Mor Coorilos Markose, +2005

Mor Coorilos Markose, +2005

May 30th is the anniversary of the demise of HG Mor Coorilos Markose +2005. Mor Coorilos was the former Metropolitan of Niranam, Trivandrum & Kuwait dioceses. Markose was born on October 6th 1946 to Varkey & Elyamma of Ramanthara family, members of Ponpally Church. After completing his higher studies in CMS College, he joined Old (MD) Seminary Kottayam. He was ordained deacon by then Catholicos Baselios Augen on 7th May 1970. He studied under the tutelage of late Mor Julius Yac'ub Madappatt (Manjinikkara), late Mor Timotheos Yac'ub (Thrikkothamangalam) & late Rev. Fr. TJ Abraham (Mulanthuruthy). On March 25th 1974 he was ordained Qashisho by late Mor Gregorios Geevarghese (Perumpilly). As a priest, he served in Kottayam Diocese along with various parishes outside Kerala & in Bahrain. He was a respected Syriac scholar, teaching students for over 30 years (many of those years were in Vettickal Seminary). He wrote a number of books including a guide to the study of the Syriac language. His most invaluable book remains the guide to the order of worship in the Syriac Church. Beyond services to the Jacobite Church, he also served as teacher & guide of Syriac at St. Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute (SEERI) & was an examiner for Syriac at MG University. Late Mor Yulios Kuriakose elevated him to the rank of Raban on 6th August 2000. On January 14th 2001, he was consecrated by the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of blessed memory with the title Coorilos at Patriarchal Cathedral Damascus along with Mor Ivanios Mathews. Mor Coorilos, in an effort to safeguard the Holy Syriac Orthodox Church in India; convened the historic Malankara Association meeting at Puthencruz in 2002 & passed the constitution of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church. This meeting elected Mor Dionysius Thomas (presently HB Mor Baselius Thomas I Catholicos) as the Metropolitan Trustee. Mor Coorilos led a simple life, even after his consecration. His warm demeanor & welcoming spirit was loved by the faithful who clung to his speeches. He remained steadfastly loyal to the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch. On May 30th 2005, HG Mor Coorilos Markose succumbed to illness & reposed to the heavenly abode. His mortal remains were interred in St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church Pangada. Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' Oh Mor Coorilos Markose! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.