Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association Day – 1st October
The Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association, established in 1924, is a recognized organization within the Mar Thoma Church. The reformation within the church ignited a strong desire among people for group prayer and Bible study. Rev. C.P. Abraham Kassissa initiated the inaugural prayer meeting at Chayal Mar Thoma Church, Ayroor, which later evolved into monthly gatherings.
The first anniversary meeting, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma, took place at Sehion Mar Thoma Church in Ayroor. Subsequently, on August 23, 1924, as decided during the first anniversary meeting, a special assembly was convened at Chayal Palli. During this gathering, an association was formally established under the name “Malankara Mar Thoma Somedha Suvishesha Sanghom” which was later changed to its current form in English as the “Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association”.
. The following individuals were elected as office bearers:
- President: Very Rev. C.P. Philipose Kasseessa
- General Secretary: Sadhu Kochukunju Upadeshi, Muthampakkal, Edayarnmula
- Travelling Secretary: Kolakottu C.J. John Upadeshi
This association began as a fellowship of dedicated believers who volunteered their efforts in God’s vineyard without seeking financial gain or personal motives.
The association’s activities are guided by a Seven Point Program:
- Intercession
- Bible Study
- Sharing of Experiences
- House Visits
- Ministry to the Sick and Needy
- Conducting Prayer Meetings
- Spreading the Gospel among People of Other Faiths and Ideologies
Notable activities include:
- Edavaka Mission
- Gospel Team
- Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Bible Institute
- Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Convention
- Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Lectures
- Monthly Intercession Prayers, including All-Night Prayer
- Suvishesha Nilayam and Mission Fields
The camp center for these activities is the JMT Camp, which also serves as a research and meditation center located in Kombadi, Tiruvalla.
The Association manages three mission fields at Achencovil near Punalur, Mukkada near Ranny and Kalkulam near Chungathara. Its official magazine is the Tri-Monthly ‘Sandesam’ containing sermon notes, Bible studies, articles and the news about the association.
The Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association serves as the organization in the Church emphasizing the ministry of the laity in the Church. The Platinum Jubilee of the Association was celebrated in 1999.
C. P. Abraham Kasseessa, Cherukara Chuzhukunnil, Ayroor 1876-1940
C. P. Abraham Kasseessa, hailing from Cherukara Chuzhukunnil, Ayroor (1876-1940), was the son of the Vicar General, Very Rev. Philipose Malapan (1836-1894), of Cherukara in Ayroor. Abraham’s ecclesiastical journey began after completing his Matriculation when he became a Deacon in 1897 and subsequently a Priest in 1898. His visionary zeal led to the establishment of numerous Mar Thoma Parishes in and around Ayroor, and it was his unwavering commitment that ultimately gave rise to the Evangelists’ Association.
During the Revival Movement (Naveekaranam), prayer groups emerged in various Mar Thoma Parishes. These groups dedicated themselves to Bible Study, Intercessory Prayer, and spreading the Gospel message. Under the guidance of Rev. C.P. Abraham Kasseessa, prayer groups from Kuriannoor, Ayroor, Maramon, and Kozhencherry convened at Chayal Mar Thoma Church, Ayroor. The inaugural meeting occurred on August 23, 1923, followed by monthly gatherings led by Abraham Kasseessa.
The first anniversary meeting, presided over by Abraham Mar Thoma Thirumeni, took place at Sehion Mar Thoma Church in Ayroor. Subsequently, on August 23, 1924, as decided during the first anniversary meeting, a special assembly was convened at Chayal Palli. During this gathering, an association was formally established under the name “Malankara Mar Thoma Somedha Suvishesha Sanghom” which was later changed to its current form. The following individuals were elected as office bearers:
- President: Very Rev. C.P. Philipose Kasseessa
- General Secretary: Sadhu Kochukunju Upadeshi, Muthampakkal, Edayarnmula
- Travelling Secretary: Kolakottu C.J. John Upadeshi
Ayroor Achen, Rev. C. P. Philipose
Ayroor Achen, Rev. C. P. Philipose (born. May 25, 1868, died. February 2, 1948), son of Ayroor Cherukara Naranathu Paruvelithundiyil Very Rev. Philipose Malpan and Mariamma Philipose (Chengannur Kanjipuzhethu).
After completing his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), he was ordained as a deacon in 1892 and later as a priest in 1895. Rev. C. P. Philipose served as the vicar for various parishes in the vicinity of Kozhencherry and Ayroor. Many of the Mar Thoma parishes to the east of Kozhencherry owe their establishment to his dedicated efforts.
In 1890, Rev. C. P. Philipose assumed the role of General Secretary of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association, a position he held for over half a century until his resignation due to declining health. He provided steadfast leadership for the Maramon Convention for nearly five decades and was a significant contributor as one of the main translators. His sons, Mr. C. P. Philip and Prof. C.P. Mathew, continued his legacy. Rev. C. P. Philipose passed away on February 2, 1948, and he was laid to rest in the cemetery of Kozhencherry Mar Thoma Church, in the front row.
Kolakottu Kochukunju Upadeshi, C. J. John Upadeshi
Kolakottu Kochukunju Upadeshi, also known as C. J. John Upadeshi (1879 – July 19, 1975), held the distinction of being the first Travelling Secretary of the Mar Thoma Evangelists’ Association. Born into the renowned Kolakottu Family of Ayroor, he received his early education in Ayroor itself. From a very young age, he nurtured a profound aspiration to engage in Gospel work. Despite being born with a physical impairment that caused a noticeable limp, he persevered in his calling, and God empowered him to provide significant contributions to the Voluntary Evangelists’ Association during its formative years.
At the inaugural meeting of the Voluntary Evangelists’ Association, held at Chayal Mar Thoma Church in Ayroor on August 23, 1924, he assumed the role of Travelling Secretary. His dedicated service spanned nearly four decades, during which he toured numerous Mar Thoma Parishes and established Association branches. He played an instrumental role in founding Edavaka Missions and facilitated the setup of administrative centers for the Association. His approach emphasized strengthening local branches rather than hosting grand conventions.For a period, he resided at the AMM Bible Institute in Kompadi, Tiruvalla, where he conducted Bible classes for students. He remained faithful to his mission until his heavenly calling.As the scriptures proclaim, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi
Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi (born Dec 1883, died 30th Nov, 1945) also known as Mr. Moothampakkal Itty Varghese from Moothampakkal, Edayaranmula near Chengannur, held a remarkable place in the history of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. He served as the inaugural General Secretary of the ‘Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists’ Association, established in 1924, and remained in this role until 1945. Over the span of nearly four decades, he fervently preached the teachings of the Bible in clear and accessible language throughout South India.
Sadhu Kochukunju Upadesi embodied the life of a true Sadhu, committing himself to a spiritual existence. He composed an impressive repertoire of more than 200 hymns, many of which continue to feature prominently in worship books across various denominations to this day. His powerful messages led thousands of individuals to turn to God in faith.
Read more about his life in our free pdf Ebook: https://nalloorlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/sadhu-kuchujunu-upadeshi.pdf
His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan
Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan held the position of President in both the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association and the National Missionary Society. In 1917, he was consecrated as a Bishop and served tirelessly as the Suffragan Metropolitan, dedicating himself to the spiritual fortification of the Church and its missionary endeavors. In 1944, upon the passing of Titus II Metropolitan, he ascended to the role of Metropolitan.
The Abraham Mar Thoma Bible Institute, established to train voluntary evangelists within the Church, bears his name in recognition of his contributions. His visionary outlook led to the creation of the Mar Thoma Suvishesha Sevika Sanghom in 1919 (Sevika Sanghom was inaugurated on Friday, February 14, 1919, during the Maramon Convention), as well as the Voluntary Evangelists Association in 1924.
He also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Vanitha Mandiram in Tiruvalla, an educational institute for the Sevika Sanghom. Although his tenure as Metropolitan spanned only four years, his extensive ministry as a Bishop significantly fortified the Church in all its missionary endeavors. He departed to his eternal home in 1947.
Read more about his life in our free pdf Ebook: https://nalloorlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ebook-dr-abraham-mar-thoma.pdf
Church South India – Celebrating 76 years of God’s Faithfulness (1947-2023) (Order of Worship, Video & Rare Photos)
“Dearly beloved brethren, in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, who, on the night of His Passion prayed that His disciples might be one;
“and by the authority of the governing bodies of the uniting churches whose resolutions have been read in your hearing and laid in prayer before Almighty God;
“I do hereby declare that these three churches are be come one Church of South India and that those Bishops, Presbyters, Deacons and probationers who have assented to the Basis of Union and accepted the Constitution of the Church of South India, and whose names are laid upon this Holy Table, are Bishops, Presbyters and Deacons of this Church.”
Repository Name: Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University
27 September, 1947: Formation of Church of South India (CSI), as a union of Anglican, Presbyterian, Congregationalist and Methodist churches. The idea of a Church union was proposed in 1919 at a conference held in Tranquebar (now Tarangambadi) in 1919. After 28 years of discussions various denominational churches in South India established by different Missionary societies agreed to the formation of the Church of South India in 1947 after India attained independence. The inaugural ceremony was held at St. George Cathedral Madras (Chennai).
Today the Church of South India is one of the largest Protestant churches in India and is a member of the Anglican Communion and its bishops participate in the Lambeth Conferences. It is also a member of the World Council of Churches, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, and the National Council of Churches in India.
The Church of South India (CSI), Church of North India (CNI), and Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church of India jointly formed the Communion of Churches in India (CCI) in 1978 for mutual recognition of the ministry and leaders, inter communal relationship, and to explore possibilities of working together and other areas of cooperation in the fulfillment of the mission of the Church in India.
The presiding bishop of the inaugural function was the Rt. Rev. C. K. Jacob of the Anglican Diocese of Travancore and Cochin. A vast congregation gathered in the cathedral at Madras from all over the world. The following historical declaration was made by Bishop Jacob at the inaugural service.
“Dearly beloved brethren, in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ the head of the church, who on the night of his passion prayed that his disciples might be one, and by authority of the governing bodies of the uniting churches whose resolutions have been read in your hearing and laid in your prayer before Almighty God; I do hereby declare that these three churches, namely – the Madras, Madura, Malabar, Jaffna, Kannada, Telugu, Travancore Church councils of the South India United Church; the Methodist Church of South India, Trichinopoly, Hyderabad and Mysore districts; the Madras, Travancore and Cochin, Tinnevelly and Dornakal dioceses of the Churches of India, Burma and Ceylon; are become one Church of South India, and these bishops, presbyters, deacons and probationers who have assented to the basis of union and accepted the constitution of the Church of South India, whose names are laid upon this holy table, are bishops, presbyters and deacons of this church. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.” ~ wikipedia
Free E-Book [PDF] The Mar Thoma Church Heritage and Mission by Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan
As part of Nalloor Library’s commitment to preserve the history of the church – we present to you an important history book as a free pdf – The Mar Thoma Church Heritage and Mission by Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan (3rd Edition). This important book documenting the history of the Mar Thoma Syrian Mar Thoma Church was first published on 1st July 1985. The 2nd Edition was printed 29 December 1986 and and an updated final 3rd Edition in 1993.
About Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan
Born in 1913, he was the son of Rev. M C George, Kuriannor, a devout Minister of the Church, who passed away in 1923. After his graduation and teacher’s training, he taught in the CMS High School, Kottayam for 12 years. He resigned from his teaching job and studied Theology at the United Theological College in Bangalore. He then secured S T M Degree from the Union Theological Seminary, New York and Ph.D on Bhagavad Gita from Kennedy School of Mission of the Hartford Seminary Foundation. The title of his thesis was, “Viśvarūpa Darśana: a study of the vision of God in the Bhagavadgītā”.
He had the opportunity to travel extensively in European countries and after returning from the States, he was in charge of the Manganam Parish for a year. He worked as the first Principal of Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla. In 1953, he was consecrated as Bishop as Alexander Mar Theophilus, together with Thomas Mar Athanasius and Philipose Mar Chrysostom.
A participant of the Assemblies of World Council of Churches representing the Mar Thoma Church at Evanston in 1954, Nairobi in 1975, and Vancouver in 1983, he worked as Missionary Bishop for many years, which involved extensive travel in India and abroad. He was President of the Bible Society of India for nearly 10 years and was also one of the Vice-Presidents of the United Bible Societies. He has also attended the Central Committee of the W.C.C on different occasions. He attended the Lambeth Conference in 1980 and the Anglican Consultative Council held at Nigeria in 1984.
In 1973, he was designated Suffragan Metropolitan and as Metropolitan in the year 1976 after the demise of Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan. Together with the responsibility as Metropolitan he was in charge of the Niranam-Maramon Diocese with 82 Parishes.
He used to spend several weeks in a year with the youth giving leadership discourses & training in camps and conferences and encouraging them into personal commitment towards Jesus Christ. He took special interest in the developmental activities and the social concerns of the church, its educational institutions, its missionary and evangelistic outreach, its witness and ecumenical concerns.
In 1999, Alexander Marthoma was designated Alexander Marthoma Valia Metropolitan, as the first Marthoma Metropolitan to be made Valia Metropolitan. He passed away in 2000.
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