15 July 2027 · Syro-Malankara Rite
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“Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
The Letter to the Hebrews says: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Today the Syro-Malankara Church remembers her father, Archbishop Mar Ivanios, who died on 15 July 1953. We remember him not to look back, but to imitate his faith.
Geevarghese, born in 1882 at Mavelikara, was a brilliant scholar and teacher. Drawn to prayer and to the monastic life, he founded the Bethany Ashram (Order of the Imitation of Christ) in 1919 and the Bethany Sisters in 1925. Longing for the unity of the Church, he searched for the communion of the Malankara Church with the See of Peter. On 20 September 1930, with Bishop Mar Theophilos and a few companions, he was received into full communion with the Catholic Church, keeping the venerable West Syriac liturgy. In 1932 he became the first Archbishop of Trivandrum.
Like Abraham and Moses, he left security behind. The reunion cost him churches, properties and friends; he began again in poverty, in small chapels and simple houses. Like the servant in the parable who traded with his talents, he did not bury what he had received: his learning, his liturgy, his love for the Malankara tradition became a gift to the universal Church. “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things.”
Paul's farewell to the elders of Ephesus could be his: “Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son… remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Today we thank God for him, pray for the unity of all Christians, and ask God, if it is his will, to glorify his servant.
Theme: “Remember your leaders; imitate their faith.”
Today we remember Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios (died 15 July 1953), founder of the Bethany Ashram and Bethany Sisters, who led the reunion of 1930 and became the first Metropolitan Archbishop of our Church. His cause for canonisation is in progress; we honour him as Servant of God.
“He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”” Exodus 3:12
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
Apply: Read a short account of the reunion of 1930 with your family.
“With all your soul fear the Lord, and revere his priests.” Sirach 7:29
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:21
Apply: Name one talent God has given you and use it this week for the Church.
“I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15
“Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son.” Acts 20:28
Apply: Pray today for the cause of Mar Ivanios, leaving the judgement to the Church.
Mar Ivanios teaches that faithfulness to truth and love of unity can shape a whole Church.
Let us remember, imitate and pray.
Take-home resolution: If possible, visit or pray for the tomb at St Mary's Cathedral, Pattom.
Dear brothers and sisters, the Letter to the Hebrews tells us: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Today our Church remembers her father, Archbishop Mar Ivanios, who went to God on 15 July 1953.
He was a scholar and teacher, but above all a man of prayer. He founded Bethany, the communities of the Imitation of Christ. And he carried a great longing: that the ancient Malankara Church be one with the Church of Peter. On 20 September 1930, with Mar Theophilos and a few others, he entered full communion with the Catholic Church, keeping the beautiful liturgy of our fathers.
It cost him a great deal. He left behind churches, properties and friendships. He began again in small chapels and sheds. But he trusted the promise God made to Moses: “I will be with you.” Like the faithful servant in the parable, he did not bury his talents. Today our Church, spread across India and the world, is the harvest of that sacrifice.
So let us imitate his faith: love for prayer, love for the liturgy, love for the unity of the Church. Let us pray for our Major Archbishop and bishops, for all Christians of Kerala to be one, and, if it is God's will, for the glorification of his servant Mar Ivanios. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Amen.
Children, today we remember Mar Ivanios, the father of our Malankara Catholic Church.
He loved Jesus and wanted all Christians to be one family with the Pope. He gave up big churches and a lot of money to do this!
Let's thank God for him and pray: “Jesus, make all Christians one family!”
Lord Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever, we thank you for Archbishop Mar Ivanios, who loved your Church and sought her unity at great cost. Keep our Malankara Church faithful to the faith he lived, bless our Major Archbishop and bishops, make all Christians one, and, if it be your will, glorify your servant. Amen.