Divyabodhanam
Nurturing Faith Through Knowledge
St. George Orthodox Valiyapally, Palarivattom, is a vibrant and active participant in the Divyabodhanam programme of the Orthodox Church
Divyabodhanam represents a sacred pedagogy that seamlessly integrates rigorous academic study with deep spiritual formation. It moves beyond mere intellectual knowledge to foster a lived faith.
The Essence of Divyabodhanam
Divyabodhanam is the cornerstone of lay theological education within the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Its inception traces back to 1984 when it was officially launched by the Church Sabha under the visionary guidance of the late His Grace Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios Metropolitan of Blessed Memory.
This initiative finds its spiritual and intellectual roots in the Orthodox Theological Seminary (OTS), Kottayam. Divyabodhanam extends the seminary's holistic vision of theological formation to the laity across parishes worldwide.
The curriculum immerses students in the rich Syrian Orthodox heritage, encompassing:
- Holy Scripture: In-depth study of the Bible.
- Patristics: Exploration of the writings of the Eastern Church Fathers.
- Liturgics: Understanding the meaning, order, and history of divine worship, especially the Holy Qurbana.
- Church History: Learning the historical journey of the Orthodox faith.
- Systematic Theology: Studying the core doctrines of the Church.
This academic pursuit is continually animated within the "living laboratory" of the faith. The ultimate goal is to form knowledgeable, pious, and humble witnesses equipped to serve within the Church and in the world, perpetuating the apostolic faith for future generations.
The Palarivattom Church's Commitment to the Programme
The programme is run under the dedicated guidance and spiritual leadership of the parish vicars, who have consistently championed theological education for the laity.
The vicars play a multi-faceted role:
- Promotion and Enrollment: Actively encouraging parishioners to enroll and deepen their faith through study.
- Pastoral Guidance: Providing spiritual support and motivation to participants throughout their academic journey.
- Administrative Facilitation: Ensuring the smooth operation of the programme within the parish, including coordinating tests and resources.
This steadfast support from the church leadership has been instrumental in nurturing a culture of learning and spiritual growth within the congregation.
Programme Structure and Academic Rigor
The Divyabodhanam programme offers a structured, multi-tiered approach to theological education:
- Two-Year Proficiency Course:The foundational level.
- Two-Year Diploma Course: An intermediate level building upon the Proficiency course.
- Three-Year Graduate Course: An advanced program (originally four years, now restructured to three).
- Post Graduate Course (New in 2025): A newly introduced highest level, with nearly 100 participants from across various dioceses.
Academic Requirements: For the Proficiency, Diploma, and Graduate courses, the syllabus comprises 10 textbooks each. Additionally, the Graduate course requires the submission of a thesis. The subject matter concentrates on Bible study, Church tradition, worship orders, and related theological topics.
Assessment: To ensure comprehension and retention, participants undergo bi-monthly tests—one unit-wise and one church-wise. The church-wise tests often have an online facilitation option, adding flexibility for participants.
Programme Details and Language of Instruction
- Proficiency & Diploma Courses:Study materials are available in both Malayalam and English.
- Post Graduate Course: This advanced level utilises online classes and requires participants to engage with various online resources.
The Divyabodhanam program is a unique and blessed opportunity for every member of the Malankara Orthodox Church to systematically deepen their understanding of the faith.
Current Participation from Palarivattom Parish
The parish currently has a strong cohort of 10 active members enrolled in the program, demonstrating the congregation's ongoing commitment:
- 6 members are pursuing the Proficiency Course.
- 3 members are enrolled in the Diploma Course.
- 1 member has joined the new Post Graduate Course.
The progress of these participants is commendable. Those in the Proficiency and Diploma courses have each successfully completed 4 out of the 10 required books. Their excellent performance in the bi-monthly tests is a clear indicator of their dedication.
Furthermore, the parish celebrates the achievement of four of its members who have successfully completed the entire Graduate Programme to date.
Under the continued guidance of our vicars, St. George Orthodox Valiyapally, Palarivattom, wholeheartedly encourages its members to join this transformative divine learning programme. It is an invaluable investment in one's spiritual life and a service to the Church.
Office Bearers 2025-26
| Name | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| No office bearers found. | ||