Bishop Mor Gregorios Joseph appointed as new Catholicos of the Syriac Orthodox Church in India

KERALA, India — Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II announced the appointment of Bishop Mor Gregorios Joseph as the new Catholicos of the Syriac Orthodox Church in India, succeeding Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I. The announcement was made during the Divine Mass held on Sunday in Kerala, India.

Patriarch Aphrem II, who is currently on an apostolic visit to Kerala, emphasized that the Church unanimously endorsed Bishop Mor Gregorios Joseph for the role, recognizing his long-standing contributions to the faith and community.

Bishop Mor Gregorios Joseph, born in 1960 in Parumala, India, brings a wealth of academic and theological expertise to his new position. He holds a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Dublin, Ireland, and completed postgraduate studies in theology in the United States. He also earned a doctorate in theology. His previous roles include serving as the head of the Madras Sunday School Organization of the Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church from 1996 to 2002.

Patriarch Aphrem II, who arrived in India last Saturday, initially planned to stay in Kerala until 17 December. However, sources indicate that he will return to Lebanon earlier to address the needs of believers in light of the recent developments in Syria.