Vatican elevates Syro–Malankara Church to Archiepiscopal Church

Thiruvananthapuram – The Pope John Paul II has announced the elevation of the Syro–Malankara Catholic Church to a Major Archiepiscopal Church. This news was communicated by the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, at St. Mary's Cathedral of Trivandrum Syro–Malankara archdiocese, early last February.

With this elevation, Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios Malancharuvil who has been the Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum, in India, and the leader of the Syro–Malankara Church since 1995, will now become the Major Archbishop.

Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios Malancharuvil has been the Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum, in India, and the leader of the Syro–Malankara Church since 1995. With his announcement on February 15, Pope John Paul has raised the sui juris metropolitan see to the rank of a "Major Archiepiscopal Church."

The Syro–Malankara community, centered primarily in Kerala, comprise of over 450,000 faithful, virtually all living in five eparchies (dioceses) in India, where they are served by 632 priests.

The Syro–Malankara Church, formerly part of the Orthodox Church, is based in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It joined the Catholic Church in 1930. In addition to the Latin and Syro–Malankara rites, the Catholic Church in India also includes the Syro–Malabar Church, another Oriental rite based in Kerala.

With the recognition of a Major Archbishop, the Syro–Malankar now joins the ranks of other Eastern Catholic churches – most notably the Ukrainian Catholic Church – with an autonomous hierarchy headed by a prelate whose rank remains below that of a patriarch.

Archbishop Baselios said he is “very happy” over the “historic moment for the Malankara Church.” He pointed out that the announcement came as the Church is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its union with the Catholic Church.

Church officials said the Major Archbishop would soon convene the Malankara bishops' synod to discuss administrative and hierarchical amendments needed for the Church's new status. Major Archbishops of the rite would henceforth be titled “Catholicos of Malankara,” following its tradition in Kerala, they said.

Kerala Chief Minister Oomman Chandy was among those who congratulated the new Major Archbishop. Syro–Malabar Major Archbishop Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil and Latin–rite Archbishop Soosa Pakiam of Trivandrum Latin–rite archdiocese also congratulated Archbishop Baselios.

Both Oriental rites in India follow Syrian Church traditions, while the Latin rite follows the Roman liturgy, introduced by European missioners in the 15th century.

The news of the elevation has also been welcomed by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI). Archbishop Baselios was the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India during 2000 – 2004.

John Dayal, national president of the All India Catholic Union, while expressing his delight and happiness at the full autonomy given by the Pope John Paul II, to the Syro Malankara Church, said, “The Catholic Union hopes the Major Archbishop will further empower the laity, and specially the Dalit members of his congregation.”