James Raphael Anaparambil

James Raphael Anaparambil (born 7 March 1962) is an Indian prelate serving as the fourth bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alleppey and the Apostolic Administrator sede plena of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cochin.

Biography

Early life Anaparambil was born on 7 March 1962, as the fifth child of Raphael and Brigit Anaparambil. He completed his primary education at St. Mary's High School, Chellanam and pursued minor seminary studies in Alappuzha, followed by major seminary studies at St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. From 1993 to 1998, he pursued higher studies in biblical theology at the Pontifical Urban University, earning a doctoral degree in Jewish culture. He also holds a master's degree in Judaism from the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Priesthood Anaparambil was ordained a priest on 17 December 1986, by Bishop Peter Chenaparambil. He later went onto hold various pastoral and academic roles within the Diocese of Alleppey. Early in his ministry, he served as chaplain at St. Thomas Parish in Thumpoly from 1986 to 1987. He later took on administrative responsibilities as Prefect and Procurator of Sacred Heart Minor Seminary in Mayithara and as the Diocesan Director of the Vocations Centre from 1989 to 1993. replacing the retiring Bishop Stephen Athipozhiyil. Anaparambil's installation in Alleppey took place on October 11, 2019

Apostolic Administrator of Cochin On 12 October 2024, Anaparambil was appointed Apostolic Administrator sede plena of the Diocese of Cochin. The diocese became vacant following the retirement of Bishop Joseph Kariyil on 2 March 2024.