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HIS GRACE MOST REV. GEEVARGHESE MAR IVANIOS O.I.C.
During his stay at Calcutta Fr.P.T.Geevarghese concentrated his attention to the foundation of a monstic community as an instrument of spiritual renewal within the Syrian Orthodox Church. In his attempt he was very well inspired by the Christian and Hindu monastic traditions. After making the necessary arrangements to begin such a form of life, he resigned his professorship at Serampore and started the first community on August 15, 1919 at Mundanmala, Perunnad, Ranni, to which he gave the name Bethany Ashram, which is officially known as Order of the Imitation of Christ (O.I.C.)
As later history reveals the Reunion Movement gained rapid momentum under the leadership of Mar Ivanios O.I.C., giving birth to Malankara Catholic Church. An eminent Scholar, a man of great vision, a spiritual leader, Mar Ivanios O.I.C. rightfully earned the title 'Newman of the East' even before his demise on July 15th 1953. By realizing the unpaprallel sanctity of Mar Ivanios, the Canonization process to beatify him has started.
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The
late Archbishop, His Grace Mar Ivanios OIC, the founder of Bethany Ashram
was born on Sept.21st 1882 at Mavelikara. Born in the famous 'Mallitta'
Panikar family, belonging to the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, he
assumed the baptismal name Geevarghese. Young Geevarghese, a brilliant
student in his early school days, of the age of 15 joined M.D.Seminary
School for high school studies. On April 20th 1898 he received minor orders
and was sent to Madras Christian College for higher studies. There he
obtained his Master degree. On Sept.15th 1908 Geevarghese was ordained
priest by His Grace Vattasseril Mar Dinoysius. Just after the ordination,
Fr.P.T.Geevarghese was appointed Principal of M.D.Seminary, Kottayam.
Later the young principal moved to Calcutta, accepting an invitation to
teach in the Searmpore College.
Within
no time Bethany Ashram and its beloved founder came to the limelight of
Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church and Abbo Geevarghese O.I.C. was consecrated
Bishop of Bethany on May 1st 1925 and he received the new name Mar Ivanios
O.I.C. His relentless search for truth in the ascetical atmosphere of
Bethany Ashram led him to the firm conviction to reunite with the Catholic
Church. On Sept.20, 1930 Mar Ivanios together with Mar Theophilos O.I.C.
and most of the members of Bethany Ashram embraced the Catholic Church.