Apostolic Visits of  the Patriarchs of Antioch

Moran Mor Ignatius Yakoob-III's  visit in 1964

When peace was re-established in 1964 after a long period of struggle in the Malankara church, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East Mor Ignatius Yakoub III visited Malankara for the ordination of Mor Augen Thimotheos as Catholicos of the East. A few days after the coronation both the dignitaries, H.H. Patriarch Mor Ignatius Yakoub III and H.B. Catholicos Mor Baselios Augen I, visited the Parish and a rousing reception were given to them.  

H.H. Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas'  visit in 1982

The Patriarch H.H. Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas’ visit to this Parish in February 1982 was a significant event in the long history of the church. The former Catholicos of the East late lamented H.B. Mor Baselios Paulose II accompanied His Holiness. Jubilant celebrations were held during the event in which a large gathering, irrespective of caste and creed, were present during the entire function. With the apostolic visit of H.H. Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, the Parish had the special privilege of hosting two successive Patriarchs of Antioch.

Other Church fathers who visited the parish

In the last two centuries, many of the Church Fathers other than the two Patriarchs, visited this Parish. Metropolitans Mor Dionysius III of Malankara (died in 1825) and Kadavil Mor Athanasius Paulose of Kottayam & Angamali dioceses (1876-1907) had visited this Church many a times.  It was Kadavil Thirumeni who himself was an architect, designed the Kallumkathra Church. Chathuruthil St. Gregorios Geevarghese (Parumala Thirumeni) wrote one of his famous encyclicals during his stay at this Church in 1897. The Parish had the fortune to host St. Osthatheos Sleeba (the Patriarchal delegate, 1908-32) in 1925 and Mor Julius Elias, the subsequent Patriarchal delegate in 1935. This Parish, though for a brief period, had the privilege to function as the diocesan headquarters during the period of Metropolitan Mor Dionysius Michael. The parishioners also remembers with gratitude the spiritual guidance of the late lamented Malankara Metropolitan St. Athanasious Paulose [Valiya Thirumeni], Catholicos of the East, Aboon Mor Baselios Paulose II Bava and  late Mor Gregorios Geevarghese (Perumpilly Thirumeni).