|
H.G. Gabriel Mar
Gregorios was born on January 28, 1948 as third son of
Thumpamon Vadakke Thazhethil, Kanjikkal Chacko John and Pandalam
Kudassinadu Ramanattu Mulamoottil Aleyamma John and the family belong to
the Kudassinadu St. Stephens Cathedral of Chengannoor Diocese.
Preliminary education of Gabriel was done at St. Stephens High School,
Pathanapuram and Pre-Degree in the St. Stephens College. After
graduating in English Literature [B.A.] from Basalios College, Kottayam,
Gabriel proceeded for Theological studies at Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam.
He had Acquired GST from there and B.D. degree from Serampore
University.
On November 4, 1969
Gabriel was ordained as deacon and on February 8, 1974, as a priest. Fr.
Gabriel took M.T.H degree in New Testament, Three year Diploma in Hebrew
Language and two year Diploma in Aramaic Language and great proficiency
in Greek from the Paris Catholic University. He had done research in
Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, USA, about 'Grace in the
Epistles of St.Paul'. Based on the dissertation and Thesis of this
research study, he was awarded doctorate by the Serampore University.
Also he had undergone post graduate research in Cambridge University.
Fr. Gabriel had acquired proficiency in ancient languages of Aramaic,
Hebrew, Greek, Syriac and in modern languages German, French and English
etc.
Fr. Gabriel served as
vicar of fifteen parishes including parishes at Bombay, Delhi, Kottayam,
Trivandrum over period of long 30 years. He was deeply involved in many
ecumenical corporate activities of the Church. He had also served as
Registrar and Director of F.F.R.R.C which act as a United Theological
research Centre of Marthoma, C.S.I, Orthodox Seminaries [1995-2003]. He
had a major contribution to uplift this centre as one of the biggest
Theological Research Center where maximum number of researchers got
attracted from different states of India. He is the chief architect of
this institution to elevate it as Doctoral Research Center giving M.T.H
degree in 8 subjects from 1999 onwards. Fr. Gabriel also acted as
Malankara Orthodox Church representative of ecumenical organizations
like Orthodox-Marthoma Dialogue Forum, Orthodox-Lutheran Dialog Forum,
Bible Society Kerala Auxiliary Committee, Theological Literature Forum
etc. for six years each.
During 1996-2000 he
was the treasurer of Society for Biblical Studies which is an
organization of the Theological Scholars in India. He also held the
posts of Associate Director of the Orthodox Youth Magazine, Organizer of
the publication of the Sunday Schools books for Oriental Orthodox
Churches, Convener of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Vattasseril Mar
Dionasios [1983-85], Orthodox Seminary Regustrar, Warden and Alumni
Association President.
From 1982 onwards Fr.
Gabriel is the Professor of New Testament Department in Orthodox
Theological Seminary, Kottayam. He also holds the post of Fellow of
George Bell Ecumenical Institute, England, and Administrative Committee
Member of Serampore University etc. He had also authored many
Theological Books like Towards A New Humanity, Towards The Grace Of God,
Cross And Grace etc. On August 7, 2004 Fr. Gabriel was elevated as
Ramban by Basalios Mar Thoma Mathews II at Devalokam Catholicate Aramana
Chapel.
H.G. Mar Gregorios authored more than 100 books in English and Malayalam. Some of his distinguished works are Towards the Grace of God, Towards a New Humanity, Cross and Grace, Gurumukhathu Ninnum[Part I & II] Athmeeyathyude Yadartha Shrothassukal. |
|