Mar George Punnakottil was born on 13th September 1936 at Thazhavankunnu. After matriculation in 1953 from Infant Jesus High School Vazhakulam he joined the Minor Seminary at Kothamangalam. He did his philosophical studies at St.Joseph's Pontifical Seminary Mangalapuzha. His theological studies were at Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He was ordained a presbyter in Rome on 18th October1961 through the imposition of hands by Mar Mathew Kavukatt, the then Metropolitan of Changancherry. He took licentiate in the study of the Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and doctorate in Biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University Rome. His first appointment in the Eparchy was as the Assistant Parish Priest of St. George's Cathedral Kothamangalam. In 1968 he joined the staff of the St. Thomas' Apostolic Seminary Vadavathoor. He was the professor of the Sacred Scripture and Theology. In 1974 he left for the United State of America on sabbatical year to pursue his studies. He obtained a master's degree in International relations from the Vanderbilt University of Nashville, Tennesse State in 1976. He was a visiting scholar in Union Theological Seminary in 1978. Coming back to India in 1976 he resumed his office as profess or at St.Thomas' Apostolic Seminary Vadavathoor. He served the seminary also as Vice Rector and Editor to the periodical Bible Bhashyam. He has written a number of scholarly articles in periodicals and two books on the Bible. On 16th February 1977 he was appointed the Bishop of the diocese of Kothamangalam. His Episcopal Ordination was on 24th April 1977. At present he holds the offices of: Vice-president of Kerala Catholic Bishop's Conference Chairman, Episcopal Commission for St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Alwaye"