Profiles of the Probable Bishop Candidates

Karunya Guidance Center, Ulloor, Trivandrum.

    Trivandrum Phone: +91-471-2445543, 2596418, Mobile: 9447045543  

Formerly Fr. Varghese John, born (1954) to Mr. K V Yohannan and Aleyamma Yohannan, Mannil Puthen Purayil, Kattoor, Thiruvalla. had his early education in local schools at Kattoor, and college education at S B College, Chenganachery. After taking his Bachelors Degree in Science (Bsc) (1973-76) from the University of Kerala, he joined Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam for theological studies.  After his Graduate Degree in Sacred Theology (GST) (1977-81) from the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam and Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) from Senate of University of Serampore. After taking his masters Degree in Theology (M.Th) (1991-1993) from United Theological College, Bangalore (Senate of University of Serampore)  (The San Francisco Theological Seminary, USA) conferred on him a Degree   of Doctor of Ministry in the faculty of Theology (1996) for his dissertation, “ Preaching” (1993-1995).  He widely traveled in the Gulf,USA and European countries. He received the order of Deacon from Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Osthathios on 19 April 1982 and his priesthood from His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, The Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan on 5 June 1982. On 28 January 1998,His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, The Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan made him as Remban at Parumala seminary. He is the Secretary of the Karunagiri M G D Ashram and Balabhavan.  He has held the post of Principal, St. Pauls Mission training Center, Mavelikara, Visiting Faculty of St.Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary, Nagpur, coordinator of Malankara Orthodox Mission Board, St.Thomas Karunya Guidance Center, Ulloor, Trivandrum, Karunya Vishranthi Bhavan Kattela, Trivandrum, Marriage Assistance Foundation (MAF), Sick Aid Foundation (SAF), Member of Malankara Association Managing Committee, Council Member of Parumala Seminary,Member of Catholic-Orthodox diologe Commission and many other posts of distinction. Besides being a scholar, exceptionally good organizer, preacher at conventions, he has participated in and given leadership to many meetings and also to many conferences. He is working untiringly to transform the Church into a missionary Church.

Very Rev Augen Ramban (49) GST, BD, M. A.

     Vallikkattu Dayara, Kottayam 

       Ph: +91-481-2462550

            Very Rev. Augen Ramban, originally known as Vinoy Kurien did his school education at the S.C.High School Ranni. He completed school education securing first place in the S.S.L.C examinations, in his school. He then joined St.Thomas College Ranni for Pre-Degree course and did the B.Sc Degree in Physics. Afterwards he gained his Post Graduation in History.

            Soon after completing his graduation, he joined the Orthodox Theological Seminary for theological studies, as a nominee of H.H.Baselius Marthoma Mathews I.  He passed out from the Seminary in the year 1980 bagging the best outgoing students award and was esteemed the best preacher of the Seminary.

            Vinoy Kurien proved his excellence in elocution and general knowledge even from his Sunday school days. He secured first prize in the Elocution and General Knowledge competitions held in All Malankara basis in the years, 1970 & 1971.

            After gaining graduation in theological studies, Vinoy Kurien was ordained as deacon in 1979 and Priesthood in 1980 by His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Mathews I, the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan. In 1992, H.H. Baselius Marthoma Mathews II Catholicos elevated Fr. Zachariah Perangattu to the order of Ramban, in the name Augen, which was suggested by H.H. Baselius Marthoma Mathews I, the then Catholicos.

            In  1980 itself, His Holiness Baselius Marthoma Mathews I, appointed Fr. Zachariah Perangattu as his Private Secretary. Fr. Zachariah continued in this post for 16 years until the demise of H.H. Also Fr. Zachariah performed excellent as the Manager of the Catholicate Aramana Devalokam, the Office Secretary of the Holy Episcopal Synod, a member of the Church Publications Department, the first Diocesan Secretary to the Kottayam Central Diocese, Vicar of the St.George Orthodox Church Kummanam, member of the Defence committee of the Church, the Manager of Production and Distribution of Church utensils and so on.

            Very Rev.Augen Ramban, who celebrates the Silver Jubilee of his priestly ordination this year, is now the Vicar and Manager of Vallikkattu Dayara Vakathanam, Kottayam, where the second Catholicos of the church H.H. Baselius Geevarghese I is entombed. The Dayara, which celebrates the Platinum jubilee of the Demise of H.H. Baselius Geevarghese I, is now proclaimed as the official Pilgrim Centre of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Augen Ramban manages to provide with various charitable projects which includes sick-aid, education aid and homes for the homeless. People of belonging to different religions and creeds are beneficiaries to these projects.

            Augen Ramban now enacts also as the Resident Manager of Vakathanam Jerusalem Mount Higher Secondary School and the President of Baselius Charitable Society. He, as the General Convenor of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the Demise of H.H. Baselius Geevarghese I supervises various projects announced by the church which includes ‘Religious Art and Architecture Institute , Building of Church Museum, Production centre of Church utensils, building of Catholicate centre etc.

            Very Rev. Augen Ramban who is well versed in the liturgy and the rites and rituals of the church is an inevitable participant in the major sacraments of the church like the ‘Consecration of the Holy Myron’.

            Very Rev.Augen Ramban is a celebrated writer too. His first books is a travelogue which is entitled ‘Marushadwalangaliloode’ (through the Desert & Greenlands). ‘Catholicatinte Nidhi’ (The Treasure of Catholicate), a book which depicts the biography of the Second Catholicos of the church, ‘Prathyasha’ (Hope) etc. are some of his known books. A number of his articles are being published in various church publications. The unpublished daily notes of H.H. Baselius Geevarghese I and H.H’s descriptions of the journey to Ceylon are now ready to be in print.

            Very Rev. Augen Ramaban accompanied H.H. the Catholicos in visiting all the major parishes in India  and abroad. Rambachen, in the fullness of Silver Jubilee of his priestly ordination strides forward to new realms of spiritual life.

Rev. Fr. Dr. M. O. John (48) Bsc, GST, BD, M.Th, PhD.

    Malankara Sabha Deepam

                P B No.98

                Kottayam Ph:+91-481-2585499,

                Mobile: 9847156328, 9447464202

                Email: frmojohn@hotmail.com

                            www.malankaradeepam.org

Rev. Fr. Dr     M O John, born (1955) to Mr. M K Oommen And Mrs. Oommen, Madathil, Thumpamon, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala state had his early education in local schools at Thumpamon and college education at Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta. After taking his Bachelors Degree in Science (Bsc) from the University of Kerala, he joined Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam for theological studies.  After his Graduate Degree in Sacred Theology (GST) from the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam and Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) from University of Serampore. The University of Vienna, Australia conferred on him a Degree of Doctor of Divinity in the faculty of church History in 1995 for his dissertation, 1993-1995. The research studies in this regard were carried out at the Vienna, he joined Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam as a lecturer in Church History in 1993. While holding the post of lecturer in the department of Church History, he started “Malankara Sabha Deepam” a bi-monthly. Ordained by His Grace Mar Phelexenos as a “Youpediyakino” on 12^th April 1980 and his Priesthood from His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, The Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan on --/--- 19--. He has been involved in Church related activities from an early age, and this helped him develop a deep interest in the study of faith and history of Christianity in India. The publications of Professor Fr. M O John besides a few text-books on Indian Christianity, include:………………………Professor Fr. M O John’s writings also include articles and Editorials in Malayalam and English on Church History and the articles regarding Church Case are notable collections for the Church in future. Professor Fr. M O John has traveled extensively in South African Countries and started congregations.

Rev. Fr. Dr. K. J. Gabriel (54) BA,GST, BD, M.Th, PhD

                Orthodox Theological Seminary

                 P B No.98

                 Kottayam Ph: +91-481-2568500, 2566526

Professor Orthodox Theological Seminary, Member, St.Stephen’s Orthodox Church, Kudasanadu, Pandalam. Date of Birth January 28, 1949. Son of late Mr. C M John, And Mrs. Aleyamma John Vadakethazhethil Kanjikal. St. Stephen’s High School, Pathanapuram B.A from Kerala University, B. D from Serampore University, M. Th from Cathelic University Paris, D.Th (Phd)in new testament from Serampore University. Served as Vicar of Parishes Changanassery, Jaipur, Dehuroad, Kuzhimattom, Mundakayam, Kanakappalam, Odanavattom Nellikunnam, Pooyapally etc. Professor Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam. Served as Registrar, FFRRC. Authored a number of books in Theology and Eastern Spirituality.

Rev.Fr. Dr. M. C. Cherian (51) M.A, GST, B.D, M.Th, D.Min  

   General Secretary,

   MGOCSM

   Kottayam- Ph:+95-481-2567338

   Email: frcherian@hotmail.com

Fr. MC Cherian, Member of St. Geroge Orthodox Church, Chengaroor, was born on 16 September 1952 to Mr. M P Chandapillai and Achamma Chandapillai, Manjanamkuzhiyil, Puthussery South Post, Kallupara, Thiruvalla, had his early education in local schools at Kallupara, and college education at Marthoma College, Thiruvalla. After taking his Bachelors Degree in Science (Bsc Maths) from the University of Kerala, he joined Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam for theological studies. After his Graduate Degree in Sacred Theology (GST) from Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam and Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) from Senate of Serampore University. After taking his masters Degree in Theology (M.Th) from FFRRC (1987-1991) Senate of University of Serampore), Then he was completed a research studies in "Bible and Holy Land Past and Present" were carried out at St. George College, Jerusalem (1991). The St.Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, New Jersey, U.S.A conferred on him a Degree of Doctor of Ministry in the faculty of Theology for his dissertation, “ Strengthening Prayer life in Parishes" (1996-1998). He was widely traveled in the Gulf, USA and European countries. He received the order of Deacon from His Grace Yoohanon Mar Severios in 1977. On 15^th May 1991,His Grace Dr. Philipose Mar Theophilose Metropolitan made him as a Priest of Malankara Orthodox Church at St. George Orthodox Church, Chengaroor. He is the fulltime General Secretary of M G O C S M from 1999 onwards. He has held the post of Warden, Student Centre, Trivandrum and Kottayam, Visiting Faculty of St. Basil Bible School, Sasthamcotta, Governing board member of Thadakam and Manganam Ashrems. Besides being a scholar, exceptionally good organizer, preacher, he has participated in and given leadership to many meetings and also to many conferences. He has been working untiringly for the last 26 years to transform the Youngsters into the new millennium generation. The Publications of Fr. Cherian besides a few articles in the magazines and A commentary on 2 Corinthians, Faith and Practice of the Church etc. He has compiled and Translated the books like Book of Prayer for Students, Book of Prayer and sacred songs, Book for good Friday, Holy week evening Prayers and he conducting Bible Quiz in Malankara Sabha magazine for the past 13 Years.

  Fr. Dr. M.S. John (51) M.A. M.Ed B.D M.Th D.Min

Principal, M.G.M High School, Halol Member of St. George Parish Thumpamon. Date of Birth May 9, 1952. Son of M.K. Skariah, Mannilayathu, Mathoor. M.A.M.Ed from Kerala University, B.D and M.Th from Serampore university, D.Min. from St. Vladimir’s Seminary, New Jersey, U.S.A . Ordained as priest in 1982. Served as Vicar in parishes of Bombay Diocese and American Diocese. Now Principal, M.G.M High School, Halol.

Fr. Joshua John (50) MA, M.Ed  

Vicar St. Gregorios Orthodox  Church , San Francisco, USA.

510-494-8806; 510-432-6968 (Mobile)

37767 Fremont  Blvd. Apt. 2; Fremont; CA-94536; USA.

Punnamootil, Thundiyezhathu House, Mavelikara Post; Kerala.

My parents, Mr. K. E. Mathew and Mrs. Thankamma Mathew of Punnamoottil, Mavelikara, deprived of a male child in the family, engaged themselves in persistent prayers to the Lord Almighty through the intercession of St. Gregorios of Parumala to be blessed with a son. They had pledged to raise the child in true faith and to dedicate him fully to Christian ministry. Their prayers were answered and I was born as their fourth child on May 21, 1959. 

As I grew up, I was made aware of their vow and I recall, I could delightedly accept their commitment even as a child since I had a natural inclination to church-related activities. Growing up into my teens, I acquired a greater satisfaction in religious activities which led to complete dedication of myself to serve my Church as a celibate priest. 

My parents had been fondly observing my spiritual developments and when I completed my high school education in first class, my father took me for a personal audience with H.G. Mathews Mar Coorilos, the then bishop of Quilon diocese and the present Catholicos. This turned out to be a decisive meeting for me. I was moved by the love, grace and charisma radiating from his Christ-like face. His gentle and loving words touched me. I could make out that he was pleased to receive me into the Malankara Orthodox Ministry. Immediately, Thirumeni made arrangements for me to work as an intern at Bethlehem Asramam, Chengamanad.  

After spending the summer of 1975 at the Asramam, I was allowed to enroll for P.D.C. at Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara. Upon completion of P.D.C. in 1977, I returned to Chengamanad to continue my internship. In 1979, I was sponsored by Coorilos Thirumeni to join the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, for a four-year B.D. course.  

Upon graduation from the Theological College, I was ordained as a full deacon on April 14, 1983. Next day, i.e. on April 15, 1983, I was ordained to priesthood by H.G. Mathews Mar Coorilos Metropolitan. 

Experience: Parish and School/College Activities 

1985. Asst. Vicar, St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Kollakadavu, Mavelikara, and

Asst. Vicar, St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Karazhma, Mavelikara 

1989. Vicar, St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Kanpur, UP.

Principal and Manager, St. Mary’s School, Kanpur, UP.

Responsible for upgrading the above school from Primary level (1-4)

to Middle School status (1-8 grades); also responsible for expanding the student body from less than 150 to over 800.

1989. Served as a Board Member of Hindustan Aeronautics School, Kanpur, UP

Vicar, St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Ranukot, MP.

Vicar, St. Gregorios Orthodox Church, Singrauli, MP.

Earned M.A. (History) degree fromV.S.S.D. College, Kanpur, MP. 

1992. Vicar, St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Ambala, Haryana.

Vicar, St. George Orthodox Church, Jalandhar

Vicar, St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Batinda, Punjab.

Responsible for the completion of a new parsonage at Ambala

Responsible for the construction of a new church at Jalandhar.

Teacher, Holy Angel’s School, Rajpura, Punjab.

Earned B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees in first class from Sohanlal Dav College, Ambala, Haryana. 

1995. Vicar, St. Paul’s Orthodox Church, Gwalior, MP

Vicar, St. George Orthodox Church, Jhansi, MP

Responsible for the construction of new churches at Gwalior and Jhansi.

Organized the consecration of above churches by H.G. Job Mar Philaxinos. 

1997. Secretary to H.H. Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II with special responsibility of developing the Public School at Karapuzha, Kottayam.

Vicar, Aramana Chapel, Kunnamkulam

Manager, Seminary Church, Thazhakara, Mavelikara. 

1997-2002 Lecturer, Holy Trinity Theological College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, (appointed at the special request of Ethiopian Patriarch H.H. Abba Paulose);

Held additional positions as Academic Commission Secretary, Department Head of Systematic Studies & Research Section, Deputy Chief Editor of College Publication “The Wisdom”.

Learned to speak Amharic (Ethiopian official language) fluently.

Addressed the General Assembly of World Orthodox Youth Conference (SYNDESMOS) held in Finland, 1999.

Addressed at the African Regional Education Conference, UNESCO, 1999.

2003. Post graduate student, Princeton Seminary, New Jersey, USA

Awarded M.Th. with distinction.

Vicar, Westchester Orthodox Church, New York, USA 

2003-present Vicar, St. Gregorios Orthodox Church, San Francisco, California, USA

Doctoral student, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California, USA. 

Conclusion: 

I believe that God had answered my parents’ prayer and that I was chosen to do His work even when I was in mother’s womb.  

Even though I am a sinner and an unworthy servant, I am thankful for the many blessings showered upon me and the marvelous opportunities opened up for me over these years. He has drawn up a scheme for me and it is my humble duty to fulfill. I promise, I will do the very best I can. It is with a great deal of gratitude that I remember a number of spiritual fathers and beloved friends, too many to list here, who helped me in various ways possible At this time, I have nothing else to say other than what Holy Mother uttered: “I am your servant; let thy will be done!!” 

• Vicar- St. Thomas Orthodox Church Tugalakabad, New Delhi

• Vicar- St. Basil Orthodox Church, North Delhi

• Asst. Vicar - St. Thomas Orthodx Church, Nattassery, Kottayam

•  Vicar- St. George Orthodox Church, Kummanom, Kottayam

• Asst. Vicar- St. Mary’s & St. George Orthodox, Puliyoor,   Chengannur.

• Vicar- St. Gregorios Orthdox Church Dharuvada, Rajasthan.

• Vicar- St. Gregorios Orthdox Church,  London.

• Associate Director-The Delhi Orthodox Centre. ( Centre for Justice , Peace and Inter-religious Dialogue )

• Secretary -  Late. H. G. Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios

• Secretary -  H. G. Job Mar Philoxenos

• Secretary - The Delhi Diocese.

• Secretary - The Sophia Society, Delhi Diocese ( Society for Charitable activities and organizing conferences and Seminars.

• Secretary -The Delhi Diocesan Education Board

• Vice President- M.G.O.C.S.M. Delhi Diocese

• Business Manager- The Star of the East ( An Indian Orthodox Ecumenical Journal from  Delhi. )

• Governing Board Member - The Allahabad Agriculture College 1993-1995.

• Vice President – Marth Mariyam  Samajam of  Kottayam Central Diocese 1990- 1992

•  Diocesan Council Member -   Kottayam Centrel Diocese. 1990-1992

• Diocesan Council Member - UK, Europe & Canada Diocese.

•  Chaplain - Indian YMCA  Student Hostel, London.

• Member of Oriental  Orthodox Church Council, UK.

•  President- UAE  Zonal Youth Movement.

Represented    

• Indian  Orthodox Church in International & National Bodies.

• Attended the 8^th General Assembly of WCC at Harere in 1988, representing the Church,

• Represented the Oriental Orthodox Churches Conference held at Lodnon.

• Attended the Anglican – Orthodox Dialogues in UK on several times.

Present Vicar – St.George Orthodox Cathedral

            Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

            Secretary – Ecumenical Clergy Fellowship,U.A.E.

  Rev. Fr. P.S. Yohannan (48) MA, GST, BD

Manager, Vettickal Dayara, Member, St. Gregorios Church, Thenidukku, Kochi Diocese. Date of Birth March 30, 1955. Son of P.V.Skariah, Vadakancheril Parakunnil. M.A. from Kerala University, B.D from serampore University. Served as Vicar St. George Church Vaniampara, St.Mary’s Church Faridabad, St. Mary’s Church Eranakulam etc. Worked as Manager Parumala Seminary for one year. Now Manager, Vettickal Dayara, Mulanthuruthy.

Rev. Fr. O. P. Varghese (52) MA, GST, BD

Aramana Manager and Secretary, Kandanadu Member, Kunnackal St. George Parish, Kandanadu Diocese. Date of Birth October 20, 1951. Son of O.P. Paulose, Oravanmariyil. B.Sc and M.A from Calicut University. B.D from Serampore University. Served as Joint Secretary, Orthodox Youth Movement, Teacher St. Paul’s M.T.C. Now Aramana Manager and Secretary, Kandanadu Diocese.

Fr. Dr. John Mathews (51) MRE, PhD  

Professor Orthodox Seminary Member of St. Thomas Cathedral, Kollam. Son of Samuel Mathews, Pulimoottil, Kollam. Date of Birth December 18, 1952. B.A. from Kerala University. M.R.E from America, PhD from Fordham University U.S.A, Ordained as Priest in 1989. Serves as professor of New Testament, Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam, Registrar of Divyabodhanam English Section, Secretary of Orthodox Vaidika Sanghom, Secretary of Inter- Church Relationship Committee of the Orthodox Church. Author of Gospel According to St. Mark, An Interpretation.