Syro-Malankara Catholic Church

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Abbreviation
Type
Classification	Eastern Catholic
Orientation	Eastern Christianity
Scripture
Theology
Polity	Episcopal
Governance	Holy Synod
Structure
Moderator

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic particular church in full communion with the Holy See of Rome. It follows the West Syriac Rite and is part of the Syriac Christian tradition. The church is primarily based in Kerala, India, and has a significant diaspora in North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

History

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church traces its origins to the St. Thomas Christians, who are believed to have been evangelized by Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century. The church's modern history began in 1930 when a group of clergy and faithful, led by Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, reunited with the Catholic Church from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. This reunion was officially recognized by the Holy See on September 20, 1930.

Liturgy and Worship

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church uses the West Syriac Rite, which is characterized by its rich liturgical traditions and use of the Syriac language in its liturgies. The Holy Qurbana, or Divine Liturgy, is the central act of worship and is celebrated with great solemnity and reverence.

Governance

The church is governed by the Holy Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, which is headed by the Major Archbishop, currently Baselios Cardinal Cleemis. The Major Archbishop is also a member of the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church.

Dioceses and Parishes

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is organized into several eparchies (dioceses) both in India and abroad. The Archeparchy of Trivandrum is the principal see, and there are several other eparchies in Kerala and other parts of India. The church also has eparchies in the United States, Canada, and Europe to serve the diaspora community.

Ecumenical Relations

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church maintains cordial relations with other Christian denominations, particularly the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church. It is actively involved in ecumenical dialogue and efforts to promote Christian unity.

Also see

• Eastern Catholic Churches
• West Syriac Rite
• St. Thomas Christians
• Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
• Syriac Christianity