Introducing the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

     This is the final church from the Oriental Orthodox Communion that I will be introducing individually. The Malankara Church originated in south-west India. The Apostle St. Thomas was preaching there and began to develop churches throughout the region. St. Thomas first arrived in the region in 52 AD and stayed for 20 years where he converted several priestly families to the Christian faith. Seven churches were established by St. Thomas. From the 200s and onwards, St. Thomas' Christian followers, known as Kerala Christians, began to develop trade relations, as well as spiritual relations, with the churches present in the Persian Empire. The Church had influential power over the cultural and social traditions of the Indian sub-continent. It was heavily influential. From the beginning of its foundation, the Indian Church of the Apostle Thomas controlled its apostolic traditions as well as its administration with great independence. The church had a firm existence until the arrival of colonial powers in India in the 15th century where persecution closely followed. The Indian Church appealed to the Oriental Orthodox Churches and developed a connection with the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch. Eventually, the Syrian patriarchs would begin to exercise control over the Indian Church. Eventually, the Indian Church broke free an elected its own Catholicos (head ecclesiastical authority) (WCC). 

    Based on Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:28, the Indian Church identifies that the twelve apostles sit on twelve thrones individually. None are deprived of their authority. From this, they can claim that St. Thomas also has his own thrown which carries a large amount of authority. The Church derives its present authority from the apostolic tradition that has handed down St. Thomas' authority from generation to generation. The Malankara Church has historically affirmed seven sacraments and is close in theology with other Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The Church believes that is possesses the "uncorrupted" faith solidified in the first three ecumenical councils- Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus. The Nicene Creed is the principal creed used by the church which functions as forming the foundation of faith in the church. Doctrine is based on Holy Tradition and Holy Scripture. The Church rejects the Chalcedonian Council due to its teaching on the nature of Christ. They reject the teaching that Christ has two natures- one divine and one human- which exist united together in the body of Jesus. The Malankara Church has taught taught that the incarnate Christ possesses a "united" nature. Thus, the divine and human natures are perfectly united together. The two natures did not mix nor did they remain separate. As Christ Jesus lived his life on earth, some of his actions reflected his divine status while others reflected his human status. This is known as the Mystery of the Incarnation where two natures form one unified nature together (MOSC). 

    Worship is seen as the primary focus of mission for the Malankara Church. This is similar to other Oriental Orthodox Churches which focus on praying what they believe. The Church proclaims its theology through its worship. Thus, following proper liturgical practices is extremely important to Malankara Christians. There is also a large amount of veneration for the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. St. Mary, the Blessed Virgin, is preeminent among the saints of the church. She represents the reversal of the human fall with Adam and Eve by cooperating with God to further the plan of salvation. Mary brought forth the incarnated Christ into the world and thus opened the way for the salvation of the world. There is also a great emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit and her work as co-existing with the Father and Son in a co-equal relationship (MOSC).

    This church is absolutely fascinating and is indeed one of the oldest churches in the world, having existed since 52 AD according to tradition. There is still a large amount of Christians in this Church with parishioners numbering in the millions. There is definitely much to learn about theology and worship that this church can provide for the rest of the Church Universal. I enjoyed learning about this church myself and hope you will dig deeper into the history of this church on your own. Peace!


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