| Malankara Syrian Catholics of The Eparchy of Pathanamthitta പത്തനംതിട്ട രൂപത |
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|---|---|
| Location | |
| Country | India |
| Ecclesiastical province | Pathanamthitta |
| Metropolitan | Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom |
| Statistics | |
| Area | 2,100 km2 (810 sq mi) |
| Parishes | 100 |
| Information | |
| Rite | Antiochene Rite |
| Cathedral | St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church,Pathanamthitta |
| Patron saint | St. Thomas |
| Secular priests | 89 |
| Vicars General |
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jose Chamakalayil |
| Map | |
Location of Pathanamthitta in Kerala |
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The Eparchy of Pathanamthitta (പത്തനംതിട്ട രൂപത) constitutes the Malankara Syrian Catholic Community in the Vicinity of Pathanamthitta in the Indian State of Kerala. The Diocese came into existence with the consent of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, on 25 January 2010. Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom is the first bishop of this Eparchy. St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church, Pathanamthitta serves as the Cathedral Church for this Eparchy.[1]
Contents |
The Syro-Malankara Catholics are one of the oldest Saint Thomas Christians centered in Kerala, India. In the 16th century, the Church in the West came in contact with the Indian Church through the Portuguese merchants and missionaries. But the relationship was fragile and several conflicts evolved among them, which later resulted in the Coonan Cross Oath. The majority of them restored ecclesial relationship with the Portuguese hierarchy (Malabar-Church) and the rest formed themselves into an independent ecclesial community and gradually got into an ecclesial relationship with the ancient Christian Church of Antioch (Malankara-Church). Later, on September 20, 1930 a group headed by Archbishop Mar Ivanios lead the reunion movement and returned back to the Catholic Church. The Metropolitan Eparchy of Trivandrum was inaugurated on May 11, 1933 and His Grace Archbishop Mar Ivanios was installed as its first Metropolitan. To cope up with the tremendous growth of the church the Major Archeparchy of Trivandrum was ramified and a new Eparchy of Pathanamthitta was formed.[2]
As of 2010, there are 100 parishes in the Diocese and as many as 89 Priests are serving in the Diocese. The Diocesan area is basically hilly in nature including a considerable number of tribal colonies. The Exarcate of the United States found its first bishop, Aboon Thomas Mar Eusebius from the Sacred Heart Malankara Catholic Church in Mylapra near Pathanamthitta[3].
| Designation | Name |
|---|---|
| Proto Syncellus (Chief Vicar General) | Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jose Chamakalayil |
| Syncellus (Vicar General) | Rev. Msgr. Chacko Thadathil |
| Chancellor | Very Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Chediyath |
| Economus (Procurator) | Very Rev. Fr. Varghese Kaithon |
| Secretary | Rev. Fr. George Varghese Puthuparambil |
| Designation | Name |
|---|---|
| Rector, Minor Seminary | Very Rev.Fr. Sebastian Ambasseril |
| Director, Catechism | Very Rev.Fr. Varghese Samuel Kizhakkevila |
| Director, Human Resources | Very Rev.Fr. Johnson Parackal |
| Director, MCYM | Very Rev.Fr. Varghese Vilayil |
| Director, Family Apostolate | Very Rev.Fr. Joseph Erattapulickal |
| Director, Bible Apostolate | Very Rev.Fr. Zacharias Nediyakalayil |
| Correspondent, Aided Schools | Very Rev.Fr. Joseph Kurumpileth |
| Correspondent, Unaided Schools | Very Rev.Fr. George Puthenvila |
| Director, Constructions | Very Rev.Fr. Abraham Vavolimepurth |
| Director, Pious Association | Very Rev.Fr. James Elanjickal |
| Director, Social Apostolate | Very Rev.Fr. Christy Thevallil |
| Spiritual Advisor, MCA | Very Rev.Fr. Varghese Kuthineth |
| Spiritual Adviser, St.Vincent de Paul Society | Very Rev.Fr. Mathew Puthuparambil |
| Director, Media & Publication (PRO) | Very Rev.Fr. Daniel Narakathinal (Benny) |
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