Heritage & History
From the shores of Kerala to Greater Manchester, our faith remains anchored in the apostolic tradition of St. Thomas.
Who We Are
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Major Archiepiscopal Church in full communion with the Pope. We trace our origin back to the missionary work of St. Thomas the Apostle, who arrived on the shores of India in AD 52. Today, our community in the Salford Diocese represents a vibrant group of Malayalam-speaking faithful who preserve this ancient, rich liturgy and spiritual tradition while contributing actively to the local Catholic community in the United Kingdom.
Apostolic Origin & Muziris Landing
According to ancient tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle landed in Muziris (modern-day Kodungallur, Kerala, India) in AD 52. He preached the Gospel and established seven Christian communities (Kalyan/churches) along the Malabar Coast. The early Christians were known as "Mar Thoma Nazranis" (St. Thomas Christians).
Ecclesial Growth & Communion
Over the centuries, the St. Thomas Christians established communion with the Church of the East, adopting the East Syriac Liturgical Rite. This liturgy is rich in symbols, deep prayers, and solemn chants, honoring the ancient Semitic-Christian traditions.
Coexistence and the Coonan Cross Oath
With the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century, the St. Thomas Christians came into direct contact with the Latin Church. While this contact strengthened ties with Rome, it also led to friction regarding local liturgy and hierarchy, culminating in historical moments like the Coonan Cross Oath in 1653, highlighting the community's determination to preserve its heritage.
Major Archiepiscopal Status
In 1992, Pope John Paul II elevated the Syro-Malabar Church to the status of a Major Archiepiscopal Church, recognizing its unique identity and right to self-governance. Today, it is the second-largest Eastern Catholic Church in the world, with millions of members globally.
Missions in Salford & Bolton
To serve the growing diaspora of Malayalam-speaking Catholics, the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain was established. In Salford Diocese, the St Euphrasia Mission (worshiping at St Mary's RC Church, Eccles, Manchester) and St Anne's Mission (Bolton) were formed to nurture our community's spiritual, catechismal, and cultural ties, currently led by Rev Fr. Stanto Vazheeparampil.