ORDER OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST (OIC)

Bethany Ashram (the Order of the Imitation of Christ (O.I.C.) was founded by Fr.P.T. Geevarghese Panickaruveettiil O.I.C. (who later became Archbishop Mar Ivanios O.I.C) on Aug.15, 1919 at a place called Perunad, Ranni. Bethany Ashram was the first monastic community in the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church at that time with a unique vision and life-style. The founder Mar Ivanios O.I.C aimed at bringing together the monastic ideals of the Christian East and Indian Sannyasam in a particular life-style which is actualised in a life of intense prayers and apostolic activities. The name Bethany Ashram itself points to this fact. Simple and austere life, atmosphere of intense prayer and solitude, saffron (Kavi) habit, vegetarian food, life in common etc, were some of the basic features of this life style.

Soon after its foundation, Bethany Ashram became the pilgrim centre of the Malankara Church giving solace to the spiritually starved people. In 1930 most of its members joined their founder on his way to Catholic Church and Bethany Ashram remained the cradle of the historic Reunion Movement. This event ushered in a new era in the life and growth of Bethany Ashram. The members were initially confined to the activities directly related to Reunion Movement. But later, along with that, began to undertake a wide range of apostolic activities with an “All India Missionary Vision’

In 1966 the Congregation was raised to Pontifical Status. On 24th April 2000 tow provinces were erected in the Congregation – Bethany Navajeevan Province and Bethany Navajyothy Province. Bethany Ashram Pune is the Major Seminary of the Congregation. Bethany Vedavijnan Peeth in Bethany Ashram Pune is an Institute of Oriental Studies that caters to the theological formation of our Seminarians.

Apostolic Activities
The following are the apostolic activities of the Bethany Congregation
01 Preaching the Gospel, conducting retreats, teaching Catechism and giving spiritual instructions for the renewal of the Church.
02 Ecumenical activities and inter-religious dialogue.
03 Mission and parish activities taken up according to the needs of the Malankara Church.
04 Missionary activities aimed at the evangelization of India.
05 Apostolic activities undertaken according to the need of the Universal Church.
06 Social apostolate.
07 Apostolate through communication media.
08 Educational activities.

 

I.Founder

Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanion Panickaruveetil OIC
(Fr. P.T. Geevarghese)
           Foundation : 15 August 1919
           Reunion : 20 September 1930
           Pontifical Status : 14 April 1966
          Generalate House : Kottayam
          Address : Bethany Ashram Generalate
          Post Bag No. 6 ;
          Vadavathoor,
           Kottayam – 686 010

II. General Governing Body
Superior General : Very Rev. Fr. Mathai Kadavil OIC
1st Councillor : Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Kuttiyil OIC
2nd Councillor : Rev. Fr. Varghese Vijayanand OIC
3rd Councillor : Rev. Fr. Varghese Tharamuttom OIC
4th Councillor : Bro. George Gracious OIC
Procurator General : Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath OIC
Secretary General : Rev. Fr.Jobin Kuriakose OIC

III. Provinces : 02

1. Bethany Navajeevan Province
2. Bethany Navajyothy Province

IV. Total Members : 291
Bishops : 01
Priests : 138
Religious Brothers : 10
Students : 141

V. Generalate – Zoor Dayara (Erected in 1971)

Bethany Ashram Generalate,
Post Bag NO. 6,
Vadavathoor,
Kottayam – 686 010.
Tel.: 0481-2571515, 2578494,
Fax: 0481-2571057

Members:
01 Rev. Fr. Martin Premanand OIC
Superior, Vicar of Kalathilpadi Parish
02 Rev. Fr. Bernard Kunniparampil OIC
Vicar of Pathamuttom Parish
03 Rev. Bro. Kurien Kavilayil OIC
Director : Bethany Press & Bethany Publication
04 Rev. Fr. Jose Mariadas OIC
05 Rev. Fr. James Puthuparampil OIC
Director of History Commission for the cause of
canonization of Servant of God Mar Ivanios
06 Rev. Fr. Jacob Varghese Eettithadathil OIC
07 Rev. Fr. Joseph Ancheril OIC
08 Rev. Fr. Sajan Thomas Kottackattuvila OIC
Rector of Philosophy students

 

VI. Ashrams under Generalate
1 Aluva -Zoor – Dayara (Erected in 1967)
Bethany Ashram Novitiate (Thapovanam),
Asokapuram P.O.,
Aluva – 683 101,
Tel: 0484 – 2837673, 6577407
Members:
Rev. Fr. Ninan Cherupuzhathottathil OIC (Superior and Novice Master)
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Thuruthiyil OIC (Spiritual Father)
Rev. Fr. John Kripanand OIC

2 Ethiopia -Zoor-Dayara (Erected in 2009)
Bethany Gedam, C/O Abune Musie Gebreghiorghis,
Catholic Eparchy of Emdibir,
P.O. Box 3, Emdibir,
West Shoa – Ethiopia.
Tel: 00251 912786744,912786745
Members:
1 Rev. Fr. Aby Abraham OIC (Superior)
2 Rev. Fr. Daniel Thomas Mannil

3 Pune – Zoor-Dayara (Erected in 1955)
Bethany Ashram,
P.B.No.3018, Ramwadi,
Pune – 411 014
Tel: 020 – 27031794, 27033856
Members:
1 Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Mathew Kuttiyil OIC (Superior and Rector)
2 Rev. Fr. John Berchmans Xaviervilas OIC (Spiritual Father)
3 Rev. Fr. George Thomas Kallunkal OIC (BVP Director)
4 Rev. Fr. Issac Parackal OIC (Study Prefect)
5 Rev. Fr. Thomas Prasanth OIC

 

BETHANY NAVAJEEVAN PROVINCE
Erected on 24 May 2000

I. Provincial Governing Body
Provincial Superior : Very Rev. Dr. Mathew Thiruvalil OIC
1st Councillor : Rev. Fr. Cyril Morath OIC
2nd Councillor : Rev. Fr. Christopher Manali OIC
3rd Councillor : Rev. Fr.Thomas Prasanth OIC
4th Councillor : Rev. Fr. Isaac Parackal OIC
Provincial Procurator : Rev. Fr. Sajan Thomas OIC
Provincial Secretary : Rev. Fr. Daniel Mannil OIC

Address :

Bethany Navajeevan Provincialate,
Nalanchira P.O., Thiruvanathapuram -695 015
Tel : 0471-2530483, 2114350, 2114349
E-Mail: pnavajeevan@gmail.com

II. Total Members : 153
Priests : 77
Religious Brothers : 04
Theology Students : 10
Regents : 04
Philosophy (Pune) : 10
Philosophy (Ktm) : 12
Graduation Year III : 10
Novices : 05
Pre-Novices : 09
Aspirants : 10

III. Ashrams : 21

IV. Dayaras : 02

1. Bethany Ashram, Nalanchira
2. Bethany Nagar, Nalanchira

V. Zoor Dayaras : 11

1. Borsi-Durg, Bhilai
2. Chunakkara
3. Kattanam
4. Kumbazha
5. Mukkampala
6. Nalanchira Provincial Ashram
7. Nedumangadu
8. Kulappada
9. Trippadam, Nedumangadu
10. Vencodu
11. Mylapara

VI. Mission Mandirams : 08

1. Kolkotta
2. Kalayapuram
3. Kanjiramkulam
4. Pinkulam
5. Hyderabad
6. Ludhiana
7. Delhi
8. Angamoozhy

VII. Apostolate
: 30

Education : 16
i. Schools : 07

1. Chunakkara (CBSE)
2. Kalayapuram (CBSE)
3. Mylapara (State)
4. Kumbazha (CBSE)
5. Nalanchira (CBSE)
6. Vencodu (Matriculation)
7. Vencodu (CBSE)

ii. Boardings / Hostel
: 04

1. Kattanam
2. Mylapara
3. Nalanchira
4. Chunakkara

iii. College
: 04

1. Bethany College, Nalanchira
2. Physiotherapy College, Nalanchira
3. Nursing College, Bhilai
4. B.Ed College, Vencodu
iv. ITI / ITC : 01

CHARITY : 06
Old Age Homes : 02

1. Trippadam, Nedumangdu
2. Hyderabad
Boys Homes : 03

1. Vencodu
2. Kokkathode
3. Hyderabad
TB Rehabilitation Centre
1. Pulayanarkotta

MEDIA : 02
Book Stall : Palayam
Printing Press : Nedumangadu

Others : 06

1. Commercial Institute – Nedumangadu
2. Nature Cure Centre – Nalanchira
3. HRD Centre – Santhigiri
4. Cancer Care Centre (GRace) – Nalanchira
5. Pain & Paliative Care (Grace) – Santhigiri
6. Holistic Health & Counselling Centre – Palayam

VIII. ASHRAMS – MEMBERS & ADDRESSES
1. Angamoozhy

Mission Madiram (Erected in 2006)
Bethany Ashram, Chayalpady,
Angamoozhy P.O.,
Pathanamthitta -689 649;
Tel: 04735 –279025
Members

01. Rev. Fr. Ignatius Kadiankunnel OIC (Superior)
Administrator of Nilackal Ecumenical Centre,
Vicar of Pampavalley & Molakazam parishes

02. Rev. Fr. Micheal Varikolliltharayil OIC
Vicar of Angamoozhy & Kottamon parishes

2. Bhilai

Zoor-Dayara (Erected in 1919)
Bethany Ashram, Borsi-Durg,
Chattisgarh – 491 001
Tel : 0788 – 2329949, 2344025

Member

01. Rev. Fr. Mathew Manaluvila OIC
Vicar of Bhilai Parish, Director of Bethany College of Nursing

3. Chunakkara

Zoor Dayara (Erected in 1970)
Bethany Ashram,Chunakkara,
Alapuzha Dt – 690 534
Tel : 0479 2378936
Members

01. Rev. Fr. Justin Sam Paravilayil OIC
Superior, Vicar of Edappon & Mudiyoorkonam parishes,
Bursar-Cherupushpa School

02. Rev. Fr. Aloysius Karimarathinal Puthenveetil OIC
Vicar of Vettiyar & Komalloor Parishes,
Principal – Cherupushpa School, Boarding Master

4. Delhi

Mission Mandiram (Erected in 2009)
Bethany Ashram, C/O Mar Ivanios Bhawan,
Malankara Catholic Bishop’s house, J/61-62,
Paryavaram complex, IGNOU Road,
Neb Sarai, New Delhi – 110 068
Members

01. Rev. Fr. Varghese Vinayanand Vekkal OIC
Chancellor – MCCETRI, Vicar of Mayur Vihar,
Dilshad Colony & Gazhiabad Parishes

02. Rev. Fr. Shiju K Levy Karumaramputhuval
Asst. Vicar of Mayur Vihar,
Dilshad Colony & Gazhiabad Parishes

5. Hyderabad

Mission Mandiram (Erected in 1996)
Bethany Karunyalaya, Bethany Nagar,
Survey No. 105,127 &
128 House No. 2-3-2/3/a,
Cherlappally P.O., Ghatkesar,
R R Dt – 501 301, AP;
Tel: 040 32583931

Members

01. Rev. Fr. Joseph Vattaparambil OIC
Superior, Director of Bethany Karunyalaya
02. Rev. Fr. Saji George Edanattukizhakkethil OIC
03. Rev.Fr.John Felix Thondalil OIC

6.Kalayapuram

Mission Mandiram (Erected in 1989)
Bethany Mission Mandiram,
Kalayapuram, Kottarakara – 691 560
Tel: 0474 – 261528, 2617141
Members

01. Rev. Fr. Yesudas Kallampotta OIC
Principal Mar Ivanios CBSE School,
Vicar of Kalayapuram East & Thamarakudy Parishes

02. Rev. Fr. Samuel Jobin Kochukalickal OIC

7. Kanjiramkulam

Mission Mandiram (Erected in 1961)
Bethany Mission Mandiram,
Kanjiramkulam -695 524,
Thiruvananthapuram;
Tel: 0471 – 2260133
Members

01. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath OIC
Superior, Vicar of Kanjiramkulam, Poovar & Ettukutty Parishes
02. Rev. Fr. Abraham Chirathalackal OIC
Vicar of Pampukala, Chekkedy & Mar Eprem Nagar Parishes

8. Kattanam

Zoor Dayara (Erected in 1947)
Bethany Ashram, Kattanam,
Alappuzha Dt – 690 503
Tel: 0479 – 2332093, 2332023, 234893
Members

01. Rev. Fr. John Vianny Kottinattu OIC
Superior, Vicar of Kattanam parish

02. Rev. Fr. Pramod Palavilayil OIC
Boarding Master, Vicar of Vallikunnam &
Asst. Vicar of Kattanam parishes

9. Kokkathode

Mission Mandiram (Erected in 2009)
Divine Providence Home, Kokkathode
Member

01. Rev. Fr. Damien Aedanattupedikayail OIC
Trustee & Secretary of Divine providence home,
Vicar of Kalleli Parish

10. Kolkata

Mission mandiram (Erected in 1991)
Bethany Ashram,
280 Diamond Harbour Road,
Thakurpukur P.O., Kolkata -700 063,
West Bengal;
Tel: 033 -24976473
Member

01. Rev. Fr. Gregoriose Koickaleth OIC
Vicar of Kolkatta parish

11. Ludhiana

Mission Mandiram (Erected in 2005)
Bethany Mission Ashram,
#2449, Ajit Nagar,
Near Mini Rose Garden,
Ludhiana – 141 008;
Tel: 0161 – 6540814
Member

01. Rev. Fr. James Mammoottil OIC
Vicar of Ludhiana & Jalandar parishes

12. Mylapara

Zoor Dayara (Erected in 1977)
Mount Bethany Ashram, Mylapara,
Pathanamthitta Dt – 689 671
Tel: 0468 – 2223055, 2323211
Members

01. Rev. Fr. Jose Kuruvilla Peedikayil OIC
Superior, Admn. Mount Bethany Institutions,
Vicar of Kumbazha & Valanchuzhy parishes

02. Rev. Fr. Thomas George OIC
Director Mount Bethany Public School,
Vicar of Kizhavalloor & Poonkavu parishes

13. Mukkampala

Zoor Dayara (Erected in 1968)
Bethany Ashram,
Mukkampala P.O., Manalikara Via,
K.K.Dt – 629 164, Tamil Nadu,
Tel: 04652 – 289304

Members

01. Rev. Fr. Daniel Chennath OIC
Superior, In-charge of Bethany Estate,
Vicar of Mukkampala & Muthalar parishes

02. Rev. Bro. Joachim Kadiamkunnil OIC

03. Rev.Fr.Thomas Reji Padinjattemelethil OIC

14. Nalanchira

Dayara (Erected in 1933)
Bethany Ashram Dayara,
Nalanchira P.O.,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695 015
Tel: 0471 – 2530052, 2543799,
2531572, 2114349
Members

01. Rev. Fr. Stephen Thiruvalil OIC
Superior, Director of Rehabilition Centre,
Vicar of Pulayanarkotta parish
02. Rev. Fr. Dominic Savio Chelavadathil OIC
03. Rev. Fr. Justin Thundumannil OIC
Rector of Pre-Philosophy students
04. Rev. Fr. Atmanand Pezhummottil OIC
Director of GRACE
05. Rev. Fr. Joseph Kulakudiyil OIC
Vicar of Aruvikkara & Valiyanoor parishes
06. Rev. Fr. Benedict Moozhikkara OIC
Asst. Vicar of Nalanchira & Velloorkkonam parishes

15. Nalanchira

Zoor Dayara, Started in: May 2000
Bethany Navajeevan Provicial Ashram,
Nalanchira P.O, Thiruvananthapuram – 695015
Tel : 0471 2530052, 2543799, 2531572, 2114349

Members

01. Rev. Fr. Jerome Peedikaparambil OIC (Provincial)
02. Rev. Fr. Francis Assisi Samuel OIC
Pastoral Work & Teaching (Dowling College) – USA
03. Rev. Fr. Chrysostom Kulathintemelethil OIC
04. Rev. Fr. Peter Kadamankode OIC
05. Rev. Fr. Thomas Kuruvila Cheruthone OIC
Pastoral Work – Switzerland
06. Rev. Fr. Samuel Kidangil OIC (Pastoral Work – Germany)
07. Rev. Fr. Babu Michael Nediyakalamannil OIC
Pastoral Work – USA
08. Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Thomas Palavilayil OIC
Pastoral Work – Germany
09. Rev. Fr. Mathew Parackal OIC
Vicar – Arasuparampu & Anadu Parishes
Principal of Bethany College
Rector – Bethany Students Centre
10. Rev. Fr. Shaji George Adukuzhiyil OIC
Pastoral Work – Germany
11. Rev. Fr. Mathew Jacob Thiruvalil OIC (Higher Studies – Rome)
12. Rev. Fr. Thomas Chediath OIC (Pastoral Work – Germany)
13. Rev. Fr. Chrystopher Manalil OIC (Studies – Belgium)
14. Rev. Fr. Cyril Anand Moroth OIC (Studies – Rome)
15. Rev. Fr. Christy John Karimarathinal OIC(Studies – Manglore)
16. Rev. Fr. Titus John Cheravallil OIC (Studies – Germany)
17. Rev. Fr. James Varghese Illitharayil OIC
Vicar – Paruthikuzhy & Mundela
Administrator – Navajeevan Bethany Vidyalaya

16. Nalanchira (Bethany Nagar)

Dayara (Erected in 2002)
Bethany Ashram,
Bethany Nagar, Nalanchira,
Thiruvananathapuram – 695 015
Tel: 0471 – 2545516, 2545517

Members

01. Rev. Fr. Daniel Kadakampallil OIC (Superior)
Vicar of Kozhiyodu & Karipoor parishes

02. Rev. Fr. Augustine Kailath OIC
03. Rev. Fr. Ambrose Mootheril OIC
04. Rev. Bro. Camillus Kadiamkunnil OIC
05. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Possenti Thannickakuzhy OIC

06. Fr. Philip Neri Thannickakuzhy OIC
Director of Nature Cure Centre & College of Physiotheraphy,
Vicar of Karakulam & Irumpa parishes

07. Rev. Fr. Sylvester Kanjirammukalil OIC

08. Rev. Fr.Thomas Sajeev Thekkecharuvil OIC
Vicar of Nalachira & Kushavarakkal parishes

09. Bro. Varghese Pradeep Mullasseril OIC
10. Rev. Fr. John Palavilayil OIC
11. Rev. Fr. John Aluvia OIC (Rector of Aspirants)

17. Nedumangadu

Zoor Dayara (Erected in 1968)
Bethany Ashram, Nedumangadu,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695 541
Tel: 0472 – 2802251, 2803208
Members

01. Rev. Fr. Philip Tharakan Anniyil OIC (Superior)
Vicar of Karaliyodu , Moozhy & Velloorkonam parishes

02. Rev. Fr. Sebastian J. Kuttickattu OIC
Vicar of Nedumangadu parish

18. Pinkulam

Mission Mandiram (Erected in 1993)
Bethany Mission Mandiram,
Pinkulam, Kollemcode,
K.K. Dt – 629 160;
Tel: 0471 – 2215342

Members

01. Rev. Fr. Benny John Velumtharayil OIC
Superior, Vicar of Pinkulam(Marthandam) & Urambe parishes

02. Rev. Fr. David Philip Kariyadiyil OIC
Vicar of Pazhayauchakkandam & Pinkulam(TVM)

19. Santhigiri (Nedumangadu)

Zoor Dayara (Erected in 1998)
Bethany Santhigiri Ashram,
Puthukulangara P.O.,
Nedumangadu,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695 541;
Tel: 0472 – 2898435

Members

01. Rev. Fr. Varghese Vijayanand OIC (Superior)
Director of HRD Centre,
Vicar of Kulappada & Aryanadu parishes

02. Rev. Fr. Francis Sales Anchanattu OIC

03. Rev. Fr. Antony Kallil OIC
Director of Bethany Institutions- Nedumangadu,
Vicar of Kuthirakulam & Kazhakunnam parishes

20. Trippadam

Zoor Dayara (Erected in 1974)
Trippadam, Pazhkutty,
Nedumangadu,
Thiruvananthapuram – 695 561
Tel: 0472 – 2802423, 2802250,
Fax: 2812328

Members

01. Rev. Fr. John Vattaparambil OIC ( Superior)
Director of Trippadam,
Vicar of Vithura & Memala parishes

21. Vencodu

Zoor Dayara (Erected in 2004)
Bethany Ashram, Bethany Nagar,
Vencode, Puthukadai,
Kanyakumari Dt – 629 171,
Tamil Nadu
Tel: 04651-235261
Members

01. Rev. Fr. Jocob Dayanand Kanangiriyil OIC
Superior, Administrator of Vencode Bethany Institutions

02. Rev. Fr. Geevarghese George Vayanapuzhapadeettethil OIC
Principal of Bethany Navajeevan Matriculation School ,
Vicar of Kuzhinjanvilla

03. Rev. Fr. Bony K. Alex Thodathil OIC

04. Rev. Fr. Blessen George Edanattukizhakkethil OIC

PRIESTS STAYING OUTSIDE INDIA
USA

01. Rev. Fr. Francis Assisi Samuel OIC (Doing Pastoral works and Teaching)
St. Joseph Church, 39 North Carll Ave, Babylon, Newyork – 11702
Tel: 001-631-3761625, 6690068

02. Rev. Fr. Babu Michael OIC (Doing Pastoral works)
Church of Good Shepherd, 1370 Grundy Ave,
Holbrook, Newyork – 11741
Tel: 001-631-588-7689, 588-7630

Switzerland:

01. Rev. Fr. Thomas Kuruvilla OIC (Doing Pastoral works)
Katholisches Pfarramt Herz Jesus, Oerlikon,
Schwamendingenstrassse 55, 8050 Zuerich, Switzerland
Tel: 0041-44-3156563

Germany

01. Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Thomas Palavilayil OIC (Doing Pastoral works)
Rathaus-Strasse 10,
41564 Kaarst, Germany
Tel: 00-49-2131-966939,
Fax : 00492131966928

02. Rev. Fr. Samuel Mathew Kidangil OIC (Doing Pastoral works)
St.Vincentius Kath. Pfarramt,
Garten Strasse 22,
46535 Dinslaken, Germany
Tel: 00-49-2064789578

03. Rev. Fr. Shaji George Adukuzhiyil OIC (Doing Pastoral works)
Kardinal Von Galen Strasse 8,
49497 Mettingen,
Muenster, Germany
Tel: 0049 5452 932441

04. Rev. Fr. Thomas Chediath OIC (Doing Pastoral works)
Haupt Strasse -45, 49681-
Garrel, Germany
Tel: 0049 4474507738

05. Rev. Fr.Titus John Cheravallil OIC (Studying)
Kollege Sankt Georgen,
Offenbacher Land Strasse-224,
60599 – Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Tel: 0049-696061974

Belgium

01. Rev. Fr.John Christopher OIC
Heilige Geest College,
Namserstaat – 40,
3000 Leuven, Belgium
Tel: 0032-16324518

Italy

01. Rev. Fr. Mathew Jacob Thiruvalil OIC
Istituto Oblati Di Maria Vergine,
Via Casilina – 205,
00176 Roma, Italy
Tel: 0039 0670390735

02. Rev. Fr. Cyril Anand Moroth OIC
Collegio Damasceno,
Via Carlo Emanuele I – 46,
00185, Roma, Italy
Tel: 0039 0677267145

U.A.E

01. Rev. Fr. Peter Kadamankodu OIC
St. Francis Assissi Catholic Church,
P.O..Box 72715,
Jebel Ali, Dubai
Tel: 00971 48845251, 48845216,
Fax: 00971 507251108