Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Pathanamthitta
| Diocese of Pathanamthitta Eparchiae Pathanamthitta പത്തനംതിട്ട രൂപത | |
|---|---|
 Bishop's House of the Eparchy | |
| Location | |
| Country |
 India |
| Ecclesiastical province | Pathanamthitta |
| Coordinates | 9°16′53″N 76°47′14″E / 9.28139°N 76.78722°ECoordinates: 9°16′53″N 76°47′14″E / 9.28139°N 76.78722°E |
| Statistics | |
| Area | 2,100 km2 (810 sq mi) |
| Population - Total - Catholics |
(as of 2010) 1,234,016 40,563 |
| Parishes | 100 |
| Members | 37,500[1][2] |
| Information | |
| Denomination | Eastern Catholic |
| Rite | Syro-Malankara Rite |
| Cathedral | St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church,Pathanamthitta |
| Patron saint | St. Thomas |
| Secular priests | 89[1][2] |
| Current leadership | |
| Pope | Francis |
| Bishop | Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom |
| Vicar General | Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jose Chamakalayil |
| Episcopal Vicars | Rt. Rev. Msgr. Chacko Thadathil |
| Map | |
 Location of Pathanamthitta in Kerala | |
The Eparchy of Pathanamthitta 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 Pope Benedict XVI, on 25 January 2010. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom became the first bishop of this Eparchy. St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church, Pathanamthitta serves as the Cathedral Church for this Eparchy.[3]
History
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 (Syro-Malabar Catholic Church) and the rest formed themselves into an independent ecclesial community and gradually got into an ecclesial relationship with the ancient Church of the Antioch. Later, on 20 September 1930 a group headed by Archbishop Mar Ivanios lead the reunion movement and returned to the Catholic Church. The Metropolitan Eparchy of Trivandrum was inaugurated on 11 May 1933 and Archbishop Geevarghese 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.[4]
Statistics
As of 2010 there were 100 parishes in the Diocese, served by 89 priests. 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.[5]
Curia members
| 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.Joshy Vazhappilleth |
| Secretary | Rev. Fr. Sebastian Pulivelil |
The Heads of Various Apostolic Services
| Designation | Name |
|---|---|
| Rector, Minor Seminary | Very Rev.Fr. Sam Vengattoor |
| Director, Catechism | Very Rev.Fr. Robin Manackaleth |
| Director, MCYM | Very Rev.Fr. Sebastian Kizhakkethil |
| Director, Family Apostolate | Very Rev.Fr. Joseph Erattapulickal |
| Director, Bible Apostolate | Very Rev.Fr. Zacharias Nediyakalayil |
| Correspondent, Aided Schools | Very Rev.Fr. Augustine Pulimuttath |
| Correspondent, Unaided Schools | Very Rev.Fr. George Puthenvila |
| Director, Pious Association | Very Rev.Fr. James Elanjickal |
| Director, Social Apostolate | Very Rev.Fr. Varghese Chamakala |
| Spiritual Adviser, St.Vincent de Paul Society | Very Rev.Fr. Mathew Puthuparambil |
| Director, Media & Publication (PRO) | Very Rev.Fr. Daniel Narakathinal (Benny) |
Gallery
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Inauguration of the Eparchy
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Inauguration of the 'UPASANA' Pastoral Centre,Omalloor
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Ordination of priests held at S H Church, Mylapra
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Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom with Curia Members
References
- 1 2 "Population Statistics"., Syro Malankara Church.
- 1 2 Ronald Roberson. "The Eastern Catholic Churches 2012" (PDF). Catholic Near East Welfare Association. Retrieved 18 November 2012. Information sourced from Annuario Pontificio 2012 edition.
- ↑ "St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church,Pathanamthitta".
- ↑ "The History of the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta".
- ↑ "Sacred Heart Malankara Catholic Church, Mylapra".
External links
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