Our Parish Priests
Rev. Dr. Siby Kurian Pulickal
Rev. Dr. Siby Kurian Pulickal has been serving as the Parish Priest of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Parish, Melbourne South-East, since 7 June 2026. He also serves as the Syncellus (Vicar General) of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, Melbourne.
Ordained to the priesthood on 1 January 1996, Fr. Siby is a priest of the Diocese of Thamarassery. Throughout his priestly ministry, he has served the Church in a wide range of pastoral, academic, and leadership roles. He began his pastoral ministry as Assistant Vicar in the parishes of Anakampoyil, Venappara, and Thottumukkam, and later served as Parish Priest of Panthalloor.
Fr. Siby completed his Doctorate in Theology in 2002 from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. In 2003, he began serving at St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha, where he dedicated nearly two decades to priestly formation and theological education.
During his years at the seminary, he served as Professor of Theology, Head of the Department of Studies, and Batch Animator. Alongside his academic ministry, he also served as Secretary of the Syro-Malabar Doctrinal Commission from 2005 to 2012.
Through his 19 years of service at St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Fr. Siby made a significant contribution to the formation of future priests and Church leaders.
Since 2022, Fr. Siby has been serving in the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Melbourne. Prior to his appointment in Melbourne South-East, he served as Parish Priest of St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Forane Church, Adelaide Central, and St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Parish, Adelaide South.
In June 2026 , Fr. Siby was appointed Syncellus (Vicar General) of the Eparchy and Parish Priest of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Parish, Melbourne South-East.
With his rich pastoral experience, theological expertise, and deep commitment to priestly ministry, Fr. Siby continues to guide and strengthen the faith life of our parish community and the wider Church in Australia.
Fr. Saji Njavarakkattu
Rev. Fr. Saji Njavarakkattu is a priest of the Diocese of Idukki, known for his dedication to pastoral ministry, youth formation, and community service. Born and raised in Vimalagiri, Idukki, he nurtured his vocation in his home parish, Vimala Matha Church, Vimalagiri, and was ordained to the priesthood on 26 December 2016 for the Diocese of Idukki.
Following his ordination, Fr. Saji served as Assistant Vicar at St. George Cathedral, Vazhathope, and St. Francis Assisi Church, Machiplavu. He later served as Vicar in several parishes of the Diocese, including St. Mary's Church, Karimban, St. Jude's Church, Kuthirakallu, St. George Church, Alppara, Vandiperiyar, and Velamkanni Matha Church, Myladumpara.
Alongside his parish responsibilities, Fr. Saji also served the Diocese of Idukki as Director of the Youth Apostolate and Students League, providing leadership and guidance to young people and fostering faith formation across the diocese.
In response to the pastoral needs of the Syro-Malabar faithful in Australia, Fr. Saji commenced his ministry in the Melbourne South East Parish on 26 May 2025 as Assistant Parish Priest.
Since joining our parish, Fr. Saji has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of our community. He played a vital role in the final stages of planning, preparation, and organisation leading up to the blessing and opening of our new church on 12 July 2025. Through his pastoral leadership, practical support, and close collaboration with parishioners, he helped bring this important milestone to fruition.
Fr. Saji continues to serve our parish with dedication and enthusiasm, supporting the spiritual, pastoral, and community life of the parish. His approachable nature, prayerful leadership, and commitment to serving others have made him a valued member of our parish family.