Rt. Rev. Dr. Gregorios Mar Stephanos Episcopa was born on 16th March 1959 as the son of Kochi Panayapally Parayil Sri. K.P. Varkey and Smt. Kunjamma. Fort Kochi St. George is his mother Parish.
He continued his education in Kochi where his father was employed after early studies in Niranam Mar Thoma LP School. After completing Pre-Degree from Cochin College, he took BA and MA in Philosophy from Maharajas College. Then he procured M.Phil from Chennai University. Along with college education he was a member of College football and hockey teams in addition to being the General Captain of the college and proved his ability.
During 1982-86 he received a degree in Theology from Kolkata Bishop’s College. Thereafter he was ordained as Semmas on 16th March 1986 at St. Thomas Church, Thiruvalla and as Kaseessa on 27th June 1986 at his home Parish by Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa.
Bilaspur, Korba, Ambikapur, Chennai-Chetpet, Thambaram, St. Thomas Mount, Kolalampur, Ranchi, Mumbai Santacruz, Maramon, Venmoney, Kavumbhagom were the parishes he served as Vicar.
He was awarded with many prizes in recognition of his efficient management of the School as the Principal of St. Thomas School, Ranchi. Chief among them were the honour from Prathibha Udhan Samithi, International Millenium Gold Star and Vijayasri Puraskar. The active leadership of Mumbai Navajeevan Kendra, Medical Mission Secretary and leadership of Education Reform Committees were rich experiences of active his life. He led the mission work of Ranchi also.
He was consecrated as Ramban on 7th May 2011 at the specially prepared holy Madbaha in the St. Alberts College ground by Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa along with Rev. Dr. Varghese Mathai and Rev. Dr. Oommen George. He was elevated as Episcopa with the name Gregorios Mar Stephanos on 13th August 2011 at the specially prepared Holy Madbaha at the Thiruvalla SCS ground.
Strong leadership ability, unshakable faith in God and timely vision of the Kingdom of God activities are the hallmarks of Thirumeni’s activities.
Thirumeni has served the Kunnamkulam Malabar Diocese from 2011 – 2016 as the Diocesan Episcopa and has pioneered the growth and development of various educational institutions at Chungathara School, College, Chundale St. Thomas School, Chulliyode St. Thomas School, Ponnani St. Thomas School, Neduvallor St. Thomas School, Akkikavu St. Thomas School and Angadiserrithattu St. Thomas School. Also various Mission Centres like Uppada Mission Complex, Thenhipalam Youth and Study Centre, Mukthi De-addiction Centre and the renowned Camp Centre at Attapady Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma and Mar Stephanos Camp Centre. Thirumeni’s leadership, zeal, commitment and dedication in the spiritual and holistic development of the Church are commendable. Thirumeni has taken charge of the Delhi Diocese from May 1st 2016 onwards.