Bishop Mar George Madathikandathil is the Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Kothamangalam, known for his deep spiritual leadership, simplicity, and long-standing service in priestly formation. With a strong academic background in Canon Law and many years of experience as a seminary professor and rector, he has guided the Church through pastoral care, teaching, and administration. His ministry reflects a fatherly concern for the faithful and a strong commitment to prayer, discipline, and compassionate service.

Ordination

Consecration

Bishop

Rank

Mar George Madathikandathil is the third Bishop of the Eparchy of Kothamangalam. He succeeded Mar George Punnakottil, who served the eparchy for several decades before stepping down from office.Bishop George is widely respected as a humble shepherd and an experienced guide of seminarians and priests. His leadership is marked by a strong dedication to the spiritual growth of the Church and attentive care toward the needs of the people.His episcopal motto is: “Love Never Ends” (1 Corinthians 13:8).

About

Bishop Mar George Madathikandathil was born on 9 May 1956, in Purapuzha, near Thodupuzha, Kerala. He is the son of Mathew and Aleykutty, and belongs to St. Sebastian’s Parish, Purapuzha, in the Eparchy of Kothamangalam.He completed his early schooling at:Government L.P School, PurapuzhaSt. Sebastian’s U.P School, PurapuzhaSt. Augustine’s High School, KarimkunnamResponding to his vocation, he joined St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Kothamangalam. He later pursued his philosophical studies at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Alwaye, and completed his theological formation at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha, Alwaye.For higher studies, he was sent to Rome, where he earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Oriental Institute, with research on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).

Early Life & Education

Bishop George Madathikandathil was ordained a priest on 23 December 1980, by Mar George Punnakottil, at Purapuzha.His early priestly service included assignments such as:<ul><li>Assistant Warden at Nirmala High School, Muvattupuzha</li><li>Assistant Parish Priest at the Cathedral parish</li><li>Pastoral service in parishes such as Arakuzha and Paingottoor</li><li>Additional responsibility of guiding the parish community of Punnamattam</li></ul>After returning from higher studies in Rome, he served the faithful as parish priest in various mission centers and parishes including Thennathoor, Neriamangalam, and Bethel. He also became the first resident parish priest of Njarakkad, strengthening the growth of parish life and pastoral care.

Priestly Ministry

A major part of Bishop George’s life has been dedicated to priestly formation. He was appointed to St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor (Kottayam), where he served for a long period as:<ul><li>Professor</li><li>Vice-Rector</li><li>Rector</li></ul>For nearly 17 years, he played a key role in shaping the spiritual and intellectual formation of seminarians. He became known for his gentle approach, patient guidance, and ability to inspire future priests through his simplicity and disciplined life.In addition to seminary responsibilities, he also served the Church through canonical roles such as:<ul><li>Notary of the Eparchial Tribunal</li><li>Defender of the Bond</li><li>Eparchial Judge</li></ul>After his long seminary ministry, he was appointed as parish priest of St. Mary’s Forane Church, Arakuzha, where he served as a compassionate pastor and spiritual father to the people.

Academic & Seminary Ministry

On 10 January 2013, the faithful of the Eparchy of Kothamangalam received the joyful announcement of a new bishop. Bishop Mar George Madathikandathil was enthroned as the third Bishop of Kothamangalam on 9 February 2013, following the retirement of Mar George Punnakottil.As bishop, he continues to guide the eparchy through pastoral leadership, prayerful governance, and close attention to the spiritual and social needs of the faithful. His episcopal ministry reflects a strong Marian devotion and a commitment to serve the Church with humility and love.

Episcopal Ministry

Voice of the Church | EPI:17 | Bishop George Madathikandathil | Shalom TV

ROOPATHAKALILOODE | EPI 2 | DIOCESE OF KOTHAMANGALAM | Mar George Madathikandathil | GOODNESS TV

Christmas Season | Message by Bishop George Madathikandathil

#PRABHATHAVIRUNNU | St Thomas Day | Bishop George Madathikandathil

H. E. Rt. Rev. Mar George Madathikandathil

Bishop of Eparchy of Kothamangalam