ARCH COREPISCOPO Most Rev. (Dr.) Curien Kaniamparambil, passed away (103 years) on 19th October 2015, was a living legend with his academic contributions in multifarious domains of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, and with spiritual gems being expounded from the depth of his heart. He was one of the very few living authorities of Syriac, ‘the language of Our Lord’, in the world today. He was the Bright lamp of the Universal Syrian Church, Cynosure of the Churches of Syriac heritage, Beloved son of the Patriarchs, the Catholicose’s and the prelates, Friend and guide to the clergy and laity, Loving and devoted husband, affectionate father and grand & great grand father. He was becoming a living saint or has already attained that stature.

He was the pillar of Jacobite Syrian Christians of Malankara (India) for the past 70 years. A majority of the living Syrian Christians have their spiritual needs satisfied through him. Hence he was the spiritual godfather of many in this land. The greatest achievement of his life was considered to be the translation of the complete Holy Bible, from ancient Pshitho Syriac text to Malayalam for the first time, which was released on August 2, 1994. Our Most revered Ressh Corepiscopo was God’s gift to India, particularly to the Syrian Orthodox Church and to all the lovers of Syriac heritage. His literary works has built up a lasting legacy to all those who want to familiarize themselves with the study of Syriac language, history of Syriac Churches and the biblical traditions of the Churches of Syriac heritage. The Syriac scholars and the Heads of Syriac Churches have shown a great appreciation for his literary services and achievements.

In recognition to the tremendous contribution to the Holy Church, to the Syriac language and the Malayalam literature, especially considering the first complete translation of the Pshitho Bible in Malayalam, the Patriarch of the Apostolic See of Antioch & All the East and the Supreme head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, H.H. Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, elevated the esteemed priest to the position of REESH EPISCOPO (ARCH EPISCOPO), at a grand function held at the Syrian Church headquarters of India at Puthencuriz, Kochi on Saturday 25th February 2012. His Holiness also conferred the title MTARGMONO D EETHO and awarded the ST. IGNATIUS MEDAL and CERTIFICATE to the Very Rev. Curien Kaniamparambil. On the occasion, the Church presented the Reesh Episcopo with a STAFF & CROSIER, permitted to be used only by the Metropolitans of the Holy Church. The Catholicos and the primate of the Syriac Christian Church in India, His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas-I, presented all these decorations and awards to Most Reverend Curien Kaniamparambil, on behalf of His Holiness the Patriarch in the presence of the Malankara Synod secretary Mor Gregorios Joseph, Metropolitans, clergy and dignified guests. In the long history of the Holy Syrian Church, this is the first time a married priest is elevated to the position of ARCH COREPISCOPO, thereby recognizing his incomparable contributions in the last 100 years.