Joseph Mar Thoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Beatitude the Most Reverend Aboon Joseph Mar Thoma |
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| of the Apostolic See of St.Thomas | |
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| Church | Mar Thoma Syrian Church |
| Enthroned | 2 October 2007 |
| Predecessor | Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma |
| Successor | Theodosius Mar Thoma |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 18 October 1957 |
| Consecration | 8 February 1975 |
| Rank | Mar Thoma Metropolitan (Ecclesiastical Title of the Head of the Ancient Indian Church) |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | P. T. Joseph |
| Born | 27 June 1931 Maramon, Pathanamthitta, Travancore, British Raj |
| Died | 18 October 2020 (aged 89) Thiruvalla, Kerala |
| Buried | Syrian Christian Seminary, Thiruvalla |
| Nationality | Indian |
Joseph Mar Thoma XXI (born P. T. Joseph) was a very important leader of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. He was the 21st Metropolitan, which means he was the main head of the church. He served in this role from 2007 until his passing in 2020.
Contents
Early Life and Family
A Family of Church Leaders
Joseph Mar Thoma XXI came from a family with a long history in the church. Many important leaders of the Malankara Church and Marthoma Church were part of his family.
His family, the Palakunnathu family, settled in Maramon, Kerala, a long time ago. This family has produced many significant figures in the church. For example, Abraham Malpan, a key leader in reforming the Malankara church, was his ancestor. Other Metropolitans like Mar Thoma XIII, Thomas Mar Athanasius (Mar Thoma XIV), and Titus I Mar Thoma (Mar Thoma XV) also came from this family. Joseph Mar Thoma himself and his uncle, Titus II Mar Thoma, were born into this respected family.
Growing Up
P.T. Joseph was born on June 27, 1931. His parents were Palakunnathu T. Lukose and Mariamma. He grew up in Maramon.
He went to school in Maramon and Kozhencherry. Later, he studied at Union Christian College in Aluva, where he was also a part of the college basketball team.
Becoming a Church Leader
Studies and Ordination
Joseph first wanted to have a career in academics, but he felt called to study theology. In 1954, he joined the United Theological College in Bangalore, India. There, he earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree.
He became a deacon in the Mar Thoma Church on June 29, 1957. Soon after, on October 18, 1957, he was ordained as a kasseessa, which is a priest. He then continued his studies abroad. He went to the Protestant Episcopal Seminary in Virginia, USA. After that, he studied in Canterbury and Oxford in England. He earned Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Sacred Theology (STM) degrees. Later, the Virginia Seminary gave him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.
Becoming a Bishop
In 1974, the Mar Thoma Church decided it needed more bishops. P.T. Joseph was chosen as one of the new bishops. He was ordained as a Ramban (a special rank before becoming a bishop) on January 11, 1975.
On February 8, 1975, Juhanon Mar Thoma, the Metropolitan at the time, along with other bishops, ordained P.T. Joseph. He was given the title Joseph Mar Irenaeus. Another bishop, Rev. V.T. Koshy (who became Easow Mar Timotheos), was also ordained on the same day.
In 1999, he was named a suffragan metropolitan. This meant he was a senior bishop helping the main Metropolitan.
Leading the Church
The Malankara Throne
The Mar Thoma Church has a special chair called the Malankara Throne. This throne was first used in 1653 when Mar Thoma I became the first bishop of the Malankara Church.
This historic throne is kept by the Mar Thoma Church in Thiruvalla. It has been used for the installation of every Mar Thoma Metropolitan since then. This tradition shows the continuous line of leadership in the church. Joseph Mar Thoma XXI was also installed using this very throne.
Becoming the Metropolitan
On October 2, 2007, Joseph Mar Irenaeus became the 21st Mar Thoma Metropolitan. The previous Metropolitan, Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma, decided to pass on his responsibilities. He did this because of his old age and health. Philipose Mar Chrysostom continued to be known as 'Valiya Metropolitan', which means 'Senior Metropolitan'.
Important Contributions
Joseph Mar Thoma was involved in many important activities. He was the President of the National Council of Churches in India. He also held leadership roles in other organizations like CCA and CASA.
He helped build many centers for the church and community. One example is Tharangam - Mission Action Centre. This center helps with church activities and missions.
He also encouraged new ways to make worship more appealing to young people. This included introducing modern music and using digital platforms like DSMC studio and blogs.
Joseph Mar Thoma cared deeply about the environment. He actively supported efforts to protect the Pampa River. The famous Maramon Convention, a large Christian gathering, takes place on the banks of this river.
He started the Navajeevan organization to help children living on the streets in Mumbai. He also made important changes at the Maramon Convention. He lifted the ban that prevented women from being out late at night during the convention. He also invited members of the transgender community to speak at the convention, showing his commitment to inclusion.
Ordination Dates
| Ordained as deacon: 29 June 1957 |
| Ordained as kasseessa (priest): 18 October 1957 |
| Ordained as ramban: 11 January 1975 |
| Consecrated as episcopa (bishop): 8 February 1975 |
| Designated as suffragan metropolitan: 15 March 1999 |
| Installed as metropolitan: 2 October 2007 |
Succession
| Preceded by Philipose Chrysostom Marthoma (Mar Thoma XX) |
Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church (Mar Thoma XXI) 2007–2020 |
Succeeded by Theodosius Mar Thoma (Mar Thoma XXII) |
Death
Joseph Mar Thoma passed away on October 18, 2020, due to pancreatic cancer.
See also
- Throne of St. Thomas
- Syrian Malabar Nasrani
- Saint Thomas Christians
- Christianity in India
- List of Syrian Malabar Nasranis
