Geevarghese Ivanios was born on September 21st, 1882

Geevarghese Ivanios: The Visionary Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church

Geevarghese Ivanios, also known as Aboun Mor Ivanios, was a trailblazing figure in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, renowned as the first metropolitan archbishop of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum. He was a pioneering force in the establishment of the Bethany Ashram for monks in the Order of Imitation of Christ (OIC) and the Bethany Madam order of nuns, leaving an indelible mark on the Catholic Church.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 21, 1882, in Mavelikkara, Kerala, India, Geevarghese Ivanios was descended from the aristocratic tharavad of Panickervettil in Mavelikkara. His family was honored with the title of Mylitta Panicker, bestowed upon them by the Travancore rulers. Ivanios received his early education in Protestant and government schools, followed by studies at M.D. Seminary High School, Kottayam, Serampore College, and Madras Christian College.

Academic Achievements and Ordination

Ivanios was a distinguished student, becoming the first M.A. degree holder in the Kerala or Malankara Church. He completed his matriculation education in 1899 and received minor orders of clerical life on September 20, 1898. He was ordained a deacon by Pulikkottil Dionysius, the Malankara Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, on January 9, 1900. Ivanios continued his studies at CMS College, Kottayam, and obtained a bachelor's degree in economics and Indian History from Madras Christian College. In 1907, he took a Master's Degree (MA) with distinction from the same college.

Founding of Bethany Ashram and Order of Imitation of Christ

Ivanios' vision for a monastery and a congregation of monks led to the establishment of the Bethany Ashram for monks in the Order of Imitation of Christ (OIC) in 1919. This pioneering work was followed by the foundation of the Bethany Madam order of nuns in 1925. His dedication to the Order of Imitation of Christ and the Bethany Ashram earned him recognition as a champion of Catholic monasticism in India.

Career Highlights and Major Works

• Ivanios served as the principal of the Kottayam M.D. Seminary High School and as a professor at Serampore College.
• He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, becoming its first metropolitan archbishop.
• He was a prolific writer, penning several books on theology, spirituality, and Church history.

Path to Sainthood

In 2007, Ivanios was declared a Servant of God by Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottungal, marking the beginning of his journey towards sainthood. In 2024, he was declared Venerable by Pope Francis, bringing him one step closer to canonization.

Legacy and Impact

Geevarghese Ivanios' contributions to the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, his pioneering work in establishing the Bethany Ashram and Order of Imitation of Christ, and his dedication to education and spirituality have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church. His life and legacy continue to inspire generations, serving as a beacon of hope and faith.