https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Eparchy_of_Kothamangalam
Eparchy of Kothamangalam - Revision history
2026-07-31T03:28:29Z
Revision history for this page on the wiki
MediaWiki 1.45.4
https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Eparchy_of_Kothamangalam&diff=498576&oldid=prev
LashayFmm33111 at 10:28, 25 January 2026
2026-01-25T10:28:12Z
<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Eastern Catholic eparchy in Kerala, India}}<br />
<br />
{{more citations needed|date=January 2019}}<br />
<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}<br />
<br />
{{Infobox diocese<br />
| jurisdiction = Eparchy <br />
| name = Kothamangalam <br />
| local = കോതമംഗലം രൂപത<br />
| image = Mar George Alencherry at Kothamangalam Cathedral.jpg<br />
| image_size = <br />
| image_alt = <br />
| caption = [[Syro-Malabar]] Major Archbishop [[Mar George Alencherry]] at St. George Cathedral, Kothamangalam<br />
<!---- Locations ----><br />
| country = {{flag|India}}<br />
| territory = <br />
| metropolitan = <br />
| province = <br />
| archdeaconries = <br />
| deaneries = <br />
| subdivisions = <br />
| coordinates = <br />
<!---- Statistics ----><br />
| area_km2 = 4,840 <br />
| area_sqmi = <!-- Area in square miles, automatically converted --><br />
| area_footnotes = <br />
| population = 885,320<br />
| population_as_of = 2011<br />
| catholics = 231,300<br />
| catholics_percent = 29.3<br />
| parishes = 120<br />
| congregations = <!-- Number of congregations in the diocese --><br />
| schools = 175<br />
| members = <!-- Number of members in the diocese --><br />
<!---- Information ----><br />
| denomination = [[Catholic Church]]<br />
| sui_iuris_church = [[Syro-Malabar Church]]<br />
| rite = [[East Syriac Rite]] <br />
| established = 29 July 1956<br />
| cathedral = St. George Cathedral, [[Kothamangalam, Kerala]]<br />
| cocathedral = <br />
| patron = [[Immaculate Heart of Mary]]<br />
| patron_title = <!-- Use to override the default label "Patron saint" --><br />
| priests = 543<br />
<!---- Current leadership ----><br />
| pope = {{Incumbent pope}} <!-- DO NOT CHANGE. This will update the Popes Automatically as they change --><br />
| patriarch = <br />
| major_archbishop = [[Raphael Thattil]]<br />
| bishop = George Madathikandathil<br />
| bishop_title = <!-- Type of ordinary: i.e. Bishop or Archbishop. Default is Bishop --><br />
| metro_archbishop = <br />
| coadjutor = <br />
| suffragans = <!-- List most senior first (usually reckoned by date of consecration); use | suffragan = for one --><br />
| auxiliary_bishops = <!-- List most senior first (usually reckoned by date of consecration) --><br />
| apostolic_admin = <br />
| vicar_general = Mgr Pius Malekandathil, Mgr Vincent Nedungatt<br />
| <br />
| archdeacons = <!-- List most senior first (usually reckoned by date of first collation); use | archdeacon = for one--><br />
| emeritus_bishops = George Punnakottil (1977-2013), <br />
Mathew Pothanamuzhi (1956-1977)<br />
<!---- Map ----><br />
| map = <br />
| map_size = <br />
| map_alt = <br />
| map_caption = <br />
<!---- Website ----><br />
| website = [https://www.eparchyofkothamangalam.com/ Website of the Diocese]<br />
| footnotes = <br />
|headquarters=|coat=Kothamangalam_diocese.png}}<br />
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><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
==Boundaries==<br />
It is bounded on the north by the Periyar river,<br />
on the east by the Uzhavathadam river, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, and the Kulamavu Dam;<br />
on the west by [[Kolenchery]],<br />
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.<br />
<br />
==Population==<br />
The Kothamangalam Diocese has a total of approximately 231,300 faithful under its jurisdiction.<br />
<br />
== Ordinaries ==<br />
'''Bishops'''<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Sl.no<br />
! Name<br />
! Designation<br />
! Year of appointment<br />
! Last year of service<br />
|-<br />
| 1<br />
| [[Matthew Pothanamuzhi]]<br />
| align="center" | Bishop<br />
| align="center" | 1956<br />
| align="center" | 1977<br />
|-<br />
| 2<br />
| [[George Punnakottil]]<br />
| align="center" | Bishop<br />
| align="center" | 1977<br />
| align="center" | 2013<br />
|-<br />
| 3<br />
| [[George Madathikandathil]]<br />
| align="center" | Bishop<br />
| align="center" | 2013<br />
| align="center" | ''present''<br />
|}<br />
'''Prelate's Hailing from the Diocese'''<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable"<br />
|-<br />
! Sl.no<br />
! Name<br />
! Designation<br />
! Year of appointment<br />
! Last year of service<br />
|-<br />
| 1<br />
| [[Thomas Thiruthalil C.M]]<br />
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Berhampur and Balasore<br />
| align="center" | 1974<br />
| align="center" | 2013<br />
|-<br />
| 2<br />
| [[Thomas Pulloppillil]]<br />
| align="center" | Bishop of Bongaigaon<br />
| align="center" | 2000<br />
| align="center" | ''present''<br />
|-<br />
| 3<br />
| [[John Thomas Kattrukudiyil]]<br />
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Dhipu and Itanagar<br />
| align="center" | 1994<br />
| align="center" | 2023<br />
|-<br />
| 4<br />
| [[Benny Varghese Edathattel]]<br />
| align="center" | Bishop of Itanagar<br />
| align="center" | 2023<br />
| align="center" | ''present''<br />
|-<br />
| 5<br />
| [[Chacko Thottumarickal, S.V.D]]<br />
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Jhubua and Indore<br />
| align="center" | 2002<br />
| align="center" | 2024<br />
|-<br />
| 6<br />
| [[Thomas Mathew Kuttimackal]]<br />
| align="center" | Bishop of Indore<br />
| align="center" | 2024<br />
| align="center" | ''present''<br />
|-<br />
| 7<br />
| [[Matthew Vaniakizhakel, C.V.]]<br />
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Satna<br />
| align="center" | 1999<br />
| align="center" | 2014<br />
|-<br />
| 8<br />
| [[Joseph Kodakallil]]<br />
| align="center" | Bishop of Satna<br />
| align="center" | 2015<br />
| align="center" | ''present''<br />
|-<br />
| 9<br />
| [[John Vadakel, C.M.I.]]<br />
| align="center" | Former Bishop of Bijnor<br />
| align="center" | 2009<br />
| align="center" | 2019<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Foranes & Parishes==<br />
[[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]]<br />
'''1. Kothamangalam Forane''' '''([[St George Cathedral Forane church]])'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Kothamangalam]]<br /><br />
2. Injoor<br /><br />
3. Malippara<br /><br />
4. Mathirappilly<br /><br />
5. Nadukani<br /><br />
6. Nellimattom<br /><br />
7. [[Thrikkariyoor]]<br /><br />
8. Vettampara<br /><br />
9. Allungal<br /><br />
10. Nellikuzhy<br/><br />
<br />
'''2. Arakuzha Forane''' '''([[Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Arakuzha]])'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Arakuzha]]<br /><br />
2. Arikkuzha<br /><br />
3. [[Meenkunnam]] ([[St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Church, Meenkunnam|St. Joseph's Catholic Church]])<br /><br />
4. Peringuzha<br /><br />
5. [[Perumballur]]<br /><br />
6. Thottakkara<br />
<br />
'''3. Kaliyar Forane''' '''(St. Ritha Forane Church)<br />'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Kaliyar]]<br /><br />
2. Koduvely<br /><br />
3. Mannukkad<br /><br />
4. Mundanmudy<br /><br />
5. Njarakkad<br /><br />
6. Thennathur<br /><br />
7. [[Thommankuthu]]<br /><br />
8. [[Vannappuram]]<br />
<br />
'''4. Karimannoor Forane'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Karimannoor]]<br /><br />
2. Cheenikkuzhy<br /><br />
3. Cheppukulam<br /><br />
4. [[Chilavu]]<br /><br />
5. Kaithappara<br /><br />
6. Malayinchi<br /><br />
7. Mulappuram<br /><br />
8. Neyyasserry<br /><br />
9. Pallikkamuri<br /><br />
10. Peringasserry<br /><br />
11. Thattakkuzha<br /><br />
12. [[Udumbannoor]]<br /><br />
13. Uppukunnu<br />
<br />
'''5. Mailakkombu Forane'''<br />
<br />
1. Mailakkombu<br /><br />
2. Ezhallur<br /><br />
3. [[Kaloor]]<br /><br />
4. Nakappuzha<br /><br />
5. Perumbillichira<br /><br />
6. Thazhuvamkunnu<br />
<br />
'''6. Maarika Forane'''<br />
<br />
1. Maarika<br /><br />
2. Kolady<br /><br />
3. [http://www.stantonys.com/ Kuninji]<br /><br />
4. Nediyasala<br /><br />
5. [[Purapuzha|Purappuzha]]<br />
<br />
'''7. Muthalakkodam Forane (St George Forane Church)'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Muthalakodam|Muthalakkodam]]<br /><br />
2. Chalasserry<br /><br />
3. [[Kodikulam|Kodikkulam]]<br /><br />
4. Paarappuzha<br /><br />
5. [[Vandamattom]]<br /><br />
6. Vazhakkala<br />
<br />
'''8. Muvattupuzha Forane''' '''([[Holy Magi Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Muvattupuzha]])'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Muvattupuzha]]<br /><br />
2. St Sebastian's Church Anicadu<br /><br />
3. Karakkunnam<br /><br />
4. Marady<br /><br />
5. Mekkadambu<br /><br />
6. Mudavoor<br /><br />
7. Muvattupuzha East<br /><br />
8. Randaar<br /><br />
9. Vazhappilly East<br />
<br />
'''9. Oonnukal Forane(Little Flower Syro Malabar Catholic Forane Church)'''<br />
<br />
1. Oonnukal<br /><br />
2. Ambikapuram<br /><br />
3. Injathotty<br /><br />
4. Maamalakkandam<br /><br />
5. Neendapaara<br /><br />
6. Neryamangalam<br /><br />
7. Parikkanni<br /><br />
8. Pazhambillichal<br /><br />
9. Perumannur<br />
<br />
'''10. Paingottoor Forane'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Paingottoor]]<br /><br />
2. Kalvarigiri (Kulappuram)<br /><br />
3. Kadavoor<br /><br />
4. Mullaringad<br /><br />
5. Pothanikkad<br /><br />
6. Punnamattom<br /><br />
7. Rajagir (Vellallu)<br />
<br />
'''11. Thodupuzha Forane'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Thodupuzha]]<br /><br />
2. Alakkodu<br /><br />
3. Anjiri<br /><br />
4. Chittur<br /><br />
5. Kalayanthani<br /><br />
6. Kallanikkal<br /><br />
7. Methotty<br /><br />
8. Nazareth hill (Thoyipra)<br /><br />
9. Nediyakaad<br /><br />
10. Pannimattom<br /><br />
11. Ponnanthanam<br /><br />
12. Thalayanad<br /><br />
13. Thodupuzha East<br /><br />
14. Vettimattom<br />
<br />
'''12. Vazhakkulam Forane''' '''(St. George Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church)''' '''(വാഴക്കുളം ഫൊറോന പള്ളി)'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Vazhakulam]]<br /><br />
2. [[Ayavana]]<br /><br />
3. Beslehem<br /><br />
4. Enanelloor<br /><br />
5. Kadalikkad<br /><br />
6. [[Kalloorkkad]]<br /><br />
7. Kavakkad<br /><br />
8. Nadukkara<br /><br />
9. [[Vadakode]]<br />
<br />
'''13.Kuruppampady Forane''' '''(St. Peter & Paul Forane Church)'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Kuruppampady]]<br/><br />
2. Kutthunkal<br /><br />
3. Nedungapra<br /><br />
4. Kottapady<br /><br />
5. Muttathuppara<br /><br />
<br />
'''14.Velielchal Forane''' '''St. Joseph's Forane Church'''<br />
<br />
1. [[Velielchal]]<br/><br />
2. Vadattupara<br /><br />
3. [[Pooyamkutty]]<br /><br />
4. Njayappilly<br /><br />
5. Urulanthanni<br /><br />
6. Manikandamchal<br /> <br />
7. Kallelimedu<br /><br />
8. [[Keerampara]]<br /><br />
9. [[Kuttampuzha]]<br><br />
<br />
==Filial Churches==<br />
1. Infant Jesus Church Nazarathvalley<br/><br />
2. Infant Jesus Church Nazarethhill<br/><br />
3. Little Flower Church Pallickamury<br/><br />
4. St. Alphonsa's Church Pulickathotty<br/><br />
5. St. Alphonsa's Church Uppukunnu<br/><br />
6. St. Francis Xavier's Church Kulappura<br/><br />
7. St. Jude Church Kallelimedu<br/><br />
8. St. Mary's Church Manikandamchal<br/><br />
9. St. Mary's Church Mannukad<br/><br />
10. St. Mary's Church Ottalloor<br/><br />
11. St. Paul's Church Methotty<br/><br />
<br />
==Priests==<br />
{| class="wikitable" border="1"<br />
|-<br />
| Priests belonging to the Eparchy<br />
| 344<br />
|-<br />
| Priests working outside<br />
| 46<br />
|-<br />
| Priests out for studies<br />
| 8<br />
|-<br />
| Priests Retired<br />
| 25<br />
|-<br />
| Religious Priests <br />
| 120<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Educational institutions==<br />
{| class="wikitable" border="1"<br />
|-<br />
| University Colleges<br />
| 2<br />
|-<br />
| Engineering College<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Self-financing colleges<br />
| 3<br />
|-<br />
| Teacher Training College<br />
| 1<br />
|-<br />
| Technical Schools<br />
| 6<br />
|-<br />
| Higher Secondary Schools<br />
| 21<br />
|-<br />
| High Schools<br />
| 20<br />
|-<br />
| Upper Primary Schools<br />
| 26<br />
|-<br />
| Lower Primary Schools<br />
| 51<br />
|-<br />
| Unrecognized Schools<br />
| 4<br />
|-<br />
| Nursery Schools<br />
| 53<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Notable individuals==<br />
*[[George Karakunnel]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
{{commons category|Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Kothamangalam}}<br />
*[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 }}<br />
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110411230757/http://cs.nyu.edu/kandathi/ernakulam.html Archdiocese of Ernakulam]<br />
*[http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dktsm.html Catholic-Hierarchy entry]<br />
<br />
{{Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Hierarchy}}<br />
{{Christianity in Kerala}}<br />
<br />
{{coord missing|Kerala}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kothamangalam, Diocese of}}<br />
[[Category:Eastern Catholic dioceses in India]]<br />
[[Category:Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly]]<br />
[[Category:Syro-Malabar Catholic dioceses]]<br />
[[Category:Christian organizations established in 1957]]<br />
[[Category:Roman Catholic dioceses and prelatures established in the 20th century]]<br />
[[Category:1957 establishments in Kerala]]</div>
LashayFmm33111