Parambil Mar Chandy

Who is Parambil Mar Chandy?

Parambil Mar Chandy Methran is the first known person to be appointed in India as a bishop from among the native Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala. Until his time Indians held the office of deacon, archdeacon etc.. He had an instrumental role in reclaiming eighty-four churches in Catholic side after the Coonan Cross Oath. After his death from 1678 till 1896 there were no native Bishops in Syro Malabar Church.His cousin Archdeacon Thomas was consecrated as a bishop by 12 priests in 1653.By 1665 Mar Gregorios Abdul Jaleel, said to be a delegate of the Patriarch of Antioch was able to come to Malabar and validate the consecration of Mar Thoma.