The Feast of Mor Ivanios Yuhanon

Mor Ivanios Yuhanon, credited with the propagation of the liturgy of Mar Yacob in Malankara, was born in Mosul, Iraq.

The Patriarch, Ignatius Shukar Allah (A.D. 1722 – 1745) ordained him Ramban at Saffran monastery and he was ordained priest in A.D. 1724. Patriarch Ignatius George III (A.D. 1745- 1768) sent him to Malankara along with Maphrian Shukar Allah in A.D. 1749. Mor Baselios Shukar Allah Maphrian consecrated him an episcopo at Kandanad church on 30 Medam 1752.

He was to discharge his apostolic and administrative duties from Pallikkara church but as it was an important center of Mor Thoman VI, the natives caused him a lot of trouble. The Maphrian had trained and inspired him to suffer and tolerate all tribulations and hence he could endure all the difficulties and continue his life there. When he fell ill, the Maphrian sent him to Cochin and after his recuperation, he was appointed at Kandanad.

After the demise of the Maphrian, he assisted Mor Gregorios Yuhanon in administrative matters. His brother Abraham arrived from Mosul in A.D. 1769 to take him back to their native place. He refused to accompany him as he wished to restore peace in the congregation. He wanted to advise Mor Thoma VI and bring him back to the Church and to ordain him and he could achieve that after concerted efforts.

After the demise of Mor Gregorius, ecclesiastical duties were rendered with the co-operation of Mor Divanasios I. Together they could resolve problems related to a fake ramban, Abraham Kattumangad, who had appropriated the Episcopal powers. They filed a petition against him before the Rajas of Cochin and Travancore. The royal court transferred the case to the Dutch company. Their twelve judges examined the case and passed the verdict against Abraham Ramban. Mor Gregorius had not ordained him. He had merely seized the crosier and the Episcopal vestments of Mor Gregorius. As soon as the verdict was passed, he rushed to the Latin Bishop at Varapuzha who was a friend, but he was followed and caught at Ponjikkara. Four soldiers presented him before the Divan who ordered him to be taken to Mor Deevannasios and Mor Ivanios. Hence, he was brought to Kandanad where they were residing.

On a Sunday at the church in the presence of all believers and priests, they questioned him. The bishops were seated at one side of the table placed before the altar. The interrogation was carried out before lighted candles, with the Book of Gospels and a Cross placed on the table. Abraham Ramban confessed to committing sins. They asked him to remove and place his Episcopal vestments, cross, crosier, and miter on the table and to request mercy.

He stayed at Kandanad for three months and when his health was impaired, he requested permission to leave for treatment. On receiving permission, he proceeded to Anjhoor (Thozhiyoor) in Malabar under the jurisdiction of the Dutch and again proclaimed himself an episcopo (Aphrem Paulose, 1964).

There is legend regarding Mar Ivanios’ arrival in Chengannur. When he reached Erapuzha kadavu on River Pampa by boat, his followers took him to the Church in a procession. But the Nair chiefs of the land did not allow the procession to pass in front of the Vanchipuzha Chief’s palace and the procession had to take a different route. When the son of Vanjipuzha Chief fell ill, the royal astrologer found that the curse of a saint had fallen on the son. The Chief is said to have tendered an apology to Mar Ivanios whose prayer rid the boy of his illness. In return the Chief bestowed tax-free land and properties to the Church.

Mor Ivanios continued his Episcopal and related activities until his death on 7 Medam (Neeson) 1794 and he was entombed in the Old Syrian church at Chengannoor.

The feast of Mor Ivanios Yuhanon is celebrated on 18th April in the Syrian Orthodox Church.