Establishment of the Tiruvalla Ashram (1924)

During the early 1920s, Abo Geevarghese continued to expand the activities of Bethany Ashram, seeking to address the spiritual, educational, and societal needs of the Malankara Church. Amidst these developments, the establishment of a new Ashram in Tiruvalla in 1924 became a pivotal moment in Bethany's history, marking a shift in focus and influence for its founder and the broader mission of the Ashram.

While significant activities were still taking place at Perunadu, focus also shifted toward the formation of a monastic lifestyle for the postulants, who had returned to Kerala with Mar Ivanios in 1920 after their training at Barisole.¹ With the guidance and encouragement of the Epiphany Sisters, two young English teachers came to Thirumoolapuram to assist at the Balika Madhom School, where the postulants continued their religious formation under the supervision of Sister Helen. The Epiphany Sisters played a crucial role in nurturing the postulants until they were ready for incorporation into formal monastic life.¹

Near the school campus, Abo Geevarghese acquired another property, which briefly became the formation house for the Ashram in 1921. During this period, he also established a printing press, marking a new dimension in the Ashram’s outreach and catechetical mission.¹

As activities continued to grow, it became clear that Bethany needed a more centralized base for its expanding mission. This led to the foundation of a new Ashram in Tiruvalla in 1924. The Tiruvalla Ashram soon became the primary center of Bethany’s activities and served as the headquarters for Abo Geevarghese. This new location also positioned the Ashram more strategically within the Church's organizational structure and its wider reach across the community.

Tiruvalla quickly became a hub for Bethany’s spiritual, educational, and social efforts, housing the printing press and forming the nucleus of many of its initiatives. The move to Tiruvalla also marked the beginning of a significant phase for Abo Geevarghese, both as the leader of the Bethany community and in his later role as a bishop.

The establishment of the Tiruvalla Ashram also coincided with broader challenges within the Malankara Church. In 1923, the Bishop's Party, led by Metropolitan Mar Dionysius VI (Vattasseril), lost its legal battle against the Patriarch of Antioch in civil court. Despite this setback, the Metropolitan made a brief effort at reconciliation, even visiting Turkey that same year.¹

Following the failure of these reconciliatory attempts, Mar Dionysius VI sought to chart a new course of leadership for the Malankara Orthodox Church. Part of this vision involved granting Bethany Ashram an almost autonomous juridical status. This plan also included raising its founder, Abo Geevarghese, to the episcopate, a step that would significantly impact the Ashram and its future role in the Church.

The foundation of the Tiruvalla Ashram marked a transformative period for Bethany and its founder, Abo Geevarghese. It became the central hub for the Ashram’s mission, fostering spiritual renewal, educational reform, and social outreach. The move to Tiruvalla also signified the increasing prominence of Bethany Ashram within the Malankara Orthodox Church, paving the way for its pivotal role in the Church’s history in the years to come.

1. S. Anniyil, Early Days of Reunion, pp. 26–28.