(Translation of the above article that appeared in Malayala Manorama dated 20th Sept 08.)

Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostem Marthoma Valiya Metropolitan

A man sent by God came to the world. His name was Yohannan. This Biblical verse about St. John the Baptist flashed in my mind, when I remembered V.Rev. P.C. Yohannan Ramban, who entered the heavenly abode the other day.

As there was no door for the mind of Rambachen, it was always kept open. All could enter into his mind. The entry of many into his mind granted him pleasure and enthusiasm. He created a new, vast and splendid world among the people who often enjoy in erecting boundaries unnecessarily. The funeral services and the related last rites to his mortal remains is a proof to it. A nation as a whole, irrespective of Church, Society, political differences and culture assembled at Pampady. All such boundaries of separation were literally melted away. The human sea that assembled at Pampady, in Kottayam District which came by flowing from various parts, is the clear evidence of the fact that worldly gains and pretensions are not the means to conquer the human minds.

Rambachen's life was a revelation of Saintly Pampady Thirumeni, for the people who could not have an audience with Pampady Thirumeni in their lives. Pampady Thirumeni ordained Fr. Yohannan before 51 years and it was the last ordination given by Thirumeni. After the demise of Rambachen, many have enquired why he was not consecrated as a Bishop of the Church. He used to tell two reasons. Firstly he wanted to continue his prayers with and without incense, at the tomb of Pampady Thirumeni till the end of his life on earth. Secondly he used to admit that he had only High School education. I have also heard about the incident when and where Rambachen himself denied to go ahead, when he was asked by Vattakkunnel Bava, (H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews I, Catholicose), whether he was willing to become a Bishop. I also realize that Rambachen's intentions and priorities were unique. What is the significance for the grace of the ecclesiastical position and its power, if the Lord's work is meant to share the love among the fellow living beings?

Rambachen was a challenge for one and all, especially in the era when and where the modern Christians are accused of attempting to betray Christ. He lived for the benefit of others. Many attempt to do service to humanity aiming positions and appreciations. But Rambachen lived and worked to grand glory and positions to the ordinary people. The competitive run for personal gains was quite unknown to Rambachen. In the beginning years he had collected raw paddy/rice from the paddy fields on the shores of the lakes at Kumarakom and Kurichy to feed the inmates of the Old age Homes and Orphanages. For this purpose he had gone up and down on foot. Will we not be prompted to observe fasting, when we remember this priest who used to collect rice from the fields and bring to Pampady, carrying on his head, especially when he used to fast during the Lenten Season? We must be worried of the loss of good minds and should not worry about availability of the facilities. That is why the demise of Rambachen brings darkness in our lives.

He utilized the resources and the opportunities available not for his own or his family members' benefits, but for the society in general. He initiated the beginning of the English Medium High School, when he received a small purse from friends and well wishers, when he was elevated as Monk (Ramban). He was particular to enter the receipts of all amounts, even as little as ten Rupees, in the proper records. He never accepted donations without giving the official receipts. He believed that what all he spent were under the knowledge of Lord God and were entrusted to him by the public. How the world would have unbelief on a person who fears the Auditor of God's presence? That is why many had considered him as an honorable Trustee of their donations for benevolent activities. He found happiness in living and identifying himself with orphans and destitute rather than obtaining recognition for the life in Bishop's palace and the leadership qualities. The socially ignored poor, downtrodden, orphans, patients, and destitute were the precious members of his society. He did not care their faith, religion or political stand. The services in the educational Institutions, Orphanages, old age homes and homes to rehabilitate the Aids patients were converting as a message to the world. He declared through his life that priority for the poor and needy is the humanitarian consideration and concern and services to the hard working and suffering is the way of God. That is why the nuns of the Catholic Church are serving the centre where Aids patients are rehabilitated. A few in positions had tried to trap him in a court case saying that he did not grant admission to the Children of Aids patients, rather than honoring for what he used to do.

He was a member of the Orthodox Church. He was strong and staunch in the faith of the Church. He was real devotee. No one could deny that his love had reached the other denominations also. Many are obliged to him because of his love, concern, and timely help. I am one among them. I have a number of friends. But Rambachen was not an ordinary friend. I have shared the dais with him several times in connection with the activities of various organizations. Every time he was particular to present new visions of the Christian life.

The large number of people who reaches Pampady are able to answer many questions, when we all are in a situation where it is mistaken that the material growth is the intention of Christian Churches. Rambachen could convert his missions as a silent reply when the Christian Faith and the spirituality is questioned. His demise reminds us that the silence even has value. A question remains still: Do we try to learn what we could from these conventional examples?

I saw the picture of a few boys who are orphans without their father and mother, crying in front of his coffin. They might have tasted the love in the world through Rambachen for the first time. How many were benefited by his love and concern? His life itself was real prayer.

Translated by Mr. Jose Kurian , Abu Dhabi

9th Day Service at Pampady dayara

Copyright 2000-2010 Pampady Dayara. All rights reserved.