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History of Diocese of North America & Europe
The Mar Thoma Church has been dynamically involved in the socio-cultural settings of North America and Europe for the past 30 years. Fundamentally an immigrant Church, she has contextualized her ministry in her new life situation without compromising the rich ethos and tradition received from her motherland of Kerala, India. Currently, under the rubric of the Diocese, there are 71 parishes and 7 congregations. in the Diocese with 72 clergy, including the retired.
The Diocese is presided by Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa. The Diocesan Assembly is the representative body of the churches within the Diocese. In order to execute the decisions of the Diocesan Assembly, a Diocesan Council functions. Currently, Rev. George Abraham serves as the Diocesan Secretary.
Visit Mar Thoma North American Diocese webpage for more details on our history.
Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa
Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa
Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa is a distinguished leader, revered orator, and erudite scholar within the Mar Thoma Church. His steadfast commitment to the divine mission and visionary outlook make him a cherished mentor to children and youth of the Mar Thoma Church.
Born on August 16, 1953, to Kottayam Manganam Kanjirathara K.C Uthuppu and Sosamma, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa was nurtured in a devout household. His early involvement in the Akhila Kerala Balajanasakhyam, the largest children’s organization in Asia, instilled in him a profound sense of public service and social engagement.
Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa pursued his academic endeavours diligently, completing his schooling at Muttambalam Govt. L. P School and Kottayam MT Seminary High School, followed by collegiate studies at CMS College and Baselios College of Kottayam. Graduating from the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam, he was ordained as a Semmash (Deacon) on May 31, 1980, and as a Kaseessa (Clergy) on June 28, 1980. Furthering his theological pursuits, he attained advanced degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Boston University, specializing in Christian Education, which enriched his visionary leadership and deepened his theological insights..
On his pastoral journey, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa served with distinction in various parishes, with acclaim as a compassionate and effective parish priest. Recognizing his exceptional leadership and spiritual qualities, he was consecrated as a Ramban on February 11, 2005, and subsequently elevated to the Episcopa on May 14, 2005. He has served across several dioceses, including Chengannur – Mavelikkara, Thiruvananthapuram – Kollam, Mumbai, Delhi, Adoor, and Kottayam-Kochi, as the Diocesan Bishop. In January 2024, he was posted as the sixth Diocesan Bishop of the North American Diocese, embarking on a new chapter of service and stewardship.
Beyond his ecclesiastical duties, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa actively engages in socio-political spheres, endorsing democratic values and celebrating diversity. His notable contributions include service to the Socio-political Commission of the Mar Thoma Church and leadership roles in esteemed institutions such as the Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, SHIATS University, Bible Society of India Delhi Auxiliary, and Dharmajyothi Vidyapeet Theological Seminary.
Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa continues to exert his influence as a member of the World Council of Churches Executive Committee and Central committee, and the Bible Society of India's central council. His enduring legacy is marked by a steadfast commitment to empowering the Church at its grassroots, ensuring its relevance and resilience in an ever-changing world.
More details available at https://marthomana.org/diocesan-bishop/
Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas, Diocesan Secretary
Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas, Diocesan Secretary
Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas currently serves as the Diocesan Secretary of the North America Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church. He hails from Marol St. Stephens Mar Thoma Church, India, and has rich pastoral, academic, and administrative experience.
He holds a Master of Theology from United Theological College, Bangalore, a Bachelor of Divinity from Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam, and a Bachelor of Computer. Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas was ordained as a deacon on June 28, 2014, and as a priest on July 25, 2014.
Over the years, he has served in various capacities, including parishes such as Kozhencherry St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Baroda Bethel Mar Thoma Church, and Mar Thoma Church of Greater Washington. He has also served as the Bishop’s Secretary and Diocesan Missionary in the Mumbai Diocese.
His theological research focuses on Reimagining Christology in the Light of the Mission of the Mar Thoma Church among the Adivasis in Maharashtra, reflecting his deep commitment to contextual and missional theology.
Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas is married to Ajitha M. Alex, and they are blessed with two sons, Ethan Joel Samuel and Ephraim Joel.
More details are available at https://marthomana.org/diocesan-secretary/
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