12 December, 1912: Consecration of Bishop V. S. Azariah.
Rev. Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah was consecrated as the first Indian Bishop of the Church in India (Anglican Church) on 12 Dec 1912, in the St. Paul’s Cathedral in Calcutta. Most Rev. Dr. Copleston, assisted by ten other bishops, conducted the consecration ceremony.
First Indian bishop of the Anglican Church in India
The first Indian bishop of the Anglican Church in India, Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah was born in 1874 in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, the son of Thomas Vedanayagam, an Anglican priest, and Ellen, a woman with a deep love and understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Samuel became a YMCA evangelist at nineteen and secretary of the organization throughout South India only a few years later. He saw that, for the Church in India to grow and to bring ordinary Indians to Jesus Christ, it had to have indigenous leadership.
He helped to create the Tinnevelly-based Indian Missionary Society in 1903, and was a co-founder of the National Missionary Society of India, an all-India, Indian-led agency founded in December 1905.
At the age of thirty-five he was ordained to the presbyterate, and three years later (December, 1912) he was consecrated as the first bishop of the new Diocese of Dornakal, with eleven bishops of the Anglican Church in India participating in the liturgy at St Paul’s Cathedral in Calcutta. Bishop Azariah was the first Indian to be consecrated a bishop in the Churches of the Anglican Communion. Bishop Azariah died on January 1, 1945, two years before the inauguration of the united Church of South India (CSI).
The Bishop and the Blessing: A Story from the Life of Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah:
Bishop Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah, accompanied by the Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie, visited a small village in his diocese. As they approached, an elderly woman emerged from her humble dwelling. She had never seen a white Archbishop before, and was struck by the sight of this important figure arriving in a grand car with a police escort.
To everyone’s surprise, Archbishop Runcie bowed before the elderly villager. Without hesitation, the woman placed her hands on his head and offered a blessing. Moved by this unexpected act of faith, the Archbishop was overcome with emotion . “Nobody has ever done this to me,” Runcie said, tears in his eyes. “I have laid my hands on many people. But this mother has laid her hands on me.”
This simple yet profound moment exemplified Bishop Azariah’s lifelong mission – to cultivate an indigenous Indian church where the faith of ordinary people could flourish. It revealed the deep spirituality he nurtured among his flock, where even the humblest villager felt empowered to bless an Archbishop. The incident also highlighted Azariah’s ability to bridge cultures, bringing together a high-ranking English cleric and a poor Indian woman in a touching display of mutual respect and shared faith.
Azariah had two great priorities in his work: evangelism and the desire for Christian unity.
He understood evangelism to be the acid test of Christianity. When asked what he would preach about in a village that had never heard of Christ, Azariah answered without hesitation: ‘The resurrection.’ From a convert he demanded full acceptance of Christianity which would include baptism and which could therefore include separation from family and caste. He claimed that Christianity took its origin in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the outburst of supernatural power that this society manifested in the world.
Azariah recognised that because four-fifths of Indian people live in villages, for the Church to be an indigenous one it must be a rural Church. He was constantly in the villages, inspiring and guiding the teachers, clergy and congregations. He blamed the missionaries for not training people in evangelism, and thought their teaching had been mission centred instead of Church centred, and he pleaded with missionaries to build up the Indian Church. Much of the Christian outreach in his area was among the outcast people. Gradually as Christianity spread amongst the villages, the social situation began to change, the Christian outcasts gaining a new self-respect as they realised their worth in the eyes of God.
Azariah considered that one of the factors that hampered evangelism, and possibly the deepening of the spiritual life of the convert, was the western appearance of the Church in both its buildings and its services. As early as 1912 he had visions of a cathedral for the diocese to be built in the eastern style, where all Christians could feel spiritually at home regardless of their religious background and race. Building was delayed because of the Great War in Europe, but finally his dream was realised when the Cathedral Church of The Most Glorious Epiphanywas consecrated on January 6, 1936. The building is a beautiful structure embodying ideas from Christian, Hindu and Moslem architecture. Its dignity and spaciousness create a very different effect from that of the nineteenth and twentieth century Gothic churches and furnishings scattered elsewhere in India.
If evangelisation of India was Azariah’s first priority, the second was that of Church unity. He was the two as interrelated. He believed that a united Church was in accordance with the will of God, ‘that we may all be one’, and he also believed that a United Church would be more effective for evangelism. Addressing the Lambeth Conference in 1930 he pleaded:
“In India we wonder if you have sufficiently contemplated the grievous sin of perpetuating your divisions and denominational bitterness in these your daughter churches. We want you to take us seriously when we say that the problem of union is one of life and death. Do not, we plead with you, do not give us your aid to keep us separate, but lead us to union so that you and we may go forward together and fulfil the prayer, ‘That we may all be one.’”
Bishop Samuel is commemorated in the sanctoral calendars of the Anglican Church in North America and the Church of England on January 2.
The guest house of the National Council of Churches in India at their Nagpur headquarters is known as Azariah House in memory of the Bishop.
20 November, 1904: Death of Stephanos Kathanar – Author of “Shayana Namaskaram” (Mar Thoma Shayana Namaskaram).
Stephanos Kathanar (born on 14 June 1852) was a member of Kallarakkal Peedikayil family of Thazhahkkara, Mavelikkara. He became a deacon at the age of 8. He was an expert teacher of the Syrian Language.
In 1897, he established Thazhakkara Mar Thoma Church and started a library for the parish. Achen is the author of The Shayana Namaskaram– (prayer song usually sung with the evening family prayer or public worship) “njangalkullha karthave…” which is still used by many Kerala Christians. Many Malayalaee Christian groups also use it for their common evening worships during the lent season.
Stephanos Kathanar was called to his eternal home on 20 Nov 1904.
Achen’s grandson Dr. Samuel Mathai was the Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala University.
“The Mar Thoma Suvisesha Sevika Sanghom owes much to the self sacrificing work of Mrs. Kandamma Varghese who worked untiringly as the Organizing Secretary for over 20 years, traveling far and wide, organizing branches in the parishes, doing evangelistic work among Christians, building up the work in parishes.” ~ The Mar Thoma Church, Heritage and Mission – Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan.
Mrs. Kandamma was a modest person in wearing jewellery. She used to request people who had more than one gold chain to donate the second one for gospel work. Due to Kandamma’s loving approach to the wife of Diwan Bhadur Dr. V. Varghese sold her ornaments and donated the money for the construction of the Salem Orphanage in Tiruvalla.
The Mar Thoma Suvisesha Sevika Sanghom was established in 1919 during the Maramon Convention, under the leadership of Abraham Mar Thoma Suffragan Metropolitan, who gave the women’s organization continuous support and inspiration. Mrs. Kandamma Varghese (born 1876), Chruthuruthiyil, Thumpamon was the first traveling, organizing secretary of the Sevika Sanghom.
Bullock Cart transport (for illustrative purposes)
During the nearly 20 years of service she travelled far and wide to almost all corners of Travancore. In those days there were no proper roads, so she had to walk miles to her work and used bullock carts to visit distant places. One of her annual reports submitted to the Sevika Sanghom reads like this: “Visited Puthen Cavu, Kundara… (Names of so many parishes are given), etc. Conducted 101 special meetings for women, 38 meetings for girls, visited 236 Christian homes, 70 non Christian homes, personally interacted with 415 people, distributed 700 tracts, 90 gospel portions etc…”
After serving many years as a Traveling Secretary, she became the General Secretary of the Sanghom. She put a firm foundation for the smooth running of various departments of the Sevika Sanghom. When the Sanghom started the Salem Bhavanam (Orphanage) in 1923, Kandamma took up that responsibility as well. She adopted orphan children who were previously looked after by Mrs. Sosamma Eappen of Kotturethu Chengannur.
Kandamma spent her final days in Perumbavoor with her son Mr. C. V. Koshy who was the headmaster of the Ashram High school there. She was called to her eternal home on 9 November, 1964 at the age of 88. In her memory, the Mar Thoma Suvisesha Sevika Sanghom has collected a Memorial fund of Rs.15,000 (in 1964 this was a big amount) and the interest collected from this fund is still being used for the theological education of the women who are willing to do full time Gospel work.
She leaves behind a glowing legacy of her work in Kerala to inspire more young women of the church.
Mrs. Kandamma Varghese – Mar Thoma Suvisesha Sevika Sanghom
Read more details in our free pdf E-book which is also an excellent resource for Sunday Schools and church organizations.
Sadhu Sundar Singh at Maramon Convention 1918. Also seen is Rev. Arthur Parker (the fourth LMS missionary in Trivandrum) and his wife Mrs. Rebecca Arthur Parker the author of the book – Sadhu Sundar Singh, Called of God (1920). (AI generated image for illustrative purpose only)
Church historians have always debated when the famed missionary Sadhu Sundar Singh visited the world renowned Maramon Convention. Many church history books mistakenly mention 1917, 1918, or 1919 or all the three years. However, Sadhu Sundar Singh came to the Maramon Convention only once in 1918.
NalloorLibrary.com presents evidence from a chapter from a book – Sadhu Sundar Singh, Called of God (1920) authored by Mrs. Rebecca Arthur Parker. It is a first hand eye-witness account of the 1918 convention through the eyes of Mrs. Rebecca Arthur Parker. She mentions in the detail the convention grounds, the number of people, the sights she saw and how 32,000 people gathered to hear Sadhu Sundar Singh at a venue built for 25000 people.
Mrs. Rebecca Parker also mentions the two Bishops of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, who appeared daily in resplendent robes of red or purple satin with gold belts and quaint head-dresses. In 1918, the Mar Thoma Syrian Church had only two Bishops – His Grace the Most Rev. Titus II Mar Thoma Metropolitan and Suffragan Metropolitan Bishop Abraham Mar Thoma. Both bishops served tirelessly for the building up of the church.
His Grace the Most Rev. Titus II Mar Thoma Metropolitan (right) and Suffragan Metropolitan Bishop Abraham Mar Thoma (left).
His Grace the Most Rev. Titus II Mar Thoma Metropolitan He was the nephew of Titus I Metropolitan and was consecrated by him at Puthencavu St. Mary’s Church in 1898, assisted by Metropolitan Mar Koorilos of Thozhiyoor. He worked with Titus I as his Suffragan Metropolitan, and became Metropolitan in 1910. He worked vigorously for the building up of the Church.
In those days when it was difficult to travel, he visited Churches in out-of-the-way locations and organized the Parishes on organizational lines. He took measures to ensure that the Parish officials maintained the Parish account up-to-date;and he fostered various programmes of the Parishes. The Mar Thoma Sevika Sangam was organized in 1919 and the Voluntary Evangelists Association in 1925. The Mar Thoma Theological Seminary for the training of the Clergy was established at Kottayam in 1926. Bishop Abraham Mar Thoma was consecrated as Suffragan Metropolitan in 1917 and the two Bishops worked together tirelessly for the growth of the Church. Titus II Mar Thoma passed away in 1943 after being Metropolitan for 33 years.
His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan Abraham Mar Thoma was known all over India for his burning passion for evangelism, for his zeal for spreading the Gospel through the length and breadth of India. He received theological training in India and Canada. It was during this time that the Mar Thoma Church became well known in the Western World. He was consecrated Bishop in the year 1917 and he worked relentlessly as Suffragan Metropolitan for the spiritual strengthening of the Church and for its witness. He was installed Metropolitan in 1944 when Titus II Metropolitan passed away. He was born in an illustrious Orthodox family but his father passed away when he was very young and he was brought up in his mother’s house at Eraviperoor, a home which cherished the blessings of the reformation.
He was President of the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association and the National Missionary Society. Even though he was suffering from acute diabetes for many years, he went on working with the motto: “it is far better to burn out than to rust out”. The Abraham Mar Thoma Bible Institute established for the training of voluntary evangelists in the Church was named after him. Though he was Metropolitan only for four years, his long ministry as Bishop strengthened the Church in all its missionary enterprises. He was called to eternal home in 1947.
Who were the Parkers?
Rev. Arthur Parker (the fourth LMS missionary in Trivandrum) and Mrs. Rebecca Arthur Parker the author of the book – Sadhu Sundar Singh, Called of God (1920).
Rebecca Jane Parker: born, 1865; a church member in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire; married Arthur Parker (1858-1935, a London Missionary Society (LMS) missionary in South India). Working with her husband in the Trivandrum area, she ran a hostel and boarding home for Christian girls and Bible women; established an embroidery industry, employing over 1,000 Christian women.
Singh and Rebecca Parker began a correspondence from March 1918. In his letters, Singh addressed Parker as ‘my dearest Mother’ and signed off as ‘Sundar’, often as ‘your ever loving son’, and referred to Reverend Parker as ‘Father’. Parker, born in 1865, is described as adoptive mother to Singh in the LMS Archives, and she was certainly an older, benevolent figure who looked after Singh, who had no mother of his own. Singh came to fame outside of South Asia largely through the efforts of Rebecca Jane Parker, wife of Arthur Parker, members of the London Missionary Society (LMS) in Trivandrum, South India. ~ S. Mukherjee
Mrs. Parker was awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind medal by the British government for social service in 1921. She retired in 1925 and died at Leamington Spa, England, in 1946.
Rev. Arthur Parker took charge in 1900 as the fourth LMS missionary in Trivandrum. The construction of a new church building (Mateer Memorial Church) in the LMS Compound was undertaken in four years (1902-1906). It was dedicated on December 1, 1906 by Rev. R. W. Thompson, the Foreign Secretary of the LMS who was heading a deputation as part of the centenary of the Travancore Mission (estd. in 1806 by Ringeltaube at Mylaudy). He died on 6th December 1935. https://www.mateermemorialchurch.com/
CSI Mateer Memorial Church: A Pillar of Protestant History in Trivandrum
Located in the heart of Palayam, the CSI Mateer Memorial Church is a cornerstone of Protestant Christian heritage in Kerala. Originally founded in 1838 by the London Missionary Society (LMS), it began as a simple chapel established through the efforts of early missionaries like Rev. John Cox and local supporters.
The early congregation grew steadily under Rev. Cox, who formalized the church’s structure through a trust deed open to all Protestant Christians. Over time, it also hosted Malayalam and Tamil services, serving both the local Christian community and visiting British officials. In 1893, following the death of Rev. Samuel Mateer-an influential missionary who significantly contributed to its growth-a plan was initiated to construct a larger building in his memory. By 1906, a new church building was completed at the LMS Compound under the guidance of Rev. Arthur Parker and dedicated by Rev. R.W. Thompson.
Architecturally, the church is distinguished by its Hallenkirche-style layout, Gothic arches, granite construction, and iconic square bell tower. It was not merely a change of building but a continuation of the same community, making it a rare example of living ecclesiastical heritage. Through centuries of transitions, it remains a vital spiritual space that has shaped the religious and educational landscape of Trivandrum, closely linked with institutions like University College and the city’s early missionary schools.
The Hamiltons (American Missionaries,) arrived in India in 1951 and were given only a brief period of language study before being plunged into the activities of the South India Bible Institute in Bangarapet, Kolar District, Karnataka. But they both continued to learn Kannada throughout their ministry in India, and found themselves quite at home with the language.
In 1952, Mrs. Mary Hamilton was requested to prepare materials for a model Vacation Bible School, and this was so well received that it has grown to become an annual event in many parts of India, and other countries in the world.
When Mary Hamilton, along with her husband, Lester, first arrived in India as missionaries in 1951, they had no idea that they would be part of starting a movement for Vacation Bible Schools that would bring the message of the gospel to countless children and continue to grow for decades to come.
Mary’s life began far away, in a Christian home in Schuyler Falls, New York. She and Lester met and were married in 1946 while pursuing graduate degrees at Asbury Theological Seminary (Kentucky). Lester was born in Newton, Kansas, into a Christian family that nurtured his spiritual growth. They applied for missionary service with World Gospel Mission and were appointed as missionaries to India. Lester wrote that he and Mary walked in confident assurance because of God’s promise in Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Lester and Mary began serving at South India Bible Institute (now South India Biblical Seminary), which was founded in 1937. While teaching a variety of subjects, they also accompanied students on ministry trips to surrounding villages, mentoring students as they practiced sharing the message of Jesus Christ. Mary served as a homemaker, a hostess, a counselor, and a teacher with specialization in Christian education. They also raised three children: Joy, Paul, and Becky, who were educated at boarding schools.
Students at SIBI were looking for an outlet to reach out to the younger generation, and, with Mary and Lester’s dedication, founded the VBS ministry in India. In 1952, the first VBS program was held for 75 children. The Hamiltons became responsible for training VBS teachers, writing curriculum, and preparing materials. VBS teachers they had trained then returned to their communities, led VBS in their villages, and trained more leaders throughout India. As the ministry grew, Bangalore was established as the ministry’s headquarters.
Lester and Mary began to sense God calling them to work full time with VBS. After 10 years of service at SIBI, the Hamiltons moved to Bangalore. Mary developed VBS curriculum, while Lester designed VBS centers and constructed new ministry buildings in Bangalore. In a 1971 Call to Prayer article, Mary wrote: “The development of Vacation Bible School students into steady Christian leaders is one of the sweet rewards of this ministry.” Just 14 years after the first VBS was held on SIBI’s campus, over 50,000 children were regularly participating in VBS programs.
The ministry exploded beyond what anyone could have imagined, and today, over two million children are being reached annually, in 13 different languages, throughout India and surrounding countries. Thousands of children have come to know the Lord through VBS.
In 1978, Lester and Mary turned VBS over to Indian leadership and returned to serve at SIBS. For eight years, the couple taught classes, helped in construction, and maintained their involvement with VBS. Lester and Mary officially retired in 1986 after 35 years of service in India with WGM. Mary passed away on August 12, 2013, at the age of 89. Lester passed away on December 29, 2009, at the age of 88.
Rev. and Mrs. Hamilton were highly regarded teachers at the South India Biblical Seminary in Bangarapet, in Karnataka. They both were talented and have enriched the lives of many who came in contact with them. Their many and varied contributions to the ministries of South India Biblical Seminary and the Vacation Bible school movement will not be soon forgotten and we thank God for having brought them to serve in India.
Dr. Sosamma Thomas (b.11 Jan 1905 d.11 May 1998)- Mazhukkettethu Kuriannoor – An Unknown Heroine of the Mar Thoma Church.
Dr. Sosamma Thomas was the daughter Kuriannoor Mazhukkettethu Thoma Varkey and Annamma (from Keezhukara Thenalil house). She was one among the first batch of students of the Nicholson Girl’s High School, Tiruvalla which was established in 1910. She was the first medical doctor from Kuriannoor. After her medical education she worked in various mission hospitals across mission fields in India that included Chittar Mission, and Palghat Mission of the CSI (Church of South India) Hospital in Bangalore. During her in stay Bangalore she was a strong supporter of the Hoskote Mission, Karnataka established in 1947.
Dr. Sosamma Thomas with Dr. Stanley Jones with her family members at her ancestral home in Kuriannoor, Kerala. Dr. Thomas is seen in the center holding a young child. (circa 1953)
The following text is taken from the book “From his majesty’s service to HIS MAJESTY’S SERVICE” article written by Mrs. Grace John daughter of the co-founder of Hoskote Mission.
Friends of the Ashram
Dr. Miss Thomas (Mazhukkeetethu House, Kurianoor) of Bangalore CSI Hospital – A great supporter of the Mission. Dr. Thomas was our family doctor. My mother had all the three deliveries and hysterectomy in CSI Hospital, Bangalore. Dr. Thomas was a strict person but her love and zeal for the Lord could accommodate all the needs of the people at the Hoskote Ashram. Night or day, she was there for us. Our childhood ailments and vaccinations were taken care by her. The village people also knew and respected this great doctor who would cure and care for them. CSI Hospital, Bangalore was instrumental in providing the medical care for all the Hoskote ashram people till the establishment of the Hoskote Mission Hospital in 1965.
She was a strong financial supporter of the Bible Society of India. After her retirement she returned to her ancestral home in Kuriannoor. She was the volunteer ”Camp Doctor” for all youth camps, retreats and student conferences of the Mar Thoma Church for many years. She was very active in the activities of the local parishes in Kuriannoor. She was called home on 11 May 1998 and was buried in the Mar Thoma Church Cemetery in Kuriannoor.
Pages from History:- Mar Thoma Church Day (Sabha Dinam), മാര്ത്തോമ്മാ സഭാ ദിനം
21 December: St. Thomas Day – Sabha Dinam. We believe that St. Thomas one of the disciples of Jesus Christ is the founder of the Christian Churches in Kerala. According to tradition he reached the Malabar Coast at Crangannur {now Kodungallur} in 52 A.D. Kerala Christians observe St. Thomas Day on 21 December every year. Special thanks giving and remembrance services are held on this day in most of the churches. In the Mar Thoma Church we observe it as Sabha Dinam.
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
Rev. C.P. Abraham Cherukara, Ayroor
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
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 (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
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.
His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan
Rt. 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.
As the last assent is given, the presiding Bishop takes his place before the altar and, the congregation standing, solemnly declares —
“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.
At the inauguration of Church of South India. Photo by Mark Kauffman (LIFE magazine)
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
Inauguration procession of Church of South India. Photo by Mark Kauffman (LIFE magazine)
Inauguration procession of Church of South India. Photo by Mark Kauffman (LIFE magazine)
Inauguration service of Church of South India. Photo by Mark Kauffman (LIFE magazine)
Inauguration service of Church of South India. Photo by Mark Kauffman (LIFE magazine)
Inauguration service of Church of South India. Photo by Mark Kauffman (LIFE magazine)
“The written word is like a seed. If it falls on prepared soil having moisture and sunlight, in due season it will grow and bear fruit.”
We present two free eBooks in pdf format courtesy by V M Abraham. He and his wife Leelamma Abraham are known for their life long mission and role in the formative years of ELS (Evangelical Literature Service) in India and the expansion of its work across India.
In fact my life in the role as the leader of ELS was a victory march of eighteen years. It is only with the eyes of a beholder that such struggles and victories can be seen, especially in a spiritual field. We never worked for personal gain – be it money, popularity or position. We firmly believed that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’. In times of crisis it was great to listen to God by reading His Word and meditating upon it to hear what He was saying. At such times, it was God’s Word that comforted, encouraged and gave me direction and purpose. I know that He is a God who speaks; but to hear His voice, one must choose to listen.
The Story of Evangelical Literature Service (ELS) is an account and a confirmation of that blessed truth that God is utterly dependable and that His faithfulness towards us never fails. Authored by V.M. Abraham and Ida David it is a firsthand account of the ELS story in India.
In 1946 a bookshop was started in Chennai in a small rented room. That was the beginning of ELS. God blessed the work and in 1954 ELS was registered in Chennai under the Societies Registration Act. God has blessed the vision of Donald David and the work that began in 1946 as a one room shop, today has twenty three centers in nine states of India – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Delhi, Dimapur, Secunderabad and Pondicherry.
A Lifetime with Books – Personal experiences of V M Abraham and Leelamma Abraham in Christian Book Ministry (2017)
“VM has sketched us many interesting aspects of his life, from a boy with bare feet going to school, to beinginvolved in a world wide literature ministry where all the essential lessons learned in Madras/Chennai, were shared with CLC workers in different parts of the world, what a wonderful heritage to pass on.” ~ Geoffrey and Pauline Williams.
The Printed Page
The printed page can go where the human voice cannot.
It travels cheaply.
It leaps language barriers, and is never influenced by racial prejudice.
It preaches the same message to everyone.
It never loses its temper… never talks back
It never tires, but works even when men sleep.
It is never discouraged.
It always catches a person in the right mood.
It speaks without a foreign accent.
It never compromises… never changes its message.
It continues to witness long after its author has died.
All copyright belongs to the respective publishers and Mr. V. M. Abraham. Kindly attribute the author, publisher and the website for any future use. Nalloor Library never charges for any content and only asks for proper attribution for any information used from this website.
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