School
The Bethany Asram branch in Kunnamkulam, Thrissur district, is a major center of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Its roots go back to the original Bethany Asram founded in 1918 at Mundanmala, Ranni by Dn. Alexious, later H.G. Alexious Mar Theodosios. The Asram blends Christian monastic vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity with Indian Sanyasa traditions. Monks wear the saffron Kavi Kuppayam and a small wooden cross. Under Mar Theodosios, the Kunnamkulam branch at Vellithiruthi/West Mangad grew into a key spiritual and educational hub.
Education is the main focus of the Kunnamkulam Asram. St. John’s Bethany Higher Secondary School began as a small U.P. school in 1965 under Mar Theodosios and later became a full Higher Secondary School. It is now one of the top schools in Kunnamkulam for academics and overall student growth. Blooming Buds Bethania, also at Vellithiruthi, provides English medium primary education with modern standards and strong local values. The whole campus is called the “Bethany Institution Enclave” or Bethclave, famous for large academic fests and youth conventions that attract families from across Thrissur.
Beyond schools, the Asram serves as a “spiritual reservoir” for the community. Senior Achens lead retreats, daily prayers, and counseling for locals and visitors. It also works as a charitable center, helping people regardless of caste or creed. This keeps the founder’s original vision alive — combining prayer with active service to society. Today the Kunnamkulam Bethany Asram continues its century-old mission of spiritual renewal and social upliftment.
St. John’s Bethany Higher Secondary School continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence while nurturing the holistic development of its students. With a dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and a focus on values-based education, the school equips young minds to face the challenges of the future with confidence and integrity.