Isaiah 57:2 (NIV) “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.”
Journeying through 93 years , in perfect independence bestowed upon him by Almighty, both physically and materially, chanting the prayers before being hospitalized consciously, till last breath is how the majesty of life of Reverend Fr Gheevarghese being revealed to the world. Ordained as Kasheesho on 13/05/1965 by late lamented Mor Gheevarghese Gregorious Vayaliparambil, Rev Fr Gheevarghese was blessed to celebrate the Holy Priesthood of 59 years, excluding his Deaconship ordained by Saint Paulose Mor Athanasious since 12/05/1949.
Parents are the treasure that God give each individual who is born into this world, the loss of either of them, be it at any age, is always heartbreaking, especially when the second of the two leaves abode. Faith in Jesus, who Himself triumphed over the death, set the believers on the Hope and wait for that special day.
Treasuring every moment with my Dad, I trust that his blessings will be my worthy mean, in continuing my life in his absence. He taught utmost simplicity through his life in anything and everything, not because he didn’t have the means to, but because he fathomed it as a choice, may be due to many reasons that made him saddened deep in his heart. Ironically however sad was he at heart, he brings up a joyous vibe with his presence, to whoever interacts with him. Every pensive mood gets changed with, either the presence or through the comforting talks and that remained as his insignia that drew the enormous folks to be part therein for the funeral.
Graced with Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and his lovers from every walks of life, parishioners whom he prayed for and consoled and touched spiritually, students whom he imparted the knowledge through the profession as teacher for around thirty years, what more to be said is well etched in the grand funeral….
Laid down cladded in the vestments, I quote from an Ode which my Granduncle had told me about the funeral of my Great Grandfather( my Dad’s Grandpa) who was also Priest “Who is he that cometh, like an honor’d guest, with banner and with music,”
It remained as a staunch belief of my Dad, that he will depart in month of July, be it any year and many of those who have had intimacy with him might have remembered about this mention. Finally on July 6th 2024 with grace he was laid to rest, leaving two of his calenders earmarked with an expiry date as July 15, which was first ever noticed by my niece.
Proudly privileged to be his daughter, at this juncture I would like to thank Almighty for everything I have had these many years through my dad. I am humbled to the bottom, when my dad baptized our granddaughter on April 8th 2024. Thankfully mentioning his last service as the memorial service of my Mom on 13th April 2024. Astonishingly he had chronicled every service, very aptly to the very date. I always ask for his love and blessing and tell him that I am happier with these two. I specially thank all the parishioners in every Church he served, for their fervent prayers that they have offered him as in every Holy Mass the celebrant asks to pray for him at the end of the service. I humbly acknowledge benefits of all the prayers offered to him, on behalf of the whole family.
I am honoured to have come down each time he was in ailment to serve him, though with limitations, and be with him during his last days though not at the hour of his last breath, be it any reason for not to be at his bedside. Finally along with the nature inclining in favour of his final journey, our whole family was blessed to bid farewell travelling through many hurdles, with the yearning to give the final kiss. He pleasantly left abode. Now that all the birthdays, anniversaries, special days, travels…… all are not going to be with his tangible prayers, but trust that he continues to intercede for us. Fondly safed up letters many of them perfectly written in English, birthday cards with special words of greetings….. everything is going to be missed.
Life-time memories are lot but I do love to memorize, his ardent care when me or my brother fall sick, the window sill being loaded with fruits to eat and the special fatherly wrap with the blanket. The baton was carried till the very last day, as a loving adorable grandfather to my kids rendering all the care he could, through his lively words.
As I always say, our Appachan (Chachan) stays with us, as long as we live in this world. Humbly requesting all his beloved ones, to hold him in prayers, in order to pardon any inequities and crown him…… All the praise to Heavenly Father for the blessings in being part of him…….
2 Timothy 4:7-8 ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing’.
Thankfully acknowledging the live streaming from MGAJ Media Vison and the links for the two days attached below 👇
Pen N Picture 