About the Author
Athanasius Yohan I (Metropolitan Yohan) is the Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church, which is comprised of 57 dioceses and more than 12,000 congregations throughout the world. More than four decades ago, he founded GFA World, which has become a significant missions bridge in linking those in the West to help to fulfill the Great Commission around the world. He has authored more than 250 books. His landmark book, Revolution in World Missions, with more than 4 million copies in print, presents a compelling case for the urgent and God-given call to reach the lost.
An Apostle’s Legacy
Metropolitan Yohan was born and brought up in Niranam, Kerala, in South India. Niranam has immense historical significance in the tradition of Saint Thomas, a disciple of Jesus Christ who planted the first church there in AD 52.
A devout woman, Metropolitan’s mother fasted weekly for many years, asking God to call one of her sons into ministry. God answered her prayers by calling her youngest son, then just 16 years of age, into service. That young man, ready to accept the call, would go on to become a leader in the global missions movement. Metropolitan Yohan continues to draw inspiration from the sacrifice, devotion, and faith of his mother, and remains grateful for the Godly heritage of his parents.
Growing up in the Malankara Syrian Christian tradition, Metropolitan Yohan is honored to have begun his spiritual journey following in the footsteps of Saint Thomas. On February 6, 2003, he was consecrated and installed as the Metropolitan of Believers Eastern Church. His 250 books offer practical and spiritual guidance on hundreds of subjects, including the Faith and Tradition Series, recounting and teaching the Holy Tradition of God’s Holy Church to first-generation believers.
A Lifetime of Ministry
At a young age, Metropolitan Yohan dedicated his life to God to serve the needy and downtrodden. After more than half-a-century in ministry, he continues to pour out his life to awaken the western Church to missions and to equip the Church in the east, building up God’s Holy Church around the globe.
He prayed, “Oh my Lord, let my heart break with the things that break Your heart,” and his life was never the same. Now, after over four decades of selfless service, he says,
I have no regrets in praying that prayer for I know God has touched millions through what He did in and through me. It is all God’s grace.
Metropolitan Yohan spent the early years of his service in North India, and traveled to the remote villages sharing the love of Christ and doing charitable work. Through numerous encounters during those years, he was instilled with an increasing passion to bring hope, peace, and comfort to the needy and deprived. His sacrificial commitment, farsightedness and aptitude to perceive helped him to lead a life of devotion to serve Christ and His church.
A Global Missions Movement
Out of the Metropolitan’s heart for the needy have flowed many initiatives and projects to build the nations where Believers Eastern Church is located. These include a childcare project helping tens of thousands of impoverished children; Sisters of Compassion, an order that serves the most neglected of society; hospitals, schools and major relief efforts.
Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan I Metropolitan is also the voice of Athmeeya Yathra, a radio/TV program that touches millions through daily broadcasts.
His wife and two grown children are also serving the Lord.