
centennial. He is actively involved in researching and writing a new book
entitled: History of Syriac language and literature in India and world.
He was constantly displaying intellectual efforts and adding daily new spiritual
footprints at an advanced age. This could only be sustained by an exceptional
Man of Charisma, in a milieu that encouraged and appreciated such acumen.
(18)
Our heartfelt congratulations to our blessed Church for nurturing such a
spiritual giant.
Congratulations to India for having produced and nurtured an exceptional child.
Congratulations to the Syriac speaking world for producing and presenting such a
gift to the rest of the world. He is a great scholar, who advanced the knowledge
of scripture and Syriac language in a multilingual and multiethnic environments.
Congratulations for the Kaniamparambil family that gave their son to the altar.
The Church is grateful for such a valuable gift. As to his family, I would
specially like to mention his beloved daughters Santhamma and Somi, and all his
grand and great grand children. Your father is special to you, to us and to the
entire SOCA. His sublime status, standing, reputation and memories as a
clergyman and scholar are prominent and eternal.
Congratulations to all those who had the opportunity to be mentored by him
during their vocation.
Joy and blessing to us all who knew, loved, and accepted him as confessional
father. We were energized and spiritualized by his charismata. This
"Man of
Charisma" will remain alive in our memories as long as we are.
(19)
His life embodied the teaching and spirituality of SOCA. I always felt and
aspired that the essence of his life should be enshrined in an biography. As we
are celebrating his centenary, I thought it is the right occasion to launch my
appeal. His biography and memories will be a manual for future generations,
seminarian, as well as clergy of SOCA.
We can but be very proud of Malphono Very Rev Dr Curien Corepiscopa the man of
intellectual gifts.
Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim
Metropolitan of Aleppo Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese PO Box 4194 Aleppo, Syria |
Korooso Desroro Sofar Malankara Malpan Very Rev. (Dr.) Curien Arch Corepiscopa Kaniamparambil ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
It is through SEERI (St. Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute) that I became
acquainted with Very Rev. Dr. Curian Kaniamparampil Corepiscopo. Before that we
did not know each other at all. When SEERI was in fieri it was necessary to have
a list of experts in Syriac languages from the various Churches in Kerala
sharing a common heritage. The name of this eminent Syriac scholar was
communicated to me by his own students and admirers among whom are priests,
bishops and educators. Thus, it was an honour for SEERI to include him in our
catalogue of renowned experts.
In this connection, I discovered that he was serving for nearly 40 years in the
Universities in Kerala in various
capacities like Member, Chairman of the Board of Studies in Syriac, Board of
Question Setters Examiners for Syriac in Kerala University, M.G. University and
Calicut University. I also came to know that he was associated with the first
eminent Syriac scholar Rev. Dr. P.T. Geevarghese (who later became Archbishop
Mar Ivanios) who was instrumental in raising Syriac into a language of study in
the Madras University at first and later in the Kerala University, This enabled
interested candidates to study and secure degrees in Syriac like "Malpan". It
won't be an exaggeration to state here that the Corepiscopo continued this
mission in the university circles in the capacities mentioned above. In the name
of SEERI, which is now the only center for postgraduate education in Syriac in
lndla, I acknowledge gratefully the service he did as a Question Paper Setter
for the Master's Degree examination of M.G. University and lately as the
Chairman and Expert of the Doctoral Committee constituted by the M.G. University
to interview the applicants for the Doctoral program in Syriac of the
University.
His expertise in Syriac language and literature is so profound that SEERI was
prompted to organize a day to honour a few persons of eminence in Syriac
scholarship and to confer on them honorary degrees like "Malpan" and the title "Sophar"
exclusively to the Corepiscapo. SEERI was honoured also to be instrumental in
securing for this "real Suryoyo" the "ARAM" prize from the ARAM Society in
Sweden dedicated to promote Syriac scholarship the world over.
His services in the academic circles followed as a result of his original
commitment and dedicated work for the Church in which he is a prominent priest.
He began his literary career already when he was a teenager and a high school
student with his translation of Syriac hymns into Malayalam verses, the first
such attempt ever by anyone. Later he translated several liturgical texts used
for worship in his Church, Among these are: The burial service, prayers
dedicated to honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus and many others dedicated to
various saints. This service was extended also to the competent authorities of
the other Churches, for example, the Mar Thoma Church and the SyroMalankara
Catholic Church.
He is still in a position to offer translations from Syriac which are precise,
reliable and suitable for ready to use for all occasions in every Church of
Syriac heritage. In doing this, he is a living example of ecumenism and a model
and inspiration for all who strive to get across sectarian boundaries and serve
humanity at large. His expertise is not restricted to ecclesiastical or
liturgical literature in Syriac but also to several other fields in Syriac
literature such as history, biographies, theological treatise running into
numerous volumes etc. He is the, author of several Syriac grammars the first one
or, elementary level produced when he was yet in his teens. The latest in this
series, entitled Syriac in six months, has recently been published by SEERI. His
peak achievement in the field of grammar and lexicography would be the Concise
Syriac-English Dictionary at present in the press for Immediate publication by
SEERI. This will certainly associate his name with the best lexicographers Such
as: R, Payne Smith, C. Brockelmann, Kalapurackal Andreos Malpan, Dr. Emanuel
Thellyil etc.
He has to his credit the translation of the whole Pshitha Bible into Malayalam
done, all by himself and published in a beautiful single volume not too long
ago. While expressing appreciation and admiration for this monumental
achievement, His Holiness the Syrian Patriarch compared the author to no less a
person than St. Jerome himself.
In the history of biblical literature, nobody ever rendered an entire gospel in
verse. Corepiscopo Curian Kaniamparampil, whose mother tongue is not Syriac, has
rendered the entire gospel of St. Mathew in Syriac verse. SEERI was privileged
to publish this in its Moran Etho series.
Among his works yet to be published (as of April 2003) are:
1. Syriac translation of the poem "Cain the Murderer" by Byron
2. The Proverbs - in Malayalam verse 3. A small Syriac drama entitled: Joseph. These too, we hope, will be made available to interested readers without delay. In his old age his hand is not steady even to hold a cup of coffee. But his pen is still steady in his fingers even at the age of 90. He considers this as a particular blessing of God. He communicates through the pen. He has demonstrated his commitment to the promotion of Syriac scholarship, by instituting a scholarship fund in SEERI to award a prize each year for the most outstanding student of Syriac. Born at Kanjiramattom in a prominent Syrian Christian family, the Corepiscopo was promoted in his Syriac studies by the hierarchy and H.H. the Patriarch of the Syrian Orthodox Church. For decades now he has been resident at Thiruvalla actively engaged in his academic pursuits along with his priestly ministry to a most appreciative congregation. His endeavor has always been to disseminate and promote Syriac studies rather than to proclaim his own extraordinary personal expertise in the field. His love of Syriac prompted to name his own daughters: Shlomo & Shaino. May he continue to flourish like the verdant tree planted near the pool under the shadow of which birds from far and near find shelter. APRIL 2003 |
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Very Rev Kaniyamparampil Curian Archcorespiscopa was a great asset to the whole
Orthodox Church (both factions). As a Syriac Malpan he taught many achens from
both factions without reservations and with equal affection. He studied Syriac
from LL HH Ougen Catholicos and he used to talk about him in high esteem, deeply
indebted to him, as mentioned in his books.
As a man, he was downright humble. His hospitality was beyond words. My most
contacts with achen was during the seventy's while I was deeply involved in
church affairs and formation of Bangalore St Mary's parish. Whenever I visited
home, I used to visit achen's home. It was very pleasant to spent time with him.
Without taking food, breakfast or lunch, according to time of visit, he never
let anyone go. In this respect Kochamma was also very virtuous. I used to get
clarifications of my doubts; I am yet to know another priest having such
patience to explain matters in such length and clarity. By all Christian
standards of virtues I ascertain that Kaniamparampil achen excelled all others.
Many sweet memories come to mind, During the initial days of the formation of
Bangalore parish, it was very difficult to get a priest. For about 9 months, we
managed with priests coming from Kerala; Kaniamparampil Corepiscopa,
Elavinamannil EO Thomas Corepiscopa, Vazhamuttom PJ Joseph achen visited and
spent more than a week's service to the fledgling parish in 1974-7, as I
invited. It was very easy to accommodate Kaniamparampil and other achens. Mr.
Jacob Varghese Mannakuzhy, Thadiyur was our formidable leader who brought achens
like, PV Poulose, Koikara achen, Markose achen, and George Jacob achen and so
on.
Achen was very fond of church unity, which he expressed many times. But because
of his old age, he could not do much on that score. Achen was very committed to
the faith of the Church. He served as the Director of Sunday school in the
united Church. I still hold my SS matriculation diploma with fond memories
signed by achen.
I am yet to know of a priest who lived and tirelessly worked for more than
hundred years for the holy Church. His contribution to the church as a Poet is
especially noteworthy. At the age of 15, he translated in the exact Syriac tune
the Sleebo-prayer which is used in the southern part of the church on Sundays;
beginning with "Janani Mariaminteyum…" and that is the first Malayalam version;
other versions being of later origin. As a historian, Malpono, Syriac Authority,
author, Speaker, Pundit, and so on his contributions to the Church are eternal.
No doubt, he is at peace with the Lord, and mediates in our frailty.
May God grant rest to the soul and comfort the bereaved. "Kohanei Anih…"
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The inevitable has happened. A revered priest who completed a century on
this earth has passed away or rather passed on to paradise. Everyone knew
that one day it had to happen and yet the void, blankness and sadness felt
is immeasurable. It is but natural that one who is born has to die but when
that person happens to be the Archcorepiscopa it is a bit difficult to
accept and one is left bargaining with God to change destiny.
Now that Archcorepiscopa Kaniyamparambil leaves behind memories it is also
a time to identity what achen wants from us in the course of his final
journey from earth. He was a man of faith and a practical man who gave a
lot of importance to relationships. He loved to see us during an
engagement, wedding, prayer and then hold our hand, ask about news in our
lives and look ahead as if showing that he was making the information
received settle down into his well oiled brain. The Archcorepiscopa wanted
to be loved, affirmed, respected and accepted. But it was never a one way
expectation but rather a required minimal requisite from our part for the
countless ways in which he loved, affirmed, respected and accepted us. As
we visit to see his mortal remains we can touch any part of the bed to keep
the spirit of community which bound us with the Archcorepiscopa to be kept
alive.
Kaniyamparambil Archcorepiscopa prayed for several miracles to take place
in the lives of his congregation. He used the relics with him to touch
people and pray for them. He believed that the body and blood of Christ
gave life to the lifeless and brought back the dead to life. Many people
are not aware that the Archcorepiscopa went to visit a new born baby who
was declared dead at birth in one hospital in Thiruvalla. The
Archcorepiscopa undeterred and unfazed by the hopeless situation told the
family that he would bless the baby with Holy oil. The baby came to life to
the joy of the family. Such incidents are many and lot of people have
benefitted from the prayers of the Archcorepiscopa. He would be happy to
leave behind that legacy of faith among those who are close to him and know
him.
Archcorepiscopa Kaniyamparambil would also like people to maintain peace
and harmony in their lives. He was known for having a good relationship
with priests and people belonging to various denominations and religions.
His close friends were priests from other denominations and religions. He
never instigated people to commit violence and take revenge. He was willing
to forgive and let go and he will expect the same from us. Perhaps it was
his scholarly approach which made him such or it was his pastoral
foundation which was responsible. Whatever it was he inspires us to do the
same. Finding problems in everything is easy. But finding good in
everything is a special calling.
Appachen as many called him out of love considering him as their own
grandfather and great grand father used his talents to the maximum. He
didn't believing in allowing our talents to be buried underground and
letting them stay there. It is interesting that although the church and
many of us consider the Archcorepiscopa as a scholar of the church, he did
not do so himself. His works are interesting. No work of his was the best
he could ever produce but it was the best he could produce on a particular
day. Success for him was measured not on the basis of what we had inside us
but what we could produce with meager resources. He understood that he was
successful not because there were no other priests in the Jacobite Syrian
Orthodox Church but because he took a risk in doing something with whatever
less he possessed. He would definitely want us to do the same. He would
want us to write with whatever little we possess in the hope that God will
transform it into something great and useful for others.
Kaniyamparambil Archcorepiscopa's life was one which was relentlessly lived
in the understanding that each day had a value of its own and yet each day
had certain responsibilities to complete. Despite his high stature he kept
praying every single day at the appointed time, being also careful to
intercede to Mother Mary and several saints. It was his understanding that
time would pass only if every single second in the clock arm would tick,
which was also our own responsibility in this world. He saw this together
with the God given gift to think and plan a sermon, prayer, book or
programme. He stayed alive because his mind was more fresh than a
youngster, always alert and thinking about various things and permutations
in its entirety. He would want us to be thinking beings, looking at the
enumerable possibilities of what we can do instead of living resigned to
what we assume our fate to be.
When it is time for Elijah to go in 2 Kings 2:1-14, Elisha his disciple
says "As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you."
Usually this is what we would want someone who has to go say. But here
Elijah knew he had to go but Elisha simply could not let go. He finally
gets Elijah's mantle, which interestingly in modern day usage is also
responsibility. He wanted to get double the share of Elijah's spirit.
Elijah replies and says that Elisha has asked for a hard thing. Yet if he
sees him being taken up he will get it. The mantle of Elijah falls upon
Elisha and he uses it to strike the water and say "Where is the Lord, the
God of Elijah?" The water parts. This passing away of Archcorepiscopa
Curien Kaniyamparambil is not an end but a test of our faith to take up his
mantle and see God's glory being manifested now.
Are we willing to take upon the mantle of Archcorepiscopa Curien
Kaniyamparambil? Are we willing to ask "Where is the Lord, the God of
Archcorepiscopa Kaniyamparambil?" The blessed man has left behind several
disciples and it is our responsibility to rise up to the occasion and work
for the church and society. Women and men of the church and all walks of
life have been inspired by his life. The Archcorepiscopa knows that it is
the time for him to leave as it is decided by God. But can we in our
inspirational grief say "As long as the Lord lives and as you yourself
live, I will not leave you"? It has been a blessing to know the
Archcorepiscopa and I say at this time with all my heart and soul "I will
not leave you."
Jerry Kurian Kodiattu
Lecturer, Department of Communications United Theological College, Bangalore-46 |
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