The Church and The Sepulchre
ST. MARY'S ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL, PUTHENCAVU, CHENGANNUR, Kerala, India
A celebrated Church in the Chengannur Diocese, the St. Mary′s Orthodox Cathedral, is situated in a place called Puthencavu at Chengannur, Kerala. The Church was consecrated in the name of St. Mary in the Malayalam year 969 Vrichikam 19, by Marthoma VI. Even today, the Church has preserved the room, bed, chapel of first Holy Qurbana conducted by Marthoma VI. There was a "Kurishum Thotti", which is consecrated by the name of Anthrayos Bava (Kallada) and H.G.'s Dukhrono Perunnal is being celebrated on the dates of Kumbham 18, 19 (Malayalam Months) every year.
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The father of Mar Philoxenos Thirumeni, Thoma Kathanar Kizhakethalakal served long years as the vicar of this Church.
Some of dignitaries in Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church history, who served as the member of this Parish are:
(1) L.L. H.G. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos (Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni)
(2) Kochu Thirumeni's nephew, L.L. H.G. Thomas Mar Athanasius (former Metropolitan of Chengannur Diocese).
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In the year 1958, this parish hosted the first Malankara Association of the unified Church. This Church became the ′mother-parish′ of several other parishes. These are: Piralassery, Mulakuzha, Arrattupuzha, Kurichimuttam, Koorthamala, Nellikkal, Idanadu, and Mangalam.
The mortal remains of three of Holy Fathers who led the Malankara Sabha are interred in Puthencavu Church (The details as given below) and their Dukhrono Perunnal celebrated together on the dates of 16th & 17th April every year.
Marthoma VI:
Valiya Mar Dionysius (1765-1808):- As the successor to Marthoma V, Marthoma VI was consecrated in 1761 at Niranam. In order to work in harmony with the Metropolitans of Antioch, he accepted the name, Mar Dionysius on 10th July 1770. He was extraordinarily capable, clever and a shrewd administrator. It was on 8th April 1808 that he left for his heavenly abode. His mortal remains were laid to rest in St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Puthencavu.
Mar Thoma VIII:
(1809-1816):- When Marthoma VII was bed-ridden and his illness took a serious turn, his successor Pakalomattom Thoma Kathanar was given the attire, the insignia and sceptre that go with the high office and brought to sick-bed. The sick Metropolitan placed his hand on him and consecrated him as the 8th Metropolitan on 2nd July 1809. When there was a difference of opinion regarding this consecration, on 13th August 1809, Ramban Philipose of Kayamkulam and Itoop Kathanar of Kunnamkulam were appointed to enquire into the case, as to who put a ring and formally accepted him Metropolitan. He left for his heavenly abode in the year 1816 and his mortal remains were interred in St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Puthencavu.
H.G. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos:
(1897-1951: Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni): Born on 10th June 1897 as the second son of Thoma Kathanar of Puthencavu Kizhekethalackal family. He took his M.A and B.D. degree and he received his deaconship and priesthood from Vattaserril Geevarghese Mar Dionysius Metropolitan. He was made Ramban on 6th November 1929. On 3rd November 1930 at Parumala Church, he was consecrated as Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos, Metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese. He toiled for the overall growth of Thumpamon diocese and also for the prosperity of the Catholicate. He had founded several schools. On 17 April 1951 he left for his heavenly abode and his mortal remains were interred in St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Puthencavu.