Kochu Thirumeni returned from pilgrimage to the holy land contented, that one of the cherished dreams of his life has been fulfilled. Thirumeni also desired that the remaining days of his life should be spent in prayer and mediation at Parumala Seminary. However, because of the pressures of the situation, his grace was doing hard work, as he used to do.

After his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1895, Thirumeni collected money from parishes in Malankara and constructed a big silver Procession Cross and sent to" the Holy sepulcher of our Lord, as an offering. In 1898, Thirumeni ordained two of his disciples as deacons. These two, in later life, rose to very high positions in the Church, but as leaders of the two factions. They were Deacon Punnoose from Kurichi, and Deacon Paulose from Ankamali parish. The former became the Catholicos of the East Moran Mar Baselius Geevarghese II (entombed at Devalokam Aramana) and the latter became Paulose Mar Athanasios of Ankamali Diocese (entombed at Thrikkunnathu Seminary, Alwaye). The two deacons were ordained priests and also professed as monks. (Rambans). Though unfortunately these two later became the plaintiff and respondent in the Church case; they imitated their Guru in spiritual discipline, and service to the church.

On an invitation from the Kunnamkulam Arthat Church, Parumala Thirumeni visited the Arthat Church and stayed there for sometime in 1899. That church was the parish church of Pulikkottil Mar Dionysius. During this time, Kochu Thirumeni started a school at Kunnamkulam, just as he had established the St. Thomas English School at Mulanthuruthy. To begin with, it was a lower Secondary Boys High School in the name of St. Ignatius. After three years it was upgraded as a complete High School. Thirumeni was much interested in starting English School. He continued with this interest, since he foresaw the possibilities of missionary evangelism through these educational ventures. Thirumeni vehemently opposed the “reformist’s movement" started by the C. M. S. missions. Because he was convinced about the importance of English education, Thirumeni wanted to open English schools wherever possible. St. Ignatius High School had earned a good name as a renowned educational institution, where pupils from poor families were given free education, irre­spective of religion or caste. But later on this school was amalgamated to an existing Government High School in the area. But still, it used to be known as "Bishop's School."

In the place of Ignatius High School surrendered to the Government" M J D High School was later opened at Kunnamkulam by the people in memory of Joseph Mar Dionysius of Pulikkottil.

It was at the time of his stay at Kunnamkulam that a large cemetery was built at arthat Church at Thirumeni’s initiative. The burial place till then was a small plot near the church. Because new graves had to be dug very often, remains of dead bodies burried earlier were collected and kept in a large open pit. Thirumeni spoke about this bitable state of affairs to the parishioners. The General Body of the parish deliberated about this and authorized one Iype Cherumanoor to find a solution-to the problem. Finally a large plot of land was acquired for the new Cemetery. Today the Arthat Cemetery is a 4.5 Acre plot with strong and high walls on four sides. On the western wall is a marble plaque on which is engraved the names of Parumala Thirumeni who laid the foundation stone for the Cemetery and Cherumanoor Iype who was in charge of the con­struction works. Thirumeni stayed at Kottayam Cheriya Palli during the lenten season the following year.

Pulikkottil Thirumeni fought a legal battle with the Reformist Group for a long time, and finally after various trials and tribulations Thirumeni won the case for the Malankara' Church. No wonder he became a 'hero' of the Church. In 1901 it was decided to celebrate the sacerdotal Golden Jubilee of Pulikkottil Thirumeni. The celebrations organised as per the decision of the representatives of all parish churches, was in effect.a loud proclamation of the greatness of Pulikkottil Thirumeni. Parumala Thirumeni played the leadership role in the festivities which were conducted on a grand scale at Kottayam.

"The Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee of Pulikkottil Mar Dionysius Metropolitan was an unprecedently grand cel­ebration at Kottayam. Thousands of people from different parts of Malankara assembled at Old Seminary, Kottayam for the event. Elaborate arrangements had been made for a big procession followed by a public meeting. It was the winter season and there were indications of heavy rain during the days. Everyone was afraid that entire event would go out of gear, if it rained on the Jubilee Day. The previous day Parumala Thirumeni celebrated the Holy Qurbana in the Old Seminary Chapel, and he assured the people that there won't be a drop of rain on the appointed day. And amazingly, the festivities passed off successfully without getting disturbed by rain, just as Parumala Thirumeni had foretold! All the people were convinced that it was due to the divine intercession of Parumala Thirumeni that the rain kept off the celebrations.

Parumala Thirumeni wished to start an English School in Thiruvalla. Towards realising this, Thirumeni stayed at Paliakkara St. George Church during the Lenten season in 1901, and discussed it with representatives at the parishes in and around the place. Before long, a site for the school very near Paliakkara Church was acquired. And a public meeting held in 1902, presided over by Thirumeni resolved to start the Syrian English High School. Thirumeni took the initiative and visited various parishes and collected money for the proposed school. However the school could be started only after the demise of Thirumeni in November 30, 1902. Today the school stands as a memorial to Thirumeni Mar Gregorios Memorial High School, Thiruvalla.

Thirumeni led the Holy Week services at Paliakkara Church in 1901. Thirumeni was physically very weak at that time. But he would not leave out any of the services despite his illness. Here is an excerpt from Mr. K. C., Mammen Mappilai, who attended the Holy Week Services at Paliakkara Church in 1901. "A few months before his demise Thirumeni conducted the Good Friday Services in the Paliakkara Church. While he was leading the service and offering incense, he was so ill and weak and people thought his death was iminent. The congregation attend­ing the service in the church were actually crying aloud seeing his condition”.

Thirumeni's illnesss took a turn for the worse in September 1902. One of the trusted disciples, Father Kochukoshy was in the Seminary. One day when he ca­sually had come to the Seminary, Thirumeni told him that he was not feeling well, and he should stay there; and Kochukoshy Kathanar stayed with Thirumeni and nursed him. Vattasseril Geevarghese Kathanar, the prominent, disciple of Thirumeni also came to the seminary and stayed there looking after the well-being of Thirumeni. Every possible indigenous medical treatment was tried, but Thirumeni was getting weaker day by day. Thirumeni had foreknowledge of his death and told about it to those around him. Pulikkottil Thirumeni, when he came to know about Kochu Thirumeni's illness reached the seminary from Trivandrum. Pulikkottil Thirumeni, who had filial love for Kochu Thirumeni cried aloud with grief, when he saw Kochu Thirumeni writhing in pain. Kochu Thirumeni had complaint of ulcer even earlier. It aggravated and took a bad turn due to the severity of his fasting and abstinence, and the result was severe pain.

The news of Parumala Thirumeni's illness spread like wild fire, and people from all the places in the north and south' were virtually flowing into Parumala. Thirumeni was very particular that whoever came to the Seminary must be served food. People living nearby brought the food articles for this purpose to the Seminary. Food contribution were coming in such big quantities that twice daily a large number of people were served food at the Seminary. Thirumeni's body was slowly becoming weak and numb. Thirumeni called Vattasseril Geevarghese Kathanar to his side and entrusted to him the crosier and other insignia and the keys. After this Thirumeni was lying still and silent for three days. On the third day, Thirumeni asked what date was it. He was told that the date was 18th (Malayalam era), Thirumeni said: "0 My Lord, I must suffer this pain for two more days”. This showed that Thirumeni knew that his end would come on the 20th. On the morning -of the 20th, “Kantheela" (The Sacrament of anointing the sick) was conducted for Thirumeni and he received the Holy Qurbana. By about midnight on the 20th, Th1rumeni was lying mo­tionless, and in a feeble voice he said "My Lord!" Punnoose Ramban (Later Catholicos Baselios Geevarghese II) who was standing near uttered the creed - "M hymen no" (ie. I believe) The Priests where were standing around the bed followed, "in the One True God, The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit." This was said thrice. By this time the Holy Father breathed his last. The spirit of the Holy one was committed' into the hands of the Heavenly Father. The bells of the Parumala Seminary sang the wailing tune and carried the message across River Pampa to the people of the country.

The news of the passing away of Kochu Thirumeni was spreading fast and for the people, all roads were leading to Parumala. People of all religions, rich and poor, priests and laity were moving to Parumala to have a look at the mortal remains of the Holy Father. They were moving all available means of transport motor vehicles, country boats and carts; and also by foot. The demise of Kochu Thirumeni was unbearable to Pulikkottil Thirumeni, who was staying in the Seminary and nursing Kochu Thirumeni. It was as though Pulikkottil Thirumeni had lost his "refuge". He firmly believed that Kochu Thirumeni's prayer was helping him, while he was leading the Church through the stormy days of litigation. Every time a difficult situation arose, Pulikkottil Thirumeni would reach to Parumala and pray with Kochu Thirumeni, and would request him "please, continue to pray for me". He felt as though his only solace was there no more, and hence his grief. He used to come to Parumala as a pilgrim till he passed away in 1909.

The body of the deceased Holy Father.was adorned with all vestments and insignia and was seated on a throne inside the church, following the ancient custom in the Eastern Church.

The burial services started on Monday itself. Mar Ivanios Metropolitan led the service, which was completed on Tuesday. Pulikkottil Thirumeni could not lead the services, since he could not bear the sight of the motion­less body of the Saint. The funeral procession (Nagari Kanikkal) followed in the presence of a large multitude of people. Everywhere it was people wailing and crying, sighing and beating their breasts. Before the entombment, it took about three hours for the people to kiss the hand of kochu Thirumeni. The location of the tomb was earlier pointed out by the saint himself, on divine inspiration. The body was lowered in to the tomb and was filled up to the head with frank incense, which was offered by the faithful. New clothes were distributed to the poor who attended the funeral. The 30th day of demise was observed on a grand scale, with the co-operation of the parishes in Malankara. 600 bushels of rice and 1300 rupees were spent for the feast on that day.

On the 45th Anniversary of his demise, ie on 2nd November 1947, Mar Gregorios of parumala was officially canonized as a saint by the holy Episcopal Synod on the Malankara Church, presided over by His Holiness Basalios Geevarghese II, Catholicose of the East. From then on many Churches and Altars have been dedicated in the name of Parumala Mar Gregorios.

Vettikkal Dayara was the nursery for the spiritual growth of Mar Gregorios. He was only 23 years old when he was professed as a priest-monk (Ramban). An incident during his stay at Vettikkal Dayara provides ample proof for his undaunted faith in God. Once a big swelling appeared on the back of Rambachan's body. Local medical men were of the view that the swelling could be painful and dangerous. This caused much fear and anguish in his disciples and servants. But Rambachan was not moved by it at all. When his father came to know about it, he got some Ayurvedic .medicines prepared and sent it to Rambachan. Rambachan did not refuse it; he kept it in his room but never used it. The aide Cheriya who brought the medical potions lingered there for sometime and requested Rambachan to apply it to his back. But Rambachan paci­fied him and said: "Don’t worry, this swelling occurred on its own”, it will subside on its own;" The aids, the old man Cheriya, quietly returned thinking that the swelling would disappear and it really happened. Thirumeni's faith in God could not be shaken.

The Karingachira parish decided to install a cross and tower at Thiruvamkulam near Thrippunithura, and on their request Mar Gregorios went there and offered prayers and incense at the site. Before long some local Hindus filed a case at the Magistrate's court saying that the cross was installed near a Hindu Temple. The trustees of the Church were the main accused in the case. Thirumeni was enlisted a witness in the case; and his statement was considered to be decisive. If Thirumeni admitted that he prayed at the site and offered incense, the accused would certainly be punished. Both the advocate and the trustees earnestly requested Thirumeni not to admit that he offered incense. But when Thirumeni was examined, he was asked whether he offered incense; he firmly replied "Yes”, Naturally the accused were punished. Thirumeni consoled them and said that everything would be aIlright. Later the two parties reached a compromise and the cross was shifted to a site nearby. That cross dedicated to St. George is still there at Thiruvamkulam junction.

Once Thirumeni was very angry with a priest and spoke harsh words to him and, also gave him a thrash. But Thirumeni felt very bad about it and became very sorrow­ful. The very next day Thirumeni sent for the priest and when he came, he was asked to stay at the Seminary overnight and celebrate the Holy Qurbana the next day. Before the service, Thirumeni had his confession before the same priest and as a ransom paid one Rupee. The priest was much moved by all these. Thirumeni's great humility and devotion touched him beyond words, and he became a changed person because of this.

It was the occasion of the consecration and dedi­cation of the famous Kunnukkurandy Church in the Ankamaly Diocese. It was conducted on a grand scale and the Metropolitans were given a reception and taken in a precession in a chariot and led to the church. While the procession was passing through the junction, which was a market place, some anti-social elements threw cowdung at the chariot. It fell on Parumala Thirumeni's vestments. Naturally the people were very angry and a clash was imminent. Thirumeni did not lose his patience and deftly pacified the leaders, and the procession continued. But the unscrupulous individuals who engineered the attack came to Thirumeni asking for forgiveness. And a ransom, they themselves constructed a cross at the Kavukkara Market place.

Three months prior to his death, Thirumeni solemnized a marriage at Veeyapuram Church, near Niranam. While Thirumeni was blessing the wedding rings, .one of them fell down from his hands. The marriage party was terribly upset, thinking that this was a bad omen; and would result in some disaster for the bride and groom. Thirumeni understood their predicament and consoled them that nothing untoward would happen to them, but it .only indicated that he would never again solemnize a marriage.

The incident took place in Kandanad Diocese. A very rich man (an Orthodox) leased a calf to a Hindu woman who was a widow and very poor. The widow's only daughter brought up the calf with much love. When it grew up the caw gave birth a calf. When the rich man came to know about this, he ordered the widow to give back the cow and the calf to him. It was the custom then that the calf and the milk .of the first season belonged to whoever brought up the cow. Still the owner insisted in taking back the cow and calf, because he had no other milking cow at home. The widow was afraid of the rich man and was about to take the cow and calf to his house. Meanwhile, it was unbearable for the widow's daughter to part with the cow and calf. By this time, the rich man came and took the cow and calf by force. The girl began to cry aloud, and refused to eat for some days. The poor widow approached some friends .of the rich man to find a solution far her predicament, but it was .of no avail.

About this time Kochu Thirumeni came to the Church and stayed there for a few days. The poor widow approached Thirumeni and expressed her grief. Thirumeni despite his busy schedule there called the rich man and advised him to give back cow and calf to the widow. But he refused. Thirumeni felt much sympathy for the poor woman and her daughter and comforted them and gave the woman Ten Rupees (a good sum in those days) and asked her to buy a cow and calf. They went back home very happy. The daughter grew up and reached .a very esteemed position in life. The mother and daughter used to come to Thirumeni's tomb every year to receive blessings.

Once when Thirumeni was staying at Karingachira church, a close friend visited Thirumeni with his 3 year old son. When he kissed Thirumeni's hands, the boy was attracted towards the ring on Thirumeni's finger and he held an to it. Thirumeni took the boy and kissed him and showing a beautifully decorated copy .of St. Mathew's Gospel, asked him if he wanted the ring .or the book. The boy opted far the book. Next day as the bay and his father was about to leave, Thirumeni presented a small ring to the boy who opted for the Gospel. The recipient .of these gifts reached a very high position in life and kept the small ring as a real treasure.