Our Liturgy

The Syro-Malankara Catholic liturgy is a rich tapestry of ancient traditions and deep spirituality, reflecting the heritage of the St. Thomas Christians of India. Rooted in the Antiochene Rite, the liturgy is characterized by its solemn and reverent worship style, elaborate rituals, and the use of Syriac language, particularly in hymns and prayers.

In the course of her history, the Malankara Church inherited this beautiful and profound liturgy from the West Syrian bishops who arrived in India following the unfortunate schism of 1653, and brought this ancient, theologically-rich, and beautiful liturgical tradition into the Catholic communion in 1930 with the Reunion movement led by Archbishop Mar Ivanios. The liturgical and spiritual patrimony of the Malankara Catholic Church is that of the Antiochene Rite, though its celebration is uniquely Indian. The Anaphoro of Mor Yacob (St. James), which is in use in the Syro-Malankara Church, is considered the most ancient and apostolic of all Christian liturgies, a tradition cited by the great Syriac theologians, Dionysius Bar Salibi and John of Dara in their liturgical commentaries, and affirmed by Fr. Fortescue.