The Eparchy (Diocese) of Pathanamthitta is geographically the smallest among the dioceses of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Yet, this diocese is known for its rich Christian Heritage and is known as the ‘cradle of Reunion Movement of the Syro-Malankarites’ led by Servant of God Mar Ivanios of Bethany. In fact, the origin of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church begins from Ranni-Perunad where Mar Ivanios stayed and prayed and had nurtured the thoughts of Reunion to Catholic Church.
Most Rev. Samuel Mar Irenios born on 13 May 1952 hails from Kadamminitta in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala, India in the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum. His parents are late K. C. Thomas and Annamma. After his High School Education in Kadammanitta, he joined the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary Trivandrum. He was appointed the Auxillary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum on 25 January 2010. He was ordained Auxillary bishop on 13 March 2010.
The Eparchy is blessed under the leadership of His Grace Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom. Formerly His Grace was the bishop of Marthandrum. And now, His Grace has been entrusted with the newly erected Diocese of Pathanamthitta. Bishop Chrysostom, formerly known as Fr. John Kalloor, is from Kadammanitta in Pathanamthitta.