History of Syro-Malabar Church
The Syro-Malabar Church
A Vibrant Eastern Catholic Tradition Rooted in Apostolic Faith
The Syro-Malabar Church is one of the 23 sui iuris (autonomous) Oriental/Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Apostolic See of Rome. It is the second largest Oriental Catholic Church, the largest being the Ukrainian Church. Elevated as a Major Archiepiscopal Church in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, the Syro-Malabar Church is one of the most vibrant Catholic Churches in the world with over four million believers who have surpassed the geographical boundaries of Kerala and have spread across the world.
The Syro-Malabar Church is known for its deep-rooted spirituality and high rate of vocation to the priesthood and consecrated life. It is currently headed by the Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Mar George Cardinal Alencherry. The Syro-Malabar Church is governed by the ‘Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches’ and it follows the East-Syrian liturgy which dates back to the 3rd century.
Our Apostolic Roots
Tracing Our Faith Back to St. Thomas the Apostle and the Ancient Church of the East
The Syro-Malabar Catholics trace their origins to St. Thomas the Apostle, who arrived in Kodungallur, Kerala, in 52 AD. They are part of the ancient ‘Saint Thomas Christians’ of the Malabar Coast. St. Thomas was martyred in Mylapur (Chennai) in 72 AD. Historically, they were under the ‘Church of the East’ until the 1552 Schism, which led to the formation of the independent ‘Assyrian Church of the East’ and the ‘Chaldean Catholic Church,’ in communion with Rome. Until the late 16th century, Saint Thomas Christians were under the jurisdiction of the Chaldean Patriarch, who appointed bishops for the Indian Church.
A Turning Point in History
The Arrival of the Portuguese and the Transformation of the Saint Thomas Christian Community
The Syro-Malabar Catholics trace their origins to St. Thomas the Apostle, who arrived in Kodungallur, Kerala, in 52 AD. They are part of the ancient ‘Saint Thomas Christians’ of South India. St. Thomas was martyred in Mylapur, Chennai, in 72 AD. Historically, this community was linked to the Church of the East until the 1552 schism, which led to the formation of the Assyrian Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church. Until the late 16th century, Saint Thomas Christians were under the jurisdiction of the Chaldean Patriarch, who appointed their bishops.
Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Melbourne
Rooted in Tradition, Growing in Faith
Holy Father Pope Leo XIII, through his bull Quod jam pridem (1887), separated the Syrian Catholics of Malabar from Padroado and the Vicariate of Verapoly, establishing the Apostolic Vicariates of Trichur and Kottayam. The Syro-Malabar Church hierarchy was officially formed in 1923, driving its rapid growth.
With significant contributions to spirituality, education, and social welfare in Kerala, the Syro-Malabar Church expanded globally. In Australia, The Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle – Melbourne was established by Pope Francis on 23 December 2013, making it the second Syro-Malabar Eparchy outside India. Bishop Bosco Puthur was its first Eparch, and Bishop John Panamthottathil now leads the growing Syro-Malabar community in Australia.
Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of our church. It is part of every activity that we do, every meeting that we hold. We believe in our Lord and that our actions are a reflection of his goodness.
Scripture
We look to the Lord for guidance in our lives. In Scripture, we find all that we need to guide us along the right path. Reading and understanding Scripture helps us all live meaningful lives.
Community
Join us. We welcome each and every one of you to encounter the Lord's unconditional love with us. Inside each of us is a purpose and meaning to be fulfilled by God.
