Changanacherry and Shamshabad Eparchies Welcome New Visionary Leaders

Kerala, August 30, 2024: The Syro Malabar Church has announced the appointments of Mar Thomas Tharayil (52) as the new Archbishop of the Archeparchy of Changanacherry and Mar Prince Antony Panengadan (48) as the new Bishop of the Eparchy of Shamshabad, marking significant leadership changes in these key regions.

Archbishop Thomas Tharayil was born on February 2, 1972, in Changanacherry. He was ordained a priest on January 1, 2000, after completing his theological studies at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor. He holds a doctorate in psychology from the Gregorian University in Rome and has served as Director of Danahalaya, an Institute of Formation in Alappuzha. Known for his expertise in psychology and as a retreat preacher, he was ordained as a bishop on April 23, 2017, and now assumes the role of Archbishop of Changanacherry.

Bishop Prince Antony Panengadan was born on March 13, 1976, in Arimpur, Archdiocese of Trichur. He was ordained a priest on April 25, 2007, after completing his theological studies at Ruhalay Seminary, Ujjain. He later obtained a Doctorate in Biblical Theology from Urbaniana University, Rome. Bishop Panengadan has served as Assistant Parish Priest and priest-in-charge of mission stations in the Eparchy of Adilabad. He was ordained a bishop on October 29, 2015, and is now appointed as the Bishop of the Eparchy of Shamshabad.

These new appointments bring fresh leadership to the Archeparchy of Changanacherry and the Eparchy of Shamshabad, with both bishops bringing extensive experience and dedication to their new roles.

By Suresh Mathew