Joseph Powathil
Joseph Powathil ܡܪܝ ܝܘܣܦ ܦܘܐܬܝܠ | |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan Archbishop of Archeparchy of Changanacherry (1985-2007) | |
| Diocese | Archeparchy of Changanacherry |
| Predecessor | Antony Padiyara |
| Successor | Joseph Perumthottam |
| Other post(s) | former chairman, Inter-church Council of Kerala |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 3 October 1962 |
| Consecration | 13 February 1972 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 August 1930 Kurumpanadom, Travancore, British Raj |
| Died | 18 March 2023 (aged 92) Changanassery, Kerala, India |
| Residence | Archbishop's House, Changanacherry |
| Parents | Ulahannan Joseph, Mariamma |
| Alma mater | St. Berchman's High School St. Berchmans College Loyola College, Chennai Papal Seminary, Pune University of Oxford(1 year Economics course |
| Motto | "Truth and Charity” |
Mar Joseph Powathil (Syriac: ܡܪܝ ܝܘܣܦ ܦܘܐܬܝܠ, romanized: Mar Yawsep Powathil) (14 August 1930 – 18 March 2023) was an Indian prelate of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. He was the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archeparchy of Changanassery, serving from 1985 until 2007. He was also the first bishop of Kanjirappally, having served from 1977 to 1985. He served as the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) from 1994 to 1998. Powathil was one of the youngest bishops in India, having been ordained bishop at the age of 41 and Pope Paul VI was his principal consecrator. A scholar in theology, Powathil is known for his stance in matters related to the Syro-Malabar Church's liturgy and restoration of eastern traditions. His stance on the fee structure of self-financing colleges had once become a challenge for the Kerala state government.