His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho
Chairman & President, St. John’s Theological Seminary
His Eminence Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho serves as the Chairman and President of St. John’s Theological Seminary and as the Patriarchal Vicar of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church in North America. As the chief shepherd of thousands of faithful across the United States and Canada, His Eminence has dedicated his life to the preservation of the sacred faith and traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church, while guiding its people with vision, humility, and steadfast devotion.
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Born in 1970 to Pathickal P. M. Kuriakose and Sosamma, His Eminence hails from the Perumbavoor Bethel Suloko Cathedral of the Ankamaly Diocese in Kerala, India. His early education was at the Asram High School in Perumbavoor, followed by undergraduate and graduate studies at Union Christian College in Alwaye, where he completed both his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mathematics. He went on to obtain his Bachelor of Education degree from Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala, a testament to his early commitment to learning and teaching.
The call to serve Christ and His Church came at an early age. On October 28, 1982, at just twelve years old, he was ordained as a Deacon (Qoruyo) by the late Mor Athanasius Paulose (Kadavil), Metropolitan of the Evangelical Association of the East. In 1997, His Eminence was invited to study at the St. Ephrem Patriarchal Seminary in Damascus, Syria. His Holiness the Patriarch ordained him Ramban on September 26, 1998, and then Priest on September 5, 1999. His theological education was rooted in both the Patriarchal Seminary at Damascus and the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary at Udayagiri, India. During this formative time, he also immersed himself in the spiritual life of monasteries in Jerusalem, Turkey, Holland, Germany, and Switzerland, gaining a rich and global perspective of the Church’s heritage.
Following the passing of His Eminence Mor Gregorios Geevarghese (Perumpally) in 1999, Mor Titus Yeldho was entrusted with the responsibility of serving as Administrator of the Perumpally St. George Simhasana Church and its affiliated institutions. In addition to his pastoral duties, he contributed actively to civic and social causes, serving from 1995 to 2001 as State Vice-Chairman and National Executive Board Member of the YMCA in India.
In 2001, His Eminence was deputed to New York to assist the Malankara Archdiocese of North America. During this period, he faithfully ministered to several parishes while also pursuing advanced theological education, completing his Master of Divinity degree from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in 2003. Recognizing his leadership, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, consecrated him on January 4, 2004, as the Archbishop and Patriarchal Vicar of the Malankara Archdiocese of North America. This historic consecration, held at St. Peter’s & St. Paul’s Cathedral in Ma’arat Saydnaya, Damascus, ushered in a new era of stability and growth for the Archdiocese.
Unique among the hierarchs of Malankara, Archbishop Titus is the only prelate to have received five successive ordinations—Sub-deacon, Full Deacon, Ramban, Priest, and Metropolitan—directly from the Supreme Head of the Church, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. Since his consecration, His Eminence has worked tirelessly to strengthen and expand the Church in North America. To date, he has established over sixty parishes and congregations throughout the United States and Canada, providing spiritual homes for countless faithful. He has also ordained more than sixty-three Deacons, of whom nineteen have entered the Holy Priesthood, ensuring the future leadership of the Church.
His Eminence’s vision has not been limited to parish life alone. Under his leadership, the Archdiocese purchased its permanent headquarters in New Jersey, fulfilling a decades-long aspiration of the faithful. The headquarters, which continues to develop through careful renovations, has become a center of spiritual life and administration, with the final dream being the construction of a grand Cathedral. His Eminence’s leadership is also evident in the establishment of St. John’s Theological Seminary, where, as Chairman and President, he is shaping an institution that will form future clergy and lay leaders deeply rooted in the Syriac Orthodox faith, Scripture, liturgy, and pastoral care.
Beyond the Archdiocese, Archbishop Titus represents the Syriac Orthodox Church in North America within the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches (SCOOCH). In this role, he collaborates with sister Oriental Orthodox hierarchs, fostering ecumenical unity, dialogue, and a common Christian witness.
His Eminence is widely known as a gifted preacher, teacher, and spiritual father. His sermons inspire the faithful to live their Orthodox faith with renewed devotion, while his pastoral care reflects the compassion of Christ. Whether addressing large gatherings or meeting with individuals, he embodies the words of the Lord: “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27).
Archbishop Titus continues to balance his pastoral responsibilities with his academic pursuits, currently working toward his doctoral program in the United States. His life remains a testimony of humility, scholarship, missionary zeal, and unwavering dedication to Christ and His Church. As Archbishop, Patriarchal Vicar, and Chairman & President of St. John’s Theological Seminary, His Eminence has become a beacon of faith and leadership, guiding the Syriac Orthodox faithful in North America with vision and love.
His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak
Vice President, St. John’s Theological Seminary
His Eminence Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak serves as Vice President of St. John’s Theological Seminary and Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of the Eastern United States. A faithful shepherd, scholar, and servant of the Holy Church, His Eminence has devoted his life to theological education, pastoral ministry, and ecumenical dialogue, becoming one of the leading hierarchs of the Syriac Orthodox Church in North America.
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Born in Damascus, Syria, on May 27, 1966, His Eminence is the son of Aziz and Adele Kawak. In 1984, he began his studies at the University of Damascus in the School of Economics, focusing on economic studies. However, sensing the call to serve Christ and His Church, he entered the St. Ephrem Syriac Theological Seminary in Damascus in 1987. On December 24, 1989, in St. George’s Cathedral, Damascus, he professed the monastic vows of the Holy Church.
Graduating from the Seminary in 1990 with a degree in theological studies, His Eminence was chosen by His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas (+2014), Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, to pursue advanced studies at the prestigious Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome. There he mastered Italian and immersed himself in the study of Eastern and Oriental liturgics. During this time, he also spent periods of study at St. Ephrem Monastery in the Netherlands under the guidance of the late Archbishop Mor Yulius Issa Cicek (+2005). In 1993, he graduated with honors with a Master’s degree in Eastern Liturgics, writing his thesis in Italian on The Holy Virgin Mary in the Book of the Common Prayer (Shhimo) of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Upon returning to Syria, His Eminence was ordained to the priesthood on July 10, 1994. From 1995 to 2015, he was entrusted with pastoral and educational responsibilities: serving as spiritual adviser to the Patriarchal Center for Christian Education in Damascus, Director of the Patriarchal Choir at St. Ephrem the Syriac Cathedral, and professor of Syriac liturgy and liturgical theology at the Seminary in Ma’arat Saydnaya. Between 2005 and 2006, he also ministered as parish priest of St. Mary’s Church in Saydnaya, while continuing to form future clergy as a seminary educator.
His service extended beyond Syria when, at the request of then-Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim (now His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II), Patriarch Zakka I sent him to the United States in 2006. There he served as parish priest of St. Aphraim Church in Washington, D.C., while also ministering to the newly established St. Philoxenus of Mabug parish in Roanoke, Virginia, and assisting the faithful of St. Helen Church in Indiana. His faithful pastoral service reflected his zeal to strengthen and organize the growing Syriac Orthodox diaspora in America.
In 2008, His Eminence returned to Damascus to serve as Director of the Patriarchal Office. On March 21, 2010, Patriarch Zakka I consecrated him as Archbishop and confirmed him as Director of the Patriarchal Office. In 2015, His Holiness Patriarch Aphrem II appointed him as Patriarchal Assistant and later as Patriarchal Delegate to the Eastern United States. The following year, on May 27, 2016, His Eminence was enthroned as Patriarchal Vicar of the Eastern United States, a position he faithfully continues to hold.
Since his enthronement, Archbishop Kawak has been a tireless builder and organizer. He has established new parishes—including the Mission Parish of St. Jacob of Serugh in North Carolina and St. Matthew the Hermit in Michigan—to meet the pastoral needs of the growing Syriac Orthodox population. He has strengthened existing parishes, nurtured youth ministries, and supported clergy across the Archdiocese. Close to his heart has always been the care of youth, to whom he has devoted special attention from the very beginning of his ministry.
His Eminence is also a respected figure in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. Since 1995, he has represented the Patriarchate at numerous international conferences, seminars, and meetings on Christian education, Christian-Muslim dialogue, and ecumenical cooperation. He has served on committees of the Middle East Council of Churches related to health services, refugee care, and human resources development, as well as on the World Council of Churches Preparatory Committee for Prayer at the Ninth General Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil (2006). He coordinated the Youth Commission of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in the Middle East and has worked extensively on curriculum development for Christian education within Syria. His contributions reflect his vision of the Church as both guardian of its ancient tradition and an active witness to the world.
Fluent in Syriac, Arabic, Italian, and English, and with a strong command of French, His Eminence is a man of culture, education, and pastoral depth. His academic, pastoral, and ecumenical experiences have uniquely prepared him to serve both the local Archdiocese and the global Church.
As Vice President of St. John’s Theological Seminary, His Eminence brings this wealth of experience to theological education in North America. He envisions the Seminary as a center of learning where future priests, deacons, and lay leaders will be deeply rooted in Scripture, the Syriac Orthodox liturgical heritage, and the apostolic faith, while also being prepared to meet the spiritual and pastoral challenges of today’s world.
His Eminence Archbishop Mor Dionysius John Kawak is known for his humility, warmth, and accessibility. He continues to inspire the faithful with his sermons, pastoral care, and personal witness, living the words of Christ: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). His leadership as Vice President of St. John’s Theological Seminary ensures that the Seminary, together with the Archdiocese, remains a beacon of faith, learning, and unity for generations to come.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Jerry Jacob, MD, PhD
Chief Executive Officer, St. John’s Theological Seminary
Rev. Fr. Dr. Jerry Jacob, MD, PhD, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of St. John’s Theological Seminary, uniting a lifelong devotion to the Church with distinguished accomplishments in higher education, medicine, and institutional leadership. Both as a priest of the Syriac Orthodox Church and as a seasoned academic administrator, he embodies the Seminary’s mission to form faithful, learned, and servant-hearted leaders.
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Born to Chevalier Babu Jacob Nadayil and Kunjamma Jacob, Dr. Jacob was nurtured in the faith from a young age and entered the holy altar as an altar boy at just five years old. His lifelong spiritual journey reflects the values instilled in him by his family and the Church, shaping a vocation of service that bridges both pastoral ministry and academic leadership.
Dr. Jacob earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 2005 and went on and completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical and Health Sciences in 2023. He has further enhanced his academic and professional formation through advanced executive training, completing various programs at Cornell University in 2021, including Executive Healthcare Leadership. Over the course of nearly two decades, he has built an extensive career in medical education, serving in senior leadership roles that include Chief Executive Officer of two major medical organizations, Clinical Dean at One Brooklyn Health in New York, and Assistant Dean for the Medical University of Lublin. Through these positions, he has successfully guided institutions through accreditation processes, international partnerships, student advancement initiatives, and innovative program development, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and service.
On June 12, 2004, he was ordained Deacon (Qoruyo) at St. Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church, White Plains, New York, by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho—the very first ordination performed after His Eminence’s consecration as Archbishop. He was later elevated to the sacred order of Full Deacon (Shamshono) on September 10, 2009, at St. Athanasius Cathedral, Puthencruz, India, by His Beatitude Mor Baselios Thomas I together with His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho. On July 14, 2012, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood (Qashisho) by His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho in the presence of His Eminence Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim, who today serves as His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
Rev. Dr. Jacob has been actively involved in the life of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church in North America since the 1990s, offering his support even before his ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. His close working relationship with His Eminence Mor Titus Yeldho has been a defining part of his ministry, collaborating on countless spiritual, pastoral, and administrative initiatives since the Archbishop’s consecration. This collaboration continues to the present day, as Fr. Jerry works closely with the Archbishop on various projects vital to the Archdiocese.
In addition to his priestly ministry across multiple parishes in the northeastern United States, Fr. Jerry has contributed significantly to the administrative life of the Archdiocese. He has served three terms on the Archdiocesan Council, including two terms as the Archdiocesan Secretary. In this capacity, he played a central role in strengthening the Archdiocese’s spiritual, financial, and organizational life, working to foster unity, transparency, and growth. His leadership has also been instrumental in the Archdiocesan renovation projects, including the restoration of the Archdiocesan Headquarters and the development of the Archdiocesan Cathedral, ensuring that these sacred spaces reflect the dignity and mission of the Church.
Currently serving as priest of St. George Syriac Orthodox Church in Carteret, New Jersey, Fr. Jerry continues to balance his pastoral ministry with his responsibilities in education and administration. As CEO of St. John’s Theological Seminary, he leads the institution with a vision rooted in the Gospel and the ancient traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church, while at the same time engaging the realities of modern academia and ministry. His unique combination of academic expertise, administrative leadership, and pastoral devotion allows him to bridge the worlds of education and faith, ensuring that the Seminary forms leaders who are intellectually prepared, spiritually grounded, and ready to serve the Church with humility and strength.
Rev. Dr. Jerry Jacob is blessed in his family life, together with his wife, Baskyomo Blessy, and their two children, Hannah and Noah, who continue to be a source of joy and support in his ministry and service.
He firmly believes in the Seminary’s guiding motto: “Not to be served, but to serve.” His life and ministry stand as a living witness to that call.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Joseph, PhD
Dean & Chief Academic Officer, St. John’s Theological Seminary
Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Joseph, PhD serves as the Dean & Chief Academic Officer of St. John’s Theological Seminary. He is a priest of the Syriac Orthodox Church, born in Vellicodu, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India, to the late Mr. P. T. Joseph and Mrs. Ammini Joseph. He has devoted his life to the service of the Church through pastoral ministry, theological education, academic scholarship, and social engagement. Over the course of his vocation, he has served the Church and academy in India, New Zealand, the United States, and Australia, ministering to diverse communities of the faithful across multiple continents.
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Academic Formation
Fr. Dr. Jacob Joseph pursued higher theological studies culminating in the Doctor of Theology from the University of Divinity, Melbourne, where he received the Chancellor’s Award in 2020 for academic excellence. His doctoral dissertation, “The Christ Who Embraces: An Orthodox Theology of Margins in India,” provides an Orthodox perspective on mission and marginality in the Indian context. He also holds the Master of Theology and Bachelor of Divinity from Serampore College (University), Calcutta; a Master of Arts in English Literature from Kerala University, Trivandrum; and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala.
Academic and Ecclesiastical Service
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Fr. Jacob has made significant contributions to theological education and research. He serves as Lecturer at St. Athanasius Coptic Theological College, Melbourne, Associate Professor at Holy Transfiguration College, USA, and Lecturer at the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary in India. He has also served as Guest Lecturer at Pilgrim Theological College (University of Divinity, Melbourne), where he has taught on Dalit Theology, Christology, and Miaphysite theology.
His teaching and research interests span Patristic and Contemporary Theology of Mission, Orthodox Theology, Oriental Liturgies, Church History, and the interface of theology with culture and anthropology.
As a scholar, he is the author of The Christ Who Embraces: An Orthodox Theology of Mission (Brill, 2025) and editor of Millennium Vision (2002). His numerous academic articles include contributions to Springer’s Encyclopedia of Indian Religions (2023), CISRS’s Religion and Society (2025), and Hekamtho: Syrian Orthodox Theological Journal, among others. He has also written widely in Malayalam, underscoring his ability to serve both global and local audiences.
Leadership and Service
Beyond academia, Fr. Jacob has held key leadership roles, including Academic Director at Holy Cross College of Management and Technology in Kerala, where he oversaw both academic and administrative functions. He has also served as Editor of Vision Journal and as Mission Coordinator and Trustee of the Gram Jyoti Social Welfare Center in Maharashtra, where he worked to uplift marginalized communities through education and welfare initiatives.
Pastoral Ministry
Ordained to the holy priesthood on 21 August 1999, Fr. Jacob has served as vicar and assistant vicar to parishes across India, New Zealand, the United States, and Australia. His pastoral ministry has been marked by his ability to minister to both traditional communities in India and diaspora congregations in Western countries. Through his liturgical leadership, pastoral care, and teaching, he has guided the faithful in deepening their Orthodox identity and spiritual life.
Personal Life
Fluent in Malayalam, Hindi, and English, Fr. Jacob also nurtures interests in music, travel, and reading. He is married to his wife, Baskyomo Deepa Jacob, and together they are blessed with two sons, Hansel and Georgy.
Dr. Mathew Idichandy Alapurath, Ed.D
Director, St. John’s Theological Seminary
Dr. Mathew Idichandy Alapurath, Ed.D serves as a Director of St. John’s Theological Seminary. He is a distinguished educator, visionary leader, and dedicated community servant whose career spans more than three decades in educational administration and international community engagement. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the International Educational Foundation (IEFAUSA, Inc.), where he continues to champion educational innovation, global collaboration, and student empowerment.
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Dr. Alapurath is the son of the late Mr. Idichandy Alapurath and Mrs. Annamma Idichandy Alapurath. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Bangalore University before pursuing advanced studies in Political Educational Administration, Fundamentals of Supervision, and Special Educational Administration at the State University of New York (SUNY), New Paltz. He further completed graduate coursework in Natural Science and Special Education at St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC), New York. Most recently, he was conferred the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from European American University.
Professional Career
Beginning his career as an ICSE School Manager in India, Dr. Alapurath later served as Assistant Director at Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he gained invaluable experience in higher education administration and received recognition for his contributions to enrollment management and student success. In 2018, he ranked second-highest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission examination for Education Administration Manager, underscoring his professional expertise.
At IEFAUSA, Dr. Alapurath continues to focus on advancing global education initiatives, conducting workshops and seminars, and providing guidance to students and educators worldwide.
Leadership & Community Engagement
Dr. Alapurath is deeply committed to community service. At the age of 25, he established the Alapurath Charitable Trust and became a founding board member of the International Educational Foundation, through which he has dedicated his life to improving educational access. He has served on multiple advisory boards, coordinated international student programs, and was instrumental in founding the STAC International Students Club, which fostered multicultural awareness and global connections.
Awards & Recognition
Over the years, Dr. Alapurath has been recognized with numerous awards and citations for educational leadership and community service, including commendations from Pennsylvania state officials, Drexel University, and several community organizations.
Philosophy & Personal Ethos
He lives by the guiding principle of “Simplicity, Sincerity, Honesty, and Hard Work (SSHH), with Knowledge as the Central Pillar.” This personal philosophy was highlighted in the STAC college newspaper The Thoma, which referred to “the magnitude of his deeds and character” on his graduation day.
Personal Life
Dr. Mathew Alapurath is blessed with his wife Mariamma and together they have one daughter AnnMarie Mathew Tom who is married to Dr. Tom Jose. His commitment to faith, family, e ducation, and service continues to inspire all who know him.