Mar Coorilos Geevarghese, Ambatt – Mar 9

Geevarghese (Korath) was born in around 1834/35, as the third son of Ittimathu and Elikutty of Ambatt Vadakkan family of Akaparambu of Mar Sabor Mar Aphroth Church, Angamali parish. His ancestors originally belonged to Arthatt in Kunnamkulam which is one of the oldest Syrian Christian settlement areas of Malankara. The family migrated from Arthatt to Poikkattussery in Angamali around the year 1789, when the King of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, attacked Kunnamkulam. His maternal grandfather, Korath, Mazhuvancherry Parambath, Ayyampally was a judge in the old Kochi region. His desire was to become a priest like his father’s brother, Yacoub (Chacko) Ambatt.

Right from his childhood, Geevarghese (Korath), as he was known, grew up in the fear of God. After learning the vernacular and completion of his primary education, he learned Syriac language and litany from Rev. Fr. Yacoub Kooran Karavattuveettil and Rev. Fr. Ittimathen, Parackal. This was a period which helped the young boy to deepen his knowledge and conviction in the Syriac faith and traditions He was also an expert in Theology, Maths and Architecture. Mar Yuyakkim Coorilos ordained him Deacon and after his ordination, as Priest he served in his own parish Akaparambu Mar Sabor Mar Aphroth Church, until his consecration as a Metropolitan He was consecrated Ramban by Patriarch Ignatius Peter III at Mulanthuruthy Church on 27 June 1876 on a Tuesday along with two other Rambans. When the Patriarch decided to divide the Malankara Church into six dioceses and to consecrate Bishops for the same, Geevarghese Ramban, Ambatt was designated the Angamali diocese.

Geevarghese Ramban was consecrated a Bishop with the name Mar Coorilos Geevarghese on 10 December 1876 at Mar Thoman Church, North Paravoor. He was entrusted authority over St. Mary’s Church Angamali and 22 other Churches around it. Mar Gregorius Geevarghese Chathuruthil was consecrated along with him for Niranam diocese. The bishops consecrated on 3 December, Mar Geevarghese Yulios, Konatt (Thumpamon) and Mar Paulose Athanasios, Kadavil (Kottayam) were co-celebrants along with the Patriarch in this consecration.

When Mar Shem’vun Dionysius, Karavattu-veetil and Mar Ivanios Paulose, Murimattom (Kandanad) were consecrated on 17 May 1877 at Chiralayam Church, Kunnamkulam, Mar Geevarghese Coorilos, Ambatt, served as a co-celebrant.

Metropolitan Ambattu Mar Kurillos who led the northern diocese of Angamali for almost 15 years had contributed a lot for the development of the diocese as well as the Church in the north.  His Grace was very generous in using his ancestral property for the development of the Church and had done lot of valuable services for the Church. He constructed many Churches and ordained many priests. He stayed in various churches at Kothamangalam, Kurup­pam-pady and Rakkad. With the emergence of the reformists teachings, the bishop visited many Churches and did his best to retain the priests and believers in the True faith. Ambattu Thirumeni’s work among the masses, helped to avert even the slightest possibility of such threats by Protestants in Angamali diocese.  

The land where Thrikkunnath Seminary is situated, was bought during his tenure. The most memorable and valued institution for the Church in the diocese is the St. Mary’s Seminary Church, Thrikkunnath, the construction of which started around 1889. The first Holy Qurbana was celebrated there on 2 March 1899. He made use of contributions from Angamali, Akaparambu Churches and he himself also provided money for its completion.

While on a visit to Pambakuda Church Mar Coorilos Geevarghese fell ill and returned to Akaparambu church. He realized his end was near and retired to Cheriapally, Angamali where he had constructed a tomb on the northern side. He passed away on a Sunday on 9 March 1891, at the age of 56 and was interred in the tomb which had been prepared by him. The feast of Mar Coorilos Geevarghese is celebrated on 9 March in the Orthodox Church.

Ref: Rev. Fr Corespiscopo Mani Rajan – Martyrs and Saints