H.G. Kuriakose Mor Koorilose (Poothiyottu)

The history of the Jacobite Syrian Church in southern Kerala is incomplete without the golden chapter of Late Lamented His Grace Kuriakose Mor Koorilose (Poothiyottu) was a colossus who carried the weight of three major dioceses on his shoulders during a turbulent era.

He was born on May 1, 1935, in the serene village of Mepral near Thiruvalla, to devout parents Poothiyottu Thomas and Sosamma. Born into a family deeply rooted in the Apostolic traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church, young Kuriakose grew up breathing the air of faith and prayer. His childhood was marked by a distinct spiritual discipline that set him apart from his peers.

Responding to the divine calling, he sought to dedicate his life entirely to the Holy Church. He pursued his theological formation at the sacred Manjinikkara Mor Ignatius Dayro, under the spiritual shadow of the Holy Saint Mor Elias III. The monastic discipline and the rigorous Syriac studies at Manjinikkara molded him into a scholar and an ascetic, laying the foundation for the great responsibilities he would later shoulder.

His dedication to the altar was recognized early by the church fathers. In 1957, he was ordained as a Deacon (Korooyo) by the blessed hands of H.G. Elias Mor Yulios. He continued his service with humility, eventually being ordained to the holy priesthood in 1963.

As a priest, Fr. Kuriakose Poothiyottu was a dynamic presence. He possessed a rare ability to connect with both the learned clergy and the simple laity. His sermons were powerful, rooted in Scripture and the traditions of the Fathers, yet accessible to the common man. During these years, he traveled extensively, strengthening the youth and organizing spiritual organizations, proving himself to be a true fisher of men.

The 1970s were a critical period for the Jacobite Syrian Church. The church needed leaders who were not only spiritually grounded but also administratively capable of guiding the faithful through challenges. The Holy Spirit guided the decision of the Church to elevate Fr. Kuriakose to the order of Episcopacy.

On July 21, 1974, a historic event unfolded at the St. George Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus, Syria. The Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, His Holiness Ignatius Ya'qub III, the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, consecrated him as Metropolitan with the name **Mor Koorilose**.

Upon his return to Malankara, Mor Koorilose was entrusted with a responsibility that few in history have borne: the administration of three major dioceses simultaneously—**Niranam, Kollam, and Thumpamon**. This vast territory covered a significant portion of southern Kerala. For over two decades, he traveled tirelessly between these dioceses, administering sacraments, resolving disputes, and building the church brick by brick. He was truly the "Shepherd of the South," keeping the flock united under the Holy Throne of Antioch.

Poothiyottu Thirumeni was a visionary builder. When he took charge, the infrastructure for the dioceses in the south was minimal. He realized that for the church to grow, it needed a strong administrative center.

His crowning achievement in infrastructure was the establishment of the **Diocesan Headquarters (Aramana) at Adoor**. He envisioned this not just as an office, but as a spiritual center for the southern region. Adjacent to the Aramana, he constructed the beautiful **Mor Dionysius Chapel**, dedicated to the memory of Michael Mor Dionysius.

Under his tenure, dozens of new parishes were established in Niranam, Kollam, and Thumpamon. He renovated ancient churches that were falling into disrepair and ensured that every parish, no matter how remote, received pastoral care. His administrative acumen was legendary; he could recall the details of families and parish histories across his three dioceses with remarkable clarity.

Mor Koorilose believed deeply that the future of the church lay in its children. He served as the **President of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Sunday School Association (MJSSA)** for a long and fruitful period.

Under his presidency, the Sunday School movement saw a revival. He emphasized the importance of a structured curriculum, regular teacher training, and the spiritual formation of the younger generation. He was a regular presence at Sunday School rallies and competitions, where his fatherly advice and encouraging smile motivated thousands of children to hold fast to the true faith.

After leading the church through the storms and triumphs of the late 20th century, H.G. Kuriakose Mor Koorilose was called to his eternal rest on **March 21, 1995**. His passing left a void in the southern dioceses that was deeply felt by the clergy and the faithful alike.

His mortal remains were interred with full canonical honors in the **Mikhayel Mor Dionysius Chapel** at the Diocesan Headquarters in Adoor—the very place he had built with so much love and toil.

Today, his tomb stands as a place of silent prayer. The faithful remember him not only as a great administrator and Metropolitan but as a loving father who gave his entire life for the glory of the Syriac Orthodox Church. May his memory be eternal, and may his prayers be a stronghold for us.