Bangalore 9 April 2022 (CCBI): Most Rev. Stephen Athipozhiyil (77) Bishop Emeritus of Alleppey, Kerala passes away due to cardiac arrest on Saturday, 9 April, 2022 at 8.15pm at St. Sebastian, Visitation Hospital, Arthunkal, Alleppey, Kerala. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, 12 April 2022 at Mount Carmel Cathedral at 10.30am.
Bishop Stephen was born on 18 May 1944, in Alleppey. He was ordained priest at Mount Carmel Cathedral, by Bishop Michael Arattukulam on 5 October, 1969. He served as prefect of the diocesan minor seminary and as parish priest in Omanappuzha. After earning an M.A.in philosophy from University College, Trivandrum, in 1982, he was appointed rector of the minor seminary and manager of Leo XIII high school. He was also the teaching staff of St. Josephs Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. He also served the diocese as the consultor and the executive director of the social welfare society.
He was appointed coadjutor Bishop with right of succession on 16 November 2000 at the age of 56. He was ordained Bishop 11 February 2001, and he succeeded Bishop Peter M. Chenaparampil on 9 December 2001 as Bishop of Alleppey. He was retired from active episcopal ministry on 11 October, 2019. He is a priest for 52 years and a bishop for 21 years.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara
Deputy Secretary General, CCBI