The Beginning of Emigration
The year 1976 was a very important year for the Church, especially here in America. The Holy Synod decided to establish more dioceses to better administer the flock in various parts of the world. At this time, the numerous churches in America were placed under the authority of the Metropolitan of the Bombay Diocese, Thomas Mar Makarios, who had spent time in America as a student. Under the leadership of Mar Makarios, the Holy Synod made a momentous decision and granted the parishes in America their own Diocese, creating the American Diocese. Mar Makarios was given authority of the American Diocese and the enthronement of the newly elected Metropolitan Mar Makarios was held at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Manhattan, under the authority of the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, Baselios Marthoma Mathews I, on July 14, 1979.
The enthronement was well attended by many leaders of the Orthodox Churches, as well as representatives from various other denominations. Notable during this time was the grand celebration of Saint Thomas Day by parishioners and church leaders across the nation at Union Theological Seminary, NY. During the tenure of Metropolitan Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios, the Diocese saw growth in a dramatic fashion as the number of parishes grew to almost fifty strong. Along with this, the dedicated service of the priests in America added to the unity, prosperity and growth of the Diocese.
The growth of the American Diocese was leading to another exponential level. The number of the parishes reached close to almost 100 dynamic faith communities spread throughout the vast United States. Recognizing the geographical vastness and obstacles in ministry, the Church divided the American Diocese into two Dioceses - the Northeast American Diocese and the Southwest American Diocese in April 2009. Our Diocese serves more than six states in the northeastern United States. It consists of more than 50 parishes, three missions, and one congregation. Through our local parish communities, the Diocese caters to the spiritual needs of over 20,000 Orthodox faithful, by proclaiming the Gospel in accordance with the Orthodox faith, sanctifying the faithful through sacred worship and offering the loving presence of Christ in their spiritual lives.
About Our Metropolitan
H.G Zachariah Mar Nicholovos Metropolitan of the North East American Diocese
His Grace, Metropolitan Zachariah Mar Nicholovos was born on August 13, 1959 to the Poothicote family in Mepral. His boyhood name was Cheriyachen, and was the fourth of five children. Much of his spiritual upbringing centered around his home parish, Saint John's Orthodox Church in Mepral, Kerala, India. It is at this church, His Grace Thoma Mar Dionysius, Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese, called young Cheriyachen to the service of the Holy Altar at the young age of 9.
Upon finishing his high school education, he enrolled in Malabar Christian College for his undergraduate education. Later, he moved with his family where he completed his Bachelors in Arts, (English) from Saint Joseph College, in Calicut After successfully completing his undergraduate studies, he joined United Theological College in Bangalore, India where he completed his Bachelor of Divinity, and his Master of Theology degree. His uncle and mentor, Metropolitan Kuriakose Mar Coorilose ordained him to the Holy Diaconate on January 4th, 1986 and to the Priesthood on May 16, 1990 at his home parish St. John's Church, Mepral. As a priest, he served parishes in the Diocese of Kandanad, as the Ecumenical Secretary of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, and taught as a professor at the Malankara Syrian Seminary at Mulanthuruthy, until he was called to be consecrated to the holy episcopacy.
On August 5, 1993, the eve of the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, His Beatitude Mar Baselios Paulose II tonsured him as a monk at Saint Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, in Moovattupuzha, Kerala, India. On the Feast of the Falling Asleep of Saint Mary, the Mother of God, His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Zakka Iwas I, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, consecrated him as Metropolitan on August 15, 1993.
In 2002, His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II appointed Metropolitan Mar Nicholovos as the Assistant Metropolitan of the American Diocese, which was led by His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas, Metropolitan of Blessed Memory. Later, in April 2009, after the American Diocese was divided, His Grace Mar Nicholovos continued assisting Metropolitan Mar Barnabas until his retirement in January 2011. On February 26, 2011, His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan appointed Metropolitan Zachariah Mar Nicholovos as the ruling Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese and was later enthroned on May 21, 2011.
Former Metropolitan's
