HG Michael Mar Dionysius – Jan 18

Mar Dionysius Michael (Mikhayel ) was one of the Metropolitans who lead the Malankara Church through a time of great crisis. He was born in 1880 (Edavam 15), as the son of Alummoottil John Upadeshi of Kayamkulam. When Mikhayel was 18 years old, while playing in a tennis court, he was summoned by Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius, the Malankara Metropolitan, who had arrived at the Kadisha Church at Kayamkulam and was ordained a deacon on Christmas day. Mikhayel accompanied Mar Dionysius to Kottayam where he continued his education at M.D. Seminary and Old Seminary. He was ordained deacon by Parumala Mar Gregorios and on Chingam 15, 1910 was ordained priest by Vattasseril Mar Dionysius.

Fr Mikhayel served as member on the Kayamkulam town improvement committee and later in the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha. Fr. Michael did a lot of gospel work in and around Kayamkulam and brought many to Christianity.   Fr Mikhail parting ways with Vattasseril Mar Dionysius and joined the Jacobite faction. In September 1927, Fr Mikhayel was ordained Metropolitan Michael Mar Dionysius by Patriarch Elias III. Mar Dionysius led a very simple life, giving away much of his possessions to the poor and needy. He was the founder of the Malankara Sunday School Association. Until his death on January 18, 1956, Mar Dionysius was considered a pillar of strength for the Church. His mortal remains are interred at Panampady Church.