Metropolitan Archbishop His Grace Thomas Mar Koorilos

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 in Mar Severios Memorial School, Kadapra – Mannar, and secondary education in St. Mary’s School, Niranam and in 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 coordinator 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 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 Archeparchy of Tiruvalla on 26 March 2007, and was installed on 2 May 2007.

Presently serves as the Secretary to Holy Episcopal Synod of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, chairman of Liturgy, Ecumenism and dialogue. During the great havocs of Ockhi, Floods he organized many relief activities as the Chairman of KCBC Justice, Peace and  This included Care Homes, Special Schools, Diocesan Social Services Societies, Prison Ministry and Taxi Drivers Help Line, etc. He was also Governing Board Member of the St. John’s Medical College Bangalore and Caritas India, Delhi. He is also a member of the Pontifical Dialogue Commission, Rome and CBCI Chairman of Doctrine.