LL Job Mar Philoxenos – Nov 20 I A Revolutionary Bishop with Modern Outlook

LL HG Job Mar Philoxenos, the sixth and youngest son of Kanianthra C Thomas and Achamma, was born on 8 May 1939, in Mepral, a village near Thiruvalla. The illustrious Kanianthra family had 13 priests before him, however HG was the first in this family to become a bishop. His Grace spent his formative schooling in St John’s School, Mepral and PVM School Peringara. He subsequently joined the Mount Tabor Dayara when he was 16 years old. Sacrificing a life of material comfort, he chose the austere discipline of a monastic calling, influenced by none other than his dear mother and inspired personally by his maternal uncle the Catholicos at that time, His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II. The Catholicos entrusted the school-age boy to the care of Metropolitan Thomas Mar Dionysius, the founder, and head of the Mount Tabor Dayara, Pathnapuram. The life and work of Mar Philoxenos reflected the spirit of Mount Tabor Dayara. His Grace was ordained a Deacon on May 26th, 1956, a full Deacon on November 3rd, 1961 by HH Baselios Geevarghese II, at Parumala and a priest on May 11th, 1972,

His Grace Job Mar Philoxenos earned his Master’s degree in English Literature from St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli and was appointed faculty of St. Stephen’s College, Pathnapuram, until he was elected by the Malankara Syrian Christian Association as an Episcopal candidate in December of 1989. Elevated as Ramban and as Episcopa on April 30th, 1991, the Holy Synod appointed His Grace as the Assistant Metropolitan of the Delhi Diocese on June 14th, 1991. He was ordained as Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church on August 27th, 2002 at Devalokam Aramana Chapel by H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews II. Shortly after the heavenly abode of H.G. Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios, His Grace Job Mar Philoxenos was given the charge of Metropolitan of the Delhi Diocese.

The years HG dedicated to the Orthodox Church were filled with accomplishments reflecting his quiet commitment to the growth of the Church. He had consecrated over 16 new parishes in the Delhi Diocese, a majority being in the National Capital Region (NCR). He established the prestigious Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios Award in his name. He completed valiya Thirumeni’s dream project of a retreat centre in the Golden Heights of Aravali hills in his remembrance. To realize his commitment to the community, he established the Shantigram project for the development of a village in Haryana (40 Km from Delhi),  which involved the purchase of 30 acres of land, the institution of a good English Medium School and an affordable Clinic to service the people of the village.

Thirumeni was a revolutionary in many aspects, a man of divine insight, and a visionary and a beacon of love and compassion. His vision to cater to the needs of the outside Kerala youngsters and families led him to give shape and form to the Indian Orthodox Diaspora Movement, which later emerged as a full-fledged spiritual organization, besides the Sunday School, MGOCSM, Martha Mariam Samajam, AMOSS and Orthodox Christian Youth Movement.

Thirumeni brought women in the Church to the forefront giving approval for inducting young women of the Church into the Youth League. To encourage their participation in Sunday worship, Thirumeni issued an order allowing girls to read the Old Testament reading before the start of Qurbana.

He was instrumental in opening the Internet as a means to connect to millions of Orthodox believers across the world in an attempt to clear their doubts on issues of faith. Even in his testing times, he conveyed his views on raging social and moral issues such as homosexuality, attack on Christians and need for world peace.

Thirumeni’s conviction, that the youngsters brought up in diverse situation in outside Kerala, are capable of building a new future for the Church, encouraged to have Holy Qurbana English at least once in a month in his jurisdiction. He also advocated the formation of MGOCSM and IOD units in the parishes in Delhi Diocese. He is remembered for his untiring efforts in striking up personal relationships with active members in each parish of the Orthodox Church, visiting all the Churches and congregations from Jaisalmer, a congregation in the Pakistan border, to UAE. His untiring support of fellow priests through difficult times has not gone unnoticed. Thirumeni looked to the future and to include the future generations of Orthodox members he started a new spiritual organization Diaspora, conducted conferences and meetings with an eye toward inclusiveness and ecumenism. Finally, through the melodious voice of Thirumeni we have been blessed to enjoy the sweetness and beauty of our worship. Perhaps, one can call H.G the real Vanampady of Orthodox Church

LL HG Job Mar Philoxenos passed away on 20^th November 2011 and his body lay interred at Mount Tabor Dayara, Pathnapuram. With no doubt we can say that the throughout the entire life Thirumeni would remain in the hearts of millions who had enjoyed the sweetness of his love.