" Be rich in love of man and love of God. Brothers
should never cheat each other. When you move away from
unity you are sure to move away from God ".
" You must regularly read the Holy Bible. You must
obey your spiritual fathers and increase their good name
and honor before God and men by your exemplary life ".
"
Loss and difficulties come when God moves away. On such
occasions, never look for one reason or other. Instead,
know that God has kept away because of your sins: then
cling to God, he will show mercy upon you ".
"
Prayer is the inspiration of childhood, the refuge of
youth and peace during old age ".
"
Forgiveness is strength. It gives a person a good name.
It is the Distinguishing feature of righteous people
".
"
He who prays to God everyday would never be without
truth, morality, faith and devotion, and would never
turn against his master or society ".
"
When we pray with a heart full of devotion, God accepts
it and we receive blessings in return ".
“
Avoid arrogance, quarrel and pride while dealing in
Church matters; instead, let your humility shine before
others. Those who place their trust in God, and satisfy
the people are blessed ".
"
As far as possible never do evil to anyone: or it will
ruin you, your children and your house. Hold on steadfastly
to prayer, fasting and works of charity. Do them with
faith and devotion ".
"
Those who disobey their parents and join their enemies
are liable to be cursed by them. They will not inherit
the legacy of their parents and will be disqualified
from this world as well as the other ".
"
If there is quarrel in family, keep away from it. A
quarrelsome house is the haven of the devil; and God
is nowhere near it ".
"
It is not spiritual wisdom to try to conquer the enemy
with evil than with virtue. If you depend on the God
of Truth and go out with a truthful heart, God will
accomplish things for you ".
" Whatever is due to the Church must be given forthwith.
If your mind is pure in that matter, your house will
also be pure. If in such things you think of any gain
or revenue, then you will lose that ten-fold ".
"
Remember God in everything. Let no one grieve because
of you. Never let go an opportunity to do something
good. Only those things will remain with you till the
end ".
"
If man does not raise his hands in prayer for himself
and for the sake of his people, even after knowing God,
how can we say man is better than animals who are not
wise and cannot think about their future".
QUALITIES
Qualities that made Parumala Thirumeni an exemplary
bishop and a spiritual leader.
1.
Call of God. From his childhood he was aware of
his call to serve the Lord and the Church. He surrendered
his life completely to God and allowed the Holy Spirit
to indwell in him and to control and guide his life.
2.
Dependence on God. He depended upon God for his
physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs.
He was not concerned about what would happen to him
in the future. He believed that God would provide for
him. How many of us worry about what will happen in
the future?
3.
Communion with God. He was a prayer "warrior".
His disciplined prayer life helped him to commune with
God and receive guidance from Him. Before making any
major decision, he used to spend time in fasting and
prayer. Many of us recite our canonical prayers, but
we don't know how to commune with God.
4.
Life-long Student. Geevarghese Malpan and Konattu
Malpan had great influence upon Deacon Geevarghese.
Under the guidance of Konattu Malpan, he studied Syriac,
the Holy Scriptures, theology, worship, and canon law.
He also made very good use of Malpan Achen's library.
He continued his studies during the rest of his life.
5.
Dedicated and Devoted Teacher. His rigorous religious
training at Pampakuda with Konattu Malpan Achen helped
him to become a dedicated and devoted teacher. He provided
religious and spiritual training for all the deacons
who lived with him at Parumala Seminary. He influenced
all of them by his life and example. Many of his students
became spiritual leaders in the Church. How many of
us have any influence on the lives of our students?
6.
Serving Others. He always remembered what Jesus
said, "If you want to be great in the Kingdom of
God, be a servant." He served God's people without
expecting anything in return. Since he had experienced
the unconditional love of God, he shared that love with
others. He reached out and touched the lives of many
that were in need.
7.
Trusting in God. Since he trusted in God to provide
for his needs, he never worried about "tomorrow."
Whatever he had, belonged to God, and he believed they
were God's gifts. Whatever he received from the people
belonged to the Church. How many of our leaders really
trust in God? Don't we try to keep everything in our
names?
8.
Healing the Sick. During his ministry as a priest
and bishop, people used to ask him to pray for them.
They especially asked him to pray for the sick and lay
his hands on them for healing. Many miraculous healing
took place during his lifetime. The healing ministry
of Parumala Thirumeni is still continuing. How many
of us have time to pray for others?
9.
Friend of the Poor. He was a friend of the poor,
downtrodden, and untouchables. He encouraged the establishment
of schools and the spread of the Gospel to the neighboring
states and to low caste people who lived among the Syrian
Christians.
10.
Defender of the Faith. As a priest and a metropolitan,
he defended the Orthodox faith and taught the believers
through letters, articles, and sermons. Even though
he was the Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese, his ministry
extended all over Malankara.
11.
Glorified God in Sickness. Even in his sickness
and suffering, he glorified God and thanked Him for
His grace. With Paul he was able to say, "For me
to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He did
not consider death "as an enemy" but "as
a friend." How many of us are afraid of death?
