The Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, traditionally known as the "Padithaveedu" or "Old Seminary" was originally a place for priestly training and a centre of English education. It was founded in 1815 by Colonel John Monroe with the help of the priest-monk Ittoop Ramban to serve the then-unified Malankara Syrian Church, to invite CMS missionaries to teach theology. It is the first Orthodox Christian School of theology in Asia.
Starting up as a centre to educate and mould-up clergies of the ancient St. Thomas Christians of India, it eventually became the cradle and headquarters of more than four Christian denominations of the Thomas Christians during the last 200 years as each of them carefully glance back. The Seminary is today, the seat of highest Orthodox Theological learning and ecumenical dealings in India. The Old Seminary is a living witness and forum of actions for many great events that took place in and around Kottayam in Central Kerala during the last 200 years.
To commemorate bicentennial of Old Seminary, Kottayam commemorative stamp was released by President Shri Pranab Mukherjee at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on 21st April 2015.
Photo Courtesy: PIB
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