The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an ancient Eastern Catholic Major Archiepiscopal Church, holds a unique position within the wider Catholic communion. Tracing its roots back to the Apostle St. Thomas, it operates under the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, emphasizing its deep historical and spiritual ties to the beginnings of Christianity in India. This Church, known among the “Nasrani” or St. Thomas Christians denominations for its distinct liturgical traditions and ecclesiastical governance, maintains full communion with the Roman Pontiff and the global Catholic Church, showcasing the unity in diversity that characterizes the Catholic faith.

In the United States, the spiritual and administrative needs of the Syro-Malabar faithful are met by the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago, a significant eparchy established by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on March 13, 2001. With Mar Jacob Angadiath as its inaugural bishop, the diocese has flourished, now encompassing 50 parishes and 34 missions across the country, serviced by 68 dedicated priests. It supports a large community of 85,000 members, fostering spiritual growth through initiatives like Sunday School programs for 9500 students and the work of 2450 catechists. Following Bishop Angadiath’s resignation in 2020, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Joy Alappatt in 2022, ensuring the diocese continues to thrive and uphold its rich traditions while adapting to the needs of the Syro-Malabar faithful in America.