St. Mary was born to Joachim and Hanna in the village of Nazareth. Though they lived a righteous life, they had no children, and this was seen as a curse from God by the Jewish people. They endured reproach from others, yet remained steadfast in faith, vowing that if God granted them a child, that child would be dedicated to serve in the Temple of God forever.

When St. Mary was three years old, her parents consecrated her to God at the Temple in Jerusalem. She grew up and served faithfully there, devoting herself to reading and studying the Holy Scriptures, praying constantly, and crafting items used in the Holy Place.

According to Jewish law, girls could not remain in the Temple after the age of twelve. Therefore, St. Mary was betrothed to St. Joseph. During this period of betrothal, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to announce that she would conceive and bear a son through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout her life, St. Mary endured many trials: being doubted by St. Joseph when he first learned she would conceive; giving birth to Jesus in a manger in deep poverty; fleeing to Egypt for safety; and witnessing the Passion of Jesus through to His burial. Yet in all these moments, she remained steadfast in her faith. Her prayers and devotion were heard by God, and when she departed from this life, her body was taken up into Heaven by Jesus Christ, accompanied by the hosts of Angels, the righteous, prophets, and fathers.

The Syriac Orthodox Church venerates St. Mary with great honor. She is commemorated in the Fourth Diptych, during the Hymns of Eucharistic Devotion, through intercessory prayers, and in eight feasts dedicated to her throughout the liturgical year.

St. Paul the Apostle was born as Saul in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, to a Jewish family around 4 or 5 AD. He was a Pharisee and a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin. From the age of five, he began studying the Pentateuch at the synagogue under the rabbis. He studied under the famous Rabbi Gamaliel, one of the most respected teachers of the first century. In addition to his religious education, he learned the trade of tentmaking.

In the early part of his life, Saul actively persecuted Christians. Despite his cruelty, he was struck by the courage with which Christians faced suffering, particularly during the stoning of St. Stephen. While traveling to Damascus to continue his persecution, he encountered Christ, who rebuked him for his actions. Following this event, Saul was baptized by Ananias and spent three years in the desert of Arabia in prayer and solitude. He then returned to Damascus and was later consecrated through the laying on of hands by the Apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit.

St. Paul went on to spread the Gospel through four missionary journeys. He also wrote fourteen epistles—ten addressed to communities and four to individuals. St. Paul was eventually imprisoned in Rome and was beheaded under the reign of Emperor Nero. 

The Syriac Orthodox Church venerates St. Paul and often pictures him with St. Peter holding up the Church. He is commemorated in the Fourth Diptych, and his feast is celebrated on June 29th.

St. Gregorios Geevarghese Chathuruthil, fondly remembered as Parumala Thirumeni, was born on June 15, 1848. He learned theology and Syriac under the care of his paternal uncle, Rev. Geevarghese. From a young age, Thirumeni led a prayerful and pious life. At ten years old, he was ordained a subdeacon by His Grace Palakkunnath Mathews Athanasius.

While still a deacon and a student under Rev. Geevarghese, his uncle fell ill with smallpox. The young deacon cared for him until Rev. Geevarghese passed away on the eighth day. Soon, Thirumeni also contracted the illness. During this time, he experienced a vision of St. Mary in a dream. She consoled him and encouraged him to dedicate the rest of his life to the Lord. 

On December 10, 1876, the young Geevarghese Ramban was ordained as Mar Gregorios Metropolitan by H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Peter IV St. Gregorios was affectionately called Kochu Thirumeni (meaning “youngest bishop").

Thirumeni lived a life marked by discipline, fasting, prayer, and meditation. He rose at 4 AM each day, dedicating his time to prayer and the teaching of deacons. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and during Lenten days, he fasted until evening. His compassion for the poor was unwavering. He ensured that anyone who came to the gates of the church hungry was fed. While in charge of the Thumpamon diocese, a smallpox outbreak swept the region. Thirumeni visited every home, praying for the sick without distinction of caste, creed, or religion and many were cured. He also founded several schools in Kerala.

Parumala Thirumeni's life remains a model of humility, service, and unwavering devotion to God. St. Gregorios is remembered in the Fifth Diptych, and his feast is celebrated on November 2.