Bangalore, April 9: Bishop Emeritus Stephen Athipozhiyil of Alleppey passed away due to cardiac arrest on April 9, at 8.15 pm at St. Sebastian, Visitation Hospital, Arthunkal in Kerala. He was 77.
He was born on May18, 1944, in Alleppey. He was ordained priest at Mount Carmel Cathedral, by Bishop Michael Arattukulam on October 5, 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 November 16, 2000 at the age of 56. He was ordained Bishop February , 11, 2001, and he succeeded Bishop Peter M. Chenaparampil on December 9, 2001 as Bishop of Alleppey. He was retired from active episcopal ministry on October 11, 2019. He is a priest for 52 years and a bishop for 21 years.
Funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at Mount Carmel Cathedral at 10.30 a m.
Respectful farewell to Bishop Emeritus Stephen Athipozhiyil. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon the departed soul.