Knanaya History
The Knanaya Community traces its origin back to a Jewish-Christian immigrant community. They migrated from Southern Mesopotamia to the Malabar ( present Kerala ) Coast of Cranganore ( Kodungalloor ) in AD 345 under the leadership of an enterprising merchant Thomas of Cana ( Knai Thomman ). This migration is considered as a turning point in the history of St Thomas Christians of Malabar. The original community consisted of about 400 persons belonging to 72 families of seven clans. A bishop by name Uraha Mar Yousef, four priests and several deacons were among them. They formed themselves into an endogamous community by keeping their tradition and culture but co-existed peacefully among the St. Thomas Christians in India.These colonists were welcomed by Cheraman Perumal, then king, and were given permission to settle down in Kodungalloor. Later, Cheraman Perumal bestowed them with 72 royal privileges, and it was recorded on copper plates ( Knai Thomman Cheppedu ). According to the Copper plates, these privileges were given to Thomas and his colleagues and all of his descendents as long as the sun and moon exist. These privileges are very important since all these privileges had influenced the community’s social life as well as the social status in the past years.
All knananites were Syrian Christians until the historic ‘Koonan Kurisu Sathyam’ (A pledge by about 25000 Syrian Christians held on to a rope tied to a leaning cross) when some of them accepted Jacobite faith and joined Jacobite/Orthodox Church; others remained with the Roman Catholic faith. However, they continued to keep their culture, tradition and practicing endogamy through the centuries.
On August 29, 1911 a new Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam was erected exclusively for the Knanaya Community by the apostolic letter “In Universi Christiani” of His Holiness Pope St Pius X and Mar Mathew Makil was transferred to Kottayam as Vicar Apostolic. On December 21, 1923 the Vicariate Apostolic of Kottayam was raised to an Eparchy by Pope Pius XI. Pope John Paul II by a sovereign decision on December 23, 2003 reconfirmed its identity and allowed to maintain the status quo of the Archdiocese of Kottayam. On May 9, 2005 the Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil issued the Decree “The Eparchy of Kottayam,” elevating the Eparchy of Kottayam to the rank of a Metropolitan See, and appointed Mar Kuriakose Kunnacherry as the first Metropolitan of the newly erected Metropolitan See of Kottayam.
Before 1911
St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in Muziris (near Kodungalloor) in Kerala. He established seven churches: Kodungalloor, Palayoor, Paravur (Kottakkavu), Kokkamangalam, Chayal (Nilackel), Niranam and Kollam.
Martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle at Chinnamala, Mylapore, Chennai (Tamil Nadu).
Arrival of Thomas of Kynai at Kodungalloor with Bishop Uraha Mar Yausef, four priests, several deacons and 72 families consisting of 400 people from the Middle East.
Synod of Diamper.
Francis Rose S.J. nominated first Latin Bishop of Syrians.
Archbishop Menezes of Goa restricts the all India jurisdiction of the Metropolitan of St. Thomas Christians from the north of Malabar to the south.
Archbishop Garcia Appoints Fr. Jerome Furtado as Vicar General in place of the traditional Archdeacon.
Coonan Cross Oath of the Syrians at Mattancherry, near Kochi against the Portuguese Padroado at the time of Archbishop Garcia S.J.
“Episcopal ordination” of Thomas the Archdeacon at Alangad by 12 priests of St. Thomas Christians.
Spread of Jacobite Faith by Mar Gregorios in Malabar.
Pope Leo XIII separated the Syrians from the Archdiocese of Verapoly and established two independent Vicariates of Kottayam (including Northists and Suddists) and Thrisur directly under the Holy See. Charles Lavigne was appointed as Vicar Apostolic of Kottayam and Adolf Medlycott as Vicar Apostolic of Thrisur (“Quod Jam Pridem”).
Seat of Kottayam Vicariate moved to Changanassery
Establishment of Sisters of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SVM) at Kaipuzha, Kottayam.
Pope Leo XIII established the Vicariates of Ernakulam with territories from both Vicariates of Changanasery and Thrissur. Mar Aloysius Pazheparambil (Ernakulam), Mar Mathew Makkil (Changanassery), and Mar John Menachery (Thrissur) were made the bishops (“Quae Rei Sacrae”).
Episcopal Consecration of Mar Mathew Makil along with Mar Aloysious Pazheparambil and Mar John Menachery at Kandy in Sri Lanka.
Extension of the Rule of Padroado on Syrians.
From 1911
The Propaganda recommended to the Pope the establishment of the Kottayam Vicariate exclusively for the Southerners, that is Knanaya community.
Pope Pius X established the Vicariate of Kottayam exclusively for the Southern community (Knanaya community) through the papal bull In Universi Christiani.
Bishop Mar Mathai Makkil was transferred from the Changanassery Vicariate to Kottayam by the decree "Magni Momenti."
After Mar Mathai Makkil returned from Rome, he published his 36th pastoral letter from his bungalow in Kottayam, expressing his gratitude to everyone in the Changanassery Vicariate.
Mar Mathai Makkil received the papal bulls In Universi Christiani and Magni Momenti through the Apostolic Delegate.
Mar Mathai Makkil officially took charge of the Kottayam Vicariate by reading and publishing the aforementioned papal documents at Edakkattu Cathedral.
A letter was sent to Rome on behalf of the Southern community, expressing gratitude for the grant of the vicariate and for receiving their own bishop. The letter was led by Vicar General Msgr. Kuplicat, Mathai Kathanar, Fr. Thomas Vattakalam, Fr. John Pallikunnel, Fr. Luke Kalladanthiyil, and Fr. Thomas Mapplettu. Other important points included in the letter were: 1. This establishment would help eliminate conflicts between the South and North. 2. The Southern community would always respect the Holy See. 3. Efforts would be made towards reconciliation.
Death of Mar Mathai Makkil, who entered into eternal heavenly rest.
Rev. Fr. Chandy (Alexander) Choolapparampil was appointed as the second Vicar Apostolic of the Kottayam Vicariate.
The episcopal ordination of Rev. Fr. Chandy (Alexander) Choolapparampil took place.
Mar Alexander Choolapparampil officially inaugurated the Kerala Catholic Students League (KCSL) at Alappuzha.
Mar Choolapparampil sent a request to Cardinal Niccolò Marini, Secretary of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, to elevate the Kottayam Vicariate to an archdiocese without suffragan dioceses and to keep it under direct Roman rule when the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy was established. In 1920: The Kottayam Masika was published under the editorship of Fr. Joseph Chakkungal..
Bishop Mar Alexander choolaparambil visited Bishop saverios knanaya jacobite bishop and held reconciliation talks.
A place near Kottayam called 'Parayankunnu' was purchased and renamed Thiruhridaya Kunnu (Sacred Heart Mount). It was established as the headquarters of the Oblates of the Sacred Heart (OSH) Society.
Mar Saverios visited the Kottayam bishop house for the reunification talks.
Through the special efforts of Bishop Choolapparampil, permission was obtained from Rome for those reuniting from the Jacobite Church to the Catholic Church to continue using the Antiochian rite.
Circular No. 2666, calling for the reunification of the Knanaya Jacobite Church with the Knanaya Catholic Church, was published by Mar Alexander Choolapparampil.
“Kottayam Patrika” began publishing under the editorship of Father John Pulayangattil.
A request was sent to Msgr. Bandri, who was the Apostolic Delegate from 1916 to 1919, to implement the request sent on December 8, 1920. He translated it into Italian and sent it to Bishop Isaias Papadopoulos with a favorable opinion.
Bishop Choolaparampil visited Rome. The request to elevate the Kottayam Vicariate to an archdiocese was directly submitted to Holy Father and the Secretary of the Eastern Church, Cardinal Giovanni Tacci
Msgr. Pisani, the Apostolic Delegate, visited the Kottayam bishop’s house. During this visit, a discussion was held regarding the aforementioned application.
The Syro-Malabar Hierarchy was established by the decree "Romani Pontifices," and the Kottayam vicariate was elevated to a diocese.
The Diocesan Minor Seminary was officially inaugurated at Sacred Heart Mount
The Fr. St. Joseph's Congregation for women members of Kottayam Diocese. was started by was started by Fr Thomas Poothathil
Mar Choolaparambil and Mar Evanios reached an agreement at the headquarters of the Eastern Churches that the Reunificationists would follow their Antiochian liturgy and remain in the Kottayam Diocese or under the Malankara Hierarchy until the reunification of the Jacobite Bishop of kananaya.
the Eastern Church accepted this decision.
The attempt that began on December 8, 1920, was renewed. The same request was sent to Cardinal Luigi Sincero, the Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, through Archbishop Leo P. Kirklees, the Apostolic Delegate. However, the reply indicated that it was not possible at that time.
St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary was established at Aluva, leading to the discontinuation of the Major Seminary at SH Mount.
The St. Joseph's Priests' Provident Fund Society was established in the Diocese as the first of its kind in the Syro-Malabar Church, offering financial support and security for priests..
The Knanaya Catholic Congress (Knanaya Mahajanasabha) was started, marking it as the first men's association in the Kerala Church.
In commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of the Kottayam Vicariate Institution, the 'Thiruhridaya Masika' was published. Since 1984, it has continued as the Kottayam Diocesan Bulletin.
The Silver Jubilee celebrations of Bishop Choolaparambil's episcopal ordination took place. Once again, he wrote another letter to the Holy See, requesting that the diocese come directly under the authority of the Pope.
The foundation stone of Christ the King Knanaya Cathedral chuch in Kottayam was laid, marking the beginning of its construction.
The first organized Malabar migration to Rajapuram Colony occurred on February 5, when they reached Rajapuram, Kasargod.
The Christ the King Cathedral was consecrated by Mar Alexander Choolaparambil, with Co-celebrants including Bishop Bonaventure Arena (Bishop of Vijayapuram), Mar James Kalassery (Bishop of Changanassery), and Mar Severios (Bishop of Thiruvalla).
The second organized Malabar immigration took place in Alexnagar Colony. After discussions with the bishops of Kozhikode and Mangalore, permission was granted to administer sacraments within the Syro-Malabar parish itself, specifically for the colonies of Rajapuram and Madambam. These colonies are located outside the Syro-Malabar Church's traditional territory but fall under the jurisdiction of the Kottayam Diocese. This decision marked a significant milestone in the history of the Syro-Malabar Church, contributing to its development and growth. The name of the place was established only after the migration, and it was dedicated to Christ the King.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Tharayil has been appointed as the Co-adjutor Bishop following Mar Alexander Choolaparambil.
The Episcopal ordination of Fr. Thomas Tharayil took place.
Mar Thomas Tharayil received authorization from Rome to reform the liturgy of the Antiochian rite.
A conference called 'Lourd Matha' was held in Kottayam, and an organization named Vincent de Paul was founded in the Diocese of Kottayam.
The Franciscan Association was established.
Mar Thomas Tharayil participated in the proclamation of the dogma on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Bishop Alexander Choolaparambil has passed away and entered into his heavenly rest.
Cardinal Eugene Tisserant visited Kottayam, The foundation stone of the OSH monastery was laid, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.
The foundation stone of Caritas Hospital was laid, marking an important milestone in its establishment. The Mission League and Holy Childhood were started in the Diocese, marking the first time introduced in the Syro-Malabar Church.
Pope Pius XII issued a proclamation expanding the jurisdiction of the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy. The decree "Quae Suddistica Gens" granted personal jurisdiction to the Bishop of Kottayam over the southern Syriac Catholics within the boundaries of the Syro-Malabar Church.
Bishop Choolapambil Memorial College (BCM) was established, honoring the legacy of Bishop Alexander Choolaparambil.
The Vianney Home for retired priests was established with the construction of a three-room building on the Caritas campus, providing a dedicated space for the care and support of retired clergy.
The Caritas Hospital was officially inaugurated, marking the beginning of its service to the community. The Caritas Secular Institute was founded by Mar Thomas Tharayil, contributing to the growth and mission of the Knanaya community.
Mar Thomas Tharayil participated in the opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, joining church leaders from around the world in this significant event.
St. Stephen's College in Uzhavoor was established, furthering educational opportunities in the region.
The Diocesan Minor Seminary was relocated to a newly constructed building at SH Mount, providing enhanced facilities for the formation and education of future priests.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council was established, marking the first time such a body was created within the Syro-Malabar Church. This council aimed to foster collaboration and participation in the diocesan community.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council was established, marking the first time such a body was created within the Syro-Malabar Church. This council aimed to foster collaboration and participation in the diocesan community.
The Presbyteral Council was established, marking the first time this advisory body was created within the Syro-Malabar Church. This council serves as a forum for priests to collaborate and provide guidance on diocesan matters.
Fr. Kuriakose Kunnassery was appointed as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Kottayam Diocese, positioning him to assist and eventually succeed the current bishop in leading the diocese.
Fr. Cyriac Thevarmannil was appointed as the first Episcopal Vicar of the Malankara Division of Churches in the Kottayam Diocese, taking on a key leadership role in overseeing this community within the diocese.
A petition was submitted requesting a separate church structure for the Malankara sect, which had reunited with the Kottayam Diocese. This application was resubmitted in 1969.
The Episcopal ordination of Mar Kuriakose Kunnassery took place, marking his formal installation as a bishop within the Church.
TThe Ranipuram Colony was established as part of the third Knanaya migration to Malabar, with the name "Ranipuram" reflecting the migration's dedication to Mother Mary. "Rani" is the Malayalam name for Mother Mary.
The Silver Jubilee Celebration of the episcopal ordination of Mar Thomas Tharayil took place.
Rome appointed Prof. E.R. Hamby to conduct a detailed study of the petitions for the allocation of an ecclesiastical church to the Knanaya Malankara Catholics. He convened a meeting in Kottayam, conducted studies, and submitted his report to Rome.
The Knanaya Catholic Women’s Association (KCWA) was founded as the first women’s association in the Syro-Malabar Church, pioneering organized support and advocacy for women within the community.
The Bishop’s House in Kottayam was renovated, updating and enhancing the residence for the bishop of the diocese.
The Bible Commission was established in the Diocese following a circular issued by the CBCI on June 24, 1973.
Mar Thomas Tharayil retired from the diocese, and Mar Kuriakose Kunnassery was appointed as the new Bishop of Kottayam.
Mar Thomas Tharayil passed away and entered into his heavenly rest.
The Vocation Commission was established in the Diocese, marking its first appearance in the Syro-Malabar Church.
KCYL (Knanaya catholic Youth League) unit established for the first time in Malabar.
Fr. Abraham Virutthikulangara was appointed as the Bishop of Khanduwa, becoming the first missionary bishop of the Knanaya Catholic community.
The Bishop Tharayil Memorial Home for Indigent Elderly was founded at Thellakom, providing support and care for elderly individuals in need.
The Chaitanya Pastoral Center was inaugurated, serving as a new hub for pastoral activities and community engagement.
The ITC institution was established in Kaduthuruthy, expanding educational and training opportunities in the area.
The Barumariam Pastoral Center was established as the first pastoral center in Malabar, aimed at coordinating and supporting pastoral activities across the region.
The Thuvanisa Retreat Center made significant contributions to the Syro-Malabar Church, serving as a pioneering facility for spiritual retreats and renewal in Kerala.
The Diocese of Kottayam took the initiative to send a Knanaya priest to the United States to conduct a special ministry for the Syro-Malabar community, marking the first time a Syro-Malabar priest served in the USA.
The Edackat Church, the first cathedral of the Kottayam Diocese, was renovated and consecrated, marking a significant milestone in its history.
The Hadusa All India Theater Center was officially inaugurated by the Governor of Kerala.
The Missionary Society of St. Pius X (MSP) was founded, highlighting the missionary aspect of the Knanaya community and enriching the Catholic Church with its contributions.
Saint Pope John Paul II visited the Kottayam Bishop's House, prayed at the cathedral, had lunch with guests, and then rested. During his visit, the Diocesan Platinum Jubilee was launched, and the foundation stone of the Missionary Society of St. Pius X' seminary was blessed.
Saint Pope John Paul II visited the Kottayam Bishop's House, prayed at the cathedral, had lunch with guests, and then rested. During his visit, the Diocesan Platinum Jubilee was launched, and the foundation stone of the Missionary Society of St. Pius X' seminary was blessed.
The Diocesan Platinum Jubilee concluded under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Indian President, Mr. Gianni Salesingh.
The Vallambrosan Benedictine Order was inaugurated in the Diocese, showcasing the monastic aspect of the Knanaya community and enriching its spiritual and religious life.
Bishop Abraham Viruthikulangara, a member of the Kallara parish, was appointed as the Archbishop of Nagpur.
Rev. Dr. Mathew Moolakatt was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Kottayam Diocese.
Rev. Dr. Mathew Moolakatt was consecrated as a bishop by Saint John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica
Msgr. Kurian Mathew Vayalungal was appointed as the Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea.
Msgr. Kurian Mathew Vayalungal was appointed as the Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea.
Rev Fr. Thomas Thennatt was consecrated as the Bishop of the Diocese of Gwalior.
Archbishop Mar Kuriakos Kunnassery entered into eternal life in heaven.
The Platinum Jubilee of the Knanaya Malabar Migrant community concluded.
Mar Abraham Virutthikulangara passed away and entered eternal rest..
Mar Thomas Thennatt entered into eternity.
Mar Simon Kaipuram.entered into eternity
Fr. George Kurishummoottil was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Kottayam.
Cardinal Clemies Mar Baselios, the Major Archbishop of Syro-Malankara, ordained Fr. George with the Rampanpattam.
Ramban Fr. George Kurishummoottil received Episcopal ordination from Dr. Thomas Mar Kuriakos and was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Kottayam Archdiocese..