Diocese of North America & Europe

The Mar Thoma Church has been dynamically involved in the socio-cultural settings of North America and Europe for the past 30 years. Fundamentally an immigrant Church, she has contextualized her ministry in her new life situation without compromising the rich ethos and tradition received from her motherland of Kerala, India. Currently, under the rubric of the Diocese, there are 71 parishes and 7 congregations. in the Diocese with 72 clergy, including the retired.

The Diocese is presided by the Diocesan Bishop Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos. The Diocesan Assembly is the representative body of the churches within the Diocese. In order to execute the decisions of the Diocesan Assembly, a Diocesan Council functions. Currently, Rev. Denny Philip serves as the Diocesan Secretary. The Office Bearers mentioned above constitute the Diocesan Council Executive Committee.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa

Diocesan Bishop

Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa, born in 1953 in Kerala, is the Diocesan Bishop of the Mar Thoma Church in North America and Europe as of January 2024. With advanced theological education from Princeton Theological Seminary and a doctorate from Boston University, he has served in various dioceses across India and is known for his leadership in youth and women’s ministries, as well as advocacy for marginalized communities. His global involvement includes roles with the World Council of Churches and the Bible Society of India. Now leading over 68 parishes and 13 congregations in the U.S. and Canada, he emphasizes mission work, theological education, and equipping the next generation for holistic ministry.‍

Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas

Diocesan Secretary

Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas, originally from Marol St. Stephens Mar Thoma Church in Mumbai, assumed office as Diocesan Secretary (also serving as Bishop’s Secretary) of the Mar Thoma Diocese of North America in May 2025. He holds an M.Th. from United Theological College, Bangalore, a B.Div. from Mar Thoma Theological Seminary (Kottayam), and a B.Sc. in Computer Science. Ordained deacon on June 28, 2014, and priest on July 25, 2014, he has served in parishes including Kozhencherry, Baroda Bethel, and Greater Washington, and previously served as Bishop Secretary and Diocesan Missionary in the Mumbai Diocese. His theological research explores reimagining Christology for Mar Thoma mission among Adivasi communities in Maharashtra. Married to Ajitha M. Alex, he and his wife have two sons.