With profound grief, we announce the passing of Rev. Fr. Thomas (Raju) Parakkott, Assistant Director of the St. Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute (SEERI), Kottayam, and a revered priest of the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla, on November 22, 2024, at the age of 50. Fr. Parakkott departed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the Syriac heritage, liturgical traditions, and the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
Funeral Arrangements
The faithful are invited to participate in the funeral services, which are scheduled as follows:
- Friday, 22nd November, 2024
- 6:00 PM: First Service at Pushpagiri
- Saturday, 23rd November, 2024
- 6:00 PM: Second Service at Pushpagiri
- Sunday, 24th November, 2024
- 6:00 PM: Third Service at Pushpagiri
- Monday, 25th November, 2024
- 7:45 AM: Fourth Service at Pushpagiri
- 9:30 AM: Fifth Service (in Syriac) at SEERI, Kottayam
- Monday, 25th November, 2024
- 6:00 PM: Sixth Service at Parakottu House, Vazhani
- Tuesday, 26th November, 2024
- 9:00 AM: Seventh Service at Parakottu House, Vazhani
- 10:00 AM: Final Service at Vazhani Parish
A Life Dedicated to Service and Syriac Heritage
Fr. Raju Parakkott, a priest of the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla, devoted his nearly three-decade-long priestly ministry to preserving the Syriac language, liturgical traditions, and scholarship. As Assistant Director of SEERI, he was instrumental in advancing Syriac studies, ensuring the preservation of the Church’s rich heritage for future generations.
Born on April 13, 1974, in Viruppakka Parakottu House, Vazhani, Thrissur, to Joseph and Regina Parakkott, he was the third of their children. Fr. Parakkott completed his primary education at V.M.M.M. Government High School, Machad, before beginning his seminary formation at Infant Mary’s Minor Seminary, Tiruvalla. He completed his philosophical studies at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Aluva, and theological studies at St. Mary’s Malankara Seminary, Trivandrum. On December 29, 2000, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla by His Excellency Geevarghese Mor Timotheos.
Fr. Parakkott was not only an academician but also a former professor at Bethany Vedavijnana Peeth, where he imparted theological knowledge with passion and dedication. His work extended beyond teaching to significant pastoral care as a vicar in multiple parishes of the Archdiocese.
Champion of Syriac Studies
Fr. Parakkott’s deep commitment to the Syriac liturgical and linguistic heritage was evident in his leadership at SEERI, a premier center for Syriac studies in India. Under his guidance, SEERI flourished as a beacon of Syriac scholarship and inter-church collaboration. He authored and edited numerous works to make the richness of the West Syriac liturgy and theology accessible to scholars and the faithful.
His contributions include translating the West Syriac Takso into Hindi in 2018 and publishing the West Syriac Holy Qurbono text (Takso d’Qurbono) in a bilingual Syriac-English edition in 2014. His 2010 publication of the Paschathya Suryani Vishudha Qurbana Kramam, a transliterated version of the West Syriac liturgy, further demonstrated his commitment to making Syriac worship comprehensible to future generations.
In addition to these scholarly achievements, Fr. Parakkott served as a research guide at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, and contributed to the spiritual formation of students through his teaching at several seminaries, including Pontifical Oriental Institute of Religious Studies (POIRS), Kottayam, and Bethany Vedavijnana Peeth, Pune.
A Life of Simplicity and Spiritual Depth
Fr. Parakkott lived a life marked by simplicity, profound spirituality, and scholarly brilliance. His contributions to Syriac studies included authoring four grammar and reading aid books in Syriac, which simplified complex concepts for students. His final major work, the third revised edition of “West Syriac Reading Aid” (2024), reflected his dedication to Syriac language and liturgy.
He also played a key role in organizing World Syriac Conferences and cultural programs such as Mazmur 2013, showcasing Syriac musical traditions. His leadership extended to Syriac ecumenical collaborations, fostering bonds between the Malankara Catholic Church and the broader Syriac tradition.
Fr. Parakkott’s efforts in liturgical preservation were recognized in 2023 when he received the Adangapuram Mathew and Peelu Memorial Award for his remarkable contributions to Syriac language and culture.
A Tribute to His Musical and Academic Prowess
Fr. Parakkott’s passion for Carnatic music, combined with his academic pursuits, made him a beloved mentor to his students. His commitment to liturgical Syriac music led him to organize Syriac concerts in Lebanon and Kerala. In February 2024, during the apostolic visit of Moran Mor Ignatios Aphrem II, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, Fr. Parakkott composed and presented a Syriac hymn of welcome, which resonated deeply with the faithful.
Fondly Remembered
The Malankara Catholic Church mourns the loss of a dedicated priest whose life embodied the true essence of servant leadership. His Eminent Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos, and the clergy and faithful of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church offer prayers for the repose of his soul. The Church extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, the SEERI community, and all who were touched by his ministry.
A Priest of Rare Dedication
Fr. Parakkott was not only a scholar but also a compassionate shepherd who left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him. His approachability, humility, and depth of knowledge endeared him to everyone he encountered. His life was a testament to the profound impact of faith, love, and service.
Final Tribute
As we bid farewell to Rev. Fr. Raju Parakkott, we remember his life with gratitude and reflect on the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Let us remember the words of Scripture:
“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).
“Pusho bshlomo madbaho kadeesho… Sel bshlomo kohano d’aloho.”
“Vandhya Purohitha, Angu Samadhanathale Povuka.”
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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