Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Hindu
The Hindu
National
Staff Reporter

Former Alappuzha Bishop passes away

Rev. Stephen Athipozhiyil, Bishop Emeritus of the Alappuzha diocese, passed away following cardiac arrest at a private hospital at Arthunkal near Cherthala on Saturday night.

He was 77.

The funeral service would be held at Mount Carmel Cathedral, Alappuzha on Tuesday at 10.30 a.m. His body would be kept at the cathedral on Monday from 1 p.m. for the public to pay their homage, said a statement issued by Fr. Xavier Kudiamssery, public relations officer, Diocese of Alappuzha.

Athipozhiyil had always stood up for the rights of coastal communities and marginalised people. Born on May 18, 1944, at Chennaveli, he was ordained priest by Bishop Michael Arattukulam on October 5, 1969. He served as prefect of the diocesan minor seminary. In 1971, he became parish priest at St. Xavier's Church, Omanapuzha.

After earning a master's degree in philosophy from University College, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1982, he was appointed rector of the minor seminary and manager of Leo XIII High School. He worked as a teaching staff at St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. Prior to becoming the Bishop, he had served the Diocese of Alappuzha as a consultor and director of its social service society.

Athipozhiyil was appointed coadjutor Bishop with right of succession on December 9, 2000, at the age of 56. He was ordained Bishop on February 11, 2001. He succeeded Bishop Peter M. Chenaparampil on December 9, 2001, as Bishop of Alappuzha.

He retired from active episcopal ministry on October 11, 2019.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.