Rev.Fr.M.U. Paulose

Administrator Anagalapura Mission CentreHosur Mission CentreBheemanakuppa Mission Centre
Principal St. George High School, Anagalapura, Doddagubbi,Bangalore - 77
Mob: +91-9845641142Email - pauloseachen@gmail.comwww.stgeorgeschoolbangalore.com

Excerpt from the booklet “A Journey Back in Time with Paulose Achen” brought out on 10/11/2013 in connection with the commemoration of the Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee of Paulose Achen, as a tribute to this great person.

It is an attempt to sketch a brief history of the Hosur St.Gregorios J S O Church and also take a glimpse into the life of Paulose Achen, who created this history.

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A Journey Back in Time with Paulose Achen

C.S. Paul

On this joyous occasion when we commemorate the Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee – Twenty Five years of priesthood of our beloved Paulose Achen – Fr. M.U.Paulose Manglath, let us take a journey back in time. It is an attempt to recall some crucial phases of his life that helped to change the lives of many Syrian Orthodox Christians in Hosur.

The St. Gregorios Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church and Mission Centre complex would easily attract the attention of almost everyone who travels by the Bangalore - Hosur Highway. With its unique architectural design, it stands tall as a prominent landmark in the heart of Hosur. It is a testimonial in concrete to the person whose determination, willpower, and dedication made it a reality.

Fifteen years ago, a group of believers, namely Mr. Saimon Samuel, Mr.Benzy Varghese, Mr.George Varkey, Mr. George Kutty, and Mr. Jelson, realized the need to have a fellowship among the Malankara Syrian Christians. They took the initiative to explore the possibility of locating an Achen who would be willing to celebrate Holy Qurbana at-least once a month in Hosur. Our Lord, who knows the heart of everyone, introduced Paulose Achen to them.

Despite his hectic schedules, Achen, who was already busy developing the Anagalapura Mission Centre near Bangalore, volunteered to celebrate the Holy Qurbana at Hosur.

It was on Danaha, the 6th. January 2001, the day we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord, that our small congregation was also so to say, christened as St.Gregorios J S O Church.

Achen celebrated his first Holy Qurbana at Hosur on this day in a small rented shed that was a part of Blossom Matriculation School. It was a red-letter day in the history of the Hosur church, as it marked the beginning of his association with this small community.

All who attended this first service recall how everything needed for the service were brought by bus from Bangalore and carried by hand to the Blossom School, as no conveyance was available.

With this new beginning, the believers were able to attend the church service on all Sundays except for the first Sunday in a month.

Those who had migrated to Hosur during the early nineties or earlier had not dreamt even in their wildest dreams that they would ever partake in a Holy Qurbana at Hosur.

With the limited resources at his disposal, Achen used to travel more than 120 KM on his two-wheeler to come to Hosur and get back to Anagalapura.

During those early days, the persons attending the Sunday Service were small in number, and no one in Hosur could assist Achan at the altar during the Church Service. But this did not in any way diminish his enthusiasm. Instead, he just took upon himself the additional responsibility of bringing a small group from Bangalore.

When news about the Malayalam Service spread and attendance at the Sunday worship improved, the idea of constructing a Church in Hosur was born. No one, including Paulose Achen, knew how to mobilize funds for this project. But, they had an unshakable belief that God will show them a way out.

A plot of land in Mookandapalli, measuring 27 cents abutting the National Highway, was purchased with contributions collected locally and the valuable support of individuals from Jacobite Churches in Bangalore.

The members of Hosur Church will be grateful to His Grace Thomas Mar Thimothios - Metropolitan and Chairperson of the Bharath Jyothi Divine Trust, for the support and encouragement extended by him for this project.

Thirumeni celebrated Holy Qurbana at Hosur and laid the foundation stone for construction of the Mission Centre complex on the 14th. September 2003, at the newly acquired plot.

As per the initial plan, the building was to have only two floors, with the top floor for the church and ground floor for Mission activities. Both were to function as an extension of the Mission Centre at Anagalapura.

Just when the construction was about to begin, several hindrances cropped up. First, there was a delay in getting the approvals, and then came the boundary dispute with the owner of the adjacent plot.

With these issues getting sorted out, a major shock was in waiting. The soil test revealed that the site was a filled up agricultural pond and constructing a building on this site would require a pile foundation. It was a challenge to find extra money.

The decision was to construct a two-floor building according to the original proposal. It was purely on faith. The situation then became so hopeless; that at one point and it seemed that the project might have to be abandoned.

The Trust members gave their concurrence to Achen to proceed with the construction. A change made in the building plan, with the decision to add one more floor to the building and to house the Church space on the second floor. He was confident that it was God who was going to bring the resources for the project.

The construction of the building got stretched to a full seven years, as the work could proceed only when there was an in-flow of funds. Achen must have spent sleepless nights for months on end, trying to figure out a solution and locate new and untapped sources to raise funds.

While the construction was still in progress, and a full-fledged church getting ready on the second floor, arrangements were made on the first floor of the building, for conducting Service on Sundays.

Fr. Eldho John, who was involved actively with our church activities even before his ordination, had celebrated his "First Holy Qurbana" at our church.

The long time dream of the Hosur congregation to worship at their place was fulfilled on 31st. December 2008. It was a memorable occasion for all. Fr. John Ipe celebrated the Holy Qurbana in the new building on New Year’s Eve, ushering in a new era in the history of the Hosur Jacobite Church.

The arrival of Fr.Febin Poothara at the Mission Centre brought in a lot of changes. He took an active interest in the Hosur church, and the Holy Qurbana celebrated at Hosur church on all Sundays, and all other important days.

The history of our Hosur church is entwined inseparably with the life of Paulose Achen. What he started as a small prayer group grew to the status of a full-fledged church. His vision to have a strong foothold in this region for expanding the activities of the church, took a new dimension when the building was dedicated by His Grace Thomas Mar Themotios on 28th. Nov. 2010.

There were just a handful of Syrian Orthodox Christians in Hosur. Despite this, when we consider that he took up the challenge to implement a project of this scale, it is no small achievement.

It was possible only due to his implicit faith that God would provide, and his complete dedication coupled with his untiring perseverance. He never allowed himself to be discouraged under any circumstances.

It will not be an exaggeration to place on record, that but for Achen’s untiring efforts, this church in Hosur would perhaps have materialized in some uncertain future or maybe never at all.

The extent of troubles he undertook for implementing this project is immense, that it makes us wonder about his motivation for embarking on such a thankless job.

We will understand his personality better when we take a glimpse into his earlier days.

As the son of a poor farmer, he was born on the 16th. Dec.1959, as the fourth son to late M.V.Uthuppu and Mariamma at Karukadam, Kothamangalam.

He grew up along with his five brothers and a sister. He had his primary education at the Govt. LP School Puthuppady, which was a two-kilometer walk from his home. As there was no high school nearby, during his schooling from fifth to the tenth standard, he had to walk for more than 8 km to Fr. J.M.H School and back.

Even as a boy, he took a keen interest in spiritual matters. Understanding this, his father’s only brother Mr. Kureako encouraged him to serve as an altar boy, and so, while he was in his eighth standard, he was initiated to serve at the altar of their parish church St. Mary’s Jacobite Church, Kararkunnam near Muvatupuzha on the 4th. May 1974. This day changed his life forever.

He attended the Sunday school and studied up to 8th. standard at St. Thomas Sunday school Kararkunnam under Marthoma Cheria Pally Kothamangalam. The inspiration he received from the atmosphere at the Sunday school was instrumental in developing his oratorical skill.

His spiritual Guru, Valiiya Ashan, who was the Sunday school Head Master recognized his talents and encouraged him in every way.

He also started learning Syriac under the guidance of Late Fr. Paulose Mappanikat, who was his Malayalam teacher at Fr. JMH School. While doing the pre-degree course at the MA College at Kothamangalam, he also took up responsibility as a teacher at the St. Mary’s Sunday school.

His Uncle Mr. 'Kureako' who wanted his nephew to be ordained as a priest, took up the matter with the Diocesan Metropolitan. So, while doing his second-year pre-degree, he got ordained as deacon Koruyo on the 15th. July 1977 by the present Catholicos (H.G. Thomas Mar Dionysius)

He continued his college education at the prestigious Mar. Athaneseous College, where he completed his MA in Economics. Along with his studies, he simultaneously found time to serve as Head Master for two Sunday Schools. He then pursued his B.Ed degree in Teacher education at Peet Memorial Training College, Mavelikara.

He took up employment at the Bible Society of India Kerala Auxiliary, and worked there for six years from 1986 to 1992, as an in-charge for distribution of Scriptures in Kerala.

Meanwhile, Mini, daughter of Fr. Abraham Thadathil, (who later became Cor-Episcope) joined him as his life partner on the 2nd. May 1988, and subsequently he was ordained as a priest by Dr, Abraham Mar Saverios Metropolitan on the 25th. August 1988. Achen and Kochamma are blessed with two children Ruben and Maria.

In 1990 he was invited to Kuwait as a speaker and had the opportunity to address many gatherings.

He was witness to the immense fear and suffering of the people due to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq.

Later he had the privilege of meeting the Patriarch and visiting the holy places of Damascus and Syria.

He left the Bible Society In 1992 and joined the Bishop’s College Calcutta from where he completed his BD studies.

His stay at Calcutta was a turning point in his life. He was fortunate to meet Mother Teresa thrice. It was here he saw the real Mission at work and was convinced that a Church without a “Mission” is no church at all.

He was given charge as Vicar of the St. Mary’s J S O Cathedral, Bangalore where he served for three years from 1995 to 98. It was during this period that he initiated the construction of St. Ignatius J S O Church at K.R.Puram. He then served as vicar of the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sharjah, from 1998 to 2000. During his tenure there, he visited the Holy Land.

In the year 2000, he became the administrator of the Anagalapura Mission Centre, and from then on, he has been a full-time missionary.

With the support of Diocesan Metropolitan Thomas Mar Timotheos and members of the St.Mary’s JSO Church, he purchased the land at Anagalpura and earnestly set to work for the development of a Mission Centre.

The words of Emil Bruner,” Church exists by its Mission as fire exists with its flame”, became his philosophy. It is not surprising that while deciding to build a Church in Hosur, it was clear in his mind that this church would be part of a Mission Centre.

His other initiatives include the “St. Mary’s Snehalaya Opportunity School” for mentally Challenged Children, construction of the Bishop’s suite at St. Mary’s JSO Cathedral, Queens Road, and the St. George High School at Anagalapura.

He was selected as a delegate of CMS Orthodox Mission Consultation at Moscow and attended the meeting held there during 2000 June/July.

He was invited to the US in August 2000, as the main speaker at the Family Conference held at Pennsylvania University Campus along with the late Bishop Markose Mar Koorilos. There he spent four months and also got the opportunity to visit almost all places in the US.

He started another Mission Centre on Mysore Road near Bhimanakuppa in 2006. In June 2010, he started a Home for the underprivileged children of Anagalpura at the Mission Centre. It now has 25 children under its care, and all their needs such as education, accommodation, food, and clothes are taken care of.

He had also served for a short period as the secretary of the Archdiocese of Greater India. He was the first diocesan secretary to the newly formed Bangalore Diocese.

At the Hosur Mission Centre, Achen started the Gregorian Montessori School and a Day Care Centre for small children of working parents. It has been successfully functioning on the ground floor of the building for more than two years.

The St. Mary’s multi-faith prayer center started by Achen at the Hosur Mission Centre has slowly started attracting local people and passers-by to offer their prayers at this place.

The building construction for the Children’s Home as part of the Hosur Mission Centre is in its final stage and will be ready for the inauguration shortly. Initially, it is planned to support the education of 15 poor children by providing them with accommodation, food, clothing, books, and healthcare.

Taking up tough challenges has always been a way of life with Paulose Achan, and the days are not far when we are sure to witness even greater achievements by him.

Although we do not have the right words to express the love and gratitude we have for Achen, this small Hosur congregation congratulates him on his sacerdotal silver jubilee and prayerfully wishes him all the very best in life for the future.

We continue to pray for him and his family and ask our Lord to shower His unlimited blessings on Achen. We pray the Lord uses him mightily as a source of strength, encouragement, and a beacon of light to thousands of people in need, for a lot more years to come.