Bishop James appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of Cochin

Bangalore, October 12, 2024 (CCBI): Bishop James Raphael Anaparambil (62) of Alleppey is appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Cochin. The diocese of Cochin became vacant by the retirement of Bishop Joseph Kariyil on March 2, 2024.

Bishop James was born in Chellanam in Alleppey district on March 7, 1962. He completed his Seminary studies at the Major Seminary, Alwaye, and studied Biblical Theology in Rome at the Pontifical Urbanian University, where he obtained a Doctorate. He also holds a Masters in Judaism from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Alleppey on December 17, 1986. 

He served the Diocese in the following ministries: Chaplain, St. Thomas Parish, Thumply (1986-1987); Prefect and Procurator, Sacred Heart Minor Seminary, Maithara, Alleppey (1989-1993); Diocesan Director of Vocations Centre (1989-1993); Professor of Biblical Theology and Hebrew, St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri (1998-2013); President of the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, Alwaye (2003-2006); Rector, St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri (2009-2012); Vicar General for Clergy, Religious and Seminarians, Alleppey (2014-2016).

He was appointed the Coadjutor Bishop of Alleppey with succession on 7 December, 2017 and ordained Bishop on February 11, 2018. He was succeeded as the Bishop of Alleppey on October 11, 2019.

By Dr. Stephen Alathara