പരിശുദ്ധ പരുമല തിരുമേനി

St. Gregorios Geevarghese, popularly known as "PARUMALA THIRUMENI" was born in the distinguished priestly family of 'Pallathattu Thanagattu' in the village of Mulunthuruthy near Cochin, India on 15th June 1848.  He was baptized by name Geevarghese (George) at the Mulanthuruthy Mar Thoman Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Cathedral.  Geevarghese’s mother died when he was a small boy and since then he was under the loving care of his elder sister Mariyam.  From childhood days he followed a very disciplined life which was enriched by prayer and fasting.  'Kochaipora' as he was known in those days, had a deep fascination towards Syriac, the liturgical language of the Syriac Orthodox Church. His extraordinary ability to sing Syriac hymns beautifully & perfectly came to the notice of his uncle (father's brother) Malpan Kassisso Geevarghese who was an authority in Syriac and a celibate priest. Impressed by his nephews' extraordinary divine qualities Kassisso Geevarghese gave proper guidance to him.  The other two personalities who had greatly influenced young Geevarghese were Malpan Kassisso Geevarghese Konattu (later Geevarghese Mor Julius) and St. Yuyakkim Mor Koorilos Bava, the Syrian Metropolitan who was the Reesh Episcopa to Malankara.  The later years the Malankara church was witnessing the emergence of a great monk who through continuous prayers, made it clear to the world that Prayer and devotion is mightier than any worldly possession. The Holy Father's short life was remarkable in many respects. A deacon at the age of 10, a priest at the age of 18, a bishop at the young age of 28 (the reason for calling him 'Kochu Thirumeni'); he passed away at the age of 54 on 3rd November 1902 and his mortal remains were laid to rest the next day (4th November), after a saintly life of prayer to become the brightest jewel of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church.