Mor Dionysius Mikhayel +1956

Mor Dionysius Mikhayel +1956

January 18th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of Mor Dionysius Mikhayel +1956 the former Syriac Orthodox (Malankara Jacobite) Metropolitan of Kottayam and Southern dioceses. Mikhayel was born in Alummootil family to Evangelist John & Achamma, in Kayankulam; where he did his primary education, followed by higher studies at MD Seminary High School Kottayam. He was ordained Quroyo by Mor Dionysius V (Pulikkottil Joseph II), Aphudykano by St. Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil of Parumala, & shamshono by Mor Dionysius V at Kayankulam Qadisha Church. On August 30th 1908, he was ordained Qashisho at Parumala seminary, the chief celebrant was Mor Dionysius Geevarghese Vattasseril, along with Mor Dionysius V, St. Osthatheos Sleebo Abakar the delegate of the Apostolic See of Antioch, & St. Coorilos Paulose Kochuparambil. Fr. Mikhayel rendered his services at M.D. Seminary. He was also an instrumental part of the efforts undertaken by Syriac Youth Association & Malankara Mission Society. When the unfortunate schism erupted in the Malankara Church, he left MD Seminary & returned to Kayankulam where he was active in public service; working as municipal councilor & representing Kayamkulam in Sree Moolam Praja Sabha. Fr. Mikhayel was selected as the candidate of Metropolitan Consecration for the dioceses of Kollam, Niranam, Thumpamon. He along with Fr. Ottathaikkal Thomas who was selected for the Knanaya diocese, accompanied Mor Yulios Elias Qoro (Delegate of the Apostolic See of Antioch) to Jerusalem. The two priests were ordained Rabans on October 20th 1926. Then on October 27th 1926, they were consecrated Metropolitan with the titles Dionysius & Dioscorus by St. Ignatius Elias III Patriarch in the presence of Mor Yulios Elias, Mor Geevarghese Gabriel of Jerusalem & several clergy. The two newly ordained bishops remained in Jerusalem for 50 days, visiting sites in the Holy Land. They returned to Kerala & would visit St. Osthatheos Sleebo at Vadakara St. John's Church the next day. When St. Ignatius Elias III Patriarch visited Malankara, Mor Dionysius Mikhayel was his personal assistant & interpreter, remaining so until the demise of the Patriarch in 1932. Mor Dionysius provided strong leadership, inspiring the believers to remain steadfastly loyal to the Holy Throne of Antioch. His encouraging speeches lit up the hearts of the faithful who were distraught at the hands of the schismatics. Mor Dionysius would visit churches across his dioceses, by ox-cart & even travelling by foot to meet the needs of his children. He was unrelenting in making sure that the faithful remained courageous against the adversaries. Mor Dioscorus Thomas would shift allegiances & move to the Roman Catholic fold, which saddened Mor Dionysius. Mor Dionysius Mikhayel led a very simple life, giving away much of his possessions to the poor & needy. His only possession were a torn mattress, ragged clothes; his usual meal was water with rice gruel & vegetables. He wanted to gain nothing by showing loyalty to the throne of the Holy See of Antioch, but only unflinching faith. He addressed everyone by name which endeared him to the parishioners. He never hesitated to admonish those who behaved defiantly in the altar. He kept Mor Sharbil Dayro Thrikkothamangalam as his administrative headquarters. On 15th December 1955 during the feast of his teacher St. Coorilos Paulose at St. Mary's JSC Panampady, he spoke rousingly to strengthen the faithful. After his meal he told those around him that he will die soon, asking that his faithful be near him. The service of Qandilo was conducted the next day. His condition gradually deteriorated & on January 18th 1956, Mor Dionysius Mikhayel reposed in the Lord. His last rites were led by Mor Philoxinos Paulose (later the late Catholicose HB Mor Baselius Paulose II) & Mor Yulios Elias Qoro. He was entombed in St. Mary's JSC Panampady Kottayam. Mor Dionysius Mikhayel was affectionately known as the Roaring Lion of Malankara, & was a pillar of strength for the faithful; for he courageously defended the Malankara Church from all adversaries & inspired the children to remain steadfastly loyal to the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch. May his legacy be forever eternal. Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' Oh Mor Dionysius Mikhayel! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen. http://sor.cua.edu/Personage/Malankara/MDionysiusMAlummoottil.html Huthomo: https://youtu.be/E4pJzesfNcI