Philip Athiyalil Chacko

Philip A. Chacko (Raju) was born on July 10, 1948 in Perumpetty, Kerala. He was brought up in a loving Christian family. His parents’ names were A.C. Chacko and Saramma Chacko. Both parents dedicated their firstborn to the Lord’s work before hisbirth. Raju is the oldest of seven children, Annamma Abraham, Aleyamma Varghese, Molly John, Varghese A. Chacko, Thomas A. Chacko, and Nissy Mathew. Raju is lovingly known as Rajuchayan, Daddy, and Pacha (Appachan). When he was 16 years old, Raju committed his life to the Lord. It was always his desire to walk closely with his loving Savior, Jesus Christ. He consistently prayed for God’s guidance over his life.

Raju’s parents and his three dear uncles, Rev. C. Philipose, Rev. C.K. Athialy, and Dr. Chacko Joseph encouraged him to go to Bible College and Seminary. He always remembered his dear Kochamma Kazhakottam Aleyamma Saniasini and her long hours of prayer and her great love. The most important lesson Raju learned from his uncles and dear Kochamma was to read, study, and meditate on the Scripture, and you will be blessed.

Raju completed basic Bible training from Kombadi Bible Institute and Ecumenical Training Institute, Manganam, Kottayam. He graduated from Union Biblical Seminary, Yavatmal, Maharashtra. After his theological training, he came to Mar Thoma College, Tiruvalla to complete his B.A. in English Language and Literature. During his studies, Raju prayed regularly for God’s plan and direction, and benefitted from the financial support and direction he received from his three uncles.

In 1978, Raju married his beautiful wife, Sosamma Philip. In 1979, he came to the United States with a small suitcase and very few clothes. He and his cousin Philip Mathew were one of the first Malayalee Christian families in Atlanta, Georgia. While in the United States, Raju worked hard to support his parents back home in India. In 1983, Raju completed the M.Div. program from Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. He desired to be a clergyman but life took a different turn. Instead, he worked in the food industry for almost 30 years, with Cub Foods and Kroger being among the places he worked. It was in these settings and many more that Raju’s deep faith and commitment to evangelistic work was clearly visible to anyone who visited him or spoke to him.

Raju is the devoted father of two children who loved him very dearly, Christy and Sam. Christy and her husband, Peter, have three children: Daniel, Sarah, and Hannah. Sam and his wife, Sandra, have two children: Christian and Aiden. Raju enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He always prayed with them and shared many Bible stories to cultivate their love for the Lord.

Raju was committed to serving others, and did so through church and various ministries in the United States and India. He was always active in the local church. Raju will be fondly remembered by the youth of the Atlanta Mar Thoma Church for starting the children’s Sunday School program and teaching weekly for many years.

Raju worked among the homeless in downtown Atlanta and also served as a chaplain in a nursing home. He desired to share the hope we have in Jesus to those who were facing difficult circumstances. Raju faced his own hardships in life. Even when his physical mobility was restricted, he continued to encourage others. An example of this was his regular participation in an active prayer ministry on the phone.

One of Raju’s greatest joys was helping others any way he could. A beautiful example of this was how he set apart his entire inheritance (patrimony) for Christian ministry work. At an Athyal family reunion in Perumpetty in 2019, the monetary gift was presented to Mr. George Cherian of Missions India . With the amount given, Missions India was able to appoint an evangelist to work in the Perumpetty area. Raju’s desire was for Jesus to be seen, lives to be changed, and the gospel message to spread.

Raju lived a simple life. He never wanted to accumulate money, property, or other material possessions. Whatever he did have, he always wanted to give to others. He was a student of the Bible until the very end, and confidently looked forward to the glorious reunion when we will all be together in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A visitation for Philip will be held Friday, June 14, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Mar Thoma Church, Atlanta, 6015 Old Stone Mountain Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 6015 Old Stone Mountain Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 followed by a committal at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, 3700 Stone Mountain Hwy, Snellville, GA 30039.