Today (October 19) is dear and respected Kaniyamparambil achen’s tenth death anniversary. Even though he lived long and passed at a very old age, many in the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church and other denominations still miss him. It is not only his family; his two daughters and their family and other family members, but the church at large which still misses him. And ten years is a long time, considering people are forgotten in weeks if not months. There is something about him which lingers on in our hearts and minds.
For me whenever I take a book to read or start writing an article, I am reminded of him. Even though he did not have numerous degrees and did not teach full time in a university or theological college, in Thiruvalla and several parts of Central Kerala as well as Ernakulam and other places and some parts of the world, achen was a well-known scholar with an impressive list of publications. His knowledge of Syriac, his usage of poetic Malayalam and use of simple yet effective English made him stand out among priests of all denominations and religious leaders of all religions. The term used in Malayalam for a person who is well read and knowledgeable is “Adheham oru sarvakalashala aanu”, literally meaning “He is a university” and in everyday usage meaning “He is very knowledgeable and/or he knows everything.” In English we sometimes say, “He is a travelling dictionary or encyclopedia.” Achen was well read, very knowledgeable and wise.
The old generation of people in India and Kerala were very, very special. With limited education they had many skills. Their skills were very useful to their community and their life thus was a blessing to many. In today’s time we have many people with lots of degrees but zero skills. The corporate sector complains about engineering and management graduates and says that there is a significant gap between academic training and industry demands. One of the biggest problems is the lack of various kinds of skills. The same thing can be felt in the field of theology and in the church as well. Candidates who are trained in theological colleges and seminaries lack the skills to do good and effective ministry in the churches. Again, the issue is the lack of various skills which are key to pastoral ministry.
This is where Kaniyamparambil Archcorepiscopa is a guiding light for us. He converted his knowledge into skills. He knew Syriac very well. But many who know the language these days lament that it can’t be used in congregations as people don’t know the language. But achen used Syriac as a skill. In the church he used it to translate prayers into Malayalam and English and research on various topics of interest to the faithful and church. Outside the church he used it to teach Syriac to many youngsters so that they could learn Syriac as a language under the Mahatma Gandhi University and Kerala University. He also taught Syriac to prelates and priests of different churches. And finally, he used Syriac to speak to several Syriac speaking bishops and priests from several parts of the world.
Archcorepiscopa Kaniyamparambil achen was content with his life. He was happy and peaceful with what he had and was doing. That is where there is a big difference with the priests of today. Many of them feel that there is no use to study, that they can’t use their education or research anywhere in the church and society and no one recognizes their scholarship. A transformation of education into skills could make a whole lot of a difference. Having a skill set is no easy thing because it is what no university or college can give us. We have to carve it out from what we have learnt. I believe Jesus also came down to the level of children, women and men through his skill set. He transformed his knowledge into skills of how to express love and compassion.
I feel very happy and proud to have known and related closely with Kaniyamparambil achen (appachen to some and valiyachan to others). And I also realise a great lesson that he taught me and many others. Education is important but then having skills will make education effective. I hope that we use achen’s tenth memorial anniversary to remind ourselves that we have a lot to give to our church and community. We have to transform whatever we have learnt and read into the common language and common need of people so that both are benefitted. I would like to see young and old priests feeling satisfied with their work and ministry, knowing that they could make use of everything they learnt. Thank you Archcorepiscopa achen. For enrolling us into your university of skills. We have a long way to go, but we will surely reach our goal holding your hand and seeking your guidance. Please intercede for us dear achen.
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