Syrian Colonization of Malankara in AD 325
                    Meanwhile the Church at Malabar (Kerala) established in the 1st century, weakened during the period of about 300 years succeeding the Apostle’s death, mainly because there had been none to succeed the priests ordained by St.Thomas.  It was while the Christians of Malabar remained in this unsatisfactory condition that Mor Joseph the Bishop of Edessa (a place in the eastern border of the Roman Empire), had a dream regarding the sad situation of the Church at Malabar.  He informed this to the Bishop-Patriarch of Jerusalem who consulted the other Bishops as to what should be done in this matter.  (It was in consideration of the importance of the Holy City of Jerusalem, the Metropolitan  of Jerusalem came to be known as the 'fifth Patriarch of Christendom', who was a subordinate to the Patriarch of Antioch as mentioned in the Universal Synods).   The Jerusalem Metropolitan deputed one Thomas a native of Cana, a respectable merchant then living at Jerusalem to ascertain the condition of the Christians of Malabar.  This Thomas on reaching the Malabar Coast found a good number of Christians wearing the badges of their religion and from them he ascertained about their condition.  On his return he explained about the Christians at Malabar and all what he saw, to the Bishop of Jerusalem.
                  Consequent to this, the Church Synod held under the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East, immediately decided to send a delegation to Malabar (Kerala) and accordingly in AD 345,  around 400 odd persons from 72 families comprising men, women and children, reached Cragananore (Kodungalloore) under the leadership of the merchant, Thomas of Cana.  The group consisted of the Bishop Mor Joseph of Edessa as well as some priests and deacons.    (Edessa was in the eastern boundary of Roman Empire and not in Persia as claimed by some people.  More about the authenticity of ancient narrations such as 'Anecdote Syria' etc, that was originally came into existence only in the 16th century and which wrongly states that it was Catholicose of the Persia who sent the delegation and they fled to India fearing the persecution of Persians, and such, will be published soon).
                  This Syrian Christian delegation from Edessa, was from a sect of Jewish Christians from different places of then Canaan land (later called Palestine, now Israel).  They settled as a Colony on the southern side of the Kodungalloor Palace street, with the permission of Perumals, the then rulers of the region. 
                   Meanwhile the native Christians converted by St. Thomas, who were called Marthoma (St.Thomas) Christians lived on the northern part of the street.   While the descendants of the former were called as ‘Southists’ or Knanaites, after their leader Knai Thoma (Thoma of Cana), the ‘Marthoma Christians’ lived on the northern part were, from then onwards started to be mentioned as  ‘Northists’.  The name Malankara Church, is also supposed to be mentioned as such, for the entire Christian Church of Kerala, from this period.
It was as a consequence of this Syrian migration of Knanaites, the entire Christians in Kerala, came to be called SYRIAN CHRISTIANS, as they came under the Syrian Patriarch of Antioch who had jurisdiction over all the East and thus began using the rituals and liturgies of the Syrian Church of Antioch

KNAI THOMA (MAR THOMA) AND THE MIGRATION

                    Twenty years after the Nicean Council (synod), Knai Thoma, a rich international merchant from Cana, brought a colony of 400 Syrian Christians consisting of 72 families belonging to 7 clans with instructions from the Patriarch of Antioch, Mor Yusthedius, to the Malabar coast of India. The group included men, women, children, priests, deacons and their bishop Mor Joseph of Urfa (Uraha/Edessa). The names of the seven clans were: Bagi, Belkuth, Hadai, Kujalig, Koja, Mugmuth, and Thegmuth. The legend is that Mor Joseph had a startling dream (vision) in which he saw the plight of the Christian church in Malabar established by St. Thomas, the Apostle, in the 1st Century. Mor Joseph and Knai Thoma landed in Kodungalloor (Crangannoore) in 345 AD. Knai Thoma and his group sailed in three ships. The leading ship called "Babylonia" had three masts. The main mast flew King David's flag, the second mast flew the Roman flag with the cross, and the third flew King Abgar of Edessa's flag.
                    Knai Thoma and his people were heartily welcomed by Cheraman Perumal, the Emperor. Cheraman Perumal sent his brother, Ramavarma, and his minister, Vettathu Mannan, to receive Knai Thoma and his people. Knai Thoma and his people were given permission to settle down in Kodungalloor and to do business. Later Cheraman Perumal bestowed Knai Thoma and his people with 72 princely privileges and there by elevated them over 17 castes. This proclamation was made on a Saturday in March (Kumbham 29), 345 and it was recorded on copper plates given to Knai Thoma (Knai Thomman Cheppedu).
                    Knai Thoma and his people built a town in Kodungalloor with a church and 72 houses. The natives called it "Mahadevar Pattanam" meaning "town of superiors". Knai Thoma and his people converted many natives to Christianity and built many churches. Thus the arrival of Knai Thoma and his people (Knananites) reestablished the church founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle.

Source:knanaya.us

                       Mor Severios Geevarghese was the first Metropolitan of the Knanaya diocese. He was born in 1851 to Kasiso Philipose of the Edavazhickal family, the vicar of Kottayam Valiyapally, and Kunjachi. After his primary education Geevarghese prepared to become a priest. He was the 10th priest of the famous Edavazhickal family that has produced many gifted men, most well known among whom is the Church historian E.M. Philip.
                         On 31st August 1910, Patriarch Mor Ignatius `Abded Aloho ordained Fr. Geevarghese Edavazhickal as the first Knanaya Bishop with the name Mor Severios. Around that period, the reformation movement that was very active in Malankara rocked the Knanya Community also. At Kottayam, Kallissery and Ranny many faithful of the Knanaya community along with some priests joined the new movement and created a rift in the churches. At Kottayam Valiyapally this movement was strongly opposed by Rev. Fr. Philipose and his son.
Mor Severios administered the Knanaya diocese residing at Kottayam Valiyapalli. He believed in the value of education and introduced several programs for the education of the Knanaya students. He founded mission centres at Chingavanam, Kallissery and Kattodu. The construction of Chingavanam seminary began in his period. This was later to become the 'Mor Ephrem Seminary' and the Knanaya Bishop's House.
                      Mor Severios was a source of love and selfless service to the community. An educational fund he created and named after him is his great contribution to posterity. He served the community for seventeen years during which many churches were formed in the diocese. He democratised the administration of the church. For this purpose he called a meeting of the parish representatives and formed the Knanaya Association which is the parliament of Knanaya diocese. "The Knanaya Association" rules were compiled in 1918 which later became the guideline for the present constitution of the diocese.

Mor Severius passed away on June 11, 1927 and was laid to rest at the ancient Kottayam Valiya Pally. 

Thomas Mor Dioskoros, (Second Metropolitan of the Knanaya Diocese)

                   Thomas Mor Dioskoros Metropolitan was a pious and dedicated Bishop of Knanaya diocese. Initially he assisted Mor Severiose Geevarghese Metropolitan and took over the administration of the diocese at the demise of Mor Severious.His father belonged to the family of "Thervalady" the family of the knights of thekkumkur royal family. His mother belonged to the famous Ottathycal family where his father resided, as there were no male members there.
Mor Dioskoros led a life of simplicity and piety. He was humorous and witty. In his administrative period the 'Patriarchal Bull No.42 was issued by "Patriarch Elias III". The Bull proclaimed that Knanaya diocese shall always be directly under the holy throne of Antioch. It is a significant document. The completion of Ephrem Seminary took place in his period. He provided leadership for the founding ofVanitha Mandirum at Kurichy and M.S. High School at Ranny. It is quite unfortunate that he later converted himself to the Roman Catholic fold . (source: "Cultural Heritage of Knanaya Syrian Christians" by Rev. Fr. Joseph Kulathramannil-p 75)   

Source:knanaya.us

H. E. Abraham Mor Clemis Metropolitan (1918 -2002)

Chief Metropolitan of the East
 

             Mor Clemis was born into the Vayala family in Ranni, on April 22, 1918 as the sixth offspring of Mr. & Mrs. Idiculla Kochidiculla. His brother Vayala Idiculla was a well-known political leader and a freedom fighter. Young Abraham’s liking was to be a politician, but God had other plans for him. Like Moses, when the Knanaya people had no bishop for a long period of time, God called him to be their Shepherd.. Mor Clemis joined the church as a deacon at a young age. A graduate in Theology and Political Sciences, Mor Clemis studied at Seminaries in Manjinikkara, Alwaye, Mosul, Homs, and Union Theological Seminary in New York.                Consecrated Knanaya Diocesan Bishop in 1951, Mor Clemis served that office for 52 years. He was indeed a good shepherd and he tended his flock with diligence and faithfulness
During his initial years as Bishop, Mor Clemis provided inspiration, and vision to a diocese that had been without a Bishop for the previous 20 years. With prayer, leadership and good counsel, Mor Clemis worked with the community leaders to organize itself. New churches, convents, and retreat centers were established. Young men and women were actively recruited to membership in the clergy. The Church constitution was amended and updated for effective administration of parishes and other institutions. Educational institutions and an orphanage were established. Encouraged and initiated many charitable works such as giving away 1000 plus homes for the financially challenged and establishing a widow fund for the financially deprived women.
Being blessed with great administrative capability and political acumen, Mor Clemis also immersed himself with spiritual and temporal matters of the larger Christian community in India and abroad. In recognition of his services and leadership, Mor Clemis was given important responsibilities and honors
                 Mor Clemis established himself as the veritable leader of not only the Knanaya Community but also of the Malankara Church. As a result he was elected as the Malankara Metropolitan in 1957.
                 In 1982, recognizing his leadership and wisdom, His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, decorated Mor Clemis with the highest honor a bishop can receive, the title of “Kubernithi Hakimo” which means ‘Wise Captain.’. Again in1989 His Holiness bestowed on Mor Clemis the position of “the Chief Metropolitan of the East” recognizing his continued contributions to the whole Indian Christian Community. It is a position similar to that of the Catholicose.
                  Mor Clemis made ecclesiastical visits to Ethiopia, Russia, the Middle East and many European countries. In 1956 the late Emperor Haile Selasse of Ethiopia was the guest of honor of Mor Clemis. at Mar Ephraim Seminary, the headqurters of the Knanaya Diocese in Chingavanam.
                  Clemis Thirumeni was a key player in the Kerala politics. His political influence was so powerful that even Mrs. Indira Gandhi went to his seminary in Chingavanam in 1970 to ask for his support as well as his advice. In 1997 none other than the then Vice-President of India Mr. K.R. Narayanan inaugurated the bishop’s Jubilee celebrations. The Community celebrated the Episcopal Jubilee of Mor Clemis on a grand scale in 2000 and His Holiness the Patriarch blessed the occasion with his presence.
                    Mor Clemis was warmly welcomed by the present Pope John Paul on two occasions in the company of His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch, Ignatius Zacha Iwas I. Mor Clemis was also a guest at the palace of the late President of Syria, Hafez Al Asaad He was a member of the World Council of Churches and attended several of its meetings.
                  Mor Clemis was a sage and a saint. He was a sage because he gave wise counsel not only to the religious community but also to many politicians in Kerala who sought his counsel. He was a peace maker as well as a king maker. He mediated and settled many disputes between the two factions of the Jacobite churches as well as helped ease tensions between Hindus and Christians at several occasions. This he achieved by his strong belief in religious tolerance and Christian principles. Those political leaders who heeded his advice did well in their political career.
                  Mor Clemis could also be called a saint because he showed qualities of a saint such as concern for the betterment and wellbeing of the poor, fought against social injustice and political oppression. He practiced chastity and poverty. He usually ate only vegetarian food and that too very moderately, just enough to survive and not to indulge. He slept on a single bed with no mattress, but only a mat and a single sheet to cover his body. He had big calluses on knuckles and on his knees due to prostration during his prayers at several times during the day and at night. For an outsider his regal appearance and commanding presence gave the impression that was contrary to his inner nature of an ascetic. According to the Orthodox Christian faith a saint is also one whose soul is gone to heaven. A few minutes before his death, the bishop started a prayer with the people in the hospital and when he was praying the Lord’s prayer, he breathed his last and entered into his heavenly rest at about 11pm on Sunday the 29 of September of 2002 at the ripe old age of 84.

Knanaya Arch Bishop H.G. Kuriakose Mor Severios

His Grace Mor Sevarios Kuriakose, ordained Metropolitan for the Knanaya diocese by the Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas on 15th January 2004, is the fourth Metropolitan of the Knanaya diocese after its formation in 1910. The Consecration ceremony of the Metropolitan was at the St.Peter and St.Paul Cathedral in the Monastery of St.Aphrem at Ma'arrat Seydnaya, Damascus, Syria. His Grace assumed the seat following the demise of the Chief Metropolitan of the East, Mor Clemis Abraham, in September 2002 at the culmination of one of the longest reigns in Indian Christendom.

Born into a family of priests on May 21, 1959, Mor Sevarios Kuriakose (Kuriakose Abraham) is the first among seven children of Edavazhikkal Kunjavarachan and Mariamma of Kottayam. His Grace is the second Metropolitan from the famous Edavazhikkal family; his predecessor being H.G. Gevargheese Mor Sevarios who is also the first Metropolitan of the Knanaya Jacobite Syrian diocese. The well known Church historian E M Philip who was the secretary to Malankara Metropolitan Pulikottil Joseph Mor Dionysius II, also belongs to the Edavazhikkal family.

             A post-graduate in History and English, he gained his degree in theology from Menooth University, Ireland, and PG in the same subject from Pourasthya Vidya Peeth, Vadavathoor, Kottayam. It was on 4 February 1990, Kuriakose Abraham has been ordained Kassisso by the Chief Metropolitan of the East (late) Mor Clemis Abraham, assisted by Metropolitans late Mor Theophilos Thomas (Outside Kerala diocese) and Mor Osthatheos Benyamin Joseph (Simhasana Church).

About a year after the demise of Mor Clemis Abraham, on 18th December 2003, a special session of the Knanaya Association meeting was convened in the headquarters of the Church at Chingavanom to elect a new Metropolitan for the congregation. The convention choose Fr.Kurikose Abraham (Edavazhikkal Achen) to head the Knanaya community. On 12th January 2004 he was ordained Ramban (monk Priest) at the Patriarchal Cathedral church at Damascus by H.H the Patriarch Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas and three days after, on 15th January, he was ordained Metropolitan.

Knanaya Auxiliary Bishop H.G Kuriakose Mor Gregorios

Rabban Kuriakose Chaluparampil was consecrated as the suffragan Metropolitan of the Knanaya Archdiocese in Malankara with the name Mor Gregorios Kuriakose on Friday, 2nd February 2007 at the St. Peter & St. Paul's Patriarchal Cathedral at Ma`rrat Sayyidnaya, Damascus, Syria, by His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East. The Knanaya Archbishop Mor Severios Kuriakose, Malankara Episcopal Synod Secretary Mor Gregorios Joseph, patriarchal secretaries Mor Athanasius Geevargese, Mor Athanasius Elia Bahi and Mor Philexinos Mathias, assisted His Holiness in the consecration. Hundreds of priests and faithful from Knanaya community from India and abroad participated in the holy ceremony.
                       On Saturday, 10th February, H.G. Mor Gregorios Kuriakose  returned to Malankara and a public reception was given to the Metropolitan at Chingavanam in the afternoon. Later the Sunthroniso of  the new Metropolitan was held at the St.John's Cathedral under the auspices of the H.B. Catholicos Aboon Mor  Baselios Thomas I.  Mor Gregorios Kuriakose will be the assistant to Archbsihop Mor Severios Kuirakose.

H.G Kuriakose Mor Evanios

H.G Ayoob Mor Silvanos