Our Diocesan Metropolitan His Grace Dr. Yakob Mar Irenaios is a native of Kerala, India, was born on August 15, 1949, the son of Mr.T.O Cherian and Mrs.Kunjeliyamma Aaruveedan Pallikal, Kallupara in Kerala.

He became a member of the Mount Tabor monastery in Kerala at the age of 17. He was ordained as Deacon on 30 June 1970 by Late H.G. Thoma Mar Dionysius and as priest on 8 Feb 8 1975 by His Grace Thomas Mar Thimothios. He entered Priest Monkhood on 21 Dec 1992 and became Bishop on 16 Aug 1993. He was ordained as Metropolitan on 28 Aug 2002 and given charge of the Madras Diocese.

He is author of half a dozen literary and devotional books in English and Malayalam. Currently translating Orthodox Liturgical Books into English.

He had his graduation in English Language and Literature from the University of Madras and took B.Ed (English) from University of Kerala. He has done his Bachelor of Divinity from Serampore University. He had his Post Graduation in Education from University of Kerala, English Language & Literature from University of Madras, Philosophy from University of Kerala. He completed his Masters in Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, NJ, USA. He has got Ph.D in English Language Education from the Kerala University.

He has worked as a Reader in English in a Teacher Education Training College affiliated to Kerala University.

He is currently the President of Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, Manager of Orthodox Church Colleges, Chairman of Orthodox Church Publications, Chairman of St. Thomas College of Arts & Science, Chennai, Member of the Council and Executive committee of Christian Medical College, Vellore, Member of the National Board, Executive Committee and Personal Committee of CASA, Member of the Liturgical Committee, Orthodox Church, Member of the Chapter (Governing Board) of Mount Tabor Monastery, Kerala

Formerly he was President of the Orthodox Youth Movement, India, Convenor of the Canonization committee of the Orthodox Church, Parish Priest in St. George Orthodox Cathedral Trivandrum.