ABOUT VELLARETHU KUDUMBAYOGAM
Vellarethu family is one among the most ancient Christian families of central Travancore. The history of the family is traced back to the period of establishment of Malankara Church by St. Thomas, the disciple of Christ. Today the family tree flourishes with 19 branches extending to about 1500 families.
HISTORY IN BRIEF
Christianity In Kerala
St. Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, on his mission to India, landed in Cranganore (Kodungallur) in 52 A.D, after visiting Malacca, Ethiopia, Socotra (an island off northeast coast of Africa). He preached to the Jewish colony settled there and made converts both among them and their neighbours. Travelling further in the coastal region, he had selected the village of Palayur as the nerve centre for his work. It was predominantly populated by Brahmins (Namboodiries). The main temple at Palayur was being managed and rituals conducted by four prominent Brahmin families of the village namely, Kalli, Kaliyankal, Pakalomattom and Shankarapuri. Consequent to the mission of St. Thomas, these four families got baptized and converted to Christianity. Under the leadership of chief priest of the temple, hailing from Kalli family, another forty Namboodiri families were also baptized to Christianity. After the conversion their temples were transformed as Churches. Further St. Thomas ordained presbyters for the churches from the same families.
'PALLI' vis-a-vis 'KALLI'
In the beginning of 3rd century A.D, few adventurous members from the four families migrated and settled in southern locations at Angamaly, Ettumanoor, Kuravilangad etc. The Kalli family settled in Kuravilangadu. They were attending the services in Kaduthuruthy Church initially. Later in 105 A.D., the Martha Mariam Church of Kuravilangadu was constructed. It was built in the property owned by the Kalli family adjacent to their family house. In Malayalam language church is called "Palli". Since Kalli house was located near the church, it came to be known as "Palli" house or "Palli Veedu". When the church was renovated and reconstructed, Palli house was relocated to properties known as Panamkuzhakal and Kudukasery in Kuravilangadu. A portion of the land belonged to Palli house adjacent to the church was donated to the church and some portion is retained till today under the ownership of Palli Veedu Trust. The lineage further spread to Parambil and Vellayaparambil families. Rev.Fr. Cheria Yakob Kathanar was born in 1479 in Panamkuzhakal family.
He was a Saintly person and popularly known as "Punnyaslokan Panamkuzhakal Valliachen".
He died in 1543 and was entombed inside the Martha Mariam Church, Kuravilangadu. The first native Methran of Malankara was born in Parambil family. He was Known as "Parambil Chandy Methran". He was also known as "Palli Veettil Chandy Methran" and Alexander de Campo. He was ordained as Malankara Metropolitan in 1663. He died in 1687 and was entombed in Kuravilangadu Church. Marthoma I and Marthoma VI of Malankara Church were members of Palli Veettil family. Apart from that Archdeacon Thoma and Archdeacon Gevarghese were also hailing from Palli Veettil family.
Marthoma I and Marthoma VI of Malankara Church were members of Palli Veettil family. Apart from that Archdeacon Thoma and Archdeacon Gevarghese were also hailing from Palli Veettil family.
Vellarethu Family
Vellarethu Family was established in the early part of 16th century. It was the period when Kerala was divided and remained under the control of several local kingdoms. Of which the state known as Thekumkur was in the fore front of development and was ruled by a local household (Kovilakom), centred at Kottayam. Those days the Syrian Christians were known for their honesty, sincerity, hard work, initiative and were the favourites of local kings who preferred their services for improving the trade, agriculture and above all security of the sovereignty of their domain. The ruler of Thekumkur brought 7 Syrian Christian families from Vadakumkur with the objective of obtaining their services for protecting the country as well as accomplishing economic development of the state. Under the influence of the Commander of the King, Mathu Tharakan of Kallarackal, the King could persuade Mathunny of Palliveettil, Kuravilangadu to spare the services of his youngest son Mathan. Thus Mathan along with his wife Kunjikandamma, sons Thomman, and Mathunny arrived at Thekumkur. The King received them with warm regards. Under the agreement of making him and his future generations available for the services of the king to fight and protect the boarders of the kingdom as and when required, the king allowed him to settle in the land given in Kozhencherry (Near St. Thomas High School). Thus, the root of Vellarethu family was established at Kozhencherry in the early part of 16th century.
Vellarethu Kudumba Yogam- Retrospection
The descendants of Mathan, who came from Palliveettil, Kuravilagadu and settled at Vellareth Kozhencherry, had united and conceived the formation of Kudumba Yogam and the first meeting was held at the original family house of Vellarethu, the residence of Abraham son of Mr. Philipose, on September 5th, 1912. The second meeting was held on October 5th, 1912, at the residence of Iruppootty Varghese, Vellarethu, in which the first Managing Committee was elected. The following members constituted the first Managing Committee:
Photo of our Great Grand Father, Mathen Mathen, Pandyalakal Thekekara, who was the First President of Vellarethu Kudumbayogam, in 1912
CENTENARY CELEBRATION
The hundredth meeting of the Kudumbayogam (Centenary Meet) was held on 12th May 2012 at Kozhencherry Marthoma Church Auditorium. (The yearlong Centenary Celebration Programme was inaugurated in the 99"’ meeting which was held on 30th April 2011). As conceived in the Centenary Celebration programme an office for the Kudumbayogam was inaugurated at Kozhencherry and a souvenir was published. Get-togethers and conferences were conducted at regional and branch levels. Meetings by Youth, Women’s Forum and house visits were added accomplishments of the celebration. Another highlight of the Centenary Meet was that the 3rd edition of the Kudumba Charithram (Family History) was published. The last edition was published 25 years back.
EPILOGUE
During the past century of existence contributions made by Vellarethu Kudumbam in various fields such as religious, social, political, business and cultural activities in the state as well as in national and international levels are remarkable. The eminence of religious leaders from the family in the recent past worth highlighting are that of HH Baselios Geevarghese II, the 3rd Catholicose of the East, Metropolitans HG Paulose Mar Pachomius and HG Dr. Abraham Mar Epiphanius. Our Senior Patron Rev. Fr. Philip C. Pantholil, formerly served in various colleges as Principal, is the President of “Palliveedu Ekopana Samithi” the unified organization of the root family.
The Kudumbayogam always remember with great gratitude the relentless services rendered by Pantholil Achan, who remained all throughout as a pillar of unity and strength of the Vellarethu Kudumbayogam. Apart from above there are about 15 priests who are members of our family.
