The Diocese of Brahmavar was formed in August 2010 and was announced by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I through Kalpana No.389/2010. The formation was realized with the counsel of the Malankara Syrian Christian Association Managing Committee and the recommendation of the Holy Episcopal Synod.
Metropolitan H.G. Yakob Mar Elias was appointed as the Metropolitan of this newly constituted Diocese, with its headquarters in Mangalore, by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I through Kalpana No.396/2010.
Features of the Diocese
Though smallest in size and weakest in financial background, this Diocese is growing and developing by the Grace of God, through the prayers and help of faithful priests, the people of all parishes (especially St. George Orthodox Cathedral, Abu Dhabi), and many well-wishers.
This Diocese is unique in its diversity of culture, language, and region. It spreads across Kannur and Kasaragod in Kerala; Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikmagalur, and Coorg in Karnataka; Goa; and Abu Dhabi in the UAE. Languages used include Malayalam, Konkani, Kannada, Tulu, English, and Hindi.
Brahmavar Diocese is especially unique because of our Konkani Orthodox Community and Konkani Priests—the only non-Malayali community in our Church. They joined the Malankara Orthodox Church 125 years ago due to the vision of two saintly Roman Catholic priests who embraced our faith: Rev. Fr. Antonio Francisco Xavier Alvaris (later consecrated as Metropolitan Alvares Mar Julius I) and Rev. Fr. Roque Zephrin Noronah.
Parishes, Chapels & Congregations
Brahmavar Diocese is blessed with 35 parishes: 16 in Kerala, 16 in Karnataka, 2 in Goa, and 1 in the UAE. Total families number around 2,800. Special mention should be made of:
- St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Panaji, Goa (Where Blessed Metropolitan St. Alvares Mar Julius I is entombed)
- St. George Orthodox Church, Georgian Pilgrim Centre Ichilampady
- Brahmavar Orthodox Cathedral
- St. George Orthodox Cathedral, Abu Dhabi
Of the 9 Chapels, 6 belong to the Konkani Community and 3 to the Malayali Community. We have 5 very active Konkani congregations in Mandya, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kuwait, and the UAE. The Diocese is also blessed with a good number of professional students, with active student ministries in Mangalore, Manipal, Moodubidri, Shimoga, Kasaragod, and Sullia.
Priests & Teaching Ministry
There are 29 Priests in the Diocese, including one Cor-Episcopa and one Ramban. Two Deacons have finished Seminary training, and three students are currently in the Seminary. The Diocese requires the services of 15 more priests for its full-fledged ministry.
The Diocese is very keen on keeping itself as an "Oriental Orthodox Christian Green Zone" in its understanding and practice of the Holy Church, Ministry, and Sacraments. The Metropolitan takes a special interest in teaching the Orthodox Christian Way of Life.
Our Vision
We pray to God that He may help us develop Mangalore as the administrative centre, Brahmavar as the Spiritual and Monastic Centre, and Goa as the Pilgrim Centre.
Prayer and Thanks
The Priests, faithful people, Diocesan General Assembly, Brahmavar Diocese Development Committees, Malankara Association Managing Committee members, Diocesan Council Members, and many well-wishers are praying and helping for the development of this Diocese.
We are ever thankful to God, grateful to His Holiness Bava Thirumeni, and all members of the Holy Episcopal Synod. We prayerfully remember all departed Metropolitans and priests who served this Diocese. We beseech the prayers and intercessions of the Holy Virgin Mary (Theotokos), St. Thomas, St. Gregorios of Parumala, St. Dionysius, St. Yeldho Mar Baselios, all saints, and the late Blessed Archbishop St. Alvares Mar Julius I.