About Thirumeni

His Grace Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios is a senior bishop of the Indian Orthodox Church. He was the metropolitan of the Niranam diocese from 1975-2007. He is a renowned theologian, orator and writer. Currently he's retired from his duties as the metropolitan of any diocese.

Childhood and Education.

He was born on 9 December 1918 to Kochitty and Mariamma Kochitty of Munduvelil family in Mavelikara. He obtained his B.D from Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur, M.A from Drew University in America and his S.T.M from Union Seminary, Bangalore.

Priesthood

He received the order of Korooyo (sub-deacon) from Metropolitan Augen Mar Timotheos on 9 August 1947 and his priesthood from His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II, Catholicos on 10 May 1956. He was nominated to the post of Metropolitan by the Malankara Association which met at Niranam on 2 October 1974. Metropolitan Daniel Mar Philexinos ordained him as a Ramban at at St. Mary's Cathedral Puthencavu. He was consecrated as a bishop by His Holiness Baselios Augen I, Catholicos of the East on 16 February 1975 at Niranam Valiya Palli. He was appointed as the Metropolitan of the Niranam Diocese on 1 April 1975.

Other Contributions

He was the member of Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. He is currently the Senior faculty member of the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, President of the Mission Board of the Indian Orthodox Church and the Director of St. Paul's Mission Training Centre, Mavelikara. He is the founder of a good number of charitable programmes, mission centers and institutions which include Marriage Assistance Foundation, Sick Aid Foundation, Save A Heart Foundation, House Building Aid Fund, Mission Training Centre, M.G.D Ashram Balabhavan Karunagiri, St Pauls Asram Puthuppady, Haripad Mission Centre, Yacharam St.Gregorios Balagram, Bethanya Bhavan, St.George Balikagram Pune ,etc.