Archbishop Most Rev. Benedict Mar Gregorios

Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios was the Second Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. The Archbishop’s baptismal name was Geevarghese. His family members used to call him Kunjukutty. He was born on 1 February 1916 in the Mundupalathinkal-Thangalathil family as the second son of Idicula and Annamma, at Kallooppara, Tiruvalla, in the District of Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India. After completing his primary and middle school studies he joined the St. John’s School, Eraviperoor, for his Secondary School education. It was at this time that the Metropolitan Mar Ivanios started many Bethany churches with the intention of reforming the Orthodox Church, and one among them was located near the Thangalathil family. As a result of that Geevarghese, who had an inclination towards ascetical life, was able to maintain a good relationship with the Bethany Sanyasis. Very soon, the reunion of a part of the Malankara Church with the Catholic Church became a reality under the leadership of Metropolitan Mar Ivanios. On 21 November 1933, Brother Geevarghese entered the novitiate.

He assumed the name Benedict, which means blessed, and on 15 August 1935 he took his temporary religious vows (profession) before Archbishop Mar Ivanios. After his Minor Seminary studies, he was sent to the Papal Seminary at Kandy (Sri Lanka),for his priestly studies.

He made his perpetual vows on 24 August 1941.  Most Rev. Regno, the Bishop of Candy ordained him priest on 24 August 1944 and he celebrated his First Holy Qurbono in the Seminary Chapel.  After his return in December 1944, Archbishop Mar Ivanios appointed Fr. Benedict to teach Syriac in the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary. He joined St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapally in 1946 for graduation course in Economics and passed the Degree with first rank from the University of Madras in 1949.  Then he was appointed the first Principal of Mar Ivanios College. In 1952, he was elected Bishop. He was ordained Remban in the Aramana Chapel on 27 December 1952 and made Auxiliary Bishop of the Archieparchy of Trivandrum after the name Mar Gregorios.  He became the Archbishop in January 1955.  

He received Pallium, on 14 May 1959.  He dedicated his life for service of the human society in general through his ministry in the Malankara Catholic Church. He left his indelible marks in the social and religious fabric of India. During times of social calamities and religious unrest he was sought after to reinstate peace and concord in society. He was a champion of religious harmony. The various projects he initiated for the upliftment of the poor bore abundant fruits and they were well appreciated. The Malankara Catholic Church grew in strength and vitality during his reign. After serving the Archieparchy for 41 years he passed away for his eternal reward on 10 October 1994.  His mortal remains now rest adjacent to the tomb of his guru Archbishop Mar Ivanios.