Asram
Bethany Asram, or the Order of the Imitation of Christ (OIC), is the first local monastic community in the Malankara Church. Fr. P.T. Geevarghese, later Archbishop Mar Ivanios, started it on August 15, 1919 at Mundanmala, Ranni. Inspired by Gandhi’s ashram and Indian Sanyasa, he blended Eastern Christian prayer with simple living. The name “Bethany” comes from Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, standing for new life, prayer, and service.
The monks wore saffron robes, ate vegetarian food, and began daily Holy Eucharist in 1920. Bethany Madhom for women started in 1925. On September 20, 1930, Mar Ivanios and most of the Asram joined the Catholic Church, creating the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Some members stayed with the Malankara Orthodox Church, so now there are two Bethany branches.Today both branches run schools, hospitals, and mission centers worldwide. The Catholic branch got Pontifical status in 1966 and split into two provinces in 2000. After 100+ years, Bethany Asram still follows its original goal: prayer combined with service to the society.
After more than a century of dedicated service, Bethany Asram continues to stand as a symbol of spiritual discipline, humility, and compassionate social commitment. Rooted in the ideals of prayer, simplicity, and selfless service, the Asram has made lasting contributions in the fields of education, healthcare, and charitable outreach. Its ability to harmonize Indian monastic traditions with Christian spirituality has earned it a respected place within the Malankara Church and the wider community. Through its enduring values and visionary leadership, Bethany Asram remains an inspiring institution committed to the holistic upliftment of society with faith, integrity, and excellence.