Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
Syro-Malabar Catholic Church ܥܹܕܬܵܐ ܕܡܲܠܲܒܵܪ ܣܘܼܪܝܵܝܵܐ സീറോ മലബാർ കത്തോലിക്കാ സഭ | |
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The Mar Thoma Sliva or Saint Thomas Cross (also known as the Nasrani Menorah), the symbol of the Syro-Malabar Church | |
Classification | Catholic |
Orientation | Eastern Christianity |
Polity | Episcopal polity |
Leader | H. B. Cardinal Mar George Alencherry (Major Archbishop) |
Parishes | 2,819 |
Liturgy |
East Syrian Rite liturgy (Malayalam & Liturgical Syriac) |
Headquarters | Ernakulam, Kerala, India |
Founder | St. Thomas the Apostle |
Origin | 1st century, according to Catholic tradition |
Separated from |
Church of the East (Synod of Diamper) |
Merger of | Catholic Church |
Separations | Church of the East (16th century) |
Members | 4.60 million |
Ministers |
Bishops: 57 Priests: 3,556 Deacons: 4,991 |
Other name(s) | Church of Malabar Syrian Catholics |
Official website | Official site |
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church (Syriac: ܥܹܕܬܵܐ ܕܡܲܠܲܒܵܪ ܣܘܼܪܝܵܝܵܐ, Edtha d'Malabar Suryaya; Malayalam: സീറോ മലബാർ കത്തോലിക്കാ സഭ, sīṟēā malabār kattēālikkā sabha) or Church of Malabar Syrian Catholics is an Eastern Catholic Major Archiepiscopal Church in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. It is one of the twenty-three sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in the Catholic communion. The Church is headed by Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly in Kerala, India. The Syro-Malabar Church follows the East Syrian Rite liturgy, traditionally attributed to Saints Addai and Mari, which dates back to 3rd century Edessa, Mesopotamia,[1] as such it is a part of Syriac Christianity by liturgy and heritage. The Church shares the same liturgy with the Chaldean Catholic Church, another Eastern Catholic Church based in Iraq. It is the third-largest particular church (sui juris) in the Catholic Church (after the Latin or Roman Church and the Byzantine Rite Ukrainian Catholic Church).[2] It is the largest of the Nasrani denominations with around 4.60 million believers and traces its origins to the evangelistic activity of Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century.[3][4][5][6]
Syro-Malabar historian and theologian Fr. Placid Podipara describes the Church as "Catholic by faith, Indian by culture, and East Syriac/Oriental in liturgy". The Syro-Malabar Church is mainly based in the Indian state of Kerala (Malabar Coast).[7] Although due to migration of the members, various dioceses have opened up in other parts of India along with various parts in the rest of the world. The members of the Church are colloquially known in Kerala as Roman Catholic Syrian Christian (RCSC) and Syrian Catholic, and they have been known at various times as Nasrani, Catholic Syrian, Catholicka Kaldaya Suriyani, Catholicka Nasrani, or St. Thomas Christian. It is one of the two Eastern Catholic Churches from India, the other being the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church which follows the West Syrian Rite liturgy. Saint Alphonsa is the first canonized saint from the Church. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Euphrasia Eluvathingal are other saints from the church.
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History
Coonan Cross Oath
A protest took place in 1653 with the Coonan Cross Oath. Under the leadership of Archdeacon Thomas, the Thomas Christians publicly took an oath that they would not obey the Jesuit Bishops or the Pope.[8]
Rome sent Carmelites in two groups from the Propagation of the Faith to Malabar headed by Fr. Sebastiani and Fr. Hyacinth. Fr. Sebastiani arrived first in 1655. He began to deal directly with the Archdeacon, Mar Thoma I. Fr. Sebastiani, with the help of Portuguese, gained the support of many, especially with the support of Palliveettil Mar Chandy, Kadavil Chandy Kathanar and Vengoor Geevarghese Kathanar . These were the three of the four counselors of Mar Thoma I, who had been defected with Francisco Garcia Mendes, SJ, Archbishop of Cranganore, before the arrival of Sebastaini, according to Jesuit reports.[8]
Between 1661 and 1662, out of the 116 churches, the Carmelites claimed eighty-four churches, leaving the native metropolitan Mar Thoma I with thirty-two churches. The eighty-four churches and their congregations were the body from which the Syro Malabar Catholic Church has descended. The other thirty-two churches and their congregations represented the nucleus from which the Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church(Jacobites), the Orthodox Syrian Church, the Thozhiyur Church, Mar Thoma Syrian (Reformed Syrians), Syro Malankara Catholic Church have originated.[9]
In 1665 Mar Gregorios, a Bishop sent by the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, arrived in India. The independent group under the leadership of the Archdeacon welcomed him.[10] Though most of the St. Thomas Christians gradually relented in their strong opposition to the Western control, the arrival of the Bishop Mar Gregorios of the Syriac Orthodox Church in 1665 marked the beginning of a formal schism among the St. Thomas Christians. Those who accepted the West Syrian liturgical tradition of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch of Mar Gregorios became known as the Jacobites or Puthenkoor; they also continued to use the name "Malankara," the real name of the St. Thomas Christian community for the church. Those who joined the communion of Rome after the Synod of Daimper and remained in the communion even after the oath of bent cross, and those who joined the catholic communion from the Puhenkoor Malankara church during the Carmelite period, came to be known as the Syro Malabar Church from the last decade of the Nineteenth century onwards.[10]Some of the churches not joined in the Angamaly Padiyola (1787) later became Latin churches, e.g. Mathilakom (Pappinivattom), Maliankara, Thuruthipuram etc. One branch of the Syro Malabar Catholic church later left to form the Assyrian Church of the East aligned Chaldean Syrian Church when an Eastern Syrian rite bishop Mar Gabriel came to evangelize them in 1701. Kottayam cheriapalli was the headquarters of Mar Gabriel.
Restoration of the Syro-Malabar hierarchy
After the split in the church community, the Catholics of the Malabar coast faced an identity crisis and thus some priests and laymen attempted to persuade the hierarchy to improve the identity of the local church and for the appointment of bishops from local priests. To represent their position, Kerala's Syrian Catholics Joseph Kariattil and Paremmakkal Thomma Kathanar went to Rome in 1778. While they were in Europe, Kariatty Joseph Kathanar was installed in Portugal as the Archbishop of Kodungalloor Archdiocese. While journeying home, they stayed in Goa where Kariattil died before he could formally take charge. Before he died, Kariattil appointed Kathanar as the Administrator of Kodungalloor Archdiocese after him. The new administrator ran the affairs of the church establishing his headquarters at Angamaly. In 1790, the headquarters of the Archdiocese was shifted to Vadayar dodging the invasion of Tippu Sultan. In the last four years of his life, Thomma Kathanar managed church administration from his own parish, Ramapuram.
After being under Babylonian Assyrian Church of the East (Catholic faction of this church is known as Chaldean Catholic Church from 1681AD) bishops earlier and under Latin Church Roman Catholic bishops from 1599, Catholics of St. Thomas Christians obtained their own bishops from 1896. They were known as Catholic Chaldean Syrians during the period from around 1787(Angamaly Padiyola) to around 1911. They were known as the Catholic Syrians or Romo-Syrians to differentiate them from the Orthodox Syrians and Latin Church Catholics in Kerala. They came to be known as the Syro Malabar Catholics from 1932 onwards to differentiate them from the Syro-Malankara Catholics in Kerala. The Indian East Syrian Catholic Hierarchy was restored on 21 December 1923 with Mar Augustine Kandathil as the first Metropolitan and Head of the Church with the name Syro-Malabar.[11]
Time line of events
Time line of events
- 1 Ancient Era
- 2 Portuguese Era
- 3 Era of Divisions
- 4 Arrival of the Protestants and further splits
- 5 Era of Self-governance
- 6 A Sui iuris Church.
Syro-Malabar identity
Syro-Malabar Historian and theologian Fr. Placid Podipara describes it as "Catholic by faith, Indian by culture & East Syrian/Syriac/Oriental in liturgy." Today, the Syro-Malabar Church finds herself as the second-largest Eastern Catholic Church in the world with over 4 million members worldwide.
Faith and communion of Syro-Malabarians
The St. Thomas Christians got their bishops from the Assyrian Church of the East/Chaldean Church from ca. 300 AD till the end of the sixteenth century, until it was stopped by the Portuguese Roman Catholics (Catholics) in 1597, after the death of Mar Abraham.
Liturgy
As per the East Syriac tradition, liturgical day of the Syro-Malabar Church starts at sunset (6 p. m.). Also the worshiper has to face the east while worshiping. This is not followed after Latinization.[12]
According to the East Syriac Orthodox tradition which was prevalent before the induction of Catholicism, the following are the seven times of prayer:
- Ramsha or the Evening Liturgy (6 p. m.)
- Quta-a or the Supper Liturgy (9 p. m.)
- Lelya or the Night Liturgy (12 a. m.)
- Qala d-Shahra or the Vigil Liturgy (3 a. m.)
- Sapra or the Morning Liturgy (6 a. m.)
- Quta'a or the Third Hour Liturgy (9 a. m.)
- Endana or the Noon Liturgy (12 p. m.)
The Holy Mass, which is called Holy Qurbana in East Syriac Aramaic and means 'Eucharist', is celebrated in its solemn form on Sundays and special occasions. During the celebration of the Qurbana, priests and deacons put on elaborate vestments which are unique to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.
Restoration of East Syrian liturgy
East Syrian liturgy has three anaphorae: those of the Holy Apostles (Saints Addai and Mari), Mar Nestorius, and Mar Theodore the Interpreter. The first is the most popularly and extensively used. The second was traditionally used on the Epiphany and the feasts of St. John the Baptist and of the Greek Doctors, both of which occur in Epiphany-tide on the Wednesday of the Rogation of the Ninevites, and on Maundy Thursday. The third is used (except when the second is ordered) from Advent to Palm Sunday. The same pro-anaphoral part serves for all three.
In the second half of 20th century, there was a movement for better understanding of the liturgical rites. A restored Eucharistic liturgy, drawing on the original East Syrian sources, was approved by Pope Pius XII in 1957 and for the first time on the feast of St. Thomas on July 3, 1962, the vernacular, Malayalam, was introduced for the celebration of the Syro-Malabar Qurbana.[13] Currently they celebrate the Divine Liturgy of Addai and Mari and the Anaphora of Mar Theodre in mostly Malayalam, with Syriac and English influences.
Besides the Anaphora of Mar Addai and Mari being used currently in Syro-Malabar liturgy, there are two more anaphorae known as Anaphora of Mar Theodore and Anaphora of Mar Nestorius. That the Anaphora of Mar Theodore which was withdrawn from use after the Synod of Diamper(a large number of churches used it up to 1896) is being used again in Syro-Malabar Church after 415 years is indeed an important historical reality. Pope Pius XII during the process of restoration of the Syro-Malabar Qurbana in 1957 had requested the restoration of the Anaphorae of Mar Theodore and Mar Nestorius. The draft of the Anaphora of Mar Theodore was restored after meticulous study by the Central Liturgical Committee, Liturgical Research Centre, various sub-committees and the eparchial liturgical commissions. Many changes befitting to the times have been made in the prayers maintaining maximum fidelity to the original text of the Second Anaphora. It was this text so prepared that was sent to Rome for the recognition of the Apostolic See in accordance with the decision of the Syro-Malabar Synod. The Congregation for the Eastern Churches gave its approval for using this anaphora on an experimental basis for three years on 15 December 2012.[14]
The Latinization of the Syro-Malabar rite churches was brought to a head when in 1896 Ladislaus Zaleski, the Apostolic Delegate to India, requested permission to translate the Roman Pontifical into Syriac. This was the choice of some Malabar prelates, who chose it over the East Syrian Rite and West Syrian Rite pontificals. A large number of Syro-Malabarians were Assyrian schismatics at that time and various problems and concerns delayed the approval of this translation, until in 1934 Pope Pius XI stated that Latinization was no longer to be encouraged among Eastern Rite Catholics.[15] He initiated a process of liturgical reform that sought to restore the oriental nature of the Latinized Syro-Malabar rite.[16] A restored Eucharistic liturgy, drawing on the original East Syrian sources, was approved by Pius XII in 1957 and introduced in 1962.
The church uses one of several Bible translations into Malayalam.
Liturgical calendar
Syro Malabar Church has its own liturgical year. It is ordered according to the flow of salvation history. It focuses on the historical life of Jesus.[17] There are nine seasons for the liturgical year. They are:
- Annunciation (Subara)
- Nativity of Jesus
- Epiphany (Denha)
- Great Fast (Sawma Rabba)
- Resurrection (Qyamta)
- Apostles (Slihe)
- Summer (Qaita)
- Elijah-Cross-Moses (Elijah-Sliba-Muse)
- Dedication of the Church (Qudas-Edta)
Major feasts
Major feasts of the Church are,[18]
- Dukrana of the Father in Faith – Mar Thoma Shliha Commemorated on July 3
- Marth Alphonsa – commemorated 28 July
- Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara – commemorated 3 January
- Mar Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly – commemorated 5 October
- Saint Euphrasia – commemorated 29 August
- Mar Bartholomeo Sleeha – commemorated 24 August
- Marth Shmoni and her 7 Children – commemorated 21 August
- The Assumption of St Mary (Shoonaya) – commemorated on 15 August
- Transfiguration (Geliyana) – commemorated 6 August
- Mar Addai and Mar Mari – commemorated on the Second Friday of Qaita (Summer)
- The 12 Apostles of our Lord, Iso' Misiha – commemorated 19 July
- The 70 Apostles – commemorated 17 July
- Mar Quriaqos and mother Yolethe – commemorated 15 July
- Mar Aprem- Commemorated – commemorated 9 June
- Blessed Mariam Thresia – commemorated 8 June
- Holy Pentecost – commemorated on 31 May
- The Ascension of our Lord, Iso' Misiha (Sulaqa) – commemorated 21 May
- Mar Addai Shliha – commemorated 10 May
- Mar Geevarghese Sahada – commemorated 24 April
- New Sunday – commemorated 19 April
- All Saints Day – commemorated on the first Friday of the Season of Resurrection
- Entry of our Lord, Iso' Misiha into Jerusalem – Oshana Sunday
- The Annunciation of St Mary (Subara) – commemorated 25 March
- Remembrance of all Departed Faithful (Kol Anidhe) – commemorated on Last Friday of Denha
- The feast of Denha, the Epiphany – commemorated on 6 January
- The Nativity of our Lord, God and Saviour Iso M'siha (Yaldha) – commemorated 25 December
- Mar Thoma Sliba – commemorated 18 December
- Immaculate Conception of St Mary – commemorated 8 December
- Mar Augustinose Kunjachan – commemorated 16 October
- Passover Feast (Pesha)
Syro-Malabar hierarchy
Syro-Malabar major archiepiscopal curia
The curia[19] of the Syro-Malabar Church began to function in March 1993 at the archbishop’s house of Ernakulam-Angamaly. Later, on 27 May 1995, it was shifted to new premises at Mount St. Thomas near Kakkanad, Kochi. The newly constructed curial building was opened on 3 July 1998.
The administration of the Syro-Malabar Church has executive and judicial roles. The major archbishop, officials, various commissions, committees, and the permanent synod form the executive part. The permanent synod and other offices are formed in accordance with the CCEO. The officials include the chancellor, vice-chancellor, and other officers. Various commissions are appointed by the major archbishop: Liturgy, Pastoral care of the migrant and Evangelisation, Particular Law, Catechism, Ecumenism, Catholic Doctrine, Clergy and Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The members of the commissions are ordinarily bishops. But there are also priests in different commissions. For judicial activities there is the major archiepiscopal ordinary tribunal formed in accordance with CCEO and it has a statutes and sufficient personnel with a president, as its head. At present, Rev. Dr. Jose Chiramel is the president. The Major archiepiscopal curia functions in the curial building in Kerala, India. They have prepared the particular law for their Church and promulgated part by part in Synodal News, the official Bulletin of this Church. There are statutes for the permanent synod, for the superior and ordinary tribunals. Regarding economo, CCEO c. 122 § 2 is specific in the particular law, that the term of the office shall be five years and the same person shall not be appointed for more than two terms consecutively.[20]
Provinces, (Arch)Eparchies and other jurisdictions
There are 31 eparchies (dioceses). Five of them are Archeparchies at present, all in southern India: The major Archbishop's see Ernakulam-Angamaly, Changanacherry, Trichur, Tellicherry and Kottayam.
Those have another 13 suffragan eparchies : Bhadravathi, Belthangady, Irinjalakuda, Kanjirapally, Kothamangalam, Idukki, Mananthavady, Mandya, Palai, Palghat, Ramanathapuram, Thamarassery and Thuckalay within the canonical territory of the Major Archiepiscopal Church.
There are 13 further eparchies outside the canonical territory of which Adilabad, Bijnor, Chanda, Gorakhpur, Jagdalpur, Kalyan, Rajkot, Sagar, Satna and Ujjain in India are with exclusive jurisdiction and Kalyan, Faridabad eparchies in India, the St. Thomas Eparchy of Chicago in the United States of America and St. Thomas the Apostle Eparchy of Melbourne in Australia enjoy personal jurisdiction.[21]
Proper Ecclesiastical provinces
Most believers of this church are organized under 5 Metropolitan Archeparchies (archdioceses), all in Kerala, and their suffragan eparchies.
- Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly
- Metropolitan Archeparchy Changanassery
- Archeparchy of Kottayam (nominally Metropolitan, no suffragan)
- Metropolitan Archeparchy of Tellicherry
- Metropolitan Archeparchy of Thrissur
Eparchies in Latin provinces
under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agra
under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bhopal
under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bombay (Mumbai)
under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gandhinagar
under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hyderabad
under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nagpur
under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Rajpur
Exempt jurisdictions
- Eparchy of Faridabad, see near Delhi, also serves Haryana, (Indian) Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Uttar Pradesh
Outside India :
- Apostolic Exarchate of Canada
- Eparchy of Melbourne, for Australia
- Eparchy of Chicago, for the USA
- Eparchy of Great Britain in Preston, England for England, Wales & Scotland
Syro-Malabar Religious Congregations
The Religious Congregations are divided in the Eastern Catholic Church Law (Code of Canons of the Oriental Churches – CCEO) as Monasteries, Hermitages, Orders, Congregations, Societies of Common Life in the Manner of Religious, Secular Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life.
Active are :
- Carmelites of Mary Immaculate
- Congregation of the Mother of Carmel
- Franciscan Clarist Congregation
- Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
- Missionary Society of Saint Thomas the Apostle
- Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (Adoration Congregation)
- Vincentian Congregation
Statistics
Institutions | # |
---|---|
Parishes | 3,224 |
Quasi-parishes | 539 |
Missions | 490 |
Institutes of consecrated life – men & women | 53 |
Major & minor seminary | 71 |
Regular, technical & other colleges | 691 |
Teachers’ training institutes | 24 |
Engineering colleges
Higher Secondary & Primary Schools |
29
2,981 |
Kindergartens | 1,685 |
Non-formal & adult education | 503 |
Special schools | 4,021 |
Health care institutions | 700 |
Nurse's training schools | 44 |
Hospitals, dispensaries & health centers
Medical colleges |
670
5 |
Specialized health care centers, incurables & leprosy care centers | 54 |
Old age homes | 211 |
Children’s homes | 185 |
Orphanages | 230 |
Rehabilitation centers and other institutions | 1,616 |
Total | 13,805 |
Personnel | |
Religious sisters | 35,000 |
Religious brothers | 6,836 |
Seminarians | 2,907 |
Diocesan and religious priests | 9,121 |
Bishops | 56 |
Major archbishop | 1 |
Total | 51,097 |
According to the Annuario Pontificio (the pontifical yearbook) for 2008 there were about 3,947,396 members in the Syro-Malabar Church.[21]
Within the proper territory
There are sixteen eparchies in the proper territory of the Syro Malabar Church.
Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly has 510,000 members with 347 parishes, 731 religious/secular priests, 632 male religious and 4935 female religious. Archeparchy of Trichur has 471,328 members with 195 parishes, 418 religious/secular priests, 358 male religious and 3315 female religious. Eparchy of Idukki has 400,000 members with 129 parishes, 119 religious/secular priests, 109 male religious and 1320 female religious.
Archeparchy of Changanacherry has 390,000 members with 266 parishes, 615 religious/secular priests, 534 male religious and 2705 female religious. Eparchy of Palai has 348,128 members with 169 parishes, 502 religious/secular priests, 127 male religious and 3312 female religious. Archeparchy of Tellicherry has 317,782 members with 222 parishes, 293 religious/secular priests, 263 male religious and 1664 female religious. Eparchy of Irinjalakuda has 258,200 members with 128 parishes, 233 religious/secular priests, 132 male religious and 2350 female religious.
Eparchy of Kothamangalam has 217,420 members with 115 parishes, 242 religious/secular priests, 163 male religious and 2210 female religious. Eparchy of Kanjirapally has 192,000 members with 136 parishes, 314 religious/secular priests, 210 male religious and 1840 female religious. Archeparchy of Kottayam has 175,300 members with 149 parishes, 161 religious/secular priests, 107 male religious and 1233 female religious. Eparchy of Mananthavady has 170,100 members with 140 parishes, 413 religious/secular priests, 358 male religious and 1546 female religious. Eparchy of Thamarasserry has 129,600 members with 128 parishes, 247 religious/secular priests, 257 male religious and 1321 female religious. Eparchy of Palghat has 68,004 members with 106 parishes, 167 religious/secular priests, 82 male religious and 1360 female religious.[21]
According to a study conducted, in Kerala about 30 percent of the Syro Malabar Church members lived in the erstwhile Cochin State. The remaining 70 percent lived in Travancore state.[citation needed] In the Travancore state, Meenachil Taluk had the largest proportion, followed by Changanaserry Taluk.
Erstwhile Cochin State, Meenachil and Changanaserry together had 56 percent of the total Syro Malabar population. Kottayam, Muvattupuzha, Kanjirappally, Thodupuzha, Kothamangalam, Cherthala, Mukundapuram (irinjalakkuda-chalakkudy), Wadakkancherry, Thrissur, North Parur, Alwaye, Kunnathunadu, Ambalapuzha, Kuttanad, Peerumedu, Nedumkandam and Devikulam etc. are the prominent taluks.[21]
Outside the proper territory
There are eleven eparchies outside the proper territory of the Syro Malabar Church.
The Eparchy of Kalyan has 100,000 members with 106 parishes, 146 religious/secular priests, 105 male religious and 270 female religious. St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago, USA has 85,000 members with 11 parishes, 45 religious/secular priests, 13 male religious and 16 female religious. The Eparchy of Canada has 14,079 members with 5 parishes, 51 religious/secular priests, 182 male religious and 352 female religious. The Eparchy of Adilabad, has 13,273 members with 25 parishes, 50 religious/secular priests, 41 male religious and 143 female religious. The Eparchy of Rajkot has 12,850 members with 12 parishes, 140 religious/secular priests, 142 male religious and 421 female religious. There is a significant diaspora of Syro-Malabar Catholics in countries not under the jurisdiction of any of the existing eparchies.[23]
Saints, Blesseds, Venerables and Servants of God
Saints
- Mar Thoma Sliha (St. Thomas The Apostle & Father in Faith)
- Marth Alphonsa – Eparchy of Palai – canonized on 12 October 2008 by Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI.
- Mar Kuriakose Elias Chavara – Archeparchy of Changanacherry – Founder of the CMI.
- Marth Euphrasia Eluvathingal –Eparchy of Irinjalakuda, Archeparchy of Thrissur – CMC Sister
Beatified people
- Marth Maria Theresa Chiramel – Eparchy of Irinjalakuda – declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II in Rome on 9 April 2000.
- Mar Augustine Thevarparambil (Kunjachan) – Eparchy of Palai – declared Blessed on 30 April 2006 by Mar Varkey Vithayathil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church at Ramapuram, Palai as the delegate of Pope Benedict XVI.
- Marth Rani Maria (1954–1995) – Archeparchy of Ernakulam – Angamaly will Declare by H.B Mar George II Alanchery
Venerables
- Mar Thomas Kurialachery – Archeparchy of Changanassery – First Bishop of Changanassery (1872-1925)
- Mar Mathai Kadalikattil (1872-1935)
- Mar Joseph Vithayathil, (1865-1964);Priest of Trichur Archeparchy Co-Founder of Holy Family born at Ernakulam-Ankamaly Archeparchy
Servants of God
- Mar Mathew Makil, (1851-1914)
- Mar Tommiyachan Poothathil, (1871-1943)
- Mar Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly (1876-1929)
- Mar Augustine John Ukken (1880-1956)
- Mar Joseph C. Panjikaran (1888-1949)
- Mar Antony Thachuparambil (1894-1963)
- Mar Mathew Kavukatt (1904-1969)
- Marth Maria Celine Kannanaikal (1931-1957)
- Mar Thommachen Puthenparampil
- Mar Canisius CMI (1914-1998)
List of prominent Syro-Malabar Catholics in history
Prominent Syro-Malabar Catholics who worked for unity of Nasranis
- Mar Joseph Kariattil
- Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar
- Nidhiry Mani Kathanar
- Ikkako Kathanar
- Placid J. Podipara
Varthamanappusthakam
The Varthamanappusthakam is the first travelogue written in the Malayalam language. It is written by Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar. It describes the history of the Nasrani Church between the years 1773 and 1786 with emphasis on the journey of its author and Malpan Mar Ousep (Joseph) Kariattil from Malabar to Rome via Lisbon and back. Despite attempts by European ecclesiastical authorities to destroy it the major part of this book survived.
Shared history with other Saint Thomas Christians
Mar Abraham of Angamaly
Abraham of Angamaly (Syriac: ܐܒܪܗܡ ܡܛܪܢ, Mar Abraham died c. 1597) was the last in the long line of Mesopotamin Bishops who governed the Church of Saint Thomas Christians. In spite of the express approbation of the Pope, he was not welcomed by the Portuguese ecclesiastical authorities.
Mar Abrham died in January 1597 at Angamaly and his body was buried in Mar Hormiz Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Angamaly (old Cathedral church).
See also
- Sisters of the Destitute
- Carmelites of Mary Immaculate
- Congregation of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
- All India Catholic Union
- Catholic Church in India
- Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
- Syrian Malabar Nasrani
References
- ↑ Addai and Mari, Liturgy of. Cross, F. L., ed. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Oxford University Press. 2005
- ↑ Annuario Pontificio- The Pontifical year Book for 2008
- ↑ Official Website
- ↑ George Menachery (1973) The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, Ed. George Menachery, B.N.K. Press, vol. 2, ISBN 81-87132-06-X, Lib. Cong. Cat. Card. No. 73-905568; B.N.K. Press – (has some 70 lengthy articles by different experts on the origins, development, history, culture... of these Christians, with some 300 odd photographs).
- ↑ Leslie Brown, (1956) The Indian Christians of St. Thomas. An Account of the Ancient Syrian Church of Malabar, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1956, 1982 (repr.)
- ↑ Thomas Puthiakunnel, (1973) "Jewish colonies of India paved the way for St. Thomas", The Saint Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, ed. George Menachery, Vol. II., Trichur.
- ↑ NSC Network (2007) St. Thomas, India mission- Early reference and testimonies
- 1 2 Eugene Cardinal Tisserant, "Eastern Christianity in India"
- ↑ Catholic Encyclopedia profile of "St. Thomas Christians" - The Carmelite Period
- 1 2 Thekkedath, History of Christianity in India”
- ↑ Fr. George Thalian: "`The Great Archbishop Mar Augustine Kandathil, D. D.: the Outline of a Vocation'". Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2011. , Mar Louis Memorial Press, 1961. (Postscript) (PDF).
- ↑ Divine Praises in Aramaic Tradition by Pathikulangara Varghese Kathanar
- ↑ The Origin and Progress of the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy By Varkey J. Vithayathil
- ↑ Official Website
- ↑ The Synod of Diamper and the Liturgy Jacob Vellian The Synod of Diamper Revisited, George Nedugatt, ed.
- ↑ A Study of the Syro-Malabar Liturgy (George Vavanikunnel)
- ↑ Pathikulangara, Varghese. Mar Thomma Margam (A New Catechism for the St. Thomas Christians of India), Kottayam: Denha Services, 2004
- ↑ Syro Malabar Church-Major Feasts, The Nazrani. Also major article on the same in The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopaedia of India Vol. II
- ↑ Francis Eluvathingal, Patriarchal and Major Archiepiscopal Churches in the Eastern Catholic Legislations based on CCEO Canon 114–125
- ↑ Francis Eluvathingal, Syro-Malabar Church Since the Eastern Code
- 1 2 3 4 , Syro Malabar Church: An Overview.
- ↑ At a Glance, Syro Malabar Church Website.
- ↑ "Syro-Malabar Church Dublin Ireland". Retrieved 27 August 2016.
References and bibliography
- ASSEMANI, Bibliotheca Orientalis (Rome, 1719–28); DE SOUZA.
- Orientale Conquistado (2 vols., Indian reprint, Examiner Press, Bombay).
- Gouvea, Jornada do Arcebispo Aleixo de Menezes quando foy as Serra do Malaubar (Coimbra, 1606).
- Fr. tr. De Glen, Histoire Orientale etc. (Brussels, 1609); DU JARRIC.
- Thesaurus rerum mirabilium in India Orient (3 vols., Cologne, 1615).
- India Orientalis Christiana (Rome, 1794).
- Mackenzie, Christianity in Tranvancore, with Census Report of 1901 (Trivandrum). Ed.& Reprinted, Prof. George Menachery in the Nazranies i.e. The Indian Church History Classics I, 1998.
- Medlycott, India and the Apostle St. Thomas (London, 1905). Ed. & Reprinted, Prof. George Menachery in the Nazranies i.e. The Indian Church History Classics I, 1998.
- Thalian, Fr. George: "`The Great Archbishop Mar Augustine Kandathil, D. D.: the Outline of a Vocation'". Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2011. , Mar Louis Memorial Press, 1961. (Postscript) (PDF).
- Menachery G (1973) The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, Ed. George Menachery, B.N.K. Press, vol. 2, ISBN 81-87132-06-X, Lib. Cong. Cat. Card. No. 73-905568; B.N.K. Press – (has some 70 lengthy articles by different experts on the origins, development, history, culture ... of these Christians, with some 300 odd photographs). Vol. 1, 1982. Vol. 3, 2010.
- Mundadan, A. Mathias. (1984) History of Christianity in India, vol. 1, Bangalore, India: Church History Association of India.
- Podipara, Placid J. (1970) "The Thomas Christians". London: Darton, Longman and Tidd, 1970. (is a readable and exhaustive study of the St. Thomas Christians.)
- Philip, E. M. (1908) The Indian Christians of St. Thomas (1908; Changanassery: Mor Adai Study Center, 2002).
- Aprem, Mar. (1977) The Chaldaean Syrian Church in India. Trichur, Kerala, India: Mar Narsai, 1977.
- Menachery, Professor George. (2000) Kodungallur – The Cradle of Christianity In India, Thrissur: Marthoma Pontifical Shrine.
- Menachery, Professor George & Snaitang, Dr. Oberland (2012)"India's Christian Heritage". The Church History Association of India, Dharmaram College, Bangalore.
- Acts of St. Thomas (Syriac) MA. Bevan, London, 1897
- Tisserant, E. (1957) Eastern Christianity in India: A History of the Syro-Malabar Church from the Earliest Times to the Present Day. Trans. and ed. by E. R. Hambye. Westminster, MD: Newman Press.
- Michael Geddes, (1694) A Short History of the Church of Malabar together with the Synod of Diamper, London. Ed. Prof. George Menachery in the Nazranies i.e. The Indian Church History Classics I, 1998.
- Puthur, B. (ed.) (2002): The Life and Nature of the St Thomas Christian Church in the Pre-Diamper Period (Cochi, Kerala).
- T.K Velu Pillai, (1940) "The Travancore State Manual"; 4 volumes; Trivandrum
- Menachery G (ed); (1998) "The Indian Church History Classics", Vol. I, The Nazranies, Ollur, 1998. ISBN 81-87133-05-8.
- Menachery, George. Glimpses of Nazraney Heritage.SARAS 2005 Ollur.
- Palackal, Joseph J. Syriac Chant Traditions in South India. Ph.d, Ethnomusicology, City University of New York, 2005.
- Joseph, T. K. The Malabar Christians and Their Ancient Documents. Trivandrum, India, 1929.
- Leslie Brown, (1956) The Indian Christians of St. Thomas. An Account of the Ancient Syrian Church of Malabar, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1956, 1982 (repr.)
- Thomas P. J; (1932) "Roman Trade Centres in Malabar", Kerala Society Papers, II.
- Marco Polo.(1298) LATHAM, R. (TRANSL.) "The Travels" Penguin Classics 1958
- Bjorn Landstrom (1964) "The Quest for India", Double day English Edition, Stockholm.
- Francis Eluvathingal (ed), Syro-Malabar Church Since the Eastern Code, Mary Matha Publications, Trichur, 2003.
- Francis Eluvathingal, "Patriarchal and Major Archiepiscopal Curia in the Eastern Catholic Legilations based on CCEO Canons 114–125" ORISI, Kottayam, 2009.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. |
- Syro-Malabar Church
- Archdiocese of Thrissur
- Archdiocese of Kottayam
- Archdiocese of Changanacherry
- Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly
- Archdiocese of Tellicherry
- The website for Synod of Diamper
- Indian Christianity : Books by Geddes, Mackenzie, Medlycott, &c.
- The Chennai Mission
- Syro malabar mission in Chennai
- Syro Malabar Church in Australia
- Nazraney Heritage
- Syro Malabar Church in Qatar
- Syro Malabar Matrimony
- Article on the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church by Ronald Roberson on the CNEWA web site
Coordinates: 9°58′56″N 76°16′35″E / 9.9823°N 76.2763°E