Our Diocesan Bishop
"A scholar of Church History and a shepherd of visionary mission"
Rt. Rev. PD Dr. Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa
Rt. Rev. PD Dr. Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa is a distinguished Church historian, theologian, and spiritual leader of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. Born on 19th August 1970 as the son of Karamvelimannil Sri. Thomas Daniel and Smt. Saramma Thomas of Kochukoickal Trinity Mar Thoma Parish, he has dedicated his life to theological scholarship, ecumenical dialogue, and the mission of the Church across India and around the world. He was consecrated as Episcopa on 2nd December 2023 at the Holy Madbaha prepared at the Thiruvalla SCS ground.
Journey of Faith & Scholarship
Educational Background & Ordination
His Eminence is an expert on Church history whose academic journey reflects exceptional scholarly dedication. He completed his B.A. in History from St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry, and then pursued M.A. in History from Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta — where he secured the First Rank and was awarded the University Gold Medal for his outstanding performance.
He advanced his theological exploration by completing an M.Th. in the History of Christianity at FFRRC, Kottayam, in 2006. He then earned his D.Th. in History of Christianity from the University of Bern, Switzerland, in 2014. Building on this, he began postdoctoral (Doctor Habil) research in 2019, completed it in 2024, and secured the prestigious Habilitation from the University of Bern in Church History — one of the highest academic qualifications in the European university system.
Scholarly Publications & Academic Contributions
He is the author of several significant scholarly books and has published articles in prestigious academic journals. His published works make substantial contributions to the study of Church history, ecumenism, and the theology of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church.
- One Family Under Heaven (New Delhi: ISPC, 2008) — 138 pages
- Ecumenism in Praxis: A Historical Critique of the Malankara Mar Thoma Church, Studies in the Intercultural History of Christianity, Vol. 159 (Frankfurt: Peter Lang, 2014) — 328 pages
- The Mar Thoma Ecclesiology: Roots, Reforms and Reach — 214 pages
His writings and theological musings reflect a wide sense of the historical importance of the Church, alongside a great vision for its contemporary mission. He currently serves as Privatdozent (Professor) at the Christkatholisches Institute, Department of Theology, University of Bern, Switzerland, and as Professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. He also functions as a guest lecturer at various universities across Europe.
Ecumenical Leadership & Institutional Roles
His Eminence has represented the Mar Thoma Church in various ecumenical platforms, including the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA). He served as a member of the Policy Reference Committee of the WCC Karlsruhe Assembly in 2022, reflecting the global recognition of his theological leadership.
- Member — European Society for Ecumenical Research
- Executive Committee Member & Council Member — United Theological College, Bangalore
- Governing Board Member — Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam
- Senate Member — Serampore University
- Member — Mar Thoma Theological Commission
- Executive Committee Member — Fellowship of Indian Denominational Churches in Malaysia and Singapore (FIDC)
- General Committee Member — NCCS Singapore
He currently teaches at the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, Kottayam and F.F.R.C., Kottayam, in addition to his professorial roles in Europe. His leadership combines deep scholarly grounding with a broad ecumenical vision, making him one of the most internationally connected voices in the Mar Thoma Church today.
Parish Ministry & Pastoral Service
Before his consecration as Episcopa, he served the Church with pastoral dedication across a wide range of parishes spanning India and the diaspora. He had the privilege of serving as Chaplain to the then Metropolitan Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma, gaining invaluable experience in the highest levels of church leadership.
He also served as a faculty member for the History of Christianity at the E.J. Institute, Kompady, and at the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, shaping the next generation of clergy with his scholarly expertise. He was installed as Ramban on 2nd October 2023 at Pazhavangadikkara Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Ranni, along with Rev. Saju C. Pappachan and Rev. Mathew K. Chandy, by Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Suffragan Metropolitan.
He has a deep knowledge of the history of the Church and a great vision for its mission. His ministry continues to be marked by intellectual rigor, ecumenical openness, and faithful pastoral care to all whom he serves.