Condolences from CSI Church, Toronto
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We the members of CSI Church Toronto in Canada are deeply grieved on the sad demise of the great spiritual leader and our beloved former vicar, Right Reverend Michael John. Thirumeni served CSI Church, Toronto for seven years, from November 1993 to September 2000, after his retirement. To fill the much needed pastoral position, the church approached Thirumeni to preside over the congregation as pastor. Thirumeni agreed and arrived with his wife Alice Kochamma in Toronto on November 6th, 1993. We are grateful to him for the ministerial headship we received. Under Thirumeni’s leadership, the church hosted the Eighth Annual CSI Family and Youth Conference of North America from July 7-10, 1994 at McMaster University in Hamilton. On all occasions of his pastoral care, we as a church, had witnessed and experienced the warmth and fondness of this great preacher, good pastor and affectionate father. He devoted his ministry to reach out to each and everyone in the society, irrespective of denomination and creed. He also conducted regular confirmation sessions for the youth of our church. His deep devotion, preaching skills, religious zeal, and sincere services to the church are well known.(Official documents of CSI Church, Toronto)
Born to a Christian family at Valakom, near Melukavu, in Kottayam district, Thirumeni had his primary education in his native place, and his High School and college education at CMS High School and CMS College, Kottayam. He graduated from the UC College, Aluva and was appointed as Head Master of the CMS English Middle School, Erumapra. He took his theological degree from Bishop’s College, Calcutta. He won the proficiency prize in all the three years. He also got Bachelor of Divinity degree from Serampore University and the Master of Theology degree from the Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, U.S.A (The Light of a Lamp).
After his ordination in 1953, he was appointed as the missionary of Karappuram Mission in Chertala and later as the Secretary of Christian Institute, Alappuzha. As a pastor, he served the parishes of Ranni, Alappuzha, Olassa, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kottayam, Ascension Church, Kanjikuzhy, CSI Church in Kuwait, Mavelikara and CSI Church, Toronto (The Light of a Lamp).
Thirumeni was elected as the Clergy Secretary of the Madhya Kerala Diocesan Council for three consecutive terms (1963-1972) and also served as Secretary of the Diocesan Medical Society and the Secretary of the Board of Pastoral work. As the Principal of the CN Bible School at Tholassery, he trained many young people to be church workers. Later on many of them were ordained as pastors in the dioceses of South Kerala, Madhya Kerala and East Kerala. In 1981, he was appointed as the Special Officer to form the CSI Diocese of East Kerala. On 5th of January 1984, he was consecrated as the first Bishop of East Kerala Diocese. After returning from Canada, Thirumeni and Kochamma continued their retired life at their own beautiful home at Melukavumattom (The Light of a Lamp).
Thirumeni’s demise is a great loss to the Church of South India as a whole. He was an unquestionable and brave soldier of true Christian faith to the very end of his precious life. He was a great shepherd and a spiritual leader, who carried the cross and followed his master. We are sure that our Lord is faithful, and will reward him for his sincere and dedicated services to the Church. The CSI Church, Toronto family would like to express their heartfelt condolences to loving Kochamma and family. We share the grief and sorrow and assure the family all our prayers for the days to come. We also thank Almighty God with the firm belief that the Good Shepherd has already received this committed pastor of His flock to be with Him in heaven, through all eternity.
