1887 – 1896
Rt. Rev. Charles Lavigne, SJ
First Vicar Apostolic
Appointed by Pope Leo XIII, he was instrumental in establishing early administrative frameworks for the newly formed Vicariate.
1896 – 1911
Mar Matthew Makil
Second Vicar Apostolic
During his tenure, the headquarters officially shifted to Changanacherry, cementing the town as a powerhouse of local Catholic activity.
1911 – 1925
Venerable Mar Thomas Kurialacherry
Third Vicar Apostolic & First Eparchial Bishop
A zealous social reformer and education champion. He was bishop when the territory was formally elevated to an Eparchy in 1923.
1927 – 1949
Mar James Kalacherry
Eparchial Bishop
Remembered as a visionary who rapidly expanded institutional growth, missionary outreach, parish networks, and higher education centers like St. Berchmans College.
1950 – 1969
Servant of God Mar Mathew Kavukattu
First Metropolitan Archbishop
Witnessed the elevation of Changanacherry to an Archeparchy in 1956. Highly revered for his saintly life and pastoral humility.
1970 – 1985
Mar Antony Cardinal Padiyara
Metropolitan Archbishop
Dynamic leader who later served as the first Major Archbishop of the decentralized, self-governing (Sui Iuris) Syro-Malabar Church.
1986 – 2007
Mar Joseph Powathil
Metropolitan Archbishop
An intellectual titan and fierce proponent of Eastern Catholic identity, community education, and profound liturgical restoration.
2007 – 2024
Mar Joseph Perumthottam
Archbishop Emeritus
Nurtured the diocese through its grand 125th jubilee celebrations and drove impactful pastoral renewals until his retirement in late 2024.