Simeon (Shemvun) Mar Athanasius – June 11

Shemvun Mar Athanasius came from Antioch to the Church in India after the historic Mulanthuruthy Synod of 1876.  He belonged to the Turab’din region in South East Turkey. He was pious & prayerful person, he taught orthodoxy to the clergy and faithful, staying at Puthenpally Church in Kottayam. 

There was a turbulent period in the history of Malankara Church following undue interference of the European protestant missionaries in its internal affairs, that had a negative impact on the faith & traditions of the Syriac Church. All this compelled the Church in India to request the patriarch to send a delegate to guide them.  In 1880, the Malankara Metropolitan Joseph Pulikkottil Mar Dionysius and Gregorios Mar Geevarghese Chathuruthil wrote letters to the Patriarch describing the difficulties in the Malankara Church due to the Protestant schisms.  Consequently, the Patriarch Moran Ignatius Peter IV ordained Ramban Shemvun as Metropolitan, by name Athanasius and sent him to Malankara along with Deacon Sleeba (Sleeba Mar Osthatheos).  It is said three decades before in 1849, Ramban Shemvun had been in India for a short period along with Mar Athanasius Stephanos of Turab’din. 

On January 1, 1881, Shemvun Mar Athanasius and Deacon Sleeba reached Kochi. While in Malankara, Shemvun Mar Athanasius was residing and conducting services at Mar Barsaumo Church (Kottayam, Puthenpally). There is not much written history available about his past nor on his pastoral work in India, however he is widely regarded in Malankara as an esteemed father who spend lot of time in prayers like the early desert fathers of Egypt.  His life in India lasted for just 8 years.

It was towards his fag end of life that the Church regained control of the Seminary at Kottayam (Old Seminary) subsequent to the Royal Court Judgment. He then shifted his residence to seminary and taught there too.  However, within a few months of stay here, his health deteriorated and passed away, on 11 June 1889. This saintly bishop is invoked by many to help people find things that they have misplaced or lost. The mortal remains of the holy father were interred, according to his wish, at the Northern side of the altar of Kottayam, Puthenpally Church. Shemvun Mar Athanasius is commemorated on June 11.