A Life Shaped by Faith, Ministry, and Scripture
I was born and raised in the vibrant state of Kerala, India, where my spiritual journey began at the heart of the Orthodox Church. Surrounded by ancient rituals, prayers, and fasting, the rich traditions of the Church became a defining aspect of my early life. These practices fostered a deep connection to a community of believers and instilled in me a profound reverence for our sacred past. My parents were my first spiritual guides, nurturing my sense of purpose and instilling values such as humility, compassion, and a commitment to serving others, as the Bible teaches: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
Early Spiritual Formation and Theological Exploration
As I grew older, my spiritual path broadened, exposing me to a diverse tapestry of belief systems and cultural traditions. Kerala, with its mosaic of religions, taught me the beauty of interfaith harmony, enriching my understanding of the world and deepening my appreciation for the wisdom embedded in various spiritual paths. Despite these diverse influences, I remained firmly grounded in the core teachings of the Orthodox Church, echoing the Apostle Paul’s words: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
During these formative years, my theological curiosity flourished. I found myself drawn deeper into the study of scripture and the exploration of the church in a contemporary context. Wrestling with the complexities of faith in a rapidly evolving world, I immersed myself in sacred texts and the rich theological traditions of Christianity. This intense period of study and reflection marked a turning point in my life, clarifying my calling and understanding of how God’s presence manifests in the everyday, resonating with Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Academic Pursuits and Theological Formation
Pursuing formal theological education was a natural extension of my spiritual journey. I began my academic pursuits with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kerala University, which sharpened my critical thinking skills and provided a deeper understanding of societal dynamics. This foundation led me to the Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kottayam, where I immersed myself in the rich traditions of the Syrian Orthodox Church. Here, I discovered my spiritual home within the ancient rhythms of Orthodoxy, where the writings of the early Church Fathers offered profound insights into navigating the complexities of faith, reflecting Proverbs 4:7: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
The wisdom of the Church Fathers became a cornerstone of my theological perspective, teaching me valuable lessons on humility, perseverance, and spiritual leadership. These teachings significantly shaped my ministry, guiding how I engage with others and serve within the Church, in line with the encouragement of 1 Peter 5:2: “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you.”
Ordination and Priestly Ministry
On September 18, 1992, a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey occurred when His Holiness Baselious Marthoma Mathews II ordained me as a priest in the Indian Orthodox Church. This sacred ordination marked a new chapter in my life, setting the course for a lifetime of faith and service. As an Orthodox priest, my ministry embodies both the practical and mystical elements of the faith, deeply rooted in the Church’s rituals while addressing the pastoral challenges of modern life.
Central to my priestly duties is the administration of Holy Communion, the cornerstone of Orthodox Christian worship. Each time I offer this sacrament, I am reminded of its profound connection between the Church of today and the apostolic tradition, making Christ present tangibly among His people, echoing the words of Jesus in John 6:56: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.” Beyond the altar, my responsibilities extend into the lives of those I serve, offering spiritual guidance and administering God’s grace through the Sacrament of Confession. These moments of pastoral care are sacred opportunities to witness God’s work in the lives of individuals, following James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
My priestly duties also encompass celebrating the sacraments of baptism, marriage, and funerals. Each sacrament represents a unique encounter with the divine—baptism as the beginning of life in Christ (Romans 6:4), marriage as a sacred union blessed by God (Ephesians 5:31-32), and funerals as a farewell filled with hope in eternal communion (1 Thessalonians 4:14). These rituals not only connect individuals to the divine but also bind the community together in shared faith and tradition.
Journey into Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care
The loss of my parents was a deeply transformative experience, profoundly impacting my perspective on life and ministry. This personal loss guided me toward a calling in chaplaincy and spiritual care, areas where I felt a renewed sense of purpose. In 2017, I began my chaplaincy journey with a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit, seeking to enhance my pastoral skills and connect with people from diverse faiths in complex, often heartbreaking situations. This training reaffirmed my identity as a servant of God, equipping me to meet individuals at their most vulnerable moments, much like Jesus’ call to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
Over the years, I completed additional CPE units, each offering new insights and expanding my capacity to provide pastoral care in healthcare settings. The challenges were numerous, but each experience was deeply enriching, helping me grow as a chaplain and solidifying my resolve to pursue this path with a commitment to self-reflection, emotional resilience, and compassionate care. This holistic approach to spiritual care became my guiding principle, allowing me to offer authentic service to those in need, inspired by the words of Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
In 2019, I embarked on the CPE Residency Program at Memorial Hermann Hospital System, where I encountered patients grappling with various medical and emotional crises. This residency was a crucial period of learning, exposing me to the multifaceted nature of human suffering and the unique role of chaplaincy in providing comfort and support. By the end of my residency, I had completed eight units of CPE certification across various hospital environments, each adding a unique layer of experience and wisdom to my chaplaincy practice, in line with Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Commitment to Ongoing Ministry and Education
My journey into chaplaincy has been both a vocational commitment and a deeply personal endeavor, requiring introspection, learning, and the grace to recognize my limitations. As I continue to serve, I aspire to become a certified chaplain, expanding my ability to provide spiritual care to individuals from all walks of life and faith. My dedication lies in guiding others through the complexities of terminal illness, loss, and life’s most challenging moments, fostering spaces for healing, comfort, and positive transformation, as encouraged by 2 Corinthians 1:4: “Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
I am pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Chaplaincy to deepen my knowledge and enhance my capacity to serve. This advanced study draws upon my theological education, extensive pastoral experience, and years of chaplaincy work, equipping me with the skills to offer meaningful spiritual care. As an Orthodox priest and spiritual care provider, I consecrate souls during the Holy Liturgy, lifting them to God and invoking His grace. This sacred work anchors my ministry, reminding me daily of my purpose and fueling my commitment to personal spiritual growth and community care, embodying the essence of 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Looking forward, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and energy. My journey as a chaplain involves continuous self-actualization, spiritual growth, and an unwavering commitment to my faith and community. Each day, I draw strength from my theological and pastoral training, a rich wellspring of empathy, and the sacred responsibility of guiding others through their most vulnerable moments. As I walk alongside those in their final hours and support their families in their grief, I am grateful for the profound and holy work that God has entrusted to me, reflecting the spirit of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
My life and ministry are a testament to the enduring power of faith, learning, and tradition. Every experience, encounter, and challenge has contributed to my personal and ministerial growth. As I continue to serve the Church and its people, I remain committed to honoring the influences that have shaped my journey, drawing upon the timeless wisdom of the Orthodox faith to guide my path and inspire those I encounter. My ongoing mission is to be a vessel of God’s love, compassion, and grace in all I do, echoing the call of Micah 6:8: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
