His
Holiness Mar Abo hailed from a place now in Iraq called Nineveh. He travelled
through a number of places and reached Kollam. He was soon held in high
esteem by the people from all walks of life due to his moral and spiritual
conduct. The Kulasekhara King, who ruled over Kollam, gave him special powers
and privileges. The Tharissa church at Kollam, which was established by St
Thomas apostle was wrecked by tempest and people did not have a place of
worship. Bishop Mar Abo who had reached Kollam in the 8th century AD, rebuilt
the Tharissa church using the special privileges accorded to him by the ruler
(Ref: Travancore State Manual, Page 244). He spread the gospel of God through
his spiritual discourses, established churches at Kadamattom, Akaparambu,
Kayamkulam, Niranam, Nilakkal, Thevalakara and strengthened the tenets of
christianity in the region.
During one of his journeys to deliver spiritual message he felt tired and
entered the wayside house and requested for food. The widow of Paaliyur
Pakalomattom and her only son who stayed there did not have enough food to
offer a guest. Gauging the pitiable situation, the Bishop said, "It is
better to dine at the house of a poor person serving with purity of heart
than a rich man's extravagant meal." Suddenly the widow saw that the 3
bowls which she had kept began to fill with food. She was surprised and
realized that the man whom she was serving was not an ordinary man, but a
Holy man. Witnessing the miracle, the widow's only son became His disciple.
This disciple was later renowned by the name of Kadamattam Kathanar. On another occasion, Mar
Abo cured the insane daughter of "Kartha", a well known person at
Kadamattam. As an act of his gratitude, "Kartha" donated a piece of
land to build a Church, which is known today as Kadamattam Orthodox Church.
A number of people who were cured by the divine powers of this holy man
accepted Christianity. Enraged by his miracles, some people began to conspire
against him. Realizing the situation through spiritual vision, he called his
disciple, Kadamatur Kathanar and gave his finger ring. He told him that
whenever the ring falls off from his hand, the Bishop would have left this
world. Kadamattam Kathanar unwillingly bid farewell to his Guru. Thereafter, he set off on
his journey towards south till he reached Thevalakara. There he was attracted
by the church consecrated in the name of St Mary, the kind-hearted, innocent
and loving people of the village. So he thought of spending the rest of his
life at a place 'chavadi' in front of the church. Even now, one can see the
renovated 'chavadi' where he performed many of his miracles to help the sick
and destitute irrespective of their caste, creed or religion. Thus, numerous miracles
were performed by the Holy man through his Godly acts resulting in wide
spread love, affection and respect by the people of this region, which is
prevalent even till date. After completing his worldly mission, he
left for his heavenly abode.At the time of his death, the ring worn by
Kadamattam Kathanar came off from his finger and fell on the ground.
Remembering his Guru's words, the favourite disciple started off to see his
mortal remains. After an agonising search, he reached Thevalakara to find
that his believers had sorrowfully already laid him to rest at the
north-western corner of 'Madbaha'. Since the Kathanar could not see Mar
Abo"s body before burial, he was tearfully praying at his cemetry, when
Mar Abo's hands appeared from the tomb to console his disciple. It was
amazing to see the separated right hand of Mar Abo in his disciple's hands.
The priest and other believers took the hand and consecrated it at the
southern wall of Kadamattam church. Due to the strong bond of Guru and his
disciple, people froKadamattam still regularly visit the tomb of Mar Abo. In this era of dwindling
number of common places of belief by all religions, the tomb of Mar Abo
attracts people from far and wide. Despite the absence of publicity to this
holy man, his miracles to common people have resulted in multi fold increase
in believers. The living as well as departed holy Bishops and priests are
witness to his grace. His believers begin any new venture only after seeking
his blessings. The prayer room next to his tomb is always open to public
throughout the day. Praying at the tomb is helping a number of people to cure
their diseases and overcome other sufferings in life. The holy man who blesses
his believers is known to get rid off their anxieties and worries when they
bow their head before him. Special prayers are held on second Friday of every
month after the evening prayer for his intercession. Meditation and prayers
for intercession of St Mary is also held at 10 AM to 12:30 PM on second
Friday of the month. "Anyone who receives a prophet because
he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward" (St Mathew 10: 41) The departed saint pray
for us. So, the multitudes of people across religions who come and pray at
his tomb celebrate Mar Abo perunnal from 30 January to 8 February every year.
Let his heavenly peace, blessing and healing be bestowed upon all of us.
Prof. John Kurakar
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