Rev. Fr. Punnoose Abraham

With profound sorrow, yet deep gratitude to God, we announce the passing of Rev. Fr. Punnoose Abraham Kallamparampil, lovingly known as “Kochachen”—a devoted husband, father, beloved priest, and pillar of the North American Knanaya Community. He entered into eternal rest at the age of 75, leaving behind a life marked by unwavering faith, pastoral compassion, and selfless service to the Church and community.

Born on March 5, 1950, in Mannamaruthy, Ranny, Kerala, Kochachen was the youngest of seven children of the late Mr. K. C. Abraham and Mrs. Achukutty Abraham of the Kallamparampil family. Raised in the spiritual richness of Knanaya traditions, his faith was nurtured at St. Thomas Kurisupally, Mannamaruthy, where he served as an altar server and Sunday School student under the guidance of many respected clergy. His home parish was St. Thomas Knanaya Valiya Pally, Ranny.

Kochachen pursued academic excellence, earning a B.Sc. in Chemistry (1970) from C.M.S. College, Kottayam, followed by an M.Sc. in Chemistry (1973) from the University of Bhopal.

On January 1, 1978, he married Nirmala Joseph, daughter of the late Commander Abraham Joseph Vazhayil and Susan Joseph. Soon after, on February 17, 1978, he immigrated to the United States and settled in the Boston area, where he worked as a software engineer for nearly three decades, having completed a B.S. in Computer Science (1984) from Framingham State College, Massachusetts.

Though professionally successful, Kochachen’s heart remained with the Church. Answering God’s call, he was ordained a deacon in 1991 and a priest on January 9, 1996, by the late lamented H.E. Mor Clemis Abraham, Chief Metropolitan of the East. For nearly three decades, he served the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch with humility, dedication, and obedience to the Holy Throne. He had the rare honor of safeguarding a portion of the holy relics of Saint Moran Mor Ignatius Elias III, Patriarch of Antioch, entrusted to his family by His Holiness.

Kochachen served as Vicar of several parishes, including St. Stephen’s Knanaya Church in Maynard, MA, and St. Mary’s Knanaya Church in Hartford, CT, playing a pivotal role in the establishment, growth, and renovation of these churches. His commitment to community extended beyond the altar, serving as Vicar General of the North American Knanaya Community, President and Vice President of the North American Knanaya Association, Diocesan Secretary, Youth Director, and Convenor of multiple conventions. His leadership helped strengthen and unify the Knanaya identity in the diaspora. 

Kochachen also had the opportunity to support and worship at other sister churches, namely St. Basil’s Syriac Orthodox Church, Newton, MA.

A gifted organizer and reconciliatory voice, Kochachen was known for his deep wisdom, steady faith, and tireless commitment to unity. He was a diplomatic bridge-builder within the Church and a loving mentor to countless families who found comfort and guidance through his ministry.

Kochachen is survived by his beloved wife, Nirmala, and his children: Ashok & Varsha, Sarah & Zaw, and Mekha, along with three cherished grandchildren, Noah, Jonah, and Gemma. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Remani & Sunny, Valsa & Joymon, and his in-laws Mercy, Leelamma, Susy, Punnoosekutty, Pamela, Ajith, Liny, Satish, Nisha, Thomas, and Varsha, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Baby, Ammukutty, Jacobkutty, Thommachen, and Sunny. To them, he was not only a priest and teacher, but a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who modeled Christ-like humility and grace.

As we mourn his earthly departure, we rejoice in the hope that he now rests in the eternal presence of the Lord he so faithfully served. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the churches he built, the faith he embodied, and the family he loved.

“Blessed is the priest who has become a pure sacrifice; his offering is accepted, and he is welcomed into the heavenly sanctuary.”

— St. Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on Paradise

Go in peace, dearly beloved Achen. May our Lord receive you into the blessed mansions of heaven.

Services to be held at St. Stephen’s Knanaya Church (182 Main Street, Maynard, MA 01754) as follows:

Saturday, June 28 | 9am: Morning prayer followed by Holy Qurbana; 12:30pm - 6pm: Wake.

Sunday, June 29 | 4pm - 8pm: Wake

Monday, June 30 | 9am - 12pm: Funeral service; 1pm: Burial at St. Bridget’s Cemetery (across from 269 Great Road, Maynard, MA 01754)

Services to be live streamed: Livestream Service

For online guestbook please visit: www.everettfuneral.com

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