Background
Joseph Severus was born on 7 April 1894 in the Malankara Orthodox family.
Joseph Severus was born on 7 April 1894 in the Malankara Orthodox family.
In 1916 he graduated with a Bachelor of Philosophy.
His birth name was Joseph Valakuzhyil. After leaving school when he was 15, he was dedicated to the reading, then entered the seminary. In 1912 he passed his exams and went to college in Tiruchchirappalli, but soon left and went to Serampore University, where he was hired by Geevarghese March Ivanios.
After finishing his education was director of the primary school and missionary in Brahmavare.
On 8 January 1929 he was ordained to the priesthood and in 1932 led the seminary in Kottayam. On 25 May 1933 Severus was ordained a bishop and led the Niranam diocese.
Although he had a close friendship with Metropolitan Ivanios, he was not a supporter of the reunification of the Churches and was very disappointed when in 1930 March Ivanios became a Catholic and formed the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. However, the study of church history has led to the opposite result and on 29 November 1937 Joseph March Severus professed the Catholic faith and was received by March Ivanios.
On 20 November 1938 he became Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Tiruvalla, which later led after the retirement of Jacob March Theophilos.
Joseph March Severus died on 18 January 1955.