Landmarks in the Development of the Diocese of Delhi

1942 A congregation is formed and liturgical worship started by Rev. Fr. Mathews ( the present Catholicose, Moran Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II)

1944 Metropolitan Alexios Mar Theodosios of Kollam and the " Diocese outside Kerala" visits Delhi to explore the feasibility of building an Orthodox Church in the National capital.

1952 During the second visit of Mar Theodosios, the congregation decides to take steps to construct a church of their own. The Delhi parish is formally launched. Fr. K.C Thomas (now the Metropolitan of Canada, U.K, and Europe Diocese, Dr.Thomas Mar Makarios) is appointed as the first resident Vicar of the parish of Delhi.

1961 The Delhi Orthodox Syrian Church Society is registered with the three-fold aim of establishing a place of worship for the parish and an educational institution and a healthcare facility to the public.

1964 The Foundation stone of the St. Mary's Church (later Cathedral) at Hauz Khas, is laid by the Patriarch of Antioch, Moran Mar Ignatius Yalkoub III with the participation of the Diocesan Metropolitan Mathews Mar Athanasios ( who subsequently became the Catholicos, Moran Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I).

1968 The St.Mary's Church is consecrated by the Diocesan Metropolitan Mathews Mar Athanasios.

1975 The Holy Synod establishes the new Diocese of Delhi.

1976 His Grace Dr.Paulos Mar Gregorios takes charge as the Metropolitan of Delhi.

1981 Foundation stone of the Delhi Orthodox center is laid by H.G Dr.Paulos Mar Gregorios the then Metropolitan of the Diocese.  

1984 The Delhi Orthodox Centre is dedicated by the late Catholicos, H.H Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I and is inaugurated by the then  Vice President of India, Shri R. Venkataraman.

1991 His Grace Job Mar Philoxenos joins the Diocese as the Assistant Metropolitan.  

1996 H. G. Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios Metropolitan  enters the heavenly Abode

2011 H.G. Job Mar Philoxenos Metropolitan enters the heavenly Abode 

Not many of the thousands of young, and not-so-young men and women who attend the Holy Qurbana in fifty and more parishes of the Diocese of Delhi may be aware of the beginnings of the Orthodox Church in northern India, in our own times.

Ever since the Catholicate of the East was transferred to and established in India, in 1912, the Church felt all the more its absence in the national capital. The number of Orthodox Christians in Delhi however remained small-compared to Chennai, Kolkatta and Mumbai- though their strength was gradually growing. They occasionally attended the services in one of the other churches and met, together with other Malayalees, at the annual Onam festivities. Those were days when no one enquired about the religious denomination to which one belonged.

As it happened, the Second World War provided an opportunity in 1942 to start liturgical worship in Delhi. In the face of the Japanese onslaught in Southeast Asia, the British were forced to retreat. Kolkatta suffered sporadic bombing. Within another year, Imphal fell to the invaders. Many offices were moved out of the city and so was the Bishop’s College, which shifted to Kathauli in Uttar Pradesh, a few hours journey from Delhi.

Father Mathews, the former Catholicos, H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II, was then a student at the Bishop’s College. He came over to Delhi twice a month to celebrate the Holy Qurbana; the remaining Sundays he celebrated the Eucharist at the college in Kathauli where the congregation consisted of students from Kerala belonging to various Christian denominations. Accommodating Fr. Mathews overnight at Delhi was easy as his habits were simple and his needs few.

Meanwhile, in 1938, the Churches outside Kerala had been grouped into a new Diocese. And, Alexios Mar Theodosios was consecrated the same year as the Bishop of Kollam and the “Diocese outside Kerala”. His Grace visited Delhi in 1944 to consider the means of establishing a church in Delhi. But building a church in Delhi was not easy as there were only about 15 families and some 150 persons living away from their families in Kerala, in the Orthodox community in the city at the time. All the same, hopes remained alive.

Liturgical worship continued more or less regularly. Also in 1944, Metropolitan H.G. Thomas Mar Dionysius halted in Delhi on his way back from Eastern war front and celebrated the Holy Qurbana at the Church of the Redemption. After the service, His Grace gave a graphic account of his impressions of the troops on the front line. He also recalled the interest taken by an earlier British Viceroy, Lord Irwin, in brining peace between the Church in India and the Patriarch of Antioch and also his attending the Holy Qurbana in the St. George’s Orthodox Church on a visit to Thiruvananthapuram.

The Diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Alexios Mar Theodosios revisited Delhi in 1952, celebrated the Holy Qurbana in the Chapel attached to the Lady Hardinge Hospital and baptized two infants. A group met with His Grace at the residence of Mr. M.M. Thomas (later, Adviser to the Union Public Service Commission) and discussed the support needed for a parish in Delhi. This meeting was a turning point in that it decided to go ahead and take steps to construct a church in the capital.

This important resolve was prompted by several influences. A visit by the Missionary Bishop, Pathros Mar Osthathios had prepared the mind of the congregation on the basic need of a church of their own in Delhi. The 19 th centenary of the arrival of St. Thomas in India provided the inspiration to formally launch the parish in Delhi in 1952 with the help of Fr. T.G. Koshy from Mumbai. Indeed, this rare celebration, jointly organized by all the Christians in the capital, was enriched by the participation of the President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad as well as the Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, both of whom spoke warmly of the St. Thomas tradition as a national legacy. In the words of the President at the St. Thomas Day Celebration on 18 December 1952 : “Those Indians who trace their Christianity to St. Thomas have a longer history and a higher ancestry than that of Christians of many of the European countries. And it is really a matter of pride to us that it so happened.” The spiritual and political encouragement was reinforced by the offer of Mr. C.P. Matthen, Member of Parliament, to meet any deficit in the funds required for constructing the church.

The next step was to choose a priest who would be satisfied with a modest living allowance. The Diocesan Metropolitan, Mar Theodosios selected Father K.C. Thomas (at present Metropolitan, H.G.Thomas Mar Makarios of the Diocese of Canada-UK-Europe). Fr. Thomas lived at the YMCA, sharing a room and cheerfully putting up with considerable inconveniences. He served the parish for about 11 years.

The Holy Qurbana was being regularly conducted, for a time in the St. Thomas Church on Reading Road (now Mandir Marg) and thereafter for many years in the St. James Church at Kashmere Gate by the courtesy of the Cambridge Mission Brotherhood.

In 1961, the Delhi Orthodox Syrian Church Society was set up as a registered body with the three-fold aim of establishing a place of worship for the parish and an educational institution and a health care facility for the public. The effort to mobilize resources started in earnest and intensified during 1964-68. By the end of this period the St. Mary’s Orthodox Church (now a Cathedral) was completed, thereby laying the foundation for the new Diocese of Delhi which came into being in less than another decade.

How could a small congregation of a few faithfuls achieve this ambition? The contributing factors were many. With the coming of Independence, the Orthodox Church felt the urge, even more strongly than before, to express the national identity of its ancient faith through an active socio-cultural presence in the capital of India. His Holiness the Catholicos, H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese II who guided the Church for 35 years until 1964, ardently wished and prayed for this to happen. His successor His Holiness Baselios Augen I strongly supported the initiative of the Delhi parish. Also, there was peace within the Church following the 1958 accord between the Catholicos and the Patriarch of Antioch. This explains the happy event in May 1964 when the Patriarch Moran Mar Ignatius Yakkoub III laid the foundation stone of the St. Mary’s Church, with the participation of the Diocesan Bishop Mathews Mar Athanasios (who later became Catholicos as H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I). Further, the public support of the President and the Prime Minister of India, from the very beginning, for the role of the Orthodox Christian community in the renewed socio-religious life of India was invaluable and continued through the powerful goodwill expressed by their successors, Presidents Dr. S Radhakrishnan and Dr. Zakir Hussain and Prime Ministers Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri and Shrimati Indira Gandhi.

There was international solidarity as well. In its formative years the Delhi parish had the good fortune of welcoming spiritual leaders like the Catholicos of Armenia, His Holiness Vuzgen I and the Head of the Ethiopian Church, His Holiness Abba Theophilus. His Imperial Majesty Haile Sellassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, who had visited India and the church in 1956 –(incidentally, Mr. Paul Varghese, the former Diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios, soon after became his Personal Aide and Advisor)- gifted a sum of Rs. 50,000 to the church building fund at a critical stage in 1966. The emperor also paid a memorable visit to the St. Mary’s Church in April 1968, within a few days of its consecration by the Diocesan Metropolitan Mathews Mar Athanasios. The parish hall of the cathedral is named after the Emperor.

Financial support for constructing the future St. Mary’s Cathedral came from varied, sometimes unexpected sources. The citizens of Delhi, prominently including members of the sister churches, and several business houses contributed willingly through participation in fund-raising fetes and buying advertisement space in publications, which became a regular feature. A major part of the building fund came from voluntary contribution of a month’s salary by the members of the parish. There were contributions also from Kerala, such as from the Kottayam Cheria Palli.

The resources generated were managed with efficient care, on financial matters by Mr. A.V. Poulose (who subsequently became Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Railways) and on the engineering aspects by Mr. P.K. Thomas (later, Chief Engineer, Roads, Ministry of Transport). Besides them, the Church society had the benefit of the mature leadership of the presiding vicars, Father C.V. Samuel who succeeded Father K.C. Thomas and from 1965, Father K.A. George. Mr. A.M. Thomas, Minister of State for Defense Production was an unfailing source of support. Mrs. Achamma John Matthai, (wife of India’s first Minister for Railways and thereafter Finance Minister) was another staunch supporter of the church building project. Senior members of the parish like Mr. P.C. Mathew, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Dr. K.C. Thomas, Secretary in the Ministry of Irrigation and Power and many others in and outside the government were consistently helpful in realizing the collective vision.

Even as progress was maintained in the construction of the Church at the headquarter of the future diocese, care was taken by the vicar and the parishioners to ensure the regularity of the Holy Qurbana as well as allied activities for spiritual growth through Prayer Meetings, Martha Mariam Samajam, Youth League and Bible Class. Though limited in resources, the Delhi parish extended spiritual and moral support, one way or another, to congregations such as of Ambala, striving to come into their own, emulating the Delhi example.

Indeed, nothing would come in the way of congregations organizing themselves, parishes being established and churches being built by relatively small groups of Orthodox Christians in other cities and towns in north India.

This momentous trend signified the return to the north of the faith of St. Thomas the Apostle who, according to historical tradition, had spread the Gospel in places such as Takshashila (Taxila near Islamabad in Pakistan), the ancient Buddhist university centre. Clearly, this good fortune came as a divine gift, expressed as unprecedented goodwill of men and women within and well beyond the Orthodox community.

Teaching Mission: As soon as the St.Mary's Church Building was completed, St.Paul's School was started in the parish hall in July 1968. This has now grown into a prestigious full-fledged Senior Secondary School.. There are well-established Senior Secondary Schools at Hauz Khas, Udaipur, Faridabad, Janakpuri and Ghaziabad, and other schools offering education upto varying levels at Kanpur, Gwalior, Chandigarh, Indirapuram (Ghaziabad), Singrauli, Lucknow and Banswara, with ambitious plans to upgrade them gradually. The latest addition to this family of educational institutions, is the Shantigram Vidya Niketan forming part of the Shantigram Project, for which a building has been constructed. 250 wards from the neighbourhood villages are taught in this school now.

Healing Mission: A clinic has been set up in the Shantigram Project, and it is functioning well. The latest addition in this field is St.Mary's Medical Centre at Aya Nagar, in fulfilment of the third objective of The Delhi Orthodox Syrian Church Society to establish health care units. The vision of the Society is to upgrade this into a full-fledged hospital in due course.

Shantigram Project: A notable activity in the Diocese related to the setting up of the Shantigram project, jointly owned by The Delhi Orthodox Diocesan Council and The Delhi Orthodox Syrian Church Society and managed by The Sophia Society. This is a people-centred, multi-sectoral and holistic Social Support System for community renewal, situated in the village of Mandavar in Sohna tehsil of Haryana State. Around 10000 villagers in around ten villages are currently covered, but the coverage is to be gradually expanded. Basic education, better community health. and greater economic security are expected to be enabled by the project.

The Diocese Today

Once the nucleus of the Orthodox Church in north India was formed in the capital of the country, the growth of parishes in adjacent centres was rapid and the establishment of the Diocese of Delhi followed in a few short years. Outside Delhi, there are several parishes spread across the various States at Alwar, Gurgaon, Kherti Nagar, Bharatpur, Gwalior, Jhansi, Dholpur, Agra, Dehradun, Ambala, Hardwar, Bhatinda, Hanumangarh, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jallandhar, Jaipur, Kanpur, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Singrauli, Obra., Renukoot, Varanasi, Ajmer, Kota, Rawat Bhatta, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Allahabad, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. New congregations have also been started at BITS Pilani, and Pali. Allahabad has also witnessed an amicable settlement with the CNI Church, and a vicar has been nominated for the church there.

Today, there are thirteen parishes in and around Delhi alone – Hauz Khas, Janakpuri, Tughlaqabad, Sarita Vihar, Mayur Vihar-I, Mayur Vihar-III, Rohini, Dwaraka, Dilshad Garden, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad. Overall, there are sixty one parishes including some congregations looked after by one Ramban and thirty six priests, spread over Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and United Arab Emirates.

In 1975, the Delhi Diocese was constituted by the Holy Synod, along with the four other new dioceses of Madras, Bombay, Calcutta and America. The next year, His Grace Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios took charge as the Metropolitan of Delhi. By 1985, the Diocesan headquarters moved to its own building, the Delhi Orthodox Centre in Tughlaqabad in South Delhi. An architecturally distinctive three-storey building, the centre was dedicated by His Holiness Catholicos Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I and inaugurated by the Vice-President of India, Sri R Venkataraman, in November 1984. With the St. Thomas Chapel in the middle, the centre is the residence of the Metropolitan and houses, besides the secretariat of the Diocesan Council, a library, a publication unit, the People’s Education Society, Sophia Society, Sarva Dharma Nilaya, Dhyan Mandir and Niti Santi Kendra, engaged in a variety of complementary activities. In 1991, the Diocese was strengthened by the arrival of His Grace Job Mar Philoxenos as the Assistant Metropolitan.

Former Metropolitans

His Grace Job Mar Philoxenos

His Grace was born on 8 May 1939. His mother was a niece of HH Baselios Geevarghese II. His Grace belongs to the tradition of the Mount Tabor Ashram in Pathnapuram, Kerala. From his childhood days itself he was set on the path to holiness through the legacy of the great Church father His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II.

He became a member of the hallowed Ashram at the young age of 16 and was ordained a deacon the very next year. He went on to concentrate on academic pursuits and became a priest at the age of 33. Having honed his skills in English, HG gained a reputation as a revered teacher of the language in St Stephen’s College at Pathanapuram. The Church sought the services of this able father far beyond the precincts of the Ashram with a call to the Episcopate at a relatively young age of 51. Thus on 30th April 1991, he was raised to the rank of Bishop, along with four others.

Mar Philoxenos has committed himself to the administrative requirements of Delhi Diocese, taking on its reins from the illustrious First Metropolitan of the Diocese HG Paulos Mar Gregorios, after the demise of the latter in 1996.

‘Philoxenos Thirumeni’, as he is affectionately referred to by his flock, ably manages the Diocese from his abode at the Delhi Orthodox Centre in Tughlakabad. His Grace draws strength for these from a life of prayer, one fortified with readings from philosophical works like the world renowned gem ‘Philokalia’ which itself means ‘love of goodness and beauty’.

Under his able guidance, the Delhi Diocese has witnessed remarkable progress in the last few years. His love for humanity gets reflected in the social activities he is driving in Shantigram a hamlet near Sohna, Haryana--Shantigram Orphanage and Shantigram Vidyanikethan School. All these braving his multiple ailments.

HIS GRACE DR. PAULOSE MAR GREGORIOS: 1922 - 1996

FIRST BISHOP OF DELHI DIOCESE, INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

Bishop Paulose Mar Gregorios, who shepherded the Delhi Diocese, as Metropolitan, for over two decades, was a larger-than-life-figure. He was gifted with a penetrating intelligence and remarkable clarity of mind. He is known for his unusual versatility and profound social sensitivity.

Gregorios was born on August 9, 1922 at Tripunithura, in a traditional family of practicing Christians, to T.P. Paiely and Aley. Young Paul was a brilliant student, a top-notcher in academics, an extraordinary talented orator, proficient in English and a prodigy in learning. The poverty stricken family atmosphere left Paul, without much desires and ambitions but molded him, to carve and chisel his person, with strong faith in the Creator.

The multi-linguist, Paul Varghese started his career as a freelance journalist, contributing articles and reports to various newspapers in Kochi and Malabar. Later after working with the Cochin Transport Company, he joined the Post & Telegraphs Department in 1942. His keenness to help the poor suppressed and exploited workers found him hand-in-hand with trade union activities. The turning point in his life came five years later, quite by an accident of circumstances. He took up a job as a teacher in Ethiopia. He knew this was the answer to his prayers. As a teacher in Ethiopia, he imbibed the rich culture of the Ethiopian people, mastering Amharic their ancient and official language. The Ethiopian Emperor, H.H. Haile Sellassi, learned about his capabilities and enthusiasm and soon took him under his wings. The strong bond of friendship that developed between them helped Paul Varghese to head various institutions in Ethiopia. Paul Varghese declined many faculties and even citizenship that was offered. He was reminded of his promise to God, to dedicate his life for others in a vision. He was sent to the United States for higher studies. He received his education from Goshen College, Oklahoma University, Princeton and Yale. In 1954, he returned to India with a Masters Degree in Theology. He worked a Director of the Fellowship house in Alwaye and a visiting Professor of Union Christian College, Alwaye. In 1955, he joined the faculty of The Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam. He also served as the General Secretary of Orthodox Students Christian Movement. It was during his tenure, the movement accepted the present name MGOCSM. For his efficient leadership, explicit thoughts and teachings provided a foundational framework for the young and growing generation.

During the Ethiopian Emperor's visit to India, in 1956, Paul Varghese was persuaded to return to Ethiopia. He served as Emperor's personal aide and advisor. In 1958, he returned to India and was ordained as Deacon. In 1961 he was ordained as Fr. Paul Varghese by the Catholicose, the supreme head of the Church.

Fr. Paul Varghese continued to pursue theological studies. He did his Doctoral studies in Oxford and Germany and received his Doctorate in Theology from Serampore University in Calcutta. He had an over wakeful luminous mind. The locus of his vision was the Kingdom of God, and the basis of his theology was the Christian affirmation of the Union of God and humanity in Christ, perfect union of divinity and humanity without confusion and separation. This cosmic vision enabled him to head numerous important and responsible position of W.C.C. (World Council of Churches). He served as Associate General Secretary, Member of Central and Executive Committee and Member of Commission of Faith and Order. He was one of the Presidents of W.C.C. (1983-91) and Vice-President of Christian Peace Conference (1970-90).

Position held: General Secretary - Orthodox Students Movement, Personal Staff and Advisor - Emperor Haile Selassie (Ethiopia), Honorary Lecturer _ U.C. College, Alwaye & University College of Addis Ababa, Principal, Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, Secretary - Orthodox Episcopal Synod, President - World Council of Churches (Geneva), President - Synodal Committee for Inter-Church Relations, Leader - WCC delegation to UNESCO, Heads of African States & UN General Assembly, Observer - Second Vatican Council, Member - Senate of Kerala and Serampore Universities, Vice-President - Christian Pace Conference (Prague), Chairman - Oriental Orthodox Curriculum Committee International, Patron - council for the World's Religions (New York), President - Inter Religious Federation for World Peace(New York).

In 1967, he was appointed as the Principal of Orthodox Theologian Seminary, Kottayam. As Metropolitan, on February 16, 1975, by H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Augen I. A year later, H.G. Dr. Paulose Mar Grgorios took charge of the Delhi Diocese. He established the Delhi Orthodox Centre, where he made a beginning to various ambitious projects, to disseminate the beauty and luster of the Orthodox Church. He was an outstanding and renowned theologian, a stimulative thinker and powerful author. In the course of his lifelong spiritual quest with a social purpose, Mar Gregorios has authored a number of books, apart from numerous periodicals, articles, contributions to symposia and encyclopedia in India and abroad. Some of his books are,

Publications Author: The Joy of Freedom, The Gospel of the Kingdom, The freedom of Man, Be still and Know, Freedom and Authority, The Quest of Certainty, The Human Presence, Truth without Tradition, Science for Sane Societies, Cosmic Man, The Indian Orthodox Church - an overview, Enlightenment, East & West, The meaning of Diakonia, etc.etc.

He was a sensible Philosopher, an inspiring preacher and an effective teacher. He was associated and lectured in, scores of Universities both at national and international level. This intelligent giant could handle Theology, Nuclear Physics, Genetics, Inter-religious dialogues, holistic healing and health and various other philosophical subjects with ease, He was the strong pillar of our Church, a torchbearer of our church to the world.

He was an untiring champion of Peace and Justice. He was the first religious personality of stature in India, who started participating in the peace movement. He was also a constructive analyst, who was active in the campaign to get-rid of the Nuclear weapons from the world. It was this anti-nuclear campaign that earned him the name "The Red Bishop" from the Western media. He was a spiritual father and a compassionate friend of the poor. He was deeply sensitive for an urgent response to human suffering and multi-faced poverty. The Orphanage for the boys, at Thalakode in Kerala, his role in the Vietnam War, is just modest examples. Bishop Gregorios, according to his close friends, was deeply anguished when cities were bombed and tens of thousands were massacred in the war.

He was a loving Shepherd, a spiritual father and a lucid teacher of the Holy Bible. He cherished freedom for others. He was an ardent activist for peace and justice. He preached and practiced, that only through the realization of truth, that peace, justice, freedom, equality, oneness of human family can be expected to come. This towering spiritual giant of the Orthodox Church was a recipient of many awards, prizes and honours.

Honours, Prizes, Awards etc.: Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Service and Inspired leadership of the World Church, Cambridge (UK), Order of St.Vladimir (USSR), Order of St.Sergius, First Rank (USSR), Order of St.Mary Magdalene (Poland), Doctor of Theology - Leningrad Theological Academy (USSR), Doctor of Theology - Lutheran Theological Academy (Budapest), Doctor of Theology - Jan Hus Faculty (Prague), Doctor of Theology (h.c.) Orthodox Faculty (Czechoslovakia), The International Biographical Roll of Honour for Distinguished Service to World Unity and Understanding among Religions(USA), Distinguished Leadership Award for Extraordinary Service, Peace and Unity(USA), Hall of Fame Award for Extraordinary Services to Peace and Unity(USA), Hidalgo de San Antonio de Bejar (Texas, USA), Otto Nusche Prize for Peace(GDR), Soviet Land Nehru Award (India), Man of the Year Award, Bhai Param Vir Singh International Award (India), Golden Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement (USA), Eminent Ecumenical Educator Award (India), Acharya Award (India), distinguished Alumnus Award (Princeton Theological Seminary), Oskar Pfister Award, American Psychiatric Association (USA), Social Services Award, Goshen College (USA), etc.etc….

Biographical references of this ardent ascetic and philanthropic humanist appear in many works.

Biographical references: Dictionary of International Biography, International Who's Who, Who's Who in America, National Register of Prominent & International Notables, Who's Who in Switzerland, Who's Who in the Far East, Dictionary of the International Community Services, Men of Achievements, Men & Women of Distinction, International Who's Who of Intellectuals, Kerala Who's Who, India's Who's Who, World Who's Who, International Author's & Writer's Who's Who, The International Directory of Distinguished Scholarship, Five Thousand Personalities of the World, The International Book Of Honour, etc. etc. …