Cherian K. Varkey

Whatever heights you reach in life, never forget where you came from and the people that helped you along the way. No matter what happens, "saramilla" - everything will be okay.
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Cherian K. Varkey, our Appachan, was born in Puthuppally, Kayamkulam, (Kerala, India) on September 13th,1925 to Rachel and Varkey Thomas of Kannampallithara. He was the second of five children. After 7th grade, Appachan started working a factory job in Neelagiri. Upon returning to Kerala, he married Chinnama Cherian (late) of Mavilayil, Kadampanad on February 25th, 1949. Appachan and Ammachi lived in Kayamkulam before settling in Kadampanad to raise their family. Their first child, Rajan, was born during this time, but died in infancy, and their oldest daughter, Rachel "Maniamma" Thomas (late) was born shortly after. They were blessed with seven more children in the years to come, Appachan worked as a tailor to help support their growing family. The hard work of Appachan and Ammachi enabled their family to persevere through hardships, laying down the foundation of their incredible testimonies.
The highest priority in Appachan's life was his faith in Jesus Christ. Appachan came from a CSI background, but he yearned for a deeper relationship and a personal encounter with God.
God honored that desire through a group of Pentecostal believers that shared the gospel with Ammachi, who became born again. After the difficult birth and miraculous survival of their youngest child, Monikunju, Appachan experienced a personal encounter with Jesus and joined Ammachi in the decision to become born again.
Saved by grace, Appachan, Ammachi, and many of the family obeyed the biblical command of water baptism after consistent Bible studies and prayer led by Pr. Benjamin Varghese at the Panamthop Church in Kadampanad, where Appachan and Ammachi also supported and helped grow the church. Although these choices led to struggles of rejection and poverty in their lives, Appachan and Ammachi were fully committed to living, and raising their children, in faith.
God in His faithfulness opened the door for Appachan's sister, Mariamma Mathai and her husband A. T. Mathai (late), to file for his immigration. Appachan and his brother, Samuel Varkey arrived in America on May, 1981. In God's time, his family joined him in Philadelphia. Appachan worked at Cardone Industries side-by-side with beloved church members and friends who became like family. He was faithful in his job for 21 years, eventually retiring in 2002. Appachan attended Philadelphia India Christian Assembly under the leadership of Pr. Cherian P. Cherian, and then became a member of IPC Philadelphia, led by his son-in-law Pr. Wesley Daniel.
Appachan's kind smile and warm greeting blessed everyone that was lucky enough to be around him. He loved spending his time by cultivating his vegetable garden, sharing snacks with his family, and meticulously checking that everyone in the house was safe and happy.
Most of all, Appachan loved reading his Bible, singing songs of worship, and sitting in the presence of God. His passion for family and his love for Jesus was evident in how he spent his post-retirement years raising his grandchildren and leading them to Christ. God blessed Appachan with good health up until the very end of his life. At 98 years of age, Appachan was free of chronic health issues, had a sharp mind and an even sharper wit. On August 26th, 2024, Appachan went to be with the Lord, surrounded on every side by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. God was faithful to the end.
Losing Appachan is a tremendous loss for our family and church community. Loved by all, Appachan's impact is incalculable, and his sacrifices and good work will bear fruit for generations to come. Appachan had a quiet, deep-rooted faith that was a pillar of strength for everyone around him. He was a man of prayer who thanked his Savior for every breath he took. We will carry on his love for people and his heart of gratitude to God, forever.
Appachan is preceded in death by his wife, Chinnama Cherian (Ammachi), his daughter Rachel Thomas and his son-in-law Thomas Mathai. He is survived by his children Pr. Baby Kadampanad & Ponnamma Varghese, Annamma George & Varghese George, Accamma Daniel & Pr. Wesley Daniel, Mariamma Saji & Saji Baby, Susan Abraham & Pr. Abraham Thomas, Mary James & James Varghese, and Annie Joseph & Santhosh Joseph. He is also survived by his grandchildren Saji & Beena, Shaji & Nimmi, Raji & Joncy, Finny & Josmi, Sheba & Solomon, Pheba & Jaison, Phebi & Dickson, Sumy & Zackary, Justin & Ana, Charles & Hillary, Dan & Chelsea, Jairus, Achsah, Jaimy, Rufus, Kezia, and Zephan, as well as 16 great-grandchildren, and the countless others who looked fondly upon him as their Appachan.
Viewing and Funeral services will be held at Philadelphia India Christian Assembly on August 30th and 31st. Viewing, Friday, August 30th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Viewing and Funeral service, Saturday August 31st, 9:00 to 11:30 AM. Interment to follow in Sunset Memorial Park.
A livestream of the Viewings and Funeral Service is available below and on his Tribute Wall.
Please uphold his family in prayer.