Mar thoma sabha

From 1973 onwards, he was in charge of several parishes including Mumbai Santacruz, Calcutta, Parishes in Canada and Rochester in USA, Nanthancode and Calicut St. Pauls. He served as the first Director of Thomas Mar Athanasius Orientation Centre, Manganam. On consecration as Episcopa he was given charge of Kunnamkulam – Madras Diocese. He was the Episcopa of the Kunnamkulam- Malabar, Tiruvananthapuram- Kollam, Chennai – Bangalore, Malaysia – Singapore – Australia, North America- Europe Dioceses. He is presently the Diocesan Bishop of the Niranam- Maramon, Mumbai and Ranni-Nilackel Dioceses.
On July 12th 2020, he was given as the title, The Suffragan Metropolitan, during the service at Poolatheen Chapel officiated by the Metropolitan The Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma in the presence of the Bishops, Clergy and laity of the Church.
On November 14, 2020, Tirumeni was installed as the 22nd Mar Thoma Metropolitan with the title Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan. The Installation Service was held at Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan Smaraka Auditorium, Tiruvalla.

He was ordained Semmas on 29th April 1978 and Kasessa on 16th May. He served as Asst Vicar of Kottayam Jerusalem and as Vicar of Jalahalli, Thiruvarpu, Palarivattom, Mumbai, Kolaba and in US Staten Island, Washington, Philadelphia Bethel, Baltimore and Florida Parishes.

Rev. Euyakim I Cheeran was consecrated as Ramban on 4th November 1989 and as Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa on 9th December 1989. Life of devotion, simple presentation of the gospel, realization of the ministry of the Church through action projects of modern vision, urge for special justice, committed propagation of gospel, ability to go forward steadfastly and hopefully without getting upset at the face of opposition, care and love for the poor and punctuality are the special qualities of his character. He takes special care to keep up personal relationships. Love and care for children, youths and elders make him endeared to all.

Thirumeni gave leadership to establish Ashabhavan at Pathanapuram, Pidavoor for the rehabilitation of handicapped children. Deepthi Balika Bhavan Pallippad was started to provide good education and mental and spiritual development of the children of poor fishermen. Jyothis, Mavelikkara, started to help mentally retarded children is progressing. The newly constructed Youth Centre at Adoor for Yuvajana Sakhyam is the realisation of his vision. As one who is devoted to a life of meditation he gave leadership for the construction of Easo Mar Timotheos Memorial Meditation Centre attached to Adoor Hermon Aramana meant for prayer, meditation and study. Gospel work among Railway porters was started as part of Sapthathy Mission. Gospel work was started at Sathyawadi and Ghatgheswar .In connection with the birthday of Alexander Mar Thoma Kalahandi Mission in Orissa was started. He gave leadership to start Half way Home in Ranni in connection with the birthday of The Metropolitan. Deepam Balika Bhavan for poor Dalit Girls was started at Mekozhoor.

It is Thirumeni’s lifestyle to respond strongly against social evils. He was the patron of Pathanathitta District Prohibition Committee which was organized to eradicate drinking as a social evil. He gave laudable leadership to Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam as President, Sunday School Samajam as President, Chengannur Christian College as Manager and Kattanam Mission Hospital as Chairman. He also led effectively the Dayara Movement, Sanyasini Samooham, Voluntary Evangelists Association, Suvisesha Sevika Sanghom, Kozhencherry St. Thoma College and Cherukole ITC. He served Adoor-Mavelikkara, Ranni-Nilackal, North America-Europe and Kottayam – Kochi Dioceses. When he was in-charge of North America- Europe he served as the Executive Committee member of North America NCCA.

The life of prayer and style of work of Easow Mar Themotheos Episcopa has influenced Euyakim Thirumeni very much. He is able to draw the people closer to God by imparting Christ Centered Pure Gospel in simple language. He takes special care to lead the youths to a live relation with Jesus and total submission.

He was ordained as Semmas by Joseph Mar Iraneus Episcopa on 29th May 1976 at St. Thomas Church, Thiruvalla and as Kassessa by Thomas Mar Athanasius Episcopa on 12th June 1976 at Christos Church, Ancherry. He got his degree in Theology from Bishops College, Calcutta and Diploma in counselling from Alberta St. Stephen’s College.

He served Kozhikode Chengaroth Immanuel Chempanoda Carmel, Kelakom Immanuel, Anakulam Sehion, Mumbai Santacruz, Chembur, Thuruthikad, Valankara, Kalamassery, Eloor, Madras North, Vellore, Neyveli, Thalappadi Nazreth, Meenadom Salem, Puthuppally Horeb, Puthupparamb St. Luke, Canada Edmanton Trinity, Calgory, Fort Magmory and Niranam St. Thomas parishes.

He was consecrated as Ramban at Mavelikkara Thazhakkara Mar Thoma Church on 31st August 1993 along with Thomas George Kaseessa and A.I. Issac Kaseessa. He was consecrated as Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa at the Madbaha in the SCS Compound, Thiruvalla on 2nd October 1993.

Thirumeni took charge of Chengannur – Kozhenchery Diocese on 1st November 1993. (This Diocese was later known as Chengannur – Thumpamon Diocese). He was appointed to lead Kunnamkulam – Malabar Diocese from 1st April 1997. Special attention was drawn by Kudumba Sangamam which was started when he was head of Chengannur – Thumpamon Diocese. He worked as Chairman of Kompady Abraham Mar Thoma Memorial Institute and Episcopal Jubilee Institute and also as the President of Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelists Association. He was able to provide a new awakening and vigour to the Mar Thoma Voluntary Evengelists Association. He gave laudable leadership to Delhi – Mumbai Diocese from August 2001. He worked as the Chairman of Lectionary Committee and Liturgical Commission. He published cassettes of liturgical songs, namely ‘Thybooso’ ‘Hasa Kramam and Rogopasanthi’ and ‘My Lord and My God’-giving details of the history of our Church. The books ‘A short history of Malankara Mar Thoma Sabha’ and ‘The Indian Churches of St. Thomas’ were republished. he was published ‘Padapeedathinkal’, ‘ Thirunivasam Etra Manoharam’, ‘At the father’s feet’ and ‘Roots and wings of our liturgy’. A daily meditation book was published from Kompady and ‘Jeevamrutham’ a correspondence course was started from E.J. Institute. he was Chairman of 2010 Vaideeka Directory.

He continues to be the head of Bible Society of India. Kerala Auxiliary, DSMC, MCRD, Church Animation Centre, Website Committee, Liturgical Committee, Lectionary Committee and ‘Dayaraya Samooham’, Manager of Titus II Teachers Training College and member of Mar Thoma – Jacobite Dialogue Commission.

Thirumeni is very keen to be a ‘Meditation Guru’ in the Syrian Church tradition. He specially takes note of the noble tradition of the Church. Sweet and pleasant behaviour coupled with a simple life style makes his personality a noble one.

He was ordained Semmas on 28th May 1983 and Kaseessa on 10th June by Thomas Mar Athanasius Suffragan Metropolitan at St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Thiruvalla. He served Surat, Vapi, Valsad, Angaleswar, Beruch, Tharapur, Gudallur, Philadelphia Bethel in America, Kochukoickal, Kottamanpara and Moonnukal Parishes. He was the Principal of St. Thomas English Medium School, Gudallur. He obtained M Th degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Mar Thoma Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam selected Rev. K. Thomas George as Episcopa. He was consecrated as Ramban on 31st August 1993 at Mavelikkara Mar Thoma Church by Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Thirumeni along with Rev. Joseph Jacob and Rev. Dr. A.I Isac.

On 2nd October 1993 he was consecrated as Episcopa with the name Thomas Mar Timotheos by His Grace Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan at the temporary Madbaha prepared at the SCS Compound, Thiruvalla.

In consequence of the redivision of Diocese he was entrusted with Madras – Calcutta, Malasia-Singapore-Australia Dioceses. He served as President of National Missionary Society, Council member of Vellore Medical College, Zonal Committee member- Madras- Calcutta of CASA and as Executive Committee member of CISRS. Along with the responsibility of the Parish of the Diocese he supervised Devanahalli Mission of Karnataka region, Medakur Mission Navajeevan Kendra of Andhra Pradesh, Neeratmed, Navajeevan Kendra Ranchi of Bihar and Hospital Guidance Centre, Vellore. Moreover Balavadies, basic education centres and medical work were also started. The construction of Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Hospital Guidance Centre at a cost of 60 lakhs was completed near Vellore Medical College. He gave leadership to construct a Diocesan Headquarters at Chetpet, Chennai called Mar Thoma Bhavan collecting 85 lakhs for it. He served as Episcopa of Kunnamkulam- Malabar Diocese from 1st October 2001. He was manager of Mar Thoma College, Chungathara, Mar Thoma College of Special Education, Kasargod, School for Deaf and Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School, Chungathara. He initiated LTC-Life’s Tithe for Christ in the Church. Mukthi De-addiction Centre, Nadavayal, Wayanad and Darshana De-addiction Centre, Sholayoor were started during his period. He was able to lead various mission fields and establishments from Thrissur to Kasargod. He represented the Church in Christian Conference of Asia. Sadanandapuram Mar Thoma Mount TMTS Centre, Sanoha, Peringalam Mar Thoma Dhyanatheeram on the shore of Ashtamudi Lake, Peyad, Nairmalya De-Addiction and Counselling Centre, Charupara Vayojana Mandiram Mar Chrysostom Hall, all these were started under the leadership of Thirumeni. The meditative life style and leadership of Thirumeni is a great blessing for the Church.

He served as vicar of Rajara, Bilaspur, Allehabad, Renuket, Singroli, Boston, Mumbai Santacruz Parishes. He got MTh Degree from Princeston Theological Seminary and Doctorate from Banaras Hindu University. It is significant that the university awarded Doctorate on the basis of research based on the place of grace in Vaishnava Philosophy and Christian Theology. This research was a fundamental search for ideology helpful for meaningful dialogue.

He was consecrated as Ramban on 31st August 1993 at Mavelikkara Thazhakkara Church and as Isac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa on 2nd October. On 1st November 1993 All Saints Day – he took charge of Mumbai – Delhi Diocese. It was his initiative that made the construction of the beautiful Diocesan Head quarters at New Mumbai (Vashi) possible. He procured hundred acres for the Church near Kalyan and Navajeevan Centre was started there. Gramajyothi schools aimed at total rural development were started. He gave laudable leadership to construct houses for the rehabilitation of those rendered homeless as a result of earthquakes in Lathur of Maharashtra, Jabalpur of Madhyapradesh and Bhujj of Gujarat.

He gave leadership to NCCI unit I as its Chairman and as Chairman of CASA, Western Region. He worked as member of the Governing Boards of Leonard Theological College, ISPCK and Ludhiana Medical College. Thirumeni took the initiative to start Dharmajyothi Vidyapeet, Theological College in Faridabad near Delhi in 2000. He gave bold leadership to the Diocese till 30th September 2001.

Thirumeni took over charge of Kottayam-Kochi Diocese from 1st October 2001. He took special care of all the parishes in the Diocese and gave special importance to planned developmental activities in underdeveloped regions. He worked as President of Kerala Council of Churches (KCC), Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam, as Chairman of Thomas Mar Athanasius Memorial Research and Orientation Centre Mochana and Thomas Mar Athanasius Counselling Centre and as member of Serampore Senate Executive. He gave special attention to the development of High Range region. He gave strong support and guidance to fight against social evils.

He was elected as a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee for a second time and worked in WCC, Policy Reference Committee, WCC Reference Committee on Justice and Peace, Chairman of ECC and unit 1 of NCCI. He was elected a second time as President of Senate of Serampore. He fulfils his responsibilities in his own special style as President of Holistic Child Development, India and now as member of the Executive. He was Chairman of the Governing Board of Kottayam Vaideeka Seminary and Manager of Kozhencherry St. Thomas College.

Thirumeni is committed to work with spirituality and social service combined. He is very keen to alert the members of the Church to effectively uphold meaningful ministry among the utterly poor millions of Indian people.

He got doctorate from Boston University in Christian Education. He was consecrated as Ramban on 11th February 2005 by Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Thirumeni at Kottayam Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church. In the Silver Jubilee year of his priesthood he was consecrated as Episcopa by Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan on 14th May 2005 at SCS, Thiruvalla. During his Theological studies he was elected to the Senate of Serampore University.

He was active in the public even when very young through Akhila Kerala Balajana Sakhyam. He provided glorious service as the General Secretary of Sunday School Samajam. Children’s Maramon organized in connection with the Centenary of Sunday School Samajam was an outstanding example of his leadership qualities and organizing ability.

He provided laudable leadership as Chairman of the Socio Political Commission of the Church, member, CMC Ludhiana Director Board and SHIATS University Director Board, Vice President of Bible Society of India Delhi Auxiliary and Chairman of Dharmajyothi Vidyapeet.

Thirumeni is an outstanding orator and scholar in addition to being a friend of the children and youths. He served in Chengannur – Mavelikkara Diocese and as head of Thiruvananthapuram – Kollam and Mumbai Dioceses. Thirumeni considers his call as God’s Commission for hard work and commitment and finds strength in God’s mercy and love of the members of the Church. As he cares for humility and systematic work Thirumeni is always busy to know the people more and more and do some good for them. He takes special care to make the activities in the Parishes lively.

On being called for divine service he left the job and joined Kottayam Mar Thoma Theological Seminary for a Theological degree in 1975. On completion of his studies brilliantly he was ordained as Semmas on 22nd April 1978 at the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Kozhencherry by Joseph Mar Iraneaus Episcopa and as Kaseessa on 22nd May 1978 at the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Thiruvalla by Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan. He served as Vicar in Ranni Valiakavu, Karimpanamkuzhy, Kumaly, Anakkara, Vandanmed, Kolkatta, Nattassery, Australia, New Zealand and Othera Ebenezer. He got MTh from Kottayam FFRRC in 1985 and doctorate from Bangalore SATRI in 1994 based on New Testament. He successfully completed research on the subject ‘Christ Vision and Holy Spirit in the Gospel of St. John’. He taught New Testament in Leonard Theological College of Madyapradesh from 1987 to 1996 and in Kottayam Mar Thoma Theological Seminary during 1996-2003 and 2006-2008. He served during this period as member of the Research Committee of Serampore University and as Dean of the Doctoral studies of FFRRC. He has published explanatory books on Hebrews and 1. Corinthians. The other books published are Paraclitos the experience of the Holy spirit, Jesus the Good shephered, Sishyathavum, Viliyum, Niyogavum and Fragrance of Christ. He is able to publish outstanding articles in the periodicals of the Church and International Theological periodicals.

He was consecrated Ramban along with Rev. K.V. Varkey and Rev. Dr. Oommen George by Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa on 7th May 2011 at the specially constructed Holy Madbaha at Ernakulam St. Alberts College Grounds. With the other two Rambans he was consecrated as Episcopa by Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan on 13th August 2011 at the specially prepared Holy Madbaha at Thiruvalla SCS Ground with the name Mathews Mar Makarios Episcopa.

His endearing behaviour, deep insights of Theology and noble experience of teaching ministry increase the quality of Thirumeni’s ministry.

During 1982-86 he got degree in theology from Kolkotta Bishops College. Thereafter he was ordained as Semmas on 16th March 1986 at St. Thomas Church, Thiruvalla and as Kaseessa on 27th June 1986 at his home Parish by Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa.

Bilaspur, Korba, Ambikapur, Chennai-Chetpet, Thambaram, St. Thomas Mount, Kolalampur, Ranchi, Mumbai Santacruz, Maramon, Venmoney, Kavumbhagom were the parishes he served as Vicar.

He was awarded with many prizes in recognition of his efficient management of the School as the Principal of St. Thomas School, Ranchi. Chief among them were the honour from Prathibha Udhan Samithi, International Millenium Gold Star, Vijayasri Puraskar. The active leadership of Mumbai Navajeevan Kendra, Medical Mission Secretary and leadership of education reform Committees were rich experiences of active life. He led the mission work of Ranchi also.

He was consecrated as Ramban on 7th May 2011 at the specially prepared holy Madbaha in the St. Alberts College ground by Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa along with Rev. Dr. Varghese Mathai and Rev. Dr. Oommen George. He was elevated as Episcopa with the name Gregorios Mar Stephanos on 13th August 2011 at the specially prepared Holy Madbaha at the Thiruvalla SCS ground.

Strong leadership ability, unshakable faith in God and timely vision of Kingdom of God activities are the hall mark of Thirumeni’s activities.

He got degree in Theology from Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam during 1982-85. Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa ordained him as Semmas on 1st June 1985 and as Kaseessa on 14th June 1985 at Kottarakkara.

He served as Vicar of Chengaroth, Chempanoda, Aanakulam, Gandhidham, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Goregau, Kolaba, Thumkur, Kalamassery, Devas, Chengannur – Thittamel, Pularikad, Long Island, New York St. Johns, New York St. Andrews and Chirayiramb Immanuel. He was also the Manager and Senior Principal of Indore Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School. He worked as the Secretary of His Grace Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan. He got MA in Sociology from Indore University. He procure a MTh and Doctorate from Dharmaram Vidyakshetra, Bangalore. The topic for research was Holy Qurbana and spirituality. He visited Amsterdam University and conducted research as part of his study. He has given leadership in many conferences.

He was consecrated as Ramban by Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa on 7th May 2011 at Ernakulam St. Alberts College ground specially prepared Madbaha along with Rev. Dr. Varghese Mathai and Rev. K.V. Varkey. He was raised as Thomas Mar Theethos Episcopa on 13th August 2011 at the Holy Madbaha prepared at the Thiruvalla SCS ground.

He marches forward with his mission in the Church in the light of noble theological streams of thought and visionary activities of care for the needy and social change.

He completed his B.D. in 2003 from Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur, after which he was ordained as Semmash on 19th June 2003 and Kasseesa on 31st July 2003. He continued as an Ashram member and worked for the people in and around the Ashram. He also served as the Vicar of the parishes in Sihora, Singrauli, Indore, Vishakapatnam, Guwahati, Gwalior, and Bharatpur. He also served as the principal of the E.M.T. Institute, Sihora.

In his capacity as the president of the North India Mar Thoma Evangelistic Fellowship, he published articles, devotionals, and participated in the translation of the worship order and songs in Hindi, enriching the faith community.

In the footsteps of the Late Lamented Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa, he was elected to the Episcopate as an Ashram member. He was installed as Ramban by Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Suffragan Metropolitan on 2nd Oct 2023 at Pazhavangadikkara Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Ranni along with Rev. Saju C. Pappachan and Rev. Dr. Joseph Daniel. He was consecrated as Mathews Mar Seraphim Episcopa on 2nd Dec 2023 at the Holy Madbaha prepared at the Thiruvalla SCS ground.

His concern for the Mission of the Church and his spirit imbibed in the Ashram movement makes him a leader of the times.

He progressed in his theological exploration by completing M.Th in History of Christianity at FFRRC, Kottayam in 2006. He then completed his D.Th in History of Christianity from the University of Bern, Switzerland in 2014 and began his research as a Post-doctoral (Doctor Habil) scholar in 2019. He successfully completed the Post-Doctoral research in 2024 and secured Doctor Habilitatus from the University of Bern, Switzerland in Church History.

He had the opportunity to serve as Chaplain to the then Metropolitan Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma, and also as a faculty of History of Christianity in the E.J. Institute, Kompady, and Mar Thoma Theological Seminary. He served as Vicar in various parishes in Mylom, K.R. Puram and Marathhalli in Bangalore, Singapore, Switzerland and Germany, and Kumbanad. He has represented the Church in various ecumenical platforms such as the WCC and CCA. He has served as a member of the Policy Reference Committee of the WCC Karlsruhe Assembly in 2022. He is the author of various scholarly books and has published articles in prestigious journals. He also serves as a Guest Lecturer/Speaker at the University of Bern. In addition, he serves in the following capacities: Member, European Society for Ecumenical Research; Executive Committee member and Council Member, United Theological College, Bangalore;
Governing Board Member, Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam; Professor and Academic Dean, Federated Faculty for Research in Religion and Culture (FFRRC), Kottayam; Served as a member, Mar Thoma Theological Commission; Executive Committee member, Fellowship of Indian Denominational Churches in Malaysia and Singapore (FIDC); General Committee member, NCCS Singapore.

He has been appointed as Privatdozent (Professor), at the University of Bern, Switzerland.

He was installed as Ramban by Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Suffragan Metropolitan on 2nd Oct 2023 at Pazhavangadikkara Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Ranni along with Rev. Saju C. Pappachan and Rev. Mathew K. Chandy. He was consecrated as Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa on 2nd Dec 2023 at the Holy Madbaha prepared at the Thiruvalla SCS ground.

He has a deep knowledge of the history of the Church and also a great vision of the mission of the Church. His writings and theological musings reflect his wide sense of the historical importance of the Church.

He had the singular opportunity to serve as the Chaplain to two Metropolitans – Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan and Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan. He also served as the Vicars of the parishes in Elappara, Cheethalar, Mathaipara, Kolencherry, Valakom, Mamala, Gwalior, Bharatpur, Karukachal, Thane, Vadavathoor, New York, and Mylom.

He was installed as Ramban by Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Suffragan Metropolitan on 2nd Oct 2023 at Pazhavangadikkara Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Ranni along with Rev. Dr. Joseph Daniel and Rev. Mathew K. Chandy. He was consecrated as Zacharias Mar Aprem Episcopa on 2nd Dec 2023 at the Holy Madbaha prepared at the Thiruvalla SCS ground.

His expertise in Syriac and his deep knowledge of the liturgy of the Church make him an invaluable asset to the Church. His calm demeanour, thoughtful meditations, and wide ecumenical vision are also his hallmarks.