Spiritual Fathers

His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios, was a senior bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. He was a pioneering spiritual leader whose life was devoted to the service of God, the Church, and the faithful. Born on May 26, 1926 His Grace displayed early signs of piety and dedication to the faith. He completed his primary education at the local school and pursued his theological studies with great zeal, eventually earning a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.), a Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.), and a Doctorate in Theology (Th.D.), demonstrating his unwavering commitment to spiritual and academic excellence.

His Grace received the clerical title of "Korooyo" at a young age, signifying his early consecration to a life of holiness. He was ordained a deacon and later a priest by His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II, Catholicos of the East. He was ordained a priest in 1952 by His Holiness Catholicos Geevarghese Baselios II. He came to New Delhi, the capital city of India, and organized congregations in North Indian cities. He became the first vicar of Orthodox Church in New Delhi.

It was during the time of the litigation of the Church that His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios showed his ingenuity as leader and scholar in Church History. He helped the lawyers of the church understand the history, traditions and Canons of the Church. This was instrumental in seeking an historic verdict by the Supreme Court of India in favor of the Church in 1958. Despite the victory in the court, Bishop Makarios was an astounding figure for the unity of the Orthodox Church. There were many on both fractions of the Church who looked up to him and hoped for the unity of the church under his leadership. 

His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios has studied in various religious institutions in England, Germany, Switzerland and France. He has been in the U.S since 1963 and earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Nashota House in Wisconsin, a Master's of Sacred Theology from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Theology from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond. He returned back to India and worked as a professor of Church History at Orthodox Theological Seminary in India. In 1975, His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios was consecrated as a Metropolitan by His Holiness Catholicos Augen I. In the same year The Catholicos appointed His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios the first metropolitan of Diocese of Bombay.

In 1979 His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios was installed as the first metropolitan of the Diocese of America of the Indian Orthodox Church. Under his leadership, he laid the foundation stones of churches and spiritual organizations being established to serve the needs of the growing Orthodox community. His Grace was deeply committed to the spiritual nourishment of his flock, tirelessly preaching, teaching, and providing pastoral care. Despite resistance, he played a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding the Church's presence among the faithful in North America. He was considered the most “misunderstood” bishop of the church because his vision for the church expanded beyond the boundaries of India. His vision of the Orthodox Church for those who hail from India, particularly for future generations of American-born Indian youths is still a dream. His love and passion for the youth of the Church was unwavering. 

Since 1985, His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios has been teaching religion at Alma College in Michigan. Amidst his stewardship as a Senior Metropolitan of the church in western hemisphere, he sets aside the time to come to his deeply loved family at Alma College. He believed that he can help give students a deeper insight into the `mysterious' insight of the Orthodox Church of the East. In recognition of His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios' achievements and contributions to church and society, the college awarded him the degree of Doctor of Divinity Honorees Causa in 1990. His scholarly background and eloquence in English made him a prominent figure on the global stage, representing the Malankara Orthodox Church in ecumenical dialogues and theological forums.

The American diocese was divided in 1992 as two dioceses by name Diocese of America and Diocese of Canada, UK and Europe. Since then he was ruling the diocese of Canada, UK and Europe as its bishop.

The family of His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios is noted for submitting themselves at the service of God through the Indian Orthodox Church. Very Rev. K C Mathew Cor Episcopa is one of his brothers. Another brother, Lazarus Ramban is a monk. Sister Mary, one of his sisters is a nun.

Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios was a visionary leader who emphasized education and community building. He encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in their Orthodox faith while embracing their roles as global citizens. His humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Church made him a beloved shepherd and an inspiring role model.

On February 23, 2008, His Grace was called to eternal rest during his pastoral visit to England. He was interred at Devalokam Aramana Chapel, Kottayam. His legacy continues to inspire the youth of America whom he touched with his love and laughter.

May the memory of H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios be eternal, and may his life of devotion and service continue to guide and bless generations to come.

Hon. Capt. K. Pappan, a beacon of faith, love, and service, was born on November 2, 1927. He lived a life marked by extraordinary dedication to God, family, and community until his repose in the Lord on July 12, 2008. A man of steadfast prayer, prophetic wisdom, and remarkable kindness, he was widely revered as a role model during his distinguished career in the Indian Army and in his years thereafter.

Capt. Pappan was not only a leader but also an ardent preacher who inspired countless people with his words and actions. A man of great humility, he was deeply committed to the teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church, which he upheld with unwavering devotion. Even in his later years, his discipline in fasting exemplified his profound faith—he observed fasts every Wednesday until noon in commemoration of the Holy Theotokos, St. Mary, and every Friday until 3 p.m. in remembrance of the Passion of Christ.

What set Capt. Pappan apart was his extraordinary gift of remembrance and prayer. He had an unparalleled ability to recall the names of everyone he had encountered, from childhood to old age, and would recount each of them by their names in his daily prayers. These prayers, often lasting hours, reflected his deep connection to God and his heartfelt care for others.

Capt. Pappan's life was one of remarkable generosity. He selflessly distributed the majority of his personal income to help the poor and needy throughout his town and greater disapora, embodying Christ's teachings of love and compassion. Many of his financial contributions were done in secrecy and was only revealed to his family members years after his passing in chance encounters with those who were recipients of his generation donations. He especially made efforts to donate to the construction and formation of churches throughout various parts of Kerala.

His prophetic visions, coupled with his caring, loving, and kind demeanor, touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. He was considered a “living saint“ among them.

One of the most extraordinary and defining moments in the life of Hon. Capt. K. Pappan unfolded during his service in the Indian Army. After being medically pronounced dead, his body was placed in a morgue for several days. When his family arrived to claim his remains, a miraculous event occurred.

As his body was brought out of the morgue, his wife—a woman of deep faith and unwavering strength—fell at his feet, weeping in sorrow. Remaining by his side despite the officers’ insistence that she leave, she suddenly felt a faint movement in his feet. Convinced by what she experienced, she adamantly declared to the military officers that he was not dead.

Though skeptical at first, the officers, moved by her determination, agreed to check his pulse. To their utter astonishment, Capt. Pappan was alive. This divine intervention not only defied all expectations but also left the Indian military and everyone who witnessed it in awe of what could only be described as a miracle.

After months of recovery when he returned home, the President of India wrote to him stating, ‘We sent Capt. Pappan to heaven however, heaven sent him back to us.’

K. Pappan recounts that he saw the vision of the Risen Lord ascending to heaven. Upon his return, he had commissioned an artist to paint a life-like painting of the Risen Lord and donated it to his mother church.

Throughout his young and adult life he often reflected on the visions he experienced in his dreams of St. Mary and St. Gregorios of Parumala whom he gained inspiration toward living a life of holiness.

Even as he held significant responsibilities during his service in the Indian Army, he remained steadfast in his role as a spiritual guide and example. His saintly life, deeply rooted in prayer and sacrifice, was an inspiration to those around him, whether in uniform or in his community.

Capt. K. Pappan's legacy is one of holiness, service, and enduring love for God and humanity. His life continues to inspire those who seek to walk the path of faith and generosity.

He prayed daily and was an astounded advocate for the unity of the Orthodox Church. 

May his memory be eternal.

His Grace Daniel Mar Philoxenos was born on May 10, 1910. He completed his primary education, Bachelor’s degree in Physics,  Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree and Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) from various universities from India.

At the age of 12, he received the clerical title of "Korooyo" from H.G. Vattasseril Geevarghese Mar Dionysius (later Saint of the church). He was ordained as a deacon by His Holiness Catholicos Geevarghese II on December 11, 1938, and later as a priest on June 9, 1944.

In 1951, Daniel Mar Philoxenos was selected for a higher ecclesiastical position. On September 21, 1951, His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II, Catholicos of the East, elevated him to the rank of Ramban (Monk). Subsequently, on May 15, 1953, at Mar Elia Cathedral, Kottayam, he was consecrated as Metropolitan Daniel Mar Philoxenos, assuming leadership of the Thumpamon Diocese.

His Grace was instrumental in safeguarding the Church's faith, fostering theological education, and developing the diocese both spiritually and administratively. He established spiritual organizations and initiatives that strengthened the Church's mission.

His Grace represented the Church on the global stage. In 1953, he participated in the World Council of Churches (WCC) General Assembly in Evanston, Illinois, and in 1961, he attended the Pan-Orthodox Conference in Greece. He was also present at the consecration of the Russian Patriarch in Moscow in 1963 and participated in the 1965 WCC Conference in Ethiopia. His international journeys included visits to England, the United States, France, and the Holy Land, reflecting his deep engagement with the broader Christian community.

On December 13, 1990, His Grace entered eternal rest and his mortal remains were interred in Basil Aramana, Pathanamthitta.

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I (1921–2014) was the 7th Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan. Born C. T. Thomas in Nedumbram, Kerala, he was ordained as a deacon in 1939 and as a priest in 1942. Elevated to the episcopate in 1966, he became the Catholicos in 2005, serving until his retirement in 2010.

A theologian and visionary, Didymus I was known for his simplicity, wisdom, and deep spirituality. He contributed significantly to the development of the church's theological education and pastoral care initiatives.

Despite his advanced age during his tenure, he maintained an active role in guiding the church and fostering harmony among its members.

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II (1946–2021) served as the 8th Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Born K. I. Paul in Mangad, Kerala, he was ordained as a deacon in 1966 and later as a priest in 1973. He was consecrated as a bishop in 1985 and became the Catholicos in 2010.

Known for his spiritual depth, unfiltered candidness, honesty and humility, he focused on strengthening the church and fostering its global presence. He played a pivotal role in several ecumenical dialogues and emphasized charitable work. Under his leadership, the church saw growth in its mission activities and social outreach programs.

Despite much resistance, he envisioned a Malankara Orthodox Church that respected the Indian apostolic lineage of St. Thomas and honored the Supreme Court verdict of 1958.