The Ordinary of the Diocese of Alleppey:

Bishop Stephen Athipozhyil

Bishop Stephen Athipozhiyil was born at Chennavely om May 18’1944. Parents were Ouseph Athipozhiyil  and Bridget Ouseph  of the Parish of St.Antony’s C hurch, Perunnermangalam. Bishop Completed High School studies in 1960 from St.Francis Assisi High School, Arthunkal , and Leo XIII High School, Alleppey, and jined the Sacred Heart Minor Seminary, Alleppey, in June 1960.He was sent to Papal Seminary at Pune in 1962 and obtained Licentitate in Philosophy and Theology. He was ordained a priest at Mount Carmel Cathedral by Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael Arattukulam, Bishop of Alleppey, on 5th October 1969. On coming to the diocese after the completion of seminary studies at Pune he was made prefect at the minor seminary, Alleppey and thereafter parish priest of St.Xavier ‘s Church, Omanappuzha.After 9 years of service there , he took M.A in philosophy from University College, Trivandrum in 1982. He was appointed Rector Of Minor Seminary of the diocese ,Principal of Leo XIII  English Primary School  and Manager of Leo XIII  High School in 1983. He served St.Thomas Church Thumpoly as Parish priest for 5 years. He was appointed a member of the teaching staff at St.Joseph’s   Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye in 1989. He was appointed assistant Procurator for 3 years and major procurator for 4 years in the seminary. He was appointed Rector in 1998 of the Minor Seminary which was by that time shifted to Cherthala and also made Diocesan consultor. He was appointed executive Director of Alleppey diocesan and social welfare society in October 2000. He was appointed co-adjutor bishop on 16th November 2000 and consecrated on 11th February 2001. He succeeded Bishop Peter M.Chenaparampil on 9th December 2001 as Bishop of Alleppey.