The former Metropolitan of Malankara Orthodox church (Delhi diocese) His Grace Job mar Philoxenos has been promoted to glory in this morning.
His Grace was born on 8 May 1939. His mother was a niece of HH Baselios Geevarghese II. His Grace belongs to the tradition of the Mount Tabor Ashram in Pathnapuram, Kerala. From his childhood days itself he was set on the path to holiness through the legacy of the great Church father His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II.
He became a member of the hallowed Ashram at the young age of 16 and was ordained a deacon the very next year. He went on to concentrate on academic pursuits and became a priest at the age of 33. Having honed his skills in English, HG gained a reputation as a revered teacher of the language in St Stephen’s College at Pathanapuram. The Church sought the services of this able father far beyond the precincts of the Ashram with a call to the Episcopate at a relatively young age of 51. Thus on 30th April 1991, he was raised to the rank of Bishop, along with four others.
Mar Philoxenos has committed himself to the administrative requirements of Delhi Diocese, taking on its reins from the illustrious First Metropolitan of the Diocese HG Paulos Mar Gregorios, after the demise of the latter in 1996.
‘Philoxenos Thirumeni’, as he is affectionately referred to by his flock, ably manages the Diocese from his abode at the Delhi Orthodox Centre in Tughlakabad. His Grace draws strength for these from a life of prayer, one fortified with readings from philosophical works like the world renowned gem ‘Philokalia’ which itself means ‘love of goodness and beauty’.
Under his able guidance, the Delhi Diocese has witnessed remarkable progress in the last few years. His love for humanity gets reflected in the social activities he is driving in Shantigram a hamlet near Sohna, Haryana--Shantigram Orphanage and Shantigram Vidyanikethan School. All these braving his multiple ailments.
Courtesy: Mr. Bejoy Jacob
Courtesy: Mr. Bejoy Jacob