On 20 February 1978, the Malankara Syrian Christian managing committee recommended a division in Kollam diocese. According to Committee’s recommendation, Thiruvananthapuram Diocese was formed on 1 January 1979, after the division of Kollam Diocese. At the time of formation 94 parishes were under the diocese.[1] From 1986 onwards, the orthodox Center at Ulloor has served as the bishop house.
Today
In 2010, a new diocese in the name of Kottarakkara Punalur Diocese was created after dividing the Thiruvananthapuram Diocese. There are 51 parishes in the diocese after the division.[2]
Charitable and educational activities
The Charitable and Educational Society of the Thiruvananthapuram Orthodox Diocese is a registered society established in 1991 for starting and managing institutions of higher education in Thiruvananthapuram. The Society is sponsored by Thiruvananthapuram Diocese of Malankara Orthodox Church. Geevarghese Mar Dioscoros was the founder President of the Society. Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II, the Catholicose of the East, is the patron of the Society. The metropolitan of the Thiruvananthapuram Orthodox Diocese, Gabriel Mar Gregorios, was the president of the Society as of 2013[update]. The society runs Mar Dioscorus College of Pharmacy (MDCP), Sreekariyam.