Syro-Malabar Church During Mar Ivanios' Reunion Efforts

The Syro-Malabar Church, one of the prominent Eastern Catholic Churches in Kerala, India, underwent significant transformations during the period of Mar Ivanios’ reunion efforts (1925–1930). This era was marked by major ecclesiastical restructuring and leadership changes that defined the Church's role in the broader reunion movement.

• Historical Context: With the arrival of the Portuguese in India, the Catholic St. Thomas Christians came under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Funchal (established June 12, 1514) and later the Diocese of Goa (established January 31, 1533).¹
• Significant Change (1886): The Latin hierarchy was established in India on September 1, 1886, through Pope Leo XIII’s apostolic letter Humanae salutis auctor. The Archdiocese of Cranganore was suppressed, and the Catholic St. Thomas Christians were incorporated into the Archdiocese of Verapoly, marking the temporary loss of their distinct Eastern Church identity.²

• Pope: Leo XIII
• Outcome: The Eastern Catholics were separated from the Latin Christians of Verapoly, and two new vicariates apostolic were created: Trichur and Kottayam (later renamed Changanacherry).³
• Leadership: Latin bishops were appointed as vicars apostolic:
  • Charles Lavigne, titular bishop of Milevum, for Kottayam (1887–1896).
  • Adolf Edwin Medlycott, titular bishop of Tricomia, for Trichur (1887–1896).
• This marked the rebirth of the Syro-Malabar Church as a distinct Eastern Church.

• Pope: Leo XIII
• Development: The vicariates of Trichur, Ernakulam, and Changanacherry were created, reorganizing the Syro-Malabar Church.⁴
• Significance: For the first time in three centuries, native bishops were appointed:
  • Mar John Menacherry (Trichur).
  • Mar Matthew Makil (Changanacherry).
  • Mar Aloysius Pazheparambil (Ernakulam).

• Date: October 25, 1896
• Place: Kandy, Sri Lanka
• Significance: This marked the transition of the Syro-Malabar Church from Latin governance to native leadership, a milestone in its re-establishment as an autonomous Eastern Church.⁵

• Pope: Pius X
• Key Decision: To resolve tensions within the community, the Southist parishes were separated, and the Vicariate of Kottayam was created exclusively for the Southist community.⁶
• Bishop Transfers:
  • Mar Matthew Makil was transferred from Changanacherry to Kottayam.
  • Fr. Thomas Kurialacherry was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Changanacherry.

• Pope: Pius XI
• Milestone: The Syro-Malabar Church hierarchy was established:
  • Ernakulam became the metropolitan see.
  • Trichur, Changanacherry, and Kottayam were suffragan dioceses.⁷
• Leadership:
  • Archbishop Augustine Kandathil became the first Metropolitan of Ernakulam.
  • The vicars apostolic were elevated to diocesan bishops.

• Archbishop Augustine Kandathil (1919–1956)
  • Born on August 25, 1874, at Chempu, Kerala.
  • Consecrated as Vicar Apostolic in 1911 and became the first Archbishop of Ernakulam in 1923.
  • Played a pivotal role in supporting Mar Ivanios’ reunion efforts.⁸

• Bishop James Kalacherry (1927–1949)
  • Appointed Bishop of Changanacherry on October 29, 1927, following the death of Mar Thomas Kurialacherry in 1925.⁹

• Bishop Alexander Chulaparambil (1914–1951)
  • Appointed Vicar Apostolic of Kottayam in 1914 following the death of Mar Matthew Makil.
  • Became the first diocesan bishop of Kottayam after the establishment of the Syro-Malabar hierarchy in 1923.¹⁰

The Syro-Malabar Church’s evolution during this period demonstrated its resilience and ability to adapt to changing ecclesiastical circumstances. Its transition from centuries of Latin governance to native leadership marked a revival of its identity as an Eastern Church.

The establishment of a distinct hierarchy under the guidance of Pope Leo XIII and Pope Pius XI laid the foundation for the Church’s significant contributions to the reunion movement led by Mar Ivanios. The leadership of figures like Archbishop Augustine Kandathil and Bishop Alexander Chulaparambil ensured the Church's active participation in fostering dialogue and cooperation among the Christian communities in Kerala.

The Syro-Malabar Church played a crucial role during Mar Ivanios’ reunion efforts, both as a supporter and as a model of ecclesiastical restructuring. Its re-emergence as a vibrant Eastern Catholic Church, marked by the consecration of native bishops and the establishment of a distinct hierarchy, underscored its autonomy and strengthened its identity. These developments positioned the Syro-Malabar Church as an important player in the broader religious and cultural dynamics of Kerala during the early 20th century.

1. Bullarium Patronatus Portugalliae in Ecclesiis Africae, Asiae atque Oceaniae, tomus 1, Olisipone 1868, pp. 100–101.
2. Leo XIII, Humanae salutis auctor, 1 September 1886, Leonis XIII Pontificis Maximi Acta, vol. 5, Romae 1886, pp. 164–179.
3. Leo XIII, Quod iampridem, 20 May 1887, Leonis XIII Pontificis Maximi Acta, vol. VII, Romae 1888, pp. 106–108.
4. Leo XIII, Quae rei sacrae, 28 July 1896, Leonis XIII Pontificis Maximi Acta, vol. XVI, Romae 1897, pp. 229–232.
5. Hierarchia Catholica, vol. 8 (1846–1903), Padova 1978, pp. 474, 533.
6. Apostolic Letter In Universi, 29 August 1911, Juris Pontificii de Propaganda Fide, vol. 7, pp. 316–322.
7. Pius XI, Apostolic Constitution Romani Pontifices, Acta Apostolicae Sedis 7 (1924), pp. 257–262.
8. Hierarchia Catholica, vol. 9 (1903–1922), Padova 2002, p. 35.
9. Hierarchia Catholica, vol. 9, p. 133.
10. Apostolic Letter Magni momenti, 30 August 1911, Archeparchial Archives of Kottayam.