About Us
Mar Elias Higher Secondary School
Mar Elias Higher Secondary School runs under the auspices of kalkkunnel Mar Gheevarghese sahada Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, Kottappady . It started functioning as an upper Primary School in 1940 and was formally inaugurated by A Gopala Menon ( Director of Edn.) This institution was upgraded into a High School in 1957-58 ( inaugurated by Prof. Joseph Mundassery ) and in 1991 the first batch of +2 courses commenced as a remarkable achievement in the field of Higher Education.
Mar Elias HSS offers a well-structured curriculum that emphasizes both academic subjects and co-curricular activities. The school boasts a team of highly qualified and committed teachers who strive to provide quality education. Over the years, Mar Elias HSS has consistently produced outstanding academic results in board exams. Beyond academics, the school focuses on character development, leadership skills, and moral values. The campus features modern classrooms, laboratories, and a well-stocked library. Students actively participate in inter-school competitions, debates, and cultural events. Teachers employ innovative teaching techniques to enhance learning experiences. The school encourages strong collaboration between parents and teachers for student success. Mar Elias HSS provides scholarships and financial aid to deserving students. Many successful professionals and leaders have graduated from Mar Elias HSS, reflecting its academic excellence.
The well-wishers of this school believe that the Phenomenal growth of this institution is due to the blessings of our Patron Saint His Holiness Ignatius Elias III.
Saint Ignatius Elias III
(13 October 1867 – 13 February 1932)
Saint Ignatius Elias III was the Patriarch of Antioch, and head of the Syriac Orthodox Church from 1917 until his death in 1932.Nasri was born in 1867 in the city of Madrin, Nasri joined the Forty Martyrs Seminary, and in 1887, he joined the Monastery of Mor Hananyo near Mardin and was ordained deacon by Peter IV.Elias was ordained priest in 1892 by Peter IV, and during the Massacre of Diyarbakir in 1895, Elias gave refuge to approximately 7000 Armenian refugees in the Monastery of Mor Quryaqos.In 1912, he was transferred to Mosul where he served until his elevation to the patriarchate in 1917. After the death of the Patriarch Abded Aloho II died in 1915, Mor Iwanius was elected Patriarch and assumed the throne in 1917.
Elias held a synod in 1930 at the Monastery of Mar Mattai, near Mosul, to restructure the organisation of the church and its dioceses. Later that year, on 1 December, Elias received a request from Lord Irwin, Viceroy of India, to help resolve a schism within the Malankara Church. Elias arrived in Malankara on 21 March and held meetings between the two factions within the church at Aluva, Karingachira, Panampady and Kuruppumpady for the remainder of the year.
Despite failing to end the schism, Elias remained in India until February 1932 when he died at the Church of St. Stephen in Manjanikkara, near Omallur on 13 February. The remains of the patriarch were interred in Manjanikkara.55 years after his death, in 1987, his successor Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I officially declared him a Saint. His feast day is observed on 13 February.
KALKUNNEL MAR GHEEVARGHESE SAHADA CHURCH
In the year AD 1907, H.G. Joseph Mor Divannasios Metropolitan [popularly known as Pulikkottil Thirumeni] sent a decree of Blessings to our forefathers permitting them to construct a Cross at this place. Accordingly, they erected a Cross with laterite stones and instituted it on 23rd of Thulam 1907.The believers started worship in a temporary shed beside the Cross. It had a thatched roof with dry coconut leaves.Since the place was a hillock filled with rubbles and stones, the local people called the church as “KALKUNNATHU KURISU PALLY”. In 1907, the Jacobite Christians earned the approval from the Government to construct a permanent church at the same place vide order No.4702.This fulfilled a longstanding ambition and great desire of the people.
The Church was named KALKUNNEL MAR GEEVARGHESE SAHADA CHURCH and a Constitution was prepared on the same day by the members in a meeting convened by the Metropolitan in the presence of the Vicar Fr. Mathai Gee Varghese. The constitution was subsequently registered with the Sub Registrar Office Muvattupuzha. At present the Church has more than 550 families of parishioners. The constitution of the Church firmly declares and upholds its affection, loyalty and obedience to the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch and the entire East.
Governing Body
Rev. Fr. Jose ParathuvayalilSchool Board President
Rev. Fr. Ben Stephen Mathew KallunkalAssistant Vicar
Adv. Biji P IssacManager
Smt. Jeena K KuriakosePrincipal
Smt. Thara A PaulHeadmistress
Trustees
Shri.C K JosephTrustee, Kalkunnel Mar Gheevarghese Sahada Church & Trust Manager, Kalkunnel Mar Gheevarghese Sahada Trust
Shri. Eldhose K PaulTrustee, Kalkunnel Mar Gheevarghese Sahada Church
Board Members
Shri. CG EldhoSchool Board Member
Shri. Sabu K PaulSchool Board Member
Shri. T P KuriakoseSchool Board Member
Shri. V V SunnySchool Board Member
Shri. K V PauloseSchool Board Member
Shri. Biju VargheseSchool Board Member
Everyday at the Mar Elias is like a blessing with the active students and talented staff members around.
Mar Elias Higher Secondary School at a Glance
Mission
Mar Elias Higher Secondary School, located in Kottappady, is committed to the overall development of its students. The school achieves this by maintaining a balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and sports within its state-of-the-art infrastructure. Students have access to playgrounds for cricket, football, badminton, and other sports.
Vision
The vision of Mar Elias Higher Secondary School is to foster holistic development in students, nurturing their intellectual, emotional, and physical growth. The school aims to create responsible citizens who contribute positively to society. Through quality education, character-building, and a commitment to excellence, Mar Elias envisions empowering students to face the challenges of the future with confidence and compassion.