Our Very Rev. Philip Thomas Cor Episcopa is among the first Malaysian citizens to enter the order of glorious priesthood in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. We, as members of the church, could not be more proud of our beloved Achen as he remains a vital figure in the St Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Philip Thomas Achen was born on 4th July 1955. He received the calling and decided to join the Orthodox Theological Seminary at Kottayam in 1977 and completed his B.D. in 1982. Achen was also given the privilege to serve as the secretary of H.G. Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios of blessed memory. He was then ordained by H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Thimothios (H.H. Baselios Marthoma Didimos I) on 6th May 1984. His ordination was the first ordination service witnessed by the parish in Malaysia. Respected Philip Achen was raised to the status of Cor Episcopa by the Church on 1st Dec, 1996 by H.G. Zachariah Mar Dionysius of Madras Diocese.
Very Rev. Philip Thomas Cor Episcopa is widely recognized as an excellent orator, spiritual leader and administrator. He has catered to the spiritual needs of three generations of faithful Malankara Orthodox Syrian Christians living outside of India and has been successful in nurturing them in the faith of the Holy Orthodox Church. He has served as the Vicar of St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral in Malaysia for about thirty years. He is also serving as the Chairman of the Student Christian Movement (SCM) in Malaysia, Vice-President of the National Council of Churches of Malaysia, Director of the Community Center for Inter-Faith and Peace initiative, Co-Chairman of Friendship group for Inter-religious services (FGIS) and Director of the Y.M.C.A Kuala Lumpur. He is also member of the Urban Rural Mission Commission of the C.C.A. He was the chief speaker at the International Sufi Conference conducted at Lahore.
Directly or indirectly, Achen has impacted the lives of each and every parish member. He continues to guide us spiritually through life. Achen serves as a mentor and spiritual guide for all parish members, especially the Youth Fellowship and Sunday School. He stresses on the importance of being holistic Christians, matching our faith with action and good works, in the hope that we will be driven to make a difference.
We continue to pray that Philip Thomas Achen remains in the best of health and continues to lead our parish to greater heights.