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.
A Tribute to Rev. Simon Abraham B.A., G.Th. (1927-2024)
(U.C. College Alwaye, L.T. College Jabalpur) Cherukara Bungalow, Ayroor North, Pin: 689612
Rev. Simon Abraham and Aleyamma Kochamma
Rev. Simon Abraham was a senior priest in the Mar Thoma Church, known for his unwavering faith, dedication to ministry, and compassionate service to all people. Born on July 18, 1927, he was a beloved priest who touched many lives through his pastoral care, self-discipline, and remarkable memory. His life was a true reflection of the words from Daniel 12:3: “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.” He was called to his eternal home on 3rd December 2024.
Early Life and Family Background
Rev. Simon Abraham was born to C.A. Simon of Cherukara, Ayroor, and Rahelamma of Valiyakalayil, Kuriannoor. His paternal grandfather, Rev. C.P. Abraham Kasseessa (1876-1940), was instrumental in founding the Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists Association in 1924. Achen’s great-grandfather, Very Rev. Philipose Malpan (1836-1894), was the Vicar General from Cherukara, Ayroor. His family heritage was steeped in spiritual leadership and service to the church.
Rev. Simon Abraham was a member of the Ayroor Chayal Parish, which played a significant role in shaping his spiritual journey. His early education included attending the Mar Thoma High School in Kuriannoor, where he laid the foundation for his future calling.
Ministry and Service
Rev. Abraham’s journey in the ministry began with his ordination. He was ordained a deacon on July 26, 1955, and a priest on May 21, 1959. He dedicated over three decades of service to the church, retiring on July 18, 1992. Throughout his ministry, he served numerous parishes across Kerala, India, and even abroad.
Among the many parishes he served were Pathanapuram (Salem MTC), Bethel, Kavugumcherri, Pidavoor, Kattanam, Thamarakulam, Nuranadu, Chunakkara, Thazhava, Kurathikkadu, Mavelikkara, Kallimel, Kayamkulam (Salem),Puthupally, Paruthippara (Tvm), Sreekariam, Vithura, Kuriannoor (St.Thomas), Perumpara, Ayroor Chayal, Poovanmala (St.Thomas), Kalampala, Edapavoor (Bethel) in Kerala, and in cities like Bombay (Dadar), Kalyan, Ambernathu, and Bhopal (St.Peter’s and St,Paul’s), Indore. Rev. Abraham also served in Dubai (May 1978- April 1981), Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. His time as a missionary in Kayamkulam – Tharamel Kadapuram (Sea Coast) Mission and Bhopal Mission Field left a significant impact, as he worked tirelessly to spread the Gospel and serve the community.
Achen’s additional duties included coordinating Dalit parishes in the Ranny-Nilakkal Diocese. He was also deeply involved in community service, not just within the church but with people of all faiths, ensuring that everyone felt welcomed and cared for.
Family and Personal Life
Rev. Abraham’s personal life was intertwined with his ministry. He married Aleyamma (Ponnamma) B.A., a former staff member at the University of Kerala who resigned from her job after their marriage. Together, they created a home full of warmth, faith, and service. Kochamma (Ponnamma) was not only a loving partner but also a true friend, counsellor, and strength to Achen throughout his ministry. Aleyamma Kochamma passed away on 17 October 2021 (age 84).
Rev. Abraham’s children—Ray Abraham (married to Georgie Eappen), John Abraham (Joe, married to Liza), and Sim Abraham (married to Romy)—were an integral part of his life. His family was a source of joy and support, with their home in Ayroor being a place of welcome for anyone in need.
Rev. Simon Abraham and Aleyamma Kochamma in 1978 – Dubai MTC
Legacy: The Acronym SIMON ABRAHAM
Rev. Abraham’s name is synonymous with service, faith, and dedication. His life can be encapsulated in the acronym SIMON ABRAHAM, which reflects his character:
Simple, always with a smile, successful because self-disciplined and content.
Inspiring
Memory was outstanding; once if he has met a person, he would remember their name and where abouts. God blessed him with good memory till the end.
Others were his concern.
Never slacking, always moving with an aim and purpose.
Aiming high to win souls for Christ his only master.
Burning zeal for the Lord.
Running the race faithfully, till the Master called him home.
Always available.
Home was open to all at all times
Accepting the limitations and restrictions, he was alert and fulfilled the call and great commitment to the Great Sheperd.
Model family – Kochamma (Ponnamma) was a true friend counsellor, leading light, and strength to Achen in his ministry. Her children would call her Blessed.
A Shepherd’s Heart
Rev. Simon Abraham was a devoted priest who cared deeply for everyone in his parish, regardless of their religion, caste, or creed. Both Achen and Kochamma were known for their selfless house visits, offering comfort, counselling, and prayers to everyone they met. Achen’s genuine concern for people, both Christian and non-Christian, made him a beloved figure in the community. Non-Christians eagerly awaited Achen’s visits, finding solace in his prayers and thoughtful counsel.
Final Years and Home Call
Rev. Simon Abraham’s faithful service continued until his retirement in 1992, after which he lived a life of prayer and reflection. On 3rd December, 2024, he was called to his eternal home at the age of 97. His passing was a significant loss, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the ministry he led.
Rev. Simon Abraham will always be remembered for his dedication to Christ, his love for people, and his exemplary life of service. His memory remains an inspiration to all who knew him, and his life continues to shine as a beacon of faith and compassion for future generations.
“But as for you, go on your way until the end. You will rest and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” ~ Daniel 12:13
Personal Note from Editors
Rev. Simon Abraham was a former student of our Kuriannoor Appachen (Headmaster N. Joseph) at Mar Thoma High School Kuriannoor. We had the honour of Achen conducting our Holy Matrimony at the Anglican Church (Holy Trinity) in Dubai in 1979. Throughout his retired years in Ayroor, we remained in close contact with Achen and his family. He was a steadfast supporter of our Nalloor Library website, and his encouragement meant a great deal to us.
Nalloor Library 