| Name | Mar James Pazhayattil |
| Date of Birth | 26 July 1934 |
| Priestly Ordination | 3 October 1961 |
| Episcopal Ordination | 10 September 1978 |
| Installation | 10 September 1978 |
| Retirement | 18 April 2010 |
| Died | 10 July 2016 |
He was born on 14 February 1961 and belongs to St. Mary’s Church, Kuzhikattussery in the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda. After schooling in Aloor, he joined St. Mary’s Petit Seminary, Thope, and later completed his philosophical and theological studies at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor. He was ordained a priest on 28 December 1985 by Bishop James Pazhayattil.
Following service as Assistant Parish Priest at St. Thomas Cathedral, Irinjalakuda, he pursued higher studies in Rome and earned a Doctorate in Oriental Liturgy from the Pontifical Oriental Institute. He served as vicar in several parishes and held key roles including Assistant Director of BLM and MTC, Vice Rector of St. Paul’s Minor Seminary, Secretary of the Pastoral Council, Director of Pastoral Centre, Vidyajyothi, and the Bible Apostolate.
He initiated notable pastoral innovations such as the Justice Forum for resolving disputes with fairness and charity, and Prathyasa, a crisis intervention centre for youth and families. He also contributed as Convener of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and General Convener of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations, and taught Liturgy in major seminaries across India. A prolific ecclesiastical writer, he has authored and edited numerous works.
From 2004–2010, he served the Syro-Malabar Church in major administrative roles, including Secretary of the Major Archiepiscopal Commissions (Liturgy, Clergy, Institutes of Consecrated Life), Executive Director of the Liturgical Research Centre, and Notary of the Synod of Bishops.
He was elected Bishop by the Synod in January 2010, approved by Pope Benedict XVI, and officially appointed on 18 January 2010. His Episcopal Ordination and Installation took place on 18 April 2010 at St. Thomas Cathedral, Irinjalakuda. His motto is Omnibus Omnia Fieri, and the Bless A Home charitable project was launched at his installation.
Currently, he serves as Chairman of NBCLC (CBCI), Vice President of KCBC, Chairman of the Commission for Religious, Vice Chairman of the POC Commission, Convener of the Major Archiepiscopal Assembly Committee, Substitute Member of the Permanent Synod, Member of the Syro-Malabar Commission for Liturgy, Chairman of the Finance Commission, and Chief Editor of Synodal News.