Rome - Reverend Fr. Jijimon Puthuveettilkalam Sj, who hails from Kerala, has been appointed by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, as a member of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. The appointment is for a period of five years.

The Joint Commission is tasked with conducting theological dialogues and preparing guidelines for promoting unity between the Catholic Church and the various Oriental Orthodox Churches, as well as outlining the framework for inter-faith discussions. The Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity oversees the activities of this commission.

Ordained a Jesuit Priest in 2001, Father Jiji holds a BA in English Language & Literature, MA in Philosophy, and MA in Syriac Language & Literature. He also holds Bachelor of Theology (BTh) and Master of Theology (MTh - Patristic Theology and Tradition of Fathers) from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome and MSt in Syriac Studies from University of Oxford.

He is currently engaged in a doctoral research program Patristic Theology and Tradition of Fathers, at the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford.

He also serves as Observer of the Pontifical Commission for the Joint International Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East, Member of the St Theosevia Centre for Christian Spirituality in England and Member of the Central Liturgical Committee of the Syro-Malabar Church (CLC).

Father Jijimon who was ordained a priest on August 19, 2017, is the fourth son of P.T. Joseph and Thresiamma from Punnakunnathusheriyil Puthuveettilkalam and brother of Father Teji Puthuveettikulam of the Archeparchy of Changanacherry.