LL H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius – June 6 I 1955 – 2007

H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius Thirumeni was a great spiritual leader, a versatile genius  and a rising sun of the Malankara Orthodox Church in India. In his short span of lifetime, he could make an indelible impression in the hearts of the mass. His life was a life of prayer and service to the poor.

He was born on July 1, 1955, as the son of Mathai Kurian and Saramma Kurian of Ranni Pakalomattom Thazhamon family at Mavelil Perangattu house at Mukkalumon, Ranni. Vinoy Kurien, as he was called during his school days, was a brilliant student and completed his degree in B. Sc Physics. After acquiring a postgraduate degree (M.A.) in History, Zachariah joined the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam and completed his theological studies in 1980 and passed out as the best outgoing student, with distinction of ‘Best Outgoing Student’ in 1979,

He was ordained as a deacon on May 21, 1979, and as a priest, Fr. Zachariah Perangattu on August 30, 1980 by His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Mathews I, the Catholicos of the East. He had served as the Secretary to LL Catholicos Marthoma Mathews I for 16 years. He was Vicar to Parishes Kummanam St. George Church, Karapuzha Mar Gregorios Church and Azhutha St. Thomas Church.

He was elevated as Augen Ramban on December 5, 1992, by H.H. Baselius Marthoma Mathews II. He had served as Manager of Devalokam Aramana, Manager of Valikattu dayara, Diocese secretary of Kottayam Central, President of the Baselios Charitable Society and Resident Manager of the Engineering College, Peerumedu. First secretary of Central diocesan secretary Kottayam, Holy Episcopal Synod Office Secretary, Distribution Manager for Church Utensils, Member of Church Publication Department, and Member of Church Defense Committee etc. He had edited and published Devotional Meditations, Prayer Books and Liturgical studies and Travelogue Marusadhvalangalilude.

He was elevated as a Metropolitan, Augen Mar Dionysius on March 5, 2005. He took over as the Metropolitan of Idukki diocese on July 1, 2005. During the two years of his tenure as the metropolitan, there has a diligent effort to address many of the issues faced by the people. He has provided effective leadership for the reconstruction of Churches and other projects benefiting the poor people of Idukki. During his lifetime he dedicated himself to his Heavenly Father’s will and served the poor. The simplicity and dedication of Thirumeni made him a perfect fit for a backward diocese like Idukki. He was a good administrator and lived like a yogi who worked silently without any publicity. He lived and died serving the people.

Mar Dionysius was a great spiritual leader and a raising sun of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Diocese Idukki is the most rural and financially challenged diocese of the Church. He had a very unique combination of spiritual and administrative capabilities. His spiritual and charitable mission work for upliftment of the poor in his diocesan area for last two years of taking over as the metropolitan of the diocese was greatly appreciated by all. He has rendered an effective leadership for the reconstruction of Churches and other projects of spiritual, social and financial upliftment of the poor people of Idukki.

H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius passed away in an accident on June 6, 2007. He was on his way to distribute books to poor students. He lived serving the poor and he died serving the poor. On June 07, 2007, he was laid to rest at Valikattu Dayara, Vakathanam. May his soul rest in peace. May all of us be inspired by his life and service to the poor. May his prayers guide us.