Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas, Bishop’s Secretary
Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas currently serves as the Diocesan Secretary of the North America Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church. He hails from Marol St. Stephens Mar Thoma Church, India, and has rich pastoral, academic, and administrative experience.
He holds a Master of Theology from United Theological College, Bangalore, a Bachelor of Divinity from Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam, and a Bachelor of Computer. Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas was ordained as a deacon on June 28, 2014, and as a priest on July 25, 2014.
Over the years, he has served in various capacities, including parishes such as Kozhencherry St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Baroda Bethel Mar Thoma Church, and Mar Thoma Church of Greater Washington. He has also served as the Bishop’s Secretary and Diocesan Missionary in the Mumbai Diocese.
His theological research focuses on Reimagining Christology in the Light of the Mission of the Mar Thoma Church among the Adivasis in Maharashtra, reflecting his deep commitment to contextual and missional theology.
Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas is married to Ajitha M. Alex, and they are blessed with two sons, Athan Joel Samuel and Ephraim Joel.
Served in the following Parishes and organizations
EBENEZER MAR THOMA CHURCH, PIDAVOOR 2008 – 2011
RAJAGIRI MAR THOMA CHURCH, KOODAL P. O.
SALEM MAR THOMA CHURCH, ANGADICAL NORTH P. O., 2011 – 2013
BETHEL MAR THOMA CHURCH, KAIPATTOOR
ST. THOMAS MAR THOMA CHURCH, KAIPATTOOR
ST. MATHEW’S MAR THOMA CHURCH, CHOORAKOD 2013 – 2017
EBENEZER MAR THOMA CHURCH, ELAMPALLIL,
ST. THOMAS MAR THOMA CHURCH, VAYAKAL 2017– 2020
MISSION FIELD AT PACHAYIL MUKKU MAR THOMA CONGREGATION, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
AUSTIN MAR THOMA CHURCH, TEXAS 2021– 2022
MAR THOMA CONGREGATION OF SAN ANTONIO, SAN ANTONIO, TX