Reverend Father Dharmaraj T. (56) Passes Away [Extended Obituary]

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church recently bid farewell to a cherished priest, Reverend Father Dharmaraj T., who passed away on January 17, 2024, at the age of 56. Father Dharmaraj was a respected figure in the Church, known for his passionate preaching and his role as a bridge to many faithful embracing the Catholic faith following the historic reunion of 1930 in the Indian Church.

Born on May 25, 1967, in Chempoor, Father Dharmaraj initially joined the Evangelical Church of India (ESI) in 1992 and served in various roles, including theological studies at Adoor Marthoma Seminary, Kannamoola K.U.T. Seminary, and Madras Bible Seminary. His journey to Catholicism, driven by a sincere quest for truth and guided by the Holy Spirit, led him to embrace the Catholic Church along with his family in 1997, under the auspices of Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios.

A married priest, Father Dharmaraj was initially met with curiosity and skepticism. However, his missionary zeal transcended these challenges, marking him as a significant figure in the Malankara Syriac Catholic Church’s history. His ordination in the Church, sanctioned by Pope John Paul II, was a testament to his deep faith and commitment.

Father Dharmaraj’s tenure in the Church saw him actively participating in establishing and strengthening numerous congregations, akin to the efforts of St. Paul. He served in various parishes including Panth, Kuttamala, Vazhichal, Valiyamala, Cherukode, and Kattakada, among others. His dedication to spreading the Gospel was evident in his constant travels to various churches, preaching and witnessing the truth of the faith.

The Church, deeply saddened by his loss, is organizing his funeral rites on January 21, 2024. The mortal remains will be brought to his residence in Kattakada on January 20th, allowing the community to pay their respects.

Father Dharmaraj’s life was a blend of ordinary human experiences and extraordinary spiritual dedication. He was a man who rejoiced in small joys and felt deeply for minor sorrows, yet his love for the Gospel and Christ was paramount. His role as a gateway for many to the Catholic Church and his active witness of Christ’s teachings make his contribution to the Church’s history and the mission of the Parassala and Trivandrum Major Archdioceses invaluable.

In his sunset years, despite physical ailments, Father Dharmaraj remained a vibrant apostolic figure, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched. The Church and its faithful will remember him as a devout servant of Christ, a passionate preacher, and a loving priest. His peaceful journey into eternity leaves a lasting legacy, and the Church echoes the sentiment, “Honorable Priest of Christ, go forth in peace.”

Funeral arrangements are as previously detailed, with the final rites led by Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius, the Metropolitan of Parassala Diocese. The Church extends its heartfelt condolences to his family – his wife Mrs. Elisabeth, daughter Aneeta Elisabeth, and son Jobin D. Alex – and to all those who mourn his loss.

Most portions of the extended obituary were penned by Fr. Prabheesh George, Mission Coordinator, Parassala Diocese in Malayalam.

Original Obituary

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is in mourning following the passing of Reverend Father Dharmaraj T. on January 17, 2024. At the age of 56, Father Dharmaraj left an indelible mark through his service in various capacities across numerous parishes including Panth, Kuttamala, Vazhichal, Valiyamala, Cherukode, Kalliyal, Kuttichal, Kottoor, Marakkunnam, Tholikkalkonam, Kattakada, Pappanamcode, Anavoor, Chempoor, Ottashekaramangalam, and Vattapparamb. He was ordained as a priest on April 1, 2000, and since then has dedicatedly served the Church and its community.

Father Dharmaraj was deeply respected for his devout service, particularly known for actively leading retreats, Bible classes, and one-day spiritual programs, profoundly impacting those he taught and guided. His insightful and beneficial teachings in Bible classes were especially renowned among the faithful.

The Church, along with its members, deeply mourns this loss and extends an invitation to the faithful to pray for the repose of his soul. His demise is felt profoundly by the Church and the community he loyally served.

The funeral rites for Father Dharmaraj will be held on January 21, 2024, under the principal celebrant His Excellency Thomas Mar Eusebius, the Metropolitan of the Parassala Diocese. The mortal remains of Father Dharmaraj will be brought to his residence in Kattakada on January 20th, 2024, at 5:00 PM, providing an opportunity for the community to pay their last respects and offer prayers.

Detailed Funeral Arrangements:

• The mortal remains of Father Dharmaraj will be brought to his residence in Kattakada on January 20th, 2024, Saturday, at 3:30 PM.
• Funeral rites will commence with the following schedule:
  • Saturday:
    • 4:00 PM – Service by Msgr. Stephen Kulathumkarottu (Vicar General, Mavelikkara)
    • 5:00 PM – Service by Msgr. Selin Jose (Vicar General, Parassala)
    • 6:30 PM – Service by Mathews Mar Polycarpos (Auxiliary Bishop, Trivandrum)
    • 8:00 PM – Service by Fr. Prabheesh George (Mission Coordinator, Parassala)
    • 9:00 PM – Service by Msgr. Thomas Kayyalackal (Vicar General, Trivandrum)
  • Sunday:
    • 9:30 AM – Service by Fr. Bernard Valiyavila (Finance Officer, Parassala)
    • 11:30 AM – Service by Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Thiruvalil OIC (Provincial Superior, Nalanchira)
    • 1:00 PM – Final service by Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius (Metropolitan, Parassala)

The Church and its members remember Father Dharmaraj for his unwavering faith, guidance, and service. The Major Archdiocese extends its heartfelt condolences and pays tribute to the departed soul, expressing gratitude for his spiritual leadership. In this time of sorrow, the community reflects on Father Dharmaraj’s life and contributions, seeking solace in prayer and faith. His memory will continue to inspire those he touched through his ministry.