Joseph Powathil

Who is Joseph Powathil?

Mar Joseph Powathil [Crown of Syro Malabar Church] is an East Syrian Catholic Archbishop representing the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. He is the Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry. It is widely believed that he is quite influential in the Syro Malabar Catholic Church and among other churches.

Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil is known for his in-depth knowledge of the ancient patrimony and East Syrian Liturgy of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church and his strenuous efforts for its reformation and restoration of liturgy in accordance with the directives of Vatican II. He strongly desires that the true and correct East Syrian Liturgy and rituals which were once celebrated in the Indian church[Mar Thoma Nasrani Church ] be restored. He was in the forefront towards the end of 20th century in the continuing struggles for the restoration of Syro-Malabar Church’s East Syrian liturgy, full legitimate rights and its complete identity as an individual Church. He is also well known in the ecumenical movement and the Church's fellowship with followers of other religions.