LL HG Joseph Mar Pachomios Metropolitan | Aug 19

Joseph Mar Pachomios was born to, Poovathumkal Iype Varkey and Annamma Valiyakattayil on June 19, 1926, in North Mulakulam. He had his schooling at St. Joseph High School, Piravom. At a very young age, he was initiated into the study of Syriac language, the Scriptures, and priestly rites under the late Malpan Fr. Kuruvilla Thomas Poovathumkal, his great paternal uncle. He completed the Intermediate Course at Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta. He did his Post-Graduation in History and Politics at St. Albert College Ernakulam and further pursued higher studies in theology at St. Michael College, Cardiff, England.

He was ordained as a deacon by HH Catholicos Baselios Geevarghese II on April 8, 1945, and as a priest by HH Catholicos Baselios Augen I. Fr P. V. Jospeh served as vicar in the parishes of Fort Kochi, Ernakulam, Singapore, Malayasia, London, Paranthal and Vayalithara. He served as the office secretary to Holy Episcopal Synod and vice president of Orthodox Youth Movement. During this period, he was selected as an episcopal candidate by the Malankara Syrian Christian Association held at Niranam in 1974. He was professed as a Ramban by HG. Daniel Mar Philoxenos on February 16, 1975, at Puthencavu Church and the next day February 17, 1975, he was consecrated Metropolitan by HH Catholicos Baselios Augen I, at a solemn ceremony at Niranam.

He took charge as the Asst. Metropolitan of Kottayam and later, he was appointed Metropolitan of Kandanad. He served the Church in various other capacities such as: Secretary to the Holy Episcopal Synod, Assistant to the Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan, Manager of Corporate Schools under the Church, Chairman of Finance Committee, Member of Marriage Tribunal, Member of the Holy Episcopal Synod’s standing Committee, Vice-President of Co-operative credit societies, Member of the Governing Board of Orthodox Theological Seminary, Member of Inter-Church Relation Committee, Vice-President (ex-officio) of Malankara Medical Mission Hospital Kolenchery and so on. 

His mastery over the Syriac language, the in-depth knowledge of rites and rituals and the mellifluous rendering of it, conjured up a spell of spiritual rapture translating the devotees to the sublime realms of heavenly bliss. A prolific writer and regular contributor to ‘Malankara Sabha’ magazine and other periodicals, he authored many books including the biography of Catholicos Baselios Paulos I (Murimattathil Bava). Incidentally HG Abraham Mar Epiphanios, Metropolitian of Sulthan Batthery was baptised and ordained as a Kassiso by Pachomios Thirumeni

Sincerity, simplicity and straightforwardness were his capital assets. His articles and speeches, delivered with words cast in the mould of real-life experiences, kindled the spiritual firmament of the Malankara Church. In preference to his own life, he lived a Church-life, overwhelmingly full of inspiring words mightier than swords and redeeming deeds nobler than virtues, writing unforgettable chapters in the annals of Malankara Orthodox Church. He had the reputation as a great scholar in Church history and was predominantly an ever-vigilant sentinel of Malankara Church. His close acquaintances with other faiths helped him to showcase the unadulterated perfect example of Oriental Orthodoxy with remarkable self-confidence.

One of the modern architects of Malankara Church, Metropolitan Joseph Mar Pachomios along with those Fathers who assiduously and untiringly rowed the Church to the port of safety at a time when the prospects of the Church were in the doldrums due to the simmering factional feuds and disputes. His total dedication and commitment to the cause he espoused, contempt for hypocrisy, piety, altruism, candour, sense of humor, endeared him to everyone who came across with him. He was deeply and passionately committed to the cause of serving the sick and the poor. As the assistant to the Catholicos and the Malankara metropolitan, he gave a new lease of life and vitality to the strife-stricken Church by setting Church governance back on track.

He lived for the Church, forgetting his own life, overwhelmingly full of inspiring words and redeeming deeds nobler than virtues, writing unforgettable chapters in the annals of Malankara Orthodox Church. He entered on eternal rest on August 19, 1991, from Cardiac arrest and was laid to rest in the St. George Orthodox Church Karmelkunnu Church, Mulakulam.