Shri. C. P. Chandy
'Sabhakavi' (Church Poet)
1916-2005
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ABOUT HIS LIFE He was born in 1916 to late Chakkalakkunnil Mr. Philipose of Vennikulam a missionary and late Mrs. Achamma, daughter of Rev. Fr. Mattackal Alaxanthrayose of Niranam. He started writing poetry while in Middle School in Vennikkulam. He completed his education at St. John High School, Eraviperoor. Later he learned Sanskrit under the guidance of a Nampoothiri who was a scholar in the tradition of Pandalam Royal Palace. He was a teacher at Catholicate High Scool, Pathanamthitta from 1947 until his retirement in 1976 at the age of 60. In 1943, Sri Chandy joined the Old seminary of our Church as a Malayalam Teacher, and stayed there for three years. He was first chosen by Catholicos HH Baselios Geevarghese II to translate liturgical songs in Syriac. Under the guidance of our bishops and priests, he translated many liturgical songs from Syriac to Malayalam. Many of the songs in our Qurbana Kramam are composed during this time. Rev. Fr. V. K. Mathews, Vattakkunnel (later, H. H. Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews 1 of blessed memories) helped in the translation of Syriac songs to prose. Vattakkunnel Achen was a fellow teacher, and also a Member of the Working Committee of our Church. Achen was entrusted by the Working Committee to coordinate Liturgical Translations. It was the vision, determination and encouragement of HH Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews 1 who realized the potential of this poet that culminated in the translation of many books from Syriac to Malayalam. THE PROCESS While staying at Old Seminary, every afternoon, Sri. Chandy used to go to MD Seminary where Vattakkunnel Achen resides. While Achen sings the songs in Syriac and explain the meaning in Malayalam, Chandy will take notes and later create poems in Malayalm. It took almost 6 months for him to create the songs in Holy Communion service. It took several years before it got published under the leadership of HH Mathews I Bava. Mr. Chandy joined Catholicate High School in 1947 as a Malayalam language teacher. It was at the request of HG Geevaghese Mar Philoxenos (Puthencavil Kochu Thirumeni) that Chandy sir stayed at St. Basil Aramana at Pathanamthitta. Soon he became an indispensable part of Sunday School, Youth Movement, MGOCSM and other spiritual organizations. His down to earth demeanor, knowledge, dedication to Church, his exemplary skill to create instant poems, unique oratorial skills, and above all, his excellent sense of humor earned him high respect from everyone who have come in contact with him.
The songs composed by Shri. Chandy can be seen in the following books RECOGNITION Our Church hasn't recognized this great son for his amazing contributions. While living, he dedicated himself for the Church, expecting nothing in return for his liturgical contributions. He never sought recognition. However, it?s the duty of our generation to honor him for his great contributions. When you sing the meaningful songs that touch your heart during this holy week, take a moment to think about and pray for Shri. CP Chandy. For his unique contribution to our Church, Shri. C. P. Chandy deserves to be remembered in the 5th Thubden during the Great Intercession. That's the fitting recognition we can be proud of. Let?s hope that our Episcopal Synod will make such a decision to honor this great son of our times, as we observe his first death anniversary on May 4th, 2006.
- Oommen Kappil, New Jersey |
Have you ever wondered about the poet behind the most meaningful songs we sing during the Holy Communion and other sacraments? The name of Sabha Kavi C. P. Chandy who went to his heavenly abode on May 4, 2005 will be remembered for generations to come as the heavenly gift behind most of our liturgical songs. There is nobody like him in this century that has made so much contribution to develop the liturgy of Malankara Orthodox Church.
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