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V Rev Barsaumo Ramban (Rev. Fr. George Vayaliparambil)
Vicar, 2009 - 2010
V Rev Barsaumo Ramban is honoured as the founding vicar of our parish and the visionary leader who laid the very foundation of our faith community. With immense dedication and missionary zeal, he guided the congregation through its earliest and most humble beginnings.
In those initial days, when the parish consisted of just a single family, he faithfully travelled from Sydney to Wollongong to celebrate the Holy Qurbana once a month. His unwavering commitment, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership nurtured the faithful and gradually strengthened the presence of the Church in this region.
With the blessing of the Diocesan Metropolitan, Rev. Fr. George named the parish Saint Osthathiose Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Wollongong, making it the first church in the world dedicated to Saint Osthathiose Sleeba Bava. This historic step gave the community a unique spiritual identity and a profound sense of purpose.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership and devoted service, he has been elected as the designated Archbishop of the Malankara Archdiocese of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Australia. His episcopal consecration by His Holiness Moran0 Mor Ignatius Aphrem II is expected to take place in the near future, marking a significant milestone in his ecclesiastical journey.
Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Kuzhiyelil (Jigi Achan)
Vicar, 2010 - 2017
Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Kuzhiyelil, lovingly known as Jigi Achan, served as the vicar of the parish from 2010 to 2017. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in strengthening and organising the growing church community.
With great dedication and administrative foresight, he worked tirelessly to ensure the stability and growth of the parish. One of his most significant achievements was the successful registration of the church in the state of New South Wales, granting the parish a formal legal identity and a strong foundation for future development. In addition to this, he increased the number of Holy Qurbana services to twice a month, enriching the spiritual life of the community. Most notably, Fr. Geevarghese consistently attended our monthly prayer meetings, faithfully making the journey from Sydney to Wollongong on every occasion, demonstrating his deep commitment and pastoral care.
In addition to his administrative achievements, Rev. Fr. Geevarghese provided compassionate pastoral leadership, fostering unity among parish members and encouraging active participation in spiritual and community life. His service greatly contributed to the steady consolidation of the parish.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kunnappillil
Vicar, 2018- 2026
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kunnappillil has served as the Vicar of Saint Osthathiose Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Horsley, from 2018 to 2026, leading the parish through a remarkable period of transformation, growth, and stability.
When he assumed leadership, the parish was in its early stages, consisting of around sixteen families. Through his visionary leadership, perseverance, and spiritual guidance, the church experienced significant growth—not only in numbers but also in unity, faith, and organisational strength.
One of the most notable milestones during his tenure was leading the parish to acquire its own place of worship in 2025. This achievement stands as a testament to his determination and his ability to inspire collective commitment among parish members.
Rev. Fr. Joseph also established a strong administrative and spiritual framework for the church. He introduced a structured constitution and a clear code of conduct, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance. He played a key role in registering the church as a charity with the ACNC (The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission), further strengthening its organisational foundation.
Under his leadership, various spiritual organisations were formed and nurtured, encouraging active participation across all age groups and enriching the spiritual life of the community. His emphasis on discipline, unity, and engagement helped shape a vibrant and well-organised parish.
Known for his compassionate pastoral care and humble leadership, Rev. Fr. Joseph has guided the faithful with wisdom and dedication, fostering a deep sense of belonging among parishioners. His tenure has elevated the parish into a strong, self-sustaining, and spiritually enriched community.
In addition to his parish responsibilities, he serves as the Vice President of the Archdiocesan Council, reflecting the respect and trust he holds within the wider Church leadership.
His service from 2018 to 2026 will be remembered as a defining chapter in the history of the parish—one marked by vision, growth, and a firm foundation for the future!
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