Fr. Philip Thomas (Sajiachan, 38 yrs), a young, polite and zealous priest of the Niranam Diocese, left for his Heavenly abode on 26 December, 2008 . He was serving as the Vicar of Kadapra Bethlehem St. George Orthodox Church and was a member of Niranam Valiyapalli.
On the day, he had participated in the Christmas Carol Services held jointly by his and neighbouring parishes. After the events, he had collapsed and was rushed to St. Gregorious Hospital, Parumala; but death had occurred on the way itself.
Funeral Arrangements
On Tuesday, 30th December, 2008 , the body shall be taken from St. Gregorious Hospital, Parumala and brought to St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Parumala, by 4.00 PM . The construction of this church had happened under the vicariate of Fr. Philip Thomas.
Afterwards, body shall be taken to Kadapra Bethlehem St. George Orthodox Church, by 6.00 PM , where he was currently serving as the Vicar.
The procession with body is expected to reach the residence at Niranam, by 8.00 PM .
On, Wednesday, 31st Decemember, 2008, the funeral service shall begin at home, by 10.30 AM and the service at church (Niranam Valiayapalli), shall begin by 12.00 noon . Catholicos HH Didymus I, Catholicose Designate HB Paulose Mar Milithios and other metropolitans shall lead the ceremony.
How to reach
Sajiachan's residence is about 1 KM from the Niranam Valiyapalli, on Niranam - Thottadi road.
Instructions to reach Niranam Valiyapalli are available here.
Fr. Philip Thomas, was the son of Mr. P K Thomas and Mrs. Annamma Thomas of Panamattethu Pazhoor family. His elder brother is Mr. Shaji Thomas. Achan's wife Mrs. Meena Philip, who is a teacher in the Balikamadom HSS, Thirumoolapuram, Thiruvalla hails from Ayrookuzhiyil family in Chathankary. He is survived by 3 children, Feba, Leya and Greg.
From childhood, Sajiachan's ambition was to become a priest and he became an altar boy at the age of 8. He was a very good Sunday School teacher and an active member of the MGOCSM unit in the parish.
He had his schooling from St. Marys HS, Niranam and college education from DB Pampa College, Parumala and Marthoma College , Thiruvalla.
Afterwards, he continued to Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam and was ordained as a priest on 30th December, 1995 .
He has served as vicar in the following churches
- Martha Mariam Orthodox Church, Kadapra Mannar
- Vennikkulam Kudukkapathal Mar Baselious OSC
- St. Mary's OSC, Parumala
- St. George OSC, Karakkal
- Kadapra Bethlehem OSC
Important Dates:
| Date of Birth |
: |
Aug 12 1969 |
| Date of Ordination (Deacon) |
: |
Dec 9 1995 |
| Date of Ordination (Priest) |
: |
Dec 30 1995 |
| Date of Demise |
: |
Dec 26 2008 |
|
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