Yuhanon Mar Dioscoros

Childhood

H.G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros Metropolitan was born in Kallarackal Kaleelil family on 28 May 1964 as the son of Late Mr P. T. Mathunny Panicker & Late Mrs. Kunjamma Panicker. He is a member of St Thomas Orthodox Valiyapally, Kundara. He obtained his B.Sc degree from Kerala University (1984), theological diploma (GST) from Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam, Bachelor of Divinity (BD) from Serampore University (1988), Master of Theology (1991) and Doctor of Theology (1995) from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome. He also holds a certificate in Pastoral Counseling from Glasgow University, Scotland (1997).

Priestly Life

He was ordained as sub-deacon on 13 June 1987 and deacon on 15 May 1989 and on 3 June 1989 he was ordained to the holy priesthood by the late HG Geevarghese Mar Dioscorus, metropolitan of Trivandrum Diocese. He was the director of Holy Trinity Centre for Disabled Children, Trivandrum (1990–91), professor and registrar of the Theological College of the Holy Trinity, Addis Ababa of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (1994–1997), and the programme secretary of the Sophia Centre, Kottayam (1997–2006).

He served as the vicar of Sreekaryam Mar Baselios Gregorios, TVM (1989–90), Makkulam St. George, TVM (1997–2000), Narickal St. Mary’s, TVM (2000–03), Valakam Mar Gregorios, TVM (2003–06), Koorthamala St. Mary’s, Chengannoor (asst vicar, 1998-02), Kurichimuttom St. Stephen’s, Chengannoor (vicar, 2002–04) Pullad St. George, Chengannoor (2004–06) and now serving as the chaplain of Old Seminary, Kottayam and the vicar of Kundara Kadeestha, TVM, from 2006 onwards. He is currently the professor and dean of studies of Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, registrar of Divyabodhanam-the laity theological training programme of the church, joint secretary of St. Thomas Orthodox Vaidika Sanghom, chief editor of Malankara Sabha Monthly, publisher of Purohithan Quarterly, editorial board member of Bethel Pathrika, editorial board member of St. Ephrem Theological Journal, (Satna), executive committee member of TLC, Thiruvalla, member of the Joint International Dialogue between Roman Catholic Church and Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. He has authored five books and numerous articles and a good preacher, teacher and a retreat father.

Metropolitan of Madras Diocese

The Malankara Syrian Christian Association met on 11 September 2008 at Pampakuda elected him as the bishop along with six others. On 4 December 2008 His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Didymos I professed him as Ramban. On 19 February 2009 he was ordained as bishop by His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Didymos I, at St. George Orthodox Church, Puthuppally.