My Memories of Easow Mar Thimotheos Thirumeni

Easow Mar Thimotheos Thirumeni was the first Thirumeni that I knew of. He is the epitome of how a Bishop should be.When I look back at my journey towards ministry, Thirumeni holds a very special place. My mother has helped me live and relive the moment of my encounter with Thirumeni. It has formed me and helped me reach thus far by the Grace of God.

It was the year 1987. Thirumeni was to come to Lonavala for Western India Youth Conference. The then Vicar of St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church, Pune,  Rev K. M. Issac arranged a Holy Qurbana on 22^rd October 1987 which was a Thursday.  According to the instructions of Thirumeni, he arranged for a “Aathya  Jaatha Samarpana Susroosha” (Dedication of the First Born). Issac Achen who is a very important person in my life asked my parents if they were ready to dedicate their child for ministry. My parents after a lot of prayer agreed to do the same. I was only 5 years then. I did not know what I was getting into. Parents were ready to dedicate me fully trusting in the providence of God. My mother recalls that “The appearance of Thirumeni was like a Sanyasi. His simplicity was very evident.” That day three children were to be dedicated. One was Rev Ronald Raju, myself and one more boy. After the first part of the Qurbana, Thirumeni called the 3 of us along with respective parents to kneel before the Altar. My parents recall that “Thirumeni in his prayer was filled with Holy Spirit. His face had a radiance that we had never seen. When he put his hands to bless the three of us, we could feel the work of the Holy Spirit.” My mother further remembers the sermon he delivered. She says “Thirumeni emphasized the importance of Evangelization of Maharashtra. We need young people to Go for our Great God. I thank the parents who dedicated their children for the Glory Of God”.

I remember very little of what happened then. But the continuous narration of my parents of that event made me part of it. It helped me form as a child ready to go for Ministry. I modeled myself accordingly. It formed my character. I yearned to be a minister. Things were all fine till my graduation. Then the confusions set in. I did not know whether this was my calling. I doubted whether I was meant for it. These confusions disturbed my parents. But they prayed. I remember my father say “We dedicated you with full faith. It is now your choice. If God wants you to be his minister he will call you. We are sure that the prayer of Thirumeni was the work of the Holy Spirit”. I really appreciate the fact that in my trials my parents understood me and prayed for me. Their biggest hope was the event that took place of 22^nd October 1987. After my personal explorations at Navjeevan Centre under the mentorship of Rev Dr Moni Mathew, I finally realized my calling. I expressed my willingness to go for ministry. I remember the face of my parents. The faith that they lived by had won over my confusions.

When I look back today I thank God for calling me to his Great Ministry. I feel very unfit and unworthy but I know God had planned it even before I knew it or could understand it. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29: 11. On the occasion of 25 years since Thirumeni was called to Eternal Rest, I thank God for using him and moulding me. Praise be to God.

Rev Merin Mathew

Mar Thoma Syrian Church

Vicar of the Northeast India Parishes

Guwahati