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.