Charuvil Y. Mathews (Appachen) was born on January 18, 1929, as the second son of Idichandy Yohannan and Aleyamma Yohannan in Kulakkada, India. He had two brothers and three sisters, two of whom became nuns in the Orthodox Church.

After his schooling, he went on to work as a clerk for the Public Works Department and as a teacher. However, his true passion lied in serving the Church, as he was an active member of the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement (MGOCSM) and parish committees for several years.

In 1967, Appachen married the love of his life, Allie Cheru (Ammachi). They were blessed with three daughters, and later immigrated to the United States, settling in Houston, Texas in 1979. Despite moving to a new country with very little to his name, Appachen cultivated a spirit of determination and hard-work within his family. He grounded his family in the Orthodox Faith and centered the daily life of the home around the Church.

His grandchildren were his biggest pride. Through his own life, Appachen taught them the importance of prayer, the discipline of liturgical worship, and the love of family. He celebrated every milestone: birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. His family was his entire world and his love for them was deep and unending. He is survived by his wife, Allie; his children: Lincy and Binu Lal, Merly and Manoj Thomas, and Esmy and Blesson Samuel; his grandchildren: Tessy and Naiju, Sephra, Dn. Reuben and Gina, Tia and Ashwin, Teresa, Nathan, and Ethan; his sister Rev. Sr. Yulithi S.I.C., along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

We will remember his love for the Orthodox Church and his family as we bid a heartfelt farewell to our Appachen. May his memory be eternal!

"I will both sleep and rest in peace, for You alone, O Lord, cause me to dwell in hope." Psalm 4:9 Visitation Wednesday 12 Jul 6:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral 2411 5th St, Stafford, TX 77477 Funeral Service Thursday 13 Jul 9:00 am ~ St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral 2411 5th St, Stafford, TX 77477 Interment Thursday 13 Jul Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery - 11:00 AM 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077