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!

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
Chief Editor, Malankara World

(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.

Korooso Desroro Sofar Malankara Malpan Very Rev. (Dr.) Curien Arch Corepiscopa Kaniamparambil

Priest Trustee of the Malankara Church, 1975-'94 & 1997-

Malankara Malpan Very Rev. (Dr.) Curien Corepiscopa Kaniamparambil has grown to be a living legend with his academic contributions in multifarious domains of the Jacobite Syrian Church, and with spiritual gems being expounded from the depth of his heart. He is one of the very few living authorities of Syriac, 'the language of Our Lord', in the world today. He is the Bright lamp of the Universal Syrian Church, Cynosure of the Churches of Syriac heritage, Beloved son of the Patriarchs, the Catholicose's and the prelates, Friend and guide to the clergy and laity, Loving and devoted husband, affectionate father and grand & great grand father. He is becoming a living saint or has already attained that stature.

He is the pillar of Jacobite Syrian Christians of Malankara for the past 70 years. A majority of the living Jacobite Christians have their spiritual needs satisfied from him. Hence the spiritual godfather of many in this land. The greatest achievement of his life is considered to be the translation of the complete Holy Bible, from ancient Peshito Syriac text to Malayalam for the first time, which was released on Aug 2nd 1994. Our most revered Corepiscopa is God's gift to India, particularly to the Syrian Orthodox Church and to all the lovers of Syriac heritage. His literary works has built up a lasting legacy to all those who want to familiarize themselves with the study of Syriac language, history of Syriac Churches and the biblical traditions of the Churches of Syriac heritage. The Syriac scholars and the Heads of Syriac Churches have shown a great appreciation for his literary services and achievements.

Born on February 27, 1913 to the blessed parents Paulose and Aayamma of well known aristocratic family Kaniamparambil at Kanjiramattom, he is always thankful to his parents for inculcating in him the piety and obedience to the Holy Trinity and the Holy Church: "I do bow at Thy remembering my mother and father, them who reverentially offered me even in the womb unto Thee". {From the venerable Corepiscopa's book – 'The Miracles of Our Lord' (2001), p.8,13,5}

His earlier education was in the schools at Kanjiramattom and Mulanthuruthy. After completing the seventh standard, he learned the basics of Jacobite liturgy, Syriac and theology at the feet of Very Rev. Augen Ramban at Sion Kodanad, only for a few months and the knowledge he accumulated was gift of God in answer to his prayers and efforts.

At the tender age of 15 he translated the Sunday morning Prayers from Syriac to Malayalam, in poem, the first of its kind, which is said even today, in the Jacobite and Orthodox Churches throughout the world.

He completed his college education from C.M.S College, Kottayam. In 1931, he married Saramma (Ammini) from the Kattumangat Kattappallil family of Mulanthuruthy. Around this period he published a book on Syriac grammar. Following year, he was ordained Kassiso by Malankara Metropolitan H.E. Paulose Mor Athanasius (Valiya Thirumeni of Aluva). During the apostolic visit of Patriarch St. Ignatius Elias III to Malankara, Kaniamparambil Achen served H.H as his secretary for a brief period. Three years later he was appointed vicar of Kattaprath Church, Thiruvalla where he continued for 24 years. In 1959 he was appointed as the vicar of St. George Simhasana Church, Thiruvalla. He served as the chief vicar of the St. George Church till 2006 when he was shifted his residence to his home town at Kanjiramattom in Ernakulam district.

In 1950, at the age of 37, he was raised to the rank of COREPISCOPUS, the highest order the Church bestows on a married Kassisso, by the then Apostolic Delegate of the Patriarch H.E. Mor Julius Elias Metropolitan. He also received many Titles and Medals from Moran Mor Aphrem I, Moran Mor Yakoob III, and Moran Mor Zakka I Iywas, Holy Patriarchs of Antioch and all the East.

Malankara Malpan

In recognition to his great scholarship in Syriac, theology, liturgy and Church history, Very Rev. Curien Corepiscopa Kaniamparambil was granted the most prestigious title of 'MALANKARA MALPAN' (Doctor of Malankara Church) by the late Patriarch of Antioch and all the East Moran Mor Ignatius Yakoob III in 1978. He, thus succeeded the former Priest Trustee of the Jacobite Syrian Church, Very Rev. Mathen Corepiscopa Konatt (d. 1927), who is considered as the greatest of the 20th century Syriac scholars in the Malankara Church. Kaniamparambil Achen is one of the two persons who is decorated with this title of Malankara Malpan, outside the famous Konatt family.

In 1982 H.H. the Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I conferred on our beloved Achen the unique title of 'Korooso Dasroro' (Proclaimer of the Faith). Impressed by the simplicity of Kaniamparambil Achen, late lamented Catholicos of the East Aboon Mor Baselios Paulose II awarded him the title 'Nathaniel' (Israelite without guile). Kaniamparambil Achen also received the Degree of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) in 1979, conferred on him by the St. Ephrem Institute, Solna, Sweden.

Positions held by the Corepiscopa

Very Rev. Curien Corepiscopa had been the founder Secretary of the All-Travancore Syriac Association, All Malankara Cleric Association and the Syrian Church Revival Movement and served as the Director-General of the Malankara Syrian Sunday School Association for 30 years, of which 15 years when the two churches remained united in Malankara. He was also the editor of many of the Church periodicals, 'The Syrian Leaflets', 'The Syrian Church', 'Malankara Sabha Mitram', 'Syrian Sandesam' and 'Antiochean Sandesam'.

He served as member, Board of studies in Syriac, in the Kerala and Mahatma Gandhi Universities, continually for 40 years.

Priest-Trustee

The Rev. Corepiscopa has served for 18 years, from 1977 to 1994, as Priest Trustee of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. In 1997, he was once again unanimously chosen as the Priest-trustee, which he is continuing even now after the formation of a new Association in 2002 for the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church.

He served as Delegate to the World Council of Christian Education Assembly held at Lima, Peru, in 1971 and visited most of the Syrian Orthodox parishes in the U.S.A and has visited Syria and Gulf countries many times.

Great Syriac Scholar

He is indeed the living legend of Syriac in Malankara and also in the world to a large extent as we all know. Many of the bishops of our sister churches had their Syriac education under him. Many more had approached him to clear doubts regarding theology. He had handled many columns in the leading theological magazines regarding the faith and the Christian beliefs. His stewardship benefits thousands presently in different walks of life.

He is a gifted Orator. We are really blessed by his words, which flow from his ocean of knowledge, with the relevant meaning and implicative feelings. He is instrumental for the help to many in their spiritual enlightening. He always honoured Sunday as the day which God had created for His worship and blessings to man. So exclaims-“Oh Man! If you are not ready to accept the “free of cost” blessings from God-Alas! Pity You”. These types of penetrating thought provoking and mind throbbing words have really changed lots of people. He kept five slogans as part of life style and repeated as his anthem of life.

He loves all. The greatest quality of him is his “oneness with others”. He has never separated from anybody-either a man of ninety or a child of 1 or 2. He is a friend of all. His sound qualities like transparent behavior, commitment, ardent love and belief to spirituality, humility, soberness etc. always kept him above all.

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.

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.

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."