LL HG Zachariah Mar Theophilos – Oct 24 Metropolitan of the Marginalized, Prophet of the Poor, Abbot of Mercy.

LL HG Zachariah Mar Theophilos, was the true shepherd, who spread out the message of love, opened his hands to feed the hungry, extended his arms to make home for the homeless, to unfolded his resources to educate the poor, unfurled his vision to help the needy, and identified himself with to be with the afflicted and distressed. The truly wise soul, and a lover of humanity, looked at human life through God’s eyes and as a lover of God, chose to live according to God’s wisdom and will. Indeed, a Bishop of the poor, who embedded Christian values and Christ’s love in to the suffering society. He was the true embodiment of light, that reflected the Light of Christ to lighten the darkness of downtrodden, a deity of love and mercy, a beacon of light for the deprived and destitute.

Dr Zachariah Mar Theophilos was born on September 16, 1952 to M P Chandapilla and Achamma Chandapilla, Manjanamkuzhiyil, Puthussery South, Kallupara, Tiruvalla, as a member of St George Orthodox Church, Chengaroor, Niranam Diocese. He had his early education in local schools at Kallupara, M.G.D High School Puthusserry, and college education at Marthoma College, Thiruvalla. After taking his bachelor’s degree in Science (BSc Maths) from University of Kerala, he joined Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, for theological studies. After his Graduate Degree in Sacred Theology (GST) from the Orthodox Theological Seminary, he joined the Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree at the Senate of Serampore University. 

He also did his MTh from FFRRC, Serampore, (Federated Faculty for Research in Religion and Culture) and completed research studies in ‘Holy Bible and Holy Land Past and Present’ at St George College, Jerusalem. The St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, New Jersey, US, conferred on him a Degree of Doctor of Ministry in the faculty of Theology for his dissertation ‘Strengthening Prayer Life in Parishes’.

He had widely travelled in Europe, USA and Gulf countries. He was ordained as a deacon, by HG Yuhanon Mar Severios in 1977.  Dn. M C Cherian served the Church as fulltime General Secretary of MGOCSM from 1999 onwards and held the post of warden, Student Centre, Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam. As a deacon and a priest, he always encouraged students in readings and gaining knowledge. He strived to uplift the spiritual level and mentality of the youth. He marvellously gave spiritual guidance and leadership to the youth and touched the lives of many students. On May 15, 1991, HG Dr Philipose Mar Theophilos Metropolitan ordained him a priest at the St George Orthodox Church, Chengaroor. 

On August 7, 2004 Fr. M.C. Cherian was elevated as Ramban with title Zacharias by HH Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II, at Devalokam Catholicate Aramana Chapel. He was elected Bishop by the Malankara Christian Association held at Parumala Seminary on June 10, 2004 and subsequently, consecrated as a Bishop on March 5, 2005. On December 2, 2006, he was enthroned as Metropolitan of the Malabar diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church by the then Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan Baselius Mar Thoma Didymus I, at St. George’s Orthodox Cathedral in Bilathikulam. His main field of work was MGOCSM, in which he served and excelled in different capacities including as its full time General Secretary and Bishop Vice-President. He was the Visiting Faculty of St Basil Bible School, Sasthamkotta, Governing Board Member of Thadakam and Manganam Ashrams.

Works of mercy was embedded deeply in Mar Theophilos, who was a friend of the marginalized, a champion of the poor and a hope for the hopeless all through his life. Thirumeni’s contributions towards the society are immense, in building houses for the homeless. He has provided, roofs tomore than 150 deprived and needy families. HG has provided education to over Rs 60 lakhsineducational scholarships of the underprivileged students. He voiced his opinion against many public issues like Endosulfan use. HG started drug rehabilitation centres, de-addiction programs, and established a KRUPA de-addiction center in Erumamunda, Malappuram that, helped de-addict more than 450 people from alcohol and drug abuse. He conducted over 100 marriages of poor couples, by giving off Rs 1 lakh and a sovereign of gold and a set of beautiful dress to each newly-weds. Thus, Thirumeni helped these couples to start their life with some income generating venture. HG has helped the needy and poor in every domain. Thirumeni offered a meal to almost 1000 people daily, including bystanders in hospitals. He is also backed two tribal villages with daily food for an entire year. He left an everlasting legacy as the ‘Metropolitan of the Marginalised.’

HG, a ardent scholar and philosophical preacher, was a lover books and always thirsty for knowledge. He has authored several books including a Church life guide, Bible Readings Cards and Bible interpretations. He had his own cheerful charming signature smile, even in the final days. A lover of God, HG never complained against his illness, but he endured excruciating pain, saying – Thank you, Jesus! He lived a life that pleased God and cheered the people around him. 

He was a prayer warrior with God, as well pillar of prayer and fasting. Lord Almighty, his only refuge, in whom he put all his trust and whom he glorified all the days of his life. Thirumeni, a true servant of the Lord, dedicated himself, his body, heart, mind, soul and spirit, to serve God, ministering to our faithful across the globe, never trusting in wealth, or material richness nor desiring fame or position. He believed that his ministry is not to impress anyone but to express the Christ within, to the outside world. He channelized the money from the rich and affluent, to the poor and needy.

He had a heart, that followed God’s heart, to reach out for man’s heart. He was a skilled shepherd, great guru, a radiant star, an ardent friend of God, a true friend and spiritual mentor to many, especially students. His power of positive thinking and positive energy always reflected in his writings.  He had a unique special talent of creating ‘acronyms’ and one-line phrases to remember complex topics and many short meaningful prayer lines.   

The unforgettable Theophilos Thirumeni, distinguished himself for his deep piety, sincere service to His people, his ecclesiastical ethos and the special love he had for the Sacred Tradition and rich heritage of our Orthodox liturgical tradition and radiance to spread positive energy. With faith in Christ and in the hope of resurrection, His Grace Dr. Zachariah Mar Theophilus, Metropolitan of the Malabar Diocese, entered his eternal abode on Tuesday, October 24^th, 2017. He lies interred at Thadakam Christu Sishya Ashram at Coimbatore. HG’s memory is treasured by millions, as he has entered the hearts of many. May the memory of His Grace Dr. Zachariah Mar Theophilus, be eternal!