Metropolitan Zachariah Mar Theophilos Enters Eternal Rest
Dr Ajesh T Phillip – OCP Delegate of the Indian Sub-Continent – 24/10/17
+Memory Eternal+
Kerala- India: His Grace Zachariah Mar Theophilos -Metropolitan of the Malabar diocese of the Indian Orthodox Malankara Church entered eternal rest on 24/10/17. Mar Theophilos was well known for his kindness and the Prelate was a great philanthropist. An outstanding charity champion, the Metropolitan was a also a well known Orthodox scholar.
BIOGRAPHY
His Grace, a member of St Geroge Orthodox Church, Chengaroor, was born on 16 September 1952 to Mr MP Chandapillai and Mrs Achamma Chandapillai, Manjanamkuzhiyil, Puthussery South Post, Kallupara, Thiruvalla. He had his early education in local schools at Kallupara, and college education at Marthoma College, Thiruvalla. After taking his Bachelors Degree in Science (BSc Maths) from the University of Kerala, he joined Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, for theological studies. After his Graduate Degree in Sacred Theology (GST) from Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, he joined the Bachelor of Divinity (BD) degree at the Senate of Serampore University. After taking his MTh from FFRRC, Serampore, he completed research studies in “Bible and Holy Land Past and Present” at St George College, Jerusalem. The St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, New Jersey, USA, conferred on him a Degree of Doctor of Ministry in the faculty of Theology for his dissertation, “Strengthening Prayer Life in Parishes”.
He has widely travelled in the Gulf and European countries. He received the order of Deacon from His Grace Yoohanon Mar Severios in 1977. On 15 May 1991, His Grace Dr Philipose Mar Theophilose Metropolitan ordained him a Priest at St George Orthodox Church, Chengannur. He served the church as fulltime General Secretary of MGOCSM from 1999 onward and held the post of Warden, Student Centre, Trivandrum and Kottayam, Visiting Faculty of St Basil Bible School, Sasthamcotta, Governing Board Member of Thadakam and Manganam Ashrams.
Besides being a scholar, His Grace is an exceptionally good organizer and a preacher. His Grace is given the charge of Malabar Diocese.
Source:
OCP News Service
