The ancient Indian church that survived centuries of colonial pressure to remain uniquely itself

Cultures · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Syro-Malabar Church is a major Eastern Catholic community in Kerala, India, tracing its roots to Saint Thomas the Apostle. Despite centuries of Latin administration and internal schisms, this autonomous church preserves a distinct East Syriac liturgy and a rich heritage that blends Indian customs with ancient Christian traditions.

The Syro-Malabar Church is the largest Eastern Catholic church in full communion with the Holy See. Its identity is defined by a unique synthesis: it is deeply rooted in the culture of the Malayali people, adheres to the Catholic faith, and utilizes the East Syriac Rite. This liturgy, originating in 3rd-century Edessa, serves as the cornerstone of its spiritual life, distinguishing it from the Latin Church.

The community's history is marked by significant turbulence. Following the 1599 Synod of Diamper, the church was subjected to Latin Catholic control, which led to the 1653 Coonan Cross Oath, where local Christians swore to reject European prelates. This event caused a lasting split, with the Pazhayakuttukar faction remaining in communion with Rome while the Puthenkūttukār group eventually aligned with the Syriac Orthodox Church. For over two centuries, the Syro-Malabar community endured Latin hegemony until Pope Leo XIII began the process of emancipation in 1887.

In 1923, Pope Pius XI established a unified hierarchy, and in 1992, Pope John Paul II elevated the church to major archepiscopal rank. Today, the church is led by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil, elected in January 2024. Despite its formal autonomy, the church continues to navigate complex internal debates regarding liturgical practice, specifically the orientation of the priest during the Holy Qurbana, reflecting a long-standing tension between restoring ancient Eastern traditions and modern adaptations.

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