Rev. Fr. Philip Jacob (Achen) was born on January 11, 1950 to Sosamma and Chacko Geevarghese of the Nairkulangara House in Pathichira, Mavelikara, Kerala. Raju, as he was fondly called, was one among a devout family of four brothers and four sisters. His early education was all in Mavelikara, Kerala. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Bishop Moore College in Mavelikara.

After graduation, Raju, attending to his divine calling started as a member of the othara Dayara, one of the oldest and austere Orthodox monasteries of Kerala. This stay at the Dayara groomed him to serve as the Personal Assistant to the then, His Grace Mathews Mar Coorilos (Now, His Holiness Moran Mar Baselius Mar Thoma Mathews II our previous Catholicos - of divine memory), the Metropolitan of Kollam Diocese in Kerala. It was under His divine mentorship that Deacon Raju blossomed as a true spiritual leader. Deacon Raju served His Grace Mar Coorilos for 2 years.

On August 26, 1973 Deacon Philip Jacob was married to Kunjujamma Cherian of the Nediyavilla Puthenveedu, Nariapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kerala. The ceremony was held at the St. John's Orthodox Church, Pathichira, lead by His Grace Mathews Mar Coorilos.

On September 19, 1973 Deacon Raju was ordained as a Priest by His Grace Mathews Mar Coorilos at the St. Gregorios Orthodox Church, Parumala, Kerala.

In February 1974, Philp Achen arrived in Boston, MA, to study for a masters Degree in Divinity at the Hellenic Greek Orthodox Seminary, accompanied by Kochamma. he was also cunducting services at the St. Thomas Orthodox Church of Boston.

On January 10, 1977 Achen and Kochamma were blessed with a baby boy, Paul Philip Jacob.

In 1978, Achen moved to Detroit, MI, to take charge as the Vicar or the St. Thomas Orthodox Church. He was also responsible for the Orthodox congregation in Cleveland, OH.

The St. Thomas Orthodox Church was incorporated on October 17, 1978 and sevices have been conducted regularly ever since. Services were first held at the Cass Methodist Church, and later, at the Trinity Episcopal Church, both in Detroit. Achen has been selflesssly taking care of all the parishioners' spiritual needs throught the years. He has been there for everybody all the time........

On February 17, 1982, Achen and Kochamma were blessed with a baby girl, Paula Susan Jacob.

Under Achens's guidance and leadership, the St. Thomas Orthodox Church grew spiritually and in numbers. Achens's vision of the congregation owning its own Church was manifested in 1990 when the deed for the Apostolic Faith Temple Church in Southfield, MI was signed. The new church was consecrated on November 3, 1991 by His Grace Dr. THomas Mar Makarios.

Achen's dedication and encouragement has helped our parish to organize a very active Sunday School, Martha Mariam Samajam, Youth League and MGOCSM. Achen has been insturmental in maintaining regular Evening Prayers on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Monthly Prayer Meetings, and Special Prayers. Achen also commute to Grand Rapids, MI, Cleveland OH, and Columbus, OH to perform Holy Qurbana and to take care of the spiritual needs of our extended congregation.