Eparchial Directory 2012 1
Directory - Eparchy of Idukki
Directory - Eparchy of Idukki
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<strong>Eparchial</strong> <strong>Directory</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
GENERAL INFORMATION<br />
LOCATION<br />
Situated in the eastern part of Kerala and covering an area of<br />
about 3000 sq.km., the Eparchy of Idukki lies extended in Idukki District<br />
surrounded by the Eparchies of Kothamangalam, Kanjirappally, Pala and<br />
the Archdiocese of Madura.<br />
BOUNDARIES<br />
North : Cheeyapara - Uzhuvathadam River<br />
East : Kerala, Tamil Nadu boundary<br />
West : Boundary of Kanjikuzhy and Vazhathope panchayats<br />
South : Kinginithode - Vazhipuzha Rivers and eastern boundary<br />
of Arakulam village, Idukki Dam<br />
POPULATION & LANGUAGE<br />
The Eparchy has a total population of about 763855 of which are<br />
approximately:<br />
Catholics: S. Malabar Rite 262622<br />
Catholics: Latin Rite 36750<br />
Catholics: S. Malankara Rite 13340<br />
Orthodox and Jacobite Syrians 85202<br />
Other Christians 17226<br />
Hindus 253722<br />
Muslims 79333<br />
Hill Tribes 15660<br />
Languages spoken are : Malayalam 95% & Tamil 5%<br />
HISTORY<br />
The Eparchy of Idukki was erected by His Holiness Pope John<br />
Paul II by separating eight Foranes, namely, Churuli, Koompanpara, Erattayar,<br />
Rajakad, Vazhathope, Thankamany, Parathodu, and Vellathooval, of the<br />
Eparchy of Kothamangalam. The bull of erection, "Maturescens Catholica<br />
Fides," was promulgated on 19-12-2002, the declaration was on 15-01-<br />
2003 and the Eparchy was inaugurated on 02-03-2003.<br />
33<br />
<strong>Eparchial</strong> <strong>Directory</strong> <strong>2012</strong><br />
BISHOP FROM THE EPARCHY<br />
Mar Joseph<br />
Arumachadath<br />
(Bishop of Bhadravathi)<br />
Born at Erattayar on : 10.04.1960<br />
Ordained Presbyter on : 07.05.1988<br />
Appointed Bishop on : 21.08.2007<br />
Ordained Bishop on : 25.10.2007<br />
EXTRACTS FROM THE EPARCHIAL CHRONICLE<br />
2003 Jan. 15 Declaration of the new Diocese of Idukki and the announcement of<br />
the name of Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathew Anikuzhikattil as the first Bishop<br />
of the Diocese.<br />
Mar. 2 Inauguration of the Diocese and Installation of the first Bishop,<br />
Mar Mathew Anikuzhikattil at St.George's Church Vazhathope<br />
which was then declared to be the Pro-Cathedral.<br />
April 10 The first Pastoral letter of His Excellency the Bishop establishing<br />
April 26<br />
May 17<br />
June 7<br />
the Diocesan Curia and other offices.<br />
10 Diocesan Bulletin "SAHYANADHAM" was started.<br />
15 The first Report of the Diocese was submitted to the Holy See by<br />
His Excellency the Bishop.<br />
Consecration of the newly constructed church at Pezhumkandam.<br />
29 His Excellency went to Rome for the 'Ad Limina' visit of the Syro-<br />
Malabar Bishops.<br />
The Diocesan Social Services Department started.<br />
Consecration of the newly constructed church at Kanthalloor.<br />
7 Inauguration of the Diocesan Central Council of the<br />
St.Vincent De Paul Society.<br />
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