Knanaya History
In the year 345 A.D., one Knai Thomman, a rich international merchant, and 72 families from Cana (Middle East), belonging to East Syrian Church (Chaldean), immigrated to Malabar (presently Kerala) and established their colony. In the group there were also priests, deacons and their bishop. Knai Thomman and his people were welcomed by Cheraman Perumal, the Emperor, and were given permission to settle down in Kodungalloor. They built a town in Kodungalloor with a church and 72 houses. The natives called it Mahadevar Pattanam meaning "town of superiors". Later, Cheraman Perumal bestowed them with many princely privileges, and it was recorded on copper plates (Knai Thomman Cheppedu) given to Knai Thomman.
Knananites are a very distinct ethnic and religious group whose ancestry traces back to Abraham, the Patriarch of the Old Testament. Israelites became slaves in Egypt and God delivered them through Moses and finally Joshua led the 12 tribes of Israel to Canaan in 1250 BC. David became king (1004-965 BC) and Solomon, who built the first temple in Jerusalem, succeeded. After Solomon's death in 928 BC, two sister kingdoms evolved in Israel: the northern kingdom with the descendants of ten tribes (Kingdom of Israel), and the southern kingdom with the descendants of Judah and Benjamin (Kingdom of Judah). The southern kingdom remained loyal to the David dynasty and never intermarried with others. Knai Thoma and his people were the descendants of the two tribes of the southern kingdom (tribes of Judah and Benjamin). In 720 BC the Kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyrians and in 580 BC Kingdom of Judah was conquered by Nebuchadnezzer of Babylonia, and their respective inhabitants were exiled. The Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed. When Persians conquered Babylonia, Cyrus ( the new ruler) allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem and eventually the second temple was built in 515 BC.
In Judea, the Community continued in theocracy. Alexander the great conquered Judea in 332 BC. With the Roman occupation of Judea in 63 BC, it became a Roman Province and Herod was proclaimed as the king of Judea. While Judea was ruled by Roman governors and procurators outburst and rebellions became severe and frequent. It was in this period that our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified by the Romans (30 AD). A great revolt (66 AD) broke out and Jerusalem was besieged in 70 AD and the second temple was destroyed. After the Bar Kokhba war (132-135 AD) the Jewish populations of Judea were either dead, enslaved or in flight. Jerusalem and its environs were settled by non-Jews, but Galilee remained the bastion of Judaism. Many Jews fled to various parts of the world and in this context Jewish colonies were established along the Malabar coast in India.
Twenty years after the Nicean Council (synod), Knai Thoma, a rich international merchant from Cana, brought a colony of 400 Syrian Christians consisting of 72 families belonging to 7 clans with instructions from the Patriarch of Antioch, Mar Yusthedius, to the Malabar coast of India. The group included men, women, children, priests, deacons and their bishop Mar Joseph of Urfa (Uraha/Edessa). The names of the seven clans were: Bagi, Belkuth, Hadai, Kujalig, Koja, Mugmuth, and Thegmuth. The legend is that Mar Joseph had a startling dream (vision) in which he saw the plight of the Christian church in Malabar established by St. Thomas, the Apostle, in the 1st Century. Mar Joseph and Knai Thoma landed in Kodungalloor (Crangannoore) in 345 AD. Knai Thoma and his group sailed in three ships. The leading ship called "Babylonia" had three masts. The main mast flew King David's flag, the second mast flew the Roman flag with the cross, and the third flew King Abgar of Edessa's flag.
Knai Thoma and his people were heartily welcomed by Cheraman Perumal, the Emperor. Cheraman Perumal sent his brother, Ramavarma, and his minister, Vettathu Mannan, to receive Knai Thoma and his people. Knai Thoma and his people were given permission to settle down in Kodungalloor and to do business. Later Cheraman Perumal bestowed Knai Thoma and his people with 72 princely privileges and there by elevated them over 17 castes. This proclamation was made on a Saturday in March (Kumbham 29), 345 and it was recorded on copper plates given to Knai Thoma (Knai Thomman Cheppedu).
Knai Thoma and his people built a town in Kodungalloor with a church and 72 houses. The natives called it "Mahadevar Pattanam" meaning "town of superiors". Knai Thoma and his people converted many natives to Christianity and built many churches. Thus the arrival of Knai Thoma and his people (Knananites) reestablished the church founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle.
Knanaya Christians are the descendants of these Jewish Christian immigrants in Kerala. They were also called Southists (Thekkumbhagar) because they lived on the south side of Kodungalloor. The St. Thomas Christians (native Christians of Kerala) who lived on the north side of Kodungalloor were known as Northists (Vadakkumbhagar). Another tradition is that Knananites settled down on the south side of Periyar river while the native Christians lived on the north side of the river. It is also stated that Knananites were called Southists because they came from the southern kingdom of Judah.
The descendants of Knai Thoma (Knananites) who lived on the south side of Kodungalloor are known as Southists (Thekkumbhagor) and the St, Thomas (native) Christians who lived on the north side of Kodungalloor are known as Northists (Vadakkumbhagor). Another tradition is that Knananites settled down on the south side of Periyar (river) while the native Christians lived on the north side of the river. It is also stated that Knananites are called Southists because they came from the southern kingdom of Judah. Knananites did not intermarry with native Christians and maintained their Jewish tradition originating from Abraham. To this date the Knananites continue as an endogamous community.
Striking similarities exist between Knanaya Christians and the Cochin (India) Jews. Both groups were granted the 72 privileges by the ruling Cheraman Perumals. Copper plates given to the Jews (kept in the Mattancherry Synagogue) were handed to Joseph Rabban, a first century merchant of Kodungalloor, just as Knai Thoma was given similar copper plates during the fourth century. Both groups are endogamous.
Knananites believe that their customs and rituals are a continuation of ancient Jewish practices such as the position of the bride standing on the right of the bridegroom during the wedding ceremony, burial of the dead to face East to Jerusalem, the priest's black velvet cap which is similar to the Jew's head gear, the "kiss of peace" ceremony during Eucharist, the blessings given by parents and grandparents their children and grandchildren, reminiscent of the Old Testament blessings. During Easter celebrations Knananites partake with unleavened bread and drink wine made of coconut milk and plums reminiscent of the Jewish malzot and red wine during Passover night. The Knanaya marriage ceremony includes the bridal canopy that may be equivalent to the Jewish nuppah; the ceremonial bathing on the eve of the wedding that may be parallel to the Jewish mikrah or ritual bath: and singing of Old Testament songs on the eve and on the day of the wedding. All these customs and rituals are exclusively practiced by the Knananites and so distinguish them from the native Christians.
Most striking similarities exist in the groups' ancient songs. Reference to the 72 privileges Is found in the songs of both communities. The songs of both groups are divided into five categories, i.e., historical, bridal, biblical, invocational and miscellaneous. There are similarities in composition and linguistics and the songs of both groups begin by invoking the name of the Almighty. In the songs shared by both groups, it is mentioned that three kings fought bravely and fell when Kodungalloor was burned down in 1524 and the descendants of these three kings, Cheraman Perumal, Joseph Rabban and Knai Thoma fought valiantly to save their town. Similarly, songs of both groups have same feelings about the Old Testament hero, Joseph. He is described as an ideal son, an ideal father and an ideal ruler.
These similarities suggest that the Malabar Jews and the Knanaya Christians (who are of Jewish origin) were living in close contact with each other in Kodungalloor sharing similar legends, Biblical stories, and traditions from a common origin between 345 and 1524 AD. In 1524 the churches and the synagogues were destroyed during the battle between Kozhikode (Calicut) and Cochin. Christians and Jews moved south to places like Udayamparoor, Mulamthuruthy and Kaduthuruthy. Eventually the Jews settled in Cochin and majority of the Knananites established their colony in Kaduthuruthy. The Raja (King) of Vadakkankoor was very pleased with the arrival of Knananites to Kaduthuruthy. They built their church in Kaduthuruthy in 1556. Subsequently, Knananites established colonies in Chungam (Thodupuzha), Kottayam, Kallissery, Ranny, Neelamparoor, Uzhavoor, Piravam, Thripunithura, Chingavanam, Changanacherry etc. The arrival of Knai Thomas and his people helped the disintegrating Malabar Church both spiritually and socially. Further they brought the Syrian (Church of Antioch) traditions and teachings to Malabar that are practiced by millions today. Although Knananites stayed as part of the Syrian Church, they maintained their ethnic heritage. The Syrian Church prospered until the arrival of the Portuguese during the 15th Century. The Portuguese tried to eradicate the Syrian rites and replace them with the Latin rites. In 1599, the Portuguese (Archbishop Menesis of Goa) assembled a synod at Udayamparoor and, by force, changed the Syrian teachings existed since the arrival of the Knananites. Archbishop Menesis and his successors were able to convert some Syrians with their power and money. However, a group under the leadership of a Knanaya priest, Anjilimmoottil Ittythomman Kathanar (Rev. Itty Thomas), resisted the Portuguese during the middle of the 17th Century. Under his leadership, approximately 25,000 Syrian Christians assembled in Mattancherry (near Cochin) and pledged that they will not accept the Latin teachings. The oath, known as bent cross (coonan kurisu), took place in January 1653 when the Syrians heard that their Patriarch, Ahathallah, was drowned by the Portuguese. After the bent cross, the Syrian church split in to two. The group led by Mar Thomas Arkadion of Pakalomattom and Ittythomman Kathanar continued to follow the Syrian faith while the other group accepted the Roman faith. However, along with the split the Knananites also became two groups (Knanaya Jacobites and Knanaya Catholics).
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Syrian Christians became involved in several internal conflicts. One of the major disputes was regarding the ownership of funds and interest owed to the Church from the British (Vattippanam). After years of legal battle, the Court, declared that the group led by Mar Dionysus Joseph Pulikkottil, Malankara Metropolitan, was the beneficiary of the funds. The person who helped Mar Dionysus to win this renowned court battle was a Knananite, Edavazhickal Pothachan (E. M. Philip). His dedication to the Syrian Church and its causes made him Known as the "Nasrani Simham" meaning Christian lion. Mar Joseph Pulikkottil's time (second half of the 19th Century) was probably the "Golden Era" in the Malankara Syrian church history. His love and respect for Knananites were evident in having three Knananites in his administration.
On January 21 (Makaram 8), 1882, with the blessings of Mar Joseph Pulikkottil, eleven Knanaya priests assembled at St. Stephen's Knanaya Church, Veliyanadu, and formed an organization called "Malankara Jacobite Syrian Knanaya Committee". The meeting unanimously elected E. M. Philip Edavazhickal as the secretary and Uthuppan Thomma Puthenpurackal (Vazhayil) as the treasurer. The formation of this Knanaya Committee was a significant turning point in the Knanaya history. The Knanaya Committee codified rules and guidelines for the administration of the nine churches existed as of that date. Further, the Knanaya Committee was instrumental in bringing together the Knananites spread from Ramamangalam to Ranny based on their endogamous nature.
In 1910, upon Knanaya Committee's request, Patriarch Ignatius Abdulla created a Knanaya Diocese with personal jurisdiction considering their ethnic background (i.e., all Knananites and their churches, irrespective of location, will be administered by the Knanaya Diocese). On August 31, 1910, the Patriarch ordained Fr. Geevarghese Edavazhickal (Mar Severious) as the first Knanaya Bishop. On January 21 (Makaram 8), 1882, with the blessings of Mar Joseph Pulikkottil, eleven Knanaya priests assembled at St. Stephen's Knanaya Church, Veliyanadu, and formed an organization called "Malankara Jacobite Syrian Knanaya Committee". The meeting unanimously elected E. M. Philip Edavazhickal as the secretary and Uthuppan Thomma Puthenpurackal (Vazhayil) as the treasurer. The formation of this Knanaya Committee was a significant turning point in the Knanaya history. The Knanaya Committee codified rules and guidelines for the administration of the nine churches existed as of that date. Further, the Knanaya Committee was instrumental in bringing together the Knananites spread from Ramamangalam to Ranny based on their endogamous nature. In 1910, upon Knanaya Committee's request, Patriarch Ignatius Abdulla created a Knanaya Diocese with personal jurisdiction considering their ethnic background (i.e., all Knananites and their churches, irrespective of location, will be administered by the Knanaya Diocese). On August 31, 1910, the Patriarch ordained Fr. Geevarghese Edavazhickal (Mar Severious) as the first Knanaya Bishop. Knananites now reside all over the world. There are 63 parishes all over India under the management of the Knanaya Church (There were only 3 Knanaya churches as of the 18th Century). Additionally, under the North American Knanaya Diocese there are nine parishes in USA and Canada. There are 68 knanaya priests serving parishes around the world. Following are some of the institutions under the Knanaya Church/Individual parishes: Kurichy Vanitha Mandiram (convent); Ranny St. Thomas College; Othara Nazareth Ashram (poor home); three working women's hostels; and Ranny Industrial Training School. Spiritual Head: H. H. Mar Ignatius Zakka I Was, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
H.H. Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I
Supreme Head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church
HH Mor Ignatios Zakka I Iwas was born in 1932 in Mosul, Iraq. He completed his high school education at St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox School and entered the Mor Aphrem theological school at Mosul in 1946 where he completed his education in 1954. He was ordained priest and became a monk in 1947. Later he completed a Masters degree in English at City University of New York and a Master's degree in Pastoral Theology at General Theological Seminary, New York. He was ordained Metropolitan Mor Severius Zakka by Patriarch Ya`qub III in 1963. In 1964, Mor Severious discovered the remains of St. Thomas in the sanctuary wall of the church at Mosul. In 1969, Mor Severious became the Metropolitan of Baghdad, where he also served as the Head of Syriac Studies and a member of the educational academy. Mor Severius also served as a member of the World Council of Churches. On September 14, 1980, Mor Severius was consecrated the Patriarch of Antioch by name Ignatius Zakka I, in a rite officiated by Catholicos of the East, Mor Baselius Paulos II along with the archbishops of the Holy Synod.
Mar Severios Geevarghese (1851-1927)
(First Metropolitan of the Knanaya Diocese)
Mar Severios Geevarghese was the first Metropolitan of the Knanaya diocese. He was born in 1851 to Kasiso Philipose of the Edavazhickal family, the vicar of Kottayam Valiyapally, and Kunjachi. After his primary education Geevarghese prepared to become a priest. He was the 10th priest of the famous Edavazhickal family that has produced many gifted men, most well known among whom is the Church historian E.M. Philip.
On 31st August 1910, Patriarch Mar Ignatius `Abded Aloho ordained Fr. Geevarghese Edavazhickal as the first Knanaya Bishop with the name Mar Severios. Around that period, the reformation movement that was very active in Malankara rocked the Knanya Community also. At Kottayam, Kallissery and Ranny many faithful of the Knanaya community along with some priests joined the new movement and created a rift in the churches. At Kottayam Valiyapally this movement was strongly opposed by Rev. Fr. Philipose and his son.
Mar Severios administered the Knanaya diocese residing at Kottayam Valiyapalli. He believed in the value of education and introduced several programs for the education of the Knanaya students. He founded mission centres at Chingavanam, Kallissery and Kattodu. The construction of Chingavanam seminary began in his period. This was later to become the 'Mor Ephrem Seminary' and the Knanaya Bishop's House.
Mar Severios passed away on June 11, 1927 and was laid to rest at the ancient Kottayam Valiya Pally.
Thomas Mar Dioskoros
Thomas Mar Dioskoros Metropolitan was a pious and dedicated Bishop of Knanaya diocese. Initially he assisted Mor Severiose Geevarghese Metropolitan and took over the administration of the diocese at the demise of Mor Severious. His father belonged to the family of "Thervalady" the family of the knights of thekkumkur royal family. His mother belonged to the famous Ottathycal family where his father resided, as there were no male members there.
Mor Dioskoros led a life of simplicity and piety. He was humorous and witty. In his administrative period the 'Patriarchal Bull No.42 was issued by "Patriarch Elias III". The Bull proclaimed that Knanaya diocese shall always be directly under the holy throne of Antioch. It is a significant document. The completion of Ephrem Seminary took place in his period. He provided leadership for the founding ofVanitha Mandirum at Kurichy and M.S. High School at Ranny. It is quite unfortunate that he later converted himself to the Roman Catholic fold .
Abraham Mar Clemis
Mar Clemis was born into the Vayala family in Ranni, on April 22, 1918 as the sixth offspring of Mr. & Mrs. Idiculla Kochidiculla. His brother Vayala Idiculla was a well-known political leader and a freedom fighter. Young Abrahamās liking was to be a politician, but God had other plans for him. Like Moses, when the Knanaya people had no bishop for a long period of time, God called him to be their Shepherd.. Mar Clemis joined the church as a deacon at a young age. A graduate in Theology and Political Sciences, Mar Clemis studied at Seminaries in Manjinikkara, Alwaye, Mosul, Homs, and Union Theological Seminary in New York. Consecrated Knanaya Diocesan Bishop in 1951, Mar Clemis served that office for 52 years. He was indeed a good shepherd and he tended his flock with diligence and faithfulness.
During his initial years as Bishop, Mar Clemis provided inspiration, and vision to a diocese that had been without a Bishop for the previous 20 years. With prayer, leadership and good counsel, Mar Clemis worked with the community leaders to organize itself. New churches, convents, and retreat centers were established. Young men and women were actively recruited to membership in the clergy. The Church constitution was amended and updated for effective administration of parishes and other institutions. Educational institutions and an orphanage were established. Encouraged and initiated many charitable works such as giving away 1000 plus homes for the financially challenged and establishing a widow fund for the financially deprived women.
Being blessed with great administrative capability and political acumen, Mar Clemis also immersed himself with spiritual and temporal matters of the larger Christian community in India and abroad. In recognition of his services and leadership, Mar Clemis was given important responsibilities and honors Mar Clemis established himself as the veritable leader of not only the Knanaya Community but also of the Malankara Church. As a result he was elected as the Malankara Metropolitan in 1957.
In 1982, recognizing his leadership and wisdom, His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, decorated Mar Clemis with the highest honor a bishop can receive, the title of āKubernithi Hakimoā iness bestowed on Mar Clemis the position of āthe Chief Metropolitan of the East and the whole Indian Christian Community. It is a position similar to that of the Catholicose.
Mar Clemis made ecclesiastical visits to Ethiopia, Russia, the Middle East and many European countries. In 1956 the late Emperor Haile Selasse of Ethiopia was the guest of honor of Mar Clemis. at Mar Ephraim Seminary, the headqurters of the Knanaya Diocese in Chingavanam.
Clemis Thirumeni was a key player in the Kerala politics. His political influence was so powerful that even Mrs. Indira Gandhi went to his seminary in Chingavanam in 1970 to ask for his support as well as his advice. In 1997 none other than the then Vice-President of India Mr. K.R. Narayanan inaugurated the bishopās Jubilee celebrations. The Community celebrated the Episcopal Jubilee of Mar Clemis on a grand scale in 2000 and His Holiness the Patriarch blessed the occasion with his presence.
Mar Clemis was warmly welcomed by the present Pope John Paul on two occasions in the company of His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch, Ignatius Zacha Iwas I. Mar Clemis was also a guest at the palace of the late President of Syria, Hafez Al Asaad He was a member of the World Council of Churches and attended several of its meetings.
Mar Clemis was a sage and a saint. He was a sage because he gave wise counsel not only to the religious community but also to many politicians in Kerala who sought his counsel. He was a peace maker as well as a king maker. He mediated and settled many disputes between the two factions of the Jacobite churches as well as helped ease tensions between Hindus and Christians at several occasions. This he achieved by his strong belief in religious tolerance and Christian principles. Those political leaders who heeded his advice did well in their political career.
Mar Clemis could also be called a saint because he showed qualities of a saint such as concern for the betterment and wellbeing of the poor, fought against social injustice and political oppression. He practiced chastity and poverty. He usually ate only vegetarian food and that too very moderately, just enough to survive and not to indulge. He slept on a single bed with no mattress, but only a mat and a single sheet to cover his body. He had big calluses on knuckles and on his knees due to prostration during his prayers at several times during the day and at night. For an outsider his regal appearance and commanding presence gave the impression that was contrary to his inner nature of an ascetic. According to the Orthodox Christian faith a saint is also one whose soul is gone to heaven. A few minutes before his death, the bishop started a prayer with the people in the hospital and when he was praying the Lordās prayer, he breathed his last and entered into his heavenly rest at about 11pm on Sunday the 29 of September of 2002 at the ripe old age of 84.
Knanaya Metropolitan H.G. Kuriakose Mar Severios
His Grace Mar Sevarios Kuriakose, ordained Metropolitan for the Knanaya diocese by the Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas on 15th January 2004, is the fourth Metropolitan of the Knanaya diocese after its formation in 1910. The Consecration ceremony of the Metropolitan was at the St.Peter and St.Paul Cathedral in the Monastery of St.Aphrem at Ma'arrat Seydnaya, Damascus, Syria. His Grace assumed the seat following the demise of the Chief Metropolitan of the East, Mar Clemis Abraham, in September 2002 at the culmination of one of the longest reigns in Indian Christendom.
About a year after the demise of Mar Clemis Abraham, on 18th December 2003, a special session of the Knanaya Association meeting was convened in the headquarters of the Church at Chingavanom to elect a new Metropolitan for the congregation. The convention choose Fr.Kurikose Abraham (Edavazhikkal Achen) to head the Knanaya community. On 12th January 2004 he was ordained Ramban (monk Priest) at the Patriarchal Cathedral church at Damascus by H.H the Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas and three days after, on 15th January, he was ordained Metropolitan.
Auxiliary Bishop H.G. Kuriakose Mor Gregorios
His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch Zakka Iwas I ordained V.Rev. C.T.Kurian Ramban as the new Auxiliary Bishop for the knanaya Diocese. His Grace will assume the name Kuriakose Mor Gregorios. Ordination ceremonies took place on Feb 2, 2007 in Damascus. Hundreds of Knanaya faithful from Kerala, USA, Middle East and other parts of the world attended the enthronement ceremony.
Knanaya Arch Bishop Mor Severios Kuriakose along with several other bishops and dignitaries were also in attendance for this landmark ceremony. This is the first time the Knanaya Diocese is getting an auxiliary bishop.
NEW METROPOLITANS FOR THE KNANAYA ARCHDIOCESE OF MALANKARA
On Thursday, June 12, 2008, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East and the Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, ordained two Metropolitans for the Knanaya Archdiocese of Malankara at a solemn function held in the St. Peter & St. Paul's Patriarchal Cathedral at Mor Aphrem Seminary, Ma'arrat Seydnaya, Damascus, Syria. The new metropolitans will henceforth be known as MOR IVANIOS KURIAKOSE (Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kolath) and MOR SILVANOS AYOUB (Rev. Fr. Job Thottathil). Their Eminences Metropolitans Mor Sevarios Kuriakose (Archbishop of Knanaya diocese), Mor Gregorios Kuriakose (Metropolitan of Kallisseri region), Mor Timotheos Aphrem Aboodi (former Patriarchal Vicar for Canada), Mor Theophilos George Saliba ( Secretary to the Holy Synod) and Mor Clemis Daniel (Lebanon diocese) assisted His Holiness at this blessed consecration ceremony. The holy ceremony was attended by a large gathering of Rabans (Monks), Priests, Deacons, Nuns and around 75 Syrian Orthodox Faithful from India.
With the ordination of Mor Ivanios and Mor Silvanos, the total number of prelates in the Knanaya Archdiocese has been raised to four. Earlier it was the Knanaya Association, the supreme decision making body, that met at the Archdiocesan headquarters near Kottayam in March, that elected Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kolath and Rev. Fr. Job Thottathil as auxiliary bishops for the community. Later in the month of May, both Rev. Fr. Job Thottathil and Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Kolath, were raised to the order of Raban by Archbishop Mor Severios Kuriakose at the Patriarchal cathedral in Ma'arrat Seydnaya, Damascus and Ranny St. Thomas Church, Kerala, India respectively.
