Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa
Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa is a distinguished spiritual leader, theologian, and scholar whose impactful ministry has significantly shaped the Mar Thoma Church and its global outreach.
Born on August 16, 1953, to Kanjirathara K.C. Uthup and Sosamma of Kottayam Manganam St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Parish, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa (Rev. Dr. K.U. Abraham) pursued his early education at Muttampalam Government L.P. School and Kottayam M.T. Seminary High School. He continued his higher studies at CMS College, Kottayam Baselios College, and University of Allahabad before undertaking theological education at the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam.
He was ordained as a Semmash (Deacon) on May 31, 1980, and as a Kaseessa ( Priest) on June 28, 1980. His passion for theological education and spiritual formation led him to Princeton Theological Seminary for higher studies, culminating in a doctorate in Christian Education from Boston University. After serving serval parishes and holding various responsibilities, the Church selected him to be the bishop of the Church.
On February 11, 2005, he was consecrated as a Ramban by Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Thirumeni at Kottayam Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church. He was later elevated to the episcopacy with the title Mar Paulos Episcopa on May 14, 2005, by Padmabhooshan Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan at Syrian Christian Seminary, Thiruvalla.
From an early age, Bishop Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos was actively engaged in public and ecclesiastical service, beginning with his involvement in the Akhila Kerala Balajana Sakhyam, a student social service organization in Kerala. His exceptional leadership qualities were evident through his tenure as the General Secretary of the Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam, where he played a pivotal role in organizing Children’s Maramon as part of the centenary celebrations of the Sunday School Samajam. As the President of the Mar Thoma Suvishesha Sevika Sangham during its centenary celebrations, he organized the World Mar Thoma Women’s Meet, further strengthening the Church’s commitment to empowering women in faith and service. His influence extended beyond the Church, serving as the Chairman of the Socio-Political Commission of the Church, Director Board Member of CMC Ludhiana and SHIATS University, Vice President of the Bible Society of India, Delhi Auxiliary, Chairman of Dharmajyoti Vidyapeet Seminary.
Bishop Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos has served as the Diocesan Bishop for several regions, including Chengannur-Mavelikkara, Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam, Mumbai-Delhi, Adoor, and Kottayam- Kochi. On January 1, 2024, he was appointed as the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of North America.
His leadership extends globally as the member of Central Committee and Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), positioning the Mar Thoma Church as a vital participant in ecumenical dialogues and collaborations. He is also the Executive Committee Member & Working Committee Member of Bible Society of India. Through this role, he has strengthened the Church’s presence in the global Christian community, fostering interfaith understanding and unity.
Renowned for his scholarship, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to social justice, Bishop Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos has been a guiding force in expanding the Church’s presence and engagement with contemporary issues. His extensive academic experiences across both Eastern and Western theological traditions provide him with a unique perspective that continues to inspire and enrich the lives of countless individuals. With a deep affinity for the youth and a nurturing spirit towards children, he envisions the Diocese as a dynamic nexus fostering holistic growth and spiritual development.
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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.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa’s ministry is characterized by a steadfast dedication to uplifting the marginalized and advocating for social justice. He has been a stalwart advocate for the rights of transgender people and Dalits in India, significantly contributing to the Christian response to their struggles. Moreover, his organizational prowess is evident in his leadership of transformative initiatives such as the Children’s Maramon and Global Mar Thoma Women’s Meet. These events, organized on the centenary celebrations of Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam and Mar Thoma Suvishesha Sevika Sangham respectively, underscore his exceptional coordination and organizational skills.
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.