Philipose Mar Chrysostom, Syriac Orthodox Church Metropolitan
Syriac Orthodox Church Metropolitan

Philipose Mar Chrysostom

Born 27 April 1918 · Kerala — Died 5 May 2021

Serving as the world's longest-serving bishop for nearly 68 years in the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church.

Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma XX was an Indian prelate who served as Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church from 1999-2007 and Valiya Metropolitan from 2007 until his death. He was the world's longest serving bishop, serving for −67 years, 11 months and 12 days. He was addressed and referred to as Chrysostom Thirumeni or Valiya Thirumeni after his retirement. He was also a known humorist.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Philipose Mar Chrysostom served as a bishop for 67 years, 11 months, and 12 days, making him the world's longest-serving bishop at the time of his death.

The Story

1
🌟 In 1953, Philip Oommen was consecrated as Philipose Mar Chrysostom Episcopa at the age of 35, marking the start of a bishopric that would last nearly 68 years, the longest in the world.
2
In 1954, he traveled to the UK and enrolled at St. Augustine's College, Canterbury, deepening his theological education amidst post-war British Christianity.
3As president of the National Council of Churches in India, he represented the Mar Thoma Church at the World Council of Churches assemblies in Evanston (1954) and Uppsala (1968), engaging with global ecumenical movements.
4In 1962, he attended the Second Vatican Council as an official observer, a rare role for an Indian prelate, connecting Eastern and Western Christian traditions.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1962, Philipose Mar Chrysostom attended the Second Vatican Council as the official observer from the Mar Thoma Church, a rare honor for an Indian bishop at that historic global assembly.

🖼️

Through the Years

3 photographs from the archives
Philipose Mar Chrysostom at Pattathanam Govt SNDP UP School, Kollam (2015)
Philipose Mar Chrysostom at Pattathanam Govt SNDP UP School, Kollam (2015)
2015
Philipose Mar Chrysostom with Most Revd Dr Joseph Mar Thoma and Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II (2015)
Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan on his 101th birthday (2018)

🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth of Philip Oommen in Kerala
Born in the Adangappurathu Kalamannil family in Eraviperoor, Thiruvalla, Kerala, into a family with deep priestly traditions.
1918
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Career
Ordained as Deacon
Ordained as a deacon in the Malankara Mar Thoma Church, beginning his formal ministry.
1944
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Career
Consecrated as Episcopa
Consecrated as Philipose Mar Chrysostom Episcopa, starting a bishopric that lasted nearly 68 years.
1953
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Career
Attended World Council of Churches, Evanston
Represented the Mar Thoma Church at the assembly of the World Council of Churches in Evanston, USA.
1954
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Career
Observer at Second Vatican Council
Attended the Second Vatican Council as an official observer, bridging Eastern and Western Christian dialogues.
1962
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Career
Installed as Mar Thoma Metropolitan
Became the head of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, leading until 2007.
1999
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Career
Resigned as Metropolitan
Resigned from active leadership due to age and ill health, becoming Valiya Metropolitan (Metropolitan Emeritus).
2007
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Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received India's third highest civilian award for his contributions to spirituality and society.
2018
🕊️
Death
Passed Away at Age 103
Died in Thiruvalla, Kerala, after nearly 68 years as a bishop, leaving a lasting legacy.
2021
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

At age 90, his vision inspired the Mar Thoma Church to create 1,500 homes for the homeless, a massive social project launched in 2008 in Kerala.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He was known as a humorist bishop, famous for using wit and stories in sermons and public talks, making religious teachings accessible and lively to diverse audiences.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Philipose Mar Chrysostom represented the Mar Thoma Church at two World Council of Churches assemblies, Evanston in 1954 and Uppsala in 1968, engaging with global ecumenical leaders.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
അധികമുള്ള സ്വത്തു ഞങ്ങൾക്ക് വീതിച്ചു നല്കണമെന്ന് Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom
·YouTube
More from this archive
അധികമുള്ള സ്വത്തു ഞങ്ങൾക്ക് വീതിച്ചു നല്കണമെന്ന് Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom
01
അധികമുള്ള സ്വത്തു ഞങ്ങൾക്ക് വീതിച്ചു നല്കണമെന്ന് Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom
YouTube
ചിരിയുടെ തമ്പുരാനു പ്രണാമം....💐💐💐 Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan
02
ചിരിയുടെ തമ്പുരാനു പ്രണാമം....💐💐💐 Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan
YouTube
കണ്ണീരോടെ വിട അഭി.ഡോ.ഫിലിപ്പോസ് മാർ ക്രിസോസ്റ്റം മാർത്തോമ്മാ വലിയ മെത്രപ്പോലീത്താ #CARMEL_DARSHAN
03
കണ്ണീരോടെ വിട അഭി.ഡോ.ഫിലിപ്പോസ് മാർ ക്രിസോസ്റ്റം മാർത്തോമ്മാ വലിയ മെത്രപ്പോലീത്താ #CARMEL_DARSHAN
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Philipose Mar Chrysostom steered the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church through pivotal ecumenical engagements, including participation in the World Council of Churches and the Second Vatican Council, enhancing inter-church dialogue in India. His leadership in social initiatives, such as the Navathy housing project for the homeless, set new priorities for the church's community involvement. His unique blend of humor and spirituality influenced a generation of clergy and laity, fostering openness and modern engagement within the ancient Christian tradition of Kerala.

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