Thiruvananthapuram: The bishops’ synod of Syro-Malankara Church has formed a new diocese with headquarters at Parassala with the assent of Pope Francis. The synod also elected Bishop Thomas Eusebius, who is currently serving Syro-Malankara Catholics in the U.S. and Canada as the first bishop of the diocese. Bishop Eusebius heads the Syro-Malankara Eparchy of St. Mary Queen of Peace of the U.S. and Canada, which is based in Elmont, New York. Pope Francis has also given his assent for the nomination of Auxiliary Bishop Philipose Stephanos Thattathil of Thiruvalla to succeed Bishop Naickamparampil.
Fr. George Kalayil will be the new bishop of Puthur diocese of Karnataka.
Fr John Kochuthundil has been appointed as bishop curia at the headquarters of the Syro-Malankara Church. He would serve as the apostolic visitor to Europe and Oceana. The diocese of Parassala is formed from the division of the southern part of the archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram comprising the areas of presbyteral districts of Parassala, Kattakada and Neyyatinkara and two parishes of the Thiruvananthapuram presbyteral district.
