View source for Eparchy of Kothamangalam

{{Short description|Eastern Catholic eparchy in Kerala, India}}

{{more citations needed|date=January 2019}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}

{{Infobox diocese
| jurisdiction      = Eparchy 
| name              = Kothamangalam 
| local             = കോതമംഗലം രൂപത
| image             = Mar George Alencherry at Kothamangalam Cathedral.jpg
| image_size        = 
| image_alt         = 
| caption           = [[Syro-Malabar]] Major Archbishop [[Mar George Alencherry]] at St. George Cathedral, Kothamangalam
<!---- Locations ---->
| country           = {{flag|India}}
| territory         = 
| metropolitan      = 
| province          =  
| archdeaconries    = 
| deaneries         = 
| subdivisions      = 
| coordinates       = 
<!---- Statistics ---->
| area_km2          = 4,840 
| area_sqmi         = <!-- Area in square miles, automatically converted -->
| area_footnotes    = 
| population        = 885,320
| population_as_of  = 2011
| catholics         = 231,300
| catholics_percent = 29.3
| parishes          = 120
| congregations     = <!-- Number of congregations in the diocese -->
| schools           = 175
| members           = <!-- Number of members in the diocese -->
<!---- Information ---->
| denomination      = [[Catholic Church]]
| sui_iuris_church  = [[Syro-Malabar Church]]
| rite              = [[East Syriac Rite]] 
| established       = 29 July 1956
| cathedral         = St. George Cathedral, [[Kothamangalam, Kerala]]
| cocathedral       = 
| patron            = [[Immaculate Heart of Mary]]
| patron_title      = <!-- Use to override the default label "Patron saint" -->
| priests           = 543
<!---- Current leadership ---->
| pope              = {{Incumbent pope}} <!-- DO NOT CHANGE. This will update the Popes Automatically as they change -->
| patriarch         = 
| major_archbishop  = [[Raphael Thattil]]
| bishop            = George Madathikandathil
| bishop_title      = <!-- Type of ordinary: i.e. Bishop or Archbishop. Default is Bishop -->
| metro_archbishop  = 
| coadjutor         = 
| suffragans        = <!-- List most senior first (usually reckoned by date of consecration); use | suffragan = for one -->
| auxiliary_bishops = <!-- List most senior first (usually reckoned by date of consecration) -->
| apostolic_admin   = 
| vicar_general     = Mgr Pius Malekandathil, Mgr Vincent Nedungatt
| 
| archdeacons       = <!-- List most senior first (usually reckoned by date of first collation); use | archdeacon = for one-->
| emeritus_bishops  = George Punnakottil (1977-2013), 
                      Mathew Pothanamuzhi (1956-1977)
<!---- Map ---->
| map               = 
| map_size          = 
| map_alt           = 
| map_caption       = 
<!---- Website ---->
| website           = [https://www.eparchyofkothamangalam.com/ Website of the Diocese]
| footnotes         = 
|headquarters=|coat=Kothamangalam_diocese.png}}
The '''Eparchy of Kothamangalam''' is an [[Syro-Malabar Church]] ecclesiastical jurisdiction or [[eparchy]] the [[Catholic Church in India]]. It was established  by [[Pope Pius XII]] in 1957. Mar George Madathikandathil is the eparch since 10 January 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/01/10/new_bishops_for_india,_canada,_usa/en1-654589|title = Vatican Radio}}</ref>

Situated in the central region of the Indian state of Kerala, the Eparchy of Kothamangalam lies extended in Ernakulam and Idukki districts of Kerala, neighbouring the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly|Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly]], eparchies of [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Irinjalakuda|Irinjalakuda]], [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Idukki|Idukki]] and [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Palai|Pala]]. Mar Mathew Pothanamuzhy was the first bishop of the eparchy. He was succeeded by Mar George Punnakottil served as the [[bishop]] until 10 January 2013, when his resignation was accepted by the synod.

==Boundaries==
It is bounded on the north by the Periyar river,
on the east by the  Uzhavathadam river, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, and the Kulamavu Dam;
on the west by [[Kolenchery]],
and on the south by  Ramamangalam, Memuri, Marady, [[Arakuzha]], Purapuzha and Karimkunnam villages, Vazhipuzha river, eastern boundary of Velliamatam and southern boundary of [[Thodupuzha]] taluk.

==Population==
The Kothamangalam Diocese has a total of approximately 231,300 faithful under its jurisdiction.

== Ordinaries ==
'''Bishops'''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Sl.no
! Name
! Designation
! Year of appointment
! Last year of service
|-
| 1
| [[Matthew Pothanamuzhi]]
| align="center" | Bishop
| align="center" | 1956
| align="center" | 1977
|-
| 2
| [[George Punnakottil]]
| align="center" | Bishop
| align="center" | 1977
| align="center" | 2013
|-
| 3
| [[George Madathikandathil]]
| align="center" | Bishop
| align="center" | 2013
| align="center" | ''present''
|}
'''Prelate's Hailing from the Diocese'''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Sl.no
! Name
! Designation
! Year of appointment
! Last year of service
|-
| 1
| [[Thomas Thiruthalil C.M]]
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Berhampur and  Balasore
| align="center" | 1974
| align="center" | 2013
|-
| 2
| [[Thomas Pulloppillil]]
| align="center" | Bishop of Bongaigaon
| align="center" | 2000
| align="center" | ''present''
|-
| 3
| [[John Thomas Kattrukudiyil]]
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Dhipu and Itanagar
| align="center" | 1994
| align="center" | 2023
|-
| 4
| [[Benny Varghese Edathattel]]
| align="center" | Bishop of Itanagar
| align="center" | 2023
| align="center" | ''present''
|-
| 5
| [[Chacko Thottumarickal, S.V.D]]
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Jhubua and Indore
| align="center" | 2002
| align="center" | 2024
|-
| 6
| [[Thomas Mathew Kuttimackal]]
| align="center" | Bishop of Indore
| align="center" | 2024
| align="center" | ''present''
|-
| 7
| [[Matthew Vaniakizhakel, C.V.]]
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Satna
| align="center" | 1999
| align="center" | 2014
|-
| 8
| [[Joseph Kodakallil]]
| align="center" | Bishop of Satna
| align="center" | 2015
| align="center" | ''present''
|-
| 9
| [[John Vadakel, C.M.I.]]
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Bijnor
| align="center" | 2009
| align="center" | 2019
|}

==Foranes & Parishes==
[[File:Maran Mar George Alencherry in the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Kothamangalam.JPG|thumb|Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop [[Mar George Alencherry]] during the Episcopal Ordination of Mar George Madathikandathil as the Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Kothamangalam]]
'''1. Kothamangalam Forane''' '''([[St George Cathedral Forane church]])'''

1. [[Kothamangalam]]<br />
2. Injoor<br />
3. Malippara<br />
4. Mathirappilly<br />
5. Nadukani<br />
6. Nellimattom<br />
7. [[Thrikkariyoor]]<br />
8. Vettampara<br />
9. Allungal<br />
10. Nellikuzhy<br/>

'''2. Arakuzha Forane''' '''([[Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Arakuzha]])'''

1. [[Arakuzha]]<br />
2. Arikkuzha<br />
3. [[Meenkunnam]] ([[St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Church, Meenkunnam|St. Joseph's Catholic Church]])<br />
4. Peringuzha<br />
5. [[Perumballur]]<br />
6. Thottakkara

'''3. Kaliyar Forane''' '''(St. Ritha Forane Church)<br />'''

1. [[Kaliyar]]<br />
2. Koduvely<br />
3. Mannukkad<br />
4. Mundanmudy<br />
5. Njarakkad<br />
6. Thennathur<br />
7. [[Thommankuthu]]<br />
8. [[Vannappuram]]

'''4. Karimannoor Forane'''

1. [[Karimannoor]]<br />
2. Cheenikkuzhy<br />
3. Cheppukulam<br />
4. [[Chilavu]]<br />
5. Kaithappara<br />
6. Malayinchi<br />
7. Mulappuram<br />
8. Neyyasserry<br />
9. Pallikkamuri<br />
10. Peringasserry<br />
11. Thattakkuzha<br />
12. [[Udumbannoor]]<br />
13. Uppukunnu

'''5. Mailakkombu Forane'''

1. Mailakkombu<br />
2. Ezhallur<br />
3. [[Kaloor]]<br />
4. Nakappuzha<br />
5. Perumbillichira<br />
6. Thazhuvamkunnu

'''6. Maarika Forane'''

1. Maarika<br />
2. Kolady<br />
3. [http://www.stantonys.com/ Kuninji]<br />
4. Nediyasala<br />
5. [[Purapuzha|Purappuzha]]

'''7. Muthalakkodam Forane (St George Forane Church)'''

1. [[Muthalakodam|Muthalakkodam]]<br />
2. Chalasserry<br />
3. [[Kodikulam|Kodikkulam]]<br />
4. Paarappuzha<br />
5. [[Vandamattom]]<br />
6. Vazhakkala

'''8. Muvattupuzha Forane''' '''([[Holy Magi Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Muvattupuzha]])'''

1. [[Muvattupuzha]]<br />
2. St Sebastian's Church Anicadu<br />
3. Karakkunnam<br />
4. Marady<br />
5. Mekkadambu<br />
6. Mudavoor<br />
7. Muvattupuzha East<br />
8. Randaar<br />
9. Vazhappilly East

'''9. Oonnukal Forane(Little Flower Syro Malabar Catholic Forane Church)'''

1. Oonnukal<br />
2. Ambikapuram<br />
3. Injathotty<br />
4. Maamalakkandam<br />
5. Neendapaara<br />
6. Neryamangalam<br />
7. Parikkanni<br />
8. Pazhambillichal<br />
9. Perumannur

'''10. Paingottoor Forane'''

1. [[Paingottoor]]<br />
2. Kalvarigiri (Kulappuram)<br />
3. Kadavoor<br />
4. Mullaringad<br />
5. Pothanikkad<br />
6. Punnamattom<br />
7. Rajagir (Vellallu)

'''11. Thodupuzha Forane'''

1. [[Thodupuzha]]<br />
2. Alakkodu<br />
3. Anjiri<br />
4. Chittur<br />
5. Kalayanthani<br />
6. Kallanikkal<br />
7. Methotty<br />
8. Nazareth hill (Thoyipra)<br />
9. Nediyakaad<br />
10. Pannimattom<br />
11. Ponnanthanam<br />
12. Thalayanad<br />
13. Thodupuzha East<br />
14. Vettimattom

'''12. Vazhakkulam Forane''' '''(St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church)''' '''(വാഴക്കുളം ഫൊറോന പള്ളി)'''

1. [[Vazhakulam]]<br />
2. [[Ayavana]]<br />
3. Beslehem<br />
4. Enanelloor<br />
5. Kadalikkad<br />
6. [[Kalloorkkad]]<br />
7. Kavakkad<br />
8. Nadukkara<br />
9. [[Vadakode]]

'''13.Kuruppampady Forane''' '''(St. Peter & Paul Forane Church)'''

1. [[Kuruppampady]]<br/>
2. Kutthunkal<br />
3. Nedungapra<br />
4. Kottapady<br />
5. Muttathuppara<br />

'''14.Velielchal Forane''' '''St. Joseph's Forane Church'''

1. [[Velielchal]]<br/>
2. Vadattupara<br />
3. [[Pooyamkutty]]<br />
4. Njayappilly<br />
5. Urulanthanni<br />
6. Manikandamchal<br /> 
7. Kallelimedu<br />
8. [[Keerampara]]<br />
9. [[Kuttampuzha]]<br>

==Filial Churches==
1. Infant Jesus Church Nazarathvalley<br/>
2. Infant Jesus Church Nazarethhill<br/>
3. Little Flower Church Pallickamury<br/>
4. St. Alphonsa's Church Pulickathotty<br/>
5. St. Alphonsa's Church Uppukunnu<br/>
6. St. Francis Xavier's Church Kulappura<br/>
7. St. Jude Church Kallelimedu<br/>
8. St. Mary's Church Manikandamchal<br/>
9. St. Mary's Church Mannukad<br/>
10. St. Mary's Church Ottalloor<br/>
11. St. Paul's Church Methotty<br/>

==Priests==
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
| Priests belonging to the Eparchy
| 344
|-
| Priests working outside
| 46
|-
| Priests out for studies
| 8
|-
| Priests Retired
| 25
|-
| Religious Priests 
| 120
|}

==Educational institutions==
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
| University Colleges
| 2
|-
| Engineering College
| 1
|-
| Self-financing colleges
| 3
|-
| Teacher Training College
| 1
|-
| Technical Schools
| 6
|-
| Higher Secondary Schools
| 21
|-
| High Schools
| 20
|-
| Upper Primary Schools
| 26
|-
| Lower Primary Schools
| 51
|-
| Unrecognized Schools
| 4
|-
| Nursery Schools
| 53
|}

==Notable individuals==
*[[George Karakunnel]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Kothamangalam}}
*[http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/diocese_details.php?id=15 Syro-Malabar Kothamangalam Eparchy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714075533/http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/diocese_details.php?id=15 |date=14 July 2014 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110411230757/http://cs.nyu.edu/kandathi/ernakulam.html Archdiocese of Ernakulam]
*[http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dktsm.html Catholic-Hierarchy entry]

{{Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Hierarchy}}
{{Christianity in Kerala}}

{{coord missing|Kerala}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kothamangalam, Diocese of}}
[[Category:Eastern Catholic dioceses in India]]
[[Category:Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly]]
[[Category:Syro-Malabar Catholic dioceses]]
[[Category:Christian organizations established in 1957]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic dioceses and prelatures established in the 20th century]]
[[Category:1957 establishments in Kerala]]