First Phase

In August 2019, a friend of A. J. Jijo, C. H. Sudhakar, informed him that there were a few pastors running churches independently who were willing to join a Church that follows apostolic succession, provided they could understand and adopt its liturgy and theology. This conversation became the basis for the foundation of the Syriac Orthodox Telugu Mission.

Initially, A. J. Jijo was hesitant, as he believed it would be extremely challenging to train pastors who came from a Protestant theological and liturgical background, carrying diverse beliefs and theological concepts, in the traditions of Churches that follow apostolic succession. Teaching such pastors the depth, structure, and theology of ancient liturgies appeared to be a difficult task.

However, due to the continuous persuasion and encouragement of C. H. Sudhakar, A. J. Jijo eventually decided to undertake the responsibility of training these pastors in the liturgies and theologies of apostolic Churches. Along with C. H. Sudhakar, V. G. Thimothy, V. O. Raja Ratnam, and K. A. Abishek assisted A. J. Jijo in this mission of training and guidance.

For nearly one year, A. J. Jijo devoted hundreds of hours to training the pastors through phone calls, online meetings, and personal visits. He taught them about Churches that follow apostolic succession, such as the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Oriental Orthodox Churches, with special emphasis on their liturgies and theological foundations.

Although it was a demanding and challenging process, by the grace of God, A. J. Jijo was able to help some of the pastors understand and appreciate the beauty, depth, and spiritual meaning of these ancient liturgical and theological traditions. During this period, he visited the churches led by these pastors multiple times to address their doubts, clarify theological issues, teach liturgical practices, and conduct meetings with the faithful under their care. These meetings were conducted so that not only the pastors but also the faithful would be prepared to embrace the liturgical and theological traditions of apostolic Churches.

After recognizing that the pastors were now ready to implement the liturgy and theology of a Church that follows apostolic succession, A. J. Jijo decided to guide them towards the Syriac Orthodox Church. This decision was made because he was fully convinced that the Syriac Orthodox Church possesses one of the most beautiful, profound, and meaningful liturgies, as well as sound and rich theological traditions, among the Churches of the world.

Second Phase

In November 2020, A. J. Jijo contacted Fr. Paulose Njattumkala, a priest of the Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church, to discuss the ongoing mission activities. After detailed discussions, A. J. Jijo and Fr. Paulose Njattumkala jointly decided to formally inform H.G. Mor Themothios Thomas, the Metropolitan of the Kottayam Diocese and Secretary to the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church, about the mission.

Upon hearing about the mission activities, the Metropolitan graciously granted the necessary permission and encouragement to continue the work. Along with A. J. Jijo and Fr. Paulose Njattumkala, several other clergy members—namely Fr. Jis, Fr. Jiju, Fr. Aby, and Fr. Joseph, along with a few more priests and deacons—joined the mission and offered their guidance and encouragement.

Third Phase

In 2022, H.G. Mor Themothios Thomas invited A. J. Jijo and all the pastors to the Kottayam Diocesan Headquarters for a training program. During this program, several in-depth classes were conducted on liturgy, theology, and other related subjects. The sessions were led by H.G. Mor Themothios Thomas, H.G. Mor Cleemis Kuriakose, H.G. Mor Themotheos Mathews, Fr. Paulose Njattumkala, Fr. Aby, Fr. Joseph, and a few other priests and deacons.

Overall, the training program proved to be a rich, meaningful, and spiritually enriching experience for A. J. Jijo and all the participating pastors. After returning from Kottayam to their respective mission fields, A. J. Jijo and the pastors continued the mission activities with renewed zeal, clarity, and passion.

Fourth Phase

The year 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Syriac Orthodox Telugu Mission. This significant development took place with the joining of Fr. Paulose Mangalath, a priest of the Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church from Bangalore, into the mission.

When A. J. Jijo humbly requested Fr. Paulose Mangalath to associate himself with the Syriac Orthodox Telugu Mission, he not only readily accepted the invitation but also extended his wholehearted encouragement and essential financial support to the mission. He visited the mission centres on several occasions and provided further training in liturgy and theology, thereby strengthening the spiritual and theological foundation of the mission.

Along with A. J. Jijo, Fr. Paulose Mangalath stood at the forefront of efforts to prepare liturgical books for the Telugu Mission, contributing significantly to the growth and stability of its liturgical life. The unwavering determination, unrelenting willpower, and unshakeable dedication of Fr. Paulose Mangalath will always be remembered with gratitude by the members of the Syriac Orthodox Telugu Mission.

Fifth Phase

In November 2025, H.G. Mor Themothios Thomas expressed his interest, through Fr. Paulose Mangalath and A. J. Jijo, in visiting the Syriac Orthodox Telugu Mission centres. Subsequently, in December 2025, H.G. Mor Themothios Thomas visited the mission centres and spent two days personally visiting and interacting with the mission communities.

As this was the first occasion on which a bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church visited the Telugu Mission centres, all the members of the mission experienced great joy and welcomed the Metropolitan wholeheartedly and with deep reverence. It was a new and enriching experience not only for the faithful of the Telugu Mission but also for the Metropolitan himself.

During his visit, the Metropolitan assured the members of the Syriac Orthodox Telugu Mission that he would do his utmost to support the mission and help it grow and reach new heights in the years to come.

Sixth Phase

The Sixth Phase of the Syriac Orthodox Telugu Mission is presently unfolding under the esteemed leadership of Fr. Paulose Mangalath, A. J. Jijo, C. H. Sudhakar, V. G. Thimothy, V. O. Raja Ratnam, K. A. Abishek and R. B. Bazil.

Further details of this phase will be recorded and published in due course.

History