Joseph Mar Dionysius II was born on November 12, 1833, in the Pulikkottil family of Kunnamkulam near Trichur. His father was Tharu Kurien, the nephew of ‘ Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius I’ (the founder of the Old Seminary at Kottayam) and mother, Thadamma, the brother’s daughter of Paingamukku ‘Kuthuru’ Geevarghese Read more
His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II was born on 30th August 1946 in a village called Mangad near Kunnamkulam, Trissur District, Kerala as the son of the late Kollannur Iype and the late Kunjeetty, who hails from the famous family of Pulikkottil. Paul was baptized at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Pazhanji, named Read more
Astaric or Star (Kaukbo) This is made of silver or gold, in the shape of a cross like, star with the four ends bending downwards and is used to support the veil above the Paten, so that the veil (Kabilana) may not touch the Holy Bread. It is the symbol Read more
Kabilana Kabilana is small piece the richly embroidered cloth coverings of the Holy Vessels, the Paten and Chalice. The name means receptacles. There is a word in Syriac ‘Mcbilon’ meaning receptacle or accepting. The correct name for this is ‘Hoofoyo’ or ‘cover’. They are square in shape, richly stitched embroidered Read more
The Paten (Peelasa) and Chalice (Kasa) are the sacred vessels in which the Eucharist Elements are kept, before and after consecration. The chalice and paten occupy the first place of importance and significance among the sacred vessels, for in the chalice the precious blood of Christ is consecrated, and in Read more
This is a rectangular, miniature, and portable altar measuring 18″ long, 12″ broad and 0.5″ thick. Thus, the Thabilitho can be said to be a Mini Altar (Thronos). The word means plate or tablet. It is kept in the middle of the Holy Altar and is made of wood or Read more
Mar Thoma VII was a bishop of the Malankara Church from 1796 and Malankara Metropolitan from April 1808 to July 1809. Mathen, as he known in his childhood, was born in Pakalomattom family, one of the oldest families in Kerala. He became a deacon and a priest at a very early age. Read more
In the early centuries of Christianity, first lamps and then candles were used for lighting. Light is symbol of the presence of God. Light symbolises Divine presence. Israel experienced presence of Jehovah through the pillar of fire at night. “God is light (1 Jn. 1: 5) and in Him is Read more
Altar Cloth The Altar cloths are special cloths, used to cover the Holy Altar during worship services and celebrations. They often left on the altar when it is not in use. They consist of a white linen, Chitola, the front draping and the Corporal (Virikoottam) White Linen The Holy altar Read more
Paul is seen as a new being in the Christian Church and an architect who worked hard for building the Church. Paul knew more about the work of Jesus only through relation with the Church and life in the Church. His knowledge of Christ deepened through Church life. He talks Read more