The Syro-Malabar Church is one of the 23 sui iuris (autonomous) Oriental/Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Apostolic See of Rome. It is the second largest Oriental Catholic Church, the largest being the Ukrainian Church. Elevated as a Major Archiepiscopal Church in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, the Syro-Malabar Church is one of the most vibrant Catholic Churches in the world with over four million believers who have surpassed the geographical boundaries of Kerala and have spread across the world.
The Syro-Malabar Church is known for its deep-rooted spirituality and high rate of vocation to the priesthood and consecrated life. It is currently headed by the Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, Mar George Cardinal Alencherry. The Syro-Malabar Church is governed by the ‘Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches’ and it follows the East-Syrian liturgy which dates back to the 3rd century.