The Church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. Thus, in language intelligible to each generation, she can respond to the perennial questions which men ask about this present life and the life to come, and about the relationship of the one to the other. We must therefore recognize and understand the world in which we live, its explanations, its longings, and it soften dramatic characteristics. (GAUDIUM ET SPES, No. 4)
ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT
The Eucharistic Congress in Munich at the beginning of 1960 was a pivotal event for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Germany. There came across proactive thoughts made by the German Bishops in medical and nursing care for the ageing generations of the Germans in the future. After the fruitful discussion between our Church Leadership and German authorities concerned, the first ladies from India (Kerala) came to Germany through the intervention of our late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios and Bishop Zacharias Mar Athanasios. In 1963, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Seminarians came to Königstein/Ts, Frankfurt, for priestly formation. That was the beginning of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Germany. Later young women, Religious Sisters and Priests came to Germany. They were placed in different hospitals and parishes in Germany. They have been placed mainly in the cities of Bonn-Venusberg, Neuss, Krefeld, Ibbenbüren, Heidelberg, Tübingen, Aachen and Emmendingen.
The adequate pastoral care for the Malankara Community was not regulated at that time. Our faithful invited Priests, who were in Rome for higher studies, to celebrate Holy Qurbono and other pastoral ministries. Moreover, in 1996, Rev. Fr. John Varghese Easwarankudyil was appointed by the late Metropolitan Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Cyril Mar Baselios to coordinate the pastoral care for the Syro-Malankara Community in Germany as a part-time ministry. At the same time, he served as a Parochial Vicar in a German Catholic parish. Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios coordinated the Malankara Community and had regular spiritual activities. His attempt was to bring together the different communities from different locations in Germany and that was successful through the activity of the coordinator. The 50th Year of the Migration of the Syro-Malankara Catholics in Germany was celebrated in the year 2014 in Krefeld.
APOSTOLIC VISITATORS
From the beginning of our community, we are blessed with the Pastoral and Apostolic care of our Bishops. Our late Major Archbishop-Catholicos Cyril Mar Baselios requested the Holy See for a Canonical Provision for the Community in Europe. As per the request of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, St. Pope John Paul II appointed Msgr. Issac Thottunkal, the present Major Archbishop-Catholicos, as the first Apostolic Visitator for North America and Europe on 18 June 2001. Most Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Cleemis was ordained a Bishop on 15th August 2001 at Thirumoolapuram, Tiruvalla. His Excellency visited all the communities in Europe and energized Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Europe. From 2005-2010, Most. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas served as the Apostolic Visitator of North America and Europe with his residence in New York, America. H. E. Most. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius was appointed as the Apostolic Visitator on 14 July 2010. H.E. Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius became the Bishop of the Diocese of Parasala in 2017. He was succeeded by H.E. Most. Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius as the Apostolic Visitator for Europe on 05 August 2017. He served as Apostolic Visitator till 2025.
PASTORAL CARE
As mentioned earlier, in 1996, Rev. Fr. John Varghese Easwarankudyil was appointed by the Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church to coordinate the pastoral care for the Syro-Malankara community in Germany. He coordinated the faithful in different centres and offered his Pastoral care. In 2006, Rev. Dr. Vijayanand OIC was appointed as the Coordinator in Germany. He also offered his committed service for the pastoral care of the Malankarites in Germany.
ECCLESIASTICAL COORDINATOR
In 2007, His Beatitude Baselios Cleemis assumed the office of the Major Archbishop-Catholicos. On behalf of the SMCC, His Beatitude negotiated with the German Bishops’ Conference and appointed Rev Fr. Santhosh Koickal as the Chaplain and Coordinator to the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Germany and the German Bishops’ Conference approved the same.
CHAPLAINS
In continuation of the Pastoral Care of the Malankara Community, H. E. Cardinal Joachim Meisner, Archbishop of Cologne, appointed Fr. Santhosh Thomas (Koickal) for the pastoral care of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of Cologne with effect from 01 September 2009. That was according to the “Instructio de Pastorali migratorum Cura” (22/08/1969) and in consultation with the German Bishops’ Conference and the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
With effect from January 1, 2012 Most Rev. Dr. Franz-Peter Tebartz von Elst, the Bishop of Limburg, included and incorporated the Malankara Community.
On 01 June 2018, H.B. Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos, appointed Rev Fr. Joseph Chelamparambath from the Diocese of Bathery as the Chaplain of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Bonn, Köln.
With effect from 01 September 2018, H.E. Cardinal Joachim Meisner, Archbishop of Cologne, specially appointed Fr. Joseph Chelamparambath for the pastoral care of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of Cologne. This was in agreement with His Beatitude.
With effect from 21 March 2018, H.B. Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos appointed Rev Fr. Paul Mathew OIC as the Chaplain of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Krefeld. Fr. Paul Mathew has been working in the Parish of the Diocese of Aachen. In consultation with the German Bishops Conference and the Malankara Church, the Diocese of Aachen granted him permission for the pastoral care of the Malankara Community in Aachen.
With effect from 19 February 2019, H. B. Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos appointed Rev Fr. Jacob Vazhakunnathu as the Chaplain of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Dortmund-Herne. Fr. Jacob Vazhakunnathu is working in the Parish of the Diocese of Münster. In consultation with the German Bishops’ Conference, the Diocese of Münster and the Malankara Church, the Archdiocese of Paderborn permitted him to do Pastoral care for the Malankarites in the Archdiocese of Paderborn.
With effect from September 2021, H. B. Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos appointed Rev Fr. Samuel Paravila as the Chaplain of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Dortmund, Herne. Rev Fr. Jacob Vazhakunnathu was relieved from his Pastoral ministry for the Malankara Community in the Archdiocese of Paderborn. As per the instruction of the Major Archbishop-Catholicos, Rev. Fr. Austin John is appointed as the Chaplain for the München Mission. And Rev. Father Jobin Puthenvila is appointed in Berlin mission. Rev. Fr. Eldo Kainjiramalayil is helping in Mainz Mission.
APOSTOLIC VISITATOR FOR EUROPE AND UK
Due to the prompt communications and interventions of His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, new Canonical provisions were organised. Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, appointed Rev. Dr. Kuriakose Thadathil (Parish priest of Great Baar in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, UK) Apostolic Visitator for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in the United Kingdom and Europe. Rev. Dr Kuriakose Thadathil was announced as the new Bishop by the Father and Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on 19th September 2025. He was consecrated Bishop by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on 22 November 2026 at St. Mary’s Major Archieparchial Cathedral, Trivandrum. His Excellency assumed the office of Apostolic Visitator on 6th December 2025 and is residing in UK.
The appointment of His Excellency Most Rev Dr Kuriakose Mar Osthathios as the Apostolic visitator for Europe and the United Kingdom is a strong step forward in the Ecclesial life of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church in Europe and UK. We are very confident that with this Canonical Provision, our Church would respond positively to the challenges of Immigration and enhance adequate Pastoral care of the Diaspora, focusing on young Malankara Catholics.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Communities in Germany are eagerly waiting for the pastoral visitation and the ecclesial leadership of our new shepherd. Under His Excellency’s leadership, we shall go ahead in Germany.
PARISHES, LITURGICAL SERVICES,
PASTORAL COUNCIL & PARISH COMMITTEES
MALANAKRA LITURGICAL SERVICE
From October 2007, there is regular monthly Eucharistic Celebration according to the Syro-Malankara liturgy in all five Centers in Germany, as well as the places where the Religious Sisters are located. A Family Prayer gathering in every community once a month. There are retreats for the people during the Lenten season. Every year, Pilgrim tours are organized to different Pilgrim centers. We do celebrate the Reunion Day in the presence of our Malankara Bishops every year and all Malankarites gather in any of our centres. From October 2007, the regular liturgical services of the Syro-Malankara Communities are held in the Sacred Heart Church in Frankfurt-Eckenheim, Holy Spirit Church in Bonn-Venusberg, Old Catholic Church in Heidelberg-Weiblingen, Liebfrauen Church in Mainz, St. Johannes Church in Krefeld, St. Laurentius Church in Wanne-Eickel, Sacred Heart Church in Herne and St. Elizabeth Church in Castrop-Rauxel near Dortmund.
MALANKARA CATHOLIC FAMILIES
With the great support of the German Bishops’ Conference and Local communities, five Centers have been established in Germany for the Syro-Malankara Catholics. Each one is constituted with a Parish Council. Around 320 Malankara families are residing in Germany.
- Krefeld: St. Maria Gemeinde
St. Johannes Baptist Kirche, Johannes Str.40, 47805 Krefeld
First Saturday of the month: 4.00 PM Holy Mass. Once in a Month: Family Prayer
- Bonn-Köln: St. Thomas Gemeinde
Heilig-Geist Kirche,
Kiefernweg 22,
53127 Bonn-Venusberg
Every first and third Sunday at 3.00 pm
Once in a Month: Family Prayer
- Heidelberg-Stuttgart: St. Peter und Paul Gemeinde
Guter Hirte Kirche,
Memelerstr.38,
68307 Mannheim
Every Second Sunday in the Month: 3.00 PM (in Winter)
15.30 Uhr (im Summer) Holy Mass
- Dortmund-Herne: St. Chrisostom Gemeinde
St.Laurentius Kirche,
Haupstr. 317,
44649 Wanne-Eickel (St. Elizabeth Kirche, Bochumer Str.92, 44575 Castrop Rauxel / Herz-Jesu Kirche, Altenhoefener Str.31, 44623 Herne)
Every First Sunday and Third Sunday in the Month: 4.00 PM Holy Mass
- Frankfurt-MAINZ: St. Josef Gemeinde
Herz Jesu Kirche,
Eckenheimer Landstr.324,
60435 Frankfurt am Main
Every First Friday: 6.30 PM Holy Mass & Anbetung,06.00 PM.
Fourth Sunday of the month. 4.00 PM Holy Mass
Second Saturday of the month. 4.00 PM Holy Mass in Mainz
Once in a Month : Family Prayer
The new Units are:
- Mainz Mission:
Liebfrauen Kath.Kirche,
Mosel Str.30,
55118 Mainz.
Second Saturday of every month at 4.00 pm
- München Mission:
St. Birgitta Kth.Kirche,
Parkstr.11,
82008 Unterhachting
Every third Sunday of the Month at 3.00 PM
- Köln Mission:
Kirche Maria Himmelfahrt
Marzellenstraße.30,
50668 Köln
2nd Sunday in Every two Months at 3.00 PM Gottesdienst
- Düsseldorf Mission:
2nd Sunday in Every two Months at 3.00 PM Gottesdienst
- Hannover Mission:
St.Anna Kath.Kirche,
Anderter Str.9,
30629 Misburg-Hannover.
Third Saturday of the month at 3.00 pm
- Berlin Mission:
St.Clemens, Kth.Kirche,
Stressemannstr.66,
10963 Berlin.
First Sunday of the Month at 3.00 PM
All our centres are constituted with a parish council. Besides, we have a Pastoral Council for Germany, which is supporting & helping our Chaplain & Coordinator in doing the pastoral care of the Faithful here in Germany. The Pastoral Council consists of 32 members. They are: Secretary and Treasurer of each parish council, two delegates from each centre elected specially, representatives of all three religious congregations, representatives of MCA, MCYM, Mathrusangam, Auditor and finally the two synodal commission members.
MALANKARA PRIESTS
About 20 Diocesan Priests and 12 religious Priests from the OIC of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church are serving the German Church in different German Dioceses. They are in the Diocese of Muenster, Archdiocese of Koln, Diocese of Aachen, Limburg, Rotenberg, Augsburg, Regensburg, and Passau.
RELIGIOUS SISTERS AND HOUSES
About a hundred Religious Sisters of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church are serving in various charitable and Medical institutions of the German Church. They belong to the Bethany (SIC), the Daughters of Mary DM) and the Holy Spirit (OSS) Congregations.
The list of places where the sisters are established:
1. Stuttgart, 2. Mannheim 3. Buchen Waldhausen, 4. Recklinghausen,
5. Neckarsulm, 6. Deggeingen, 7. Stadtlohn, 8. Duelmen –Rorup, 9. Muehlacker, 10. Zweibruecken, 11. Dortmund-Derne 12. Peißenberg, 13. Nesselwang,
14. Neusaess-Augsburg 15. Koenigstein-Mammolshain, 16. Frankfurt am Main 17. Duesseldorf, 18. Neckarsulm, 19. Augsburg, 20. Horb 21. Ulm 22.Würzburg. 23.Staubingen. 23.München 24. Düsseldorf 25. Beckum 26.Gescherr 27.Ludgen Dortmund 28.Huckarde-Dortmund 29.Möhringen 30.Eningen 31.Käfertal-Mannheim 32.Rötlingen
Lay Associations
In July 2021, the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM), which had existed since 2006, was reactivated and now has approximately 360 young members across Germany. The group organizes cultural and spiritual programs at both the national and local levels.
Other lay associations, such as the Malankara Catholic Association (MCA) and Mothers Forum (MCMF), are also active. The MCA conducts monthly family prayer meetings, while MCMF organizes regular events and programs.
In July 2021, Sunday School (Catechetical Apostolate) was officially introduced for children in Germany by Apostolic Visitator Bishop Dr. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, with Rev. Fr. Santhosh Thomas, Director.
Since 2009, the Pastoral Council has been publishing an annual bulletin, Malankara Vision, to keep members informed about upcoming programs and events.
In November 2025, Rev. Fr. Santhosh Thomas celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination in Frankfurt am Main with our Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church as Chief Guest.
CONCLUSION
I conclude this brief history with sincere gratitude to many people who worked for the formation and development of the Malankara Community in Germany. We are very grateful for the personal encouragement and insights of our beloved Bishops, Priests, Sisters and laity. We are specially remembering our late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, Bishop Zacharias Mar Athanasios, and Late Catholicos Cyril Mar Baselios for their visionary insights, supports and prayers. We are extending most heartfelt thanks to our Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Father and Head of the Malankara Catholic Church for his tremendous intervention and leadership. Bishop Dr.Thomas Mar Eusebius, our former Apostolic Visitator for his unfailing support. Our most heartfelt thanks go to the Bishop Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas, Rev. Fr. John Varughese Eshwarankudiyil and Rev. Dr. Vijayananth OIC for their hard work and outstanding contributions to the Malankara Community in Germany. As we remain grateful to H.E. Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mar Thedosius, our former Apostolic Visitator for his sound advices, we look forward to collaborate with our new Visitator for Europe and UK, H.E. Most Rev. Dr. Kuriakose Mar Osthatheos.
The future vision of the Syro-Malankara community in Germany is to preserve and pass on the traditions, values, and liturgy of the Syro-Malankara Rite to the next generation, ensuring its growth and continuation.
Rev. Fr. Santhosh Thomas Koickal
Ecclesiastical Coordinator
Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Germany
Ecknheimer Landstr.326
D-60435 Frankfurt am Main
Email: malankaragermany@googlemail.com /fatherkoickal@gmail.com
www.malankaracatholic.de Tel. 0049 612844071 / 17680383083/ 69951167970
NB: Special Thanks to Mr. Isaac Pulipra and Mr. George Mundethu.
