Matthews Polycarpos
| Mar Matthews Polycarpos | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy of Mavelikara | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Appointed | 30 May 2025 |
| Installed | 29 June 2025 |
| Predecessor | Joshua Ignathios |
| Previous post | Auxiliary Bishop Major Archeparchy of Trivandrum (2022-2025) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 18 December 1982 by Benedict Gregorios |
| Consecration | 15 July 2022 by Baselios Cleemis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Matthews Manakkarakavil 10 November 1955 Puthoor,Kerala |
Matthews Mar Polycarpos (born 10 November 1955) is the Bishop of the Syro Malankara Eparchy of Mavelikara. He succeeded Joshua Mar Ignathios on 29 June 2025 having previously served as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum.[1]
Early Life and Education
Matthews Mar Polycarpos was born as Mathews Manakkarakavil on 10 November 1955 in Puthoor, Kerala. Having completed his studies in philosophy and theology at St Thomas Apostolic Seminary Vadavathoor he was ordained a priest on 18 December 1983 by Benedict Mar Gregorios.[2] He obtained a degree in History from Loyola College Madras, Followed by a PhD in French Literature in 2010 from M.S. University, Tirunelveli, He is the first Malayalee person to have achieved a PhD in French. From 1990 he has been a teacher at Mar Ivanios College later serving a bursar and principal. He was also a member of the Kerala Public Service Commission.[3]
Episcopate
On 5 May 2022 whilst serving as vicar general for the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum he was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop for the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum. His Dayroyo (Ramban) ordination was held on 21 June 2022 and his Episcopal consecration was held on 15 July 2022 in St Mary's Cathedral consecrated by Major Archbishop Mar Baselios Cleemis, Thomas Mar Koorilos and Joshua Mar Ignathios.[4][5]
On 30 May 2025 Mar Polycarpos was appointed as the second Bishop of the Syro Malankara Eparchy of Mavelikara following the retirement of Joshua Mar Ignathios.[6] His Sunthroniso (Installation) was held on 29 June 2025 at St. Mary's Cathedral, Punnamood.[7]
Writings
In 2021 he published a book called Facets of Love.[8]
References
- Back to citation Malayala Manorama. “News report on Mathews Mar Polycarpos.” June 29, 2025. Alappuzha edition, p. 3; "ഡോ. മാത്യൂസ് മാര് പോളിക്കാര്പ്പോസ് മെത്രാപ്പൊലീത്തയ്ക്ക് പ്രാര്ഥനാംശംസകള് നേര്ന്ന് ജര്മനിയിലെ മലങ്കര സമൂഹം". ഡോ. മാത്യൂസ് മാര് പോളിക്കാര്പ്പോസ് മെത്രാപ്പൊലീത്തയ്ക്ക് പ്രാര്ഥനാംശംസകള് നേര്ന്ന് ജര്മനിയിലെ മലങ്കര സമൂഹം (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2026-05-18; "From the Eastern Churches". press.vatican.va. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
- Back to citation ഡെസ്ക്, വെബ് (2025-05-30). "ബിഷപ് മാത്യൂസ് മാര് പോളികാര്പസ് മാവേലിക്കര ഭദ്രാസന മെത്രാപ്പോലീത്ത; നിയമനം ബിഷപ് ജോഷ്വാ മാര് ഇഗ്നാത്തിയോസ് വിരമിച്ച ഒഴിവിൽ | Bishop Mathews Mar Polycarpus, Metropolitan of Mavelikara Diocese | Madhyamam". www.madhyamam.com (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2026-05-18.
- Back to citation "Kannadi Magazine". kannadimagazine.com. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
- Back to citation Daily, Keralakaumudi. "ഡോ.മാത്യൂസ് മാർ പോളിക്കാർപ്പോസ് ചുമതലയേറ്റു". Keralakaumudi Daily (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2026-05-18.
- Back to citation Service, Express News (2022-07-18). "Mar Poly Carpos, Mar Silvanus new bishops of Malankara Church". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
- Back to citation ഡെസ്ക്, ന്യൂസ് (2025-05-30). "മാവേലിക്കര ഭദ്രാസനത്തിന് പുതിയ മെത്രാൻ; മാത്യൂസ് മാർ പോളികാർപ്പസ് ചുമതലയേറ്റു". News Malayalam 24x7 (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2026-05-18; Fb; Tw; Linkdin; Whatsapp; Us, GNFollow. "മാവേലിക്കര ഭദ്രാസനത്തിന് പുതിയ മെത്രാപ്പൊലീത്ത; ബിഷപ്പ് ഡോ. മാത്യൂസ് മാര് പോളികാര്പ്പസിനെ നിയമിച്ചു". Asianet News Malayalam (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2026-05-18; "Mathews Mar Polycarpos Appointed as New Bishop of Mavelikkara Diocese; Joshua Mar Ignathios Retires". CNewsLive. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
- Back to citation "Clipping of Janmabhumi - Pathanamthitta". epaper.janmabhumi.in. Retrieved 2026-05-18.
- Back to citation "Mavelikara Diocese". mob.mavelikaradiocese.org. Retrieved 2026-05-18.