Saint Thomas Christian denominations
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The Saint Thomas Christian denominations are Christian denominations from Kerala, India, which traditionally trace their ultimate origins to the evangelistic activity of Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century.[1][2][3][4] They are also known as "Nasranis" as well. The Syriac term "Nasrani" is still used by St. Thomas Christians in Kerala. It is part of the Eastern Christianity institution.
For the first 15 centuries, they had their own leaders to whom they were obedient and who were well respected by both the people and the rulers of the country. In AD 190, Pantaenus from Alexandria visited these Christians.[5] He found that they were using the Gospel of Matthew in the Hebrew language. Around AD 522, an Egyptian East Syriac monk, Cosmas Indicopleustes, visited the Malabar Coast. He mentions Christians in a country called Male, where pepper grows, in his book Christian Topography.[6][7][8] This shows that until the 6th century these Christians had been in close contact with Alexandria.
In AD 883,
It is believed that in AD 345, Christians from
Saint Thomas Christians were greatly affected by the arrival of the Portuguese in India in 1498. The Portuguese attempted to bring the community under the auspices of Latin Catholicism, resulting in permanent rifts in the community.[13][14][15]
Churches within Saint Thomas Christian tradition
- Assyrian Church of the East
- Eastern Catholic
- Syro-Malabar Church (East Syriac Rite)
- Syro-Antiochene Rite)
- Oriental Orthodox
- Syro-Antiochene Rite, claim autocephality )
- Syro-Antiochene Rite, autonomous, under the Syriac Orthodox Church)
- Oriental Orthodox Communion)
- Oriental Protestant
- Syro-Antiochene Rite – Oriental Protestant, independent)
- Syro-Antiochene Rite – Oriental Evangelical, independent)
- Apart from the above churches which claim Thomas as their founder, Nasranis can also be found in Protestant churches. They are,
- United Protestant denomination that holds membership in the Anglican Communion, World Methodist Council and World Communion of Reformed Churches)
- Pentecostal Saint Thomas Christians (Charismatic)[16][17][18][19]
Their traditions go back to first-century Christian thought, and the seven "and a half" churches established by
Nasrani people
The
However, from a religious angle, the Saint Thomas Christians of today belong to various denominations as a result of a series of developments including Portuguese
St. Thomas Christian families who claim their descent from ancestors who were baptized by
In short, the St. Thomas Christians of Kerala have blended well with the ecclesiastical world of the Eastern Churches and with the changing socio-cultural environment of their homeland.[28] Thus, the Malabar Church was Hindu or Indian in culture, Christian in religion, and Judeo-Syriac-Oriental in terms of origin and worship.[28]
Apostolic origin
According to the 1st century annals of
The lure of spices attracted traders from the Middle East and Europe to the many trading ports of Keralaputera (Kerala) — Tyndis, (Ponnani), Muziris, near Kodungallur, Niranam, Bacare, Belitha, and Comari (Kanyakumari) long before the time of Christ.[31][32] Thomas the Apostle in one of these ships, arrived at Muziris in 52, from E’zion-ge’ber on the Red Sea.[33] He started his gospel mission among the Jews at "Maliyankara" on the sea coast.[34]
Jews were living in Kerala from the time of Solomon.[2][35] Later, large numbers of them arrived in 586 BC and 72 AD. Malabari Jewish tradition hold these facts.[citation needed]
Its traditionally believed that during his stay in
The Apostle also preached in other parts of
Several ancient writers mention India as the scene of
There are other passages in ancient liturgies and martyrologies which refer to the work of St. Thomas in India. These passages indicate that the tradition that St. Thomas died in India was widespread among the early churches.[40]
Many writers have mentioned that the Apostle established seven "and a half" churches in Malabar.[41][42] They are:[43]
- Kodungalloor
- Kottakkavu Paravur
- Niranam
- Palayoor
- Nilackal
- Kokkamangalam
- Kollam
- Thiruvithancode- This church made on land donated by the local king or arajan (arappally/arachapally in Malayalam)
Doctrine of the Apostles states that, "India and all its countries...received the Apostle's hand of priesthood from Judas Thomas…." From 345 AD, when
Rough chronology
Following is a rough chronology of events associated with St. Thomas Christianity.[44][45]
1st century
- 30 Crucifixion of Jesus.
- 40 Takshasilain Pakistan.
- 52 Malabar (Present-day Kerala).
- 52–72 The Apostle founded eight churches: Chayal has not been identified conclusively.[citation needed].
- 64 Formation of the Metropolitanate of India.
- 72 Apostle Thomas attained San Thome Cathedral.[46]
2nd century
- 105 Kuravilangad Churchwas believed to be founded, after the first ever Marian Apparition occurred there
- 190 Gospel according to Matthew in Hebrew language. He took this Hebrew text back to his library at the School in Alexandria.[47]
4th century
- 325 Archbishop John, of Persia and Great India, at the first Ecumenical Council of Nicea.
- 325 Kadampanad Church (St.Thomas Orthodox Syrian Cathedral)built by settlers from Chayal (Nilackel)
- 345 CheraDynasty.
5th century
- 400 Mother Mary.
- 427 Champakulam Church was consecrated.
6th century
- 510 Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly
- 522 Cosmas Indicopleustes visited South India.
- 593 Edappally Churchwas built.
7th century
- Marthoma Christians constructed Kolenchey St. Peter's and St. Paul's Orthodox Churcharound 650 AD
8th century
- 717 Thumpamon St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Churchwas founded.
- 722 Karingachira St. George's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Churchwas founded
- 774 Emperor Veera Raghava gives copperplate to Iravikorthan.
9th century
- 824 Beginning of Kollavarsham (Malayalam Era).First Tharissapalli sasanam (copper plate) by Stanu Ravi Gupta Perumaal to Nasranis.
- 824 from Quilon.[48]
- 849 Deed given by King Ayann Adikal Thiruvadikal of
10th century
- 905 Pallikkara, St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
- 945 Thomas of Cana landed at Cranganorewith 72 families.
- 999 Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Arakuzhafounded.
- 999 By the Thazhekad Sasanam written in Pali the language the canonical language of Buddhists, the Nasranies granted special rights and privileges.[50]
11th century
- 1100-1125 St.Thomas Christians built the Marthoman Malankara Orthodox Churchat Mulanthuruthy.
- 1125 Kudamaloor St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, believed to be built by King of Chempakasserry.
13th century
- 1225 North Pudukkad church founded.
- 1293 Marco Polo, a Venetian traveler, visited the tomb of St. Thomas (at Mylapore).[citation needed]
14th century
- 1325 Enammavu church founded.
- 1339 Kallooppara Church (St Mary's Orthodox Church) was founded
- 1342 Pazhuvil Church founded
- 1375 Velayanadu Church founded
15th century
- 1490 Two Nestorian bishops John and Thomas in Kerala.
- 1494 June 7 Treaty of Tordesillas. Division of the world and mission lands between Spain and Portugal.
- 1498 May 20 .
- 1499 Cabral's fleet carried a vicar, eight secular priests, and eight Franciscans to Kozhikode,[51]
- 1499. In Calicut, the friars reputedly converted a Brahman and some leading Nayars.[52]
16th century
- 1502 November 7 Vasco de Gama's second visit to Cochin.
- 1503 Dominican Priests at Kochi.
- 1503 Mar Yabella, Denaha and Yakoob from Persia in Kerala.
- 1503 September 27 Work commenced on Cochin Fort and the Santa Cruz church.
- 1514 Portuguese Padroadobegun.
- 1514 Jewish migration from Kodungalloor to Kochi.
- 1514 June 12 Portuguese Funchal rule over Christians in India.
- 1524 December 24 Vasco de Gama buried at St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin.
- 1534 November 3 Goa Catholic Diocese erected. The Parishes of Kannur, Cochin, Quilon, Colombo and Sao Tome (Madras) belonged to it.
- 1540 The Franciscan Fr.Vincent De Lagos starts the Cranganore Seminary.
- 1542 May 6 St. Francis Xavier, Apostolic Nuncio in the East, reaches Goa.
- 1544–45 St. Francis Xavier in Travancore.
- 1548 Dominican Monastery founded in Cochin.
- 1549 Mar Abuna Jacob, A Chaldean Bishop, stayed at St. Antonio Monastery, Cochin.
- 1550 First Jesuit House in Kochi.
- 1552 December 3 Death of St. Francis Xavier.
- 1555 Mattancherry Palace was built by Portuguese for the King of Cochin.
- 1557 Pope Paul IV erects the Diocese of Cochin. Canonization process of Francis Xavier begun at Cochin.
- 1565 Archdiocese of Angamaly erected.
- 1567 Jews constructed a temple at Mattancherry[53]
- 1567 Angamaly Cheriyapallywas built.
- 1568 Synagogue of White Jews built in Cochin.
- 1570 Angamaly Kizhakkeppallywas built.
- 1577 Vaippicotta Seminary of the Jesuits started.
- 1579 Augustinians reached Cochin.
- 1580 Kallissery St. Mary's Knanaya Jacobite Syrian Orthodox church established
- 1583 Synod at Angamaly by Bishop Abraham.
- 1597 Bishop Abraham, the last foreign Archbishop, died and was laid to rest at St. Hormis church, Angamaly.
- 1599 December 20 Francis Roz was declared bishop of Angamaly.
- 1599 June 20–26 Archbishop Alexis Menezes convenes the Synod of Diamper (Udayamperoor).
17th century
- 1600 August 4 Padroado-rule imposed on Nasranis.
- 1601 Francis Roz was appointed as the first Latin bishop of the St. Thomas Christians.
- 1609 December 3 Erection of the Diocese of Cranganore. The Archdiocese of Angamaly suppressed.
- 1610 December 22 The Metropolitan of Goa limits the Pastoral Jurisdiction of Nasranis to Malabar.
- 1624 Dominican Seminary at Kaduthuruthy.
- 1626 February 5 Edappally Ashram started for the Religious Community of St. Thomas Christians
- 1652 August 23 Mar Ahatallah in Madras, not allowed to enter Kerala.
- 1653 January 3 Coonan Cross Oath at Mattancherry, Cochin.
- 1653 May 22 Archdeacon Thomas Kathanar, ordained as Mar Thoma Iat Alangad by the laying of hands by 12 priests. Beginning of schism among Saint Thomas Christians. 1653–1670 Mar Thoma I.
- 1657 Apostolic Commissary Joseph of St. Mary OCD (Sebastiani), a Carmelite, in Malabar.
- 1659 December 3 The Vicariate of Malabar is erected by Pope Alexander VII.
- 1659 December 24 Joseph Sebastini bishop and appointed the Vicar Apostolic of Malabar.
- 1663 January 6 The Dutch conquer Cochin and destroy Catholic churches and institutions in Cochin, except the cathedral and the church of St. Francis Assisi.
- 1663 January 31 Chandy Parambil ordained as bishop.
- 1665 Mar Gregorius Abdul Jaleel, believed to be from Antioch. Consecration of Marthoma I.
- 1670–1686 Mar Thoma II.Portuguese starts campaigning to bring Nasranis again under Catholicism.
- 1682 Seminary for Syrians at Verapoly.
- 1685 Eldho Mor Baselios of the Syriac Orthodox Churcharrives at Kothamangalam from Persia.
- 1686 Hortus Malabaricus in 12 volumes printed in 17 years. Mathoma III ordained by Ivanios Hirudyathulla (from Antioch).
- 1686–1688 Mar Thoma III - third Malankara Metropolitan
- 1688–1728 Mar Thoma IV - fourth Malankara Metropolitan
18th century
- 1709 March 13 Vicariate of Malabar is suppressed and the Vicariate of Verapoly is erected by Pope Clement XI.
- 1718–1723 St. Anthony's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Churchwas established.
- 1728–1765 Mar Thoma V.
- 1765–1808 Mar Thoma VI(Dionysius I)
- 1772 First Malayalam book Sampskhepa Vedartham (Rome) by Clement Pianius.
- 1773 Pope Clement XIV suppresses the Jesuit Order, except in Russia and Prussia.
- 1782 December 16 Kariyattil Joseph elected Archbishop of Cranganore; Consecr. Lisbon 1783; died in Goa on the way back to Malabar, 9 September 1786.
- 1785 Varthamanappusthakam, the first written travelogue in India by Paremakkal Thoma Kathanar.
- 1795 October 20 Conquest of Cochin by the British.
19th century
- 1808–1809 Mar Thoma VII.
- 1809–1816 Mar Thoma VIII.
- 1816 Mar Thoma IX.
- 1815 March – The first educational institution in Kerala, Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam opens at Kottayam with Abraham Malpan, (Syriac), Konattu Varghese Malpan (Syriac) and Kunjan Assan (Sanskrit) as teachers.[54]
- 1816 C.M.S missionaries in Kerala.
- 1816 for nine months the tenth Pulikkottil Joseph Dionysious I (Dionysious II).
- 1816–1817 Mar Philoxenos II, Kidangan, of Malabar Independent Syrian Church (Thozhiyoor Sabha) as Malankara Metropolitan.[55]
- 1817–1825 Mar 11th Punnathra Dionysious (Dionysious III).
- 1825–1852 12th Cheppad Philipose Dionysius (Dionysius IV).
- 1836 6,000 - 12,000 Jacobites joined Anglican C.M.S. Church (later merged with other similar Churches to form the Church of South India).
- 1838 April 24 Dioceses of Cochin and Crnaganore are annexed to the Vicariate of Verapoly.
- 1838 The Queen of Portugal suppressed all religious orders in Portugal and in her mission lands.
- 1840 April 10 Kerala Syrian Catholics came under the archdiocese of Verapoly.
- 1852–1877 13th Mathews Athanasius Metropolitan.
- 1861 May 20 Bishop Rocos sent by the Patriarch of Chaldea reaches Kerala.
- 1864–1909. Pulikkottil Joseph Dionysious II (Dionysious V) 14th Malankara Metropolitan
- 1867 May 7 Property donated by Syrians to the King of Portugal to start a Seminary at Aluva. It was administered by the Diocese of Cochin.
- 1867 The Portuguese Missionaries start a seminary at Mangalapuzha for Syrian students.
- 1874 Bishop Elias Mellus sent by the Patriarch of Chaldea reaches Kerala – Mellus Schism.
- 1875 June-HH Patriarch of Antioch Peter III arrives in Kerala.
- 1876 June 28–30 HH Patriarch of Antioch Peter III convenes the Mulanthuruthy Synod. A section of Saint Thomas Christians came under his jurisdiction[56]
- 1877–1893 – Thomas Athanasius Metropolitan, Metropolitan of Reformist faction of Malankara Church (later Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church)
- 1886 The Archdiocese of Cranganore is suppressed.
- 1887 May 19 The St. Thomas Christians are totally segregated from the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Verapoly and from the Padroado.
- 1889 Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church separated from Malankara Church
- 1893–1910 – Titus I Thoma Metropolitan, Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church Metropolitan.
20th century
- 1909 Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, Ignatius Abded Aloho II.
- 1910 Mar Thoma XVI – Titus II Thoma Metropolitan, Marthoma Metropolitan (1910–1944)
- 1911 Dionysius VI excommunicated by Patriarch Ignatius Abded Aloho II.
- 1911 Paulose Mor Koorilose Kochuparambil. Malankara Metropolitan of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church(1911-1917)
- 1912 September 15 Baselios Paulose I, Malankara Orthodox Catholicos, enthroned by Patriarch Ignatius Abded Mshiho II, ousted Patriarch of Antioch established the Catholicate of the East in Malankara Church (at Niranam St. Mary's Church).[57]
- 1917 St. Paulose Mor Athanasius (Valiya Thirumeni), Malankara Metropolitan of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church (1917-1953).
- 1923 December 21 Reinstated the Augustine Kandathilas the Metropolitan and Head of the Church, and Trichur, Changanacherry and Kottayam as sufragan Sees.
- 1925 Baselios Geevarghese I, Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Catholicos (1925-1928).
- 1927 March 19 Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Destitute.
- 1929 October 5 Death of Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly.
- 1929 Baselios Geevarghese II, Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Catholicos (1929–1934).
- 1930 September 20 Ivanios with Theophilus established communion with the Catholic Church. The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.[58]
- 1931 Mor Elias III, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East left Mosul on 6 February 1931 accompanied by Mor Clemis Yuhanon Abbachi, Rabban Quryaqos (later Mor Ostathios Quryaqos), and Rabban Yeshu` Samuel, his secretary Zkaryo Shakir and translator Elias Ghaduri. They set sail to India on 28 February 1931 from Basra.
- 1932 Ignatius Elias III, the Patriarch of Antioch and all the East was buried near St. Stephen's church Manjanikkara on Sunday 13 February
- 1932 June 11 The establishment of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Hierarchy by Pope Pius XI. Ivanios becomes Archbishop of Trivandrum, and Theophilus Bishop of Tiruvalla.
- 1934 Malankara Syrian Church accepts new constitution. and elected Baselios Geevarghese II as the 16th Malankara Metropolitan
1934–1964 Baselios Geevarghese II, 16th Malankara Metropolitan (1934–1964).
- 1944 – Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan, Marthoma Metropolitan (1944–1947).
- 1947 – Juhanon Mar Thoma Metropolitan, Marthoma Metropolitan (1947–1976).
- 1947 November 2 Bishop Gheevarghese Gregorios of Parumaladeclared first native Indian saint along with Catholicos Baselios Eldho.
- 1950 July 18 The Portuguese Padroado over the Diocese of Cochin (from 1557 February 4 until 1950 July 18) suppressed and the Diocese of Cochin handed over to native clergy.
- 1952 December 28–31 Jubilee Celebration of St. Thomas and St. Francis Xavier at Ernakulam.
- 1958 - Supreme Court verdict in Malankara Church dispute in favour of Catholicos faction (accepting the Constitution of 1934, establishment of Catholicate in Malankara and the election of Gheevarghese II as Malankara Metropolitan).
- Reunification between Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church (Patriarch faction) and Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church(Metropolitan faction)
- Reunification between
- 1961 January 26 St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India was inaugurated (separated from the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar)
- 1964 Baselios Augen I, Malankara Orthodox Catholicos of the East and 17th Malankara Metropolitan) (1964–1975).
- 1972 Fraction split in Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church as 'Jacobite fraction' (in favour of full submission to the Antiochian Patriarch) and 'Orthodox fraction' (in favour of autocephaly).
- 1972 December 27, the 19th Centenary of the Martydom of St. Thomas the Apostle is celebrated at Ernakulam under the auspices of Orthodox, Catholic, Jacobite, Marthoma and C.S.I. Churches.
- 1973 July 3 The Governor of Kerala and the Cardinal release the St. Thomas stamp and the T.En.II for sale.
- 1975 Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I, Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Catholicos of the East and 18th Malankara Metropolitan) (1975–1991).
- 1975 Aboon Mor Baselios Paulose II, Malankara Syriac Orthodox (Jacobite) Catholicoi (1975–1996)
- 1976-1999 – Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan, Marthoma Metropolitan.
- 1986 1–10 February Visit of Pope John Paul II to India.
- 1986 8 February Chavara Kuriakose Elias and Sr. Alphonsa are proclaimed blessed by Pope John Paul II.
- 1991–2005 Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II (Catholicos of the East and 19th Malankara Metropolitan).
- 1995 - Supreme Court Verdict in Malankara Church dispute (2nd Samudaya(Community) Case)
- 1999–2007 – Philipose Chrysostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan, Marthoma Metropolitan.
21st century
- 2002 - Under the observation of the Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews IIis the unquestionable Malankara Metropolitan of the Malankara Church.
- 2002 Jacobite faction dissociated the Malankara Association conducted by Supreme Court of India and appointed Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I as Metropolitan Trustee of Jacobite Syrian Church and Catholicose under the Patriarch of Antioch.
- 2005-2010 - Baselios Mar Thoma Didymos I 20th Malankara Metropolitanand seventh Catholicos of Malankara
- 2005 February 10 Pope John Paul II elevated the Archdiocese of Trivandrum to a Major Archdiocese, elevating the Archbishop to Major Archbishop (called Catholicos by Syro-Malankara Catholics)
- 2007 February 10 Baselios Cleemis Catholicos (Malayalam: മോറന് മോര് ബസേലിയോസ് കര്ദിനാള് ക്ലിമ്മിസ് കാതോലിക്ക ബാവ) is elected as head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church by the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Holy Synod in 2005.
- 2007 March 5 Baselios Cleemis enthroned as Major Archbishop-Catholicos, succeeding Baselios Cyril. Ecclesial communion was confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI.
- 2007 – Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitanenthroned as Marthoma Metropolitan.
- 2007 December 25 Different fractions were merged in St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India(Church and Fellowship fraction)
- 2009 September 6 Varghese Payyappilly Palakkappilly declared Servant of God.
- 2010 November 1 Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II enthroned as 21st Malankara Metropolitanand eighth Catholicos of Malankara.
- 2011 May 24 George Alencherry(Malayalam: ആലഞ്ചേരീല് മാര് ഗീവര്ഗിസ്) elected Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church.
- 2011 29 May George Alencherry enthroned as Major Archbishop.
- 2012 February 18 George Alencherry was created Cardinal of the Catholic Church.
- 2012 24 November Baselios Cleemis Catholicos created Cardinal of the Catholic Church.
- 2018 Elevation of Kuravilangad Church to 'Major Archiepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church'
- 2020 Theodosius Mar Thoma XXII enthroned as Marthoma Metropolitan.
Early history
Doctrine of the Apostles states that, "India and all its countries . . . received the Apostle's hand of priesthood from Judas Thomas…." From an early period the Church of St. Thomas Christians came into a lifelong relationship with the
The Church of the East traces its origins to the
The
The
In 825, the arrival of two bishops are documented, Sapor and Prodh.[63] Le Quien says that "these bishops were Chaldaeans and had come to Quilon soon after its foundation. They were men illustrious for their sanctity, and their memory was held sacred in the Malabar Church. They constructed many churches and, during their lifetime, the Christian religion flourished especially in the kingdom of Diamper."[63]
The beginning of
The Church after Thomas
In 190, Pantaenus, probably the founder of the famous Catechetical School of Alexandria, visited India and the Nasranis.[64]
The
Church life bore characteristics of a church which had its origin and growth outside the
Theophilus (ca 354) as recorded by church historian Philostorgius mentions about a church, priests, liturgy, in the immediate vicinity of the Maldives, which can only apply to a Christian church and faithful on the adjacent coast of India. The people referred to were the Christians known as a body who had their liturgy in the Syriac language and inhabited the west coast of India, i.e., Malabar.[citation needed]
The Church is mentioned by Cosmas Indicopleustes (about 535). He notes that, "There are Christians and believers in Taprobane (Sri Lanka), in Malabar where pepper grows there is a Christian church. At a place known as Kalyan, there is a bishop sent from Persia.”.[67][68]
See of St.Thomas the Apostle
As per the tradition of Saint Thomas Christians, St. Thomas the Apostle established his throne in India and India was his See (Kolla Hendo), therefore the see of the metropolitan of Saint Thomas Christians was India and used the title Metropolitan and Gate of all India.[69] In Syriac Manuscript Vatican Syriac Codex 22 the title given for the Metropolitan of the Saint Thomas Christians was "the superintendent and ruler of the holy see of St.Thomas the Apostle".
Early rituals and culture
The life-style of the Saint Thomas Christians might be stated as "Indian in culture, Christian in faith and Oriental in worship".[citation needed]
Social and culture
Socially and culturally these Saint Thomas Christians remain as a part of the wider Indian community. They keep their Indian social customs, names and practices relating to birth, marriage, and death. They have Biblical names (Mar Thoma Christian names). At the same time they follow a number of Jewish customs like worship, baptism, wedding and other ceremonies which are entirely different from Western Churches.[citation needed]
Collection of deeds
The rulers of Kerala, always appreciated the contributions of St. Thomas Christians to the country and society. Thazhekad sasanam and deeds on copper plates bear witness to it. Five sheets of the three copper plates are now in the custody of St. Thomas Christians.[citation needed]
- Thazhekad sasanam is one of the earliest surviving edicts granting special privileges to the St. Thomas Christians. The edict dating back to about 340-360 AD was written on stone and provides proof of the early existence of St. Thomas Christians in Kerala.[citation needed]
- Iravi Corttan Deed: In the year 774 AD. Sri Vira Raghava Chakravarti, gave a deed to Iravi Corttan of Mahadevarpattanam.[citation needed]
- Tharissa palli Deed I: Perumal Sthanu Ravi Gupta (844-885) gave a deed in 849 AD, to Isodatta Virai for Tharissa Palli (church) at Curakkeni Kollam. According to historians, this is the first deed in Kerala that gives the exact date.[70]
- Tharissa palli Deed II: As Continuation of the above deed was given after 849 AD.[citation needed]
First 15 centuries
In 883 King
Persian Rock crosses
The two
Persian bishops in Malabar
In 829 CE, the Udayamperoor (Diamper) church was built.
- Kadamattathu Kathanar
A priest (or bishop) from Persia Abo came to Kadamattom. With the help of a widow and her son, he built a small hut and lived there. He called the boy Poulose. Abo taught him Syriac and later ordained him as a deacon. After this deacon Poulose disappeared for twelve years. It is said that he was a well known exorcist. He is well known in Kerala as Kadamattathu Kathanar. Abo died and was buried in Thevalakara church (now St. Mary's Orthodox Church).[75][76]
History of Syro-Malabar Churches in India
Visits from Rome to Malabar
There are many accounts of visits from Rome, before the arrival of Portuguese.
In 1347, Giovanni de' Marignolli visited Malabar.[80]
Another prominent Indian traveler was Joseph, priest over Cranganore. He journeyed to Babylon in 1490 and then sailed to Europe and visited Portugal, Rome, and Venice before returning to India. He helped to write a book about his travels titled The Travels of Joseph the Indian which was widely disseminated across Europe.[77]
Medieval period
Prior to the
There are many accounts of missionary activities before the arrival of Portuguese in and around
Either before going out to Malabar as bishop, or during a later visit to the west, Jordanus probably wrote his Mirabilia, which from internal evidence can only be fixed within the period 1329–1338; in this work he furnished the best account of Indian regions, products, climate, manners, customs, fauna and flora given by any European in the Middle Ages – superior even to
In 1347, Giovanni de' Marignolli visited the shrine of St Thomas in South India, and then proceeded to what he calls the kingdom of Saba, and identifies with the Sheba of Scripture, but which seems from various particulars to have been Java. Taking ship again for Malabar on his way to Europe, he encountered great storms.[80]
Another prominent Indian traveler was Joseph, priest over
When the Portuguese arrived on the
During the subsequent period, in 1552, a split occurred within the Assyrian Church of the East forming the Chaldean Church, the latter entered into communion with Rome. After the split each church had its own patriarch; the Chaldean Church was headed by the Patriarch Yohannan Sulaqa (1553–1555). Both claim to be the rightful heir to the East Syriac tradition. It is difficult to see the precise influence of this schism on the Church of Malabar as there was always overtones to Rome in earlier centuries. Apparently, both parties sent bishops to India.[citation needed]
The last
Colonialism and St Thomas Christians
Portuguese
The Portuguese erected a
Aleixo de Menezes, Archbishop of Goa from 1595 until his death in 1617 decided to bring the Kerala Christians to obedience after the death of Bishop Abraham (the last Syrian Metropolitan of Malabar, laid to rest at St. Hormis church, Angamaly), an obedience that they conceived as complete conformity to the Roman or ‘Latin’ customs. This meant separating the Nasranis not only from the Catholicosate of Seleucia-Ctesiphon, but also from the Chaldaean Patriarchate of Babylon, and subjecting them directly to the Latin Archbishopric of Goa.[citation needed]
The Portuguese refused to accept the legitimate authority of the Indian hierarchy and its relation with the
The oppressive rule of the Portuguese padroado provoked a violent reaction on the part of the indigenous Christian community. The first solemn protest took place in 1653, known as the Koonan Kurishu Satyam (
After the
The arrival of Gregorios in 1665 marked the beginning of the association with the
St. Thomas Christians by this process were divided into East Syriac and West Syriac branches.
On 4 May 1493, Pope Alexander VI granted Portugal the right to develop and send missions east of a demarcation line. When India had been reached, Portugal assumed that India was theirs to develop.[44]
On 20 May 1498,
In 1499, explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral landed at Kozhikode.[44] In 1500, Joseph, a priest, told the Pope Alexander VI, in an audience, that Indian Christians accept the Patriarch of Babylon as their spiritual leader.[44] On 26 November 1500, Franciscan Friars landed at Cochin.[44] On 7 November 1502 de Gama lands at Cochin.[44]When the Portuguese first discovered the Christians, they felt satisfied that their centuries-old dream of discovering eastern Christians had been fulfilled. They set great hopes on the St.Thomas Christians. These Christians too on their part experienced a spontaneous relief and joy at the arrival of powerful Christians from the West and desired the newcomers' help to strengthen their own privileges in India. So their arrival was enthusiastically welcomed by the local church. In fact, when Vasco da Gama arrived at Cochin on his second voyage (1502), a delegation of Thomas Christians went and met him and implored protection. In 1503, Dominican Priests, Catholic missionaries, were in Kochi.[44] In 1503, Yabella, Denaha and Yakoob from Persia went to Kerala.[44] In 1503 the Portuguese commenced work on Cochin Fort and the Santa Cruz church.[44]
There were about thirty thousand St. Thomas families in Malabar in 1504.[citation needed][86] A letter written by East Syriac bishops announces the arrival of the Portuguese and the friendly relationship between them and the St. Thomas Christians.
Cordial relations continued for two decades. However, Portuguese penetrating into the interior where they actually came face-to-face with St. Thomas Christians, realized that these Christians were neither subject to Rome, nor were they following Church traditions. To their dismay they found that these Christians were followers of the East Syriac Church, and its bishops looked after them, and the Patriarch in Babylonia was considered their ecclesiastical superior. Since the Pope had granted to the Portuguese crown sovereign rights over the eastern lands which come under their sway, the Portuguese thought, that is their right to bring the Thomas Christians under their control. To achieve this aim, the Portuguese worked among the local church for one and a half centuries.
The
In 1514, the Portuguese Padroado began. In 1514 Jewish people migrated from Kodungalloor to Kochi.[44] On 12 June 1514 the Portuguese colony at Funchal began their dominion over Christians in India.[44] On 23 December 1524 de Gama was buried at St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin.[44] In 1534 the Goa Catholic Diocese was erected. The parishes of Kannur, Cochin, Quilon, Colombo and Sao Tome (Madras) were part of it.[44] In 1540 Franciscan Vincent De Lagos started the Cranganore Seminary to train native priests.[44] On 6 May 1542 St.
During the subsequent period, in 1552, a split occurred within the Church of the East. Part of it joined Rome, so that besides the Catholicosate of the East another, Chaldean Patriarchate was founded, headed by the Patriarch Yohannan Sulaqa (1553–1555). Both claim to be the rightful heir to the East Syriac tradition. It is difficult to see the precise influence of this schism on the Church of Malabar as there was always overtones to Rome in earlier centuries. Apparently, both parties sent bishops to India.[citation needed]
The last
The Portuguese erected a
The Portuguese built the Mattancherry Palace for the King of Cochin in 1555.[44]
The pope erected the 1565 Archdiocese of Angamaly in 1565.[44] The Jesuits started the seminary at Vaippicotta in 1577.[44] The Order of Augustinians reached Cochin in 1579.[44] In 1583, Bishop Abraham convoked a synod at Angamaly.[44]
Aleixo de Menezes, Archbishop of Goa from 1595 until his death in 1617 decided to bring the Kerala Christians under obedience after the death of Bishop Abraham (the last Syrian Metropolitan of Malabar, laid to rest at St. Hormis church, Angamaly), an obedience that they conceived as complete conformity to the Roman or ‘Latin’ customs. This meant separating the Nasranis not only from the Catholicosate of Seleucia-Ctesiphon, but also from the Chaldaean Patriarchate of Babylon, and subjecting them directly to the Latin Archbishopric of Goa.[citation needed]
In 1597, Bishop Abraham, the last foreign Archbishop, died and was buried at St. Hormis church, Angamaly.[44]
The Synod of Diamper (1599)
Immediately after the death of the local bishop, Abraham, in 1599, Archbishop of Goa
Menezes controlled the synod completely. He convoked it, presided over it, framed its decrees and executed them. The synod lasted for eight days. Almost all of the decrees were framed not in the synod after due discussion but 15 days or earlier prior to the meeting. Many of the decrees were framed after the Synod as the archbishop desired. The synodal decrees were passed by threats and terror methods, and autocratically as desired by the archbishop. The decrees forced conformance of the local church to the practices of the Roman Rite, in faith, polity, and discipline. It decreed submission to the pope. The Assyrian Patriarch of Babylon was condemned as a heretic and contact with him declared highly perilous inviting spiritual dangers. Additionally, The Malabar church was required to follow the norms declared by the Council of Trent. Priests must be celibate. The church had to be divided into parishes with the parish priest directly appointed by the Portuguese church authorities, replacing the native regime and bishopric. The powers and offices of the Roman bishop clashed with that of the archdeacon, so the latter's office was weakened, though there was still an incumbent. The church was required to abandon perceived "errors" which Jesuits believed had crept into its life from the Indian milieu. All Syriac books had to be handed over for burning so that no memory of those rites remained.
The Catholic Church appointed Francis Roz bishop of Angamaly in 1599.[44]
In August, 1600 Padroado rule was imposed on the Nasranis.[44] The church appointed Roz as the first Latin bishop of the St. Thomas Christians in 1601.[44] The church erected the Diocese of Cranganore in 1609. They suppressed the Archdiocese of Angamaly.[44] The Metropolitan of Goa limited the pastoral jurisdiction of Nasranis to Malabar in 1610.[44] A Dominican Seminary was started at Kaduthuruthy in 1624.[44] In 1626, Edappally Ashram was started for the religious community of St. Thomas Christians.[44]
About half of the people did not yield to Rome however, and although through this period the local church lacked adequate knowledge of theology and church history, it still maintained its Eastern character and ecclesiastical freedom. Among all the efforts that were undertaken to subdue the Thomas Christians, the efforts of the Jesuits, a religious order that had been framed in the context of reformation in Europe, were notable. They established a clergy training centre at Vaipikotta to train native clergy in Catholic style. The major architects behind the convocation, deliberations, framing and executing the decrees of the Synod, were the Vaipikotta Jesuits. Apart from these the administration of the local church was also entrusted to them. Until 1653, three Jesuit bishops ruled over the church executing the decrees of that Synod.
These events immediately followed the synod:
- The appointment of a Latin bishop over the Church of St.Thomas.
- Suppression of the Metropolitan status of Angamali and bringing of it as a subordinate under Goa.
- Padroado of the Portuguese was extended over the Thomas Christians.
- The Thomas Christians’ protest and Restoration of the Metropolitan status to Angamali and change of the place to Crangannore under the Latin bishop Roz.
The Synod has since been criticized by modern scholars, both ecclesiastical and secular. The impact of the synod on the local church was decisive. Catholicism was firmly established. The Synod was a turning point in the history of the Malabar Church. This relationship continued until the beginning of the second half of the 17th century.
Francis Roz was the first Catholic bishop over the Thomas Christians soon after the Synod. Because he had been the main architect behind the success of Udayamperoor, he was given the see over the local church. His rule lasted for 24 years. During that time he tried his best to Romanize the Thomas Christians in worship, administrative systems, customs, and discipline. Although the Synod had instructed the liturgy to be modified in accordance with the Roman custom, this was sternly opposed by the St.Thomas Christians. Therefore, Roz advocated a modified form of the ancient liturgy of the Saint Thomas Christians. He centralized in himself all authority reducing almost to nothing the powers of the archdeacon, palliyogams and kathanars of the St. Thomas’ Church. This authority continued during the episcopates of Roz' two successors, Stephen Britto (1624–1641) and Francis Garzia (1641–1659).
Archdeacon George of the Cross, who had been subordinated under Roz and Britto died in 1640. He was succeeded by his nephew, Archdeacon Thomas Parambil. Parambil did not cooperate with Garzia. Garzia used both ecclesiastical and civil powers to suppress the archdeacon.
The Portuguese refused to accept the legitimate authority of the Indian hierarchy and its relation with the
In 1562, a Syrian bishop named
The Coonan Cross revolt
The oppressive rule of the Portuguese padroado provoked a reaction on the part of the Christian community. The first protest took place in 1653, known as the Koonan Kurishu Satyam (
After the Coonan Cross Oath, between 1661 and 1662, out of the 116 churches, the Catholics claimed seventy-two churches, leaving Archdeacon Mar Thoma I thirty-two churches and twelve churches being shared.
In 1665,
The arrival of Gregorios in 1665 marked the beginning of a formal association of the Thomas Christians with the
St. Thomas Christians by this process got divided into East Syriac and West Syriac branches.
Further divisions
In 1772 the West Syriac Christians under the leadership of Kattumangattu Abraham Koorilose, Metropolitan of Malankara, formed the Malabar Independent Syrian Church (Thozhiyur Sabha).[83]
From 1816 onwards, the Anglican
In 1876, those who did not accept the authority of the Patriarch of Antioch remained with Thomas Athanasious and chose the name
In 1874 a section of
However, in 1912 due to attempts by the Antiochean Patriarch to gain temporal powers over the Malankara Church, there was another split in the
In 1930 a section of the Malankara Orthodox Church under the leadership of
Demography
Most Saint Thomas Christians live in their native Indian state of
Since the 1950s a sizeable population of St Thomas Christians have settled in Malabar region of Kerala following the Malabar Migration[citation needed]. Many work or have settled outside the State in cities like Mumbai, as well as outside India in West Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.[citation needed]
See also
- Nestorianism and the church in India
- Syriac Christianity
- Cochin Jews
- Goa Inquisition
Notes
- ISBN 978-0-8028-2417-2.
- ^ ISBN 965-278-179-7.
- ISBN 1-59333-180-0.
- ^ Thomas Puthiakunnel, (1973) "Jewish colonies of India paved the way for St. Thomas", The Saint Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, ed. George Menachery, Vol. II., Trichur.
- ^ a b Church History by Eusebius. Book V Chapter X.
- ^ McCrindle, J.W. (Trans. & Editor) The Christian Topography of Cosmos, an Egyptian Monk. The Hakluyt Society, First series No. XCVIII. 1897. pp 118–119, Book 3.
- ^ Travancore Manual, page 248.
- ^ Pearse, Roger. "Cosmas Indicopleustes, Christian Topography (1897) pp. 358-373. Book 11".
- ^ The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Part II, AD 750–919
- Ronald Latham. 1958. Page 287.
- Tiruvalla. 2003. p. 78–79
- ^ Hough. ‘’Christianity in India’’. Vol I. Page 93, 94
- ^ Frykenberg, p. 111.
- ^ "Christians of Saint Thomas". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 9 February 2010.
- ^ Frykenberg, pp. 134–136.
- ^ "Thomas Christians: History & Tradition-Britannica". www.britannica.com. 28 November 2023.
- ISBN 978-0-19-154419-4.
- ISBN 978-90-04-11695-5.
- ISBN 978-0-8028-2734-0.
- ISBN 0-521-54885-3
- ^ "Biography of St. Thomas the Apostle".
- ^ "Stephen Andrew Missick. Mar Thoma: The Apostolic Foundation of the Assyrian Church and the Christians of St. Thomas in India. Journal of Assyrian Academic studies" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2008.
- ^ ISBN 81-87132-06-X, Lib. Cong. Cat. Card. No. 73-905568; B.N.K. Press – (has some 70 lengthy articles by different experts on the origins, development, history, culture... of these Christians, with some 300 odd photographs).
- ^ Leslie Brown, (1956) The Indian Christians of St. Thomas. An Account of the Ancient Syrian Church of Malabar, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1956, 1982 (repr.)
- ISBN 81-7495-258-6.
- ^ Claudius Buchanan, 1811., Menachery G; 1973, 1998; Mundalan, A. M; 1984; Podipara, Placid J. 1970; Leslie Brown, 1956
- ISBN 81-7821-008-8.
- ^ a b c d Menachery G; 1973, 1998; Leslie Brown, 1956; Vellian Jacob 2001; Poomangalam C.A 1998; Weil, S. 1982
- ^ Herberts, Some Years Travels into Asia and Afrique. 1636. Page 304. See also N.M. Mathew, St, Thomas Christians of Malabar Through Ages, 2003. p. 91.
- ^ Sarayu Doshi. ‘’India and Egypt’’. Bombay. 1993. p. 45.
- ^ a b Miller, J. Innes; (1960), Periplus Maris Erythraei The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
- ^ N.M.Mathew. ‘’St. Thomas Christians of Malabar Through Ages’’. CSS Tiruvalla. 2003. p. 54.
- ^ N.M.Mathew. St. Thomas Christians of Malabar Through Ages. CSS Tiruvalla. 2003. p. 58-59
- ^ History of Christianity. Vol.1. By Kenneth Scott Latourette, page 80
- ISBN 978-81-7748-091-7 [1]
- ^ Bowler, Gerry. (2000). ‘’The World Encyclopedia of Christmas’’. Page 139.
- ^ a b c Menachery G; 1973, 1982, 1998; Leslie Brown, 1956
- ^ Eastern Christianity in India: A History of the Syro-Malabar Church - Eugène Tisserant
- ^ a b MEDLYCOTT, India and the Apostle St. Thomas (London, 1905).
- ^ Menachery G; 1973, 1982, 1998; Mackenzie G.T 1905; Aiya Nagam 1905; Medlycott Dr. 1905 ;
- ^ Orientale Conquistado (2 vols., Indian reprint, Examiner Press, Bombay
- ^ The Encyclopedia of Christianity By FAHLBUSCH, Erwin Fahlbusch, Geoffrey William Bromiley page 285
- ^ [Menachery G; 1973, 1998; Mundalan, A. M; 1984; Podipara, Placid J. 1970; Leslie Brown, 1956]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai Menachery G; 1973, 1982, 1998; The Nazranies
- ^ ":: Pakalomattamfamily :: - History". Archived from the original on 19 April 2015. Retrieved 30 November 2013.
- ISBN 9780521548854.
- ^ Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, 5.10.3
- ^
"Archived copy". Archived from the original on 11 January 2016. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ Tharisapalli plates
- ^ "Kuzhippallil Nasrani Syrian Christians". kuzhippallil.com. Archived from the original on 4 July 2009. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
- ^ M. Miillbauer, Geschichteder katholiscchen Missinen in Ostindien (Freiburg i.B.,1852) p.42. Donal F Lach, Asia in the Making of Europe Voliume I. The University of Chicago Press. 1965. p. 231.
- ^ L. Lemmens, Geschichte der Franziskanerermissionen (Minster, 1929), p. 95-96. Donal F Lach, Asia in the Making of Europe Volume I. The University of Chicago Press. 1965. p. 231.
- ^ "Facts You Never Knew about India". Archived from the original on 16 February 2007. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
- Mar Thoma Church, (Malayalam) Vol I, Page 241.
- ^ Rev.K.C.Varghese Kassessa. 1972. History of Malabar Independent Syrian church.(Mal). Page 62.
- ^ Mulanthuruthy Padiola
- ^ Cheriyan, C.V. ‘’Orthodox Christianity in India.’’ page 322
- ^ a b Cheriyan, C.V. ‘’Orthodox Christianity in India.’’ page 354.
- ^ NSC Network (2007). "Defining a Kerala Syrian Christian". Placid (1950), Mundanadan (1970), S G Pothen (1970).
- ^ Dickens, Mark & Ruth. "The Church of the East". Archived from the original on 14 May 2011. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
- ^ The Christian Library. T. George. 1 January 1835.
- ^ "Ancient Churches, Stone Crosses of Kerala- Saint Thomas Cross, Nazraney Sthambams and other Persian Crosses". Nasranis. 16 January 2007. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
- ^ a b "Arrival of Mar Sabrisho and Mar Piruz, Earliest Reports, Copper Plates, Katheeshangal, Christians & Churches at Quilon". Nasranis. 16 February 2007. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
- ^ Eusebius, (AD 260-341), Bishop of Caesarea.Church History in Book V, Chapter 10.
- ^ Herberts. Some years Travels Into Asia And Afrique. London, 1638. p. 300.
- ^ Mathew, N.M. (History of the Marthoma Church. (Malayalam), Volume 1. Page 92-94and souvenirs published by Knanaya parishes in Kerala.
- Marthoma Church), Volume 1.(2006). Page 91.
- ^ J.W. McCrindle, Christian Topography of Cosmos, an Egyption Monk (1897) Book 3, pp. 99-128.
- ^ Brock, Sebastian P; Coakley, James F. "Church of the East". Gorgias Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Syriac Heritage. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ Sreedhara Menon, A. A Survey of Kerala History.(Mal).Page 54.
- ^ Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Part ii, AD 750-919.
- ^ Mathew, N.M. Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charitram, (History of the Marthoma Church), Volume 1.(2006). Page 97.
- ^ Marco Polo, The Book of Travels, Translated and with an introduction by Ronald Latham, 1958. p. 287.
- ^ Mathew N.M. St. Thomas Christians of Malabar Through Ages, C.S.S. Tiruvalla, 2003. Page 78.
- ^ Mathew, N.M. Malankara Marthoma Sabha Charitram, (History of the Marthoma Church), Volume 1.Page 91-92.
- ^ Shankunni, Kottarathil. Iythiha Malla (legends). p. 380-391
- ^ a b c d e f NSC Network (2007). "Defining a Kerala Syrian Christian".
- ^ a b Odoric of Pordenone (Nendeen, Liechtenstein, 1967), Henry Yule, trans. Cathy and the Way Thither vol. II.
- ^ a b c Sir Henry Yule's Jordanus, a version of the Mirabilia with a commentary (Hakluyt Society, 1863) and the same editor's Cathay, giving a version of the Epistles, with a commentary, &c. (Hakluyt Society, 1866) pp. 184-185, 192-196, 225-230.
- ^ a b J. G. Meinert, in Abhandl. der k. bohm. Gesellsch. der Wissenschaften, vol. vii.
- ^ The Mongols and the West, Jackson, Peter (2005)
- ^ Catholic Encyclopedia- "St. Thomas Christians" The Carmelite Period, Dr. Thekkedath, History of Christianity in India"
- ^ a b c Claudius Buchanan 1811 ., Menachery G; 1973, 1982, 1998; Podipara, Placid J. 1970; Leslie Brown, 1956; Tisserant, E. 1957; Michael Geddes, 1694;
- ^ a b Dr. Thekkedath, History of Christianity in India"
- ^ Fr. George Thalian: "' The Great Archbishop Mar Augustine Kandathil, D. D.: the Outline of a Vocation '"., Mar Louis Memorial Press, 1961. (Postscript) (PDF).
- ^ From a letter of five East Syriac bishops, written to their Patriarch in Babylon (in 1504)
- ^ "Thomas versus Peter".
- ^ Frykenberg, p. 367–368.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-521-89332-9.
- ^ Cherian, Dr. C.V., Orthodox Christianity in India. Academic Publishers, College Road, Kottayam. 2003.p. 254-262.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-521-37201-5.
- ISSN 0971-751X.
- ^ "Kerala to celebrate CMS mission". Church Mission Society. 9 November 2016.
- ^ "A History of the Church of England in India, by Eyre Chatterton (1924)". anglicanhistory.org.
- ^ a b "Kerala Window". keralawindow.net.
- ISBN 978-90-04-11695-5.
- ISBN 978-1-59884-204-3.
- ISBN 978-1-870345-43-9.
- ISBN 978-90-04-36101-0.
- ^ S2CID 234532613.
- ISSN 2414-8636.
- ISBN 978-0-8028-6281-5.
- ^ "Thomas Christians - Later developments". Encyclopedia Britannica.
- ISBN 978-0-521-53280-8.
- ISBN 978-0-8028-2734-0.
- ^ Samuel, Joy T. (2018). "Chapter 1. A brief history of pentecostal and neocharismatic movements in Kerala, India". The Pneumatic Experiences of the Indian Neocharismatics. University of Birmingham.
- ^ a b Zachariah, K.C. ""Religious Denominations of Kerala" (Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India), Working Paper 468, April 2016, p. 29" (PDF). Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ "Census of India Website: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India". www.censusindia.gov.in.
Further reading
This 'further reading' section may need cleanup. (April 2017) |
This article includes improve this article by correcting them. (January 2021) ) |
- Menachery G (1973). The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, Ed. George Menachery, B.N.K. Press, vol. 2, ISBN 81-87132-06-X, Lib. Cong. Cat. Card. No. 73-905568; B.N.K. Press (has some 70 lengthy articles by different experts on the origins, development, history, culture... of these Christians, with some 300-odd photographs).
- Mundadan, A. Mathias. (1984). History of Christianity in India, vol.1, Bangalore, India: Church History Association of India.
- Leslie Brown, (1956). The Indian Christians of St. Thomas. An Account of the Ancient Syrian Church of Malabar, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1956, 1982 (repr.)
- Podipara, Placid J. (1970). The Thomas Christians. London: Darton, Longman and Tidd, 1970. (is a readable and exhaustive study of the St. Thomas Christians.)
- Menachery G (ed); (1998). "The Indian Church History Classics", Vol.I, The Nazranies, Ollur, 1998. ISBN 81-87133-05-8.
- Medlycott, A E. (1905). India and the Apostle Thomas; Gorgias Press LLC; ISBN 1-59333-180-0. Also reproduced in full in Menachery, George Ed., ICHC I, 1998.
- Menachery, George (2005). Glimpses of Nazraney Heritage, Ollur, ISBN 81-87133-08-2.
- David de Beth Hillel (1832). Travels; Madras publication;
- Menachery G (ed) (1982). The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, B.N.K. Press, vol. 1;
- Lord, James Henry (1977). The Jews in India and the Far East; Greenwood Press Reprint; ISBN 0-8371-2615-0).
- Acts of St. Thomas (Syriac). MA. Bevan, London, 1897
- Poomangalam C.A (1998). The Antiquities of the Knanaya Syrian Christians; Kottayam, Kerala.
- Tisserant, E. (1957). Eastern Christianity in India: A History of the Syro-Malabar Church from the Earliest Times to the Present Day. Trans. and ed. by E. R. Hambye. Westminster, MD: Newman Press.
- James Hough (1893). The History of Christianity in India.
- Michael Geddes (1694). A Short History of the Church of Malabar together with the Synod of Diamper, London.Reproduced in full in Menachery, George Ed., ICHC I, 1998.
- Harris, Ian C., ed. (1992). Contemporary Religions: A World Guide. Harlow: Longman. ISBN 9780582086951.
- K.V. Krishna Iyer (1971). "Kerala's Relations with the Outside World", pp. 70, 71 in The Cochin Synagogue Quatercentenary Celebrations Commemoration Volume, Kerala History Association, Cochin.
- Periplus Maris Erythraei The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, (trans). Wilfred Schoff (1912), reprinted South Asia Books 1995 ISBN 81-215-0699-9
- Miller, J. Innes. (1969). The Spice Trade of The Roman Empire: 29 B.C. to A.D. 641. Oxford University Press. Special edition for Sandpiper Books. 1998. ISBN 0-19-814264-1.
- Menachery G (ed) (2010). The St. Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, Ollur, vol. 3;
- Thomas Puthiakunnel, (1973). "Jewish colonies of India paved the way for St. Thomas". The Saint Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, ed. George Menachery, Vol. II., Trichur.
- Koder S. "History of the Jews of Kerala". The St.Thomas Christian Encyclopaedia of India, Ed. G. Menachery,1973.
- Vadakkekara, Benedict (2007). Origin of Christianity in India: A Historiographical Critique. Delhi: Media House. ISBN 9788174952585.
- Vellian Jacob (2001). "Knanite community: History and culture"; Syrian church series; vol.XVII; Jyothi Book House, Kottayam, also cf. his articles in The Saint Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, ed. George Menachery, Vol. II., 1973, Trichur.
- Weil,S. (1982). "Symmetry between Christians and Jews in India: The Cananite Christians and Cochin Jews in Kerala". In Contributions to Indian Sociology, 16.
- Claudius Buchanan, (1811) Christian Researches in Asia (With Notices of the Translation of the Scriptures into the Oriental Languages). 2nd ed. Boston: Armstron, Cornhill
- Bjorn Landstrom (1964). The Quest for India, Doubleday English Edition, Stockholm.
- Menachery G (1987). (Chs. I and II) Kodungallur City of St. Thomas, Mar Thoma Shrine Azhikode. Reprinted 2000 as "Kodungallur Cradle of Christianity in India".
- T.K Velu Pillai, (1940). The Travancore State Manual; 4 volumes; Trivandrum
- Fr. Dr. V.C. Samuel, (1992). The-Growing-Church: An Introduction to Indian Church History, Kottayam [2]
External links
- Assyrian Church of the East – Archdiocese of India Official Website
- Metropolitan of the Assyrian Church of the East – Nestorian.org
- Website for Synod of Diamper
- St. Thomas Evangelical Church, History, Dioceses, Churches
- Catholic Encyclopedia: St Thomas Christians
- India Christian Encyclopaedia
- MarThoma Syrian Church Archived 13 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine