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The introduction of British rule and the subsequent arrival of English missionaries in the early 19th century profoundly transformed the lives of the people of Malabar (Kerala). One of the most significant contributions of these missionaries was the establishment of numerous educational institutions. At that time, the people of Kerala were predominantly a farming community, and formal education was not widespread. The Syrian Christian community was no exception. Education was largely confined to the upper-caste Hindus, and when the British introduced a centralized administrative system, most government positions were occupied either by them or by experienced Europeans who held senior posts.
Over time, however, natives who studied in the missionary-run schools began to qualify for government employment, with the Christian community benefiting the most. Yet this development had an unintended negative impact on the Syrian Church. Exposure to Western culture, European religious practices, and the lure of employment opportunities prompted some members of the Church to join the newly established missionary-led denominations. This erosion was especially pronounced in the South Travancore region, where missionary activity was particularly intense. In contrast, the northern parts of Kerala (north of Kottayam) remained largely unaffected, as missionary influence there was minimal. It was in this context that the metropolitans of the Church decided to establish schools under ecclesiastical management. When these discussions emerged, Mor Gregorios Thirumeni strongly emphasized that the new institutions must be English-medium schools, capable of preparing the community for the changing world. Mor Gregorios was entrusted with this mission, supported wholeheartedly by the Malankara Metropolitan, Pulikottil Mor Dionysius V.
The first three major schools founded by Kochu Thirumeni were located within the northern dioceses. As mentioned earlier, in the southern regions of Kerala, a few schools were already operating under the C.M.S. missionaries, and many of their students were members of the Syrian Christian community. Hence, the Malankara Church resolved to begin schools in the south as well. Accordingly, His Grace laid the foundation for two schools in that region. In addition to these, numerous primary schools were also established under the leadership of Kochu Thirumeni.
A brief description of the five major schools founded by Mor Gregorios Thirumeni is presented on this page.
Following were the prominent Schools established by Parumala Thirumeni.
1. St. Thomas School, Mulunthuruthy
2. St. Ignatius High School, Kunnamkulam
1 St. Thomas School, Mulunthuruthy
Mor Gregorios Thirumeni established the first school of the Jacobite Syrian Church at Mulunthuruthy, his native place. This English-medium school was initially run under the guidance of Parumala Thirumeni and Kochu Korah of the Chalil family. It was later elevated to the status of a High School, though eventually the institution was taken over by the Government.
A Malayalam poem on Mor Gregorios Geevarghese (Parumala Thirumeni), written by Chalil C. Varghese—the brother of Kochu Korah, co-founder of the St. Thomas School—can be accessed HERE - clicking HERE.
2 St. Ignatius School, Kunnamkulam
After the establishment of a school at Mulunthuruthy, Kochu Thirumeni's efforts was to establish an High School in Kunnamkulam, the home town of the then Malankara Metropolitan Pulikottil Mor Divanyasious V. On 15th August 1899, an 'Aan Pallikoodam' (Boy's School) was started by Parumala Thirumeni near the ancient Arthat St. Mary's Church, Kunnamkulam and named it as ST. IGNATIUS SCHOOL, the title commonly used for all the Patriarchs of the Apostolic See of Antioch. (see the below excerpt from the book titled 'Arthat Palli Charitram' published in 1945 by P C Kunjathu, a member of the Malankara Orthodox Church).
Eyakku Mathu of the Panakkal family in Kunnamkulam, was appointed as the first Manager of the St. Ignatius School. A distinguished figure in the State of Cochin, he was also a trusted and close associate of our Parumala Kochu Thirumeni. During the Apostolic visit of Patriarch Ignatius Peter IV to Malankara in 1875, Eyakku Mathu constructed a residence in Kunnamkulam specifically to host His Holiness and the accompanying dignitaries. Although, for a time, he aligned himself with reformist sect of the Syrian Christian community led by Palakkunnath bishops, he later embraced the Apostolic faith of the Syrian Church under the influence of our Kochu Thirumeni. He went on to serve as the Chief Trustee of the Arthat Church for many years. It was through his firm insistence that the present road in front of the Arthat Church was finally constructed, despite strong resistance from various quarters. Panakkal Eyakku Mathu passed away a few months before the demise of our Parumala Kochu Thirumeni. He was laid to rest in the extended portion of the Arthat St. Mary’s Church, Kunnamkulam.
Panakkal Eyakku Mathu
(Following is an excerpt from the book 'Arthat Palli Charitram'
published in 1945 by P C Kunjathu, - Page 23)
Three years later, in 1902, the school was elevated to the status of a High School. After the passing of its founder-manager, the administration was taken over by Panakkal Iypooru Pathappen. The institution admitted students from all castes and communities, and no fees were collected for education, reflecting its inclusive and charitable vision. In 1911, the school was taken over by the Government (now functioning as the Government Model Girls’ High School). Locally, it came to be known as “Methrachen’s School” in honour of its founder, St. Gregorios.
3 St. Mary's School, Kunnamkulam
One year after the establishment of the first school at Kunnamkulam, a meeting convened by Mor Gregorios on 24 June 1900 resolved to begin another school at Kunnamkulam, in the area known as Pareel Angadi. This institution was named St. Mary’s School, and Cheruvathoor Mathu Kunjathu was appointed as its first Manager.
While residing at the Paliakkara St. George Church in Thiruvalla during the Great Lent of 1901, Parumala Thirumeni convened a meeting of representatives from the nearby churches and sought their cooperation to establish a school under the diocese. Subsequently, an official diocesan meeting was held in April 1902 under the presidentship of Thirumeni, wherein it was decided to name the proposed English-medium institution the Syrian English School. Its inauguration was planned for January 1903.
The foundation stone for the school was laid by the Settlement Division Peshkar of Travancore, V. Nagayya. Thirumeni personally visited several churches to raise funds for the construction of this prestigious institution at Thiruvalla. However, before the school could begin functioning, Mor Gregorios entered eternal rest.
Later, the diocesan council held at the Parumala Seminary under the presidentship of Pulikottil Methrachen resolved to rename the school as Mar Gregorios Memorial English High School, in honour of its founder, St. Gregorios of Parumala. On 14 January 1903, the school was inaugurated by the Malankara Metropolitan, Mor Dionysius V.
Today, this M.G.M. School stands as a lasting memorial to the holy father.
The M.G.S. Middle School at Thumpamon is yet another institution founded by Mor Gregorios of Parumala. In the course of time, it grew and was elevated to the status of a High School.
In recognition of Parumala Thirumeni’s significant contributions to the field of education, the Travancore Government honoured His Grace by appointing him as the Trustee of the committee constituted to establish a Government Girls’ School in Thiruvalla. The committee was chaired by the then Maharaja of Travancore, Kerala Valiyakoi Thamburan.
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MSCR - Malankara Syriac Christian Resources
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