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He was Assistant Parish Priest at Siluvaipuram (1965 - 66), Kottar (1966 - 69) and Sarel (1969 - 70). He served as a successful Parish Priest at Rajakkamangalam (1970 - 76), Thundathuvilai (1976 - 78) and Kottar, the Cathedral Parish (1986 - 88). During his tenure as Parish Priest of Kottar he was also the Vicar Forane of the vicariate of Kottar. Before serving as Pastor at Kottar he served as Rector of the diocesan St.Aloysius' Minor Seminary (1978 - 86). On 17.11.1988 he was elected Bishop of the diocese of Kottar and ordained Bishop by His Holiness Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on 06.01.1989. He took canonical possession of the diocese of Kottar on 05.02.1989. Bishop Leon is the first Bishop born in the diocese of Kottar to have assumed office as its Bishop since Kottar was established as a diocese in 1930. As a priest he also functioned as the Diocesan Catechetical Director (1972 - 81) and Co-Ordinator of the Pastoral Commissions(1978 - 1985). Bishop Leon has also served as Chairman of the CBCI Commission for the Welfare of Workers, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for the Laity, president of different TNBC commissions and ministered in the Commission for Migrants of the Universal Church. During his ministry as Bishop, 50 new parishes and several sub-stations have been created; 109 churches, 49 community halls, 40 parochial houses and 34 new schools were built or renovated. The number of diocesan priests, which was 162 when he took charge of the diocese rose to 258. Many schools have been started or upgraded and Colleges of Engineering, Nursing and Education along with two community colleges have come up. During his Episcopal ministry the participatory structures at all levels were strengthened. Basic Christian Communities became the way of life of the diocese. Parish Pastoral Councils functioned effectively and women participation at least up to 33 % was assured. Finance Committees were set up in all parishes. The diocesan pastoral commission was strengthened and was given its due place in the functioning of the diocese. The 143 parishes and 21 diocesan pastoral commissions functioned as the right and left hands of the Church of Kottar. The driving force behind these manifold pastoral activities was the good, simple, trustful and prayerful person of Bishop Leon A. Tharmaraj. 
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