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Very Rev. Vayithra Punnose Corepiscopo occupies a distinguished place in the modern ecclesiastical history of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church as an exemplary priest, theologian, canonist, and steadfast defender of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch.
Renowned for his unwavering commitment to Orthodox doctrine, disciplined spiritual life, and deep pastoral sensitivity, Vayitra Punnose Corepiscopa was widely regarded as a model clergyman whose life integrated prayer, fasting, canonical fidelity, and scholarly engagement. He served for nearly six decades as Vicar of St. John’s Jacobite Syrian Church, Attamangalam, Kumarakom, during which time he became an indispensable spiritual father to his parishioners and a trusted authority within the wider Malankara Church.
Vayithra Punnose Corepiscopo was distinguished by his uncompromising adherence to Orthodox faith and discipline, particularly in matters concerning the authority of the Holy See of Antioch, which he firmly believed to be the authentic source of unbroken and pure priesthood. As a theologian and canon-law expert, he earned widespread recognition for his clarity of thought and doctrinal precision. His mastery of the Syriac language was exceptional, placing him among the foremost Syriac scholars of his generation in Malankara.
He enjoyed the confidence and affection of several Patriarchs of Antioch and served as their principal translator and close companion during their visits to Malankara. From Saint Sleeba Mor Osthathios—who is interred at the Simhasana Church, Kunnamkulam—through successive Patriarchal delegates and hierarchs who visited Malankara up to 1987, Vayithra Punnose Corepiscopo functioned with distinction as a bilingual intermediary. During the apostolic visit of Patriarch Ignatius Elias III, he acted as a constant companion and translated several of the Patriarch’s historically significant sermons into Malayalam.
The emergence of the Antiochian Syrian Movement in Malankara stands as a testament to his courageous leadership and theological clarity. This movement, initiated and guided under his influence, played a decisive role in shaping what is today recognized as the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Malankara. Often described as one of the architects of the modern Malankara Church, he endured considerable hardship to preserve doctrinal integrity and ecclesiastical unity rooted in the Antiochene tradition.
As a parish priest, he exemplified the ideal synthesis of pastoral responsibility and canonical discipline, faithfully observing the Church’s liturgical cycle, prayer traditions, fasting practices, and ecclesiastical regulations. His life and ministry left an indelible imprint on the Manjinikkara pilgrimage community, where his spiritual guidance and teaching are remembered with enduring reverence.
Vayitra Punnose Corepiscopa was born on 28 May 1901 at Vayitra, in the parish of St. John’s Jacobite Syrian Church, Attamangalam, Kumarakom, as the son of Punnan Iype and Achamma. In 1920, he received the rank of Qoruyo from Patriarchal Delegate Saint Sleeba Mor Osthathios. In February 1929, at Attamangalam Church, he was ordained to the priesthood by Mor Julius Elias. His elevation to the rank of Corepiscopo took place in May 1975 at the Patriarchal Cathedral, Damascus, where Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Jacob III conferred upon him this honour.
Vayithra Punnose Corepiscopo served continuously as Vicar of St. John’s Church, Athamangalam for fifty-eight years, an exceptionally long and stable pastoral tenure. He passed away on the evening of 30 December 1987, and his mortal remains were laid to rest on 31 December 1987 at St. John’s Jacobite Syrian Church, Attamangalam, Kumarakom.
His life stands as a compelling example of priestly fidelity, scholarly excellence, and ecclesiastical leadership, and continues to occupy a place of lasting significance in the historical memory of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church.
