The Universal Church
Mar Thoma Cheriapally belongs to the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church — one with the ancient Syriac Orthodox tradition of Antioch.
One Faith, One Communion
The Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church — an Orthodox church in Malankara (Kerala, India) — is an integral part of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, with the Patriarch of Antioch, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, as its supreme head.
The local head of the Church in Malankara is the Catholicos of India, His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselios Joseph, ordained by and accountable to the Patriarch of Antioch. Through this communion, parishes such as Cheriapally share in the faith, worship, and spiritual heritage of the worldwide Syriac Orthodox family.
From the Dawn of Christianity
The Syriac Orthodox Church traces its origins to the earliest days of Christianity. In Syriac, the proper name of the Church is ʿItto Suryoyto Triṣath Shubho — the Holy Apostolic Syriac Church (also transliterated as idto suryoyto triṣath shubho).
In the past, the name of the Church was translated into English as the “Syrian Orthodox Church.” The Holy Synod approved the translation “Syriac Orthodox Church” for use in English-speaking countries at its session held from 28 March to 3 April 2000.
The Church justifiably prides itself as one of the earliest-established Apostolic Churches. It was at Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).
Our Place in Malankara
Mar Thoma Cheriapally worships in the West Syriac liturgical tradition, preserving the faith received through St. Thomas the Apostle and the Syrian Christian community of Malankara. As a parish of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, we remain united in doctrine, sacraments, and fellowship with the Patriarchate of Antioch and with sister churches across India and the world.
To learn more about the history of our parish and our patron saint, visit the pages below.