Paulose Mar Gregorios

Bishop Paulose Mar Gregorios, was Metropolitan of Delhi Diocese of the Orthodox Syrian Church. for over two decades.

Early Life

Gregorios was born on August 9, 1922 at Tripunithura, in a traditional Christian family to T.P. Paiely and Aley. Young Paul was a brilliant student. Paul Varghese started his career as a freelance journalist, contributing articles and reports to various newspapers in Kochi and Malabar. Later after working with the Cochin Transport Company, he joined the Post & Telegraphs Department in 1942. He took up a job as a teacher in Ethiopia. As a teacher in Ethiopia, he imbibed the rich culture of the Ethiopian people, mastering Amharic their ancient and official language. The Ethiopian Emperor, H.H. Haile Sellassi, learned about his capabilities and enthusiasm and soon took him under his wings. The strong bond of friendship that developed between them helped Paul Varghese to head various institutions in Ethiopia. He was reminded of his promise to God, to dedicate his life for others in a vision. He was sent to the United States for higher studies. He received his education from Goshen College, Oklahoma University, Princeton and Yale. In 1954, he returned to India with a Masters Degree in Theology. He worked as a Director of the Fellowship house in Alwaye and a visiting Professor of Union Christian College, Alwaye. In 1955, he joined the faculty of The Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam. He also served as the General Secretary of Orthodox Students Christian Movement. During the Ethiopian Emperor's visit to India, in 1956, Paul Varghese was persuaded to return to Ethiopia. He served as Emperor's personal aide and advisor.

Priest

In 1958, he returned to India and was ordained as Deacon. In 1961 he was ordained as Fr. Paul Varghese by the Catholicose, the supreme head of the Church. Fr. Paul Varghese continued to pursue theological studies. He did his Doctoral studies in Oxford and Germany and received his Doctorate in Theology from Serampore University in Calcutta. He had an over wakeful luminous mind. The locus of his vision was the Kingdom of God, and the basis of his theology was the Christian affirmation of the Union of God and humanity in Christ, perfect union of divinity and humanity without confusion and separation. This cosmic vision enabled him to head numerous important and responsible position of W.C.C. (World Council of Churches). He served as Associate General Secretary, Member of Central and Executive Committee and Member of Commission of Faith and Order. He was one of the Presidents of W.C.C. (1983-91) and Vice-President of Christian Peace Conference (1970-90). In 1967, he was appointed as the Principal of Orthodox Theologian Seminary, Kottayam. As Metropolitan, on February 16, 1975, by H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Augen I. A year later, H.G. Dr. Paulose Mar Grgorios took charge of the Delhi Diocese. He established the Delhi Orthodox Centre. Dr. Paulose Mar Gregorios left for his heavenly abode on November 24, 1996.

Works

The Joy of Freedom, The Gospel of the Kingdom, The freedom of Man, Be still and Know, Freedom and Authority, The Quest of Certainty, The Human Presence, Truth without Tradition, Science for Sane Societies, Cosmic Man, The Indian Orthodox Church - an overview, Enlightenment, East & West, The meaning of Diakonia, etc.etc.

Awards

Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Service and Inspired leadership of the World Church, Cambridge (UK), Order of St.Vladimir (USSR), Order of St.Sergius, First Rank (USSR), Order of St.Mary Magdalene (Poland), Doctor of Theology - Leningrad Theological Academy (USSR), Doctor of Theology - Lutheran Theological Academy (Budapest), Doctor of Theology - Jan Hus Faculty (Prague), Doctor of Theology (h.c.) Orthodox Faculty (Czechoslovakia), The International Biographical Roll of Honour for Distinguished Service to World Unity and Understanding among Religions(USA), Distinguished Leadership Award for Extraordinary Service, Peace and Unity(USA), Hall of Fame Award for Extraordinary Services to Peace and Unity(USA), Hidalgo de San Antonio de Bejar (Texas, USA), Otto Nusche Prize for Peace(GDR), Soviet Land Nehru Award (India), Man of the Year Award, Bhai Param Vir Singh International Award (India), Golden Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement (USA), Eminent Ecumenical Educator Award (India), Acharya Award (India), distinguished Alumnus Award (Princeton Theological Seminary), Oskar Pfister Award, American Psychiatric Association (USA), Social Services Award, Goshen College (USA).

Source

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