H.E.ISSAC MAR YOOHANON

Isaac was born on 1 July 1930, at Veliyanadu, in Ernakulam district of Koottaplackal family as the second son of Varkey and Mariamma. He had his elementary education in Mangadapally Primary School and MKM Upper Primary School, Piravam.  In 1947, he passed ESSLC from St. Joseph’s High School, Piravam.  At this was Metropolitan Mar Severios was in Piravam.  Mar Severios took Isaac, who was good in studies and inclined to spiritual religious activities to the bishop house, Tiruvalla. He continued his studies in the Minor Seminary, Tiruvalla staying at Cherupushpa Bhavan, the Bishop’s House. He was sent to Propaganda College, Rome in November 1948 for higher studies. On 7 December 1954, he received priestly ordination Bishop Sijis Monti.  He celebrated the first Holy Qurbono on 8 December in St. Paul’s Basilica. He continued his studies in Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome during the period 1955 and 1957 where he took Licentiate in Theology.  Returning to Kerala after his studies he served as vicar in many parishes of North Kerala.  As a result of his hard work he founded many mission centres there.  It was at this time that the Holy See appointed him Bishop on 18 November 1978. He was raised to the sacred order of Ramban on Thursday 21 December 1978 in St. John’s Cathedral, Tiruvalla and was ordained Bishop on Thursday 28 December in Mar Theophilos Nagar, Thirumoolapuram after the name Isaac Mar Yoohanon.  After eight years of Episcopal ministry at 5.15 pm, on Tuesday 28 April 1987, he passed way.  On 30 April his mortal remains were entombed at the St. John’s Cathedral, Tiruvalla.