Mar Thoma Orthodox Church: Ancient Traditions, Progressive Faith
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Our Leaders
Our beloved Metropolitan entered into his eternal rest on January 18th, 2014. Mar Enoch was a dynamic revelator and prophetic voice for the Universal Church. An internationally recognized teacher and ecumenical pioneer, his profound understanding of ancient hermeneutics was equally matched by the ability to articulate these concepts in the modern global context. The Mar Thoma Orthodox Church is eternally grateful for the profound visioin of His Eminence, who changed many lives forever. - Memory Eternal.
His Eminence Mar Enoch, Veron Ashe
Archbishop Metropolitan
February 5, 1968 - January 18, 2014
Veron Ashe (Mar Enoch) was the founding Archbishop of the Mar Thoma Orthodox Church. His apostolic succession is derived from both Syrian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox lineage. Mar Enoch led many people into the Orthodox faith during his many years of dynamic preaching around the world. As an ecumenical witness, Mar Enoch established strong ties with many Christian jurisdictions and maintained friendships with Orthodox leaders such as the late Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and Archbishop Joseph Mar Koorilose, also from the Syro-Indian tradition.
Mar Abraham, Avi Penhollow
Archbishop Metropolitan
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H.E. Mar Abraham Penhollow is currently the Presiding Archbishop of the MTOC. Mar Abraham served with Mar Enoch at St. Mary of Magdala Cathedral in Fresno, CA and currently resides in O'ahu Hawaii. He holds degrees in Religious Studies, Theology, and Divinity. Mar Abraham has traveled extensively and has lectured at colleges and universities on Eastern Christian Spirituality. An advocate for social justice and ecological responsibility, he has participated as a panelist on several interfaith and ecumenical platforms. More -->Archbishop Avi Penhollow
St. Gregorios of Parumala
St. Gregorios was a bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and a co-consecrator or our first Archbishop of North America, Mar Timotheos I. He is the first canonized Christian saint from India. He is popularly known as Parumala Thirumeni (Bishop of Parumala) or Kochu Thirumeni.
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Mar'ta Naomi, Cheryl Windom-Davis
Archbishop​ Co-Adjutor
H.E. Mar'ta Naomi Windom-Davis shares the primary oversight of the MTOC with the Presiding Archbishop. She is a true spiritutal daughter of Archbishop Veron Ashe with whom she served as the head pastor of the St. Mary of Magdala Orthodox Cathedral in Fresno, CA. Mar'ta Naomi was instrumental in leading the community through its transition into the ancient orthodox tradition. An prophetic teacher and dynamic preacher, Archbishop Naomi was the first female to be ordained into the priesthood in 1999. She was elevated to the episcopacy in 2008 and is a vital administrative voice in the Council of Bishops. Mar'ta Naomi holds degrees in Accounting, Education, and Divinity.
Mar Ephrem, Robert Lopez
Bishop
H.G. Mar Ephrem Lopez sits on the Council of Bishops for the Mar Thoma Orthodox Church and provides ecclesial and theological oversight to the Archdiocese. Mar Ephrem was ordained by Mar Enoch at St. Mary of Magdala Cathedral in Fresno, CA. He currently resides and ministers in Oakland, CA. The bishop holds degrees in Theology, Religious Studies, and Divinity.
Michanda Lindsey
Priest
Michanda considers it a joy to hold space for, support, encourage, uplift and remind people of the truth, grace, power and radiance already within us.
As a Presence & Transformation Coach, Michanda calls it soul-warming to help people expand their powerhouse of beliefs about themselves and others. (See Michanda's full bio)