Kakkanad: The Syro Malabar Church has announced key new appointments within its central administrative offices. Fr. Tom Olikkarot, belonging to the Archdiocese of Thalassery, has been named as the Public Relations Officer and Secretary of the Church’s Media Commission. In addition to these roles, he will oversee the Commission for Priests. Fr. Tom previously served as Pastoral Coordinator, Secretary to the Bishop, and PRO for the Diocese of Great Britain. He holds a doctorate in Biblical Studies from St. Thomas Aquinas University, Rome.

Fr. Jobin Kanjirathinkal from the Archdiocese of Palakkad has been entrusted with the dual responsibilities of Executive Director of the Liturgical Research Centre and Secretary of the Major Archiepiscopal Assembly Committee. He takes on this new role while continuing as Vocation Promoter and Vice-Rector of the Minor Seminary in Palakkad. Fr. Jobin earned his doctoral degree in Theology from the Lateran University in Rome.

These appointments follow the completion of terms by Fr. Antony Vadakkekara of the Vincentian Congregation, who served as PRO and Media Commission Secretary, and Fr. Joji Kallingal of the Irinjalakuda diocese, who held multiple posts including Executive Director of the LRC, head of the Commission for Clergy, and Secretary of the Assembly Committee.

The Major Archbishop, along with the respective commission chairpersons and with the endorsement of the Permanent Synod, finalized the appointments. The new officials will assume office on May 15, 2025.