The Catholic Church

A.1. The Pope

Pope is the supreme head of the Catholic Church.  He is the Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Christ on earth, successor of St. Peter the Prince of the Apostles, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the Servant of the Servants of God. 

The word  “Pope” comes from the Greek world “Papas”, which means father. 

The dogmatic constitution ‘Pastor Aeternus’ of the Vatican Council I (1870) has solemnly defined the authority of the Pope. 

John Paul II, the present Pope is 264th successor of  St. Peter.  The Catholic Church with Pope as supreme head is a communion of many Churches.

A. 2. The State of Vatican City

According to the Lateran Treaty of Feb. 11 1929, ratified on June 7 of the same year by the Government of Italy, the Vatican City is an independent State and the Pope is its sovereign. The area of this tiny state is 108.7 acres. 

Within the Vatican State come the St. Peter's Basilica, other Basilicas and Churches, the Vatican proper (the Pontifical Palaces), Castel Gandolfo (Latium, the Pope's summer residence) and the Roman Curial offices. The Roman Pontiff has at present legates in 192 countries / international organisations as Apostolic Nuncios/Pro Nuncios/Delegates. 

Western and Eastern Church

This Communion of Catholic Churches is generally divided into two: the Western Churches and the Eastern Churches.The Western Churches use Latin as their liturgical language while the Eastern Churches use Greek, Syriac and the like oriental languages for their version.There are three families in the western tradition.  They are Ambrosian (Milam), Gallican (Lyons) and Mosarabic (Spane).  These traditions are now amalgamated into one: Latin traditions.

A. 3. Western Church (Latin Church)

A.3.1 Ambrosian (Milan)
A.3.2 Gallican (Lyons)
A.3.3 Mosarabic (Spain)

A.4. Eastern  Catholic Churches (CCEO 55-62)

A.4.1 Alexandrian Tradition 

The Church under the Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria, Etheiopian Church under the Metropolitan of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia belongs to this tradition.

1.3.1.1 Coptic Church (Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria (Cairo, Egypt) (1895)
1.3.1.2 Ethiopian ( Metropolitan of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

A.4.2 The Antiochian Tradition

West Syrian Church under the Catholic Syrian Patriarch of Antioch, Syro-Maronite Church under the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, Syro-Malankara Church under the Metropolitan of Thiruvananthapuram belong to this tradition.

1.3.2.1 West Syrian (Catholic Syrian Patriarch of Antioch (Lebanon)(1662,1783)
1.3.2.2 Syro Maronite (Maronite Patriarch of Antioch (Bkerke, Lebanon) (8th C)
1.3.2.3 Syro-Malankara (Metropolitan, Thiruvananthapuram)

A.4.3 The Armenian Tradition

Armenian Church under the Armenian patriarch of Cilicia.

1.3.3.1 Armenian Church (Armenian Patriarch of Cilicia, Turkey) (1741)

A.4.4 Chaldean/East Syrian Tradition

Chaldean Church under the Chaldean Patriarch of Babylon and Syro-Malabar Church under the major Arch Bishop of Eranakulam - Angamaly belong to this tradition.

1.3.4.1 Chaldean (Chaldean Patriarch of Babylon) (Iraq) (1553,1830)
1.3.4.2 Syro-Malabar (Major Archbishop of Ernakulam - Angamaly)

A.4.5 The Byzantine (Constantinople) Tradition

Greek Melkite Church under the Patriarch of Antioch, Ukrainian Church under the major Arch Bishop of Lvive, Romanian Church under the Metropolitan of Fagaras and Alba, Albanian Church under the Apostolic administrator of  southern Albenia, Bylo-Russian Byzantine Church under the Bishop of Krizevci Croatia, Bulgarian Church under the Byzantine Slav Apostolic Exarch of Sophia, Bulgaria, Greek Church under the Apostolic Exarch of Athens, Greece, Italo-Albanian Church under the Bishop of Lunge, Russian Church under the Apostolic Exarch of Russia, Rutherian Church under the Metropolitan of Pittsburge USA, Slovak Church under the Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Presov, Slovakia, Hungarian Church under the Archbishop of Hajdudoraj, Hungary, belongs to this tradition.

1.3.5.1 Albanian (Apostolic Administrator of Southern Albania) 
1.3.5.2 Bylo-Russian 
1.3.5.3 Byzantine (Bishop of Krizevci, Croatia) 
1.3.5.4 Bulgarian (Byzantine Slav Apostolic Exarch of Sophia, Bulgaria)
The Greek (Apostolic Exarch of Athens, Greece) The Eastern Churches
1.3.5.6 Greek Melkite (Patriarch of Antioch, Damascus, Syria) (1724)
1.3.5.7 Italo Albanian (Bishop of Lung, Grottaferrata) (Italy) 
1.3.5.8 Rumenian Church (Rumen. Metropo. of Fagaras & Alba Julia, 
Rumenia)
1.3.5.9 Russian (Apostolic Exarch of Russia)
1.3.5.10 Ruthenian (Metropolitan of Pittsburg, USA)
1.3.5.11 Slovak (Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Presov (Slovakia) 
1.3.5.12 Ukranian (Major Archbishop of Lviv, Ukrain)
1.3.5.13 Hungarian (Bishop of Hajdudorag, Hungary)

Patriarch

The word ‘Patriarch’ means father or chief of race, clan or family.  The oldest Canon Law recognized only three patriarchs of Rome, Alexandria and Antioch.  Roman Patriarch was considered first among equals. Today there are two kinds of patriarch in the Church: Eastern Patriarchs who function as the father and head of each church and Western Patriarch who are titular.

Western Patriarchs

The Pope, as bishop of Rome and head of the Latin Church, is also Patriarch of the West.  There were Latin titular patriarchates in Constantinople, Alexandria and Antioch.  They were abolished by Pope Paul VI in June, 1964.  Other Patriarchs of Latin Church are the following.

Jerusalem

His Beatitude Michael Sabaha,

Latin patriarch, P.B.14152, 9/142 Jerusalem Old City.

Ph: 02-628-23-23, 627-22-80, Fax: 627-16-52.

Venice

Cardinal Marco Ce, Patriarchal Curia ,

S Maco 320/A, 30124,

Venice, Italy.

Ph: 041-2702411. Fax: 041-270-24-20.

Lisbon

Jose Da Cruz Policarpu,

Patriarchal Curia,

Campo Dos Matrires  Da Patria 45,

1150 Lisboa Codex Portugal

Ph: 01-885-36-65. Fax: 885-20-09.

East Indies

Raul Nicolav Gonsalves Paco-patriarchiel,

 P.B.216,  Panjim, Goa, India-403 001.

Ph: 0832-2223353, 225819, 225219. Fax: 224131.

E-mail: archbp@goal.dot.net.in

West Indies

The Patriarchal see of West Indies remains vacant.

Latin Patriarch other than Pope and Patriarch of Jerusalem do not have juridical powers.

Oriental Patriarchs

apecl@opslibani.org.lb

Armenian Tradition

Armenian Cilician Church

His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX Carmouni,

Armenian Catholic Patriarch of Cilicia,

Rue Del Hospital Libanias, JEitaoui,

2400 Beyroute, Lebanon.

Ph: 583520, 585670, Fax: 449160

Chaldean Tradition

Chaldean Church

His Beatitude Raphel Bidawid,

Catholic Patriarch, P.B.6112,

Almansour, Baghdad, Irak.

Ph: 01887-96-04. Fax: 884-9969

Syro - Malabar Church

Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Vithayathil

 The Syro - Malabar Archiepiscopal Huria,

Mount St.Thomas, P.B.2580, Thrikkakara P.O.,

Kochi, Kerala, India-682 031.

Ph: 0484-352906, 352629, 380660. Fax: 366028, 355010.

E-mail: abperang@md3.vsnl.net.in; majorarchbishop@hotmail.com

Byzantine Tradition

Melkite Church

His Beatitude Maximos V.Hakkim,

Greek Melkite Patriarch,

P.B 22249, Damas, Syria.

Ph: 0115433129, 31. Fax: 543-12-66.

Ukrainian Church

Major Archbishop Cardinal Myroslaw Iuan,

Lubachiusky, Ploscha Suiatoho Jura-5, 290000,

Lviv, Ukraina.

Ph: 0322-798 687. Fax: 720 007

Metropolitan Churches

Syro-Malankara Church

Cyril Mar Baselios, Archbishop’s House,

Trivandrum, Kerala, India-695004.

Ph; 0471-541642, 541643. Fax: 541635.

E-mail:  archbp03@md3.vsnl.net.in

Romanian Church

Lucian Muresan,

Stur P.P.Aron 2, Ro-3175, Blaj, A.B.

Ruthenian Church

Judson Michen Procyk,

66 River view ave,

Pittsburgh, PA15214-2253, U.S.A.

Ethiopan Church

Berhane-Yesus Demerew, Souraphiel,

C.M. Catholic Archbishop’s House,

P.B.21903.

Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.

World Population

Total 5848739000
Muslims 1147494000 
Hindhus 746797000
Christians 1922998500 33.7% 
Orthodox 223204000 3.8% 
Anglicans 54785000 1.2%
Protestants 360913000 6.9% 
Other Christians 287857000 4.8%
Roman Catholics 1040354000 17.4%
Diocesan Priests 262418 
Religious Priests 142332
Religious Sisters 837961

A.5. Synod of Bishops: President : The Holy Father
Secretary General : Jan Pieter Cardinal Schotte
Ordinary Council : 15 Members

A.6. Cardinals: 163

A.7. Dioceses in the Church - 2699

Bishops - 4390
Patriarchal : (6+7)13 Major Archiepiscopal: 2
Metropolitan: 511 Archiepiscopal : 72
Episcopal : 2101 

Catholic population (Continent wise)

 World Population Religion Wise

·         Christian 1911,3038000

·         Roman Catholics 102,6501000 

·         Protestants 31,6445000 

·         Orthodox 21,3743000

·         Anglicans 6,3748000

·         Other Christians 32,7601000

·         Muslims 116,4622000

·         Hindus 76,1689000

·         Buddists 35,3794000

·         Sikhs 2,2332000

·         Jews 1,4111000

Others 167,0253000

Syro- Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church

Home Page: http://www.thesyromalabarchurch.org

Population: 
In Proper Territory 3,335,534
Provinces: 4 
Eparchies: 12 +2 
Outside Proper Terr:. 189,918
Provinces: Nil 
Eparchies: 10
Total population: 3,525,452
Provinces: 4
Eparchies: 24

1.  Historical Notes 
The Apostolic Church of St. Thomas Christians has its origin in AD 52 from St.Thomas the Apostle. He was martyred on July 3rd 72 AD, at Mylapore. The Metropolitan of the "See of St. Thomas" was "Metropolitan and gate of all India". In the course of history this church entered into hierachical relationship with the East Syrian Church and became an autonomous Metropolitan See under the East Syrian Patriarch. The administration was done by the "Archdeacon of all India."

2.      Major Archbishop

Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil CSSR 
Born: 29-05-1927
Ordination: 12-06-1954
Ep. Ordination: 06-01-1997
Adminstrator: 18-01-1997
App. Major Archbishop: 18-02-1999
Assumed charge: 26-01-2000
Address: Mount St. Thomas, P.B.No.10, Bharat Matha College , Kochi 682 021 
Tele. 0484/355010, 426236, 424768, 426235,424780, 425727, 422727 (Fax)
E-mail: majorarchbishop@hotmail.com

2.1. Bishops' Synod

Permanent Synod
1. Archbisop Mar Varkey Vithayathil
2. Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil
3. Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy 
4. Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnassery
5. Bishop Mar Paul Chittilappally

Substitute Members
1. Archbishop Mar George Valiamattam 
2. Bishop Mar Joseph Pallickaparampil
3. Bishop Mar James Pazhayattil 4. Bishop Mar Gregory Karottemprel
Secretary of the Synod: Bishop Jacob Manathodath

2.2. Major Arhiepiscopal Assembly

2.3. Major Archiepiscopal Curia
Chancellor: Rev. Fr. Jose Porunnedam
Vice Chancellor : Rev. Fr. Paul Kallunkal V.C.
Finance Officer : Rev. Fr. Mathew Elapanickal 426234
Official Publication: Synodal News
Liturgical Research Centre 
Bishop Mar George Punnakottil (Chairman)
Bishop Mar Paul Chittilappally Rev. Fr. Bosco Puthoor (Director)
Rev. Fr. Joseph Perumthottam Rev. Fr. Antony Kozhuvanal

2.4. Tribunals

2.4.1 Major Archiepiscopal Superior Tribunal
1. Archbishop Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy
2. Bishop Mar Paul Chittilappally 
3. Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnassery

2.4.2 Major Archiepiscopal Tribunal
President : His Grace the Apostolic Administrator
Pro-President: Rev. Dr. Andrews Thazhath
Judges : Rev. Dr. Joseph Kuzhinjalil, 
Rev. Dr. Joseph Pathiyamoola MCBS,
Rev. Dr. Varghese Palathinkal
Rev. Dr. Joseph Thoompunkal
Rev. Dr. Joseph Mundakathil
Notary: Rev. Fr. Antony Kelamparampil CMI

2.5. Commission

2.5.1. Central Liturgy Committee

2.6. Common Institutions 

Major Seminaries

a. St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha, Aluva.

Rector: Very Rev. Fr. Cherian Kanjirakombil.
Pontifical Institute of Theology and Philosophy, Aluva 
President: Rev. Dr. Antony Narikulam.

Episcopal Commission:
1. Bishop Mar Joseph Pallickaparampil (Chairman)
2. Bishop Mar Jacob Manathodath
3. Bishop Mar George Punnakkottil

b. St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam

Rector: Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Srampickal
Address: Paurastya Vidyapitham, Vadavathoor, Kottayam
President: Rev. Dr. Joseph Kallarangatt 

Episcopal Commission:
1. Bishop Mar Kuriakose Kunnassery (Chairman)
2. Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil
3. Bishop Mar Thomas Chakiath

Other Major Seminaries 

·         Dharmaram College Bangalore (CMI)

·         Dharmaram Vidyakshethram

·         St, Ephrem's Satna,

·         Ruhalaya, Ujjain

·         Thellakom Theologiate (OFM. CAP)

·         L.F. Aluva (C.S.T )