In Loving Memory of Rev. Fr. Punnoose Abraham Kallenparambil (1950 – 2025)
It is with deep sorrow, yet with enduring gratitude, that we remember the life and legacy of Rev. Fr. Punnoose Abraham Kallenparambil, a devoted servant of God, who entered into eternal rest at the age of 75.
Born into a devout Knanaya family in Ranny, Kerala, on March 5, 1950, Fr. Punnoose was nurtured in the rich spiritual traditions of the Kallenparambil family. His home parish was St. Thomas Knanaya Valiya Pally, Ranny, though he was most closely associated with St. Thomas Kurishpally, Mannamaruthy, where he actively participated in parish life from a young age.
On January 1, 1978, he married Nirmala Joseph, daughter of the late Commander Abraham Joseph Vazhayil and Susan Abraham. Shortly thereafter, on February 17, 1978, he migrated to North America, settling in the Boston area where he worked as a computer engineer. Together, they were blessed with three children: Ashok Abraham, Sarah Abraham, and Mekha Abraham.
Deeply committed to the heritage and traditions of the Knanaya Community, Fr. Punnoose played a pivotal role, along with many others, in the growth and establishment of the North American Knanaya Community. Responding to God’s call to the priesthood, he was ordained on January 9, 1996, by the late lamented H.E. Mor Clemis Abraham, Chief Metropolitan of the East. For nearly three decades, he served as a clergyman in the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch with humility, wisdom, and unwavering dedication, demonstrating steadfast allegiance and obedience to the Holy Throne of Antioch. He has been safeguarding the portion of the holy relics of Saint Moran Mor Ignatius Elias III, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, which were entrusted to his family by His Holiness.
Fr. Punnoose’s priestly ministry was marked by a compassionate spirit, a reconciliatory heart, and an exceptional gift for organization. He served the Community in various capacities, including as Vicar General of the North American Knanaya Community (NAKC), President and Vice President of the North American Knanaya Association, and Convenor of the NAKC Conventions. He also served faithfully as Assistant Vicar and later as Vicar of several parishes, including St. Stephen’s Knanaya Church in Maynard, Massachusetts, and St. Mary’s Knanaya Church in Hartford, among others.
His tireless efforts toward building unity and preserving the identity of the Knanaya faithful in North America will be long remembered. Particularly notable was his pivotal role in the establishment, growth, and renovation of St. Stephen’s Knanaya Church, Maynard, a spiritual home for many in the Boston area.
Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we rejoice in the hope that he now rests in the eternal peace of the Lord whom he served so faithfully. St. Ephrem the Syrian reminds us: “Blessed is the priest who has become a pure sacrifice; his offering is accepted, and he is welcomed into the heavenly sanctuary.” (Hymns on Paradise)
May his life continue to inspire generations to come. We prayerfully entrust him to the mercy of our Savior, longing to hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord.” (St. Matt. 25:23). Let us pray to God: “O Lord, grant rest to Your servant, who kept vigil before Your altar. May he now find rest in the bosom of Abraham, Issac and Jacob and may the holy Qurbano he offered speak on his behalf.”
Go in peace, dearly beloved Achen. May our Lord receive you into the blessed mansions of heaven. Go in peace…..Go in peace…..
FR PUNNOOSE ABRAHAM KALLENPARAMPIL
AYUB MOR SILVANOS
