New Delhi: In a significant gesture underscoring India’s unity in diversity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Archbishop Dr. Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Major Archbishop His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Raphael Thattil — the head of the Syro-Malabar Church — and several senior church dignitaries on Tuesday. The meeting focused on India’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions, interfaith dialogue, and the enduring role of the Christian community in nation-building.
Sharing his thoughts on the interaction, PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Had a wonderful interaction with the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Major Archbishop His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Raphael Thattil, His Grace Archbishop Dr. Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, and others.”
The Historical Roots of the Syro-Malabar Church
The Syro-Malabar Church traces its origins to St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have evangelized India between AD 42 and 72. This Church forms a vital part of the St. Thomas Christian tradition in India, symbolizing one of the world’s earliest Christian communities outside the Middle East.
After the arrival of Pantenus of Alexandria in 189 AD, Indian Christians maintained close ties with the Church of the East in the Persian Empire. By the 7th century, the Indian Church had been granted metropolitan status, signifying its autonomous standing while continuing its spiritual connection with the Persian ecclesiastical hierarchy.
| Period | Event | Key Figures / Influence | Impact on Indian Christianity |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD 42–72 | Evangelization by St. Thomas | St. Thomas the Apostle | Foundation of the St. Thomas Christian community in India |
| 189 AD | Visit of Pantenus of Alexandria | Pantenus, Church of the East | Established theological ties with Persian Christianity |
| 7th Century | Metropolitan Title Conferred | Seleucian / Chaldean Patriarchs | Recognized as a self-governing Eastern Christian community |
| 16th–19th Century | Portuguese Influence & Synod of Diamper (1599) | Roman Propaganda Fide, Portuguese Padroado | Latinization of customs and liturgy; tensions with native clergy |
| 1653 | Coonan Cross Oath | St. Thomas Christians | Division into Roman Catholic and Orthodox branches |
| 1930 | Formation of the Syro-Malankara Church | Malankara Orthodox faction | Reunion with Rome, establishing a new Eastern Catholic Church |
Transformation Through Centuries
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the St. Thomas Christians came under dual jurisdictions — the Roman Propaganda FIDE and the Portuguese Padroado. These interactions led to a transformation of the Church’s ancient Indian and Syriac traditions. The Synod of Diamper (1599) marked a turning point, enforcing Latin customs and reshaping the Church’s oriental identity.
However, resistance to foreign control culminated in the historic Coonan Cross Oath of 1653. The event split the St. Thomas Christian community into factions — one loyal to Rome (forming the Syro-Malabar Church) and another aligning with the Antiochian Orthodox tradition. Later, in 1930, a smaller Orthodox group rejoined communion with the Roman Catholic Church, establishing the Syro-Malankara Church.
PM Modi’s Message on Heritage and Harmony
During his meeting with Church leaders, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of preserving India’s spiritual heritage and fostering unity among diverse faiths. The discussion reflected India’s commitment to interfaith harmony, cultural dialogue, and mutual respect among religious communities.
By engaging with leaders of one of the world’s oldest Christian denominations, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s pluralistic ethos and the government’s appreciation for the Christian community’s contributions in areas such as education, Healthcare, and social welfare.
Preserving India’s Faith Traditions
The Syro-Malabar Church continues to represent a vibrant part of India’s cultural and religious mosaic. With over five million members globally and deep historical roots in Kerala, it remains a living testimony to India’s ancient Christian heritage — one that seamlessly blends Eastern traditions with the universal message of Christianity.
In essence, PM Modi’s meeting with the Syro-Malabar Church leaders goes beyond protocol — it stands as a reaffirmation of India’s enduring legacy of faith, inclusivity, and civilizational continuity that spans over two millennia.
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