Kochi: Archbishop of Thrissur Mar Andrews Thazhath was appointed as the apostolic administrator of Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church. The Vatican’s new appointment comes in place of the ‘forced’ resignation of Archdiocese Metropolitan Vicar Mar Antony Kariyil.

The apostolic administrator has been appointed in the archdiocese with the responsibilities of the diocesan bishop. Though the administrator can discuss matters with the major archbishop and the synod, he is answerable to the Vatican when it comes to the administration of the archdiocese.

Mar Andrews Thazhath will continue to serve as the Archbishop of Thrissur even as he takes on his new title.

Antony Kariyil had to resign due to the differences in opinion between the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese and the Syro-Malabar Church leadership and for not following the instructions of the Vatican and synod in the matters regarding Uniform Holy Mass.