37 years after burial in Kasaragod, priest’s remains reinterred beside wife in Kottayam

In a poignant fulfilment of a long cherished family wish, the mortal remains of the Rev. Alexandros Cor Episcopa were exhumed from a grave in Kasaragod and reinterred beside his wife in Kottayam, 37 years after his death.

The remains were taken from the cemetery of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Narkilakkad, and laid to rest at the cemetery of St. Paul Church, Kollad, Kottayam where his wife Thankamma Alexandros had been buried in 2021.

Rev. Alexandros Cor Episcopa, who died in February 1989, was a prominent spiritual and educational figure in the Kasaragod region. He was founder of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Narkilakkad, Kasaragod and a former headmaster of Kottamala MGM UP School.

The family had shifted to Kottayam in 2018 to facilitate the education of their children. After Thankamma, a retired headmistress of Kottamala MGM UP School, passed away in 2021 and was buried in Kottayam, the family felt deeply that their father should not remain alone in a distant cemetery.

“We visit Kasaragod only once or twice a year. Each visit made us feel more strongly that father was resting alone,” said their son Shibu Kuriyakose.

Special permissions

Transferring mortal remains from one district cemetery to another involved nearly a year of legal procedures. Special permissions were required from District Collectors of Kasaragod and Kottayam, consent from both churches and written approval from siblings.

The exhumation and reburial were carried out under the supervision of the Sub-Collector, in the presence of the village officer, panchayat member, local residents and a medical officer, as mandated by law.

Born in 1935 as the fourth among eight children, Alexandros, fondly know as Kuttachan, entered priesthood after excelling in studies. He received ordination to the priesthood after serving as a deacon and was actively involved in spiritual and social work across the Malabar region. Married in 1960 and ordained in 1961, he continued his service until ill health led to his demise in 1989.

While some had suggested that his remains must be present in Narkilakkad, the family said his birthplace and formative years were in Kottayam. It was our heartfelt wish that our parents rest together” they said.