Zacharias Mar Theophilus was the messiah of the poor all his life: File photoRev. Fr. Alexander J. Kurien, deputy associate administrator, office of the US government-wide policy, United States government, Washington DC, mourns the death of Zacharias Mar Theophilus, the Metropolitan of the Malabar diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Kozhikode on Tuesday.
Remembering the Metropolitan, Rev. Fr. Alexander said the church has lost a prominent Hierarch, known for his great and long service to the people of God.
He also recalled his long friendship with the Metropolitan since 1987 and how it developed through multiple visits to St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church of Greater Washington DC and his residence.
“Already at that time, the unforgettable Metropolitan Theophilos distinguished himself for his deep piety, service to his people, his ecclesiastical ethos, and the special love he had for the sacred services of our Orthodox liturgical tradition,” he said.
The calling
Metropolitan Theophilus, also equally known as M.C. Cherian Achen, was born on September 16, 1952 to M.P. Chandapillai and Achamma Chandapillai, Manjanamkuzhiyil, near Kallupara, Thiruvalla.
He grew up as a devout orthodox Christian at St. George orthodox church in Chengaroor.
After completing high school in Kallupara, he attended Marthoma College in Thiruvalla for his undergraduate studies.
He finished his Master of Arts degree from Kerala University. Subsequently, he joined the Orthodox Theological Seminary.
He attained the Bachelor of Divinity and Masters in Theological Studies from Serampore University.
He attended Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, New York, the US for Doctor of Ministry.
He received the order of Deaconate from His Grace the Late Yuhanon Mar Severios Metropolitan in 1977. On May 15, 1991, His Grace the Late Dr. Philipose Mar Theophilos ordained him to priesthood.
The Metropolitan is well known for his inseparable association with Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement (MGOCSM), the students and youth mission wing of the Malankara Orthodox Church.
He had served the Church in different capacities from 1979.
On August 7, 2004, he was elevated as Ramban with title Zachariahs by Basalios 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.
Leading the flock
The Metropolitan’s enthronement was conducted by Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan Baselius Mar Thoma Didymus 1 at St. George's Orthodox Cathedral in Bilathikulam.
Deputy Speaker of the Kerala Assembly Jose Baby inaugurated the public meeting held later to felicitate the newly enthroned Metropolitan.
Aryadan Mohammed, MLA, delivered the keynote speech. The senior-most Metropolitan of the Church His Grace Geevarghese Mar Osthathios delivered the benedictory address.
Alexander Karackal, Church secretary, and other dignitaries offered felicitations. Metropolitan Theophilos’ hard labor is reflected in the significant growth of the Malabar diocese with now more than 100 parishes.
Always noble in his ways, ready to listen to the problems, and the disappointments and the pain of countless people, he did not hesitate to offer plenty of time for therapeutic advice and spiritual guidance of his flock.
Throughout his diakonia as Metropolitan of Malabar Diocese, he was always untired and present without exception, in all the events of the Holy Church in all the meetings of the Holy Synod and traveled throughout the world to preach the word of God.
The Metropolitan served with faithfulness and devotion to God and His Church until the very last days of his short life despite the increased health issues he was facing lately.
The high hierarchical offering of the unforgettable Metropolitan has been indelibly etched on the collective memory of the Church, which is fervently praying for the blessed repose of the soul of such a beloved and distinguished hierarch.
May his memory be eternal as he rests among the just and the saints. His Grace was a dynamic leader, and during his tenure, his ministry focused on numerous important initiatives.
With a strong commitment to our youth, he established many youth program.s One of the Metropolitan’s major charitable project was to provide financial assistance to girls and boys from poor families.
He supported two tribal villages with daily food for an entire year. His Grace also built the KRUPA de-addiction center in Erumamunda, Malappuram that rehabilitated so far 500-plus alcoholics and drug addicts.
Even during his final days, the Metropolitan wore his signature smile. And despite the excruciating pain he endured, he never complained and left an everlasting legacy as the 'Metropolitan of the Poor.'
He would simply say in his heart – Thank you, Jesus!
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