Our Diocese
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 detail.
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.
Rev. George Abraham, Diocesan/Bishop’s Secretary
Rev. George Abraham serves as the Diocesan and Bishop’s Secretary. He is the member of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Kallooppara Tiruvalla.
After Graduating B.Sc. in Physics from Mar Thoma College Tiruvalla and BD in Theology from Gurukul Theological College, Chennai, he was ordained as a Deacon of the Mar Thoma Church on October 17,2008 and Priest on November 05, 2008. He also Graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Syriac language and literature from M.G University. During his 14 years of ministry, he has served in many parishes and mission fields in southern part of India.
George Abraham Achen Joined the Diocesan Office in May 2022, after serving as the Vicar of the Austin Mar Thoma Church from May 2021. Achen was also involved in the Mission outreach programs, Youth and Students Ministry of the Church. He is the author of several books including ‘Kristhuvinte Sugandham’ and ‘By the Rivers We Sat and Wept ‘.
