Paulose was born on June 12, 1914 to the Vicar of Cherai St. Mary's church, Kasheesho Puthusseri Joseph and Elizabeth. He was named P. J. Paulose and completed his secondary education at Cherai Ramavarma High School. After completing college education at Kottayam CMS College and Alwaye Union Christian College, Paulose joined the Manjinikkara Deiro. Paulose continued his Syriac education under Rabban Abdul Ahad (later Patriarch Yaqub III).