Pope Francis Appoints New Roles in Syro-Malankara Catholic Church: Bishop Thomas Anthonios and Father Antony Kakkanatt Assigned New Responsibilities

In a significant ecclesiastical development within the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Pope Francis has announced key appointments and transfers. On May 7, the Pope transferred Bishop Thomas Anthonios Valiyavilayil from the Eparchy of St. Ephrem of Khadki to the Eparchy of St. John Chrysostom of Gurgaon. Concurrently, Father Antony Kakkanatt has been appointed as the Curia Bishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, and Father Mathew Manakarakavil has been named the auxiliary of the Trivandrum Major Archdiocese.

Bishop Thomas Anthonios Valiyavilayil, a revered figure within the Order of the Imitation of Christ, has had a distinguished career in the church. Born on November 21, 1955, in Adoor, within the Archieparchy of Trivandrum, he has served the church in various capacities since his perpetual profession in 1980 and priestly ordination later that year.

With a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Bishop Thomas Anthonios has held several significant positions, including Superior of convents, Director of a school in Kottayam, Treasurer, Chaplain, parish priest, Professor at St. Mary’s Malankara Major Seminary in Trivandrum, and others. He has also contributed as a General Councilor of his Institute and as Postulator for the beatification of the Servant of God Mar Ivanios.

Bishop Thomas Anthonios was first elected Bishop on January 25, 2010, and subsequently consecrated on March 13 of the same year. His appointment as the first Apostolic Exarch of St. Ephrem of Khadki of the Syro-Malankara on March 26, 2015, marked a pivotal moment in his ecclesiastical journey.

The Bishop’s new assignment to the Eparchy of St. John Chrysostom of Gurgaon by Pope Francis is a testament to his exemplary service and leadership within the church.

Father Antony Kakkanatt’s appointment as Curia Bishop and Father Mathew Manakarakavil’s new role as auxiliary of Trivandrum Major Archdiocese further strengthen the leadership within the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, paving the way for continued spiritual growth and ecclesiastical guidance. These appointments reflect the Church’s commitment to nurturing strong leadership and serving the community with renewed vigor and dedication.