Our Bishops
Our Valiya Metropolitan
His Grace the Most Rev Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom
Mar Thoma Valia Metropolitan
Having inherited the missionary zeal from his father, Vicar General Very Rev K E Oommen, he graduated from U C College Alwaye and took up the work in the Ashram at Ankola along with Rev. P J Thomas. He received theological education at UTC Bangalore and St. Augustine’s College, Canterbury. He became an ordained minister of the church in 1944 and was consecrated as Bishop with Alexander Mar Theophilus and Thomas Mar Athanasius in 1953.
He was in charge of different Dioceses in Kerala and also was Missionary Bishop for many years. He was President of the National Christian Council of India and has attended the Assembly of World Council of Churches at Evanston in 1954, and at Upsala in 1968. He has been President of the different Organisations of the Church and the Governing Councils of different Colleges. He has attended the second Vatican Council and has thus made very valuable contributions to the ecumenical cause. He has deep concern for the upliftment of the backward communities. Through a registered organization named STARD (South Travancore Agency for Rural Development) he has helped economically backward communities of South Travancore to improve their lot and achieve self-reliance.
The administrative acumen of His Grace is far beyond what words can express. He is a spiritual leader, dynamic enabler, prolific orator, voracious reader, pungent writer, tactful negotiator, valiant defender of the law, compassionate at heart and a wonderful team man. He respects diversity of opinion, but would not easily budge or compromise ethical principles. He retains his lovableness, humility and simplicity. He is a person with golden tongue, acceptable to all people irrespective of cast, colour or religious commitments.
| Parents | Vicar General Very Rev. K.E. Oommen and Mrs. Sosamma |
| Born on | April 27, 1918 |
| Ordained as Deacon | January 1, 1944 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | June 3, 1944 |
| Ordained as Ramban | May 20, 1953 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | May 23, 1953 |
| Designated as Suffragan Metropolitan | May, 1978 |
| Designated as Officiating Metropolitan | March 15, 1999 |
| Installedas Metropolitan | October 23, 1999 |
| Designated as Valia Metropolitan | October 2, 2007 |
Our Metropolitan
His Grace the Most Rev Dr Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan
Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan belongs to the Palakkunnathu family in Maramon from which have come Abraham Malpan, the reformer and the first four Bishops of the Church after the reformation. He had his theological training at the United Theological College, Bangalore and Protestant Episcopal Seminary in Virginia, USA. He also studied in theological institutions in Canterbury, Oxford and was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity by Virgnia Seminary where he studied. He was the President of the National Council of Churches in India and Member of Executive Committees of different development agencies like CASA and ECLOF. At present he is one of the senior Presidents of CCA and the chairman of CASA.
| Parents | Maramon Palakkunnathu Kadone Lukose and Puthoor Mariamma |
| Born on | June 27, 1931 |
| Ordained as Deacon | June 29, 1957 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | October 18, 1957 |
| Ordained as Ramban | January 11, 1975 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | February 8, 1975 |
| Designated as Suffragan Metropolitan | March 15, 1999 |
| Installed as Metropolitan | October 2, 2007 |
Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa
Mar Theodosius studied at Baselious College, Kottayam and Mar Thoma College Thiruvalla. After taking a degree in Science he joined Leonard Theological College and took BD Degree in 1972. His ordination as ‘Kasseesa’ was in the year 1973. In 1980 he took a Master’s Degree in Comparative Religions from Visva Bharathi University and Doctorate from Mc Master University, Hamilton, Canada in 1986. He was consecrated as Episcopa on December 9, 1989 along with Mar Athanasius and Mar Coorilos.
From 1973 onwards he was in charge of several parishes including Mumbai, Calcutta, Toronto and Nanthancode and he served as Director of Thomas Mar Athanasius Orientation Centre, Manganam. On consecration as Episcopa he was given charge of Kunnamkulam- Madras Diocese. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius is a good scholar and his books on Reform Movements in Kerala and their Impact on Socio-Economic and Religious Life of the People have made a mark in academic circles
| Parents | Ashtamudi Kizhakkechakkalayil Dr K J Chacko and Mary Chacko |
| Born on | 1949, February 19 |
| Ordained as Deacon | 1972, June 24 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | 1973, February 24 |
| Ordained as Ramban | 1989, November 4 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | 1989, December 9 |
Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa
After completing his degree and Post Graduate studies from Sacred heart College, Thevara, Cochin and Christ College, Iringalakuda, he joined Mar Thoma Seminary, Kottayam for Theological education. In 1978 he became the Kassesa and subsequently served as Parish priest at Jalahalli, Palarivattom, Colaba and Staten Island, and other Parishes. On December 9, 1989, he was consecrated as Episcopa.
| Parents | Kunnamkulam Cheeranveettil Itty Many Ittyachenkunju and Saramma |
| Born on | 1951, November 25 |
| Ordained as Deacon | 1978, April 29 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | 1978, May 16 |
| Ordained as Ramban | 1989, November 4 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | 1989, December 9 |
Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa
Mar Barnabas took his degree from CMS College, Kottayam and later studied in Bishop’s college, Calcutta. He was ordained in 1976 and served in different parishes in India such as Anakulam, Bombay, Chembur, Thuruthicad and North Madras. He was also in charge of Edmonton parish in Canada. He was consecrated as Bishop on 2nd October 1993 along with Mar Timotheos and Mar Philoxenos. Mar Barnabas is a profound Eastern Christian thinker. Mar Barnabas takes a profound interest in liturgical practices.
| Parents | Kottayam Ancherry Elakkattukaduppil E V Jacob and Saramma |
| Born on | 1949, September 8 |
| Ordained as Deacon | 1973, May 29 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | 1973, June 12 |
| Ordained as Ramban | 1993, August 31 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | 1993, October 2 |
Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Thimotheos Episcopa
Mar Timotheos had his college education in Gujarat from where he took his post graduate degree. He joined Union Theological College, Bangalore for his theological studies. He worked as a lecturer for a short period in Gujarat. He was ordained in 1983 and served as a parish priest in various places – Surat, Barooch, Vapi and Gudalur. He was consecrated as Bishop on October 2, 1993.
| Parents | Mulakuzha Kaleekkal Thekkethil Love Dale Rev K N George and Rachel George |
| Born on | 1950, December 13 |
| Ordained as Deacon | 1983, May 28 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | 1983, June 10 |
| Ordained as Ramban | 1993, August 31 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | 1993, October 2 |
Rt. Rev. Dr. Issac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa
Born at Attupurathu house, Mavelikkara, Kerala, Mar Philoxenos had his college education at Bishop Moore College, Mavelikkara and Banarus Hindu University and studied theology at Bishops College, Kolkota and Princeton Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1976 and subsequently served in Rajhara, Bilaspur, Allahabad and Mumbai Parishes.
He was consecrated as Bishop on October 2, 1993 and served as Bishop of Mumbai-Delhi Diocese till 2001. He initiated various developmental programmes for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden like Navajeevan Centre, Mumbai and Gramjyothi schools in North Indian villages. At present he is in charge of Kottayam Kochi Diocese.
He serves as the member of the Executive Committee, Senate of Serampore College, president of Kerala Council of Churches and member of the Central Committee of World Council of Churches.
| Parents | Mavelikkara Cherukole Attupurathu A M Issac and Mariamma |
| Born on | 1951, December 5 |
| Ordained as Deacon | 1976, May 29 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | 1976, June 9 |
| Ordained as Ramban | 1993, August 31 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | 1993, October 2 |
Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa
Dr Abraham Mar Paulos hails from Kanjirathara family, Kottayam. St Peters Mar Thoma Church, Manganam is his Home Parish. His basic education was at Government L P School,Muttambalam, M T Seminary High School, Kottayam, CMS College, Kottayam and Basaleos College, Kottayam. He had his Theological training from Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam and Princeton University. He took Doctorate in Christian Education from Boston University.
He had been ordained as Deacon on 31/05/1980 by Dr Joseph Mar Irenaeus Suffragan Metropolitan at Manganam St Peters MTC. His Ordination as Kassessa was on 28/06/1980 at St Thomas MTC, tvla by Dr Alexander Mar Thoma Valia Metropolitan. The Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam held on 11/01/2005 elected him as the Episcopa of the Church. He was ordained as Ramban on 11/02/2005 at Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church, Kottayam by Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Episcopa.
On 14th May, 2005 he was consecrated as Episcopa of the Church at S C Seminary Tiruvalla by Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan.
He served in different Parishes such as Naranamoozhy, Kattikkalaruvi, Thonikadavu, Ranni Pazhavangadikara, Trivandrum Paruthippara, Karthamangal, Bangalore, Kaithakuzhy, Boston. He was also served as the Chaplain of St Thomas Schools, Trivandrum and as Diocesan Secretary of Trivandrum Quilon Diocese. His tenure as General Secretary of the Sunday School Samajam was the exemplification of his Leadership qualities, organizing capabilities etc.
The centenary celebration of the Sunday School Samajam including the Children’s Maramon under his leadership was a remarkable one. Consecrated as Episcopa on the silver Jubilee year of priesthood, His Lordship is a great orator, good scholar, theologian and above all he is a great friend of children and youth.
| Parents | Manganam Kanjirathara Mr K C Uthup and Mrs Sosamma |
| Born on | 1953, August 16 |
| Ordained as Deacon | 1980, May 31 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | 1980, June 28 |
| Ordained as Ramban | 2005, February 11 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | 2005, May 14 |
Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Makarios Episcopa
Makarios Thirumeni (Rev. Dr. Varghese Mathai) was born on February 25, 1953. He is the son of Mr. K.E. Mathew and Kunjamma of Kalayil Kannanpoikayil. Tirumeni’s mother parish is Thumpamon Immanuel Mar Thoma Church in Pathanamthitta District. Thirumeni completed his primary and secondary education at Thumpamon North E.A.L.P. School, Thumpamon North Middle School, and Thumpamon Mar Gregorios High School. Thirumeni completed his pre-degree and B.Sc. in Physics at Pandalam N.S.S. College. Thereafter, he worked in the Indian Post and Telegraph Department in Bombay from 1972–1975. Thirumeni completed his bachelor’s degree in Theology from Kottayam Vaideeka Seminary (1975–1978).
Makarios Thirumeni was ordained as a Deacon on April 21, 1978 at Kozhencherry St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church by Joseph Mar Ireneus Episcopa and as a priest on May 22, 1978 at Thiruvalla St. Thomas Church by Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan. He was ordained as a Ramban on May 7, 2011 and consecrated as an Episcopa on August 13, 2011. Thirumeni obtained his M.Th. from FFRRC, Kottayam (1983–1985) and his Ph.D. from SATHRI, Bangalore (1991–1994), based on the subject “The Revelation of Christ in John’s Gospel”. He taught for 18 years at various institutions including Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur, Vaideeka Seminary, Kottayam, and FFRRC. Thirumeni also served on the Research Committee of Serampore University, Calcutta and Dean of Doctoral Studies at FFRRC. Thirumeni has written several books in Christian theology and New Testament.
Thirumeni served as a priest in parishes at Ranny Valiyakacu MTC, Karimpanamkuzhy MTC, Kumali MTC, Anakkara MTC, Vandenmedu MTC, Calcutta MTC, Nattaseri MTC, Sydney, Australia, New Zealand parishes, and Othara Ebenezer MTC. He also served as the student chaplain in the Kottayam-Ranni Diocese and as Bahya Kerala Eastern Zonal Secretary.
| Parents | Late Mr.K.E. Mathew and Late Mrs. Kunjamma Mathai Thumpamon North Kalayil Kannam Poikayil |
| Born on | 1953, February 25 |
| Ordained as Deacon | 1978, April 22 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | 1978, May 22 |
| Ordained as Ramban | 2011, May 07 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | 2011, August 13 |
Rt. Rev. Gregorios Mar Stephanos Episcopa
Stephanos Thirumeni (Rev. K. V. Varkey) was born on March 16, 1959. He is the son of Mr. K.P. Varkey of Kinattukara Parayil house and Kunjamma of Chengannur Plamoottil house. Thirumeni’s mother parish is St. George MTC in Fort Kochi. Thirumeni completed his primary and secondary education at Niranam School, Thirumala Devasom, and Mattancherry. Thirumeni completed his pre-degree at Cochin College, Thevara. He obtained B.A. and M.A. in Philosophy from Maharajas College, Ernakulam, and M. Phil from Madras Christian College. Thirumeni was in the University football team while studying at Maharaja’s college. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Theology from Bishop’s College, Calcutta (1982–1986), affiliated to Serampore University.
Stephanos Thirumeni was ordained as a deacon on June 27, 1986 at St. Thomas MTC, Thiruvalla by Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa and as a priest on July 30, 1986 at St. George MTC, Fort Cochi by Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa. He was ordained as a Ramban on May 7, 2011 and consecrated as an Episcopa on August 13, 2011. He served as a priest in parishes at Bilaspur, Corba, Ambikapur, Chetpet, Thambaram, St. Thomas Mount, Kolalampur, Ranchi, Mumbai Santacruz, Maramon, Venmony Sehion, and Kavum Bhagom Ebenezer. Thirumeni also served as the Principal and Manager of Ranchi St. Thomas School, Vice President of Ranchi Education Society, Missionary at Ranchi Navajeevan Kendram, manager at Maramon A.M.M. School, Vice President of Niranam-Maramon Voluntary Evangelistic Association, Vice President of Niranam-Maramon Development Board, and Secretary of Mar Thoma Medical Mission. For his administrative abilities, he has received several awards, including best principal award in 1997 from Prathibbha Uthan Parishad, Bihar, Vijayasree award in 1999 from India International Friendship Society, New Delhi, and International Millennium Gold Star Award in 2000 from International Forum for NRS’s New Delhi. Thirumeni always says that he has obtained abundant providence and blessings from God throughout his life, especially since he was not able to speak until he was 5 years old.
| Parents | Kochi Panayapally Parayil Mr.K.P. Varkey and Mrs. Kunjamma(Late) |
| Born on | 1959, March 16 |
| Ordained as Deacon | 1986, June 27 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | 1986, July 30 |
| Ordained as Ramban | 2011, May 07 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | 2011, August 13 |
Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethos Episcopa
Theethos Thirumeni (Rev. Dr. Oommen George) was born on May 10, 1959. He is the son of P. N. George of Kottakkad Puthenveettil, Kannankode, Adoor, and Aleyamma of Pinuvilayil Thengumthundiyl, Thevalakara. Thirumeni’s mother parish is Adoor Kannamkode MTC. Thirumeni completed his primary and secondary education at Adoor Vadekedathukavu U.P. School and Adoor Government High School. He completed his pre-degree at Kottarakara St. Gregorios College. He obtained a B.Sc. from Catholicate College in Pathanamthitta. Thirumeni completed a B.D. from Kottayam Theological Seminary (1982–1985).
He was ordained as a deacon on June 1, 1985 at Adoor Kannamkode MTC by Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa, and as a priest on June 14, 1985 at Kottarakara MTC by Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa. He was ordained as a Ramban on May 7, 2011 and consecrated as an Episcopa on August 13, 2011. He received his Masters degree in Sociology from Indore University and M.Th. and Ph.D. from Bangalore Dharmaram Theological College, based on the subject “Holy Communion and Spirituality”. He also had his higher education from Amsterdam University, Netherlands during his doctoral studies.
Thirumeni served as priest in parishes at Chengaroth, Chempanoda, Anakulam, Gandhigram, Bhuj, Bhav Nagar, Mumbai Goregaon, Colaba, Thumkur, Kalamassery, Chengannur-Thittamel, Pularicadu, and Chirayirambu. He also served in the Diocese of North America & Europe at Long Island MTC, New York, St. James MTC, New York, and St. Andrew’s MTC, New York. Thirumeni served as the principal of Indore Higher Secondary School and as secretary to Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom, Valiya Metropolitan.
| Parents | Mr.P.N. George and Mrs. Aleyamma George Adoor Kannamcode Kottackattu Puthen Veettil |
| Born on | 1959, May 10 |
| Ordained as Deacon | 1985, June 01 |
| Ordained as Kassissa | 1985, June 14 |
| Ordained as Ramban | 2011, May 07 |
| Consecrated as Episcopa | 2011, August 13 |