His Grace Mathews Mar Epiphanios was born as the elder son of M. Kurikeshu and Sosamma, Koottarazhikathu Puthenveedu, Chenkulam, a small beautiful village on the banks of Ithikkara river on 25th November 1928. His elementary education was in Devivilasam Middle School, St.George English Medium school Chathannoor and NSS High School Chathannoor. He did his intermediate at St.John’s College Palayamkodu Tirunelveli (1948-50). He secured his secular degree in Physics from Maharajas College Tiruvananthapuram (1950-53). He passed G.S.T (1954-58) and secured his Bachelors degree in education from St.Joseph’s college Mannanam. He did special courses in Education at Basic Training College Thrissur (1963) and in English at Regional English Institute Bangalore(1969).
The then Metropolitan of Kollam Diocese His Grace Mathews Mar Coorilos Metropolitan (Later His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Mathews II) ordained him as a sub- deacon at St.George Dayara, Othera on March 1957. And in April 1957 His Grace Mathews Mar Athanasius,(later His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Mathews I) ordained him as deacon. On 25th march 1958, His Grace Mathews Mar Coorilos Metropolitan ordained him as a priest at St.Igantius Orthodox Church, Kottapuram Kottarakara. The newly ordained priest celebrated his first Holy Qurbana at Catholicate Aramana Chapel, Devalokam. His Holiness Baselius Geevarghese II Catholicos appointed him as the assistant vicar of Mar Elia Chapel Kottayam in 1958. Later in 1959 he became the vicar. He also served in St.Thomas orthodox church Kollam 1964-1984, St.George Orthodox Church Thiruvananthapuram (1967-69), St. George Orthodox Church Punalur paper mill, Mar Baselius Orthodox Church Vazhuvady, St. Ignatius Orthodox Church Kottapuram and Mar Kuriakose Orthodox Church Arunnoottimangalam. He also served as a teacher for a long period-NSS High School Chathanoor, NSS School Kattoor, MIM UP School Chengulam, MD Seminary High School Kottayam and Training School Chowwallor.
He was the member of the managing committee twice and was the diocesan secretary of the Kollam diocese three times. He was also the vice-president of St.Thomas Orthodox Vaidikam Sanghom and the Superior of the Bethlehem Ashramam Chengamanadu.
The Malankara Association met at MGM High School Thiruvalla on 28th December 1982 elected him as Episcopa. He was professed as a Ramban on 14th May 1983 at Parumala Seminary by the then Catholicos designate His Grace Mathews Mar Coorilos Metropolitan. On 15th May 1985, His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Mathews Ist Catholicos consecrated him as Episcopa with the name Mar Epiphanios. From 1985 His Grace Mathews Mar Epiphanios was serving as the assistant Metropolitan of the Kollam diocese. On 25th October 1991 His Grace was elevated as the Metropolitan of the Kollam diocese. From 10th January 1992 His Grace was serving as the diocesan Metropolitan of the Kollam diocese. His Grace also served as the Metropolitan of the Trivandrum diocese from 1999 to 2004.
His Grace also served as the President of the Orthodox Syrian Sunday School Association, Member of the working committee of the church etc.
The salient feature of the character of His Grace was simplicity. He has been seen always with a smile. In spite of the heavy hectic work schedule His Grace found time to visit the houses of relatives in times of death and marriage. He has become a role model because of his humility, grace in leadership and dedicated service to the church. As a Bishop he has been a good shepherd to the people.
Our deepest condolance and Prayers
May Almighty God Bless You all
