Abraham Mar Julios

Who is Abraham Mar Julios?

Dr. Abraham Mar Julios is the Metropolitan Bishop of the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Abraham was born to late Varghese Kakkanattil in Padinjaremannil branch of Paramel family, Cherukole-Kozhenchery and Annamma Varghese in the village of Kalloopara, Thiruvalla. Having completed his school education, he joined the Infant Mary Minor Seminary, Thiruvalla in 1961. He completed his philosophical studies in St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary at Vadavathoor, Kottayam. He had his theological studies in Propaganda College, Rome. He was ordained priest by Metropolitan Zacharias Mar Athanasios. After his ordination, he served as parish priest of Mycavu and Ounjil in Kozhikkodu. From 1974 to 1979 Abraham Kakkanattu was the Procurator and the Director of the Social Service Society of the Eparchy of Tiruvalla. Meanwhile, he served as the vicar of the parishes of Thalavadi North and South. In 1978 he started Matha Senior Secondary School in Thumboly, Alleppey district.

In 1979 he was sent to Rome for doing higher studies in Bible and completed his Bachelor’s Degree from Biblical Institute of Rome. He also pursued a Diploma in Eastern Languages. He completed scriptural research from Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome and secured a Doctorate in Biblical Theology. He also secured a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Mysore. After the successful completion of his studies, Kakkanattu was appointed the Rector of St. Mary’s Malankara Major Seminary, Trivandrum. The construction of the new building for the seminary began during this time. He undertook journeys abroad and discussions and classes in the eparchies of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church with a view of gaining support for the construction of the Seminary.