Early Education of Geevarghese Panickaruveetil (1888–1897)

The early education of Geevarghese Panickaruveetil, later known as Archbishop Mar Ivanios, was profoundly influenced by his family, the traditional educational practices of the time, and the Christian faith instilled in him by his devout mother, Annamma Panicker. Beginning at home and progressing through the kalari system, Geevarghese demonstrated remarkable academic abilities that set him apart from his peers and prepared him for a life of spiritual and intellectual pursuits.

Geevarghese’s early education began at home under the watchful care of his mother, Annamma Panicker, who instilled in him the foundations of the Christian faith and a deep respect for the celibate priestly life. She encouraged him to consider the priesthood as his vocation, despite initial hesitance from his father, Thoma Panicker.¹

Annamma, known for her strong devotion to Mother Mary and her ability to narrate Christian traditions, passed on her knowledge of religious texts and traditional chants. This nurturing environment laid the groundwork for Geevarghese’s later spiritual journey and academic success.²

At the age of five, Geevarghese, affectionately called Kochukeevareechan (Child Geevarghese), began his formal education in a kalari, a traditional village pre-school system that was common in Kerala. His kalari, run by David Asan, was located near the Mavelikkara Puthiyakavu St. Mary’s Church, where the Panickaruveetil family worshipped.³

The kalari system, typical of the time, provided rudimentary education in Malayalam, basic arithmetic, and religious studies. For most children, this level of education sufficed, and many ended their schooling at this stage. However, Geevarghese’s academic potential and ambition made him stand out, and he was encouraged to pursue further education.⁴

After completing his basic education in the kalari, Geevarghese was admitted to an English-medium school run by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in Mavelikkara. English education was rare and prestigious in 19th-century Travancore, available only in towns like Kottayam, Alappuzha, Mavelikkara, Kollam, Trivandrum, and Nagercoil.⁵

However, the CMS school was Protestant in affiliation, and Geevarghese’s family and local Orthodox leaders were concerned about the potential influence of Protestant teachings on him. Recognizing his promise, Geevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala, the first canonized saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church, instructed his transfer to the Mavelikkara Kottackakom Government English Medium School. This government-run institution provided a more neutral environment, ensuring Geevarghese’s faith and education remained rooted in the Orthodox Christian tradition.⁶

Geevarghese excelled at the Mavelikkara Kottackakom Government English Medium School, consistently ranking first in his class. Over the course of five years, he demonstrated exceptional academic abilities, culminating in his outstanding performance in the fourth form, which was the highest level of education offered by most local schools at the time.⁷

His success earned him admiration from teachers, family, and friends, who recognized his potential and urged his parents to support his pursuit of higher education.

In the late 19th century, access to higher education in Kerala was extremely limited, especially in rural areas. The nearest English High School was located in Kottayam, approximately thirty miles from Mavelikkara—a significant distance given the transportation challenges of the time.⁸

While Geevarghese’s father, Thoma Panicker, was initially hesitant to send his eldest son so far from home, his mother, Annamma, strongly encouraged him to continue his education. She envisioned Geevarghese becoming a priest, a vocation she believed he was destined for. Her unwavering support proved instrumental in shaping his future.⁹

The early education of Geevarghese Panickaruveetil laid the foundation for his intellectual and spiritual growth. From his initial lessons at home and the kalari to his academic excellence in English-medium schools, Geevarghese’s journey was marked by discipline, faith, and the encouragement of his family and mentors. These formative years were crucial in preparing him for the significant role he would later play in the reunion movement and the establishment of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

1. M. Gibbons, Archbishop Mar Ivanios (1882–1953): Apostle of Church Union, Kottayam, 2002, p. 23.
2. T. Inchakkalody, Archbishop Mar Ivanios, Vol. 1, p. 34.
3. K. V. Eapen, A Study of Kerala History, Kottayam, 1956, pp. 243–249.
4. George Onakkoor, Archbishop Mar Ivanios: The Prophet of Ascetic Wisdom, Kottayam, 2003, p. 27.
5. T. Inchakkalody, Archbishop Mar Ivanios, Vol. 1, p. 34.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. George Onakkoor, Archbishop Mar Ivanios: The Prophet of Ascetic Wisdom, p. 27.

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