Former Heads of the Church

Servant of God Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios

Geevarghese was born on 21 September 1882 at Puthiyakavu in Mavelikara as the son of Thoma Panicker and Annamma of Panikeruveedu.  After his training in Kalari (Elementary School), he joined the CMS English School nearby and later continued his studies in a Government Public School. The Jacobite Metropolitan, Pulikottu Mar Divannasios, who was edified by the pious, intelligent and brave child Geevarghese, took him to the Seminary in Kottayam for higher studies and for priestly formation. He completed matriculation from MD Seminary High School in flying colours.  Later, he passed the Fellow of Arts (FA) exam from CMS College, Kottayam.…

Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios

The Second Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum

Varghese Thangalathil was born on 1 February 1916 as the second son of Idicula and Annamma, at Kall?pp?ra in Tiruvalla. They gave him the pet name Kunjukutty.  At the age of four, his uncle Pappy Sir began to teach him alphabets of the vernacular, Malayalam. At the age of five he was sent to the LP School, Puthussery.  After completing his middle school studies he joined the St. John’s School, Eraviper?r for his Secondary School education. It was at this time that the Metropolitan Mar Ivanios started many Bethany churches with the intention of…

Major Archbishop Cyril Baselios Catholicos

The Third Metropolitan Archbishop and The First Major Archbishop-Catholicos

Major Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios Catholicos (James) was born on 16 August 1935 at Ullannoor in Pandalam as the son of Mathai Malancharuvil and Aleyamma. He had his elementary education at Mezhuveli.  He successfully completed his tenth standard in 1950.  He is one among the six brothers of the Malancheruvil family who gave importance to the religious life dedicating their life to the service of Christ and his Church. He was sent to the Bethany Ashram by Archbishop Mar Ivanios and was received there on 15 June 1950. He made his…