The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
An ancient Apostolic Church of India, tracing its origin to the mission of St. Thomas the Apostle in AD 52.
Founded by St. Thomas the Apostle
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (also called the Indian Orthodox Church) is one of the ancient Christian churches of the world. Tradition holds that St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, arrived on the Malabar coast of Kerala, India in AD 52, and established seven Christian communities among the local people.
From these earliest converts descended the community known today as the St. Thomas Christians of India. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is the direct spiritual heir of that Apostolic mission, preserving a continuous 2,000-year tradition of Orthodox faith, worship, and life.
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” St. Thomas’ tradition of witness continues to shape our worship, mission, and daily life.
The current Catholicos and the supreme head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, successor to the Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas. He guides the spiritual life of the church, presides over the Holy Episcopal Synod, and represents the church in ecumenical dialogue.
Catholicate News →How the Church Is Organized
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is led by the Holy Episcopal Synod under the presidency of the Catholicos, supported by a rich tradition of monastic, educational, and lay spiritual organizations.
The Catholicate
The supreme office of the Church, headquartered at the Catholicate Palace, Devalokam, Kottayam, Kerala. The seat of the Catholicos of the East and administrative center of the global church.
The Holy Synod
The governing body of Metropolitans of the Church, presided over by the Catholicos. It makes doctrinal, liturgical, and administrative decisions for the whole Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
Dioceses
The Church is organized into about 30 dioceses across India and around the world, each led by a Metropolitan. The parish of St. Gregorios, Clifton belongs to the American Diocese.
Theological Seminaries
The Church maintains renowned theological institutions, notably the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam (est. 1815), one of the oldest seminaries in Asia, training clergy and lay theologians.
Ecumenical Relations
The Malankara Orthodox Church is in communion with the other Oriental Orthodox Churches (Coptic, Syriac, Armenian, Ethiopian, Eritrean) and participates actively in the World Council of Churches and worldwide ecumenical dialogue.
Spiritual Organizations
Global lay ministries including Martha Mariam Vanitha Samajam (women), MGOCSM (students), Sunday School Association, Orthodox Christian Youth Movement, and more, all active in our parish life.
Contact the Malankara Orthodox Church
For the latest news, official communications from the Catholicos, publications, seminary information, and a full directory of dioceses and parishes worldwide.
Full Contact Information → Go to mosc.in