His Excellency Most Rev. Mathews Mar Polycarpos, a prominent figure in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, stands as a model of intellectual excellence, pastoral dedication, and ecclesiastical leadership. Born in 1955 in Puthoor within the Eparchy of Mavelikara, he is the son of Geevarghese and Kunjamma. From a young age, he was drawn toward spiritual service, beginning his priestly formation at St. Aloysius Minor Seminary.
His theological and philosophical training was completed at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam—one of the premier institutions of priestly education in India. He was ordained as a priest on 18 December 1983, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of service to the Church and society.
What sets Bishop Polycarpos apart is not only his spiritual commitment but also his remarkable academic profile. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Loyola College, Chennai, followed by two Master's degrees—one from Madurai Kamaraj University and another in French Literature. His pursuit of knowledge culminated in a Doctorate from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli.
Bishop Polycarpos’ contributions in the academic realm are vast. He served as the Principal of Mar Ivanios College, one of the most reputed educational institutions in Kerala. His academic credibility extended beyond the Church, as he was also appointed as a member of the Interview Board of the Kerala Public Service Commission. In the University of Kerala, he has held prestigious roles, including Member of the Board of Studies in French and Latin, and a Member of the Academic Council, shaping educational policies and curricula.
His pastoral journey is equally remarkable. He has served as vicar for approximately 35 parishes, guiding the faithful through both spiritual and practical dimensions of Church life. Within the Church’s administrative structure, he has held key positions such as Chancellor and Director of Catechism for the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla. His vision in religious education was also evident in his role as the Director of the Commission responsible for preparing catechetical texts for the Church. As a professor at St. Mary's Malankara Seminary, he has mentored generations of future priests and religious leaders.
His deep involvement in both Church and academia laid the foundation for his elevation to the episcopacy. On 5 May 2022, he was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum. He was consecrated bishop on 15 July 2022 at St. Mary's Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum—a moment that brought together his scholarly pursuits, pastoral experiences, and ecclesiastical dedication into a new phase of leadership.
Now serving as the Bishop of the Mavelikkara Diocese, Mathews Mar Polycarpos brings to the role a rare blend of spiritual depth, educational leadership, and administrative acumen. His life journey reflects a profound commitment to the values of the Church, the formation of the faithful, and the enrichment of society through education and service.
He continues to inspire both the clergy and the laity, not only as a spiritual leader but also as a man who bridges faith and intellect, tradition and progress.