The eparchy of Kothamangalam was erected by Pope Pius XII through the Papal Bull 'Qui in beati Petri Cathedra' of July 29, 1956 separating the protopresbyterates - Arakuzha, Kothamangalam and Mailacombu- of the then Archeparchy of Ernakulam- Angamaly. Mar Mathew Pothanamuzhi was ordained as the first bishop of the eparchy in Rome on November 18, 1956. The inauguration of the eparchy and the installation of the new bishop took place on January 10, 1957. Mar Mathew Pothanamuzhi who guided the eparchy with paternal care and succeeded in curing the teething troubles of the eparchy retired after two decades of memorable ministry. His Excellency Mar George Punnakottil succeeded Mar Mathew Pothanamuzhi. He was ordained and was installed in office on April 24, 1977. The developmental programmes in the eparchy got new vigour and verve and there were new initiatives to augment this process. At present the Eparchy is constitute of 115 parishes.
The continuous showering of the grace of God from His kingdom lead this eparchy to the service of successful 50 years and we commemorate this divine providence in 2007 with grant celebration.
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