Rev. Thomas Cheriyan
Vicar-in-charge
Rev. Thomas Cheriyan is a minister blessed with a heart of mission. He is the current Vicar-in-charge of Christ Church of Connecticut, leading the parish with a vision of outreach and mission expanding beyond the four walls of the church. Thomas Achen was ordained minister of the Church of South India, Kollam-Kottarakkara Diocese. He hails from Punalur in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. After completing his bachelor's degree in Philosophy, he had the Theological education at the United Theological College, Bangalore and earned his bachelor degree in Divinity (B.D). He was ordained in the year 2008 and has wide experience in both missionary and pastoral ministry. He served the South Kerala Diocese and Kollam-Kottarakkara Diocese in different capacities such as the Central India Director of Mission, Director of Mission Board, Youth Coordinator, Coordinator for COVID-19 Relief projects, Diocesan executive committee member, etc. He then served as the Associate Presbyter in Christ Church Cathedral, Kollam, India. He has been serving as the Vicar-in-charge of Christ Church of Connecticut since October 2022. Rev. Thomas Cheriyan is married to Siby Elizabeth Chacko and blessed with two boys Nathan and Evan.
Phone: 475-316-8815
E-mail: utcthomas@gmail.com
Rev. John J Williams
Senior Vicar (Retired)
Rev. John J. Williams is a great spiritual leader, prayer warrior, visionary, and a fine singer. William Achen led our congregation ever since its foundation in 1992 till his retirement in 2022. His meritorious and selfless leadership is the primary reason behind the steady growth of our congregation. With his ever pleasant and positive outlook, Achen always inspires and uplifts every person around him and who ever comes in contact with him. He is always there to pray for the sick, provide comfort to the distressed and consolation to the grieving.
William Achen's loving wife Leelamma Kochamma was called to her heavenly abode in Jan 2023. Achen is blessed with 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He was born and brought up in Kerala, India (where he was ordained as a priest in the Madhya Kerala Diocese of Church of South India and also was a high school teacher). He currently lives in Danbury, Connecticut with his family.
Phone: (203)798-2627
Email: jwilliamachen@gmail.com