History: The Syro-Malabar Church
founded by St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus, was raised to the status of
Major Archiepiscopal sui
juris
Church
with Ernakulam- Angamaly as the see of the Major
Archbishop by Pope John Paul II, through the constitution “Quae
Maiori” dated
December 16, 1992 . The
erection was published on Jan.29.1993.
The
Metropolitan of Eranakulam, Cardinal Mar
Antony Padiyara,
was made the first Major Archbishop. The powers of the Major Archbishop were
given temporarily to Archbishop Mar Abraham
Kattumana as Pontifical delegate. The installation of the Major
Archbishop and the inauguration of the first Synod of the
Syro-Malabar
Major
Archiepiscopal
Church
were held at Eranakulam on
May 20,1993
.
The proper
territory of the Major Archbishop was determined to be the then territory of
the two provinces of
Syro-Malabar
Church
, Eranakulam and
Changanacherry. Today the Church has four provinces,
Thrissur and Thalasserry
being the added ones.
The Catholic
Church, with Pope as Supreme Pontiff is a communion of 22 individual (sui
juris) Churches. These Churches are given
different juridical status according to the laws of the Church.
The highest
juridical status recommended by Vatican Council II and Proposed by the
Oriental Canon law (CCEO) is Patriarchal. The decree of Vatican II on
Eastern Catholic Churches says: “This sacred and ecumenical council
earnestly desires that where needed new patriarchates be erected” (Easter
Churches-11). The ancient Churches of Apostolic origin like
Rome
,
Antioch
,
Constantinople
,
Alexandria
, Seleucis-Cstesiphon
and
Armenia
have Patriarchal structure.
The syro-malabar church was known as
the church of the st.thomas Christians until the 18th century because it was
founded by st thomas, one of the apostles of jesus christ. St.thomas came to
india in 52 a.d. He died as a martyr in a place called mylapore near the
present town of chennai (madras).his tomb is still venerated there.
As a church that
existed outside the roman empire, the church of the st. Thomas christians
had little contact with the roman or the other churches within the
empire.at the same time it maintained communion with the church of rome
through the church in the persian empire,which later came to be known as
the east syrian or chaldean or babylonian church. It is believed that
christianity in persian empire was introduced by the disciples of st.
Thomas. It seems that the christians in india had contact with these
christians of the persian empire from very early times. Given the commercial
relations of india of those days such a contact was possible.
In the middle of
the 4th century or later a group of christians from these communities under
the leadership of a merchant called thomas of kinayi migrated to the
southern parts of india known as kerala now. The descendants of this latter
group are called knananites or southists and the former northists. Both of
them belong the syro-malabar church. Even now they live as two separate
communities with their own diocese and parishes.
For some unknown
reasons at least from the 8th century until the end of the 16th century the
bishops of the syro-malabar church were sent from the east syrian church,
appointed by the patriarch of the east syrian church. There is a tradition
which says that there were indian bishops in the beginning. But written
proofs are very few to say anything concrete about them.
Because of the
portuguese colonisation of parts of india in the early 16th century and of
the consequent ecclesiastical arrangements, from 1600 onwards european
bishops from the latin church were appointed by the pope to govern the
st.thomas christians. Their rule ended in 1896 in which year indigenous
bishops from among the st.thomas christians were appointed to the church of
st.thomas christians. By that time the ancient name "church of st.thomas
christians" had given way to the present name "syro-malabar church".
During the
period from 1653 to 1887 many divisions took place in the syro-malabar
church mainly in the attempt of the syro-malabarians to get rid of the rule
of the latin bishops who often gave little value to the ancient system of
administration of the st.thomas christians and their christian heritage. The
missionaries seems to have had the impression that the st.thomas christians
were not catholics but nestorians since they accepted bishops from the east
syrian church which officially had adopted nestorianism. As they were living
at a time soon after the council of trent in which decision was taken to
deal toughly with heretics, they were all out to "reduce the
syro-malabarians to the roman obedience." there were also the commercial
interests of the portuguese behind the appointment of latin bishops to rule
the syro-malabarians. As the last bishop appointed by the east syrian
patriarch died in 1597 the portuguese tightened their hold on the
syro-malabarians and never permitted any more east syrian bishops to enter
malabar. In 1599 the latin archbishop of goa convened a synod at
udayamperoor in the present kerala and made the people accept many customs
with which they were not familiar. He also spread the news in europe that
syro-malabarians were "reduced to the roman obedience" and accepted
catholicism as well the authority of the pope in this synod. The
fact,however,was not so.the syro-malabarians had never accepted nestorianism
even though they had contact with the east syrians and they were not at all
involved in any of the christological controversies. On the contray whenever
they got a chance they reiterated their allegiance to the pope and their
communion with the church of rome. In any case the rule of the latin bishops
was never accepted by the syro-malabarians and the climax of their protest
was what is known in the history as coonan cross oath. The leadership of the
st.thomas christian community pledged in this oath not to accept any more
the rule of the jesuit missionaries from among whom the bishops were
appointed. It was in 1653. History tells us that the st.thomas christians
who gathered at mattancherry near fort kochi under the leadership of the
archdeacon to receive a bishop from persia took the oath touching the cross
there that they would not obey any more the jesuits who were the main
european missionaries in india at that time; coonan cross oath was a revolt
against the oppressive rule of the europeans and not against the pope or the
holy see. After the oath 12 priests at the instigation of one of them laid
hands on the head of the archdeacon and "ordained him bishop". There began
the division in the church of the st.thomas christians.
There was
tension in the church because the faithful wanted to keep the true faith but
not under the bishop who was appointed by the portuguese crown. Some
remained in schism while others came back to the obedience of the latin
bishop. Those who remained under the "pseudo bishop" later accepted the
tradition of the antiochean non-catholic tradition and were known as the
orthodox church. Later because of the missionary work of the protestants
there arose other non-catholic churches in india, particularly in kerala.
There were
continuous attempts for reestablishing the lost communion. But nothing
succeeded mainly because of the opposition from the european missionaries.
It was to obtain permission for receiving this group into the catholic
church that fr. Joseph kariattil and fr. Thomas paremmakkal, two priests
from the church of st.thomas christians, went to rome in the 18th century.
Fr.kariattil was ordained archbishop of the st.thomas christians, and had
received a mandate to receive the dissident group with its bishop to the
catholic communion. Unfortunately bishop kariattil on his way to kerala died
in goa in 1786. Finally, in 1930 a group of them under the leadership of
their archbishop called mar ivanios reestablished their communion with the
catholic church and the holy see accepted it as a separate catholic church
with the name of syro-malankara church.
Those who
remained in communion of pope after the coonan cross oath later came to be
known as the syro-malabarians. It was a name given by the roman authorities
to refer to the catholic st.thomas christians. The name syro-malabar was
chosen apparently to avoid confusion with the malabar rite which existed as
a part of the latin church in the coromandel coast of india. Even those who
remained in communion were fighting for getting bishops of their own rite
and nation. It became a reality only in 1896 when the apostolic vicariates
of trichur, ernakulam and changanachery were established and three
indigenous priests were appointed as vicars apostolic.
Ever since the
syro-malabar church grew phenomenally in all aspects. Because of the
increased mobility of people many members of the syro-malabar church
emigrated to other parts of india and foreign countries. Though they remain
members of the syro-malabar church, they had little chance of following
their own traditions in their life of faith because only the latin church
was present in many of the lands they migrated as u.s.a and canada. As a
result of the teaching of the second vatican council there was an awakening
both in the bishops of this church as well as the faithful scattered all
over the world about their identity and their duty to preserve and promote
their tradition. The code of canons of the oriental churches or the oriental
canon law prescribes that these traditions be preserved and fostered. That
means that provision must be made for these faithful to practice and grow in
their own tradition everywhere in the world.
Various ways are
prescribed for providing pastoral care for these migrant eastern christians.
The first one is to set apart a priest in the latin parish for the care of
eastern christians. If that does not ensure proper care, then vicar general
under the local bishop is to be appointed. If that too becomes ineffective
because of any reason, particularly because the number of the faithful to be
taken care of is too big,then a diocese should be established for them.
The knanaya
community had their own parishes and in 1911 a separate vicariate apostolic,
kottayam was erected for them. Bishop kuriakose kunnacherry is their present
bishop. He has jurisdiction over all the kananaya faithful within the
provinces of ernakulam , changanacherry, trichur and tellicherry. The
auxiliary bishop of kottayam as syncellus or representative of the bishop of
kottayam resides at kannur in northern kerala and looks after the needs of
the kananaya faithful in the northern kerala.
At the time of
the coonan cross oath many of the kananaya parishes also had accepted the
"pseudo bishop" ordained by the twelve priests. In the course of time they
too accepted the antiochean way of worship and customs. When the
reestablishment of communion came about in 1930 some of the kananaya
parishes also followed the same. However instead of joining the
syro-malankara church they joined the diocese of kottayam in the
syro-malabar church even though they follow the antiochean liturgy. They
have separate parishes and parish priests within the diocese of kottayam.
The st. Thomas
christians in india were under the rule of the latin bishops from 1600 to
1896. In 1887 the st. Thomas christians were given two separate
ecclesiastical circumscriptions called apostolic vicariates. They were
trichur and kottayam. In 1896 there took place a reorganization as a result
three vicariates, namely trichur, ernakulam and changanacherry came into
existence. Three syro - malabar priests were ordained bishops and put in
charge of these units. These indigenous bishops were john menacherry (trichur),
louis pazheparampil (ernakulam) and mathew makeil (changanacherry). In 1911
a new vicariate at kottayam was established for the knananites and mar
makeil was transferred to this new vicariate. Later in 1923 the apostolic
vicariates were made dioceses and the diocese of ernakulam was made
archdiocese and its bishop archbishop. In the same year the syro-malabar
hierarchy was established. In 1957 the diocese of changanacherry was made
archdiocese. Having two archbishops with no common head is not customary in
the eastern churches. So this new provision created an anomalous juridical
situation in the syro - malabar church. As the new oriental canon law was
promulgated in 1990 this situation could not be continued.
Canon law
foresees only four categories of sui iuris churches and the syro-malabar
church did not fall into any of them. The four categories are the following:
patriarchal, major archipepiscopal, metropolitan and other. So on 16
december 1992 pope john paul ii declared the syro- malabar church as a major
archiepiscopal church and appointed cardinal antony padiyara, the then
archbishop of ernakulam as the first major archbishop. Had such a step not
been taken the functioning of the syro-malabar church would have been very
difficult. Taking into consideration the particular situation of the syro -
malabar church and the poor state of health of cardinal antony padiyara the
pope had appointed also a delegate of him to discharge the duties of the
major archbishop. He was archbishop abraham kattumana, who was a vatican
ambassador in african countries. Archbishop kattumana died unexpectedly
during his visit to rome in april 1995. Since the post was a temporary one
none else was appointed to take his place.
In november 1996
cardinal padiyara resigned from his office as major archbishop. In his place
instead of allowing the synod to elect a new major archbishop the pope
appointed an administrator in the person of archbishop varkey vithayathil,
c.ss.r. He was a priest belonging to the redemptorist congregation. In
december 1998 he was appointed major archbishop by the pope. In february
2001 archbishop vithayathil was created a cardinal by pope john paul ii.
According to the
oriental canon law the major archbishop is the head of the syro - malabar
church immediately under the pope. However his authority is limited to the
dioceses that are the suffragans of the archdioceses of ernakulam,
changnacherry , trichur and tellicherry. The syro - malabar dioceses in
other parts of india and abroad are directly under the pope. Even though
according to the oriental canon law the synod of this church has the right
to appoint new bishops, these rights were reserved to the pope until
recently. On 3 january 2004 the pope restituted this right to the bishops'
synod.
The major
archbishop of the syro-malabar church is automatically the archbishop of
ernakulam - angamaly archdiocese also because it is determined so by the
holy see. So whoever is elected as major archbishop or whoever exercises his
authority unless otherwise decided by the holy see will have two offices. As
archbishop of ernakulam - angamaly he has his office at ernakulam. His
office as major archbishop is at mount st. Thomas.
Administrative
system
As in the
secular administrative systems there are three wings in the administration
of the syro-malabar church also: executive or administrative, legislative
and judicial. The major archbishop, his officials, various commissions and
committees, the permanent synod and the major archiepiscopal assembly form
the executive. His officials include his chancellors and finance officer or
officers. Various commissions are appointed by the major archbishop for
dealing with matters as liturgy, pastoral care of the migrant
syro-malabarians and so on. The members of the commissions are ordinarily
bishops. The permanent synod is an advisory council of bishops to help the
major archbishop in fulfilling his function. Three of them are elected by
the synod and one is nominated by the major archbishop. Among the three
elected at least two must be bishops who govern dioceses. Including the
major archbishop there are five members in the permanent synod.
The major
archiepiscopal assembly is a meeting of the representatives of the various
sections of faithful of the syro-malabar church. It is to meet at least once
in five years. If necessary the major archbishop can convene it as often as
needed. The first major archiepiscopal assembly of the syro-malabar church
was held from 9 to 12 november 1998 at mount st. Thomas.
The synod of
bishops is the legislative body. All the bishops of the syro-malabar church
are members in it and have voting rights. It can enact laws for the
syro-malabar church. If they are liturgical laws they will be applicable for
all the dioceses; but if disciplinary they are applicable only in those
dioceses which fall within the proper territory of the syro-malabar major
archbishop.
For judicial
activities there are the superior tribunal and the major archiepiscopal
ordinary tribunal. The superior tribunal is the synod itself. However it
exercises this function through three bishops elected from among the members
of the synod. One of them is nominated as the moderator. The major
archiepiscopal ordinary tribunal will have its own personnel. They are not
bishops. The personnel can be anyone with the prescribed qualifications. The
head of the ordinary tribunal is known as president. ( from the official
site of the syro malabar church)
The St. Thomas
Christian museum
One of the
interesting places to visit on mount st. Thomas, kakkanad is the st. Thomas
christian museum there maintained by the liturgical research centre of the
church. Its presence on the hill is indicated from a distance by the huge
open air granite (rock) cross erected after the cross at angamaly. The
entrance courtyard has depictions of events from the history of st. Thomas
the apostle. The sound and light programme exhibiting events in the history
of the thomas christians is a popular attraction. The mission of st. Thomas
in the court of king gondaphares in gandhara/taxila, the arrival of the
saint in the kerala port, miracles performed by st. Thomas, the arrival of
thomas of cana or kinayi thomman, 72 privileges granted to the christians
by copper plate grants by ayyan adikal thiruvadikal the emperor's governor
at tharisa palli, the arrival of vasco da gama in india at calicut, the
synod of diamper or udayamperur called by archbishop dom menezes of goa, the
coonen cross oath, archbishop kariattil and paremakkal gobernador in the
portuguese court at lisbon are some of the themes shown in this light and
sound programme. A short documentary produced by the museum on the art and
architecture of the st. Thomas christians is shown round the clock. The
original ms. Of the varthamanappusthakam is among the valuable treasures of
the museum. Items in sculpture, painting, architecture, metal work, wood
work, ivory, and many rare documents exhibit the glorious history and
culture of these ancient christians.
Saturday, 14 may
2005, marked a day of history for the syro-malankara church, due to the
official ceremony for its elevation to major archiepiscopal dignity and the
installation of its first "caput et pater", cyril mar baselios malancharuvil,
a member of the order of the imitation of christ.
The pontifical
announcement of 10 february culminated a succession of significant steps
involving pastors and faithful. These began on 20 september 1930 with the
reunion of mar ivanios with rome, who was joined thereafter by various other
ecclesiastics and faithful.
Like the small
mustard seed of biblical fame, the syro-malankara church, blessed by the
lord and sustained by him during these 75 years of communion with the bishop
of rome and with the entire catholic church, has become a huge tree.
With the further
development of conferral of this noteworthy title comes greater
responsibility. There is, indeed, similarity with the lamp referred to in
the gospel, which was placed high so as to give light to everyone in their
home. In fact, the syro-malankara church is now recognized as
ecclesiastically fully-matured.
With a renewed
enthusiasm for carrying out the universal church's mission, particularly in
the context of india, as well as in ecumenical and interreligious settings,
this church ably asserts its fidelity to authentic religious tradition.
Moreover, it
promotes a qualified and generous contribution towards solid coexistence
that pursues the spiritual and material well-being of the indian identity.
The apostolic
nuncio, archbishop pedro lopez quintana, proclaimed the latin texts of both
the pontifical bull which designated the elevation of the church, and that
which announced that the church's head was accorded the title major
archbishop.
Both bulls carry
respectively the signature of the supreme pontiff at the time, pope john
paul ii, as well as of the secretary of the state, cardinal angelo sodano.
During his
homily, cardinal daoud expressed thanks to god and recognized the profound
communion which exists between the roman pontiff and the syro-malankara
church. He recalled the memory of the recently departed pope john paul ii,
amid applause which combined grief and great veneration.
He also conveyed
the paternal greetings and apostolic blessing of the newly-elected pope
benedict xvi, which were conveyed to the cardinal prefect on the day prior
to his departure for india. Again, the faithful responded with great joy and
devotion.
In his remarks,
cardinal daoud outlined the salient historical features of the evolution of
this event, such as the early phase and its first contacts with specific
intent of union with the petrine see.
"we can find a
man of fire, thirsty for unity", the cardinal said, "one who is capable of
reading the signs of the times; who in his prophetic sight has seen clearly
and afar: mar ivanios. He cherished a great dream that became a great
project: unity. With his steadfast companion, mar theophilos, mar ivanios
was received into the catholic church, along with one priest, one deacon and
one layperson, each of whom made their catholic profession of faith before
bishop benziger of quilon.
"within one
year, there was an expanded reunification within the little malankara
catholic church, with the admission of the majority of the members of the
order of the imitation of christ. This incorporated all of the sisters of
the same order, in addition to 35 priests and about 4,500 faithful.
"by 1950, the
community extended to 65,000 members. Currently it numbers some 500,000
adherents. Eight bishops constitute the synod of this church, and besides
trivandrum, there are four other eparchies: tiruvalla, bathery, marthandom
and muvattupuzha. There are 700 priests, 600 seminarians and more than 2,000
religious priests and sisters".
The cardinal
prefect paid sincere homage to this church, indicating his strong
encouragement for its future mission and imparting good wishes to the new
major archbishop, mar baselios. While recalling the early years of their
common programme of study in rome and their friendship in damascene college,
the major archbishop was praised for his devotion to the church.
Mention was also
made of the various offices which he held on the local and national levels
as well as within the organizational setting of the universal church,
especially in the congregation for the oriental churches, of which he is a
member.
Given the
responsibility to maintain intact the proper tradition, and according to the
spirit of the second vatican council, it is his prerogative not only to
conserve that tradition but also the liturgical language: syriac. Indeed,
explicit fidelity to the ecumenical and interreligious perspective was an
objective of the same council.
The proclamation
of the elected (korususo) and the prayer of mar cleemis were recited in a
low voice by cardinal daoud in syriac. Meanwhile, the ministers accompanied
the rite by ringing the "marbahasa" and bells, and the assembly sang the
kyrie eleison.
In the final
segment, there was the triple elevation by 12 priests of the new major
archbishop, seated upon his throne. Throughout, the song "axios" (he is
worthy! He is worthy!) Was sung several times, amid shouts of joy by the
syro-malankara faithful.
The cardinal
prefect presented to the new major archbishop a gold medal from the last
year of the pontificate of john paul ii, a gift of the late pope to the
syro-malankara which he so loved. Indeed, the celebration was originally
scheduled for 7 april and was changed due to the death of the holy father.
The Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Curia
Mount St Thomas, P.B.
No. 3110, Kakkanad P.O., Kochi 682 030, India
Tel. 0484-2424768, 2424780, 2425727, 2426235,
2426236, Fax: 0484-2422727.
E-mail:
enk_majorabp@sancharnet.in,
majorarchbishop@hotmail.com
As a
Church that existed outside the Roman Empire, the Church of the St. Thomas
Christians had little contact with the Roman or the other Churches within
the Empire.At the same time it maintained communion with the Church of
Rome through the Church in the Persian Empire,which later came to be known
as the East Syrian or Chaldean or Babylonian Church. It is believed that
Christianity in Persian Empire was introduced by the disciples of St.
Thomas. It seems that the Christians in India had contact with these
Christians of the Persian Empire from very early times. Given the commercial
relations of India of those days such a contact was possible.
In the middle of the 4th century or later a group of Christians from
these communities under the leadership of a merchant called Thomas of Kinayi
migrated to the southern parts of India Known as Kerala now. The descendants
of this latter group are called Knananites or Southists and the former
Northists. Both of them belong the Syro-Malabar Church. Even now they live
as two separate communities with their own diocese and parishes.
For some unknown reasons at least from the 8th century until the end of
the 16th century the Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church were sent from the
East Syrian Church, appointed by the Patriarch of the East Syrian Church.
There is a tradition which says that there were Indian Bishops in the
beginning. But written proofs are very few to say anything concrete about
them.
Because of the Portuguese colonisation of parts of India in the early
16th century and of the consequent ecclesiastical arrangements, from 1600
onwards European Bishops from the Latin Church were appointed by the Pope to
govern the St.Thomas Christians. Their rule ended in 1896 in which year
indigenous Bishops from among the St.Thomas Christians were appointed to the
Church of St.Thomas Christians. By that time the ancient name "Church of
St.Thomas Christians" had given way to the present name "Syro-Malabar
Church".
During the period from 1653 to 1887 many divisions took place in the
Syro-Malabar Church mainly in the attempt of the Syro-Malabarians to get rid
of the rule of the Latin Bishops who often gave little value to the ancient
system of administration of the St.Thomas Christians and their Christian
heritage. The missionaries seems to have had the impression that the
St.Thomas Christians were not Catholics but Nestorians since they accepted
Bishops from the East Syrian Church which officially had adopted
Nestorianism. As they were living at a time soon after the council of Trent
in which decision was taken to deal toughly with heretics, they were all out
to "reduce the Syro-Malabarians to the Roman obedience." There were also the
commercial interests of the Portuguese behind the appointment of Latin
Bishops to rule the Syro-Malabarians. As the last Bishop appointed by the
East Syrian Patriarch died in 1597 the Portuguese tightened their hold on
the Syro-Malabarians and never permitted any more East Syrian Bishops to
enter Malabar. In 1599 the Latin archbishop of Goa convened a synod at
Udayamperoor in the present Kerala and made the people accept many customs
with which they were not familiar. He also spread the news in Europe that
Syro-Malabarians were "reduced to the Roman obedience" and accepted
Catholicism as well the authority of the Pope in this Synod. The
fact,however,was not so.The Syro-Malabarians had never accepted Nestorianism
even though they had contact with the East Syrians and they were not at all
involved in any of the Christological controversies. On the contray whenever
they got a chance they reiterated their allegiance to the Pope and their
communion with the Church of Rome. In any case the rule of the Latin Bishops
was never accepted by the Syro-Malabarians and the climax of their protest
was what is known in the history as Coonan Cross Oath. The leadership of the
St.Thomas Christian community pledged in this oath not to accept any more
the rule of the Jesuit missionaries from among whom the Bishops were
appointed. It was in 1653. History tells us that the St.Thomas Christians
who gathered at Mattancherry near Fort Kochi under the leadership of the
archdeacon to receive a Bishop from Persia took the oath touching the cross
there that they would not obey any more the Jesuits who were the main
European Missionaries in India at that time; Coonan Cross Oath was a revolt
against the oppressive rule of the Europeans and not against the Pope or the
Holy See. After the Oath 12 priests at the instigation of one of them laid
hands on the head of the archdeacon and "ordained him Bishop". There began
the division in the Church of the St.Thomas Christians.
There was tension in the Church because the faithful wanted to keep
the true faith but not under the Bishop who was appointed by the Portuguese
crown. Some remained in schism while others came back to the obedience of
the Latin Bishop. Those who remained under the "pseudo Bishop" later
accepted the tradition of the Antiochean non-Catholic tradition and were
known as the Orthodox Church. Later because of the missionary work of the
Protestants there arose other non-Catholic Churches in India, particularly
in Kerala.
There were continuous attempts for reestablishing the lost communion.
But nothing succeeded mainly because of the opposition from the European
missionaries. It was to obtain permission for receiving this group into the
Catholic Church that Fr. Joseph Kariattil and Fr. Thomas Paremmakkal, two
priests from the Church of St.Thomas Christians, went to Rome in the 18th
century. Fr.Kariattil was ordained archbishop of the St.Thomas Christians,
and had received a mandate to receive the dissident group with its bishop to
the Catholic communion. Unfortunately Bishop Kariattil on his way to Kerala
died in Goa in 1786. Finally, in 1930 a group of them under the leadership
of their archbishop called Mar Ivanios reestablished their communion with
the Catholic Church and the Holy See accepted it as a separate Catholic
Church with the name of Syro-Malankara Church.
Those who remained in communion of Pope after the Coonan Cross Oath
later came to be known as the Syro-Malabarians. It was a name given by the
Roman authorities to refer to the Catholic St.Thomas Christians. The name
Syro-Malabar was chosen apparently to avoid confusion with the Malabar rite
which existed as a part of the Latin Church in the Coromandel coast of
India. Even those who remained in communion were fighting for getting
Bishops of their own rite and nation. It became a reality only in 1896 when
the Apostolic Vicariates of Trichur, Ernakulam and Changanachery were
established and three indigenous priests were appointed as vicars apostolic.
Ever since the Syro-Malabar Church grew phenomenally in all aspects.
Because of the increased mobility of people many members of the Syro-Malabar
Church emigrated to other parts of India and foreign countries. Though they
remain members of the Syro-Malabar Church, they had little chance of
following their own traditions in their life of faith because only the Latin
Church was present in many of the lands they migrated as U.S.A and Canada.
As a result of the teaching of the second Vatican council there was an
awakening both in the Bishops of this Church as well as the faithful
scattered all over the world about their identity and their duty to preserve
and promote their tradition. The Code of Canons of the Oriental Churches or
the Oriental Canon Law prescribes that these traditions be preserved and
fostered. That means that provision must be made for these faithful to
practice and grow in their own tradition everywhere in the world.
Various ways are prescribed for providing pastoral care for these
migrant Eastern Christians. The first one is to set apart a priest in the
Latin Parish for the care of Eastern Christians. If that does not ensure
proper care, then vicar general under the local Bishop is to be appointed.
If that too becomes ineffective because of any reason, particularly because
the number of the faithful to be taken care of is too big,then a diocese
should be established for them.
The Knanaya
community had their own parishes and in 1911 a separate vicariate apostolic,
Kottayam was erected for them. Bishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry is their present
bishop. He has jurisdiction over all the Kananaya faithful within the
provinces of Ernakulam , Changanacherry, Trichur and Tellicherry. The
auxiliary bishop of Kottayam as Syncellus or representative of the Bishop of
Kottayam resides at Kannur in Northern Kerala and looks after the needs of
the Kananaya faithful in the Northern Kerala.
At the time
of the Coonan Cross Oath many of the Kananaya parishes also had accepted the
"pseudo bishop" ordained by the twelve priests. In the course of time they
too accepted the Antiochean way of worship and customs. When the
reestablishment of communion came about in 1930 some of the Kananaya
parishes also followed the same. However instead of joining the Syro-Malankara
Church they joined the diocese of Kottayam in the Syro-Malabar Church even
though they follow the Antiochean liturgy. They have separate parishes and
parish priests within the diocese of Kottayam.
The St.
Thomas Christians in India were under the rule of the Latin bishops from
1600 to 1896. In 1887 the St. Thomas Christians were given two separate
ecclesiastical circumscriptions called Apostolic vicariates. They were
Trichur and Kottayam. In 1896 there took place a reorganization as a result
three vicariates, namely Trichur, Ernakulam and Changanacherry came into
existence. Three Syro - Malabar priests were ordained bishops and put in
charge of these units. These indigenous bishops were John Menacherry (Trichur),
Louis Pazheparampil (Ernakulam) and Mathew Makeil (Changanacherry). In 1911
a new vicariate at Kottayam was established for the Knananites and Mar
Makeil was transferred to this new vicariate. Later in 1923 the Apostolic
Vicariates were made dioceses and the diocese of Ernakulam was made
Archdiocese and its bishop archbishop. In the same year the Syro-Malabar
hierarchy was established. In 1957 the diocese of Changanacherry was made
archdiocese. Having two archbishops with no common head is not customary in
the Eastern Churches. So this new provision created an anomalous juridical
situation in the Syro - Malabar Church. As the new Oriental Canon Law was
promulgated in 1990 this situation could not be continued.
Canon Law
foresees only four categories of sui iuris Churches and the Syro-Malabar
Church did not fall into any of them. The four categories are the following:
Patriarchal, Major Archipepiscopal, Metropolitan and other. So on 16
December 1992 Pope John Paul II declared the Syro- Malabar Church as a Major
Archiepiscopal Church and appointed Cardinal Antony Padiyara, the then
Archbishop of Ernakulam as the first Major Archbishop. Had such a step not
been taken the functioning of the Syro-Malabar Church would have been very
difficult. Taking into consideration the particular situation of the Syro -
Malabar Church and the poor state of health of Cardinal Antony Padiyara the
Pope had appointed also a delegate of him to discharge the duties of the
Major Archbishop. He was Archbishop Abraham Kattumana, who was a Vatican
Ambassador in African countries. Archbishop Kattumana died unexpectedly
during his visit to Rome in April 1995. Since the post was a temporary one
none else was appointed to take his place.
In November
1996 Cardinal Padiyara resigned from his office as Major Archbishop. In his
place instead of allowing the synod to elect a new Major Archbishop the Pope
appointed an Administrator in the person of Archbishop Varkey Vithayathil,
C.Ss.R. He was a priest belonging to the Redemptorist Congregation. In
December 1998 he was appointed Major Archbishop by the Pope. In February
2001 Archbishop Vithayathil was created a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II.
According to
the Oriental Canon Law the Major Archbishop is the head of the Syro -
Malabar Church immediately under the Pope. However his authority is limited
to the dioceses that are the suffragans of the archdioceses of Ernakulam,
Changnacherry , Trichur and Tellicherry. The Syro - Malabar dioceses in
other parts of India and abroad are directly under the Pope. Even though
according to the Oriental Canon Law the Synod of this Church has the right
to appoint new bishops, these rights were reserved to the Pope until
recently. On 3 January 2004 the Pope restituted this right to the Bishops’
Synod.
The Major
Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church is automatically the archbishop of
Ernakulam - Angamaly archdiocese also because it is determined so by the
Holy See. So whoever is elected as Major Archbishop or whoever exercises his
authority unless otherwise decided by the Holy See will have two offices. As
Archbishop of Ernakulam - Angamaly he has his office at Ernakulam. His
office as Major Archbishop is at Mount St. Thomas.
ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM
As in the
secular administrative systems there are three wings in the administration
of the Syro-Malabar Church also: Executive or administrative, legislative
and judicial. The Major Archbishop, his officials, various commissions and
committees, the Permanent Synod and the Major Archiepiscopal Assembly form
the executive. His officials include his chancellors and finance officer or
officers. Various commissions are appointed by the Major Archbishop for
dealing with matters as liturgy, pastoral care of the migrant
Syro-Malabarians and so on. The members of the commissions are ordinarily
bishops. The Permanent Synod is an advisory council of bishops to help the
Major Archbishop in fulfilling his function. Three of them are elected by
the Synod and one is nominated by the Major Archbishop. Among the three
elected at least two must be bishops who govern dioceses. Including the
Major Archbishop there are five members in the Permanent Synod.
Major
Archiepiscopal is the next juridical status envisaged in the Oriental Canon
law. It is of Byzantine origin. The Major Arch Bishop has all powers of the
Patriarch, but he is not equivalent to the Patriarch, but he is not
equivalent to the Patriarch in dignity.
The Major
Archiepiscopal Assembly is a meeting of the representatives of the various
sections of faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church. It is to meet at least once
in five years. If necessary the Major Archbishop can convene it as often as
needed. The first Major Archiepiscopal Assembly of the Syro-Malabar Church
was held from 9 to 12 November 1998 at Mount St. Thomas.
The Synod
of Bishops is the legislative body. All the bishops of the Syro-Malabar
Church are members in it and have voting rights. It can enact laws for the
Syro-Malabar Church. If they are liturgical laws they will be applicable for
all the dioceses; but if disciplinary they are applicable only in those
dioceses which fall within the proper territory of the Syro-Malabar Major
Archbishop.
For
judicial activities there are the Superior Tribunal and the Major
Archiepiscopal Ordinary Tribunal. The Superior Tribunal is the Synod itself.
However it exercises this function through three bishops elected from among
the members of the synod. One of them is nominated as the Moderator. The
Major Archiepiscopal Ordinary Tribunal will have its own personnel. They are
not bishops. The personnel can be anyone with the prescribed qualifications.
The head of the Ordinary Tribunal is known as president.
Major
Archiepiscopal
Church
, according to CCEEO, is a relatively
autonomous individual (sui
juris) Church within the communion and under the authority of the
Holy See. The Major Archbishop is the head of an individual Church. He, with
the Synod of bishops of the Church constitutes the highest authority under
the Holy see. The Church will have a proper
territory where the Major Archbishop can exercise his authority.
Ukrainian
Church of Byzantine tradition is the only other
Catholic Major
Archiepiscopal
Church
.
Former Major
Archbishop: Mar
Antony Cardinal Padiyara
(Dec.16, 1992-Jan.18, 1997)
Former
Pontifical Delegate: Mar Abraham
Kattumana (Dec.16, 1992-April 4, 1995)
Former
Apostolic Administrator: Mar
Varkey Vithayathil(Jan.
18, 1997- Dec.18, 1999)
Major Archbishop: Mar
Varkey Vithayathil
(Dec. 18, 1999-)
Mar Varkey
Vithayathil was born on
May 29, 1927 . He joined
the Redemptorist Order, took vows on
May 2, 1947 , and was
ordained priest on
June 12, 1954 . He took
his doctorate in 1957 on the origin and the progress of the Syro-Malabar
hierarchy. He was professor of Canon Law at
Redemptorist major seminary at Banglore
for 25 years. He took Master’s degree in Phylosophy
from
Karnataka
University
and was provincial superior of the Redemptorist
order from 1978 to 1984. He was president of the
Conferenceof Religious of
India
from 1984-1985. He was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Benedictine
Monastery in Banglore (1990-1996) by Pope John
Paul II. On Dec.18, 1997 he was nominated Titular Bishop of ‘Antinoe’
and Apostolic Administrator of the
Archiepiscopal
Church
. He was consecrated bishop in
Rome
by Pope John Paul II on
January 6, 1997 . He
assumed charge of the
Syro-Malabar
Major
Archiepiscopal
Church
on
January 18, 1997 .
He was
appointed Major Archbishop on
Dec. 18, 1999
by Pope John Paul II. He was installed Major
Archbishop on
January 26, 2000
.
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The Syro-Malabar Major
Archbishop’s Curia
The Syro-Malabar Major
Archbishop’s Curia (Office) is situated on a small hillock named Mount
St Thomas, on the Ernakulam-Kizhakambalam road, 12 kilometers away from
Ernakulam town. According to the canons of the Code of Canons of the
Oriental Churches the major archbishop who is also the bishop of a
diocese must have two separate offices, one for his diocese and another
for the entire Church over which he presides. Though ideally both
offices are to be found in the same place due to the non-availability of
enough space it was decided to construct this latter office in its
present site. It was Archbishop Abraham Kattumana, the late Pontifical
Delegate to the Syro-Malabar Church, who initiated the project. A plot
measuring 21.5 acres belonging to the Novodaya Film Studios was
purchased for this purpose. The foundation stone of the new building was
laid on 16th November 1995 by the late Cardinal Antony Padiyara, the
first Major Archbishop. On completion of the building he himself blessed
it on 3rd July 1998. The offices were inaugurated by the
present Major Archbishop Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, C.Ss.R.
Currently there are 26 dioceses in the Syro-Malabar
Church. However according to the decision of the Holy See only 15 of
them are considered to be the proper territory of the Syro-Malabar Major
Archbishop. They are Belthangady, Changanacherry, Ernakulam-Angamaly,
Irinjalakuda, Kanjirapally, Kothamangalam, Idukki, Kottyam, Mananthavady,
Palai, Palghat, Tellicherry, Thamarassery, Thuckalay and Trichur. He has
full authority only over these 15 dioceses. Out of these 15 dioceses
four are archdioceses. They are Ernakulam-Angamaly, Changanacherry,
Trichur and Tellicherry. Every diocese within the proper territory is a
suffragan of one of these archdioceses. The archdiocesan wise
distribution is as follows: Ernakulam-Angamaly: Kothamangalam; Idukki;
Changanacherry: Kottayam, Palai, Kanjirapally and Thuckalay; Trichur:
Irinjalakuda and Palghat; Tellicherry: Mananthavady, Thamarassery and
Belthangady.
Eleven dioceses are outside the proper
territory and they are directly under the Pope. Over them the Major
Archbishop has only very limited authority. At the same time their
bishops are members of the Syro-Malabar Bishops’ Synod. These dioceses
are not suffragans of any of the Syro-Malabar archdioceses but of the
nearby Latin archdioceses. The eleven dioceses outside the proper
territory are: Adilabad, Bijnor, Chanda, Gorakhpur, Jagdalpur, Kalyan,
Rajkot, Sagar, Satna, Ujjain and St. Thomas Diocese in Chicago.
In the archdioceses and dioceses within the
proper territory and in the dioceses of Kalyan and St. Thomas in Chicago
the authority of the respective bishops is over the Syro-Malabar
Catholics only. The authority over the Syro-Malankara and Latin
Catholics of these areas are under the respective Syro-Malankara or
Latin bishop. On the other hand in all other dioceses the authority of
the Syro-Malabar bishop is exclusive. That is to say all Catholics,
whether they are Syro-Malabarian, Syro-Malankarite or Latin living in
these areas are under the Syro-Malabar bishop of the place. Similarly
the Syro-Malabarians living in other areas are under the local Latin
bishop. For example the Syro-Malabarians even though they have many
parishes in Bangalore are under the Latin archdiocese of Bangalore
|
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STATUTES OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF
THE SYRO-MALABAR CHURCH
Introduction
The Synodal Statutes hereunder are drawn up by the synod of Bishops of
the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church (SMMAC for short ) in line
with the authentic tradition of the Oriental Churches in general and the
Syro-Malabar Church of in particular and the norms of the Code of Canons
of the Oriental Churches (CCEO for short). They concern the constitution
and functioning of the Synod of Bishops of the SMMAC.
Article 1. Name
1. The Name of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church shall
henceforth be known as the Church of St. Thomas Christians.
2. The name of the Synod of Bishops shall be: The Synod of Bishops of
the Church of St. Thomas Christians.
Article 2. Nature
The Synod of Bishops of the SMMAC is the legislature, superior tribunal
and the electoral college of this Church as per canon I 10 § 1, 2 & 3
(cc. 149, 1062).
Article 3. Members
3.1 All and solely the ordained Bishops of the SMMAC whether eparchial,
titular or emeritus, constituted inside or outside the territorial
limits of the SMMAC, excluding those mentioned in cc. 953 § 1, 1433 and
1434 are members and they enjoy deliberative vote in the Synod (cc. 102
§§ 1,2; 150 § 1; 211 § 1)
3.2 Bishops of SMMAC origin, whether in office or emeriti, of other sui
iuris Churches will not have membership in the Synod.
3.3 For the effective carrying out of certain matters, the Major
Archbishop, with the consent of the permanent Synod, can invite others,
especially hierarchs who are not bishops, and experts to give their
opinions to the bishops in the Synod with due regard for c. 66 § 2 (c.
102 § 3)
Article 4. Competence
The Synod of Bishops of the SMMAC is competent
4.1 to enact laws as per canon 110 § 1
4.2 to administer justice as the superior tribunal (c. 110 § 2, 1062)
4.3 to conduct the election of the Major Archbishop, Bishops, and
candidates for office mentioned in c. 149 (c. 110 § 3)
4.4. To accept the resignation of the Major Archbishop after having
consulted with the Roman Pontiff, unless the Major Archbishop approaches
the Roman Pontiff directly (c. 126 § 2)
4.5 and to act in other matters according to the norms of the common law
and the particular law.
Article 5. The Objectives of the Synod shall include the following
5.1 to help the Major Archbishop in the pastoral ministry of the SMMAC.
5.2 to foster collegiality among its members
5.3 to preserve and promote the patrimony of the SMMAC adapting it to
the life situation of the people of God (c. 28)
5.4 to further collegial action with hierarchs of other Churches sui
iuris (c. 322)
5.5 to promote, preserve with authority and scrupulously defend the
integrity and unity of faith and morals, even disapproving,, if need be,
opinions that are contrary to them or warning about those things that
can endanger them (cc. 605, 606).
5.6 to promote liturgical life of the faithful and to prepare liturgical
texts according to c. 657.
5,7 to promote proper and effective Biblical and Catechetical formation
of the faithful and to have vigilance over the same (c. 621)
5.8 to foster basic Christian vocation and especially priestly, monastic
and other religious vocations as well as vocations to other forms of
consecrated and apostolic life and to see to their ecclesial formation.
5.9 to promote the values of Christian family life and the formation of
the laity and their apostolate.
5.10 to ensure pastoral care of emigrants
5.11 to promote missionary consciousness, missionary vocation and the
cause of evangelization as per canon 585.
5.12 to promote ecumenical activities
5.13 to promote dialogue with people of other faiths and with non -
believers
5.14 to promote means of social communication for the growth of the
Kingdom of God and to have vigilance over the same (c. 652).
5.15 to promote social action guided by the teaching of the Church.
5.16 and all other objectives that the common law or particular law of
the Church prescribes as well as the need of the time demands, having in
mind always the salvation of souls and the public welfare, observing
exactly the laws and legitimate customs, justice and equity (c. 1519 §
1)
Article 6. The Major Archbishop and his Election
6.1 The Major Archbishop
6.1.1 The Major Archbishop of the SMMAC is the Metropolitan of the See
of Ernakulam - Angamaly and he presides over the entire sui iuris SMMAC
[of Ernakulam-Angamaly] as Father and Head (cc. 55; 56; 151).
6.1.2 He will have all the prerogatives, rights and obligations
determined by the common law (cc. 78-101, 151-154) and the particular
law of the SMMAC
6.2 The Election of the Major Archbishop
6.2.1 The Major Archbishop is elected by the Synod of Bishops of the
SMMAC according to the norms of cc. 63-74; 1 10 § 3; 153; 947 - 957.
6.2.2 The qualities mentioned in c. 180 are required for the one to be a
Major Archbishop (c. 64).
6.2.3 § 1. To conduct the election of the Major Archbishop, the Synod is
convoked by the Administrator of the SMMAC within two months from the
vacancy of the See, at the Major Archiepiscopal residence. Any other
place may be designated by the administrator with the consent of the
Permanent Synod (cc. 65 §§ I & 2; 128 n.3).
§ 2. During a vacancy of the patriarchal see, the administrator of the
t, patriarchal Church is the senior bishop according to episcopal
ordination among the bishops of the patriarchal curia or, if there are
not any, among the bishops who are members of the permanent synod (c.
127).
6.2.4 § 1. In the election of the Major Archbishop, all and only the
members of the Synod enjoy active voice (c. 66 § 1).
§ 2. "It is forbidden for anyone other than the members of the Synod to
be present in the Synodal hall during, the election of the Major
Archbishop, except those clerics who are admitted as tellers or notary
of the Synod according to the norms of canon 71 § I". (c. 66 § 2).
§ 3. It is not allowed for anyone either before or during the Synod to
interfere (immiscere) in the election of the Major Archbishop (c. 66 §
3).
6.2.5 § 1. "All bishops lawfully convoked are bound by grave obligation
to be present at the election." (c. 68 § I)
§ 2. If a certain bishop considers himself detained by a just impediment
he is to submit his reasons in writing to the Synod. The bishops who are
present at the designated place in the first session of die Synod are to
decide upon the legitimacy of the impediment (cc. 68 § 2)
6.2.6 "Once the convocation has taken place according to the canons, if
two third of the bishops who are obliged to be present at the Synod,
excluding those who are detained by a legitimate impediment, are present
at the designated location, the Synod is to be declared canonical and
can proceed with the election." (c. 69).
6.2.7 The Synod in its first session shall elect the one who is to
preside over the synod for the election of he Major Archbishop; until
then the presidency is reserved to the administrator of the SMMAC (c.
70)
6.2.8 The presiding Bishop with the consent of the permanent synod can
allow a notary, and if needed two other clerics as tellers to help the
members in the proceedings with due regard for cc. 66 § § 2,3, and 71.
6.2.9 All those who are present at the Synod are bound by serious
obligation of observing secrecy concerning those matters that directly
or indirectly concern the balloting (c. 71 § 2).
6,,2.10 § 1. During the ballot the one who obtains two-third of the
votes is elected Major Archbishop, if after five ballots no one gets the
required number of votes, absolute majority would be sufficient in the
sixth and seventh ballots; but if no one gets absolute majority even in
the seventh ballot according to c. 183 §§ 3,4, the votes are cast in the
eighth ballot for only those two candidates who have secured the highest
number of votes in the seventh ballot (c. 72 § 1).
§ 2. If because of a tied vote, it is not established who the candidates
are for the new ballot or who has been elected, the tic is decided in
favour of him who is senior according, to episcopal ordination if both
are bishops, and according to the presbyteral ordination if either of
them is a priest. If no one precedes the other in episcopal/presbyteral
ordination as referred, the one who is senior in age. (c. 193 § 4).
§2. "If the election is not carried out within fifteen days from the
opening of the Synod, the matter devolves upon the Roman Pontiff." (c.
72 § 2).
6.2.11 § 1. If the one who is elected is at least a legitimately
proclaimed bishop, the presiding officer, or if the presiding officer is
elected, the senior bishop according to the episcopal ordination, in the
name of the entire Synod, is immediately to communicate the election to
the one who is elected according to the formula and manner decided by
the Synod.
§2. However, if the who is elected is not yet a lawfully proclaimed
bishop, secrecy is to be observed by everyone who is in any way knows
the result of the election even towards the one elected. Meanwhile the
Synod is suspended, and the intimation is made after executing all
canonical requirements for the episcopal proclamation as per cc. 184 or
185 (c. 73).
§ 3. After this, the result of the election of the Major Archbishop is
communicated secretly to him who is elected.
6.2.12.Within two available days after the intimation the one who is
elected must inform in writing whether he accepts the election. If he
does not accept or does not respond within two days, he loses all the
rights acquired by the election (cc. 74 & 957).
6.2.13.Afterthe acceptance by the one who is elected the Synod must
inform the Roman Pontiff, through a Synodal letter, of the canonical
conduct of the election; the one who is elected must in a letter signed
in his own hind, request the confirmation of his election from the Roman
Pontiff (c. 153 § 2).
6.2.14 After having obtained the confirmation, the one who is elected
must, in the presence of the Synod, make a profession of faith and
promise to discharge faithfully his office; after that his proclamation
and enthronement are to be carried out. In case, the one who is elected
is not yet an ordained bishop, the enthronement cannot validly be done
before he receives the episcopal ordination. If, however, the
confirmation is denied, a new election is to be conducted within the
time established by the Roman Pontiff (c. 153 § 3 & 4).
Article 7. The Synod of Bishops of the SMMAC
7.1 Convocation of the Synod
7.1.1 The Major Archbishop is to convoke the Synod of Bishops of SMMAC
and to preside over it (c. 103).
7.1.2 All the bishops lawfully called to the Synod are bound by serious
obligation to attend the same, except those who have already resigned
from office (c. 104 § 1).
7.1.3 If a certain bishop considers himself detained by a just
impediment, he is to submit his reasons in writing to the Synod of
Bishops, and the bishops who are present at the first session of the
Synod are to decide upon the legitimacy of the impediment (c. 104 § 2).
7.1.4 No member of the Synod can send a proxy to the Synod in his place
nor can anyone have more than one vote in the Synod with due regard for
canon 924 § I (c. 105).
7.2 Frequency of the Synod
7.2.1 The Synod must be convoked at least once a year (c. 106 § 2).
7.2.2 The Synod must be convoked whenever:
§ 1. Matters are to be decided which belong to the exclusive competency
of the Synod, or which in order to be done require the consent of the
Synod (c. 106 § 1, n. 1).
§ 2. The Major Archbishop with the consent of the permanent synod judges
it necessary (c. 106 § I n.2).
§ 3. At least one-third of the members request for it in a particular
case, with due regard always for the rights of the Major Archbishop,
bishops and other persons, established by the common law (c. 106 § 1. n.
3).
7.2.3 The convocation letter is to be sent to the members three months
in advance; but in urgent and extraordinary circumstances the Synod
could be convoked at short notice with the unanimous written consent of
the members of the permanent synod, or with the written consent of
one-third of the members of the Synod.
7.3 The Venue of the Synod
7.3.1 The Synod shall be convened at the residence of the Major
Archbishop, or at any other suitable place designated by the Major
Archbishop with the consent of the permanent synod (c. 65).
7.4 The Procedure
7.4.1 § 1. The Major Archbishop presides over synod (c. 103).
§ 2. If the Major Archbishop is impeded to attend certain sessions of
the Synod, the one delegated in writing by the Major Archbishop or if
none is delegated, the one who is senior in episcopal ordination among
the members of the permanent synod presides over the Synod.
7.4.2 The Major Archbishop is to open the Synod, also, with the consent
of the same Synod, to transfer, prorogue, suspend, or dissolve it (c.
108 § 1).
7.4.3 After hearing the members of the Synod, the Major Archbishop is
also to prepare the agenda to be observed in examining questions as well
to submit it for approval at the opening session of the Synod (c.108 §
2).
7.4.4 During the Synod, the individual bishops can add other topics to
the agenda, provided at least one-third of the members present at the
Synod consent to it (c. 108 § 3).
7.4.5. After the opening of the Synod, none of the bishops is permitted
to depart from the sessions of the Synod unless it is for a just reason
approved by the Synod. (c. 109).
7.4.6 The Major Archbishop may admit sufficient number of clerics to the
synodal hall to help at the proceeding of the Synod according to cc. 66
§ 2 & 71 § 1.
7..4.7 The Synod is to decide upon the observance of secrecy regarding
acts and matters dealt with in the Synod, with due regard for the
obligation of observing secrecy in matters established by common law (c.
111 § 2).
7.4.8 The order of procedure of the Synod shall as far as possible be as
follows: (c. I 1 3).
7.4. 8. 1. Solemn opening of the Synod with Holy Qurbana or a prayer
service.
7.4.8.2. Introductory words by the president
7.4.8.3. Finalization of the agenda and disposal of matters mentioned in
cc. 104 § 2 & 68 § 2
7.4.8.4Discussion on the issues arising from the decisions of the
previous Synod and evaluation regarding the carrying out of the same.
7.4.8.5. Sessions : Discussions and deliberations.
7.4.8.6. Reading of the Report of the sessions by the secretary,
preferably at the beginning of each day; but at least before the
conclusion of the synod.
7.4.8.7. Reading of all the decisions taken by the Synod by the
secretary and signing the same by all (last day).
7.4.8.8. Fixing the time and mode for the promulgation of the laws and
the publication of the decisions (c.111 § 1).
7.4.8.9. Fixing the dates for the next Synod.
7.4.8.10. Concluding session
7.5. Canonicity of the Sessions
7.5.1 With due regard for canons 69,149 and 183 § 1 any session of the
Synod is canonical and,any individual ballot is valid if the majority of
the bishops who are obliged to attend the same Synod is present (c. 107
§ 1).
7.5.2. With due regard for canons 72, 149 and 183 §§ 3 - 4 , the synodal
decisions acquire the force of law according to the following norms (c.
107 § 2, 924)
7.5.2.1. "that has force of law which, when the majority of those who
must be called are present, is decided by an absolute majority of those
who are present; when the votes are equal the person presiding may
break- the tie with his vote". (c. 924 n.1).
7.5.2.2. "however, if acquired rights of individuals are affected, the
consent of the each of these is required." (c. 924 n.2).
7.5.2.3 In elections, canon 956 is to be followed unless otherwise
provided in the statutes (c. 924 n. 3).
Article 8. The legislative Role of the Synod
8.1 With due regard for the provisions of common law, the Synod of
bishops of the SMMAC is exclusively competent to mike laws for the
entire SMMAC which obtain force according to the norms of canon, 150 § §
2,3 (c.110 § 1).
8.2 § 1. The Synod determines the time and manner of the promulgation of
laws and the publication of decisions (c. 11 § 1).
§ 2. unless otherwise provided for in the decree of the promulgation,
the laws are published in the official organ of the SMMAC and will have
force of law two months after the date of promulgation.
8.3 The acts regarding laws and decisions are to be sent to the Roman
Pontiff as soon as possible; certain act or even all of them may be
communicated to the Patriarchs and Major Archbishops of the other
Eastern Churches according to the discretion of the Synod (c. 111 § 3).
8.4 The promulgation of the laws and the publication of the decisions of
the Synod are the competence of the Major Archbishop in accordance with
canon 111 § 1 (c.112 § 1).
Article 9. The Judicial Role of the Synod
9.1 § 1. The Synod of Bishops, with due regard for the competence of the
Apostolic See, constitute the Superior Tribunal within the territorial
limits of SMMAC respecting the provisions of canons 1060 (cc 110 § 2 &
1062 §1).
§ 2, The Synod shall elect by secret ballot for a five-year term, and
from among its members a General Moderator for the administration of
justice, as well as two bishops who with him shall constitute a
Tribunal. If however, one of the three bishops is party in the case or
is unable to be present, the Major Archbishop with the consent of the
permanent synod is to substitute another bishop; similarly, in the case
where an objection has been raised, the Major Archbishop is to act in
like manner with the consent of the Permanent Synod (c. 1062 § 2).
§ 3. This Tribunal is to judge the contentious cases either of the
eparchies or of bishops, even titular bishops in accordance with the
statutes of the Tribunal (c. 1062 § 3).
§ 4. "Appeal in these cases is to be made to the Synod without any
further appeal, with due regard for canon 1059." (c. 1062 § 4).
§ 5. The General Moderator of the administration of justice has the
right of vigilance over all Tribunals within the territorial boundaries
of the SMMAC, as well as the right of deciding when objections are
raised against a judge of die Major Archiepiscopal Ordinary Tribunal
(cc. 1062 § 5 & 1063).
9.2 An annual report of the activities of the Major Archiepiscopal
Ordinary Tribunal shall be submitted to the Synod of Bishops (c. 1063).
9.3 The Synod may if needed erect a Tribunal of first instance for
several eparchies within the territorial boundary of the SMMAC as per
canon 1067 (c. 1067 § 2).
Article 10. The Administrative Role of the Synod
10.1 The Synod of Bishops is not competent for administrative actions
unless the Major Archbishop determines otherwise for certain actions or
common law reserves some actions to the Synod, with due regard for the
canons that require the consent of the Synod (c. 110 § 4
Article 11 Election of Bishops
11.1 The Synod conducts the election of bishops and candidates to the
office mentioned in canon 149 according to canon 180-1 89 and 947-957
(c.110 § 3)
11.2 § 1. Candidates suitable for episcopate can be proposed only by the
members of the Synod of Bishops. The Major Archbishop and the bishops
shall collect information and documents that are necessary to establish
the suitability of the candidates according to the special procedural
norms for this purpose, hearing, if they think it appropriate, secretly
and individually, certain presbyters or also other Christian faithful
outstanding in prudence and Christian life (c. 182 § 1)
§ 2. As a part of preparing the list of candidates every eparchial
bishop may propose, every three years three suitable candidates from his
eparchy.
§ 3. The bishops are to report their findings to the Major Archbishop at
a suitable time before the convocation of the Synod. The Major
Archbishop, if the case warrants it, adding his own information,
transmits the matter to all the members of the Synod (c. 182 § 2).
§ 4. The Synod is to examine the names of the candidates and compile a
list of the candidates by secret ballot, which is to be transmitted
through the Major Archbishop to the Apostolic See for the assent of the
Roman Pontiff (c. 182 § 3).
§ 5. The assent of the Roman Pontiff once given for an individual
candidate is valid until it has been explicitly revoked, in which case
the name of the candidate is to be removed from the list (c. 182 § 4).
11.3 Following the canonical convocation of the Synod, if two-thirds of
the bishops who are obliged to attend the Synod are present at the
designated place, not counting those who are legitimately impeded, the
Synod is declared canonical, and it can proceed with the election (c.
183 § 1).
11.4 § 1. The bishops assembled in the Synod are freely to elect the one
whom before all others they consider worthy and suitable before the Lord
(c. 183 § 2).
§ 2. For election, an absolute majority of votes of those present is
required; after three inconclusive ballots, the votes are cast in the
fourth ballot for only those two candidates who received the highest
number of votes in the third ballot (c. 183 § 4)
§ 3. If in the third or fourth ballots, because of a tie, it is not
established who the candidates are to be voted for or who has carried
the election, the tie is declared in favour of the one who is senior in
presbyteral ordination and if no one precedes the other in presbyteral
ordination, the one who is senior in age (c. 183 § 3).
11.5 § 1. If the one elected is on the list of candidates that the Roman
Pontiff has already approved, he is to be informed secretly of the
results of the election by the Major Archbishop (c. 184 § 1).
§ 2. If the one elected accepts the election as per canon 957 § 2, the
Major Archbishop is to notify the Apostolic See immediately of the
acceptance of the election and of the day of proclamation (c. 184 § 2).
11.6 If the one elected is not on the list of candidates already
approved by the Roman Pontiff, the Major Archbishop is immediately to
notify the Apostolic See of the election in order to obtain the assent
of the Roman Pontiff, secrecy being observed by all who in any way know
the result of the election, even toward the one elected, until
notification of the assent has reached the Major Archbishop (c. 185 §§ 1
& 2).
11.7 § 1. If the Synod of Bishops of the SMMAC cannot be convened, the
Major Archbishop, after consulting the Apostolic See, can request the
vote of the bishops by letter. In this case, the Major Archbishop must
employ for the validity of the act the service of two episcopal tellers,
who are to be designated by the Major Archbishop with the consent of the
permanent synod.
§ 2. Observing secrecy, the tellers are to open the letters of the
bishops, count the votes and sign the written report of the completed
ballot along with the Major Archbishop.
§ 3. If one of the candidates obtains an absolute majority of the votes
of the members of the Synod in this one ballot he is elected and the
Major Archbishop proceeds according to the norms of canon 184 and 185.
Otherwise the Major Archbishop defers the matter to the Apostolic See.
11.8 The Synod of Bishops, fulfilling, the norms of the canons on the
election of bishops, is to elect at least three candidates for filling
the office of eparchial bishop, coadjutor or auxiliary bishop outside
the territorial boundaries of the SMMAC and through the Major Archbishop
propose them to the Roman Pontiff for appointment; secrecy is to be
observed by all who in any way know the results of the election, even
toward the candidates (c. 149)).
11.9 With the consent of the Synod the Maajor Archbishop is competent to
give to an eparchial bishop a coadjutor or auxiliary bishop, observing
the norms of cc. 181 § 1, 182 - 187 and 212 (c. 85 § 2. & § 4).
Article 12. Erection of provinces and Eparchies and Transfer of Bishops
12.1 According to the urgency and seriousness of the matter, the Major
Archbishop can with the consent of the Synod of Bishops and having
consulted the Apostolic See, establish provinces and eparchies, modify
their boundaries unite, divide, suppress, and modify their hierarchical
status and transfer the eparchial See (c. 85 § 1 & 4).
12.2 With the consent of the Synod of Bishops the Major Archbishop is
competent to transfer, for a grave reason, a metropolitan, eparchial
bishop or titular bishop to another metropolitan, eparchial or titular
See; if the one who is to be transferred refuses, the Synod is to
resolve the issue, or defer the matter to the Roman Pontiff (c 85 § 2 n.
2 & § 4).
Article 13. Permanent Synod
13.1 § Synod of Bishops is competent to elect three of the four bishops
to the permanent synod among whom at least two must be eparchial bishops
as per canon 115 §§ 1 & 2.
§ 2. At the same time and in the same manner according to canon 115 § 3,
the Synod shall elect three of the four bishops to substitute
alternately for the impeded members of the permanent synod, in which
case order is to be followed according to the seniority in episcopal
ordination, and rotation.
Article 14. Financial Administration of the Church
14. 1 § I The Synod of Bishops can call for a report on the
administration of finance as well as the budget and income and
expenditure from the Major Archiepiscopal finance officer and subject
the same to its scrutiny (c. 122 § 4)
§ 2. The Synod shall also give necessary directives, including laws for
the financial administration of the Church and the expenses of the Major
Archiepiscopal Curia (c. 125).
Article 15. Commissions
15.1 The Synod of Bishops may examine the annual reports of the various
Commissions and Committees appointed by the Major Archbishop for
specific activities of the Church.
Article 16. The Eparchial Bishops outside the Territory
16. 1 The bishops of the SMMAC constituted outside the territorial
boundaries of the SMMAC, will have all the synodal rights and
obligations of those within the territorial limits of the SMMAC with due
regard for canon 150 § 2 and n. 3.1 (c. 150 § 1).
16.2 § 1. Laws enacted by the Synod and promulgated by the Major
Archbishop, if they are liturgical, have the force of law everywhere in
the world; but the disciplinary laws and other decisions of the Synod
have force of law within the territorial limits of SMMAC (c. 150 § 2).
§ The eparchial bishops of the SMMAC constituted outside the territorial
limits of the SMMAC, who desire to do so, can attribute the force of law
to disciplinary laws and other synodal decisions in their own eparchies,
provided they do not exceed their competence; If, however, these laws or
decisions are approved by the Apostolic See, they have the force of law
everywhere in the world (c. 150 § 3).
Article 17. The Pastoral Care of the Emigrants of the SMMAC
17. Taking into consideration the report of the Major Archiepiscopal
Visitor and the Commission appointed by the Major Archbishop, if any,
the Synod shall discuss matters regarding the pastoral care of the
faithful outside the territory and propose opportune means to the Major
Archbishop and the Apostolic See so that everywhere in the world the
Major Archbishop might provide protection and increase of the spiritual
good of the Christian faithful of the SMMAC, even through the erection
of parishes and exarchies or eparchies (c. 148 § 1, 3, OE 3).
Article 18. Evangelization, Ecumenism and Dialogue
18. In the light of the report the commissions set up as per canons 585
§ 2, 904 § 2 and of other commissions, if any, the Synod shall take
necessary steps to promote evangelization, ecumenism and dialogue.
Article 19. The Secretary of the Synod (c. 113).
19.1 §1. The Synod shall have a secretary elected from among the
bishops. He shall :
1. Record the minutes of the Synod and submit a report of the
proceedings to the Synod;
2. Help the Major Archbishop to coordinate the activities of the various
preparatory commissions of the Synod;
3. Help the Major Archbishop to prepare the agenda of the Synod (c. 108
§ 2);
4. Keep the acts and documentation concerning the Synod in the archives
of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia.
5. Be responsible also for other duties that the Synod may from time to
time entrust to him.
§ 2. The term of office of the secretary shall be five years, but he can
be re-elected by the Synod for one more term.
19. 2 § 1. The Major Archbishop with the consent of the permanent synod
may appoint an assistant-secretary who shall be either a priest or a
deacon.
§ 2. He shall help the secretary with due regard for n. 7.4.6 and 7.4.7;
and the tenure of his office shall be determined by the Major Archbishop
in consultation with the permanent synod.
Article 20. The Preparatory Commissions (c. 113)
20. The Synod of Bishops shall constitute preparatory commissions as and
when required.
Article 21. Amendments
21.1 The members of the Synod of Bishops may propose amendments to the
statutes in writing and submit them to the Major Archbishop at least
three months before the commencement of the Synod.
21.2 The draft of the proposed amendments shall be circulated among the
members at least two months before the commencement of the Synod.
21.3 For amendments of the Synodal Statutes, two-third majority of those
present and voting in the Synod is required.
Article 22. Interpretation
22. The authentic interpretation of the laws of the Synod is the
competence of the Synod; when the Synod is not in session it is the
competence of the Major Archbishop in consultation with the permanent
synod (c. 1 12 § 2).
Article 23 Repeal and Savings
23. § 1. All other laws and regulations that are not in conformity with
these Statutes and CCEO, shall be deemed to be repealed by this
statutes, without however any retrospective effects.
§ 2. All pending proceedings as on the date of commencement of this
statutes shall be decided and disposed of in accordance with these
statutes.
§ 3. For those matters which are not specifically provided for in these
statutes the provisions of the CCEO as well as the particular law of the
SMMAC and the legitimate customs prevail.
§ 4. In all other matters which are not specifically provided for herein
above the synod of Bishops will have the power to take decisions and
such decisions shall be final.
* Note: The Synodal Statutes
were approved by the synod of bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church in its
session held from 22nd November to 4th December
1993 at the Office of the Pontifical Delegate at Ernakulam. In
conformity with the decision of the same synod it was promulgated by the
Pontifical Delegate by sending a copy of the Statutes to all the members
of the synod. The promulgated version was however not published in the
Synodal News. The matter was brought to the attention of Mar Varkey
Vithayathil, C.Ss.R., the present Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar
Church. He in consultation with the synod of bishops while it was in
session in July 2000 ordered its publication in this issue of Synodal
News. In the draft of the Statutes published in Synodal News (No. 2,
February 1994, pp. 53-67) as well as in the final copy sent to the
members of the synod the name of the Syro-Malabar Church was given as
Church of St. Thomas Christians (CTC) because there was a proposal to
make such a change (cfr. Synodal News, No. 1, August 1993, p. 39 & No.
2, February 1994, p. 31). However for various reasons the proposed
change did not take place. Therefore in the present version it has been
reversed to the appellation “Syro-Malabar Church” with the addition
“Major Archiepiscopal”.
Departments of the Curia
Chancery:
Chancellor: Rev. Dr. Antony Kollannur
Vice-Chancellor:
Rev. Dr. James Kallumkal VC
Finance Office
Finance Officer:
Rev. Fr. Mathew Elappanickal
Publication
SYNODAL NEWS:
Bulletin of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church
Editorial Board:
Bishop George Punnakottil,
Bishop Thomas Chakiath, Rev. Dr. James Kallumkal VC (Chief Editor), Rev.
Dr. Antony Kollannur
Major
Archiepiscopal Ordinary Tribunal
President: Rev. Fr. Mathew Kochupurackal
Vice-Presidents: Rev. Fr. Jose Chiramel
Rev. Fr. Joseph Varanath
Defender of Bond/
Promoter of Justice:
Rev. Dr. James
Kallumkal VC
Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Arackathottam CST
Notary:
Rev. Fr. Antony Kelamparampil CMI
Rev. Sr. Blessy Nedumthakidy
Judges:
Rev.
Drs. Varghese Palathingal, Jose Irimpan, John Kochupurackal CST, Jose
Pathiamoola MCBS, Joseph Thoompumkal, Joseph Mundakathil, Berchmans
Kodackal, Remigius Maria Paul Inchananiyil, Michael Vattappalam
Superior
Tribunal
Moderator: Archbishop Jacob Thoomkuzhy
Judges: Bishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry, Bishop Sebastian Vadakkel
Permanent Synod
Major Archbishop Varkey
Vithayathil, C.Ss.R., Archbishop Joseph Powathil, Archbishop Jacob
Thoomkuzhy, Archbishop George Valiamattam, Bishop Mathew Moolakatt
Substitute members: Bishop George Punnakkottil, Bishop Paul
Chittilappilly, Bishop James Pazhayattil, Bishop Mathew Arackal
COMMISSIONS
Liturgy:
Bishop Paul
Chittilapilly (Chairman), Bishop Thomas Elavanal MCBS, Bishop Mathew
Moolakaatt
-
Statutes
of the Synod
-
Statutes
of the Permanent Synod
-
Statutes
of Major Archiepiscopal Assembly
-
Statutes
of Major Archiepiscopal Tribunal
-
Rules
of Palliyogam
Bishop Paul
Chitttilapilly (Chairman), Bishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry, Bishop Emmanuel
Pothanamuzhy CMI
Ecumenism:
Bishop Mathew Arackal
(Chairman), Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath, Bishop Joseph Perumthottam
Catechism:
Bishop George Alencherry
(Chairman), Bishop Simon Stock Palathara CMI, Bishop Jacob Manathodath
Evangelization &
Pastoral Care of Migrants:
Bishop Gregory
Karotemprel CMI (Chairman), Bishop Vijay Anand Nedumpuram CMI, Bishop
Mathew Vaniakizhakkel VC
Daliths:
Bishop George
Punnakottil (Chairman), Bishop James Pazhayattil, Bishop Thomas Chakiath
Clergy & Institutes
of Consecrated Life:
Bishop Joseph
Pazhayattil (Chairman), Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop Thomas
Chakkiath
Doctrine:
Bishop Gratian Mundadan
CMI (Chairman), Bishop Sebastian Vadakkel, Bishop Joseph Kunnath
St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor:
Bishop Kuriakose
Kunnacherry (Chairman), Archbishop Joseph Powathil, Bishop Thomas
Chakiath
St. Joseph’s
Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha:
Bishop George
Punnakottil (Chairman), Bishop Paul Chittilapilly, Bishop Jacob
Manathodath
Ad hoc Committee for
Good Sheperd Seminary, Kunnoth:
Archbishop George
Valiamattam (Convener), Bishops Paul Chittilapilly, Mathew Moolakatt OSB,
Lawrence Mukkuzhy |
Major Archiepiscopal Tribunal
President: Dr. Andrews
Thazhath. Address: The Syro-Malabar Major
Archiepiscopal Tribunal,
Mount
St. Thomas
, P.B.10, Thrikkakara P.O.,
Kochi
, Ernakulam Dt.,
Kerala-682 021. Ph: 0484-424780, 424768, 425727, 426235. Fax: 0484-422727.
E-mail:
athazhath@hotmail.com
Liturgical Research Centre
Executive Director:
Rev.Dr. Bosco
Puthoor. Address: The Syro-Malabar Liturgical
Research Centre, Mount St. Thomas, P.B.10, Thrikkakara
P.O., Kochi, Ernakulam Dt.,
Kerala-682 021 Ph: 0484-424780, 424768, 425727, 426235. Fax: 0484-422727
E-mail:
lirec@hotmail.com
Officials of the
Curia
1.
Chancellor:
Dr. Jose Porunnedom
2.
Asst.
Chancellor:
Dr.James Kallunkal,
VC
E-mail:
jporunnedom@hotmail.com
3.
Finance
Officer:
Fr.Mathew Ilampanickal
Publications
Synodal
News:
Chief Editor: Dr.James
Kallunkal VC, ‘Synodal
Nes’, Mount St. Thomas, P.B.-10,
Thrikkakara P.O., Ernakulam
Dt., Kerala- 682 021.
Ph: 0484-424780, 424768,
425727, 426235. Fax: 0484-422727
A
Historical Perspective
The name “
Syro-Malabar
Church
” was given by
Rome
to the
St.Thomas Christians in the last quarter of the 19th
century. This is a Church founded in A.D.52 By St. Thomas, an apostle of
Jesus. Its earlier history is shrouded in obscurity. But the reality is
that it was a flourishing Church and in Kerala,
South India
,
St. Thomas
had established Christian pockets in seven
places viz. Kodungallur,
Palayur, Kottakav,
Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Kollam and
Nilakkal.
From 10th century B.C. the Jews had
been doing business with these coastal regions and there were
synogogues and colonies for the Jews in those
places. Their trade language was Aramaic which had been the official
language of the Persian ‘Empire from 5th century
B.C.. Thomas Christians were known by different
names as Marthoma Nazarani,
Nazarani
Catholic and Syrian Catholics.
Their liturgical language was Syriac.
The special feature of the
Thomas Christians is that they followed the liturgy of the Syrian Churches
of Eastern rites and at the same time they kept up the ultimate linkage with
the Holy See. They were having hierarchical relationship with the
East
Syrian
Church
and kept up their own administrative system. A
local priest leader called the Archdeacon was the head of the community. He
had wide-ranging powers.
The bishops who came from
the East Syrian church were concerned with purely spiritual affairs. Their
realm was exclusively spiritual. In other words, Thomas Christians followed
three distinct ways of activities in their religious sphere: their faith was
Christianity in communion with the
Universal
Church
with the Pope as its head;
their liturgy was of
East
Syrian
Church
; their culture was purely Indian. They had
their own style of life: austere and humble way of life with high thinking;
their governance of Church was through
Palliyogam,
Synod, etc. as is prevalent in
Oriental Churches.
It was only when the Portuguese missionaries
arrived in the first half of the 16th century and began to
interfere under the Padroado agreement with the
Holy See that things took a turn for the worse. They suspected the Indian
Christians of heresy and schism and wanted to introduce the Latin customs
and Latin manner of ecclesiastical administration, severing the East Syrian
connection, which according to them was the source of heresy and schism.
Their efforts sowed seeds of disunity and division in the Indian Church
which led to further divisions and disunity and as a result the once united
Indian Church, the Church that was in full communion with the See of Peter
ended up in various denominations. This is the case today.
The
Present
Syro-Malabar
Church
is only a fraction of the
ancient
Indian
Church
of the Thomas Christians. The disunity within
the Church and the suspicion of schism prevented the creation of a common
head in line with the tradition of Syrian Easter Churches. It was a period
of crisis and to a great extent the Church overcame that crisis by the
strong faith and commitment of its forefathers.
When Vasco
da Gamma and the Portuguese missionaries arrived
in
India
in 1498 they found no Christians in the country
except in Malabar. And the Christians they found were St. Thomas Syrian
Christians. Syrian Christians were friendly to Portuguese missionaries at
first; but later, due to certain differences mainly in the liturgy, the
relations between them became more and more strained.
The differences stressed by the Archdeacon and
his followers, along with the insistence on the part of the Portuguese
missionaries on Latinization of the Syrian
Liturgy created a dangerous tension. In order to settle the differences and
to correct the supposed theological and liturgical differences the Synod of
Diamper was convoked by the Archbishop of Goa,
Alex Menezes, a Spanish Augustinian, but it did
not improve matters.
The growing antagonism of
the Archdeacon and his followers culminated in an open rebellion of a
Syrians against Archbishop Carcia of
Cochin
and was consummated in the
Coonan Cross oath in Mattanchery on
January 3, 1653
. Thus began the troubled
period of the
Malabar
Syrian
Church
in which the Carmelites
were fully involved from the time of the arrival of the Papal Carmelite
Mission in 1656 with Msgr. Sebastiani as
official emissary The Carmelite Mission was originally attached to the
Syrian Christians. In the last quarter of the 19th
century.
Rome
thought that the moment of the juridical
separation for the Syrians had arrived. Msgr.
Marcelline was the last Carmelite who ruled over the Syrians.
In 1887 the Propaganda Congregation erected for
Thomas Christians the two Vicariates Apostolic of Trichur and Kottayam. In
1896 the Holy See redistributed the Thomas Christians into three Vicariates
under the Propaganda, namely Trichur, Eranakulam and
Changanacherry which were given respectively as their rulers,
Menachery Mar John,
Pazheparambil Mar Aloysius and Makil Mar
Thomas.
In 1911 a new Vicariate Apostolic was erected
at Kottayam for the Southists who were in the
Vicariates Apostolic of changanacherry and
Eranakulam. Makil Mar Mathew (Southist)
was transferred to Kottayam and Kurialacherry
Mar Thomas (Northist) was appointed for
Changanacherry which had been under
Makil Mar Mathew.
Under the indigenous
prelates the Thomas Christians made great progress in all directions; and
thus the Holy See restored their hierarchy to them in 1923 with Eranakulam
as the Metropolis and the other three Sees as
Suffragans. In 1956 Changanacherry was
raised to an Archdiocese and in 1995 Trichur and
Tellicherry were raised to Archdioceses. On
December 16, 1992
, the
Syro-Malabar
Church
was elevated as a
Major
Archiepiscopal
Church
was elevated as a Major
Archiepiscopal church by
Rome
. The three Vicariates
Apostolic of 1896 have grown into four archdioceses and 20dioceses.
It has an enormous following and a great variety of institutions both in
Kerala and outside Kerala.
The
Syro-Malabar
Church
is the second largest
Church among the Oriental Catholic Churches. Code of Canons of the Eastern
Churches came into force on
October 1, 1991
. The eastern Code has
defined the status of the various Oriental Churches. There are four
categories of Oriental churches: (1) Patriarchal; (2) Major Archiepiscopal;
(3) Metropolitan; (4) a Church entrusted to a hierarch who presides over it
as per the norms of common and particular laws. The
Universal
Church
is the communion of different
sui juris Churches.
According to the catholic teaching, bishops by
their episcopal ordination receive the
legislative executive and judicial powers. The Pope has these powers in a
supreme way; Patriarchs and Major Archbishops participate in this supreme
power. In the apostolic constitution “Sacri
Canones” by which the Pope promulgated the Code
of canons of the eastern Churches, he says, “ In
the eastern Churches the Patriarchs and Synods are by Canon Law sharers in
the supreme authority of the Church.”
Though the Major Archbishop
governs the
Syro-Malabar
Church
as “father and head”, he has only executive
powers. The other two, namely, legislative and judicial powers, are
exercised by the Synod of is hops which is convened and presided over by the
Major Archbishop. Even in the administrative field his powers are not
absolute. There are several canons in the Code where we find the
Kajor Archbishop requiring either the consent or
the counsel of the Synod of Bishops.
The powers of the Major Archbishop are
associated with the permanent Synod. It is comprised of the Major
Archbishop and four member bishops. It is an administrative organ in order
to assist the Major Archbishop in all important matters. There is also a
body of representatives of the entire Christian faithful called the Major
Archiepiscopal Assembly, which is an advisory body in which the Christian
faithful get involved in the affairs of the Church which has to be convened
once in five years.
class=MsoBodyTextIndent>The
authority of the Major Archbishop can validly be exercised only within the
territory of the Church he presides over. Even the Synod of Bishops of the
Syro-Malabar
Church
is not empowered to exercise fully its powers. The
Syro-Malabar
Church
has yet to go a long way to obtain the highest rank and status of Oriental
Churches as envisaged in the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
Tradition has it that the
Apostle ordained two bishops, Kepha and Paul, respectively for Malabar and
Coromandal (Mylapore). This is supposed to mark the beginnings of the first
hierarchy of India. The Church of the Thomas Christians was one of the four
great "Thomite Churches" of the East. The three others were the Edessan, the
Chaldean (of Mesopotamia or Iraq) with Seleucia-Ctesiphon as its centre, and
the Persian (of Persia proper or Iran). These four Churches were "Thomite" in
the sense that they looked to St. Thomas as to their direct or indirect
Apostle. Among these Churches the Church of Seleucia-Ctesiphon emerged as the
organizational centre, mainly owing to the political importance of this place
as the capital of the Persian Empire. The Indian Church retained close contact
with these Churches. Later, we cannot say when but certainly in or before 7th
century, it became hierarchically subordinated to the Chaldean Church, and the
succession of indigenous prelates came to an end. In their place the East
Syrian prelates started to rule. The apostolic Church of India was thus
reduced to a dependent status. This dependence, which lasted until the end of
the 16th century, prevented it from developing an Indian theology and liturgy
with an Indian culture.
The Portuguese missionaries
who arrived in Malabar by the end of the 15th century, were happy to meet
Christians in India in the midst of Hindus and Muslims. But they very soon
noticed the differences in ritual and liturgy which were intolerable to them.
They wanted "unity in the Kingdom of God", and decided to take measures to
achieve this goal. With the rise of Goa as the chief seat of Portuguese
political and ecclesiastical power in the East, they converted the Malabar
Church, which had become Syrian, into a branch of the Latin Church. Not until
1887, did Pope Leo XIII created the first Vicariates for the Syro-Malabar
Church, enacting ritual separation from the Latin Church. In 1896 this Church
received indigenous Vicars Apostolic of its own rite. On December 21, 1923 the
Syro-Malabar Hierarchy was established by the Apostolic Constitution Romani
Pontifices of Pope Pius XI.
Liturgy is essential to the
life of the Church. It is through liturgy that the Church expresses herself in
the present day situation. Hence reform is inevitable in this area. But some
members of the Syro-Malabar Church prefer a total restoration of the old
Chaldean Liturgy for their Church, and it has become a major issue in the
Church. Those who argue for restoration, want the liturgy to be what it was in
the pre-Portuguese period, i.e., they want to bring the Malabar Church back
once again to what it was then, a kind of branch of the Chaldean Church. But
the Malabar Church in the pre-Portuguese period was Malabar in name only, with
no liturgy or spirituality reflecting its rich Indian background. For those
who dream about restoring the Chaldean "golden age", just the Latin form of
worship is foreign, but the Chaldean form of worship is indigenous to Indian
Christians!
The present book is the thesis
defended in the University of London by the author for his Ph.D. degree. The
author is concerned with the question "restore or reform the liturgy, and his
arguments are for reforming it. Reform is a life process. Individuals as well
as communities need to undergo reform in order to cope with the changing
situation. Because Christian worship is an essential part of the Christian
life, reform in this area is unavoidable. Liturgy is a splendid manifestation
of the Christian faith; changes and new forms always need to be encouraged,
not simply for the sake of variety but in order to remain faithful to the
essential purpose of liturgy. Vatican Council II insisted on "returning to the
sources" as the guide to reform. This returning should be to imbibe the spirit
of the liturgy and not to cling to old forms.
The author divides his work
into two parts. The first part, which spans 5 chapters, is an attempt to
understand the spirit of the East Syrian liturgy. The second part with its 3
chapters is a study of the recent liturgical development of the Syro-Malabar
Church from 1962 until 1989. The author begins the first part dealing with the
apostolic tradition of the Church and the socio-religious life of the Thomas
Christians. He argues that dependence of the Church on the Chaldean Patriarch
was nominal. Though the bishop was sent from the Persian Church, he was the
spiritual head administering only the sacraments to the community.
Administration was in the hands of the "archdeacon" who was always a priest of
the Thomas Christians, with a decisive power over the community. The social
customs connected with child birth, marriage and death were similar to those
of the natives. The priests did not baptize or say Mass except now and then.
The bishop reserved these to himself. So the Liturgy was in Syriac according
to the East Syrian rite with local variations, and that's how the Malabar
Church became Syrian in Rite. There were restrictions on the clergy in the
matter of celebrating the Eucharist. Next the author describes the origin and
growth of the East Syrian Church in Persia. The Gospel was first preached
there to a community of Jews, and the first converts were Jews. The existing
hostility between the Persian and Byzantine empires and the suspicious
attitude of the Persian rulers toward the Christians of Persia, eventually
forced them to develop a culture of their own. From a very early period the
Church used a liturgy known as the "liturgy of the Holy Apostles Mar Addai and
Mar Mari". According to scholars, this liturgy was first written in the Syriac
language. The author attempts to explain the contributions made to the liturgy
by the Fathers and other writers such as Ephrem, Theodore of Mopsuestia,
Diodore of Tarsus, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom, Narsai, Gabriel
Qatraya, Ishoyahb III and Isaac of Nineveh. The author, in separate chapters,
also deals with the mystery aspect of the liturgy, the concepts that the
Eucharistic altar as an image of the sepulchre of Christ, the earthly liturgy
as an image of the heavenly liturgy and the nave and sanctuary as types of the
earth and heaven. East Syrian tradition is Semitic in its basic
characteristics, but influenced by the Antiochene tradition. Its liturgy of
the Word significantly resembled the Jewish Synagogue service. The use of Bema
(a raised platform at the centre of the nave) for the liturgy of the Word, the
sanctuary veil, separation of sanctuary from nave, etc. are examples of
Semitic traditions.
The second part of the book is
a study of the recent liturgical development of the Syro-Malabar Church from
1962 until 1969. It starts with a survey of the Syro-Malabar liturgical
reform. It is not unreasonable to conjecture that an Indian type liturgy might
have been planted and fostered by St. Thomas in India. However, no traces of
such a liturgy are left at our disposal. Even though the Persian prelates
headed the Thomas Christians in India for nearly a millennium, their
contribution to the ecclesial and cultural growth of the Malabar community
seems to be insignificant. Nevertheless, by its contact with the Western
Church from the 16th century the Thomas Christian community was enriched by
Western theological thinking and mission spirit.
After the establishment of the
Syro-Malabar hierarchy, a commission was formed for the work of the
restoration of the Chaldean Pontifical for the use of the Syro-Malabar Church.
However, the Syro-Malabar bishops were not pleased with the restoration of the
Chaldean rite. In 1953 the Syro-Malabar bishops conference appointed a
committee of five persons for the study and translation of the Syro-Malabar
liturgy texts into the vernacular. It was reported that except Fr. Placid
Podipara, all others in the committee were against a total restoration of the
Chaldean rites for the use of the Syro-Malabar Church. According to Fr.
Placid, the Chaldean Rite was the only developed Rite the Malabar Church ever
possessed. But according to most of the bishops, the Syro-Malabar Rite was
recognized as distinct from the pure Chaldean Rite, and the changes that
obstruct the progress and spiritual life, introduced for the sake of going
back to the Chaldean liturgy, would not be appreciated very much. The
Congregation for the Oriental Churches considered the opinions of the bishops,
but the Text that came into use in the Church in 1962 was really a step to
restoration. There was no attempt to reform or to adapt from the Indian
culture. The clergy and the people criticized this Text, because they wanted a
liturgy more reformed and adapted to the modern situation. Meanwhile the
Second Vatican Council created a new awareness in the Church, particularly in
the realm of liturgy. The implications of the Council Decree Sacrosanctum
Concilium on the Latin Church was a spur to the Syro-Malabar for rethinking
and better adaptation. Therefore, another liturgical text, with much reform,
was promulgated in 1968 as an experiment.
The author also discusses
another development in India: a movement for "Indian Liturgy". "The Church in
India Today", a seminar conducted in Bangalore in 1969, was an important event
in the history of the Indian Church. Sections 37-40 of Sacrosanctum Concilium
were used as sources for the seminar members to formulate certain proposals.
To start a few experimentation centres for a better adaptation in the liturgy
was one of the fruits of the seminar. The Catholic Bishop's Conference of
India which represented both Latin and Oriental bishops gave official approval
for its liturgical commission to start new experimentation centres with the
consent of the local ordinary. Cardinal Parecattil of the Syro-Malabar Church
and Dr. Amalorpavadas of the Latin Church were the master minds behind the
inculturation movement in the Indian Church. Separate Texts were composed
under their guidance, the prayers containing allusions to the classical Hindu
Scriptures, such as the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Even
though many, both clergy and faithful, appreciated these attempts on an
experimental basis, there was much criticism. The intervention of Rome was not
very positive, even though in principle it was encouraging. Due to lack of a
consensus of opinions and effective follow-up, many of these programs came to
be closed down after a few years.
Attempts made by Rome and by
the Syro-Malabar Bishop's Conference to finalize the 1968 Missal are well
explained by the author. Some had sharply criticized that the reforms made in
this Missal were a willful abandonment of the Churches' own tradition and a
formal acceptance of Latin customs. Rome emphasized that the liturgy of the
Syro-Malabar Church must remain absolutely faithful to the Chaldean liturgy.
The majority of bishops were, in fact, favourable to a reformed Text, while a
minority supported nothing but restoration of the old Chaldean Text. A draft
Text of the Mass was submitted in 1981. Rome did not appreciate the reform
process undertaken by the Church, and said that many of the changes were a
return to Latinizations and in no way Indianisations. The response of the
bishops was that the rubrics, such as the celebrant facing the congregation
during the Mass, introduction of the theme at the beginning, silent pauses
during the Mass or improvised prayers at certain occasions, were introduced
not as a part of western imitation, but because they were clearly recommended
in Sacrosanctum Concilium which had called for the liturgical renewal. In
1985, the Congregation for the Oriental Churches finalised the Text, and it
was inaugurated by the Holy Father in Kerala on February 9, 1986 during his
pastoral visit to India. The Text was longer and the language was clumsy. No
efforts have been made to make the Text more relevant and indigenous. The goal
was to restore the Chaldean Text for the use of the Syro-Malabar Church. The
clergy, as well as the faithful, did not very much appreciate the Text. They
wished to have a further renewed Text taking the 1968 Text as the basis, with
provision for adaptations and options.
In 1987, Cardinal Lourdswamy,
the Prefect of the Oriental Congregation, visited the Syro-Malabar dioceses to
get an idea of the new situation created by the introduction of the restored
Text. Coming back to Rome, he finally drafted a document with the help of
those who were concerned and sent it to all Syro-Malabar Bishops in India. It
said the good of the faithful, bonum fidelium, was the pastoral norm governing
all liturgical legislation. After explaining the substantial unity of the
tradition, the document said that it would not deprive the local ordinary of
his right and duty to resolve concrete pastoral issues and authorize local
customs in the renewed liturgy within the legitimate limits. Wherever
possible, provision was made for options. The restorers strongly criticized
this new document of the congregation as a drastic change from the
long-standing policy of Rome and did not even hesitate to state that Rome's
credibility was shaken. However, the Text of the Mass -- in its solemn as well
as simple forms -- was prepared according to the directives, and was approved
and came into use on July 3, 1989. The Text still needs many improvements both
in its linguistic and in its structural form.
As the author contends, an
extreme conservative attitude developed by a minority group of bishops created
a gap between the restorers and reformers which affected considerably the
progress of the liturgical renewal. One of the main problems of the Syro-Malabar
Church in liturgical matters was its lack of internal administration with a
Major Archbishop or a Patriarch as its head and a permanent synod of bishops
as other Oriental Churches have. This situation created a great tension in the
process of liturgical renewal. Since there was no decision making body, all
matters concerning liturgy and discipline had to be referred to Rome; even on
matters of less importance, Rome's approval had to be awaited. The parameters
of the problem have now changed, because the Syro-Malabar Church was erected
as a Major Archiepiscopal Church -- with some form of central administration
-- on 16th December 1992 by the Apostolic Constitution Quae maiori of John
Paul II (Acta Apostolicae Sedis, 85[1993], pp. 398-399).
A brief explanation of the
goals of the Syro-Malabar Liturgy Renewal in a wider perspective of the
ecclesial as well as the religious Indian context is also provided by the
author. The spiritual rules of the Syrian tradition which could revitalize the
whole liturgical renewal process in the Syro-Malabar Church were also
explained. The Western Church has taken much pain in implementing Sacrosanctum
Concilium in order to make its liturgy well adapted to the new situation. In
author's view, this can be a model for the Oriental Churches to bring about
necessary reform in their own liturgies. A readiness to adapt to the actual
situation, religious as well as cultural, makes liturgy spontaneous and
relevant to the people.
In the last chapter, the
author presents certain suggestions regarding the structure and language of
the liturgical text, the pastoral implications of certain liturgical rites,
and the Oriental attitude which is to be fostered for an authentic liturgical
renewal. For the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Syro-Malabar
Church at present has only one Anaphora, that of Mar Addai and Mari. In the
opinion of the author, the other two traditional Anaphoras of the East Syrian
Church, namely, the Anaphora of Mar Theodore and the Anaphora of Mar Nestorius
should be restored and reformed. A further number of Anaphoras also would be
desirable to be introduced for the celebration of the Eucharist. One of the
great defects with regard to the Texts of 1962, 1986, and 1989 seems to be the
over emphasis on literal translation of the original Syriac Text. This
overstress created long and unintelligible texts which do not correspond to
the present situation or interests of the people. A document published in Rome
in 1969 gives a number of insights on matters concerning the translation of
liturgical texts into the vernacular. It says "the purpose of liturgical
translation is to proclaim the message of salvation to believers. [...] The
translator must keep in mind that the 'unit of meaning' is not the individual
word but the whole passage. [..] The formula translated must become the
genuine prayer of the congregation" (CONSILIUM FOR THE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE CONSTITUTION ON THE SACRED LITURGY, Instruction Comme le prévoit, 25
January 1969, nos. 6,12, and 20, in an English-language translation from the
Consilium published in INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON ENGLISH IN THE LITURGY
[ed.], Documents on Liturgy, 1963-1979: Conciliar, Papal, and Curial Texts,
Collegeville, MN, The Liturgical Press, 1982, document no. 123, pars. 843, and
857, pp. 284, 285, and 287).
Regarding the position of the
celebrant during the liturgy, the existing situation gives rise to great
tension in inter-diocesan relationships. A majority of the dioceses follow the
option in which the priest faces the congregation during the whole
celebration. In some of the southern dioceses, the bishops impose the second
option, in which the priest faces the altar/cross, even though many priests
and faithful do not agree with this. The authority to make decisions regarding
this remains with the local ordinary. In order to minimise the tension, the
author suggests this authority be transferred to each parish, where the parish
priest in consultation with the elders of the parish, Palli yogam, could make
the decision, depending on the particular situation and tradition of each
parish. However, I personally do not support such a step. In my opinion, a
parish church is not an individual Church to take such a major option in
liturgy. Furthermore, if the bishops and priests of an individual Church
cannot reach at an agreement on such important liturgical norms, do we ever
experience the unity for which the liturgy itself is celebrated?
..
The author contends that the
reconstruction of the bema at the centre of the nave for the liturgy of the
Word, is simply not relevant in the Syro-Malabar liturgy. First of all the
bema has no place in the liturgical tradition of the Syro-Malabar Church. The
author suggests that the Western Church could be taken as a model in this
case, celebrating the introductory rites and the liturgy of the Word at one
side of the sanctuary near the rail. Some churches in the Syro-Malabar Rite
had a tradition of using the sanctuary veil. The veil was drawn back during
the liturgy. The author is of the opinion that this tradition should be
restored wherever possible, because it has a deeper meaning in the East Syrian
tradition according to its Fathers. According to my observation, most of the
Syro-Malabar churches at present do not have sanctuary veils, and installing
such veils only makes the liturgy more complicated than making it simple. As
the author himself admits, more than external complexities of the celebration
or an awesome sense of mystery, what is needed today is a deeper and more
personal understanding of, and participation in, the Eucharistic prayers and
actions. Concerning the incensing, the author says it is a solemn rite in the
Syro-Malabar liturgy, which gives the celebration a sacred splendor. From a
practical point of view it is highly necessary that the celebrant priest
should have ample time and serenity of mind to perform these rites in
gentleness and calm, in the true spirit of the divine worship. If the
liturgical text is too long, and its prayers are unintelligible, both the
priests and the people may find it difficult to celebrate in true liturgical
spirit. Therefore it is better that the Text should be short, and only the
relevant and meaningful rites be restored. Those which are restored should be
adapted to the mind and taste of the people to whom they are communicated.
The Syro-Malabar Church was
limited by the boundaries of the state of Kerala. Only from 1962, dioceses
were created outside Kerala. The new Christians or the would-be Christians of
these dioceses outside of Kerala are quite different in language and culture
from the people of Kerala. If the Syro-Malabar Church impose its own
Syrian-type liturgy without any adaptation to the local situation, as the
author contends, this will show great disregard for the culture and way of
living of the new Christians of these dioceses. When the early Christian
Church broke out from its Jewish boundaries and confronted other cultures,
many of the local customs and way of living eventually entered into Christian
life. In other words, the original Christian Eucharist was enriched by its
contact with other cultures. The same process should continue also in the
growth of the liturgy.
|
SYRO-MALABAR CHURCH
IN THE CATHOLIC COMMUNION
The Catholic Church is one
all over the world with the same faith and the same sacraments as well as
the same government. However, in terminology and theology it is a
communion of different semi autonomous Churches with their own particular
characteristics which are expressed in worship, spirituality, theology and
disciplinary laws. In Church law these Churches are called sui iuris
Churches or Churches with their own laws. So the Catholic Church is a
communion of these different sui iuris Churches.
These Churches fall into
two categories: Western and Eastern. At present there is only one Western
Church which is known as Roman or Latin spread all over the world. There
are twenty one Eastern Churches among which the Syro-Malabar Church is
also counted. Originally this distinction was based on the division of the
Roman Empire where Christianity took roots in the beginning. The Churches
in the Western part were known as the Western Churches and those in the
Eastern part were known as the Eastern Churches. Christianity had spread
also to countries outside the Roman Empire, namely to Armenia, Persia and
India. In the course of time these three Churches also were considered as
Eastern. Eventually owing to reasons, both political and religious, the
Western Churches were unified under the leadership of the Roman Church and
the Bishop of Rome who also is the head of the Catholic Church in as much
as he is the successor of Apostle Peter. On the other hand the Churches in
the Eastern part grew independently and developed their own
characteristics as one finds them today. At the head of the hierarchy of
all these Churches there was a figure called Patriarch or Metropolitan.
The Bishop of Rome is also the Patriarch of the Latin Church.
In this communion the
Church of Rome and its bishop who is the successor of Peter has a special
role as the head of the Universal Church. The communion with the Church of
Rome and its bishop is considered essential for the orthodoxy of Christian
faith. At various points of history owing to dogmatic and other
differences the communion of these Churches with the Church of Rome and
its bishop was broken. By the year 1054 A.D. all the Eastern Churches
except the Church in India went their own ways. Obviously the Western
Church as a Church could not have gone out of communion. Even though there
were attempts to restore communion they did not succeed. Those who were
outside the communion called themselves orthodox which means those who are
true Christians. Those under the Bishop of Rome called themselves Catholic
which means universal. Gradually both these terms got a denominational
meaning as found today.
Though as entire Churches
with their hierarchies communion was not restored by these Eastern
Churches, at various points of history portions of them did come back to
communion with the Roman Church and its bishop while the major part with
their hierarchies remained outside communion. Thus we have today Catholic
and non-Catholic Eastern Churches. At the same time it should be noted
that these Catholic Eastern Churches do not have any more the autonomy
which they enjoyed before the break of communion. The bishop of Rome has
grown very much in his power as head of the Catholic Church and the Roman
Church is spread all over the world while the heads of the Eastern
Churches have been very much reduced in their prestige and power. The
Catholics hold that there is still a communion, though imperfect, with the
non-Catholic Churches.
Major Seminaries in the Syro-Malabar
Church
Mangalappuzha
St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary
Mangalapuzha, Aluva 683 103, Kerala.
Tel. 0484-606745, 606746
Fax: 0484-606729
President: 0484-606888
E-mail:
mpuzhasm@satyam.net.in
Vadavathoor
St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary&
Paurastya Vidyapitham
Vadavathoor. P.O., Kottayam 686 010, Kerala.
Tel. 0481-578319, 571807, 571809
Fax: 0481-578525
E-mail:
santhom@vsnl.com
Web:
http://www.santhom.org/
Kunnoth
Good Shepherd Major Seminary
Kunnoth, Kilianthara P.O
Tellicherry 670 706
Phone: 0490-491095
Satna
St. Ephrem Theology College
Ephrem Nagar, P.B.No.26
Chavara Khurd P.O
Satna 485 001
Tel. 07671- 72316, 72208, 72371
Fax: 07671- 72316
E-mail:
bpmat@bom6.vsnl.net.in
Thrissur
Mary Matha Major Seminary
Mannuthy, P.B.No.7
Thrissur 680 651
Tel. 0487- 315516, 315535
Fax: 315846
E-mail:
trc_seminary@sancharnet.in
CMI
Dharmaram College
Dharmaram College P.O.
Bangalore 560 029
Tele. 080-5536866, 5536867, 5536781, 5536095
Fax: 5536046
E-mail:
Rector:
rectordc@vsnl.com
Dharmaram Vidya Khsetram (DVK):
dvk@bgl.vsnl.net.in
President, DVK:
thomasm@bgl.vsnl.net.in
President, Institute of Oriental Canon Law:
dvkcanon@hotmail.com
Web:
http://www.dharmaram.org/
Samanvaya
Mission Theological College
Patel Nagar P.O.
Bhopal 462 021
Tel. 0755-52961, 755238,230881,230882
E-mail:
samanvay@bom6.vsnl.net.in
Darsana Philosophate
Sawangi Meghe
Wardha 442 004
Tel. 07152-40132
Fax: 40003
E-mail:
darsana@nagpur.dot.net.in
Carmelaram Theology College
Carmelaram P.O.
Bangalore 560 035
Tel. 080-8134221, 8439661
Fax:8439564
Carmel Hill Philosophate
Cotton Hill
Trivandrum 695 014
Tel. 0471-324404
Jeevalaya Institute of Philosophy
Gottigere, Bangalore 560 083
Tel. 080-6636290, 6645837
E-mail:
jeevalaya@vsnl.net
Sanathana MCBS Theologate
Thamarassery P.O.
Kozhikode, 673573
Tel: 0495-2510486,
3097001, 3096977
E-mail:
frandiyan@sancharnet.in
De Paul Institute of Religion and
Philosophy
Kumbalagode
Bangalore 560 074
Tel.080-8437318, 8437715
E-mail:
depaulbg@vsnl.com
Capuchin Vidyanikethan
Thellakom
Kottayam 686 016
Tel.0481-597642, 595061
Fax: 0481-598596
E-mail:
capvidya@md4.vsnl.net.in
Calvary Ashram Philosophate
Thrissur 680 004
Tel. 0487-384282, 383665, 385384
E-mail:
calvary@md4.vsnl.net.in
Ruhalaya Seminary
Agar Road
P.B.No.4, Ujjain 456 006
Tel.Theologate: 0734-563693,564193
Tel.Philosophate:0734-570019, 570020,570021
E-mail:
josepalakeel@rediffmail.com,
ruhalaya@sancharnet.in
Outside Missions
Though the
Syro-Malabar has an existence of almost two thousand years in India
and her head had jurisdiction all over India until the end of the 16th
century at present the Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop has no
jurisdiction outside the four metropolitan provinces of
Ernakulam-Angamaly, Changanacherry, Trichur and Tellicherry because in
1992 when this Church was declared Major Archiepiscopal the territory
was restricted to these areas. The dioceses of Adilabad, Bijnor,
Chanda, Gorakhpur, Jagdalpur, Kalyan, Rajkot, Sagar, Satna and Ujjain
are still under the nearby Latin archdiocese. The eparchy of St.
Thomas the Apostle in Chicago (USA) is directly under the Holy See.
However, the bishops of these dioceses are members of the Syro-Malabar
Bishops’ Synod though the decisions of the synod, unless they are
liturgical, are not binding on them.
Outside
these two categories of dioceses there are many communities of
Syro-Malabarians in many parts of India as well as in foreign
countries. Within India there are big communities of Syro-Malabarians
in the archdioceses of Bangalore, Delhi, Madras-Mylapore, Calcutta and
so on. According to the Canon Law of both the Latin Church and of the
Oriental Churches these bishops are to provide for the pastoral care
of the Syro-Malabarians in their dioceses using the services of Syro-Malabar
priests and if their spiritual needs require it special structures
such as separate parishes, separate Episcopal vicars or even dioceses,
should be provided. In the archdiocese of Bangalore nine Syro-Malabar
parishes were erected in the recent times. In the archdiocese of
Madras-Mylapore, despite the number of Syro-Malbarians being more than
12000 no parish has so far been erected. But there functions a
pastoral centre serviced by Syro-Malabar priests for the
Syro-Malabarians. In the archdiocese of Delhi there are more than
thirty centres where liturgical services are offered by Syro-Malabar
priests in Syro-Malabar rite. But no parish has so far been erected.
In no other diocese in India there is any provision for the pastoral
care of the Syro-Malabarians in their own ecclesial tradition.
In Italy
one community has been given canonical status of a mission by the
local ordinary.
Besides
these officially recognized missions there are large numbers of
Syro-Malabrians both in the Western countries as well as in the Gulf
region. However, no precise statistics of them are available because
collecting such statistics often becomes sensational in the local
Catholic communities governed in all cases by Latin Ordinaries and
taken care of by priests of Latin rite.
In 1987
Pope John Paul II personally intervened and sent to the Catholic
Bishops of India a letter in which among other things he said:
Regarding
the pastoral care of the faithful of the Eastern rites who are living
in the Latin-rite Dioceses, in accordance with the spirit and letter
of the Conciliar Decrees Christus Dominus, n. 23, 3 and Orientlaium
Ecclesiarum, n. 4, the Latin ordinaries of such Dioceses are to
provide as soon as possible for an adequate pastoral care of the
faithful of these Eastern rites, through the ministry of priests, or
thorugh parishes of the rite, where this would be indicated, or
through an Episcopal vicar endowed with necessary faculties, where
circumstances would so indicate” (n. 5c)
This Papal
intervention was followed by the erection of the Syro-Malabar diocese
of Kalyan for the Syro-Malabarians who were in the archdiocese of
Bombay and the dioceses of Pune and Nasik.
In the
Plenary Session of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in Rome
on 1st October 1998 the then Prefect of that Congregation, Cardinal
Achille Silvestrini made the following intervention in favour of the
Oriental faithful in the Latin dioceses:
I would be
grateful if you would pay special attention to the pastoral care of
the Eastern faithful in the diaspora. In this regard it is necessary
for everyone, both Latin and Oriental, to grasp the sensitive
implications of the situation, which is a real challenge for the
survival of the Christian East and for a general reconsideration of
its pastoral programmes. Indeed the pastors of the Latin Church are
first of all invited to deepen their knowledge of the existence and
heritage of the Eastern Catholic Churches and to encourage the
faithful entrusted to their care to do the same. Secondly, they are
called to promote and defend the right of the Eastern faithful to live
and pray according to the tradition received from the Fathers of their
own Church.
Lately in
the Post Synodal Exhortation Ecclesia in Asia of Pope John Paul II he
made the following remark:
The situation of the Catholic Eastern
Churches, principally of the Middle East and India, merits special
attention. From Apostolic times they have been the custodians of a
precious spiritual, liturgical and theological heritage. Their
traditions and rites, born of a deep inculturation of the faith in the
soil of many Asian countries, deserve the greatest respect. With the
Synod Fathers, I call upon everyone to recognize the legitimate
customs and the legitimate freedom of these Churches in disciplinary
and liturgical matters, as stipulated by the Code of Canons of the
Eastern Churches. Following the teaching of the Second Vatican
Council, there is an urgent need to overcome the fears and
misunderstandings which appear at times between the Catholic Eastern
Churches and the Latin Church, and among those Churches themselves,
especially with regard to the pastoral care of their people, also
outside their own territories. As children of the one Church, reborn
into the newness of life in Christ, believers are called to undertake
all things in a spirit of common purpose, trust and unfailing charity.
Conflicts must not be allowed to create division, but must instead be
handled in a spirit of truth and respect, since no good can come
except from love.
These venerable Churches are directly
involved in ecumenical dialogue with their sister Orthodox Churches,
and the Synod Fathers urged them to pursue this path They have also
had valuable experiences in inter-religious dialogue, especially with
Islam. This can be helpful to other Churches in Asia and elsewhere. It
is clear that the Catholic Eastern Churches possess a great wealth of
tradition and experience which can greatly benefit the whole Church
(No. 27).
Official Syro-Malabar
Missions Outside Proper Territory within India
Archdiocese of
Bangalore
Fr. Vicar, St Thomas Forane Church
Dharmaram College.P.O., Bangalore 560 029
Tel. (080) 5536022
Archdiocese
of Delhi
Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vadakumpadan
Syro-Malabar Chaplain
533-534, Double Storey, New Rejinder Nagar
New Delhi 110 060
Tel. (011) 5735050; Fax: (011) 5814092
E-mail:
st.jos.ser.so@bol.net.in
Archdiocese
of Madras-Mylapore
Fr Joby Pozholiparampil
Syro-Malabar Chaplain
St Thomas Pastoral Centre
16, Ayanavaram Road, Chennai 600 023
Tel. (044) 6443803
ROME - ITALY
Fr. John Poovatholil CMI
Mar Thoma Bhavan
Via Martino V, 26/B
00167 Roma, ITALY
Tel. (06) 6621676, 6635545; Fax: (06) 5432471
E-mail:
paterjohn@rediffmail.com |
Liturgical Research Centre of the
Syro-Malabar Church
Address
Liturgical Research Centre
Mount St Thomas
PB No. 3110, Kakkanad P.O.
Kochi 682 030, India
Tel. 0484-2424768,
2424780
Fax: 0484-2422727
E-mail:
lirec@hotmail.com
Board of
Directors
Bishop George Punnakottil
(Chairman), Bishop Paul Chittilapilly
Rev. Dr. Bosco Puthur (Executive Director)
Rev. Dr. Antony Kozhuvanal, Rev. Dr. Jose Kochuparampil.
Decree of Erection
Liturgy in the life of the Church is of
paramount importance. According to the Second Vatican Council it is the
“summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed and it is also
the fount from which all her power flows” (SC, N.10). In order that the
Christian people may more certainly derive an abundance of graces from the
sacred liturgy the Council wanted “to undertake with great care a general
restoration of the liturgy itself. For the liturgy is made up of
unchangeable elements divinely instituted, and of elements subject to
change. These latter not only may be changed but ought to be changed with
the passage of time, if they have suffered from the intrusions of anything
out of harmony with the inner nature of the liturgy or have become less
suitable” (SC, N. 21).
At the same time the
“Council has set out to impart an ever increasing vigour to the Christian
life of the faithful; to adapt more closely to the needs of our age those
institutions which are subject to change; to foster whatever can promote
union among all who believe in Christ; to strengthen whatever can help to
call all mankind into the Church’s fold. Accordingly it sees particularly
cogent reasons for undertaking the reform and promotion of the liturgy”
(SC, N. 1). The Council wanted to preserve all legitimate rites in future
and to foster them in every way. The Council also prescribed that, where
necessary, the rites be revised carefully in the light of sound tradition,
and they be given new vigour to meet present-day circumstances and needs
(SC, N. 4). In order to achieve this aim the Council laid down norms which
can and should be applied to both the Roman and also to all other rites
(SC, N. 3).
Closely following the
directives of the Council the Syro-Malabar Church has ever been pursuing
this matter, but has not yet been able to reach the goal set out by the
Council because of various reasons. The absence of objective research and
study in this field undertaken with a view to promote mainly and directly
the good of the Church has been identified as one of the major reasons.
For the Council says, “in order that sound tradition be retained, and yet
the way remain open to legitimate progress, a careful investigation –
theological, historical and pastoral – should always be made into each
part of the liturgy which is to be revised” (SC, N. 23). Accordingly the
synod bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church held in Rome in January 1996
decided to erect a Liturgical Research Centre at the Major Archiepiscopal
Curia of the Syro-Malabar Church at Mount St Thomas for promoting research
and study in these aspects of the liturgy with special reference to the
Syro-Malabar Church and for the benefit of the same Church. The synod in
its session held from 3 to 14 November 1998 at Mount St Thomas wishing to
execute its earlier decision, nominated two of its members, one as
chairman and the other as member, of the Board of Directors of the
proposed Centre. The Synod also requested the Apostolic Administrator to
erect the Centre canonically and to appoint the Executive Director as well
as two more members to the Board with the consent of the Permanent Synod.
Therefore, in conformity
with the above mentioned decision and request of the Synod the
undersigned, Mar Varkey Vithayathil, C.Ss.R., Apostolic Administrator Sede
vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal
Church, after mature consideration and due consultations, hereby
canonically erects a Liturgical Research Centre
and declare it as erected at the
Major Archiepiscopal Curia of the Syro-Malabar Church at Mount St Thomas.
The Centre in all matters
is under the jurisdiction of the Syro-Malabar Major Archbishop. The
internal administration of the Centre, however, will be according to the
Statutes approved by the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church and
amended from time to time by the same Synod and promulgated by the Major
Archbishop.
ST
THOMAS CHRISTIAN MUSEUM
On 11 November 2001
Cardinal varkey Viyhayathil C.Ss.R, the Major Archbishop of the Syro
Malabar church inaugurated at Mount St. Thomas the St. Thomas Christian
Museum. It has been erected with the aim of preserving the cultural and
historical heritage of the St. Thomas Christians. The Museum has a
moderate collection of articles related to the ecclesiastical and social
life of the St. Thomas Christians. They include the original manuscript of
the travelogue in Malayalam, the Varthamanapusthakam, written by Fr.
Thomas Paremmakkal who is known as
Paremmakkal Thomas Governador. The manuscript was donated to the museum by
Shri Mangalamuttath Parayil P.H. Varkey Tharakan. There is also a light
and sound show depicting the principal events in the history of the Church
in India and a short video film on the church art and architecture of the
St. Thomas Christians.
The museum is open to the
public Tuesday through Sunday. Monday is holiday. Entrance fee: Adults
Rs.5/-; Children : Rs.3/-.Children in groups more than 20: Rs.2/-
Population
Total population 3,18,41,374
Catholics Provinces Dioceses Population
Latin Rite 2 11 1,482,973
Malankara Rite 1 05 402,702
Syro-Malabar Rite 4 13+2 3,628,358
Total 7 29+2 5,514,028
1 The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC)
President : His Eminence Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil
Vice President : Bishop Francis Kallarackal
Secretary : Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios
Address: Pastoral Orientation Centre, Kochi 682 025, 0484-2805722, 2805815
E.mail: kcbc@ipath.net.in 2368214(Fax)
1.1 Common Concerns
1.1.1 Pastoral Orientation Centre (POC)(1967)
Kochi 0484-2805722, F.2338214
Publications : Moral Science Text Books; Talent (Monthly) 2336227
1.1.2 Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) (1947)
Mathrubhavan, Bharananganam, 686578 04822-236381
1.1.3 Kerala Catholic Students' League (KCSL),(1917)
K.C.S.L Central office P.O.C Palarivattam Kochi, P. B. 2251 Ph.
0484-2807289
1.1.4 Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM)
T.A. Beerankunju Road Kochi-18 Ernakulam 0484-2383209
1.1.5.Catholic Students Movement (CSM)
S.B. College Changanacherry 0481-2420211
1.1.6 Kerala Vocation Service Centre
Pala 04822-237105
1.1.7 Jesus Fraternity
P.O.C. P.B. 2251 Kochi 0484-2332669, 2344722
1.1.9 Kerala Catholic Council
1.1.10 Kerala Catholic Federation
1.1.11 Dalith Catholic Mahajana Sabha (DCMS)
Shalom Pastoral Centre, Pala 686575 04822-212740
1.1.12 Kerala Social Service Forum
AMOS P.B. 615 Kottayam 686001 0481-2594802, 2594803
1.1.13 KCBC Madhya Virudha Samithi
P.O.C. Kochi, 0484-2805722, 2338214 (F)
1.1.14 Indian National Farmers Movement (INFAM)
M.C. Road Angamaly 686572. Ph. 0484-2459884
1. Syro Malabar Church
2 The Syro Malankara Church (malankara.net )
Province of Thiruvananthapuram
2.1 Thiruvananthapuram Metropolitan (1932)(236,200)
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 004
Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselius 0471-2541642, 2541643, 2541331, 2541635 (F)
Email : archbp03@md3.vsnl.net.in
Website: archdioceseoftrivandrum.org
Auxiliary Bishops: Bishops Joshua Mar Ignatios, Joseph Mar Thomas
2.2 Thiruvalla (1932, 53, 750)
Marygiri - 689 101 0469/2730821,2730620, 2635204, 2700822(F)
E.mail: diotvla@hotmail.com
Bishop: Issac Mar Cleemis
Bishop Emeritus: Bishop Geevarghese Mar Thimotheus
Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Thottathil
2.3 Bathery (1978, Cath. pop. 20,530)
Bathery- 673 592
Bishop Geevarghese Mar Divannasios 04936-620207, Fax:621287
Vicar General: Msgr. Thomas Cheruvupurayidathil
2.4 Marthandam (1997, 25000)
Bishop Yuhanon Mar Chrisostom 04651-270180
E.Mail: bpdiomar@techpark.net
Vicar General : Msgr. Joseph Plankala
2.5. Moovattupuzha (2003)
Bishop Thomas Mar Koorillos
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Vazhappilly, Mudavoor P.O, 686 669
Moovattupuzha, Ernakulam
Telephone & Fax 0485-2812650
E-mail: markoorilos@hotmail.com
Vicar General: John Varghese Isvarankudy
3 The Latin Hierarchy
Province of Varapuzha
3.1. Varapuzha Archd. (1709) (236,253)
Ernakulam, Kochi - 682 031
Abp. Daniel Acharuparampil O.C.D 0484-2372892, 2360988, Fax. 2360911
E.mail: vpoly@vsnl.com
Vicar General: Msgr. Sebastian Luis
Archbishop Emeritus : Cornelius Elanjickal
3.2 Kochi (1882) (164,234)
Kochi - 682 001
Bishop John Thattumkal 0484-2215400, 2215401, 2215402, 2215403, Fax:
2215404
E.mail: bishop@cochindiocese.org
Vicar General :Mgr. Peter Thykoottathil
3.3 Kollam (1886) (199,645)
Kollam -691007
Bishop Stanely Roman 0474-2796140, 2796688(Bp),2791840, Fax:2741762
E-mail: stanrom@satyam.net.in
Vicar General : Msgr. David Kandathil
Bishop Emeritus: Joseph G. Fernandez
3.4 Kozhikode(1923) (25, 610)
Malaparamba- 676 009
Bishop: Rt. Rev. Joseph Kalathiparampil
E-mail: calicut_diocese@yahoo.com
Bishop Emeritus: Maxwell Noronha 0495-2370313, 2372577, Fax: 2370271
Vicar General : Msgr. Joseph John Valendar
3.5 Vijayapuram (1930) (86, 305)
Kottayam 686 003
Bishop:Rt. Rev. Peter Thuruthikonam 0481-2563747, Fax: 2565863
E-mail: curiavbh@sify.com
Vicar General : Msgr. Joseph Mariadas
3.6 Thiruvananthapuram (1937) (250, 000)
Kawadiar- 695 003
Bishop Maria Calist Soosai Pakiam 0471-2724001, 2724002,
2724003,Fax:2725001
E-mail: bpsoosa@md4.vsnl.net.in
Vicar General : Msgr. M. Joseph
3.7 Alappuzha (1952) (135, 000)
Alappuzha 688 001
Bishop Stephen Athipozhiyil 0477-2243363, Fax: 2243362
Vicar General: Msgr. Varghese Puthenpurackal 2244011
Email : bpstepn@vsnl.net.in
Bishop Emeritus: Peter Chenaparampil
3.8 Punalur (1986) (34, 801)
Punalur - 691 305
Bishop Mathias Kappil 0475-2225419, 2227283,Fax: 2222240
E-mail: fr_stephen@styam.net.in
Vicar General: Msgr. Felix Arickaruparampil
3.9 Kottapuram (1987) (72, 963)
Kottapuram - 680 667
Bishop Francis Kallarackal 0480-2802165, Fax:2802865
E-mail: kotapuram_bp@satyam.net.in
Vicar General: Msgr. Thomas Polerickal
3.10 Neyyattinkara (1996) (150 000)
Neyyattinkara - 695 121
Bishop Vincent Samuel 0471-2223133, 2220693, Fax: 2222262
E-mail: ntabishopshouse@yahoo.com
Vicar General : Mgr. S. Thomas
3.11 Kannoor (1998) (30 000)
Kannoor - 670 013
Bishop Varghese Chackalackal 0497-2729966,2729977, 2729988 Fax: 2729955
E-mail: cnn_diocese@sancharnet.in
Vicar General: Msgr. George Pius
The Syro Malabar Major Archiepiscopal
Curia
Mount St. Thomas, P.B. No. 10, Thrikkakara P.O, Kochi 682 021, India
Tel. 0484-2424768, 2424780, 2425727, 2426235, 2426236,
Fax. 0484-2422727 E.mail:enk_majorabp@sancharnet.in, majorarchbishop@hotmail.com
CNEWA, Regional Office, Mount St. Thomas, P.B. No. 3118, Kakkanad,
Thengode 682 030, Phone: 0484-2421705, 2421706, 2421707, 2421708
Population:
In Proper Territory 3335,534
Provinces: 4
Eparchies: 12 +2 Outside Proper Territory: 189,918
Provinces: Nil
Eparchies: 10 + 1
Total: 3,525,452
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."
052 Arrival of St. Thomas the Apostole
072 Martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostole at Mylapore
250-325 Bishops Mar David & Mar Yohannan ("Metropolitan of India")
345 Arrival of Thomas of Cana at Kodungalloor
9th C Bishop Mar Sapore(Kollam) Mar Proth ( Kodungalloor) (Chaldean
Patriarch, Timeotheus I)
20-05-1498 Vasco da Gama's arrival
1504 Bishop Mar Yacob (Kodungalloor)
6-06-1542 Francis Xavier's preaching
1555 Bishop Mar Joseph
1564 Mar Abraham appointed Archbishop of Angamaly (Pope Pius IV)
23-02-1565 Establishment of Archdiocese of Angamaly as Metropolitan see
1597 Mar Abraham the last Syrian Bishop died.
20-06-1599 Synod of Udayamperoor
7-12-1603 Angamaly Synod
03-12-1609 Archdiocese of Kodungalloor established
22-12-1610 Archbishop Menezes of Goa restricts the jurisdiction of the
Metropolitan of St. Thomas Christians from the north of Malabar to the
south.
03-01-1653 Koonan Kurisu Sathyam
00.12-1647 Archbishop Garcia Appoints Fr. Jerome Furtado as Vicar General
in place of the traditional Archdeacon
1657 Bishop Sebastiani OCD
31-01-1663 Fr. Alexander Palliveettil (Parambil) appointed the first
Syrian Vicar Apostolic of Malabar.
29-06-1704 John Ribeiro S. J. Abp. of Kodungalloor (Padroado)
16-12-1782 Mar Joseph Kariatty appointed Archbishop of Kodungalloor
10-09-1786 Archbishop Kariatty dies. Paremmackal Thoma Kathanar Gubernador
of the Archdiocese of Kodungalloor.
01-02-1787 Angamaly Padiyola
30-12-1822 - Mar Paulose O.P. Archbishop Kodungalloor
20-12-1823 Mar Paulose Died in Ollicary, Kollam.
22-12-1823 Mar Paulose buried in Metropolitan Church Changanassery
08-06-1861 Fr. Kuriakos Elias Chavara appointed Vicar General for Syrians.
1865 Jurisdiction of East Syrian Patriarch over St. Thomas Christians
terminated.
13-08-1866 Establishment of Puthenpally Seminary
15-11-1877 Bishop Marcellinus OCD appointed Bishop for the Syrians.
19-03-1878 He assumes charge.
1886 The Metropolitan See of Kodungalloor - Ankamaly - suppressed.
St. Thomas Christians placed under the Vicar Apostolic of Varapuzha.
01-09-1886 Latin Hierarchy of India established. (6 Archdioceses, 10
Dioceses) (Humanae Salutis, Leo XIII)
20-05-1887 Two independent Vicariates of Kottayam and Trissur for
Syrians.(Quod Jampridem, Leo XIII)
28-07-1896 Vicariate of Ernakulam created, with territories from both
Vicariates. (Quae Rei Sacrae, Leo XIII)
21-12-1923 Establishment of Syro Malabar Hierarchy with Ernakulam as the
Metropolitan See (Romani Pontifices, Pope Pius XI).
01-06-1932 Establishment of Mangalapuzha Seminary.
29-07-1956 The diocese of Changanassery made Metropolitan See
31-03-1962 Chanda Mission established (Later other nine missions : Sagar
(1968), Satna (1968), Ujjain (1968), Bijnor (1972), Jagadalpur(1972),
Rajkot (1977), Gorakhpur (1984), Kalyan (1988), Adilabad (1999)
03-07-1962 Establishment of St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary , Vadavathoor
16-12-1992 Maj. Archiepiscopal see of Ernakulam - Angamali created.
29-01-1993 Cardinal Antony Padiyara, the first Major Archbishop (Quae
Majori Christifidelium ,John Paul II), Mar Abraham Kattumana, Pontifical
Delegate
20-05-1993 Cardinal Padiyara takes charge. First Synod of the Church.
27-05-1995 Blessing and inauguration of the temporary headquarters at
Kakanad
18-12-1996 Cardinal Padiyara's resignation accepted. Archbishop Mar Varkey
Vithayathil CSSR, Apostolic Administrator of Ernakulam-Angamali
03-02-1998 Major Archiepiscopal Headquarters at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad
(09-12)-11-1998 First Major Archiepiscopal Assembly
06-07-2001 In USA St. Thomas Diocese of Chicago established
2001
Establishment of Good Shepherd Major Seminary at Kunnoth, Thalaserry
02-03-2003 Establishment of the Diocese of Idukki
2. Major Archbishop
Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil CSSR
3. Syro - Malabar Dioceses
Province of Changanassery
Dioceses, Estd., Population
Address
1. Changanassery Metropolitan (1887) 3,80,000
Archbishop: Mar Joseph Powathil
Auxilary Bishop: Mar Joseph Perumthottam
Vicars General: Msgr. Mathew Vellanickal
Msgr. Joseph Naduvilezham
Msgr. Joseph Kurinjiparampil Archbishop's House, Changanassery
686 101, Ph. 0481-2420040, 2420614,
2422540 (F)
E-mail: abpchry@sancharnet.in
2. Kottayam (1911) 1,43,383
Bishop: Mar Kuriakose Kunnassarry
Auxilary Bishop: Mar Mathew Moolakkattu
Vicar General: Msgr. Jacob Kollaparampil The Catholic Bishop's House, P.B.
71, Kottayam, 686001,
Ph. 0481-2563527, 2563812, 2300453, 2563327 (F)
E-mail: cbhktym@sancharnet.in
Website: www.kottayamdiocese.com
3. Pala (1950) 3,34,000
Bishop: Mar Joseph Pallickaparampil
Vicars General:Msgr. Joseph Mattam &
Msgr. Philip Njaralakattu Bishop's House, Pala, 686 575
Ph. 04822-212216, 212217, 211379(F)
E-mail: aramana@md4.vsnl.net.in
4. Kanjirappally (1977) 1,88,000
Bishop: Mar Mathew Arackal
Vicars General: Msgr. George Alunkal
Msgr. James Thalachelloor
Bishop Emeritus: Mar Mathew Vattakuzhy Bishop's House, Kanjirappally,
686507
Ph. 04828-202665, 202906, 204491(F)
E-mail: bishoparakal@satyam.net.in
Website: www.kanjirappallydiocese.com
5. Thuckalay (1996) 22,500
Bishop: Mar George Alencherry
Vicar General: Msgr. Thomas Muttathukunnel Bishop's House, P.B. No. 12,
Thuckalay, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, 629175
Ph. 04651-250633, 253167(F)
E-mail: mysteryngc@sancharnet.in
Province of Ernakulam
6. Ernakulam Metropolitan (1896) 4,45,377
Major Archbishop: Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil C.Ss.R
Auxilary Bishops:Mar Thomas Chakkiath &
Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath Major Archbishop's House,
P.B. No. 2580, Ernakulam, 682031
Ph. 0484-2352629, 2352906, 2355010(F)
E-mail: abperang@md3.vsnl.net.in
7. Kothamangalam (1956) 4,89,700
Bishop: Mar George Punnakottil
Vicar General: Msgr. Thomas Malekudy Bishop's House, Kothamangalam, 686691
Ph. 0485-2862236, 2861625(F)
E-mail: punnakottil@hotmail.com
8. Iddukki (02-03-2003)
Bishop: Mar Mathew Anikuzhikkattil
Vicar General: Msgr. Thomas Periyapuram Bishop's House, Karimpan,
Manippara P.O, Iddukki 685602
Ph. 04862-230266, 230204
Province of Thrissur
9. Thrissur Metropolitan (1887) 4,31,000
Archbishop: Mar Jacob Thoomkuzhy
Vicars General: Msgr. George Manadan
Andrews Thazath Archbishop's House Thrissur 680005
Ph. 0487-2333325, 2338203, 2338204(F)
E-mail: thoomkuzhy@sancharnet.in
10. Irinjalakuda (1978) 2,52,863
Bishop: Mar James Pazhayatil
Vicar General: Msgr. Sebastian Ezhakadan Catholic Bishop's House,
P.B.No.59, Irinjalakuda, 680121
Ph. 0480-2826820, 2826830, 2825050(F)
E-mail: bphijk@eth.net
Website: www.irinjalakudadiocese.org.
11. Palakkad (1973) 65,075
Bishop: Mar Jacob Manathodath
Vicar General: Msgr. Jose Chittilappally Bishop's House, Noorani P.O.,
P.B.No.4, Palakkad 678004,
Ph. 0491-2515277,2525129(F)
E-mail: diocepgt@sancharnet.in
12. Thalassery Metropolitan (1953) 2,89,569
Archbishop: Mar George Valiamattam
Vicar General: Msgr. Mathew Chalil
Bishop Emiritus: Mar Sebastian Valloppilly Archbishop's House, P.B. No.70
Thalassery 670101. Ph. 0490-2325517, 2341058, 2341412(F)
E-mail: diocese@eth.net
13. Belthangady (1999) 20,000
Bishop: Mar Lawrence Mukkuzhy
Vicar General: Msgr. Joseph Mampallikunnel Bishop's House, Belthangady
P.O.,
Court Road, Udaya Nagar, Karnataka 574214
Ph. 08256-302439, 303056(F)
E-mail: bishop@vasnet.co.in
14. Mananthavady (1973) 162800
Bishop:
Administrator: Msgr. George Njaralakkatt Bishop's House, Mananthavady,
Wayanad-670645.
Ph.0493-2540735, 2540745, 2542613, 2540265(F)
E-mail: bphmtdy@vsnl.com
15. Thamarassery (1986) 1,17,105
Bishop: Mar Paul Chittilappilly
Vicar General: Msgr. Sebastian Kanjirakattukunnel Bishop's House,
Thamarassery,
Kozhikode 673573.
Ph. 0495-2223376, 2222569, 2223136,
2223019(F)
E-mail: paulchittilapilly@hotmail.com
Dioceses outside the Proper Territory
Latin Province of Agra
16. Bijnor (1972) 1,896
Bishop: Mar Gratian Mundadan CMI
Vicar General: Msgr. Jose Koottunkal CMI Bishop's House, Kotdwar, Garhwal
246149, Utaranchal
Ph. 01382-222231, 222511(F)
E-mail: bishopgratian@yahoo.co.in
17. Gorakhpur (1984) 2225
Bishop: Mar Dominic Kokkatt CST
Vicar General: Msgr. Cherian Puthusserry CST Bishop's House, Civil Line,
university P.O., Gorakhpur, UP 273009
Ph.0551-2332723, 2333451, 2342357(F)
E-mail: kokkatbishop@hotmail.com
Etawah Mission (1975) 300, (Agra) (Archdiocese of Changanacherry) Civil
Lines Etawah 206001
0568-8254626, 05688-254002
Latin Province of Nagpur
18. Adilabad (1999) 10500
Bishop: Mar Joseph Kunnath CMI
Vicar General: Msgr. Thomas Nelliyani Bishop's House, Mancherial P.O.
Adilabad Dt. Andhra Pradesh 504208
Ph. 08736-258262, 253017, 255933(F)
E-mail: adilabishop@hotmail.com
19. Chanda (1962) 23,682
Bishop: Mar Vijay Anand Nedumpuram CMI
Vicar General: Msgr. Joseph Koikara CMI Bishop's House, Ballarpur,
Chandrapur Dt., Maharashtra 442701
Ph. 07172-241068, 240537, 242729(F)
E-mail: bishopch@nagpur.net.in
Latin Province of Bhopal
20. Jagadalpur (1972) 6411
Bishop: Simon Stock Palathra CMI
Vicar General: Msgr. Kurian Puthumana CMI Bishop's House, Lal Bagh
Jagadalpur, Bastar Dt. MP. 494001
Ph. 0778-228293, 228307(F)
E-mail: bishopjg@bom6.vsnl.net.in
21. Sagar (1968) 6,200
Bishop: Mar Joseph Neelankavil CMI
Vicar General: Msgr. Paul Chungath Bishop's House, P.B.No. 32, Sagar Cantt.,
MP. 470001.
Ph. 0758-222633, 222175(F) E-mail: bishop@bom6.net.in
22. Satna (1968) 2640
Bishop: Mar Mathew Vaniakizhakel V.C
Vicar general: Msgr. Joseph Edatt VC
Bishop Emeritus: Mar Abraham Mattam V.C Bishop's House, Rewa Road P.O.,
P.B. No.22, Satna, MP., 485001
Ph. 0767-224167, 225667(F)
23. Ujjain (1968) 2602
Bishop: Mar Sebastian Vadakel MST
Vicar General: Msgr. Augustine Puthenpura
Bishop Emeritus:Mar John Perumattam MST Bishop's House, P.B. No.234,
Ujjain MP, 456010.
Ph. 0734-515970, 513201(F)
E-mail: svadakel@bom4vsnl.net.in
Latin Province of Mumbai
24. Kalyan (1988) 1,00,000
Bishop: Mar Thomas Elavanal MCBS
Vicar General: Thoms Thalachira Bishop's House, Plot No.B/38,
Powai IIT P.O., Mumbai, 400067
Ph.002-25782385, 25785515, 25776100(F)
E-mail: kalyanbp@bol.net.in
25. Rajkot (1977) 10,000
Bishop: Mar Gregory Karotemprel CMI
Vicar General: Msgr.John Mary Manickamparampil Bishop's House, P.B. No.1,
Rajkot,
Gujarat 360005. Ph. 0281-2563415, 2563891, 2563427(F)
E-mail: bprajkot@wilnetonline.net
Latin Province of Chicago
26. St. Thomas Diocese of Chicago (2001) 1,00,000
Bishop: Mar Jacob Angadiath
Vicar General: Msgr. George Madathiparampil Syro Malabar Catholic Mission
50000, St. Charles Road, Velwood, IL 60104
USA. Ph. 001-708-5447250, 5445890(F)
E-mail: smalabar@aol.com
Bishops from Syro-Malabar Church serving Latin Dioceses
1. Bishop Joseph Pathalil (Changanaserry) Udaipur
2. Bishop George Anathil SVD (Changanaserry) Indore
3. Bishop Em. Theophine Thannikunnel (Pala) Jabalpur
4. Bishop Joseph Augustine Charanakunnel (Pala.) Raipur
5. Archbishop Raphael Cheenath SVD (Thrissur) Cuttack
6. Bishop Symphorain T Keeprath OFM (Pala) Jalander
7. Bishop Peter Celestine Elampassery OFM (Pala) (Jammu & Kashmir)
9. Bishop Thomas Menamparampil SDB (Pala) Guwahati
10. Bishop John Thomas Katrukudy (Kothamangalam) Diphu
11. Archbishop Joseph Mittathany (Pala) Imphal
12. Bishop Jose Mukala (Pala) Kohima
13. Archbishop Abraham Viruthikulangara (Kottayam) Nagpur
14. Bishop Thomas Kozhimala (Kanjirappally) Bhagalpur
15. Bishop George Mamalassery (Pala) Tura
16. Bishop Em. Hypolitas Kunnumkal OFM (Changanassery) Jammu & Kashmir
17. Bishop Emeritus Mathew Cheriankunnel OFM (Changanassery) Nalgonda
18. Archbishop Joseph Chennoth (Ernakulam) Nuncio
19. Archbishop George Panikulam (Irinjalakuda) Nuncio
20. Archbishop George Kochery (Changanassery) Nuncio
21. Bishop Thomas Pullopally (Kothamangalam) Bongaigaru
22. Bishop Mathai Kochuparambil SDB (Kothamangalam) Diphu (+)
23. Bishop Abraham Elanjimattom SDB (Pala) Kohima (+)
Archbishop's House, P.B. 20, Changanacherry, 686101
Telephone: 0481-2420040, 2420379, 2420614
Fax: 0481-2422540
E-mail: abpchry@sancharnet.in
A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST
The Apostolic church of St. Thomas Christians has its origin from St.
Thomas , the apostle, who arrived on the Kerala Coast in A.D.52. The
Metropolitan of "The See of St. Thomas" was "Metropolitan and Gate of all
India". In the course of history this Church entered into hierarchical
relationship with the East Syrian Church and became an autonomous
Metropolitan See under the East Syrian Patriarch in communion with the
Apostolic see of Rome. The "Archdeacon of all India" did the
administration.
The Portuguese missionaries who arrived in the 15th century could not
tolerate the liturgical traditions and the mode of governance of this
church. They latinized our ancient liturgical texts. When the domination
of the Portuguese missionaries became unbearable, a section of this
community broke away from the Western supremacy in 1653.They constitute
the present Malankara Orthodox Churches. We are the descendants of those
who maintained loyalty to the Apostolic See of Rome.
The Archdiocese of Changanassery is one of the first two Vicariates and
the second Metropolitan Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church, after the
establishment of the Syro-Malabar hierarchy which was the prelude to the
restoration of the identity of the Church in1992 as Sui Juis Church,
thanks to the untiring efforts of our forefathers.
It comprises the civil districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta,
Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in the state of Kerala, India.
Total Area: 8450 sq. kms
Total Population: 92,54,161
Catholic Population: 3,80,000
Families: 60,000
(Since this is a quadruple jurisdiction area there are approximately 2
lakhs Syro Malankara Catholics (Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvalla
Dioceses) and 7.5 lakhs Latin Catholics (Alappuzha, Vijayapuram, Punalur,
Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Neyyattinkara Dioceses) and 10000 suddists
(Kottayam diocese.)
Suffragans:
Pala Kottayam
Kanjirappally
Thuckalay
Pope Leo XIII of happy memory by his Bull 'Quod Jam Pridem' dated May 20,
1887 established two Vicariates Apostolic of Kottayam and Thrissur
exclusively for the Syro-Malabarians and Dr. Charles Lavigne and Dr.
Adolph Medlycott respectively were appointed the Vicars Apostolic.
The same Pope reorganised the existing Vicariates by the Bull 'Quae Rei
Sacrae' dated July 28, 1896 establishing a new vicariate, Ernakulam, with
territories carved out from the two existing Vicariates (Pallippuram,
Edappally and Arakuzha divisions from Kottayam Vicariate).
The Vicariate of Kottayam was renamed Changanacherry, since this town had
been the centre of Catholic activity, (eg: the Convocation of the
Changanassery Synod in 1888) and hence its headquarters had been shifted
to Changanacherry in 1891. Indigenous bishops were appointed Vicars
Apostolic to the new Sees. They were Mar Mathew Makil for Changanacherry,
Mar Louis Pazheparambil (from Changanassery Vicariate) for Ernakulam and
Mar John Menacherry for Thrissur.
A new Vicariate of Kottayam was constituted in1911 exclusively for the
Suddists and Mar Mathew Makil was transferred to Kottayam as the Vicar
Apostolic of Suddists and Mar Thomas Kurialacherry was appointed the Vicar
Apostolic of Changanacherry. With the establishment of the Syro-Malabar
Hierarchy on December 21, 1923 by the Bull 'Romani Pontifices' of Pope
Pius XI, the Diocese of Thrissur, Changanassery and Kottayam became
suffragans of the archdiocese of Ernakulam thereby constituting the first
Syro-Malabar Province. On July 25, 1950 the Diocese of Changanacherry was
bifurcated by the Bull 'Quo Ecclesiarum' of Pope Pius XII and the new
Diocese of Palai was created.
The Holy See being impressed by the wonderful progress achieved by the
Syro-Malabarians, extended the hitherto held boundaries of Changanacherry
to the areas south of river Pamba, up to (including) Kanyakumari, by the
Bull 'Multorum Fidelium' of Pope Pius XII, dated April29, 1955.
Changanassery was raised to the status of an archdiocese on July 26, 1956
by Pope Pius XII constituting the second province in the Syro-Malabar
Church and Kottayam and Pala became its suffragans. The Apostolic
Constitution 'Regnum Caelorum' of November 26, 1959 of Pope John XXIII
gave effect to this decision .
The Archdiocese was again divided on 26th February 1977 by the Bull 'Nos
Beati Petri' of Pope Paul VI and the new Diocese of Kanjirappilly was set
up comprising parts of the Civil districts of Kottayam, Idukki and
Pathanamthitta.
The Archdiocese was divided a fifth time when its Kanyakumari Mission was
elevated to the status of a new diocese by the Bull Apud Indorum Gentes of
John Paul II, dated December 18, 1996. The formal inauguration of the new
diocese of Thuckalay and the Episcopal Ordination of Mar George Alenchery
as its first Bishop took place on February 2, 1997.
In 1975 the missionary work of three (now five) civil districts of the
Archdiocese of Agra in the State of Uttar Pradesh was taken up completely
by the Archdiocese of Changanasserry.
Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry
(Kottayam) Mar Mathew Moolakkatt
(Kottayam) Mar Joseph Kallarangatt
(Pala)
Mar George Alencherry
(Thuckalay) Mar Mathew Arackal
(Kanjirappally) Mar Mathew Vattakkuzhiyil
(Kanjirappally)
The Metropolitan Archbishop: Mar Joseph Perumthottam
Born on July 5, 1948, at Punnathura, Joseph had his education in St.
Joseph's High School, Punnathura and St. Berchmans' College, Changanassery.
Completing his seminary studies at St. Thomas Petit Seminary,
Changanassery and St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam, he
was ordained priest on 18 December 1974 by Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil,
then auxiliary bishop of Changanacherry. After his ministry as assistant
parish priest for a few years he was appointed in 1979 as Director of
Sandesanilayam, the Catechetical Centre of the Archdiocese and Chaplain of
Catholic Workers' Movement of the Archdiocese. In the Catechetical field,
he introduced many training programmes, including Catechetical Leaders'
Training (CLT), which is being continued to this day by Sandesanilayam.
In 1983 he was sent for higher studies, at Gregorian University Rome where
he took doctorate in Church History. Back from Rome, in 1989 he was
appointed professor of St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary Vadavathoor and
Missionary Orientation Centre, Manganam, Kottayam and vicar of St.
Sebastian's Church, Kodinattumkunnu. During this period he was
instrumental in starting Marthoma Vidyanikethan at Changanacherry, the
higher institute of religious sciences for the laity at the initiative and
active support of Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil.
. In 1983 he was sent for higher studies, at Gregorian University Rome
where he took doctorate in Church History. Back from Rome, in 1989 he was
appointed professor of St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary Vadavathoor and
Missionary Orientation Centre, Manganam, Kottayam and vicar of St.
Sebastian's Church, Kodinattumkunnu. During this period he was
instrumental in starting Marthoma Vidyanikethan at Changanacherry, the
higher institute of religious sciences for the laity at the initiative and
active support of Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil. This institute is a
unique venture affiliated to Paurastya Vidyapitam, Vadavthoor, conferring
P.G. degree recognized by the Congregation for Catholic Education, Rome
and Rev. Dr. Joseph Perumthottam has been at its helm for the last one
decade. Simultaneously he has been vicar of Mar Sleeba Church, Ponga. He
was nominated auxiliary bishop on 24 April 2002 and was ordained bishop by
Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil at St. Mary's Metropolitan Church,
Changanacherry, on 20 May 2002, the 116th anniversary of the Archdiocese.
Bishop Perumthottam was appointed Archbishop of Changanassery on January
22nd, 2007 and he assumed charge on March 19th, 2007
Mar Joseph Powathil (Archbishop Emeritus)
A profile of Ministry in 'Truth and Charity' Click for more
Born on August 14, 1930 P.J. Joseph had his primary education in Holy
Family L.P. School and St. Peter's U.P. School, Kurumpanadom and High
School education in St. Berchman's High School Changanassery. He had his
higher studies in S.B. College Changanassery and Loyola College, Madras,
from where he took his M.A degree in Economics.
He did his seminary studies in St. Thomas petit seminary, Parel and Papal
Seminary Pune. AfterOrdination on 3rd October 1962 at Pune he was
appointed lecturer in Economics and Warden of St. Joseph's Hostel, St.
Berchmans' College, Changanassery. He was on the campus ministry for one
decade(1962-1972). During this period he had the advantage of taking a one
year course in Developmental Economics at the prestigious Oxford
University.That was in 1969.
He took keen interest also in the study of the ancient patrimony of the
Syro-Malabar Church and for its restoration in accordance with the
directives of Vatican II, as a member of the Central Liturgical Committee
of the Church. He was actively involved in the various apostolate of the
Archdiocese and was secretary of the Pastoral Council for a short period.
On January 29, 1972 he was nominated Auxiliary Bishop of Changanassery and
was ordained bishop by Pope Paul VI on Feb.13, 1972 in Rome. During the
five years of his service as Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General (ex
officio) introduced many reforms in the Archdiocese in close collaboration
with the Archbishop Mar Antony Padiyara.
Realizing the importance of Youth apostolate he took the initiative in
establishing a Diocesan Youth Movement called 'Yuvadeepti'. In course of
time it spread to all the Dioceses in Kerala leading to the formation of
Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM). He was at the forefront in the
struggle for educational freedom. He helped the Archbishop in establishing
several institutions for the under privileged such as homes for the the
mentally retarded and the physically handicapped.
During the next 9 years he was entrusted with the task of nurturing the
new born diocese of Kanjirappally to which he was appointed bishop on
February 26,1977 and assumed charge on May 12, 1977.
Bishop Powathil was appointed Archbishop of Changanassery on November 16,
1985 and he assumed charge on January 17 the next year. True to his motto,
the ministry of Mar Joseph Powathil as bishop and Archbishop has been one
of dedication and commitment to 'Truth and Charity'. Past seventy, and
thirty years in episcopacy, Mar Powathil's ministry transcends the bounds
of the Archdiocese and the people entrusted to his care. He served as
President of CBCI (1994-98), Chairman of KCBC (1993-96) & Chairman of
Education commision of C.B.C.I. He is at present a member of the Post
Synodal Commission for Asia (1998) and Chairman of KCBC Commission for
Education, Chairman of commission for Ecumenism of the Syro Malabar
Bishops' Synod and founder Chairman of Inter Church Council.
The Syro-Malabar Church in which he was born and brought up was always
close to his heart. He was always a devoted son of this Church, and
therefore always on the forefront in the struggles for the restoration of
its legitimate rights and its identity as an Individual Church.
He did a great deal to promote formation based on this, to priests,
religious and the laity (Oriental Study Forum, Dukrana, Christian Orient,
Missionary Orientation Centre (MOC), Amala Theological College, Marthoma
Vidyanikethan, Zion Retreat House etc.). He also founded an Eastern
Monastic congregation - Sisters of St. Thomas (SST). The new priests' Home
stands out as a symbol of his care and concern for the elderly and sickly
priests.
Archbishop Mar Powathil has been a staunch defender of the teachings of
the Magisterium. His concern for the poor, the underprivileged and the
marginalized was such that he initiated a number of schemes for their
development. The Malanad Development Society and Sahyadri Project in
Kanjirappally Diocese, and the various projects of the Changanassery
Social Service Society (CHASS) bear ample testimony to this. Worthy of
special mention also are the foundation of Bl. Alphonsa Sneha Nivas for
street children and Bl. Alphonsa centre for the terminally ill.
Mar Powathil's pastoral outlook is broad and encompasses the non-Catholics
and even the non-Christians. He is well known in the Ecumenical Movement
(Inter-Church Council, Nilackal Ecumenical Trust) and the Church's
fellowship with followers of other religions (Religious Fellowship
Foundation).
The source of Mar Joseph Powathil's sense of mission and dedication is
undoubtedly his commitment to Truth and Charity, enriched by his solid
faith and life in the spirit. Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil retired from
his service on 19th March 2007.
Pastoral Centre Archbishops House
The Metropolitan Curia (CCEO 243-263)
Vicar General (Syncellus)
Very Rev. Fr. Matthew Vellanickal
Tel. 0469-2690446, 2692469
Born: 25-09-1934
Ordained: 12-03-1960
Vicar General: 02-02-1997
Special Charges:
On-going Formation, Spiritual Direction and Annual Retreats of Priests of
the Archdiocese, Renewal Programmes, Changanasserry Bible Convention, Zion
Retreat House.
Vicar General (Syncellus)
Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Naduvilezham
Telephone: 0481-2421162
E-mail:
Born: 24.03.43
Ordained: 18.12.68
Vicar General: 17-07-2007
Special Charges: Department of Education: (Ecclesiastical Educational
Institutions, General & Higher Education: Schools, Colleges (except
Nursing School and Nursing College Chethipuzha), Marthoma Vidyanikethan,
Other Secular Educational Institutions, Movements and Associations in the
field of education: Catholic Teachers Guild, KCSL and CSM, etc.),
Religious: (Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life
Dalit Welfare, Seminarians, Liturgy. Public Relations, Media (Printing
Press, Book Apostolate, Audio-Visual Media Missions: (Etawah Mission),
Benefactors & Funding Agencies, Cultural Heritage: (Museum & Archeparchial
Library)
Vicar General (Protosyncellus)
Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Kurinjiparampil
Telephone: 0481-2420040
Special Charges: Parishes, Priests, Laity, Movements and Associations:
(Family, Youth, CML, Labour Movement etc.), Catechism, Finance, Social
Service: (CHASS, KVS, etc), Health Care, Ecumenism and Dialogue,
Co-ordination of Departments, Other Portfolios that are not entrusted to
the Syncelli.
Born: 18.03.40
Ordained: 13.03.67
Vicar General: -08-2007
Chancellor : Very Rev. Fr. Puthenkalam Thomas
Tel. 0481-2427372
Finance Officer : Very Rev. Fr. Mathew Changamkary
Tel. 0481-2420040, 04813100654
Other Offices:
Correspondent: Rev. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparampil 0481-2420040
Asst. Finance Officer : Rev. Fr. Karikompil Cherian
Vice Chancellor: Fr. Sebastian Kadanthod 2420048(R)
Secretary to the Archbishop: Rev. Fr. Joseph Aryankala
Secretary to the Archbishop Emeritus: Rev. Fr. Thomas Kainikara
Office Assistant : Rev. Sr. Ancina FDSHJ
The Administrative Tribunal (PYNK. 70)
Rev. Dr. Joseph Thoompunkal (President) 0481-2420040, 0484-2606745 (R)
FORANE VICARS (CCEO 276-278)
1. V. Rev. Fr. Antony Porookara Changanassery 0481-2420048
2. V. Rev. Fr. Jacob Thottanany Amboory 0471-2245240
3. V. Rev. Fr. Abraham Mupparathara Champakulam 0477-2736252
4. V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Manakalam Kottayam 0481-2564575
5. V. Rev. Fr. Thumpayil Thomas Manimala 04828-247151
6. V. Rev. Fr. Thomas Kizhakedom Pulincunnu 0477-2702216
7. V. Rev. Fr. Sebastian Viruppel Kollam 0475-2292367
8. V. Rev. Fr. Thomas Kannampally Nedumkunnam 0481-2415161
9. V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Chirakadavil Alappuzha 0477-2238746
10.V. Rev. Fr. Kurian Puthenpura Edathua 0477-2215851
11.V. Rev. Fr. Mathew Kallukalam Kurumpanadom 0481-2472070
12.V. Rev. Fr. John Thadathil (Jr.) Thiruvananthapuram 0471-2302903
13.V. Rev. Fr. Mani Puthiyidam Athirampuzha 0481-2730159
14.V. Rev. Fr. George Koodathil Kudamaloor 0481-2393434
The Presbyteral Council (CCEO. 264-70) (2007)
President : His Grace the Archbishop
Secretary:Rev. Fr. Joseph Panakezham 0481-2322151
College of Metropolitan Consultors (CCEO. 271)
6. V. Rev. Fr. Gregory Onamkulam
1. V. Rev. Dr. Mathew Vellanickal 7. V. Rev. Fr. Antony Kamukumpally
2. V. Rev. Fr. Jos P. Kottaram 8. V. Rev. Fr. Thomas Puthenkalam
3. V. Rev. Fr. Mathew Changamkary 9. V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Pulickal
4. V. Rev. Fr. Jacob Lanithottam 10. V. Rev. Fr. Antony Porookara
Pastoral Council VIII (CCEO. 272-275) (2007)
President : Archbishop Mar Joseph Perumthottam
Vice Presidents :
1. Mar Joseph Perumthottam
2. Msgr. Mathew Vellanickal
3. Msgr. Jos P. Kottaram
Secretary : Prof. Ruble Raj 0481-2430780(R)
The Metropolitan Tribunal (CCEO 1086-1102, 133.3)
Judicial Vicar : Very Rev. Dr. Joseph Mundakathil 0481-2425421
Promoter of Justice : Rev. Fr. Luke Peediackal 0481-2410082
Defenders of Bond:
Rev. Fr. Luke Peediackal
Rev. Dr. Philip Nelpuraparambil
Official Bulletin : Vedaprachara Madhyasthan (1928)
Editor : Rev. Fr. George Noozhaithadam
Catholic Council of India:
Members from the Archdiocese: Rev. Fr. Joseph Panakezham
Prof. P C Aniyankunju
Dr. Mariamma Joseph
Prof. Joy Joseph
Kerala Catholic Council: Member from the Archdiocese: Sri. Joseph
Nelluvely
Central Liturgy Committee of SMBS: Very Rev. Fr. Jos P. Kottaram &
Rev. Fr. Jose Kochuparampil
Finance
Holy Childhood Society V. Rev. Fr. Mathew Changamkary (Procurator)
Rev. Fr. Cherian Karikompil (Asst.Procurator) 2420040,
2420614
Chelakara Rev. Fr. Philip Thayil 04884-252494
Catechetics
Kathiroly
Cherupushpa Mission League
Vocation Bureau Rev. Fr. Joseph Panakezham
2411912, 2412917,
Bible Apostolate Rev. Fr. Mathew Kalam 9847197672
Marthoma Vidyanikethan
Fr. Placid Memorial Library
Liturgy
Eastern Theological Association
Eastern Catholic Association Rev. Fr. Jose Kochuparampil 2421891
Catholic Enquiry Centre
Missionary Orientation centre
Rev. Fr. James Palackal 0481-2575450(R)
General Education
Rev. Fr. Mathew Nadamukham 2420378
Catholic Teachers' Guild Rev. Fr. Mathew Nadamukham 2420378
Higher Education V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Naduvilezham 2420040, 2421162
Catholic Students Movement Rev. Fr. Jose Thekkedam 2420211
CICAR, Museum
Rev. Fr. Antony Nerayath
Rev. Fr. Thomas Parackal
2411211, 2415458(R)
9847124005
SADAS Rev. Fr. Thomas Thykattussery 2420199
Book Apostolate
Vedaprachara Madhyasthan
St. Joseph's Orphanage Press Rev. Fr. Padinjarekutt Mathew 2411820,
2411821
sjopress@sify.com
CHASS,
Ministry for Justice
INFAM Rev. Fr. Jacob Kattady 2402345, 2411817,
2400085(Coptac)
2426590(MCS-CHASS Computer Centre)
9447140234
2400085(INFAM), 2411216, 2402406, 2402735
Dalith Welfare (DCMS) Rev. Fr. Benny Kuzhiyady
Kuttanad Vikasana Samithi Rev. Fr. Thomas Peelianickal,
Rev. Fr. Antony Maleackal 0477-2703624, 2707494 (R)
0477-2762186 (R)
Ministry for Labour
Vayojanavedi Rev. Fr. Martin Thyparampil 2411216, 0477-2702153(R)
Chethipuzha Hospital Rev. Fr. Joseph Kurinjiparampil 2721797
Catholic Nurses Guild Rev. Fr.Thomas Plaparampil 2721594,5,6,7,
2723953
ATMATA Rev. Fr. Thomas Kochelechengalam
2411819, 9846090643
atmata@vsnl.com
atmata@sancharnet.in
ACCEPT Rev. Fr. Antony Pullukattu 0477-2253318
Sandesh Communications
SIITMAR Rev. Fr. Sebastian Punnassery 2401215, 2411675(R)
Ecumenism and Dialogue Rev. Fr. Philip Nellipuraparampil 2420040
Public Relations Prof. P.C. Aniyankunju 2420040, 2431114 (R)
Family Apostolate
SEC Rev. Fr. James Kunnil
Rev. Fr. Jacob Cheeramvelil 2424476,
9447401161
Kudumba Jyothis Rev. Fr. Jose Thekepurath 2424476, 2423290(R)
Yuvadeepti
Yuvadeepti Career G Centre Rev. Fr. Varghese Puthenpurackal 2411217,
2426552,
04813100809
Kerala Catholic Students League Rev. Fr. George Manthurthil 2411816
St. Vincent De Paul Society Sri. C.C James (President) 2525688(R)
St. Vincent De Paul Society
All Kerala Catholic Congress
Zion Retreat House V. Rev. Fr. Mathew Vellanickal (Spiritual Adviser)
0469-2692469,
2690446
St. Joseph's PPFA Rev. Fr. Job Vallayil (Secretary) 0481-2421987
Legion of Mary Rev. Fr. Mathew Thanniath 2447634
CANA Rev. Fr. Jacob Koippally
Danahalaya Rev. Fr. Thomas Thyparampil
Amala Theological College Rev. Fr. Mathew Mullassery
Ettawah Mission Rev. Fr. Thomas Ezhikkad
Sanjivani Rev. Fr. Antony Mannarkulam
Prison Ministry Rev. Fr. Jacob Vattackad
Franciscan Almaya Sabha Rev. Fr. Jomon Asamparampil 2420921
Priests
Aerathedom Philip Vallanchira St. Johns the Baptists Church, Nedumkunnam,
Kottayam 686 5420481-2415161
04828-247501
Aiyankary Joseph Champakulam St. Mathews Church, Kottackapuram,
Kottayam 0481-2537453
0477-2736797
Alencherry Isaac B.A. Kurichy Metertopolitan Tribunal, Parel,
Changanacherry 686 104 (Manackachira Asst. Vicar[addl])09448513664
0481- 2431236
Alencherry Isaac DD Kurichy Chaplain, Lourdes Matha Hospital, Pacha,
Alappuzha 9447420867
0481- 2431236
Alencherry Jose MA, PhD Thuruthy CANA, Thuruthy Changanaseri 686535 0481
-2321143
0481- 2320176
Alencherry Joseph Kurichy St.Marys Church, Parel
Changanaseri 686 104 0481-2420218
Alummoottil Joseph Alapuzha St. Mathews Church, Kottackapuram
0477-2243060 689 580 0481-2537453
Alumparampil Thomas Kumarakam V. MangalavarthaChurch, Arumanoor 686
568 0481-2542625
0481-2525699
Alunkal Joseph Lourdes Forane Church, Kottayam Kottayam 686
001 0481-2564575
Ampalathumkal Jacob Kadayanickadu FSt. Marys Church, Kumarankary,
Alappuzha 686 103 0477-2753496
04828-247807
Ampalathumparampil Francis B.A. Edathua Little Flower Church, Aryad,
Alappuzha 686 006 0477-2258363
0477-2212234(P)
Anchil Mathew Thathampally Mainpuri St. Thomas, Civil Lines
205001 UP 09411239672
0477-2235657
Anchupankil Jacob Nedumanny St. Mary’s Church
0481- 2486029 Kainakary 688 501 0477-2724233
Aniyara Antony Champakara St. Joseph's Priest Home Veroor,
0481- 2707660 686 104 Changanacherry 0481-2724917
Arupara Joseph St. Marys Forane Church, Pulinkunnu, Alappuzha 688
504 0477-2702216
Aryankala Thomas Cheruvandoor Secretary to Archbishop, Archbishops
House, Changanacherry 0481-2420040
0481-2537909
Athikalam James B.Com. Ithithanam Sacred Heart Church, Vavode
Thiruvananthapuram 695 129 0471-2272131
0481-2721871(P)
Ayila Thomas Manimala Old Kidangara 686 107
04828-247919 Alapuzha 0477- 27535062
Ayyammathara Jacob Kiliroor Jaya Matha Forane 04651-
0481- 2567212 Church, Nidravilai 240193
P.OKK Dt 629 154
Chackathara Jacob Champakulam St. Sebastians Church, Ayarkunnam Kottayam
686 564 0481-2542274
0477-2736798
Chackupurackal Kurian Pulinkunnoo Kath.Pfarrat t.J 0049-
0477-2702203 Forchheimer 9133-601448
Str.25 91083, 9847391909
Baiersdorf, Germany
Chalangady George Muhamma Navanazareth Church
0478- 2862963 Kumarakom 686 563 0481-2524496
Chalassery Joseph DD Athirampuzha Rector, St. Thomas Minor Seminary
0481- 2595367 Kurichy, Thuruthy P.O 686 535
0481-2322252
Chamakala Sebastian Villonni, Arpookara Lourdes Matha Church, Mampuzhakary,
Alappuzha 689 590 0477-2702153
0481-2597876(Parish)
Changamkary Abraham Changanaseri St. Thomas Church, Paipadu Kottayam 686
548 0481-2446189
0481-2426750
Changankary Mathew MCL Veroor Archbishop's House Changanassery 686 101
0481-2726509 0481-2420040, 0481-3100654
Chavara Philip B.A Kudamaloor Director, Alphonsa Bhavan
0481- 2598556 Old Age Home, Kudamaloor, Kottayam 0481-2597786
Checkathadam George Kottackapuram St.Dominic Mission
0481- 2530971 ShikhohabadU P 05672-34889, 09412308422
Chenckonthayil Thomas M.A B.Ed Kudamaloor St. Antony’s Priest home
0481- 2590417 Mudiyoorkara
Cheeramvelil Jacob Muttar N St. Basil’s Church
0477- 2400936 Manimala New - 686 543 04828-248551 9447401161
Chekkathara Antony Kainady St. Joseph’s Priest’s Home
0477-2747441 Veroor ( P.O.) Ithithanam 686104
0481-2724917
Chennattusserry Jose Manalady St. Paul's Church, 0477-
0477- 2707176 Vezhapra 689 600 2705514
Cheppila Scaria B.A. Punnakkunnathussery St. George Church, Muhamma,
Alappuzha 688 525 0478-2862411
0477- 2707061
Chethipuzha Jacob M.A., B.Ed Kurumpanadam St. John the Bp. College Of
Education, Nedumkunnam 9447480121, Kottayam 686542 0481-2415867
0481- 2471008
Chethipuzha Mathew Kadeinickad St. Marys Church, Vadakkekara, Kottayam
686 104 0481-2720392
0498- 2270245
Chethipuzha Varghese MA Kurumpanadam St. Augustine's Church 140 Maple Ave
0481- 2473398, 2472051 , Newcity NY. 10956,
USA 845-638-6056,634-3641
Chirakadavil Joseph Thuruthy Mar Sleeva Forane Church, Alappuzha
Kottayam 686 008
0481-2431275(P) 0481-2597876
Chittookalam Cyriac BA Kumarakam NN Assumption Church, Kurumpanadom,
Kottayam 686536 0481-2462402 9446119633
0481- 2524146
Choolaparampil Joseph BA Punnapra Holy Cross Church, Purackadu
0477- 2287516 Alappuzha 690 551 0477-2272232
Choorakkattu Zacharias Kudamaloor St. Josephs Priest Home, Veroor,
Ithithanam, 686 104
0481- 2311639 0481-2724917
Choorapuzha Scaria BA Punnathura St. Pius X Church Moncompu
0481- 2542611 Alappuzha-688 502
0477-2703837
Chooravady Mathew Pullangady St. Marys CHurch, Parel, Changanacherr,
Kottayam 686 1040481-2420218, 9447473499
0477-2274654
Chundakattil James MSW, B.Ed Athirampuzha Mar Sleeva Forane Church,
Alappuzha 688 001 0477-2251746 9447659759
0481- 2532248
Edachethra Varghese Kudamalloor St. Francis Church, Poonthoppe, Alappuzha
688 006
0481-2599452 0477-2234154
Edathinakam George Anickad SABS Convent
0481- 2551345 Vazhappally 686 103
Edayalil Jacob Ayarkunnam CCCHI, JPM Training Centre, Pattamthuruth,
Kollam 691 601 0476-2680332
0481-2542689
Elamkulam Kurian Champakulam Sta Clara De Monte falco Parish
2360 P. Burgos St 0633-25504709
Pasay City, 1300 00639278713417
Metro Manila, Philippines
Erupathinalil Mathew B.A. Puthukary Fathima Matha Church, Pandy,
0477-2213004 Karuvatta – Alappuzha 690517 0477-2213265
Eruthanattu Joseph Vaipur New St. Thomas Church,
0469-2495493 Punnathura West P.O.
Ettumanoor, Pallikunnu, 686 6310481-2537146
Ethackad Antony Kurumpanadam St. Josephs Priest Home
0481- 2473238 Veroor, Ithithanam, 0481-2215384 , Mary Matha Church,
Chengannoor
Ettuparayil George BA Thekkekara OLPH Church, Mannancherry, Alappuzha 688
538 0477-2290072
0477-2707031(P)
Ezhikad Thomas, MA, B.Ed. Punnaveli St. Mary’s Inter College Etawah, 209
601 U P
0481-2416012 09415167454,05688- 254002
Ezhunoottil Sebastian BA Edathua S H Nellippally, Punalur, Kollam 691
305 0475-2226206
0477- 2213686
Kadamthode Sebastian BA MOCLChanganassery Archbishop House, Changanacherry
686 101 0481-2420040 9447870039
0481- 2427711
Kadathukalam Abraham Veroor St. Micheals Church, Thathampally, Alapuzha
688 013 0477-2244138
0481- 2422638
Kainikara Thomas Secretary, Archbishop House, Changanacherry 686
101 0481-2420040
Kaithaparampil Joseph Vezhapra Lourdes Matha Church Meenkulam , Kollam
691 311 0475-2304307
0477- 2705586
Kaithaparampil Varghese Thottackad Fathima Matha Church, Nedumanny,
Kottayam - 686 542 0481-2415161
0481- 2463564
Kalachery Joseph Kainakary SABS. Prov. House 0481-
0477- 2724305 Koothrappally-686 540 2485146
Kalachery Sebastain MA, M.Ed. Kainakary St. Xaviers Church,
Thrickodithanam, Kottayam 686 105 0481-2441358
0477-2724305
Kalapura Tom Varghese Edathua Penuel Ashram
0477- 2212990 Thampalackad 686506
Kanjirapally 04828-222902
Kalapurackal Peter Kandamkary St. Antony's Church, Thayamkary,
0477- 2736405 Alapuzha 689 722 0477-283170
Kalarickal George Pullangady St Joseph's Priest Home Veroor, Ithithanam 686
104 0481-2724917
0477-2736359
Kalarickal Joseph Laikad St Joseph's Priest Home Veroor, Ithithanam 686
104 0481-2724917
0481-2401454
Kalarickal Joseph(Jr.)B.A. Pullangady OLPH Church Mannanchery (Res.
Muhamma) 688538 0477-2290072
0477-2737069
Kalathil Cyriac MA Kainakary St. Francis Assisi Church
0477-2724452 Poonthope, Alappuzha - 688 006 0477-2234154
Kalathil George Pallikkoottumma 0477-2707512 St Joseph's Priest Home
Veroor, Ithithanam 686 104 0481-2724917
Kalathil Mathew M.A., M.Th. Thrickodithanam St.Mary’s Church, Punnamada
Alappuzha 688006 0477-2234048 9447833055
0481- 2446177
Kalayamkandom Mattam James, B.A Kurumpanadam Assm. 0481-2460193 Asst.
Finance Officer, St Thomas Hospital & Nursing College, Chethipuzha 0481-2729000,
2729100, 2720947
Kalayil Jacob BA Kurumpanadam Assum. 0481-2461454 USA
Kalayil Joseph Kurumpanadom Assum. 0481- 2462719 St Mary's Church,
Thuruthy 686 535 Changanassery 0481-2320167
Kalayil Varghese BA Mayam St. George’s Church
0471-2245303 Muhamma – 688 525 0478-2862411
Kallukalam Mathew BD. Changanassery St. Antony’s F.Church
0481-2421413 Kurumpanadam, Perumpanachy -
686536 0481-2472070
Kallupura Zacharias MA Pulincunnu Christ the King Church, Kuttikonam,
Makkannur, Kollam 691 508 0475-2323838
0477-2702396
Kambiyil Thomas BA Pangada Lourdes Hill, Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram 695
005 0471-2539768
0481-2506927
Kamukumpally Antony DD Cheppumpara Paurastya Vidyapittam, P B No. 10
Vadavathoor, Kottayam 686 010 0481-2578319
0481- 2543103
Kanchickal Philip Pacha-Chekkidikadu Holy Magi Church, Manimala, Kottayam
686 543 04828-247151
0477-2212991
Kandankary Xavier Changanassery Suthwiesen Str. 438226 Salzgitter,
0481- 2423114 Germany. 0049-5153 6723
Kandathiparampil Joseph St. Marys Church, Parel, Changanacherry, Kottayam
686 1040481-2420218
Kanjirathummoottil Thomas BA Thuruthy Little Flower Church, Chunkappara,
Pathanamthitta 686 547 0469-2696270
0481- 2320325
Kanjooparampil Zacharias Nazareth Lourdes Matha Church, Pacha-
Chekkidikadu, Alappuzha 689 5800477-2212302
0477- 2707091
Kanjooparmpil Thomas B.A. Nazareth St. Marys Church, Vazhappally,
Kottayam
0477- 2702767
Kannadippara Sebastian St. George Forane Church, Edathua, Alappuzha 689
573 0477-2212234
Kannampallil Thomas Veroor St. Johns the Baptist Forane Church
0481- 2474304, 2473298 Nedumkunnam, Kottayam 686 542 0481-2415161
Kanyakonil Scaria Veliyanad S. St. Thomas Minor Seminary
0477- 2753701 Kurichy, Thuruthy P.O 686 535
0481-2322252
Karikampally James M.A., STD. Pacha-Chekkidikkad Katholisches Pfarramt
0477- 2212107 Sebalder Strasse 14 ,0049-
91077 Dormitz 9134-5708
Germany
Karikompil Cherian Athirampuzha House Procurator, Archbishops House,
Changanacherry 686 101 (Addl. S H Church, Thottuvathala, (0477-2763648))
0481-2420040
0481-2531726
Karippingampuram Abraham B.A Villoonni Asst. Director, CHASS & St.
Antonys Church, Paral 686 103 0481-2423290
0481-2597876(P)
Karivelil Zacharias Kottackapuram St. Thomas Church Mavelikara Mar
Thoma Sleeha Centre 0479 Niranam P.O, Kadapra, 2303469
0481- 2537793
Karukakalam Benedict Changanaserry St. Antony's Priest Home
0479- 2452503, Mudiyoorkara 686 008 Ktym
0481- 2423734 0481-2597417
Karukakalam Thomas Mithrakary Rector, Mar Thoma Sleeha Shrine, Niranam
0477- 2707118
Karukakalam Thomas (Jr.) B.A. Mithrakary Study Rome
0477- 2707118
Karukaparampil Cherian M.Th Kurichy Kolleg St. Benedikt, Toskanimhot
0481-2400363 St. Peter Berzirk, A -5020, Salsburg,
Austria
Karukayil Jacob B.A. Edathua Collegio San Norberto Viale Giotto – 27Roma
– 00153 Italy.06571766211,3341983435(Cell)
0477- 2213940
Karukayil Joseph B.A. Edathua Lourdes Public School, Kottayam 686
002 0481-2580010
0477- 2213940
Karukayil Joseph B.A. Thekkekara St. Francis Xavier's Church, Kattachira
686 572 Ktym 0481- 2536505
0877-2707031(P)
Karukayil Thomas Thathampally Study, German
9847091311
Karuvelil Francis BA Kumarakam S. SJCC, Kurisummood, Changanacherry,
Kottayam 686 104
0481- 2525798
Karuvelil John Philgiri St. Sebastian's Church
0474-2439545(P) Cheriyavelinaloor 0475-2467833
691 516
Kattady Jacob, B.A. Mithrakary Director CHASS, Changanacherry 0481-2402345,
2411216, 9447420868
0477- 2212160
Kattady Mathew M.A, MSW. Thuruthy Norbert House, P B No. 20 Mananthawady,
Wayanad 670 645
0481- 2720653
Kattampally Sebastian Edathua St Joseph's Priest Home Veroor, Ithithanam
686 104 0481-2724917
0477- 2215133
Kattappuram Joseph B.A. Pacha-Chekidekadu Asst. Director, Catechetical
Dept., Sandesanilayam, Archbishops House, Changanacherry 686
101 0481-2420040 9447103925
0477- 2214241
Kattoor Jacob Tharakanattukunnu, Vice Postulator Metropolitan Church
Changanacherry686 101
04828-262193 0481-2400006, 2429669
Kattuparampil James BA Changanassery Kattuparampil, Perunna West,
Changanacherry 686 102
0481-2421105
Kattuppara Antony Villoonni, St. Mary's Church, Manalady
0481-2599952 689595 Ramamkary
0477-2707650
Kavithazhe Philip Kurichy St. Nicholas Church, Karumady, Alappuzha 0477-2272272
0481-2321275(Parish)
Kayamkulathusserry Joseph St. Marys Cathedral Church, Changanacherry,
Kottayam 686 1010481-2400006, 2420048
Kayamkulathusserry Thomas St. Xaviers Church, Arpookara, Kottayam 686
008 0481-2597876
Kayyalakathu Jacob MA Ithithanam Vadakechalackal, Malakunnam
0481- 2321137 686552 Kottayam
0481-321137
Kiliroor Mathew M.A, DSD, Ph.D Edathua Kath.Pfarramt t.J Forchheimer
Str.25 D91083, Baiersdorf Germany 0049-9133- 2334
0477-2232507
Kinganamchira Michael St. George Forane Church, Amboori,
Thiruvananthapuram 695 505 0471-2245240
Kizhakkedam Thomas Puthukkary Holy Family Church Podippara, Kottayam 686
552 0481-2321332
0477- 2706652
Kizhakkemury Joseph Mar Sleeva Forane Church, Alappuzha 688
001 0477-2251746
Kizhakkeveettil Antony BA Kurumpanadam Pfarrstrasse 2 91356
Kirchehrenbach 0049. Germany 91916219709
0481-2472067
Kizhakkeyil Peter BA Aruvikuzhy Chaplain, St. Thomas Hospital & St.
Thomas College of Nursing, Chethipuzha, Kottayam 0481-2729000, 2729100,
2725801, 2720947, 2723953
0481-2551748
Kochelechengalam Thomas Champakulam Archbishop's House Changanassery
MA 0477-2736867 686 101 0481-2411819, 9846090643
Kocherry Damianose Parel Holy Family Church, Parampuzha, Kottayam 686
028 0481-2597469 ,9447108632
0481- 2422043
Kochuchira Joseph BA Kumarakom N St. Georges Church,
Edapalayam-Kalthurutty 691 309
0481-2524627 0475-2211492, 9895241553
Kochukarott Joseph MA Kooropada St. Francis Church, Kattachira, Kottayam
686 572
0481-2506028 0481-2536505 , 9447136565
Kochumalayil John MSW Vettimukal St. Mary's Church, Kudamaloor,
Kumaranalloor, Kottayam 686 017 0481-2393434
0481-2530905
Kochuparampil George BA Vezhapra Kath. Pfarramt St.
Willibald,Zengerstrasse 12,90471 Nurnberg,
0478-2863053 Germany 0049-911-8147765
Kochuparampil Jose M.A., STD Aruvikuzhy Archbishop's House. Changanassery 686
101
0481-2552079 0481-2420040, 2421891
Kochuparampil Sebastian B.A. TVM. Lourdes Our Lady of Lourdes, 373 Bowes
Road, New South Gate, NII IAA, U.K. 020 8368 163802083613172(F)
0471- 2414804
Kochupurackal Jacob Kidangara Sacred Heart Church, Rajamattam
0477- 2423458 Kottayam 686 539 0481-2486441
Kochuthara Thomas B.Sc., DD Champakulam St. Ephrem's Theological College
Satna P.B 26, 48500107671-272208
0477-2225541
Kodianthara Philip Kayalpuram Little Flower Forane Church Manjalummood P.O
629151 K.K Dt.04651-286859
0477-2703962
Kodickal Varghese Changanassery St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary Vadavathor,
Kottayam 686 010
0481-2427041 0481 - 2571893
Koippally Francis Changanassery St Joseph's School, NTPC Dibyapur
0481- 2422246 , Aurayya 206244 UP 05683-224640
Koippally Jacob BA Thrikodithanam CANA Training and Counseling Centre Thuruthy,
686 535 0481-2321142 , Pathanapuram Church (Addl.)
0481- 2442418
Kokkatt Kuruvila MA Elikulam Director,Asha Niketan, Alampur Hauz
0482-2225532 Etawah, U.P. - 206 001, Spiritual Father, Jeevan Jyothi Minor
Seminary Etawah (addl) 05688-254002, 254626
Kollamparampil Antony DD, M.A., SLD, LCL Pullangady Via della Scorfa 70
00186 Rome, Italy
0477-2211662 0039-0669861422
Kollaparampil Augustine Aryankavu Holy Family Church Mudiyoorkara
0475-2211662 Kottayam 686 008 0481-2597519
Kollathuparampil Joseph St. Josephs Church, Veoor, Kottayam 686 106 0481-
2720870
Kollara Joseph BA Vallamchira Collegio Sacerdotale Tiberinum
04828-248341 Via San Franceso di Sales 26-27
00165 Roma, Italy
0039-06-68210999
Kolongottil Cyriac Arpookara Holy Family Church Mannila, Mammood, Kottayam
686 553
0481-2599606 0481-2473369
Koodathil George Ithithanam St. Marys Church Kudamaloor
0481-2729936 Kottayam. 686 017 0481-2393434
Kooroth Jacob BA Parampuzha Parrocchia San Liborio, Via, Tino Buazzalli
7000137, Rome 06820 03546
0481-2790509
Koottummel Antony Thekkekara St. Marys Church, Koothrappally,
Kottayam 0481-2485446
0477-2615060
Koottummel Cyriac Nazareth San Jos Ice Plant Neendakara,
0477-2704407 Kollam - 691 582
0476-2680332
Koottummel George Kayalpuram M Th Study, Puna JDV
0477-2615409
Koottummel Sebastian BA Nazareth Bursar, Boarding House Rector S H,
Kilimala, Kottayam 686 105
0477-2702878 0481-2447634
Kottaram Jos BD Ithithanam, S B HSS, Changanacherry 686 101 9847616905
joskot@rediffmail.com 0481-2724549
2729566
Kottaram Thomas Nedumkunnam St. Mary's Church Koothrappally,
0481-2487519 686 540 Kottayam
0481-248546
Kottayarukil Cyriac DD Athirampuzha St. Thomas Bhavan, CST Prov. House,
Chelavoor, Kozhikode
0481-2536930 0495-2730196
Kottayil Cyriac (Jr.) M.A. Ithithanam Little Flower Church, Madappally,
Kottayam 686 546 0481-2472253
0481-2431114
Kulamkuthiyil Jacob Athirampuzha Kulamkuthiyil, Kottackapuram,
Athirampuzha
0481-2536454
Kulathumkal Thomas Eravuchira Higher Studies, Nagpur
0481-2461675
Kunnakkattuthara Zacharias B.A. Punnathura St. Athanasius Church,
Mallappally
0481-2542880 689 585 0469-2680482
Kunnathettu Antony Ayarkunnam St. Sebastian's Church Chanjody 686
105 0481-2442104
0481-2543408
Kunnel Panthamakal Philip Koothrappally St. Marys Church, Dalmugham,
Thiruvananthapuram 695 125 0471-2255479
0481-2488863
Kunnil James Alappuzha Archbishop's House, Changanacherry, 0481-2424476, 9447230377
0477-2242460
Kunniparampil Xavier Changanasserry St. Antonys Church, Thadiyoor 689
545 0469-2654111
0481-2410373
Kunnumpuram Philip MA Vaipur Old St. Joseph’s Priest Home
0469-2687753 Veroor, Ithithanam 686 104 0481-2724917
Kunnumpuram Thomas MA Arpookara St. Josephs Church Kurichy, Kottayam
686535 0481-2321275
0481-2427011
Kunnuparampil Joseph M.Th Thuruthy St. Josephs Church, Philgiri
0481-2320173 691 306 0474-2439545
Kurasseril Jacob B.A Kainady German Study
0477-2748040 9447183059
Kurialanickal John BA Vaipur New St. Mary’s Church
0481-2496321 Thekkupara - 695 505
Kurinjiparampil Joseph Ithithanam Vicar General, Archbishops House,
Changanacherry 686 101, Director, St. Thomas Hospital Chethipuzha, 0481-2420040
0481-2726546
Kurinjiparampil Sebastian Ithithanam St.Joseph’s School
0481-2463898 N.T.P.C, Dibiyapur
Etawah mission
Kuthukallumkal Thomas BCom Arpookara St. Sebastians Church, Kodinattukunnu,
Kottayam 686 105 0481-2443732
0481- 595606
Kuttichira Anto Director, Chibbaramau Mission & Manager, S.H. Sevashram
School, Etawah
Kuttikkattil Sebastian Ettawah
Kuzhimannil John Paippad Spl. Director, Kurichy Seminary
0481- 2427286 0481-2421485
Kuzhivelikalam Paul Edathua St. Josephs Priest Home
0477- 2215384 Veroor 0481-2215384
Kuzhiyadiyil Joseph Paipadu St. Thomas, St. Marys Church, Thuruthy,
Kottayam 686 535 0481-2320167
9447365584
Kuzhuppil Thomas MA Koothrapally Good Shepherd Major Seminary
0481- 2488608 Kunooth, Kiliyanthara
Iritty, Kannur 670 706
Lanithottam Jacob Manimala Old St. Thomas Church, Paippad, Nalukody,
Kottayam 686 548
04828-247172 0481-2446189
Madappatt John Vaipur New St. Joseph's Church Vaipur,
0469-2494920, 2495320 686651 Kulathur Prayar
0469-2685331
Madathil Joseph ,Muttar New St. Thomas Church Muttar New
0477-2212177 689 574 Alapuzha 0477-2218410
Madathiparampil George MA, Ph.D Thathampally St.Patrick'sChurch61910 St.
NW,
0484- 2394918, Washington, DC
2394525 20001- 2023472713
Madathiparampil John BA Kurumpanadam St. Antony’s Church , Vaisyambhagam,
Alapuzha Dt. 688605 0477-2736501
0481-2462402(P)
Madathiparampil Mathew Thatahampally Lourdes Matha Church, Charamangalam
688 539 0478- 2813424 09412395554, SL Puram (Addl)
0477-2235820
Malieckal Antony B.A. Pulinkunnu St. Gregory's Church, Kesaria, Veliyanad
North 689 590
0477-2704497
Malieckal Thomas B.A. Veroor Lourdes Matha Church, Kallooppara, Puthussery
689 602 9447224550
0481- 2473206
Malayil Thomas MA, B.Ed Punnathura S H HSS Changanacherry 686102
0481- 2543001 0481-2420534
Mammottil Joseph Kurumpanadom Bursar, Boarding Rector, S H EMHSS
Changanacherry, Kottayam 686 1020481-2427534
0481-2473538
Mamparampil Paul BA Kannady St. Johns Church, Thekkekkara, Alappuzha 688
503
0477-2707442 0477-2707031
Manakalam Joseph DD Thakazhy Lourdes Forane Church, Kottayam 686 002
0481-2564575, 9846090643
0477-2274607
Manakunnel John BA Veroor St. Joseph's Church, Thellakam
0481- 2422534 686 016 0481-2790878, 9847190369
Mancherikalam Sebastian BA Mallappally St. Marys Church, Pulinkunnu,
Alappuzha 688 504 0477-2702216
0469-2691078
Mangalam Thomas B.A. Thuruthy Mar Sliva Church, Sleevapuram
0481-2411746 Ponga 688 512
0477-2762188
Mangalathil George MA, DCL Vettimukal Good Shepherd Seminary Kunnoth
Kilianthara, Kannoor 670 706 0490-2491095, 2492174
0481-2537247
ManianchiraThomas BA Cheppumpara Director Amala P. Centre, Marthomagiri,
Venjarummoodu, Tvm 695 607
0481-2544304
Maniparampil Francis BA Parapookara
0487-2753610
Mannanthuruthil Sebastian BA Pandy St. Gregory's Church, Punnapra,
0477-2214413 Alappuzha 688 004 0477-2287229
Mannarkulam Antony DD Kottangal Sanjeevani, Nedumkunnam - 686542 Kottayam
0469-2696683 0481-2415467, 2416619
Mannila Antony Kurumpanadam Assum Lourdes Matha Church Aruvikuzhy,
Kottayam 686 503 0481-2551310
0481-2473863
Mathilakathukuzhy Varghese St. Josephs F Church & St. Theresas Church
Kavalam, Alappuzha 0477-2747368
Manthuruthil George BA Puthukary KCSL Director, Archbishop House,
Changanacherry 0481-2420040 (Ex. Dir CML & Vocations Bureau & Priest in
charge Vadakkekara [Addl])9447432531
0477-2707471
Mattappally Thomas BA, B. Lib. Sc. Elangulam, St. Sebastian’s Church
Cheruvandoor 686631 0481-2535221
0482-2894484
Mattathil George Little Flower Church, Kulathoor, Pathanamthitta 689
588 0469-2696221
Mattathil Mathew Koothrappally Christ the King Church, Ettumanoor,
Kottayam 686 631
0481-2472826 0481-2537776
Mattathil Varghese Chanjody St.Mary's Inter College,
0481-2441663 Etawah, U.P.
05688-254626
Meprath Mathew Thathampally St. Josephs Priest Home
0477-2246810 Veroor 0481-2215384
Moolamkunnam George B.Sc. Changanassery Bursar, MOC & M. Th. Studies
0481-2423319
Moolayil AntonyB.A Kurumpanadom Collegium Lateranense 003906-
0481- 2463335 Viale Alessandrino, 251011
67500172 Roma Italy, 3398173061
Moonattumugham Mathew .B.A Chennamkary St. Ritas Church
0477-2762217 Thakazhy – Thennady 689 562
9847421811 0477-2274248 , ATMATA (Addl.)
Moozhurcheruvelil Joseph MA B.Ed Velianad N. Deva Matha Church, Pampady
(Res. Lourdes Public School
0477-2747416 Kottayam 686 002)
9447566603, 0481-2506615
Mudanthanjelil Martin Thekkekara Holy Family Church, Thirumala,
Thiruvananthapuram 695 006 0471-2353667
0477-2702071
Mukalel Jose B.A., Mudiyoorkara St. Josephs Church, Champakara, Kottayam
686542 0481-2485221
0481-2594511
Mulackal James MA, BEd Changanassery Bellville Catholic ChurchRhos Street
Bellville7530P.O.Box 1588,
0481- 2426385 Bellville 7535,Cape Town S.Africa 09910219484453Fax-02194
82050
Mulavana Joseph Muttar New Little Flower Church, Kulathoor, Pathanamthitta
689 588
0477-2219250 0469-2696221
Mullakariyil Joseph B.A Mayam Professor, St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary
Vadavathor, Kottayam 686 010 0481 - 2571893
0471- 2245588
Mullankuzhy George MSc Kurichy S.B. College, Changanassery686101
0481-2434557 0481-2421723
Mullanpara John MSc Amboori S.B College, Changanassery 686101
0481-2245864 0481-2401904
Mullassery Mathew MTh Champakulam Amala Theological College, Parel,
Changanacherry 9447257870
0477- 2736211
Mundakathil Joseph Jude Edathua Metropolitan Tribunal, Vianey Home Parel-
686104 Changanassery 0481-2425421
0477-2213551
Mundattuchundayil Xavier Nirmalapuram St. Sebastian's Church
0469-2696482 Ayarkunnam 686564
0481-2542274
Mundunadackal Isaac Ithithanam S H Church, Thiruvallam, Thiruvananthapuram
695 027, (Pongamoodu Hospital)
0481-2722959 0471-2381220, 9447457061
Mupparathara Abraham Kiliroor St. Marys Forane Church, Champakulam,
Alappuzha 688 505
0481-2300330 0477-2736252
Muriankavunkal Dominic B.Sc. Kurumpanadom Archbishop's House
0481-2472175 Changanaseri, 686 101
0481-2420040, 9447407724
Muringayil Joseph Cheppumpara St. Joseph's Church,
0481-2543510 Punnakunnathussery 688 504
Alapuzha Dt 0477-2702023
Muthalakavil Antony St. Ritas Chuch, Kannady, Alappuzha 688
504 0477-2703809
Muttathil Antony BA Philgiri Christ the King Church Kunnikodu, Makkannur
(Res. Kuttikonam), Chenkulam (addl.) Kollam Dt. 0475-2323838
0474-2439545(P)
Muttathukunnel Thomas Ponkunnam St Joseph's Priest Home Veroor,
Ithithanam 686 104 0481-2724917
0482-2823494
Muttathupadam Joseph BA Kudamaloor S H Forane Church
0481-2596464 Padamthalummood P.O 629194
K.K Dt. 04651-260242
Nadamukath Mathew BA Athirampuzha Corporate Manager, Archbishop's House,
Changanassery P.B 20, 686 101)[Addl. Payattupakka] 0481-2420378
0481-2837074
Naduviledam Gregory LCL,STL Edathua St. jOsephs Church, Vaipur,
Pathanamthitta 686 541
0477- 2214406 0469-2685331
Naduvileparampil Thomas Thekkekara St Joseph's Priest Home Veroor,
Ithithanam 686 104 0481-2724917
0477-2702721
Naduvilezham Joseph DD Podippara Vicar General, Archbishops House,
Changanacherry, 686 101 0481-2420040
0481- 2431518
Nallakuttu Thomas Kudamaloor Mar Sleeva Mission Church, Adoor-Nedumon 691
523
0481-22599849
Nalpathamkalam Cyriac BA Thekkekara Lourdes Matha Church, Puthussery,
Kalloopara, Pathanamthitta 689 6020469-2782313
0477-2702584
Nalpathamkalam Joseph Veliyanadu St. Marys Church Kudamaloor
0477-2753684 Kottayam. 686 017 0481-2393434
Nalpathilchira Joseph B.Sc. Thekkekara CollegDamascenoVia Carlo Emmanuele
0477-2707031(P) 1/46 00185 Rome Italy
0039-0677267122
Nambiamadom Scaria Ithithanam St. George Church Thottackad
0481-2432569 0481- 2462289
Nangachiveettil James Kainakary Kirchen Str 25, 91085 Weisendorf,
0484-2312330 Germany 09135-726002726005
Neduvelichalunkal Kurian BA Karuvatta Diocese of St. Thomas, Chicago
0477- 2492608
Neelathummuckil Jose Changanacherry St. George Church, Cheeramchira,
Kottayam
0481- 2424994
Nellikunnath Thomas Edathua Holy Family Church Mithrakary East
0477-2212293 688 598 0477-2219195
Nelluvelil Emmanuel BA Vezhapra St. Thomas Syrian Catholic Church
0477-2702637 Town limit Kadappakada, Kollam 691005 0474-2731711
Nelpuraparampil Philip BA, DCL Champakulam St. Josephs Church, Laikadu,
Kottayam 686 102 0481-2402856, 2420040
0477-2736285
Nereyath Antony M.A.,BEd, Chennamkary St. Marys Church Parel,
Changanacherry 686 104 0481-2420218, 2411218
0477-2707028
Nilavanthara Joseph DD Kavalam Exe. Director, Media Village, Kurisumoodu,
Kottayam 686 1040481-2722225, 2729070
0477-2747227
Ninaparampil Antony BA Vezhapra Immaculate Heart Church
0477-2706687 Kaithavana, Alappuzha - 688 0030477-2269430 9447455616
Ninaparampil Martin B.A Vezhapra Kath. Pfarramt St. Martin,
0477-2706687 Kirchplatz 5, 96260 Weismain.
0049. 9575.245
Njallathuvayalil Mathew B.A.,B.Ed. Kanjirappally St. Dominic's Cathedral
04828-204364 Kanjirappally
686507 802343804364
Nuzhaithadam George BA Cheruvandoor St. Marys Church, Mundupalam,
Kottayam 0481-2475283
0481-2535096
Odalany Mathew Amboori St. Antony's Church, Kayalpuram Alappuzha,688
504 0477-2703737
0471-2245347
Onamkulam Gregory MA Athirampuzha Archbishop House Changanacssery
0481-2537078 686 101 0481-2411817, 9847050728
Oonnukallil George Thadiyoor Poor Home, Kadayanickadu, Kottayam
0469-2673086
Orikompil Sebastian Kodinattukunnu Orikompil House, Kodinattukunnu,
Kottayam
0481-2724896
Padinjarekutt Mathew BA KurumpanadamAssm St. Antonys Church, Perunna East,
Kottayam 0481-2411816
0481-2463560
Padinjareveettil Thomas MA Koothrapally S.B. College, Changanacherry
0481-2485662 686 101 0481-2402256
Padiyath Thomas BA Vettimukal Good Shepherd Seminary Kunnoth Kilianthara, Kannoor
670 706 0490-2491095, 2492174
0481-2532188
Paikkatumattahil Thomas Kudamaloor St.Thomas H.S 05672
0481-2599800 Mainpuri 34889,
205 001 UP
Paimpally Cyriac Arumanoor
0481-2544762
Palackal James DD Podipara MOC, Manganam, Kottayam 686 018
0481-2426101 0481-2578321
Palakunnel Cherian MA, M.Th Mammood Lourdes Matha Church
0481-2472006 Thazhathuvadakara - 686 541 KTM0481-2498421
Palakunnel Joseph BA, Koothrappally St Joseph's Priest Home Veroor,
Ithithanam 686 104 0481-2724917
0481-2485476
Palamattam Alexander MA., M.Th. ,Mudiyoorkara St. Gregory Church,
Mannarkunnu, Kottayam 686 562 0481-2730807
0481- 2596789
Palathunkal Dominic, Changanacherry St. Josephs Priest Home
0481-2426134 Veroor, Kottayam, 0481-2215384
Panakezham George Kurumpanadom St. Marys Forane Church, Champakulam,
Alappuzha 688 505 0477-2736252
0481-2471431
Panakezham Joseph BSc, Narbonapuram Director, Catechetical Dept.,
Archbishops House, Changanacherry01481-2420040
0477-2762803
Panthamackal Philip St. Antony's F. Church 0481-
Kurumpanadom 2472070
686 536
Panthapally Mathew Aruvikuzhy Viswa Bhavan, Nath ShoppingComplex, N.H
Road, Kazhakkoottam,
Thiruvananthapuram, 695582
0471-2418407
Parackal Antony BA; BEd Mudiyoorkara St. Mary's Inter College, Etawah,
0481-2597519(P) 206001 UP
05688-2854002, 2854626
Parackal Joseph Assumption Church, Kurumpandom, Kottayam 686
536 0481-2462402
Parackal Thoma Paulose Changanassery Deva Matha Church, Pampady, Kottayam
686 502 0481- 2506615 9447219787
0481-2505546
Parappally Jose MA Chethipuzha St. Joseph's Mission GAIL Vihar,Dibyapur ,
Auraiya Dt.206 244
0498 - 2280287 U.P 05683-280497
Parappuram Alex Mathew Mankuva St. Gregorios Church Punnapra, Alappuzha,
688004 0477-2287229
0486- 2862895
Parampath Kuriakose Metropolitan Tribunal, Parel, Changanacherry 686
104 0481-2425421
Parassery Jose BA, Bed Athirampuzha St. George Forane Church, Edathua,
Alappuzha 689 573 0477-2215851Principal, Georgian School
0481-2790067
Parassery Joseph Pulincunnoo St Joseph's Priest Home Veroor, Ithithanam
686 104 0481-2724917
0477-2702346
Parathanam Thomas Kurumpanadom F. St. Marys Church, Koothrappally,
Karukachal, Kottayam 686 540 0481- 2488823
0481-2474635
Parathara Thomas BA Changanassery Little Flower Church, Punnaveli
Kottayam 689 589 0481-2415372
Parathottal Thomas BA Kurumpanadom Assm. St. Josephs Church, Padaharam-
Thakazhy 688 505 0477-2274359
0481-2474829
Paruvapparampil Gregory M.Sc., L.Ph., L.D. Nazareth St. Thomas Nursing
College, Chethipuzha, Changanacherry 686104 0481-2721597
0477-2707172
Paruvapparampil John BA Kayalpuram St. Michael's Church Thathampally
Alappuzha 688 013 0477-2244138
0477-2702435
Pathalil Joseph M.Th. Nedumkunnam Kirchstr.4 Kleukheim96250
0481-2416273 Ebensfeld Ger
0049954 7389
Pathil Joseph BA Moncompu St. Mary's Church, Kudamaloor, Kumaranalloor,
Kottayam 686 017 0481-2393434
0477- 2702718
Pathiparampil Mathew Edathua Our Lady of Dolours Church, Kelamangalam,
Thakazhy, Alappuzha 688 562 0477-2274622
0477- 2213318
Pattathanam Stephen Edathua 0477-2214451 Mary Matha
Church, Anchal - Pazhayeroor 691 306 0475-2274669
Pattathanam Stephen Edathua St. Antony's F. Church 0481-
0477- 2214451 Kurumpanadom 2472070
686 536 9846121368
Pazhayamadom Cyriac Pandy St. Marys Cathedral Church, Changanacherry,
Kottayam 686 101 0481-2400006
0477-2215181
Pazhayapura George Athirampuzha St. Joseph's Church.
0481-2730082 Kunnamthanam 689581
0469-2693219
Peedieckal Luke M.Th. Athirampuzha Metropolitan Tribunal, Vianey Home,
Parel- 686 101, Changanassery
0481-2730924 0481-2425421
Peelianickal Thomas Nedumkunnam St. Sebastians Church, Thekkekkara,
Alappuzha
0481- 2416101 0477-615396
Plaparampil Thomas B.A. Mudioorkara St. Thomas Hospital Chethipuzha
0481- 2590055 686 104 Changanassery, (Addl. Perunna East) 0481-2721594,
2721797
Plappallil George Thrikodithanam St. Marys Church, Ithithanam, Kottayam
686 535 0481-2721871
0481-2441427 9447661919
Plathottam Joseph M.A., B. Ed. Athirampuzha St. Thomas Hostel, S. B.
College Changanassery 686 101 0481-2421722)
0481- 2595403
Plathottathil Thomas Vechoochira,(Kply) St. Marys Church, Palode,
Peringamala, TVM 695 563 0472-2845403 9447661955
04735-266778
Ponganamthadathil Augustine B.A. Mudiyoorkara St. Mary's Church Thuruthy,
Judapuram, 686535 Changanassery
0481-2595242 0481-2320167
Ponnattil Emmanuel Athirampuzha St Antony,s Sec School 05692
0481-2590487 FatehgarhCantt,209601 234682
Farukkabad, UP 234678
Poovathunkal Joseph Erattayar St. Josephs Church, Veroor, Kottayam 686
106 0481-2720870
0486-2876186
Poovathusserry Joseph Kayalpuram St. Josephs's Church, Chennamkary West,
Alappuzha 688 501
0477-2703633 0477-2724237
Porookara Antony Champakulam St. Marys Cathedral Church Changanacherry,
Kottayam 686 1010481-2420048, 2400006
0477- 2429350
Powanchira Mathew MA Athirampuzha Our Lady of Dolours Church
0481-2538263 Kainady - 686 534
0477-2710255
Powathuparampil Thomas Kooropada Bl. Alphonsa Mission,
0481-2507130 A.R.P.Camp Road, kottar P.O
Nagarcoil KK Dt. 629002
04652-265863
Puleessery John BA Vezhapra St. Antony's Church Perunna (Res. Archbishop's
House Changanassery
0477-2707555 686 101) 0481-2411816
Pulichamackal Mathew BA Vaipur New St. George's Church, Venchempu, 691
3333 0475-2207251 9847214864
0469-2685614
Pulickal Joseph Vallanchira Lisieux Church, Kavalam, Alappuzha 688
506 0477-2747458
0482- 848755
Pullukatt Antony BA Veroor Pastoral Ministry and Studies, USA
0481-2721885
Pullukattu Francis BA Chethipuzha, St. John Nepum. Church 0481-
0481- 2721751 Kumarakom North, 2525663,
686 563 9447355473
Punasserry Sebastian LC Thottackad Media Village, Kurisummood
0481- 2462605 686 104 Changanassery
0481-2722225, 2411211
Punchayil Mathew MA MTh., Ph.D Kottackapuram St. Poatrick's Church235
Glenn Street, Glen- Cove, New York
0481- 2537464 11542-3091 U.S.A
001-516676-02763021
Puthenangady Mathew M.Th. Changanassery St. Theresa's Church, Kavalam
0481-2726732 Alappuzha 688 506
0477-2212302
Puthenkalam Thomas BA Podipara Chancellor, Archbishops Hosue,
Changanacherry, Kottayam 686 1010481-2420040
0481-2320043
Puthenkalam Xavier MA., Ph.D. STD. Podipara St. George Forane Church,
Amboori, Thiruvanamthapuram 695 505 0471-2245240 9847273792
0481-2320043
Puthenparampil Joseph Pallikkoottumma St. Marys Church, Eravuchira,
Kottayam 686 539 0481-2463139
0477-2707483
Puthenparampil Joseph BA Kudamaloor Secretary to Archbishop, Archbishop
House, Changanacherry 0481-2420040, 95 125 9447278414
0481-2310089
Puthenparampil Joseph MA Edathua Mother Theresa Home, Nedumkunnam 686 542
0477-2214211 9447365445
Puthenparampil Thomas St. Marys Forane Church, Athirampuzha, Kottayam 686
5620481-2730559, 2730742
Puthenpura Kurian Athirampuzha St. George F. Church
0481-2536285 Edathua 689 573
0477-2212234, 2215851
Puthenpura Varghese Kooropada St. Mary's Church Vettimukal
0481-2508087,0482- 2221753 Ettumanoor 686 631 0481-2537690
Puthenpurackal Francis BA Kurumpanadam St. Joseph's Church 0477-
0481- 2473566 Arattuvazhy, 2244855
Alapuzha Dt. 688 007
Puthenpurackal Thomas BA Thottackad St. Xaviers Church, Mithrakary,
Alappuzha 688 598
0481-2463820 0477-2705561
Puthenpurackal Thomas BA Punnamada St. Sebastians Church
0477-2234048 (P) Narbonapuram, Alappuzha 688 506 0477-2762205
Puthenpurackal Thomas BA Kurumpanadom F 0481-2473566 St. Mary's Church
Thuruthy,
686535 Changanassery
0481-2320167
Puthenpurackal Varghese Thuruthy Director Yuva Deepthi, Archbishops House,
Changanacherry 686 1010481 -2420040
0481-2328904
Puthiaparampil Chacko MA Nedumkunnam Executive Director, St. Thomas
Hospital & School of Nursing Chethipuzha 0481-2725801, 2729000, 2729100
0481- 2485443
Puthiaparampil Jose DD Nedumkunnam St. Marys Church, Ithithanam
0481- 2415054 Kottayam 686 535 0481-2721871
Puthiaparampil Joseph Nedumkunnam Spiritual Director, St. Thomas Minor
Seminary Kurichy, Thuruthy P.O 686 535 0481-2322252
0481- 2416545
Puthiyidam Mani DD Pangada St. Marys Forane Church Athirampuzha Kottayam
686 562
0481-2506507 0481-2730159,2730559, 9447356200
Puthiyidam Thomas Ayarkunnam 133 Woodland, St. Apt. 10,
0481- 2542484 Hartford CT.06105, USA
.9 001-8602474549
Puthiyidam Thomas (Jr.) Pangada St.John The Bapt. 0481-
0481-2506507 Forane Church 2415161
Nedumkunnam 686 542
Puthukulangara Joseph BA Pangada St. Marys Church, Cheppumpara
0481-2506421 686 502 0481-2542607, 3105061(Mobile)
Puthumanamoozhiyil George Punnathura St.Mary’s Church
0481-2531809 Thuruthy (Asso. Editor, Kudumbajyothis) 0481- 2320167
Changanacherry 686 535
Puthuparampil Joseph MA LLB Chennamkary Holy Cross Church, Kooropada,
0477-2724362 Pampady 686 504, Kottayam
0481-2700163
Puthuparampil Sebastian Lourdes Forane Church, Thiruvananthapuram 695
004 0471-2302778, 2302903
Puthuparampil Zacharias Kumarakam V. St. Xavier's Church 0477-
0481-2525727 Puthukary, 2703916
Mithrakary P.O 689 598
Puthuveetikalam Joseph Pulinkunnu St. Mary'sChurch,Pulickakavala,
0477-2707377 686 515 Vazhoor 0481-2456010
Puthuveettikalam Joseph Punnakunnathussery St. Xaviers Church,
Thrickodithanam, Kottayam 686 105 0481-2441358
0477-2704631
Puthuveettil Joseph BA Kunnamthanam Kath.Pfarramt Marktplatz
0469-2691369 17 96257, Marktgraitz,
Germany 0049-9574-6522895
Srampickal George Muttar old St. John's Church, 0477-
0477-2214456 Thekkekara 688 503 2707031
Moncompu, Alapuzha
Srampickal Philip BA Muttar Old St. Marys Church
0477-2213266 Thekkupara, Tvm 695 505
0471-2245440, 9847287915
Srampickal Scaria BA ,Kayalpuram St. Jerome’s Church
0477-2702049 Nazrath, Mancompu
688 502 0477-2702299
Srampickal Thomas DD Pulincunnu Mary Matha Major Seminary Mannuthy,
Thrissur
0477-2707522
Thadathil John Karimpanakulam Holy Family Church Malakunnam
04828-248578 Podippara 686552 0481-2321332
Thadathil John(Jr) DD, Karimpanakulam Lourdes Forane Church PMG Jn.
Thirauvananthapuram 695004
04828-248578 0471-2302903 ,9447400800
Thalayinakuzhy Luke Athirampuzha Agra Mission
0481-2731354
Thanamavumkal Varghese Mannancherry Archbishop's House 0481-
0477-2290471 686 101 9447420867
Changanassery 2420040,
Thanniath Mathew MA, M.Ed. Pulinkunnu Bp. Kalacherry SH Public School,
0477- 2705584 Kilimala 686 105 0481- 2447634
Thanniath Thomasukutty Punnakunnathussery St. George F.
Church 0477- 2212234
0477-2707071 Edathua 689 573 Alapuzha D.t
Tharayil Thomas M.A. Changanaserry Collegio di San 003906-
0481-2425291 NorbertoViale Giotto 571766225
2700153 Roma Italy 3384328504
Tharmassery Abraham Fathimapuram Lourdes Forane Church, Thiruvananthapuram
695 004 0471-2302778
0481-2429465
Thattassery Antony Vaisyambhagam St.Mary’s Church, Parel, 686 104
Changanacherry 0481-2420218
0477-2737690
Thayyil Philip BA Kumarakam S. Charles Mount Estates, 0488-
0481-2524149 Chelakara,Thrissur 2452494,
680 587
Thayyilnedumparampil Abraham BA Kumarakam N. St. George Forane Church,
Amboori, Tvm 695 505 0471-2245240
0481-2525133
Thazhath Joseph Kothavara St. Joseph's Priest Home Veroor
0477-2753030 686 104,Chry 0481-2724917
Thekkedath Kuriakose M.A., B.Ed. Amboori Georgian School, Edathua & St.
George Forane Chuch, Edathua 689 573 0477-2212234, 2215851 9450387139
0471-2245372
Thekkedom Mathew Athirampuzha Sathyadarsanamala, Archbishop House,
Changanacherry 686 1010481-2420040
0481-2731670
Thekkekara John BA Ithithanam Director, St. Thomas College of Nursing &
Insti Allied Health and Asst. Director, St. Thomas Hospital, Chethipuzha 0481-2729000,
2729100
0481-2724485
Thekkekara Thomas M.Th. Paipad, St. John the Baptists Church, Kottangel,
686 547 0469-2696358
0481-2446189
Thekkekottaram Thomas Punnathura St. Sebastian's Church, Kodinattukunnu
Kottayam 686 105
0481-2539984 0481-2443732
Thekkepurath Joseph BA Athirampuzha Kudumbajyothis, Archbishop House,
Changanacherry 686 101,9447569577
0481-2724193
Thekkummury Thomas Chennamkary St. Thomas Ap. Seminary, Vadavathoor,
Kottayam 9447301853
0477-2724193
Thevary Antony M.Sc., B.Ed. Chennamkary Our Lady of Dolours Church
Kelamangalam, Thakazhy 6885620477-2276622
0477-2702094
Thoompunkal Joseph (Jr.) BA Amboori St. Joseph's Church Vadakkeamichakari,
Champakulam, Alappuzha 688 508 0477-2707075
0471-2245240(P)
Thoompunkal Joseph B.A, DCL Changanassery St Joseph Pontifical Seminary
0481-2423734 Mangalapuzha, Aluva - 683 103
0484-2606745
Thottanany Jacob Kottackapuram St. George F Church Amboori
0481-2530609 Vellarada Trivandrum - 695 505
0471-2245240
Thumpayil Joseph Champakulam St Joseph's Priest Home Veroor, Ithithanam
686 104 0481-2724917
0477-2736098
Thumpayil Thomas MA Champakulam Holi Magi Forane Church, Manimala,
Kottayam 686 543 04828-247151
0477-2736665
Thumpechirayil Mathew Champakulam CANA, Thuruthy
0477-2737288 Changanaseri, 686 535 (Addl. Era Church) 0481-2321141
Thundiyil Johnson B,A Kottangal St. Thomas Church, Perumkavu,
Erathuvadakara, Kottayam 688 54304828-247651 9447213103
0469-2696747
Thuruthumali Joseph B.Sc., DD Arpookara, St. Xavier's Kath. Pfarramt
0481-2597765 St. Margaretha Kirchplatz
995506Kastl Germany
0049-96421255
Thykattusserry Thomas Veroor Archbishop's House Changanassery
0481-2426147 686 101 0481-2411816 ,9447464457
Thyparampil Augustine Kurichy Lourdes Matha Church, Pacha-Chekkidikadu,
Alappuzha 0477-2212302
0481-2320898
Thyparampil Martin BA Edathua Cherupushpam Church, Arpookkara, Villoonni,
Kottayam 686 008 0481-2598655
0477-2211220
Thyparampil Thomas DD Kainakary Danahalaya, Punnapra, Alappuzha
0477-2724346 688004 0477-2287808
Urumpackal Thomas Paul DD Kannimala St. George Church, Thottackadu,
Kottayam 686 539 0481-2462289
04828-202955
203055
Vadakkekalam Philip MA, D.Lit Alappuzha St Joseph Pontifical Seminary
0477-2234255 Mangalapuzha, Aluva - 683 103
0484-2606745
Vadakkethalackal Jose Kandamkary St. Xivers Church, Arpookkara, Villoonni
686 008 0481-2597876
0477-2736434
Vadakkettam Francis BA Edathua St. Joseph's Church Karuvatta North 690 554
Alapuzha 0479-2492290
0477-2212047
Vaikkathukaranveettil Philip Puthanangady St. Mathew's Church,
Kottackappuram, Athirampuzha 686 562 0481-2537453
0477-2243706
Valiakunnumpurath Cyriac BA Panayampala St. Xavier's Church 0477-
0481-2486300 Velianadu 689 590 2753339
9847140638
Valiaparampil Sebastian BA Veroor Opera Don Clabria,
0481-2725740 Via G.B. Soria 13, 00168, Roma,
0039 06 6274894
Valiaveettil Chacko Kainakary St.George’s Church
0477-2724233(P) Muttar Old
689 574 0477-2219615
Valiaveettil George Pulinkunnu, Kath. Pfarramt, 4244 Roschenz,
0477-2703635 Switzerland 004161- 9021785
Vallayil Job M.A., B.Ed. Pulinkunnu St. Thomas Church, Pallathuruthy,
Alappuzha 688 501
0477-2702798 0477-2762186, 9447660445
Vallianippuram Thomas BA, M.Th. Amboori St. Ephrem's Theological College
Satna P.B 26, 48500107671-272208
0471-2245349
Vaniapura Joseph BA Edathua St.George Church 0477-
0477-2214058 Puthanangady, 2244201
Alapuzha 688 001
Vaniapuracakal Francis Muttar Old Pope John XXIII Rehabilitation Centre
0477-2219445 Kidangara P.O 686107
0477-2703571
Vaniapurackal Varghese Purackad St. Antonys F. Church, Kurumpanadom,
Perumpanachy, Kottayam 686 536
0477-2271773
Varikattu Jacob BA Champakara Sacred Heart Church
0481-2487470 Ponthanpuzha
Karimpanakulam 686514
Varikkappally Jose BA Mudiyoorkara Archbishop's House, Changanacherry686
101 (Addl. Mary Matha Church, Chengannoor, Alappuzha, 689121) 2420040,
9847422344
0481-2598213
Vathyakary George Muttar Fathima Matha Church, Vallamchira 686
544 04828-247251
0477-2213379
Vattackad Jacob BA Kainady Sanjeevani, Nedumkunnam-686542
0477-2747539 0481-2415837
Vattakalam Joseph MA, Ph.D Changanassery LSDP Convent, Providence Home,
Kunnamthanam 689 581 0469-2693413
0481-2423548
Vayalar Jose Kayalpuram St. Sebastians Church, Panayampala, Karukachal,
686 540 0481- 2486461
0477-2703737(P)
Vayalil Thomas MA Ayarkunnam St. Dismas Church, 2600 SunsetAve.
0481-2542525 Waukengan,Illinois 60087 USA
001-847-623505107
Vazhaparampil Thomas BA Changankary Lourd Matha Church 0477-
0477-2212794 Chennamkary 686 501 2724400
Vellanickal George MA Villoonni St. Josephs Church, Changamkary (Edathua),
Alappuzha 689 579
0481-2594299 0477-2212834
Vellanickal Louis Arpookara St. Francis De Sales, Church
0481-2594299 Kiliroor 686020 0481-2380722
Vellanickal Mathew DSS, LD Arpookara, Vicar General, Zion Dhyana Bhavan,
0481-2594299 Kunnamthanam, 689581,
Pathanamthitta 0469-2692469
Vetticad James Paippad Vianey Home Parel, 686104
0481-2446827 Changanassery
0481-2411095
Vetticad Joseph Paippad St. Marys Church, Aryankavu, Kalthuruthy 691
316 0475- 2211522
0481- 2446464
Vettithanath Mathew Thottackad St. Antony's Church Thadiyoor
Pathanamthitta 689 545 0469-2654111
0481-2463741
Vettuvayalil Abraham Aryankavu Lourdes Matha Church, Paipadu, Kottayam 686
537 0481-2442898 9447358700
0475-2211556
Viruppel Jose M.A.B.Lib Venchempu S.B. College , Changanassery
0474-2409345 686 101 0481-2422384
Viruppel Sebastian Venchempu Christ the King Church, Ayoor Kollam 691 533
0474-2409326 0475-2292367
Anthyamkulam Mathew CMI Mundathanam, 686 541, 0481-2494446
Cheppila George CST Edathua,689 573
0477-2215851
Rev. Fr. Nalannadiyil Sebastian MST Pacha, 689 573
0477-2212302
Rev. Fr. Joseph Malampuram CMI Vizhinjam, 695 521
0471-2480347
Rev. Fr. James Pattarkalam CMI Thiruvalla 689 107
0469-2604933
Kanjamala George CMI Philgiri, 691 306
0474-2439545
Rev. Fr. Thayyil James CMI Mannanam 686 561
0481-2597237
Rev. Fr. Karathuruth Jose MCBS Kollad, 686 029
0481-2341868
Kurisinkal Babu Paul SJ Kudamaloor, 686 107
0481-2393434
Kochuveettil Antony CMI Cheepunkal, 686 663
0481-2524242
Manjananickal Joseph CMI Kurumpanadom Assumption, 686 536
0481-2462402
Ottalankal Chacko MSFS Dalmugham, 695 125
0471-2255479
Polachira Mathew CMI Kutchapuram, 695 572, 0471-2255248
Pudussery Thomas CMI Puthupally, 686 011
0481-2351090
Pulickal Jacob CMI Ayroor 689 611
0469-2530179
Puthenpurayil John MCBS Athirampuzha Lissieux 686 029
0481-2730599
Thayil Thomas CMI Chethipuzha,686 104
0481-2721051
Thunduvalichira Philipose CMI Chethipuzha 686 104
0481-2721051
Thekkemattappally Antony CMI Karikkattoor 686 554
04828-247176
Valachira Antony MSFS Vattiyoorkavu, 695 013, 0471-2361549
Valiaparampil Thomas MCBS Sreekaryam 695 016
0471-2598931
Vengathanam Kurian CMI Karikkatoor, 686 554
04828-247176
"To err is human and to
forgive is divine" "Please forgive...!!!
May Almighty God
Bless You all
Fr.
Johnson Punchakonam
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