Syro-Malankara eparchy established for US, Canada
January 04, 2016
Pope Francis has established a new eparchy—the equivalent of a diocese—for Syro-Malankara Catholics in the US and Canada.
The Eparchy of St. Mary, Queen of Peace, will embrace all the geographical territory of the two countries. Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius Naickamparambil has been named to be the first bishop of the American eparchy, which will be based in Elmont, New York. There are about 11,500 Syro-Malankara Catholics in North America today, spread across 19 parishes and missions.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, based in India’s state of Kerela, traces its origins to the missionary work of St. Thomas the apostle. The Church now counts nearly 500,00 faithful. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of Trivandrum is the Major Archbishop of the self-governing Church.
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Further information:
- Pope Francis erects new Syro-Malankara Eparchy in US, Canada (Vatican Radio)
- The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church (Catholic Near East Welfare Association)
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