Diocese Of Marthandam

In the narrative of the establishment and evolution of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church in the civil district of Kanyakumari and its subsequent ex Read morepansion, the account delineates significant historical milestones and ecclesiastical developments. Commencing with the arrival of St. Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ, in 52 AD, the narrative traces the gradual emergence and growth of Christian communities in the region, influenced notably by Portuguese and Protestant missionary endeavors during later centuries. The narrative proceeds to highlight pivotal events such as the reunion of the Malankara Church with the Catholic communion under Metropolitan Archbishop Mar Ivanios in 1930, followed by the establishment of the Syro Malankara Catholic Hierarchy in 1932. Subsequent leadership transitions and the establishment of various eparchies, including the Eparchy of Marthandam, are chronicled, culminating in the appointment of Bishop Vincent Mar Paulos as the third Bishop of Marthandam in 2010. Furthermore, the narrative underscores recent developments, including the territorial expansion of the diocese to encompass 20 additional civil districts of Tamil Nadu, effective from October 1, 2020. This expansion is framed within the context of enhancing evangelization efforts and advancing humanitarian initiatives, with clergy, religious, and faithful expressing their commitment to these endeavors under the leadership of His Beatitude Moran MorBaselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, with the consent and assent of Pope Francis and the Holy Episcopal Synod.