His Grace Metropolitan Archbishop Mar Ivanios (Fr. P.T Geevarghese Panickaruveettil) is the founder of the congregation of the Sisters of The Imitation of Christ (SIC).Prompted by divine inspiration to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout India through the spiritual renewal of the Malankara Church and of the families, Mar Ivanios founded this religious communities at Thirumoolapuram, Thiruvalla on 21st September 1925.

The Charism of the Sisters is the Imitation of Christ is the Imitation of Jesus Christ realized through participating in the redemptive mission of the Triune God and to strive for the spiritual renewal of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church for the evangelization of India and for the empowerment of women.

To imitate Jesus Christ in his life of prayer is to experience a sense of constant union with God through meditation, with special emphasis on the Word of God, active participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and the observance of the spiritual exercises prescribed in this Holy rule and such other practices. To imitate Jesus Christ in his life of action to follow his footsteps, who by proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom God on earth and leading the people to the eternal Father, saved us from sin and sufferings and made us partakers in his divine life. Our active life consists of apostolic works, connected with and directed towards the spreading of the Gospel.

We, the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ, aspire to be deeply rooted in Christ by living a life characterized by prayer, simplicity, love and service. Our purpose is to contribute to the spiritual renewal of the Universal Church, with a special focus on the Malankara Catholic Church, while also actively promoting the holistic development of the society. Our inspiration stems from the vision of our founder, the Servant of God Mar Ivanios and we are guided by our Patron Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

As participants in the redemptive mission of Our Lord, we the consecrated women of Bethany Madhom, dedicate ourselves to serve as authentic witnesses of God’s love to both believers and non-believers alike. Our commitment extends to empower the vulnerable segments of the society, particularly the women.