- 19 September, 2026
Kerala, September 19, 2026: Dr. Abraham Mar Julios, former Metropolitan Bishop of the Diocese of Muvattupuzha of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, has died at Pushpagiri Medical College in Thiruvalla. He was 81.
The bishop, who had stepped down from his pastoral responsibilities, had been living a retired life at the Thiruvalla Archbishop’s House. His death marks the passing of a senior Church leader who served in a number of important pastoral, academic and institutional roles during his ministry.
His funeral and burial are scheduled to take place on Monday.
Dr Abraham Mar Julios was born on 25 May 1945 in Kallooppara, Thiruvalla. His formation for priestly ministry included extensive studies in philosophy and theology.
He completed his philosophical studies at St Thomas Apostolic Seminary in Vadavathoor, Kottayam, before pursuing theological studies at the Propaganda College in Rome. He later obtained a doctorate in Biblical Theology from the Urban University in Rome.
His academic formation in Rome gave him a strong grounding in biblical studies, which became an important part of his wider ministry in the Church.
Before becoming a bishop, Dr Abraham Mar Julios served in several significant positions within the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
He served as Rector of St Mary’s Malankara Major Seminary in Thiruvananthapuram, where priests and seminarians were formed for ministry and service to the Church. His role placed him within one of the important institutions responsible for priestly formation in the Syro-Malankara tradition.
He also served as Director of Pushpagiri Medical College in Thiruvalla, contributing to the administration and development of an important Catholic healthcare institution.
These responsibilities reflected the breadth of his ministry, which extended beyond pastoral leadership to education, priestly formation and healthcare.
Dr Abraham Mar Julios was ordained and consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese of Muvattupuzha on 9 February 2008.
As Metropolitan Bishop, he served the Catholic community of the diocese and carried responsibility for its pastoral life and mission. His episcopal ministry followed years of preparation through theological education, seminary leadership and institutional service.
After completing his service as bishop, he retired to the Thiruvalla Archbishop’s House, where he spent his final years.
The death of Dr Abraham Mar Julios brings to a close a life closely associated with the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and its institutions.
From his early formation in Kerala and advanced studies in Rome to his leadership in priestly formation, healthcare and episcopal ministry, his career reflected a sustained commitment to the Church.
As clergy, religious and faithful prepare to gather for his funeral and burial on Monday, the former Bishop of Muvattupuzha will be remembered for the various responsibilities he carried throughout his years of service.
Courtesy : Deepika News Paper
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