About Syro Malabar Church
We are a vibrant community of Malayalee Catholic families residing in the Hudson Valley, New York. We felt the desire to establish a Community to preserve our identity and to inculcate the tradition to our children. Our core values are derived from a rich heritage that is rooted in the culture, traditions and beliefs of the centuries-old Catholic Community in Kerala, India. We meet Sunday for Holy Mass (Qurbana), followed by an informal social gathering. We welcome you to our dynamic and ever growing Community. May St. Joseph, the patron of our mission intercede for you and your family.
Our Story
The Syro-Malabar Church is an Apostolic Church in India which traces its origin to the Apostolate of St. Thomas who, according to the tradition, landed in India at Kodungallur in 52 AD. He established the Ezharappallikal, or “Seven and Half Churches”. These churches are at Kodungallur, Kollam, Niranam, Nilackal (Chayal), Kokkamangalam, Kottakkayal (Paravoor), Palayoor (Chattukulangara) and Thiruvithamcode Arappally (Travancore) – the half church. The Syro-Malabar Church is one of the 22 sui iuris Oriental Churches in Catholic Communion with its own particular characteristics expressed in worship, spirituality, theology and disciplinary laws. The early Christian community in India was known as St. Thomas Christians.
