Syro Malabar Church New Major Archbishop is Mar Raphael Thattil

The Holy Synod, comprising all the Bishops of the Syro Malabar Church, convened at Mount St. Thomas, the headquarters, with the sole agenda of electing the successor to Mar George Alencherry, who resigned as the Major Archbishop of the Church recently. Successfully fulfilling their purpose, the Synod, guided by the Holy Spirit, elected the new Major Archbishop on the second day of their gathering ie on 09-01-24.

The preceding day of the Synod was dedicated to prayers and meditation, seeking divine intervention and prudence from the Holy Spirit. The Bishops fervently sought the wisdom to exercise their discretion wisely, free from any conflicting emotions.

On the second day of the Synod, the new head of the Church was successfully elected. (two third majority is required to elect the Syro Malabar head) Updates of the election results have been sent to the Holy Father Pope for approval, and after receiving approval, the official announcement was made by Mar Mathew Moolakkattu on 10-01-2024 at 4.30 pm to the public.

Mar Raphael Thattil is presently serving as the maiden Bishop of Shamshabad Eparchy headquarters near Hyderabad, which consists of the Syro Malabar faithful residing in most of the states of India outside Kerala including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa.