Inundation of the Grace of God on his face, intense compassion in his eyes, acuity akin to Prophet Samuel in sacramental celebrations, graciousness in his words, precision in his mission, spirituality as his traditions; above all an icon of humility and simplicity by his outlook, conglomerated, H.G. Mathews Mar Barnabas, Shepherd of the Malankara Orthodox Church in North America had completed 25 years in the Christian ministry as a Bishop. This is an occasion to offer sweet savor of praises to the Lord our God for his noble leadership and laudable ministry to the Church and community. It is a blessed moment for us to enjoy the exceptional and cherished experience of being respected ourself while we respect the respectable.

It is the simplicity of Mar Barnabas that distinguish him as unique. His humility expresses his sincerity. Sincerity is faithfulness, which comes from love. His austerity reveals the trait of his uncomplicatedness to such an amazement while he achieves a grand level of Godliness through it. As per his own words 'A lot many people try to win the praise through pretension and these pretension is a type of hypocrisy and reveals the lackness of sincerity.'

H.G.Mathews Mar Barnabas was born on August 9, 1924 to the Mariamma and Korulla couple of Thombra Kallarakkaparambil family of Vengola, Perumbavoor. Mathukkutty, by the name he was known that time, had graduated in Science from Madras Christian College and postgraduated from Osmania University, Hyderabad. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1943 by H.H. Mar Basalios Geevarghese II. Dn.K.K.Mathews started his career as teacher in M.G.M. High School, Kuruppumpadi and later in M.D. High School, Kottayam. The Deacon was ordained as a full Priest in 1951 by H.H. Mar Basalios Augen I. Fr.K.K.Mathews served as a Chaplain in Christian Medical College Vellore, Malankara Medical Mission Hospital Kolenchery and as Vicar of St. Andrews Church Secunderbad, St. Peter's & Paul's Church Valayanchirangara, St. Thomas Church Calcutta, St. George Church Jabalpur and St. Luke Church Vellore.

In 1967 Fr. K.K. Mathews was assigned the post of the Warden of Theological Seminary, Kottayam. In 1977 he was ordained as Ramban and in 1978 May 15, he was consecrated as a Bishop by the name Mathews Mar Barnabas and taken over the charge as the Asst. Metropolitan of Ankamali and Kottayam diocese. Later he was assigned the charge of diocesan Metropolitan of Idukki and from 1993 onwards he is Metropolitan of American Diocese.

At different stages Mar Barnabas had officiated the positions of Assistant to Malankara Metropolitan, Manager of Malankara Orthodox Church Colleges, President of Malankara Sabha Magazine, President of Anti-Liquor Society, President of Women's Organization of the Church, President of Girls Association etc. His Grace is a good litterateur and authored many Spiritual and ecclesiastical Books.

His beloved and faithful believers of the American Diocese are celebrating the Episcopal Silver Jubilee of their prefect, at various provinces of the North American Diocese at different time of the Jubilee year, as token of their allegiance to their spiritual leader. H.H. Basalios Marthoma Mathews II has portrayed him in his Special Message ‘His life is a shining example of one live in love and righteousness and will provide necessary inspiration for others to emulate him,’

The encouragement and blessings given by Barnabas Thirumeni to us for this humble mission of edification is tremendous. We are gratified and exceedingly grateful to Barnabas Thirumeni for the same. In the fullness of prayer and purity of truthfulness we, The Christian Light of Life Publication along with all its associates, wish Thirumeni all the best and pray to God for the long life, health and prosperity in spirituality. May the God Almighty shower His Grace and strength to Thirumeni for many many years to come for the sacred service to the community and Christianity.

Dr. Rajan Mathew