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HIS GRACE MOST REV. DR. THOMAS MAR KOORILOS
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla
His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla, belongs to the family of Chakkalapadickal, a branch of the noble, traditional family of Panackamattom. He was born on 19 October 1958 as the seventh son among the ten children of Ninan Varghese - Aleyamma couple. He belongs to the parish of St. Catherine Malankara Catholic Church, Kadapra-Mannar in the revenue district of Pathanamthitta. The parents made a splendid involvement in bringing him up devoted to Church and zealous in spiritual concerns. He completed his primary education in St. Mary’s L.P. School, Thevarakuzhy, upper primary education at Mar Severios Memorial School, Kadapra - Mannar, and secondary education at St. Mary’s School, Niranam and St. Thomas School, Thevery.
Having decided to devote himself to the service of the Lord, he joined the Minor Seminary of the Eparchy of Tiruvalla on 10 June 1974. He completed his higher secondary education in St. Berchman’s College, Chenganacherry. He was sent to Papal Seminary, Pune, for his philosophical and theological studies. He was ordained priest on 30 December 1985 by His Excellency Isaac Mar Yoohanon. Later he was the Vicar of parishes at Kumali, Vandanmedu, Chettukuzhy, Mulakkaramedu, Kattapana, Pazhayarikandom, Niranam East (Alamthuruthy)
In 1988, he was appointed the secretary to His Excellency Geevarghese Mar Timotheos. Meanwhile, he was the vicar of parishes at Niranam central and Pandankari. In 1989, he was given the charge as the co-ordinator of the Malankara Catholic Community in Delhi.
His desire to pursue his studies spread its wings when he was allowed to do research in Canon Law. He obtained a doctorate in Canon Law from Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome. After his studies he rendered his services as the Chancellor and the Judicial Vicar of Eparchy. Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of the Eparchy of Tiruvalla on 5 July 1997. He was ordained bishop on 17 July 1997 by Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Timotheos, at St. John’s Cathedral, Tiruvalla.
On 15 January 2003, he was appointed the first Metropolitan of the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha and was enthroned on 6 February 2003. After the election of His Grace Isaac Mar Cleemis as the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Malankara Catholic Church, Mar Koorilos was appointed as the second Archbishop of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla on 26 March 2007 and was installed on 2 May 2007. Presently His Grace is serving as the Secretary of the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Catholic Church.
The heavenly patron is St. Cyril of Jerusalem, 18 March
HIS GRACE MOST REV. DR. THOMAS MAR KOORILOS
Born: 19-10-1958
Ordained Priest: 30-12-1985
Announcement as Auxiliary Bishop of Thiruvalla: 26-05-1997
Episcopal Ordination: 17-07-1997
Announcement as the Bishop of Muvattupuzha: 15-01-2003
Installation as the Bishop of Muvattupuzha: 06-02-2003
Announcement as the Second Metropolitan
Archbishop of Thiruvalla: 26-03-2007
Installation as Metropolitan Archbishop of Thiruvalla: 02-05-2007
Feast of Heavenly Patron- St. Cyril of Jerusalem: 18th March