Alexander Mar Thoma
|
Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Marthoma Metropolitan |
|
|---|---|
| Installed | 23 October 1976 |
| Predecessor | Juhanon Mar Thoma |
| Successor | Philipose Mar Chrysostom |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 7 June 1946 |
| Consecration | 20 May 1953 |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Maliackel George Chandy |
| Born | 10 April 1913 Kurianoor |
| Died | 11 January 2000 Kumbanad, Kerala, India |
| Buried | Tiruvalla |
Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan (10 April, 1913 – 11 January, 2000) was the head of the Mar Thoma Church with its center in Kerala state in south-western India. About his life he wrote in his autobiography, "My life was a filled with trials and tribulations, joy and sorrow, pain and gain, struggles and rewards. But it was by the grace of God, that stood like a pillar of cloud during day and like a pillar of fire at night, I was able to withstand them all."
“Look at that a Khadi wearing Bishop, with research interest in Gita. This Kerala Christians are an amazing lot and he looks amazing." – Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India.
In the state of Kerala, India, on the banks of river Pamba, surrounded by the villages Maramon, Ayroor, Thadiyoor, Pullad lies a village Kuriannoor that is well known for its beauty and peace. Maliackel family was one of the well known families here. A member of this family, Rev. M.C.George (Rev. Maliackel Chandy George) was a well-educated, much respected vicar of the Mar Thoma parish in Kuriannoor. His son Kunjachen ( Alexander Mar Thoma) was born on 10 April 1913. His mother was Mariamma of Maramon, Anjilivelil family. The baby was baptised by Rev. A.V.Mathew, at the Maramon church and was given the name Maliackel George Chandy.
He began his schooling at the age of four. Because he was a very bright student the school gave him double promotion (skipped classes and promoted to the next class) Because of this by the time he completed eight years of education two of his elder sisters became his classmates.
But in 1923, when he was only ten years old, his father died and a great responsibility fell on his head. The whole village was sympathetic to the family, and encouraged to send him to famous schools away from his home village. But his mother was very particular that the children should live with her and so Kunjachen was sent to nearby High School at Kozhencherry. While he was at Kozhencherry school, he became a book-lover and voracious reader.
He continued his studies at Maharajas College, Ernakulam and at Union Christian College, Aluva. For the next one year he was looking around for a suitable teaching post but was not successful. With no major income he had to look after his mother, a brother and six sisters. At last after one year he got a teaching post at C.M.S.High school, Kottayam. There he taught Mathematics for 12 years. It was here he took interest in missionary work and began to take part in social activities.
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Wikipedia