Major Archbishop

Major Archbishop Father and Head of the Syro-Malabar Church

Mar Raphael Thattil

Mar Raphael Thattil was elected as the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church on 8 January 2024 and was enthroned at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad (Kochi, Kerala, India) on 11 January 2024.

A priest of the Archeparchy of Thrissur, he pursued higher studies in Rome and earned a doctorate in Oriental Canon Law. He has served the Church through pastoral ministry, seminary formation, and major responsibilities in ecclesiastical administration and governance.

As the Major Archbishop, he leads the Syro-Malabar faithful across the world with a mission of unity, pastoral care, and evangelization.

Major Archbishop — Quick Facts

Official profile details and contact information.

Date of Birth: 21 April 1956
Feast Day: September 29
Ordained Priest: 21 December 1980
Episcopal Ordination: 10 April 2010
Enthroned as Major Archbishop: 10 January 2024

Email: majorarchbishop@gmail.com
Phone (Secretary): +91 8871 4773
Address:
Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Curia
Mount St. Thomas, P.B. No. 3110, Kakkanad P.O.
Kochi – 682 030, Kerala, India

Quick Links: Apostolic Visitation (Europe) | Holy Father | Syro-Malabar Church
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About Mar Raphael Thattil

A brief, structured summary of his early life, formation, service, and leadership in the Syro-Malabar Church.

01

Early Life & Formation

Born to Ouseph and Thresia on 21 April 1956, baptized on 30 April 1956 in Thrissur. He joined St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Thope on 04 July 1971 and completed Philosophy and Theology at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Kottayam (1980). He was ordained priest on 21 December 1980 at Thrissur Doloures Basilica by Mar Joseph Kundukulam.

02

Priestly Service & Leadership

He pursued higher studies in Rome and earned a doctorate in Oriental Canon Law (thesis: “Clerical Formation in the Syro Malabar Church: A Historico-Juridical Study”). He served in pastoral assignments and in the Archbishop’s house as Vice Chancellor, Chancellor, Judicial Vicar, Judge, and later as Syncellus and Proto-Syncellus. He was Director of DBCLC & Catechism (1992–1995) and the first Rector of Marymatha Major Seminary (1998–2006).

03

Episcopal Ministry & Major Archbishop

He was ordained bishop on 10 April 2010 and appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Trichur and Titular Bishop of Bruni. In 2014, he was appointed Apostolic Visitor for Syro-Malabar faithful residing outside the territorium proprium. Pope Francis named him the first Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Shamshabad (10 October 2017), installed on 7 January 2018. Elected Major Archbishop on 8 January 2024; enthronement took place on 11 January 2024 at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad.