Reverend Mathew John

Rev. M. John was born on September 15,1932 to V. M. Mathew and Mariamma Mathew, Kalluparambil House, Vilakkuvettom, Punalur. He was the fourth born among eleven siblings. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1957 from Fatima Mata National College, Kollam. He answered God’s call and completed his Bachelor of Divinity at Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, kottayam between 1957 and 1960.He was ordained as Deacon on February 2, 1960 and ordained as Priest in April 10,1960.

His walk with the Lord spanned an incredible immensity. He served as a missionary with a multitude of mission fields, including Mananthavadi,Chunda,Vytheri,Thalapuzha,Ambhathodu,Vallithodu,Varantharapapalli and Palapalli. He served as the priest of various Marthoma parishes, including Shornur,Vadakamcherry,Thanipadam,Peechy,Varaakkara,Kulashekaram,Mezhakodu,Koallur, Nagercoil (Chennai Diocese), Anchal St.Paul’s, Anchal Jerusalem, Pazhayennur, Ayilara,Valakom, Parankodu,Petra,Andoor, Pattamala, Chengamanadu,Villoor,Chakkuvarakkal,Avaneeswaram,Thalavoor, Nellikunnam, Avilanra, Chelsea, Elambal St. Thomas, Elambal Jerusalem, Elambal Zehion, Thurayoor, Mannadi, Vayala, Kollamperinadu, Kollam Perinkulam, Kollam Ashtamudi, Padinjare Kallada, Mannoor, Manacode, and Aanakulam. He also served as a superintendent of Ravi Varma Agathimandiram between 1961 and 1964.After an extensive devotional journey as a missionary and priest, Rev. M. John retired from the ministry in August of 1998.

Rev. M. John immigrated to USA in 1999 went back to India in 2001.Then he immigrated back in 2008 stayed with his wife Annamma John(Panchilazhikathu Verdu)don Aby John and family since then.

He served the parishes of Bathel and Christos Marthoma churches in Philadelphia as a clergy Vice President and assisting the church services until the day he was called to eternal life on May 2nd,2020.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Annamma John, daughter Suja Jacob and son -in-law Thomas C. Jacob, Jaya John and son-in-law Sunil, son Aby John and daughter-in-law Ansu John, daughter Asha John and son-in-law Jacob Joseph, grandchildren Shiju Jacob, Angel yarn, Philips John, Rachel .Jacob, Noble Jacob, Abigail John, Evangeline Jacob and Aaron John, and great-grandchild Lydia Jacob.

Rev. M. John was a man of simplicity .He served as an Achen for over 40 years. He didn’t like any unhappy encounters. He will try to make it as a happy situation. He always gave positive energy to everyone. He was a very loving and devoted husband, Father, grandfather and great grandfather always caring. His compassionate spirit and jovial nature will remain in our hearts forever.