The Journey of Rev. Fr. Johnson Punchakonam
Rev. Fr. Johnson Punchakonam is a dedicated Priest of The Malankara Orthodox Church with over 33 years of ministerial service. He seamlessly integrates spiritual leadership with expertise in digital communication and community engagement. His career spans pastoral care, interfaith initiatives, and innovative digital outreach, serving diverse congregations in India and the United States. Guided by a vision of unity and transformation, Fr. Johnson has fostered vibrant faith communities while pioneering digital platforms to amplify the Orthodox Christian presence globally.
Professional Experience
• Leads sacramental and pastoral ministries, including Eucharist, baptisms, weddings, confessions, and funerals, nurturing a thriving faith community.
• Promotes interfaith sensitivity and unity under the principle “All may be one.”
• Enhances community cohesion through sermons, Bible studies, and spiritual guidance.
• Serves as a Board-Certified Chaplain (BCCI) at Harris Health, Houston, providing compassionate spiritual care.
• Delivered impactful sermons and led Bible studies in Social Media
Parish Ministry in the USA
- St. Mary’s Malankara Orthodox Church, Houston, TX
- St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Orlando, FL
- St Gregorios Orthodox Church, Augusta
- St Paul’sPaul’s Orthodox Church, Chattanooga
- St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Atlanta
- St.Thomas Fort Lauderdale
- St. Mary’s Orthodox Congregation, Memphis
- St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Fort Myers
- St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Denver
Parish Priest, Various Locations across India
- St. Thomas Mount Orthodox Church, Puzhuthivakkam, Chennai
- St.George Orthodox Church Nellikunnam
- St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Nalanchira, Trivandrum
- St. Mary’s Edamon and St. Mary’s, Kundra
- St. Andrews Orthodox Church, Secunderabad
- St. Gregorios Cathedral, Hyderabad
- Mor Thesmooni Orthodox Church, Mannoor,
- Mar Bersouma, Kattachal
- Mar Bersouma, Vengoor
• Freelance Writer and Speaker
• Author and delivers talks on Orthodox faith, culture, and interfaith dialogue, contributing to spiritual education.
• Conducts interviews across various media platforms to promote Orthodox Christian values.
Web Developer and Media Specialist (1998 – Present)
• Designed and maintained pioneering websites for the Malankara Orthodox Church, including www.orthodoxsyrianchurch.org, www.indianchristianity.org, Indian Orthodox Radio and www.orthodoxtv.in
• Utilizes 27 years of expertise in web design and media broadcasting to enhance global Orthodox outreach.
• Serves as CEO & Operations Manager of Orthodox TV Media Ministries, managing content for Indian Christianity and Orthodox TV platforms.
Education
• Master of Divinity (MDiv)
• Board-Certified Chaplain (BCCI)
Ordination
• Priest, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (September 19, 1992), ordained by His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II at St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Elamadu.
• Deacon (May 18, 1991), ordained by His Grace Geevarghese Mar Dioscorus, Trivandrum Diocese.
• Sub–Deacon (1991), ordained by His Grace Geevarghese Mar Dioscorus.
Skills
• Spiritual leadership and pastoral care.
• Web design (HTML, Photoshop, Dreamweaver) and media broadcasting.
• Public speaking, writing, and interfaith engagement.
• Educational technology for community outreach.
Notable Contributions
•Established St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Orlando, as a vibrant community. Oversaw the acquisition and consecration of a new church property at 808 4th Street, Orlando, dedicated on December 21, 2013, with worship commencing on Christmas Day 2013. Established the parish as a cornerstone of the South West American Diocese through spiritual and communal leadership.
• Served as the Manager of St.Thomas Higher Secondary School, Puzhuthivakkam, Chennai.
• Started a school at Hyderabad St.Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral
• Pioneered digital ministry by launching early Malankara Orthodox Church websites in 1998, expanding global outreach.
• Authored four books published on Amazon Kindle, focusing on parish life and Orthodox culture.
• Fostered interfaith unity and spiritual growth through innovative pastoral and digital initiatives.
Personal Background
Born in 1965 in Elamadu, Ayoor, Kerala, India, Fr. Johnson grew up in a devout Orthodox family, the eldest of four siblings. His calling to the priesthood emerged during college, shaped by his parents’ guidance and faith. Ordained in 1992, he married Dr.Mini M. George, and they have two children, Jeevan and Chelsa. His ministry reflects a deep commitment to serving as “Orthodox Priest and Chaplain,” bringing peace and hope through pastoral care, especially during his chaplaincy at Memorial Hermann Hospital, UTMB and Harris Health, Houston.
Interests
• Practicing yoga for personal discipline and wellness.
• Enjoying driving as a leisure activity, embodying a balanced approach to life and ministry.
Fr. Johnson Punchakonam’s ministry is a testament to his belief that the priesthood is a transformative calling, lived out through service, innovation, and a commitment to fostering hope and unity in Christ.
Contact Information
Email: revfrj@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (346) 332-9998
Website: www.orthodoxtv.in