Mathews Mar Athenasius Episcopa was the first missionary bishop of the Mar Thoma Church. As a diocesan Episcopa he did remarkable pioneering work in organizing parishes and new mission fields. His evangelical ardour and concern for the unreached area, made him forge ahead expansion programmes and colonization schemes besides establishing of several institutions. He was noted for his deep personal dedication to Jesus Christ and his zeal for the spread of the Gospel, continuity in the Evangelical tradition of the Mar Thoma Church. He was full of energy and sacrificial spirit.