Archeparchy of Kottayam

{{Short description|Syro-Malabar Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction for the Knanaya faithful in India}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}} {{Infobox diocese | jurisdiction = Archeparchy | name = Kottayam | latin = ܐܪܟܝܕܝܘܩܝܐ ܕܟܘܬܝܡ | local = കോട്ടയം അതിരൂപത | image = | image_size = | image_alt = Christ the King Cathedral, Kottayam | caption = Christ the King Knanaya Catholic Cathedral, Kottayam | coat = Coat-kottayam-archdiocese-colour.jpg | coat_size = 200px | coat_alt = | flag =  | flag_size = | flag_alt =  | country = India | territory = India (Personal jurisdiction over the Southists (Knanaya) in the proper territory of Syro-Malabar Church subject to the Major Archbishop) | province = Kottayam | metropolitan = Kottayam | archdeaconries = | deaneries = | subdivisions = 14 Foranes | headquarters = Archbishop's House, Kottayam | coordinates =   | area_km2 = | area_sqmi =  | area_footnotes = | population = | population_as_of = 2023 | catholics = 190,985 | catholics_percent = | parishes = 144 | churches = 153

| congregations = 11 | schools = 146  | denomination = Catholic Church | sui_iuris_church = Syro-Malabar Church | rite = East Syriac Rite with a minority West Syriac Rite | established = {{start date and age|1911}} | dissolved = | cathedral = Christ the King Cathedral, Kottayam | cocathedral = | patron = Sacred Heart of Jesus and Pope St. Pius X | patron_title = Patrons | priests = 363 | language = Malayalam | calendar = | music =  | parent_church = | pope = {{Incumbent pope}}  | patriarch = | major_archbishop = Raphael Thattil | bishop = | bishop_title = | metro_archbishop = Mathew Moolakkatt | vicar_general = Fr. Thomas Animootill | episcopal_vicar = Fr. Michael Vettikatt | coadjutor = | auxiliary_bishops = {{ubl | Joseph Pandarasseril | Gheevarghese Aprem}} | archdeacons =  | emeritus_bishops =   | map = | map_size = | map_alt = | map_caption =  | website = {{URL|https://kottayamad.org}} | footnotes = | founded = }}

The '''Archeparchy of Kottayam''' is a Knanaya metropolitan archeparchy of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/syro-malabar-church-diocese.php|title=Eparchial Sees in the Syro-Malabar Church}}</ref> The archeparchy is exclusively for Knanaya faithful who claim to be the descendants of Syriac Judeo-Christians (early East Syriac Christians) who migrated from South Mesopotamia to Kodungallur (Muziris) in South India in 4th century A.D.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Vellian|first=Fr. Jacob|title=Knanite Community History and Culture|publisher=Syrian Church Series, Vol. XVII.|year=2001|location=Kottayam|pages=1}}</ref>

==History of the archeparchy==

===Community formation===

Traditional belief is that St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, had introduced Christianity in the Malabar coast in South India.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Podipara CMI|first=Placid J.|title=The Thomas Christians|publisher=St. Paul Publications|year=1970|location=Bombay|pages=15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Mundadan CMI|first=A Mathias|title=Sixteenth Century Traditions of St. Thomas Christians|publisher=Dharmaram College|year=1970|location=Bangalore|pages=2–6}}</ref> His port of entry was Kodungalloor,<ref name="britannica.com">{{Cite web|title=Thomas Christians {{!}} History & Tradition|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Thomas-Christians|access-date=2021-04-14|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> formerly known as Muziris.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Christianity in India: Seven Churches established by St. Thomas in Kerala India|url=https://www.swindia.us/seven-churches-established-by-st-thomas-in-kerala-india/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=Soul Winners India|language=en-US}}</ref> Trade relations between the Middle East and the Malabar coast might have favored the arrival of St. Thomas to Kodungallur. The presence of Jews in the South West India from the 6th century B.C. also might have been another attraction for St. Thomas to arrive at Muziris so he could introduce Jesus and his teachings starting with the Jews here.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kodungallur : The Cradle of Christianity In India 2000|url=http://www.indianchristianity.com/html/Books12.htm|access-date=2021-04-14|website=www.indianchristianity.com}}</ref>

Another Thomas, a rich and influential merchant from South Mesopotamia, had trade relations in the fourth century with the Malabar coast. He was a Christian from the Chaldean church. He made acquaintance with the local Christians in Kodungalloor, who were descendants of the Christian converts from St. Thomas, the Apostle.<ref>Mundadan CMI, A Mathias (1970). ''Sixteenth Century Traditions of St. Thomas Christians''. Bangalore: Dharmaram College. pp. 88-104.</ref> The Christian community at Kodungalloor sought the help of Merchant Thomas to get clergy to lead their church, as they were weakening because of the lack of clergy.<ref>Kollaparambil, Jacob (1992). ''The Babylonian Origin of the Southists among the St Thomas Christians''. Roma: Pont. Institutum Studiorum Orientalium. p. 65-66. {{ISBN|88-7210-289-8}}.</ref>

Thomas reported the need of the Christians in Kodungalloor to his church leaders in South Mesopotamia. The Catholicos took the matter seriously. There is a tradition that Urha Yausef was inspired by God to support the Christians in the Malabar coast.<ref>Kollaparambil, Jacob (1992). ''The Babylonian Origin of the Southists among the St Thomas Christians''. Roma: Pont. Institutum Studiorum Orientalium. p. 66. {{ISBN|88-7210-289-8}}.</ref><ref>Mundadan CMI, A.M. (1986). ''"What the Leadership of Thomas Cana (and the People who possibly came with him) gave to the Early Christian Community in India," Symposium on Knanites''. Kottayam: Diocese of Kottayam. pp. v.</ref> The church authorities came up with the idea of sending a bishop and some clergy along with some families to migrate in Kodungalloor so the clergy also would feel comfortable in the foreign land. Thomas of Kynai, being influential, could get permission from Cheraman Perumal, the king of Kodungallur. The king might have welcomed the new migrants to keep better trade relations with the Middle East and to import the material and technical resources of the immigrants. The fertility and favorable conditions of Kodungalloor might have attracted the families in South Mesopotamia to migrate to the Malabar coast.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

Bishop Urha Mar Yausef, four priests, and several deacons volunteered to migrate to Malabar coast to offer their missionary service to the St. Thomas Christian community in the Malabar coast. Along with them, around 400 people<ref name="britannica.com"/> belonging to 72 Jewish-Christian families from seven clans also came under the leadership of Kynai Thomman.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Podipara CMI|first=Placid J.|title=The Thomas Christians|publisher=St. Paul Publications|year=1970|location=Bombay|pages=63–64}}</ref><ref>Kollaparambil, Jacob (1992). ''The Babylonian Origin of the Southists among the St Thomas Christians''. Roma: Pont. Institutum Studiorum Orientalium. p. 109. {{ISBN|88-7210-289-8}}.</ref> The Knanaya community believes that the families selected were 72 to represent the same number of disciples of Jesus and seven clans to remind them of the seven sacraments Jesus instituted in the church. The migration, according to tradition, happened in 345 A.D.<ref name="kottayamad.org">{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=Knanaya History {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/knanaya-history/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref> Considering their distinctiveness including their culture, language, customs, food, and dress from the natives, the migrants preferred to live as a colony without having marital relations with others.<ref name="kottayamad.org"/><ref>Vellian, Fr. Jacob (2001). ''Knanite Community History and Culture''. Kottayam: Syrian Church Series, Vol. XVII. p. 26.</ref> King Cheraman Perumal assigned them a vacant land in the southern part of his palace for the new settlers. Since they inhabited the Southern region of the Kingdom, they were known as Southists while other Christians were known as Northists to distinguish both groups. The first written record of the epithet Knanaya used in reference to the community dates to the 1800s. Translations of Thomas' epithet Canaanite as "Cananeo" are recorded in a 17th-century source work. Archbishop of Kodungallur-Angamaly, Francis Roz, refers to the Southist as the "Thomas Cananeo Party" in his documents dated to 1603/1604.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kollaparambil|first=Jacob|title=The Babylonian Origin of the Southists among the St Thomas Christians|publisher=Pont. Institutum Studiorum Orientalium|year=1992|isbn=88-7210-289-8|location=Roma|pages=134}}</ref> Honoring the new migrants and their leader Kynai Thomas, the king offered 72 privileges for the Christians acknowledging them as higher class people in his kingdom.<ref>Kollaparambil, Jacob (1992). ''The Babylonian Origin of the Southists among the St Thomas Christians''. Roma: Pont. Institutum Studiorum Orientalium. p. 68. {{ISBN|88-7210-289-8}}.</ref> The privileges were documented on copper plates known as Thomas of Cana copper plates.{{sfn|Karukaparambil|2005|pp=460–461}}{{sfn|Vellian|1990|pp=25–26}}{{sfn|Swiderski|1988b|p=52}} The plates were present in Kerala during the time of the Portuguese colonization in the early 17th century, but were lost during Portuguese rule.{{sfn|Swiderski|1988b|pp=65–66}}{{sfn|Weil|1982|pp=175–196}} Portuguese Archbishop Francisco Ros notes in his 1604 account ''M.S. ADD 9853'' that the plates were taken to Portugal by Franciscans.{{sfn|Kollaparambil|2015|pp=148–149}} The Knanaites invoke the plates as evidence of their descent from Kynai Thoma's mission.{{sfn|Swiderski|1988b|pp=66–67}}

Bishop Urha Yausef might have popularized the Syriac Chaldean liturgy developed by Addai and Mari of the Chaldean church. Under his leadership the migrants established three churches in honor of St. Thomas, St. Mary, and St. Kuriakose. The bishop, along with other clergy, was serving the Northists and Southists at the same time for which they came to India.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|last=Mundadan CMI|first=A.M.|title="What the Leadership of Thomas Cana (and the People who possibly came with him) gave to the Early Christian Community in India," Symposium on Knanites.|publisher=Diocese of Kottayam|year=1986|location=Kottayam|pages=vi}}</ref> According to the traditional song, the Catholicos of the East had promised the migrants that he would send bishops to succeed Urha Yausef to continue the pastoral service for the Christians in Malabar. Thus, the bishops from the Chaldean church continued to succeed one another in serving the St. Thomas Christians in Kerala until the end of the 16th century<ref>{{Cite book|last=Podipara SJ|first=Placid J.|title=The Thomas Christians|publisher=St. Paul Publications|year=1970|location=Bombay|pages=26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=The Archeparchy of Kottayam Directory 2017|publisher=The Archeparchy of Kottyam|year=2017|location=Kottayam|pages=31}}</ref> when the missionaries from Europe took over the pastoral leadership along with the European colonization.<ref name=":3" />

=== Dispersion from Kodungallur ===

The Southists had to leave their settlement in Kodungalloor because of the destruction of their colony during the war between the Kingdom of Cochin and Zamorin of Calicut in the 16th century.<ref>{{cite book|title=Jornada of D. Alexis Menezis: A Portuguese Account of Sixteenth Century Malabar|year=2003|author-link=Pius Malekandathil|author= Pius Malekandathil|publisher= LRC Publications|pages=19–20}}</ref> The community migrated to cities, mainly of river banks, like Udayamperoor (Diamper), Kaduthuruthy, Chungam (Thodupuzha), Kottayam, and Kallissery.<ref>Vellian, Fr Jacob (2001). ''Knanite Community, History and Culture''. Kottayam: Syrian Church Serives, VOL. XVII. pp. 2.</ref> Road transportation was less at that time and the means of transportation was by water like lakes, canals, and rivers.

The Northists and Southists in Malabar lived in harmony under the pastoral leadership of bishop from the Chaldean church and using the same Chaldean liturgy in the Syriac language.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Podipara CMI|first=Placid J.|title=The Thomas Christians|publisher=St. Paul Publications|year=1970|location=Bombay|pages=73–74}}</ref> The bishop from Edessa was assisted for temporal administration by an Archdeacon who was a local priest.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Podipara CMI|first=Placid J|title=The Thomas Christians|publisher=St. Paul Publications|year=1970|location=Bombay|pages=95}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Kollaparambil|first=Jacob|title=The Archdeacon of All-India, A Historcio-Juridical Study|publisher=Pontificia Universitas Lateranensis|year=1966|location=Rome|pages=60–73}}</ref>

Situation began to change when the European missionaries came to Malabar along with the colonial rule and mandate from the Pope for missionary service. The Synod of Diamper held from 20 to 26 June 1599 paved the way for revolt of Syrian Christians of Malabar against the Portuguese Jesuit missionaries because of the forceful changes they introduced in the form of worship and governance different from what had been practiced before. Pope assigned Francisco Ros, a Latin prelate as the bishop for the Syrians in Malabar avoiding the arrival of bishops from the Chaldean church. The Latinization of the Syrian church was the main cause of the objection.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

The revolt against the Latin bishop came to a climax on 3 January 1653 with the Coonan Cross Oath of the Syrians at Mattancherry near Kochi.<ref name="britannica.com"/> This protest against the Portuguese Padroado at the time of Archbishop Garcia S.J. resulted in the division of the Syrian Christians including the Knanaites based on their allegiance to the ecclesiastical authorities. Kadavil Chandy Kathanar from Kaduthuruthy parish and Anjilimoottil Itty Thomman Kathanar from Kallissery parish were among the major leaders of the revolt who were from the Southists. Though many compromised with the Portuguese archbishop after the revolt, the others made Archdeacon Thomas Parambil their "bishop" with the imposition of hands by 12 priests at Alangad.<ref name=":52">{{Cite book|last=Kollaparambil|first=Rev. Jacob|title=The St. Thomas Christians' Revolution in 1653|publisher=The Catholic Bishop's House|year=1981|location=Kottayam|pages=iii -iv}}</ref> The dissident group welcomed a Jacobite Bishop Gregorios of Jerusalem in 1665 and followed his teachings. That led to the emergence and growth of the Jacobite faction among the Syrians<ref name=":52" /> while two third remained as Catholics under the Catholic Bishop Parambil Chandy, who was supported by Kadavil Chandy Kathanar and Vengūr Givargis Kathanar. Then on, the Catholics and Jacobites of the Southists remained separate from each other and from the Northists with their own churches or section within a common church and served by Southist priests.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Vellian|first=Fr Jacob|title=Knanite Community, History and Culture|publisher=Syrian Church Serives, VOL. XVII|year=2001|location=Kottayam|pages=2–3}}</ref> This article focuses on the Southist Catholics who later became members of the Archeparchy of Kottayam.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

=== Vicariate of Kottayam ===

While administering the Syrian churches, the European missionaries established Latin churches also in Malabar. Churches of Latin and Syrian rites were under the Archdiocese of Verapoly. The co-adjutor bishop was in charge of the Syrians.<ref>Makil, Mathew (2001). ''കോട്ടയം മിസത്തിന്റെ സ്ഥാപന ചരിത്രം''. Kottayam: Bishop Makil Foundation, p.34.</ref> On 20 May 1887, Pope Leo XII separated the Syrians from the Archdiocese of Verapoly by establishing the Vicariate of Kottayam including Northists and Southists and the Vicariate of Trichur. Pope appointed Dr. Charles Lavigne as the Vicar Apostolic of Kottayam and Dr. Adolf Medlycott as the Vicar Apostolic of Trichur. ("Quod Jam Pridem").<ref name="Syro Malabar Church Chronology">{{Cite web|title=Syro Malabar Church Chronology|url=http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/syro-malabar-church-cronology.php|access-date=2021-04-14|website=www.syromalabarchurch.in}}</ref> While establishing the Vicariate of Kottayam common for Southists and Northists, the Holy See ordered Bishop Charles Lavinge to appoint a separate vicar general for the Knanaites.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Archeparchy of Kottayam Directory 2017|publisher=The Archeparchy of Kottayam|year=2017|location=Kottayam|pages=31–32}}</ref> Thus, Bishop Lavinge appointed a Knanaya priest Fr. Mathew Makil as vicar general for the Knanaya Catholics. The seat of Kottayam Vicariate was moved to Changanacherry on 16 September 1890.<ref name="Syro Malabar Church Chronology"/> Bishop Charles Lavigne established eight foranes for the Northists, and Kottayam and Kaduthuruthy foranes for the Southists on 10 October 1891.<ref name=":4">Moolakkatt, Archbishop Mathew (2006), ''"കോട്ടയം അതിരൂപത: ഉത്ഭവവും വളർച്ചയും" സുവർണ്ണസ്മൃതി, Golden Jubilee Souvenir,'' Changanacherry: Archeparchy of Changanacherry, pp. 390.</ref> With the permission of Bishop Charles Lavinge, Vicar General Fr. Mathew Makil started Sisters of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SVM) for Knanaya women at Kaipuzha on 24 June 1892.<ref>{{Cite book|last=SVM|first=Sr. Merin|title=എസ്.വി.എം. ചരിത്രവഴികളിലൂടെ|publisher=Visitation Congregation|year=2018|location=Kottayam|pages=36}}</ref>

Pope Leo XIII reconstituted the Vicariates of Changanacherry and Trichur by adding the Vicariate of Ernakulam with territories from Vicariates of Changanacherry and Thrissur on 28 July 1896. Pope appointed indigenous bishops for these vicariates. Aloysius Pazheparambil was appointed for Ernakulam and John Menacherry for Thrissur. The Knanaya Vicar General, Mathew Makil was appointed as the head of Changanacherry Vicariate that consisted of Southists and Northists ("Quae Rei Sacrae").<ref name="Syro Malabar Church Chronology"/> The episcopal consecration of the three bishops were held at Kandy in Sri Lanka on 25 October 1896.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|date=2015-11-06|title=Bishop Mar Mathew Makil {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/bishop-mar-mathew-makil/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1896, the Vicariate of Changanacherry consisted of 100 to109 thousand Northists with 133 parishes and 256 priests.<ref>Moolakkatt, Mar Mathew (2009). ''The Book of Decrees of Mar Mathew Makil''. Bangalore: Syrian Churches Series XXI. p.xi.</ref> The Knanaites in the vicariate at the same time were a minority of less than 10% with 14,000 to 20,000 members, 12 parishes, and 21 priests.<ref>Moolakkatt, Mar Mathew (2009). ''The Book of Decrees of Mar Mathew Makil''. Bangalore: Syrian Churches Series XXI. p.x.</ref> Since the Northists and Southists had no communal relationship, a bishop from the minority community was naturally unacceptable for the majority community.

The Southists were worried that they would be divided under different vicariates. In 1896, when the Vicariate of Ernakulam was established 1,500 Southists came under that vicariate where as 12,500 were under the Vicariate of Changanacherry.<ref>Moolakkatt, Mar Mathew (2009). ''The Book of Decrees of Mar Mathew Makil''. Bangalore: Syrian Churches Series XXI, p. 34.</ref> They were also concerned about their fate under a Northist bishop after the term of Makil. So, both Norhists and Southists desired to have their own vicariates. The bishops governing the three Syrian Vicariates were convinced that such an arrangement would be the best solution for the issues of the time.

Considering the unanimous request of the three Syrian bishops under the leadership of the Vicar Apostolic of Changanacherry Mathew Makil, Pope Pius X established the new Vicariate of Kottayam on 29 August 1911 exclusively for the Southists (Pro Gente Sudhistica) by the Apostolic letter "In Universi Christiani." All the Southists belonging to the vicariates of Changanacherry and Ernakulam were brought under this reconstituted Vicariate of Kottayam. Pope appointed Mathew Makil as the head of the new vicariate.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=History of the Archdiocese {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/history-of-the-archdiocese/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref>

Bishop Mathew Makil expired on 26 January 1914 at Kottayam.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> He was buried at St. George Church, Edacat.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-07-19|title=St George Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, Edacatt {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/st-george-forane-church-edacatt/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref>

Pope Pius X appointed Fr. Alexander Choolaparambil as the Vicar Apostolic of Kottayam on 16 July 1914.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=Expired Bishops {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/expired-bishops/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref> His consecration was held in Kandy, Sri Lanka on 1 November 1914.<ref>''Mar Alexander Choolaparambil''. Kottayam. 1970. p. 68.</ref> Choolaparambil established the Eparchial Society of the Oblates of the Sacred Heart (OSH) at S.H. Mount, Kottayam on 29 January 1921.<ref name="Syro Malabar Church Chronology"/>

=== Syro-Malankara Rite === Since the Koonan Cross Oath on 3 January 1653, the Knanaya Community was divided as Catholic and Jacobite. That was painful for the community. Attempts were made for the reunification of the Knanaya Jacobites, who were one third of the community, to the Knanaya Catholic section. It got momentum under the leadership of Alexander Choolaparambil.

One hindrance was the diversity of the liturgical rite because the Jacobites follow the Syro-Antiochian rite and the Catholics use the Syro-Malabar (Chaldean) rite. The Knanaya Orthodox who were willing to join the Catholic church preferred to continue the Antiochian liturgy. So, Alexander Choolaparambil took initiative to apply to the Holy See for permission to use the Antiochian Syrian Rite for those who reunite with the Catholic church. The Holy See granted this permission on 5 July 1921.<ref>''ക്നാനായ മലങ്കര കത്തോലിക്ക സമൂഹം''. Archdiocese of Kottayam. 2009. p. 48.</ref><ref>Vellian, Fr Jacob (2001). ''Knanite Community, History and Culture''. Kottayam: Syrian Church Serives, VOL. XVII. pp. 4.</ref> That facilitated the reunion of many Knanaya Jacobites to the Catholic Vicariate of Kottayam. Others still remain as Jacobites under the Knanaya Orthodox Archdiocese of Chingavanam.

The Archeparchy of Kottayam has the privilege to have two liturgical rites in the same Archeparchy. At present 15 parishes of the Archeparchy belong to the Syro-Malankara rite served mainly by Syro-Malankara Knanaya priests. These churches are organised as one forane headed by a vicar general from the same rite.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-12-02|title=Malankara Forane {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/malankara-forane/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref> At the request of the Archbishop of Kottayam Mathew Moolakkatt, and with the recommendation of the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara churches, the Holy See appointed Syro-Malankara Vicar General Fr. George Kurisummoottil, as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Kottayam on 29 August 2020 with the name Geevarghese Mar Aprem.<ref name="ccbi.in">{{Cite web|title=Fr. George Kurisummoottil Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam – CCBI|date=29 August 2020 |url=https://ccbi.in/fr-george-kurisummoottil-appointed-auxiliary-bishop-of-kottayam/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref> Thus, the Archeparchy of Kottayam has two auxiliary bishops of two liturgical rites which is unusual in a diocese.

=== Kottayam Diocese === Pope Pius XI elevated the Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam to an eparchy on 21 December 1923 and appointed Alexander Choolaparambil as its bishop.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> He established many churches and schools in the diocese including Christ the King Cathedral, Kottayam.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-07-19|title=Christ the King Cathedral, Kottayam {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/christ-the-king-cathedral-kottayam/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref> He was pioneer in the reunion of Knanaya Jacobites to Catholic faith, getting permission from the Holy See to use the Syro-Malankara Rite, and in leading the migration to virgin land in Northern Malabar during the economically difficult time of the World War II.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Vellian|first=Fr. Jacob|title=The Knanite Community, History and Culture|publisher=Syrian Church Series Vol. XVII|year=2001|location=Kottayam|pages=10–11}}</ref> With the permission from Bishop Alexander Choolaparambil, Fr. Thomas Poothathil who had special concern for the poor, especially differently abled children and women, founded Sisters of St Joseph Congregation (SJC) at Kaipuzha on 3 July 1928.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-12-01|title=SJC Congregation {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/sjc-congregation/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Jose SJC|first=Sr. Mary|title="ച്രിത്രത്താളിൽ നിറഞ്ഞുനില്‌ക്കുന്ന സെന്റ് ജോസഫ്സ് കോൺഗ്രിഗേഷൻ" Platinum Jubilee Souvenir 1928-2003.|publisher=St. Joseph's Congregation|year=2003|location=Kottayam|pages=13}}</ref>

Pope Pius XII appointed Thomas Tharayil as co-adjutor bishop of Kottayam on 9 June 1945.<ref>Tharayil, Fr. Jose (2001). ''Mar Thomas Tharayil''. Alwaye: Fr. Jose Tharayil. p. 49.</ref> His Episcopal Consecration was held at Christ the King Cathedral by Alexander Choolaparambil on 7 October 1945.<ref>Tharayil, Fr. Jose (2009). ''Mar Thomas Tharayil''. Alwaye: Fr. Jose Tharayl. p. 73.</ref> When Choolaparambil died at the Bishop's House in Kottayam on 8 January 1951, Coadjutor Bishop Thomas Tharayil took charge as Bishop of Kottayam.<ref name="ReferenceC"/> Bishop Choolaparambil was buried at Christ the King Cathedral Kottayam.

The territorial limits of the Syro-Malabar Church was extended on 29 April 1955.<ref>Vellian, Fr Jacob (2001). ''Knanite Community, History and Culture''. Kottayam: Syrian Church Serives, VOL. XVII. pp. 3.</ref> With the directive of Pope Pius XII, the Oriental Congregation extended the jurisdiction of the Eparchy of Kottayam also to the then extended territory of the Syro-Malabar Church by its decree 1812/48 (Quae Suddistica Gens)<ref name=":0" /> Pope Pius XII elevated the Diocese of Changanacherry as an archdiocese and made Kottayam and Pala at its suffragan dioceses ("Regnum Caelorum") on 26 July 1956.<ref name=":0" /> Besides establishing new churches, Bishop Thomas Tharayil gave importance to education of the people and established schools and colleges. He also founded Caritas Secular Institute at Thellakom, Kottayam on 9 June 1961 for women.<ref>Tharayil, Fr. Jose (2009). ''Mar Thomas Tharayil''. Alwaye: Fr. Jose Tharayl. p. 218.</ref>

Pope Paul VI appointed Kuriakose Kunnacherry as the Co-adjutor Bishop of Kottayam on 9 December 1967.<ref name=":1" /> His Episcopal Consecration was held at Sacred Heart Mount, Kottayam by the Prefect of the Oriental Congregation on 24 February 1968.<ref>''"ഭക്തിനിർഭരവും വർണ്ണശബളവുമായ മെത്രാൻ സ്ഥാനാഭിഷേകം," ജൂബിലി സ്മൃതി''. Kottayam: KCYL. 1993. p. 151.</ref> When Thomas Tharayil retired on 5 May 1974, Co-adjutor Bishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry took charge as the Bishop of Kottayam.<ref name=":1" /> Thomas Tharayil died at the Chaplain's quarters of Caritas Hospital on 26 July 1975.<ref>Tharayil, Fr. Jose (2009). ''Mar Thomas Tharayil''. Alwaye: Fr. Jose Tharayl. p. 276.</ref> He was buried at Christ the King Cathedral, Kottayam.

Considering the missionary zeal of Knanaya youth, Kunnacherry took initiative to establish Missionary Society of St. Pius X.<ref>Mavelil, Fr. Mathew (2011). ''"വി. പത്താം പീയൂസിന്റെ മിഷനറി സൊസൈറ്റി: സ്ഥാപനവും പിന്നിട്ട് നാൾവഴികളും," 25 Years Through the Footsteps of Jesus''. Kottayam: Missionary Society of St. Pius X. p. 8.</ref> Many priests volunteered to become its initial members. They were supported by Missionary Association of priests and lay people. The missionary society was established on 6 January 1985.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Mavelil|first=Fr. Mathew|title="വി. പത്താം പീയൂസിന്റെ മിഷനറി സൊസൈറ്റി: സ്ഥാപനവും പിന്നിട്ട നാൾവഴികളും," Silver Jubilee Souvenir|publisher=Missionary Society of St. Pius X|year=2011|location=Kottayam|pages=7–8}}</ref> Pope John Paul II blessed the foundation stone for the seminary of the Missionary Society on 8 February 1986 after the beatification ceremony of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Alphonsa at Kottayam. The pope visited Bishop's house and Christ the King Cathedral at Kottayam on the same day.<ref>''“മാർപാപ്പായുടെ കോട്ടയം സന്ദർശനം,” കോട്ടയം രൂപത പ്ലാറ്റിനം ജൂബിലി സ്മരണിക 1911-1986''. Kottayam: Diocese of Kottayam. 1986. pp. 397–404</ref>

Pope John Paul II appointed Mathew Moolakkatt as the Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam on 28 December 1998.<ref name=":2" /> Pope John Paul II officiated the Episcopal Consecration of Mathew Moolakkatt along with other bishops at St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City on 6 January 1999.<ref name=":2" /> Mathew Moolakkatt as the Co-adjutor of the Diocese of Kottayam on 15 August 2003.<ref>''"Metropolitan Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt," Directory 2017''. Kottayam: Archeparchy of Kottayam. 2017. p. 3.</ref> Pope John Paul 11 made a sovereign decision on 23 December 2003, that the status quo (pro gente suddistica) of the Eparchy of Kottayam must be maintained and left it to the Bishops' Synod of the Syro-Malabar church to decide on the desired enhancement of the juridical status of the Eparchy of Kottayam.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

=== Archeparchy of Kottayam === On 21 March 2005, the Congregation for the Oriental Churches issued a letter of no-objection to the decision of the Syro-Malabar Bishop's synod to elevate the Eparchy of Kottayam as an Archeparchy. Accordingly, on 9 May 2005 the Major Archbishop Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil issued the decree, "The Eparchy of Kottayam," elevating the Eparchy of Kottayam to the rank of a metropolitan see, and another decree "God our loving father," appointing Kuriakose Kunnacherry as its first metropolitan.<ref name="Syro Malabar Church Chronology"/> On 3 June 2005, the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Major Archbishop canonically erected the Metropolitan See of Kottayam and ordained and enthroned Kuriakose Kunnacherry as the Metropolitan of Kottayam.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> At the retirement of Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry, Co-adjutor Bishop Mathew Moolakkatt took over as the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Kottayam on 14 January 2006.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

Joseph Pandarasseril was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam Archdiocese on 21 September 2006.<ref name="ReferenceD">{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=Auxiliary Bishops of Kottayam {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/auxiliary-bishop-of-kottayam/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref> His episcopal consecration was held on 28 October 2006 at Christ the King Cathedral, Kottayam by Kuriakose Kunnacherry.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

The Knanaya Catholic community is blessed to have two holy men in the process of sainthood. Former Vicar Apostolic of Kottayam Mathew Makil and Rev. Fr. Thomas Poothathil the founder of St. Joseph's Congregation, were declared Servants of God at Christ the King Cathedral, Kottayam on 26 January 2009.<ref name="ReferenceE">{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=Servants of God {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/servants-of-god/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref>

Kuriakose Kunnacherry, the first Archeparchy of Kottayam died on 14 June 2017 at Thellakom, Kottayam.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jaikrishnan Nair|date=14 June 2017|title=Kottayam Archdiocese: Archdiocese Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry, first archbishop of Kottayam passes away {{!}} Kozhikode News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/archdiocese-mar-kuriakose-kunnacherry-first-archbishop-of-kottayam-passes-away/articleshow/59147002.cms|access-date=2021-04-14|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> He was buried at Christ the King Cathedral beside the tomb of former bishops Alexander Choolaparambil and Thomas Tharayil.

The Archeparchy of Kottayam has a Syro-Malankara section who are descendants of the reunited Knanaya Jacobites. The Holy See blessed them by appointing Fr. George Kurisummoottil as the Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam on 29 August 2020.<ref name="ccbi.in"/> Fr. George who is of Syro-Malankara rite and vicar general of the Syro-Malankara faithful of the Archeparchy of Kottayam received his Ramban ordination on 7 November 2020 in preparation for his consecration as Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam. Major Archbishop of Syro-Malankara Church Moran Mor Cardinal Baselios Cleemis officiated the service at St. Theresa's Knanaya Malankara Catholic Church, Ranni.<ref name="ReferenceD"/> The consecration of Fr. George, with the name Geevarghese Mor Aprem, was held at Christ the King Cathedral by Archbishop of Thiruvalla Thomas Mar Koorilos, along with Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt and Mar Joseph Pandarasseril on 14 November 2020.<ref name="ReferenceD"/>

== Bishops and archbishops ==

* Mathew Makil (1911–1914) * Alexander Choolaparampil (1914–1951) * Thomas Tharayil (1951–1974) * Kuriakose Kunnacherry (1974–2006) * Mathew Moolakkattu (2006–present) '''Auxiliary Bishops''' * Thomas Tharayil (1945-1951) * Kuriakose Kunnacherry (1968-1974) * Mathew Moolakkattu (1999-2006) * Joseph Pandarasseril (2006–present) * Gheevarghese Mar Aprem (2020–present)

== Servants of God and Venerables ==

With the permission from the Holy See, two holy men from the Archeparchy are selected for the process of sainthood. As an initial step, they were declared as Servants of God at Christ the King Cathedral, Kottayam on 26 January 2009.<ref name="ReferenceE"/>

* Venerable Bishop Mathew Makil<ref name="CCBI2">{{Cite web|title=Saints & Blessed – CCBI|url=https://ccbi.in/saints-blessed/|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref> * Servant of God Rev. Fr. Thomas Poothathil<ref name="CCBI2" />

== Pastoral structure == The following is an overview of the structural arrangement of the Archeparchy of Kottayam to offer pastoral service for the people.

=== General statistics ===

* Total Knanaya Catholics: 190,985 faithful and 39,984 families * Within the Archeparchy: 132,332 faithful and 26,832 families * Outside the Archeparchy: 58,653 faithful and 13,152 families * Regions and Foranes: Two Regions (Kottayam and Malabar) and 14 Foranes * Foranes of Kottayam Region: Edacat, Kaduthuruthy, Piravom, Uzhavoor, Kaipuzha, Kidangoor, Chunkom, Padamugham, Malankara * Foranes of Malabar Region: Rajapuram, Madampam, Perikkalloor, Changaleri, Bangalore * Parishes and Station Churches: 153 * Wayside Chapels:485 * Diocesan Priests: 148, Religious Priests serving in the diocese: 215 * Seminarians: Major Seminarians - 71, Minor Seminarians - 169, Minor Seminaries - 4

=== Pastoral institutions ===

The Archeparchy of Kottayam has four pastoral centers and one retreat center in different locations of the Archeparchy. Their names, year of establishment and location are as follows:

# Chaithanya Pastoral Centre (1977), Thellakom, Kottayam Dt.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chaithanya Home|url=https://www.chaithanya.in/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=www.chaithanya.in}}</ref> # Barmariam Pastoral Centre (1983), Sreekandapuram, Kannoor Dt.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-11-13|title=Sreepuram Pastoral Centre {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/sreepuram-pastoral-centre/|access-date=2021-04-15|language=en-US}}</ref> # Pavana Pastoral Centre (2004), Mananthavady, Wayanad<ref>{{Cite book|title=കോട്ടയം അതിരൂപത ശതാബ്ദി സ്മരണിക 1911-2011|publisher=Archeparchy of Kottayam|year=2012|location=Kottayam|pages=130–131}}</ref> # Malkanaya Pastoral Centre (2010), Othara, Thiruvalla<ref>''കോട്ടയം അതിരൂപത ശതാബ്ദി സ്മരണിക 1911-2011''. Kottayam: Archeparchy of Kottayam. 2012. pp. 131–132.</ref> # Thuvanisa Prayer House and Retreat Centre (1982), Kothanalloor, Kottayam Dt.<ref>''കോട്ടയം അതിരൂപത ശതാബ്ദി സ്മരണിക 1911-2011''. Kottayam: Archeparchy of Kottayam. 2012. pp. 134.</ref>

=== Religious communities === '''For Men''' # Oblates of the Sacred Heart (OSH), Established in 1921, Houses 6, Priests 102 # Vallambrosan Benedictine Order (OSB) Established in 1988, Houses 6, Priests 40 # Order of Friars Minor (OFM Cap.) Houses 5, Priests 9 # Salasians of Don Bosco (SDB) Houses 2, Members 6

'''For Women'''

# Visitation Congregation (SVM) Established in 1892, Convents 95, Members 558 # St. Joseph's Congregation (SJC) Established in 1928, Convents 65, Members 388 # Caritas Secular Institute. Established in 1961, Houses 18, Members 120 # Little Daughters of St. John Gualbert. Started in the Archeparchy in 1981, Convents 16, Members 80<ref>''കോട്ടയം അതിരൂപത ശതാബ്ദി സ്മരണിക 1911-2011''. Kottayam: Archeparchy of Kottayam. 2012. pp. 281-282.</ref> # Daughters of the Most Precious Blood. Started in the Archeparchy in 1989 Convents 6, Members 40<ref>''കോട്ടയം അതിരൂപത ശതാബ്ദി സ്മരണിക 1911-2011''. Kottayam: Archeparchy of Kottayam. 2012. pp. 282-283.</ref> # Sisters of Our Lady of Providence. Started in the Archeparchy in 1990 Convent 1, Members 3<ref>''കോട്ടയം അതിരൂപത ശതാബ്ദി സ്മരണിക 1911-2011''. Kottayam: Archeparchy of Kottayam. 2012. pp. 284.</ref>

== Pious associations == The following are the lay associations with units in parishes of the Archeparchy:

* St. Vincent de Paul Society - 113 * Legion of Mary - 79 * Cherupushpa Mission League - 116 * Knanaya Catholic Youth League (KCYL) - 115 * Holy Childhood - 87 * Secular Franciscan Order - 12 * Knanaya Catholic Congress (KCC) - 134 * Knanaya Catholic Women Association (KCWA) - 135 * Missionary Association of Knanaya Laity - 13 * Darsana Samooham - 11 * Forty & Twelve hours adoration -149

== Public service ==

=== Social service === The Archeparchy provides philanthropic service to all people who are in need of service, regardless of faith or ethnicity, through the local social service units and self-help groups established in association with all parishes and coordinated through three regional social service societies.

# Kottayam Social Service Society (1964), Thellakom, Kottayam Dt.<ref name="ksss.in">{{Cite web|title=Kottayam Social Service Society - Kottayam Social Service Society|url=https://www.ksss.in/|access-date=2021-04-15|language=en-US}}</ref> # Malabar Social Service Society (1992), Pallikunnu P.O., Kannur Dt.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-06-22|title=Home|url=https://masss.org/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=MASSS.ORG|language=en-US}}</ref> # Greenvalley Development Society (2010), Thadiyampad, Idukki Dt.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Diocese Activities and Organizations of Kottayam Archdiocese|url=https://www.ucanews.com/directory/social-welfare/india-kottayam/148/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=www.ucanews.com}}</ref>

The support includes developmental, community based rehabilitation, welfare, and emergency aid programs. The societies organize and coordinate self-help groups, animation programs, micro-credit unions, job-oriented training, income generation programs, agricultural promotion,<ref name="ksss.in"/> run day-care centers for the deaf-blind,<ref>{{Cite web|title=SAMARITAN CENTRE|url=https://mutholathnagar.com/samaritan.html|access-date=2021-04-15|website=mutholathnagar.com}}</ref> and for the differently abled.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AGAPE CENTRE|url=https://mutholathnagar.com/agape.html|access-date=2021-04-15|website=mutholathnagar.com}}</ref>

* Day Care Centre - 1 * Home for Children - 1 * Homes for the aged - 7 * Training centre for deaf-blind - 1 * Training center for differently abled - 1 * Homes for the disabled - 4 * Homes for the mentally challenged - 9

=== Education === :''Source:''<ref name="Kottayam 2017. p. 321">''The Archeparchy of Kottayam Directory 2017''. Kottayam: The Archeparchy of Kottyam. 2017. p. 321.</ref>

* Colleges - 4 * Higher Secondary Schools - 16 * High Schools - 21 * Upper Primary Schools - 39 * Lower Primary Schools - 66 * Nursery (Pre) Schools - 87 * Boarding Houses - 6 * Hostels - 21

=== Job-oriented training === Source:<ref name="Kottayam 2017. p. 321"/>

* Industrial Training Centre (ITC) - 1 * Polytechnic for girls - 1 * Industrial Schools - 38 * College / School of Nursing - 3 * College of Pharmacy - 1 * Multi Health Workers School - 1

=== Health === :''Source:''<ref>''The Archeparchy of Kottayam Directory 2017''. Kottayam: The Archeparchy of Kottyam. 2017. p. 321-322.</ref>

* Hospitals - 6 * Hospice - 1 * Dispensaries - 5

=== Media ===

* Fortnightly: Apna Des<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official online daily of Knanaya Catholic Archdiocese of Kottayam|url=https://apnades.in/|access-date=2021-04-15|website=Official online daily of Knanaya Catholic Archdiocese of Kottayam|language=en-US}}</ref> * Sacred Heart Monthly (തിരുഹൃദയ മാസിക)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-11-13|title=Downloads {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/downloads/|access-date=2021-04-15|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Missionary service == Though Archeparchy of Kottayam is exclusively for Knanaya Catholics, the Archeparchy promotes vocation to missionary dioceses and religious congregations all over the world. There are more priests, religious sisters and brothers serving outside the Archeparchy than the number of priests and nuns serving in the Archeparchy. According to the statistics of 2017, when there are 244 diocesan and religious priests serving the Archeparchy, the number of Knanaya Catholic priests in the missions is 412 and missionary brothers 136. While there are 1,096 sisters belonging to the religious congregations of the Eparchy are serving in the Archeparchy and outside, 1,108 Knanaya Catholic Missionary Sisters are members of missionary congregations outside the Archeparchy.

* Apostolic Nuncio: 1 * Missionary Bishops: 2 * Missionary Priests: 478 * Missionary Brothers: 116 * Missionary Sisters: 1,144

=== Missionary prelates === The following are the Apostolic Nuncio, missionary archbishops and bishops who have served or serving in the Latin Archdioceses and dioceses: # Abraham Viruthakulangara (1977 - +2018) # George Palliparambil (2005 – present) # James Thoppil (2011 – present) # Simon Kaipuram (2014 - +2019) # Kurain Mathew Vayalunkal (Apostolic Nuncio) (2016–present) # Thomas Thenatt ( 2016 - +2018)

(+ indicates the end of service and the year of death)

== Knanaya in diaspora == Knanaya who have migrated from South Mesopotamia to South West India in 345 AD, kept migrating later to Northern part of Kerala, outside Kerala state in India, and other countries all over the world. Out of 190,985 Knanaya Catholics, 58,653 are now living outside the juridical boundary of the Archeparchy of Kottayam.<ref name=":51">{{Cite book|last=Mutholath|first=Abraham|title=പ്രവാസി ക്നാനായ സഭാശുശ്രൂഷയിലെ വെല്ലുവിളികൾ|publisher=Knanaya Region|year=2020|location=Chicago, IL|pages=21}}</ref> According to familywise statistics, out of 39,984 Knanaya Catholic families, 13,152 are settled outside the jurisdiction of the Archeparchy.<ref name=":51" /> The Knanites in diaspora established Knanaya associations, chaplaincy, missions, and parishes wherever possible under the Latin hierarchy and later under Syro-Malabar dioceses. They keep in touch with the Archeparchy of Kottayam and receive service of priests sent by the Archbishop of Kottayam. The following are details of such Knanaya Catholic Associations and pastoral arrangements of Knanaya Catholics in diaspora.

=== Diaspora in India === '''New Delhi:'''The first diaspora Knanaya organization was the Delhi Knanaya Society established in 1975. There are around 600 Knanaya Catholic families and 400 youth in New Delhi area.<ref name=":51" /> Pope Benedict XVI established the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Faridabad with Kuriakose Bharanikulangara as Archbishop on 6 March 2012 for Syro-Malabar Catholics of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and districts of Ghaziabad and GautamBuddh Nagar (Naida) of Uttar Pradesh.<ref name=":46">{{Cite web|title=Welcome to faridabad church|url=https://faridabaddiocese.in/brief-history|access-date=2021-04-13|website=faridabaddiocese.in}}</ref> So, the Knanaya Catholics in New Delhi area also came under this diocese. Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara established Knanaya Chaplaincy in the territory of his diocese for the pastoral care of the members of Delhi Knanaya Catholic Mission effective 22 March 2020. Fr. Chackochan Vandankuzhiyil and Fr. Joseph Vellapallikuzhiyil were appointed as the first Knanaya Chaplains.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-23|title=Establishment of Knanaya Chaplaincy In the Eparchy of Faridabad|url=https://apnades.in/establishment-knanaya-chaplaincy-eparchy-faridabad/|access-date=2021-04-13|website=Official online daily of Knanaya Catholic Archdiocese of Kottayam|language=en-US}}</ref>

'''Mumbai''': Knanaya Catholic Society of Bombay was established in 1989. Around 120 Knanaya Catholic families and 300 youth live in Mumbai area. Knanaya Bhavan was established in Mumbai in 1998 with the financial support of the Diocese of Kottayam Pope John Paul II established the Eparchy of Kalyan on 30 April 1988 with Paul Chittilappilly as the first bishop for the Syro-Malabar Catholics with jurisdiction over 15 civil districts of Maharashtra with territorial co-extension with five Latin dioceses: the Archdiocese of Bombay, the Dioceses of Vasai, Poona, Nashik and Sindhudurg.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Kalyan Diocese {{!}} Kalyan Diocese {{!}} About Kalyan Diocese {{!}} Diocese Of Kalyan|url=https://kalyandiocese.com/about/history/|access-date=2021-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref>

'''Other Cities in India''': There are around 15 Knanaya Catholic families and 160 youth in Indore, 10 families and 25 youth in Jaipur, 30 families and 45 youth in Bhopal, and 40 families and 90 youth in Chennai. Other cities like Ahmadabad, Mangalore, and Calcutta also have Knanaya Catholic families and youth living for work or studies. Altogether there are around 1,000 Knanaya Catholic Families and 1,020 youth live in India outside the juridical territory of the Archeparchy of Kottayam. They have periodic get together and religious services under the auspices of local Knanaya Catholic associations. The director of diaspora ministry of the Archeparchy of Kottayam coordinate them in the national level.<ref>Mutholath, Abraham (2020). ''പ്രവാസി ക്നാനായ സഭാശുശ്രൂഷയിലെ വെല്ലുവിളികൾ''. Chicago, IL: Knanaya Region. p. 6.</ref>

=== United States === The Knanaya Catholics who migrated to the United States in the 1960s and later got organized as Knanaya Catholic Associations. There are 21 such organizations under the umbrella organization, Knanaya Catholic Congress of North America (KCCNA).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sub Organisations|url=https://kccna.com/associations/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=Knanaya Catholic Congress Of North America}}</ref> With the support of Bishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry who sent priests from his diocese, the Latin bishops in the major cities of the United States started Knanaya Catholic Missions. The first mission was established in Chicago on 28 October 1983 with Fr. Jacob Chollampel as the director.<ref name="HISTORY OF KNANAYA REGION">{{Cite web|title=HISTORY OF KNANAYA REGION|url=https://knanayaregion.us/history.html|access-date=2021-04-14|website=knanayaregion.us}}</ref> The nine Knanaya Catholic Missions established by the Latin dioceses of the US before the establishment of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago in 2001 are: Chicago (1983), Brooklyn, NY (1993), Westchester and Bronx, NY (1993), Houston (1994), Dallas (1996), Newark, New Jersey (1996), Rockland, NY (1996), Philadelphia (1999), and San Jose (2000).

Pope John Paul II established the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago in the US with Bishop Jacob Angadiath as its first bishop on 13 March 2001.<ref name=":45">{{Cite book|title="A Diocese is Born," Diocesan Bulletin|publisher=St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago|year=2001|location=Chicago|pages=7}}</ref> Hence, all the Knanaya Catholics and Knanaya Catholic Missions in the US came under this diocese. Jacob Angadiath appointed Fr. Abraham Mutholath on 3 October 2001 as the Syncellus (Vicar General) of the Eparchy with special charge of Knanaya Catholics.<ref name="HISTORY OF KNANAYA REGION"/> When Jacob Angadiath structured the diocese as seven regions, one of them was for Knanaya Catholics. Angadiath inaugurated the Knanaya Region on 30 April 2006 and appointed Vicar General as the first region director.

Fr. Abraham Mutholath motivated the Knanaya Catholics all over United States to establish new Knanaya missions and to buy churches for the missions so that they can grow as parishes. The first Knanaya Catholic church of the diaspora Knanaites was established in Chicago on 3 September 2006 under the leadership of Vicar General Fr. Abraham Mutholath.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CHURCH HISTORY|url=https://shkcparish.us/history.html|access-date=2021-04-14|website=shkcparish.us}}</ref> Eventually Knanaya Catholic parishes and missions were established in more cities. Many of them have rectories, Knanaya cemeteries, and convents. There are 14 churches and 8 missions under the Knanaya Region that are served by 16 priests from the Archeparchy of Kottayam. They are structured under five foranes that were established on 28 February 2015.<ref name="HISTORY OF KNANAYA REGION"/> Around 35,000 Knanaya Catholics live in the US.<ref name="Mutholath, Abraham 2020 p. 21">Mutholath, Abraham (2020). ''പ്രവാസി ക്നാനായ സഭാശുശ്രൂഷയിലെ വെല്ലുവിളികൾ''. Chicago, IL: Knanaya Region. p. 21.</ref> Bishop Angadiath appointed Fr. Thomas Mulavanal as the vicar general and Knanaya Region director on 8 February 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CHRONOLOGY|url=https://knanayaregion.us/chronology.html|access-date=2021-04-14|website=knanayaregion.us}}</ref>

=== Other countries === '''Canada''': Jacob Angadiath was the Apostolic Visitor of Canada from his inception as bishop of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago on 13 March 2001. So the Knanaya Catholics in Canada were under his pastoral care until the establishment of the Eparchy of Mississauga for the Syro-Malabar faithful in Canada on 6 August 2015 with Jose Kalluvelil as its exarch.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Syro Malabar Mississauga, Canada|url=http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/diocese_details.php?id=11335|access-date=2021-04-14|website=www.syromalabarchurch.in}}</ref> At the recommendation of Jacob Angadiath, the first Knanaya Catholic Mission in Canada was established by the Archdiocese of Toronto in 2014 with Fr. George Parayil as the director. Jose Kalluvelil established Knanaya Catholic Directorate of Canada on 18 February 2018 and appointed Fr. Pathrose Champakkara as its director. The bishop appointed Fr. Pathrose Champakkara as Vicar General of the diocese on 22 September 2019. Around 252 Knanaya Catholic families live in Toronto and other cities of Canada and they have one parish and two missions served by two Knanaya Catholic priests.<ref name="Mutholath, Abraham 2020 p. 19">Mutholath, Abraham (2020). ''പ്രവാസി ക്നാനായ സഭാശുശ്രൂഷയിലെ വെല്ലുവിളികൾ''. Chicago, IL: Knanaya Region. p. 19.</ref>

'''Europe''': Pope Francis established the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain (for England, Scotland & Wales), with its see in Preston and Joseph Srampickal as the bishop on 28 July 2016.<ref name=":49">{{Cite web|title=Syro Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain|url=http://www.eparchyofgreatbritain.org/home/inner/23|access-date=2021-04-09|website=www.eparchyofgreatbritain.org}}</ref> Around 1,700 Knanaya Catholic families in UK came under this eparchy. Bishop Srampickal appointed Fr. Saji Malayilputhenpurayil as the Vicar General in charge of the Knanaya Catholics. The community has four missions served by eight Knanaya Catholic priests.<ref name="Mutholath, Abraham 2020 p. 19"/>

Pope Francis appointed Stephen Chirappanath as the Apostolic Visitor for the Syro-Malabar faithful in Europe on 28 July 2016. Knanaya Catholics in Europe came under his pastoral guidance.<ref name=":50">{{Cite web|title=Apostolic Visitation in Europe|url=http://www.smceurope.org/welcome/inner/MQ==|access-date=2021-04-09|website=www.smceurope.org}}</ref> The countries and the numbers of Knanaya Catholic families are: Italy - 650, Ireland - 160, Malta - 140, Germany - 125, Switzerland - 90, Austria - 55, and France - 30. Catholic priests from the Archeparchy of Kottayam are taking care of their pastoral needs.<ref name="Mutholath, Abraham 2020 p. 21"/>

'''Oceania''': Pope established the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St. Thomas, the Apostle, Melbourne, Australia on 11 January 2014 with Bosco Puthur as its first bishop and the Apostolic Visitor to New Zealand. Knanaya Catholics in Australia and New Zealand came under this diocese.<ref name=":47">{{Cite web|title=Syro Malabar Church Chronology|url=http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/syro-malabar-church-cronology.php|access-date=2021-04-07|website=www.syromalabarchurch.in}}</ref> There are around 1,060 Knanaya Catholic families in Australia, 120 in New Zealand, 20 in Singapore and 200 bachelors. Knanaya Catholics have one parish and two missions in Australia served by three priests from the Archeparchy of Kottayam.<ref>Mutholath, Abraham (2020). ''പ്രവാസി ക്നാനായ സഭാശുശ്രൂഷയിലെ വെല്ലുവിളികൾ''. Chicago, IL: Knanaya Region. p. 20.</ref>

'''Middle East:''' Though there are Knanaya Catholics from the Archeparchy of Kottayam living in different parts of the Middle East, the exact number is not available. There are around 500 people in Kuwait itself.<ref name="Mutholath, Abraham 2020 p. 21"/>

== Timeline ==

=== Before the vicariate ===

* 345: Knanaya Migration to Kodungallur from South Mesopotamia under the leadership of Thomas of Kynai along with bishop Uraha Yausef, four priests, few deacons and 72 families.<ref name=":47"/> * 345 – 1599: Knanaites (Suddists) and non-Knanaites (Northists) under the pastoral governance of bishops from the Chaldean church.<ref name="ReferenceF">{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=History of the Archdiocese {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/history-of-the-archdiocese/|access-date=2021-04-07|language=en-US}}</ref> * 1599 June 20–26: Synod of Diamper.[http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/syro-malabar-church-cronology.php] * 1599 November 5: Francisco Ros. was nominated as the first Latin Bishop of Syrians.<ref name=":47"/> * 1653 January 3: Coonan Cross Oath of the Syrians at Mattancherry, near Kochi against the Portuguese Padroado at the time of Archbishop Garcia S.J. that resulted in the division of the Syrians including the Knanaites.<ref name="keralatourism.org">{{Cite web|title=Coonan Cross Oath or the Koonan Kurishu Sathyam {{!}} Evolution of Christianity {{!}} Kerala Tourism|url=https://www.keralatourism.org/christianity/koonan-kurishu-sathyam/14|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Christianity|language=en}}</ref> * 1653 May 22: "Episcopal ordination" of the Archdeacon Thomas at Alangad by 12 St. Thomas Christian priests.<ref name="keralatourism.org"/> * 1665-71: Spread of Jacobite Faith by Gregorios in Malabar.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Syrian Connections {{!}}|url=https://mosc.in/the_church/hisrory/connection-with-the-syrian-churches|access-date=2021-04-08|website=mosc.in}}</ref> * 1877 November 15: The Syrians in the Archdiocese of Verapoly were brought under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Marcelinus Santa Thresia OCD, the Co-adjutor Bishop of Verapoly.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Syro Malabar Church Chronology|url=http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/syro-malabar-church-cronology.php|access-date=2021-04-24|website=www.syromalabarchurch.in}}</ref> * 1887 May 20: Pope Leo XIII separated the Syrian Catholics from the Archdiocese of Verapoly and established two independent Vicariates of Kottayam (including Northists and Suddists) and Thrichur directly under the Holy See. Charles Lavigne was appointed as the Vicar Apostolic of Kottayam and Adolf Medlycott as the Vicar Apostolic of Thrichur. ("Quod Jam Pridem").<ref name="syromalabarchurch.in">{{Cite web|title=Syro Malabar Church Chronology|url=http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/syro-malabar-church-cronology.php|access-date=2021-04-08|website=www.syromalabarchurch.in}}</ref> * 1890 September 16: Seat of Kottayam Vicariate was moved to Changanacherry.<ref name="syromalabarchurch.in"/> * 1891 October 10: Bishop Charles Lavigne established eight foranes for the Northists, and Kottayam and Kaduthuruthy foranes for the Southists.<ref name=":4" /> * 1892 June 24: Establishment of Sisters of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SVM) at Kaipuzha, Kottayam.<ref>{{Cite book|last=SVM|first=Sr. Merin|title="എസ്.വി.എം. ചരിത്രവഴികളിലൂടെ," Smruthi|publisher=Visitation Congregation, Kottayam|year=2018|location=Kottayam|pages=35}}</ref> * 1896 July 28: Pope Leo XIII reconstituted the Vicariates of Changanacherry and Trichur by adding the Vicariate of Ernakulam with territories from Vicariates of Changanacherry and Thrissur. The new bishops were Aloysius Pazheparambil (Ernakulam), Mathew Makil (Changanacherry), and John Menachery (Thrissur). ("Quae Rei Sacrae").<ref name=":47"/> * 1896 October 25: Episcopal Consecration of Mathew Makil, Aloysious Pazheparambil, and John Menachery at Kandy in Sri Lanka.<ref name="ReferenceG">{{Cite web|date=2015-11-06|title=Bishop Mar Mathew Makil {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/bishop-mar-mathew-makil/|access-date=2021-04-08|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Vicariate ===

* 1911 August 29: Pope Pius X reestablished Kottayam Vicariate for the Knanaya (Suddists) Community of the Syrians (Pro Gente Sudhistica) who belonged to Changanacherry and Ernakulam vicariates ("In Universi Christiani") and appointed Mathew Makil as its first bishop.<ref name="ReferenceF"/> * 1914 January 26: Death of Mathew Makil at Kottayam.<ref name="ReferenceG"/> * 1914 July 16: Pope Pius X appointed Alexander Choolaparambil as the Vicar Apostolic of Kottayam.<ref name="ReferenceH">{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=Expired Bishops {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/expired-bishops/|access-date=2021-04-08|language=en-US}}</ref> * 1914 November 1: Episcopal consecration of the Bishop Alexander Choolaparambil in Kandy, Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Mar Alexander Choolaparambil|year=1970|location=Kottayam|pages=68}}</ref> * 1921 January 29: Establishment of the Eparchial Society of the Oblates of the Sacred Heart (OSH) at S.H. Mount, Kottayam.<ref name=":47"/> * 1921 July 5: Holy See allowed to use the Syro-Malankara liturgical rite for Knanaya Jacobites who were reunited with the Catholic Church.<ref>{{Cite book|title=ക്നാനായ മലങ്കര കത്തോലിക്ക സമൂഹം|publisher=Archdiocese of Kottayam|year=2009|pages=48}}</ref>

=== Diocese ===

* 1923 December 21: Pope Pius XI elevated Kottayam vicariate as a diocese ("Romani Pondifices") and appointed Alexander Choolaparambil as its bishop.<ref name="ReferenceF"/> * 1928 July 3: Foundation of Sisters of St Joseph Congregation (SJC) at Kottayam.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-12-01|title=SJC Congregation {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/sjc-congregation/|access-date=2021-04-07|language=en-US}}</ref> * 1945 June 9: Pope Pius XII appointed Thomas Tharayil as co-adjutor bishop of Kottayam.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Tharayil|first=Fr. Jose|title=Mar Thomas Tharayil|publisher=Fr. Jose Tharayil|year=2001|location=Alwaye|pages=49}}</ref> * 1945 October 7: Episcopal Consecration of Thomas Tharayil at Christ the King Cathedral by Alexander Choolaparambil.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Tharayil|first=Fr. Jose|title=Mar Thomas Tharayil|publisher=Fr. Jose Tharayl|year=2009|location=Alwaye|pages=73}}</ref> * 1951 January 8: Death of Alexander Choolaparambil at the Bishop's House in Kottayam. Coadjutor Bishop Thomas Tharayil took charge as Bishop of Kottayam.<ref name="ReferenceH"/> * 1955 April 29: The personal jurisdiction of the Bishop of Kottayam was extended to the juridical territory of the Syro-Malabar church by a Decree of the Oriental Congregation 1812/48 as per the direction of Pope Pius XII. (Quae Suddistica Gens)<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title="ക്നാനായ കുടിയേറ്റവും കോട്ടയം രൂപതയും," കോട്ടയം രൂപത പ്ലാറ്റിനം ജൂബിലി സ്മരണിക 1911 - 1986|publisher=Diocese of Kottayam|year=1986|location=Kottayam|pages=45}}</ref> * 1956 July 26: Pope Pius XII elevated the Diocese of Changanacherry as an archdiocese and made Kottayam and Pala at its suffragan dioceses ("Regnum Caelorum").<ref name=":0" /> * 1961 June 9: Establishment of Caritas Secular Institute at Thellakom, Kottayam.<ref>Tharayil, Fr. Jose (2009). ''Mar Thomas Tharayil''. Alwaye: Fr. Jose Tharayl. p. 218.</ref> * 1967 December 9: Pope Paul VI appointed Kuriakose Kunnacherry as the Co-adjutor bishop of Kottayam.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Poothrukkayil|first=Fr. Jose|title="ബഹുവിധ പ്രതിഭയായ മാർ കുന്നശ്ശേരി," ജൂബിലി സ്മൃതി|publisher=KCYL|year=1993|location=Kottayam|pages=21}}</ref> * 1968 February 24: Episcopal Consecration of Kuriakose Kunnacherry at Sacred Heart Mount, Kottayam by the Prefect of the Oriental Congregation.<ref>{{Cite book|title="ഭക്തിനിർഭരവും വർണ്ണശബളവുമായ മെത്രാൻ സ്ഥാനാഭിഷേകം," ജൂബിലി സ്മൃതി|publisher=KCYL|year=1993|location=Kottayam|pages=151}}</ref> * 1974 May 5: Thomas Tharayil retired. Co-adjutor Bishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry took charge as the Bishop of Kottayam.<ref name=":1" /> * 1975 July 26: Death of Thomas Tharayil at the Chaplain's quarters of Caritas Hospital.<ref>Tharayil, Fr. Jose (2009). ''Mar Thomas Tharayil''. Alwaye: Fr. Jose Tharayl. p. 276.</ref> * 1977 July 13:Episcopal Ordination of Abraham Viruthakulangara as bishop of the New Diocese of Khandwa in Bhopal. He was the first Knanaya Missionary bishop.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Former Bishops – Khandwa Diocese|url=https://www.khandwadiocese.org/the-diocese/former-bishops/|access-date=2021-04-09|website=www.khandwadiocese.org}}</ref> * 1985 January 6: Establishment of the Missionary Society of St. Pius X.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Mavelil|first=Fr. Mathew|title="വി. പത്താം പീയൂസിന്റെ മിഷനറി സൊസൈറ്റി: സ്ഥാപനവും പിന്നിട്ട് നാൾവഴികളും," 25 Years Through the Footsteps of Jesus|publisher=Missionary Society of St. Pius X|year=2011|location=Kottayam|pages=8}}</ref> * 1986 February 8: Pope John Paul II visited Bishop's house and Christ the King Cathedral at Kottayam after the beatification ceremony of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Alphonsa.<ref>''“മാർപാപ്പായുടെ കോട്ടയം സന്ദർശനം,” കോട്ടയം രൂപത പ്ലാറ്റിനം ജൂബിലി സ്മരണിക 1911-1986''. Kottayam: Diocese of Kottayam. 1986. pp. 397–404</ref> * 1998 December 28: Pope John Paul II appointed Mathew Moolakkatt as the Auxiliary bishop of Kottayam.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Kottoor|first=Rev. Dr. Thomas|title=മാർ മാത്യു മൂലക്കാട്ട് പ്രതിക്ഷകൾ നല്‌കുന്ന ഇടയൻ|publisher=Archeparchy of Kottyam|year=2011|location=Kottayam|pages=36}}</ref> * 1999 January 6: Episcopal Consecration of Mathew Moolakkatt at Vatican by Pope John Paul II.<ref name=":2" /> * 2001 March 13: Pope John Paul II established the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago in the US with Bishop Jacob Angadiath as its first bishop. All the Knanaya Catholics and their missions in the US came under this diocese.<ref name=":45"/> * 2003 August 15: Appointment of Mathew Moolakkatt as the Co-adjutor of the Diocese of Kottayam.<ref>{{Cite book|title="Metropolitan Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt," Directory 2017|publisher=Archeparchy of Kottayam|year=2017|location=Kottayam|pages=3}}</ref>

=== Archdiocese ===

* 2005 May 9: Eparchy of Kottayam was made Archeparchy and Kuriakose Kunnacherry was elevated as the Archbishop of Kottayam by Varkey Vithayathil with the approval of the Holy See.<ref name=":47"/> * 2005 June 3: Kuriakose Kunnacherry's official elevation as the Archbishop of Kottayam by Major Archbishop Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil.<ref name="ReferenceF"/> * 2005 December 7: George Palliparambil from Mrala parish was appointed as the bishop of Miao in Arunachal Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-06-10|title=History|url=http://www.miaodiocese.com/history/|access-date=2021-04-09|website=Miao Diocese|language=en-US}}</ref> * 2006 January 14: Mathew Moolakkatt took charge as the Archbishop of Kottayam.<ref name="ReferenceF"/> * 2006 September 21: Appointment of Joseph Pandarasseril as the auxiliary bishop of Kottayam Archdiocese.<ref name="ReferenceI">{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=Auxiliary Bishops of Kottayam {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/auxiliary-bishop-of-kottayam/|access-date=2021-04-09|language=en-US}}</ref> * 2006 October 28: Episcopal consecration of Joseph Pandarasseril by Kuriakose Kunnacherry.<ref name="ReferenceF"/> * 2009 January 26: Declaration of the Servants of God Mathew Makil and Rev. Fr. Thomas Poothathil at Christ the King Cathedral, Kottayam.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=Servants of God {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/servants-of-god/|access-date=2021-04-07|language=en-US}}</ref> * 2011 September 8: Episcopal consecration of James Thoppil from Arunoottimangalam parish. He took charge as the bishop of Kohima, Nagaland.<ref>{{Cite web|title=KOHIMA DIOCESE|url=https://www.kohimadiocese.org/|access-date=2021-04-09|website=www.kohimadiocese.org}}</ref> * 2012 March 6: Establishment of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Faridabad.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Welcome to faridabad church|url=https://faridabaddiocese.in/brief-history|access-date=2021-04-09|website=faridabaddiocese.in}}</ref> * 2014 January 30: Episcopal consecration of Simon Kaipuram from Kannamkara parish as bishop of Balasore.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Welcome to Balasore Diocese, Orissa, INDIA|url=http://www.balasorediocese.org/our_bishop.html|access-date=2021-04-09|website=www.balasorediocese.org}}</ref> * 2014 January 11: Announcement of the erection of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St. Thomas, the Apostle, Melbourne, Australia and the appointment of Bishop Bosco Puthur as its first bishop and the Apostolic Visitor to New Zealand. Knanaya Catholics in Australia and New Zealand came under this diocese.<ref name=":47"/> * 2015 August 6:Establishment of the Apostolic exarch of Canada with Jose Kalluvelil as bishop with See at Mississauga. Knanaya Catholics in Canada came under this exarchate.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Syro Malabar Mississauga, Canada|url=http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/diocese_details.php?id=11335|access-date=2021-04-09|website=www.syromalabarchurch.in}}</ref> * 2016 May 3: Appointment of Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal from Neendoor parish as the Apostolic nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.<ref name="ReferenceJ">{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=Bishops from Archeparchy {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/bishops-from-archeparchy/|access-date=2021-04-09|language=en-US}}</ref> * 2016 July 25: Episcopal consecration of nuncio for Holy See Mathew (Biju) Vayalumkal at Christ the King Cathedral.<ref name="ReferenceJ"/> * 2016 July 28: Pope Francis established the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain (for England, Scotland & Wales), with its see in Preston and Joseph Srampickal as the bishop.<ref name=":49"/> Knanaya Catholics in UK came under his pastoral jurisdiction. * 2016 July 28: Mar. Stephen Chirappanath was appointed as the Apostolic Visitor for the Syro-Malabar faithful in Europe. Knanaya Catholics in Europe came under his pastoral guidance.<ref name=":50"/> * 2016 October 18: Appointment of Thomas Thennatt from Koodalloor parish as Bishop of Gwalior.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Diocese of Gwalior, India|url=https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/gwal0.htm|access-date=2021-04-09|website=GCatholic}}</ref> * 2017 June 14: Death of Archbishop Kuriakose Kunnacherry.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jaikrishnan Nair|date=14 June 2017|title=Kottayam Archdiocese: Archdiocese Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry, first archbishop of Kottayam passes away {{!}} Kozhikode News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/archdiocese-mar-kuriakose-kunnacherry-first-archbishop-of-kottayam-passes-away/articleshow/59147002.cms|access-date=2021-04-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> * 2017 October 9: Syro-Malabar church received the right for evangelization and pastoral service all over India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Eastern rite rejoices in right to administer across India - UCA News|url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/eastern-rite-rejoices-in-right-to-administer-across-india/80501|access-date=2021-04-09|website=ucanews.com|language=en}}</ref> * 2018 April 19: Death of Abraham Viruthakulangara, Archbishop of Nagpur.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Former Bishops and Archbishops|url=https://nagpurarchdiocese.org/former_archbishops.aspx|access-date=2021-04-09|website=nagpurarchdiocese.org}}</ref> * 2018 December 14: Death of Thomas Thenatt, bishop of Gwalior, Bhopal.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-10-11|title=Expired Bishops {{!}} THE ARCHEPARCHY OF KOTTAYAM {{!}} Leading the Knanaya Community|url=https://kottayamad.org/expired-bishops/|access-date=2021-04-09|language=en-US}}</ref> * 2019 April 22: Death of Simon Kaipuram, Bishop of Balasore.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Welcome to Balasore Diocese, Orissa, INDIA|url=http://www.balasorediocese.org/|access-date=2021-04-09|website=www.balasorediocese.org}}</ref> * 2020 August 29: Announcement of Fr. George Kurisummoottil as the Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fr. George Kurisummoottil Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam – CCBI|date=29 August 2020 |url=https://ccbi.in/fr-george-kurisummoottil-appointed-auxiliary-bishop-of-kottayam/|access-date=2021-04-09|language=en-US}}</ref> * 2020 November 7: Ramban ordination of Bishop elect Fr. George Kurisummoottil in preparation for his consecration as Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam.<ref name="ReferenceI"/> Major Archbishop of Syro-Malankara Church Moran Mor Baselius Clemius officiated the service at St. Theresa's Knanaya Catholic Church, Ranni. * 2020 November 14: Consecration of Auxiliary Bishop Gevarghese Mor Aprem at Christ the King Cathedral by Archbishop of Thiruvalla Thomas Curilos, along with Archbishop Mathew Moolakkatt and Joseph Pandarasseril.<ref name="ReferenceI"/>

== Uniqueness of the archeparchy == # It is exclusively for Knanaya Catholics,<ref>Archeparchy of Kottayam, Directory 2017, The Archeparchial Curia, 2017, p. 31</ref> an ethnic community that has special customs and traditions since 345 AD.[https://kottayamad.org/who-are-knanaya-catholics/] # It has Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Rites within one Archeparchy under one Archbishop.[https://kottayamad.org/malankara-forane/] # It has Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara bishops within one Archdiocese.[https://kottayamad.org/auxiliary-bishop-of-kottayam/] # The metropolitan of the archdiocese has personal jurisdiction on all the Knanaya Catholics within the proper territory of the Syro-Malabar church. # This Archdiocese has parishes, convents, and diocesan institutions all over the proper territory of the Syro-Malabar Church.[https://kottayamad.org/knanaya-parishes/][https://kottayamad.org/convents/][https://kottayamad.org/institutions-in-general/] # The Knanaya Catholics who live all over the world consider the Archbishop of Kottayam as their tribal chief.[https://knanayaregion.us/] # The Archbishop of Kottayam provides priests from the archdiocese to take care of the pastoral needs of all the Knanaya Missions and Parishes outside the proper territory of the Archdiocese (Syro-Malabar Church).[https://kottayamad.org/knanaya-missions-in-usa/]

==See also== * Malankara Syriac Knanaya Archdiocese * Knanaya Region * Knanaya * ക്നാനായ on Malayalam Wikipedia.

==References== {{reflist}}

==Bibliography== * Choolaparambil, Mar Alexander (Ed), (1925) ''Pastoral Letters, കാലം ചെയ്ത ഡോക്ടർ ലവീഞ്ഞ്, ഡോക്ടർ മാക്കീൽ എന്നീ വന്ദ്യ പിതാക്കന്മാർ തങ്ങളുടെ ഭരണകാലത്തു പ്രസിദ്ധപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുള്ളത്''. 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Chicago, IL: Knanaya Region. * {{Cite book |title= A History of Christianity in India: The Beginnings to AD 1707 |last= Neill|first= Stephen|author-link= Stephen Neill|year= 2004 |publisher= Cambridge University Press|isbn=0-521-54885-3 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=RH4VPgB__GQC|access-date=8 June 2012 }} * Podipara CMI, Placid J. (1970). ''The Thomas Christians''. 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''Knanite Community History and Culture''. Kottayam: Syrian Church Series, Vol. XVII. * {{cite book | last=Vellian |first= Jacob|year=1986|title= Symposium on Knanites|series= Syrian Church Series |volume=12|publisher= Jyothi Book House|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=3PIMGwAACAAJ }} * {{cite book | last=Vellian |first= Jacob|year=1990|title= Crown, Veil, Cross: Marriage Rights |series= Syrian Church Series |volume=15 |publisher= Anita Printers|oclc= 311292786 }} * {{cite journal |last1= Weil|first1= Shalva |year=1982 |title=Symmetry between Christians and Jews in India: The Cananite Christians and Cochin Jews in Kerala |journal= Contributions to Indian Sociology|volume= 16|issue= 2|pages= 175–196|doi=10.1177/006996678201600202 |s2cid= 143053857 }} * ''"ക്നാനായ കുടിയേറ്റവും കോട്ടയം രൂപതയും," കോട്ടയം രൂപത പ്ലാറ്റിനം ജൂബിലി സ്മരണിക 1911 - 1986''. Kottayam: Diocese of Kottayam. 1986. * ''കോട്ടയം അതിരൂപത ശതാബ്ദി സ്മരണിക 1911-2011''. Kottayam: Archeparchy of Kottayam. 2012.

==External links== * [https://www.kottayamad.org/ Archeparchy of Kottayam] * [https://www.knanayology.org/ Knanayology] * [https://apnades.in/ Apna Des Fortnightly] * [https://knanayaregion.us/ Knanaya Catholic Region, USA] * [http://www.syromalabarchurch.in/ Syro-Malabar Church] * [http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dkosm.html Archeparchy of Kottayam] at Catholic-Hierarchy.org * [https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/kott2.htm GCatholic.org]

Category:1911 establishments in India Category:Archdiocese of Kottayam Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Kottayam Category:Eastern Catholic dioceses and prelatures established in the 20th century Category:Eastern Catholic dioceses in India Category:Syro-Malabar Catholic dioceses Category:Churches in Kottayam district