In a moment steeped in significance, Fr. James Kokkavayalil, hailing from the heart of the Archdiocese of Changanassery, stepped into a new chapter of service as he officially took charge as the Secretary of the Syro-Malabar Church Public Affairs Commission.
The solemn ceremony unfolded on April 12, 2025, within the sacred walls of Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad—the headquarters of the Syro-Malabar Church. Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil formally entrusted the new responsibility to Fr. James in his presence. Also bearing witness to the occasion was Curia Bishop Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurakkal. This appointment marks a historic first: never before has a priest from the Changanassery Archdiocese been chosen to hold this position.
Fr. James belongs to the parish of Nedumkunnam Forona. Born on June 6, 1982, he was ordained a priest on January 2, 2010, in a moment made even more personal and profound as the rite was administered by his own father, Mar George Kokkavayalil, then the Apostolic Nuncio.
His academic journey has been as rich as his pastoral one. Fr. James holds a postgraduate degree in Theology from the esteemed Vadavathur Eastern College, alongside an MBA from Mahatma Gandhi University—an uncommon blend that reflects both spiritual depth and administrative acumen.
Over the years, his pastoral mission has taken him across a mosaic of parishes: from the serene pews of St. Mary's Forona Church, Kudamaloor, to the faithful communities of Marsliwa Church, Adoor, St. Mary's Church, Nedumon, Danaha Church, Pandalam, Mar Aprem Church, Pathanapuram, St. Sebastian's Church, Chengalam, Sacred Heart Church, Punalur, Infant Jesus Church, Cherukadavu, and Holy Family Church, Kizhakke Mitrakari.
Prior to his new assignment, Fr. James was actively shaping minds and voices in the Church. He served as the Chief Editor of Sathyadarshanam, a theological magazine, and Darshanam, the online news portal. He also held the roles of Dean of Studies at Changanassery Marthoma Vidyaniketan, Director of CARP, and Director of the Archdiocesan Public Relations Jagratha Samiti.
Now, as he steps into this new mantle, Fr. James carries with him not only the blessing of tradition but also the promise of thoughtful leadership in a changing world.