# Diocese of Cochin of the Church of South India

CSI Diocese of Cochin is one of the twenty four dioceses of the Church of South India (CSI) covering the churches in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. The Church of South India is a United Protestant denomination.

## History

Cochin diocese was formed on 9 April 2015 after a special conference of the Church synod in Chennai. Cochin diocese has been carved out of erstwhile North Kerala Diocese and remaining portion was furnished into CSI Malabar diocese.
CSI Immanuel Cathedral, Broadway, Ernakulam serves as its cathedral and was promulgated by CSI Moderator Most Rev. Thomas . K. Oommen.

## Bishops of the Diocese

* Rt. Rev. Baker Ninan Fenn (2013 - Till date)

## Extent, traditions and establishments

The Kochi diocese comprises Ernakulam and Thrissur districts, parts of Idukki and Palakkad districts and CSI Holy Trinity Church, Hinkal, Mysore.
Its tradition is mainly Anglican and episcopal polity is followed.
CSI St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin
St. Francis Church, Kochi situated in Fort Kochi, originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and was under the authority of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial powers and finally handed over to the Church of South India at its inception. The Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama's body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon. This church was renovated by Rev. Thomas Norton, CMS missionary in an Anglican church style for a confirmation service. The Lord's prayer is inscribed on its wooden altar screen.
CSI All Saints' Church, Thrissur
CSI All Saints' church Thrissur was dedicated on 1 November 1842 by CMS missionaries.
CSI Bethel Ashram, Thrissur
It was established in the year of 1934 by Zenana mission.
CMS Higher Secondary School, Thrissur
CSI St. John the Baptist Church, Aluva
St. John the Baptist Church, Aluva built in 1891 by the leadership of Church missionary society (CMS) and was under the auspices of former Travancore cochin Anglican diocese at its beginning and is one of the oldest CMS-built churches in Kerala. Later, It became part of CSI North Kerala diocese. When CSI cochin diocese was established, it became under its see. Now Aluva St. John the Baptist C.S.I church is in its 125th jubilee year. Rev. Praise Thaiparambil the 20th vicar of this church after India's independence and who is the parish member ordained in the 100th year of the church and became the presbyter of his mother parish.
St. John the Baptist CSI EMHS, Aluva
CSI Karunalayam, Aluva
CSI Christ church, Munnar
Beautiful Gothic church built in 1910, having a steeple and stained glass windows depicting Jesus the good shepherd and saints.
CSI Holy trinity English church, Palakkad
A parish within the palakkad town with Anglican tradition.
List of Parishes under this diocese of Cochin
Greater Cochin Area
CSI Immanuel Cathedral, Broadway, Ernakulam
CSI Christ church, Elamkulam
CSI Ascension Church, Kakkanad
CSI Holy Trinity church, near UC college, Aluva
CSI St John the Baptist Church, Aluva Town
CSI St Stephen's church, Thripunithura
CSI St Paul's church, Eloor
CSI All Saints' church, Kalamassery
CSI St Francis' church, Fort Cochin
CSI St John's church, Mulavukad
Thrissur Area
CSI All Saints' church, Thrissur
CSI St Paul's church, Kunnamkulam
CSI St Stephen's church, Cheroor
CSI St Andrew's church, Kolazhy
CSI St John's church, Chalakkudy
CSI St Andrew's church, Irinjalakkuda
CSI St John's church, Ottupara
CSI St Paul's church, Anchery
CSI St John's church, Urakam
CSI St Thomas' church, Mannuthy
CSI St John's church, Poomala
CSI St John's church, Mannamangalam
Palakkad Area
CSI Holy Trinity English church, Palakkad
CSI St Paul's Church, Shoranur
CSI St Andrew's church, Olavakkode
CSI St Mary's church, Inchikkunnu
CSI St: PAUL'S CHURCH VADAKKENCHERY
Idukki Area
CSI Christ church, Munnar
CSI St John's church, Adimali
Outside Kerala
CSI Holy Trinity church, Malayalam congregation, Mysore