The Journey and Growth of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Communit
1. Historical Roots and Prophetic Vision
In God’s Providence, the Australian Continent has proved to be a “Dream Land” for the Syro-Malankara Community, ever since the Servant of God, Archbishop Mar Ivanios, with prophetic vision, initiated this Rite on his visit to Melbourne in 1948 for the centenary celebrations of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. This prophetic visit of the Venerable Mar Ivanios happened in the 18th year of the historical Reunion Movement.
The secular and religious media covered his visit with great significance. The Advocate daily wrote in its headlines, “Archbishop wears purple turban and robes”. It was Mar Ivanios who celebrated the Holy Qurbono in the Malankara Syrian Rite for the first time in Australia. This land is now privileged to have a burgeoning number of Syro-Malankara Catholic people, all of whom have migrated not only in search of a new life and future for themselves and their children, but also to cherish and foster their spiritual, liturgical, and cultural heritage, as well as to spread the Gospel.
2. Formal Ecclesial Organization
On 13 October 2013, His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos appointed Rev. Dr. Stephen Kulathumkarott as the Coordinator of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Australia and New Zealand. by By this appointment, the scattered members were joined together as a structured Church Community and are gradually advancing in the ecclesial vision and mission of the Church. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kulathumkarott did a commendable works in organizing of establishing Malankara community in Australia. His pastoral and lifting of families brought great strength to our church
Through diocesan newsletters and other electronic and secular print media, the community started advertising its establishment as extensively as possible, with the added help of existing members. These media channels remain vital for bringing individuals together in each local community. Thus, by God’s grace, each community is making steady and commendable progress.
3. Geographic Spread and Liturgical Schedule
At present, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has established vibrant, active communities across major urban centers in both Australia and New Zealand. Currently, approximately 200 families have been traced across 6 primary communities in Australia. In every community, Monthly Prayer Meetings and regular Holy Mass services have been established according to the following pastoral schedule:
| Region / Community | Frequency of Holy Mass / Liturgical Services |
| Adelaide (Australia) | Every Sunday (except when the Chaplain is away on other pastoral duties) |
| Brisbane (Australia) | Every week |
| Melbourne (Australia) | Twice a month (plus Monthly Prayer Meetings) |
| Sydney (Australia) | Once every two months |
| Canberra & Perth (Australia) | Once every three months |
| New Zealand Communities (Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North, Napier, Hamilton) | Once every two months |
4. Pastoral Programs and Community Development
In May 2017, Rev. Fr. Premkumar was appointed as the Associate Chaplain in Australia to support the expanding pastoral needs. Since all scheduled Prayer Meetings cannot be physically attended by the Chaplains, visual media is strategically utilized to link members together in a spirit of unity and solidarity.
- Catechetical Formation: Catechism for children has successfully started with the assistance of dedicated lay animators across different communities, utilizing the official SMCC text.
- Liturgical & Language Training: Regular training in Altar serving, active Holy Mass participation, and regular Malayalam language classes are provided. Long-term Malayalam intensive classes are organized for children in Adelaide during their school vacations.
- Traditions & Feasts: Core church feasts, including Mar Ivanios Day, Reunion Day, and Christmas Carol Services, are celebrated strictly in accordance with the unique customs and traditions of the Rite.
- Cultural Integration: Cultural festivities such as Onam are celebrated collaboratively, giving everyone an opportunity to treasure their unique heritage and share communal joy.
- Leadership & Lay Support: Each regional group is guided by a nominated team of lay leaders whose infectious enthusiasm coordinates local efforts. Specialized volunteer groups are also active in welcoming and accommodating newly-arrived migrants.
- Spiritual Renewal: Acknowledging that the Church grows through the movement of the Holy Spirit, a community Night Vigil Service is conducted every First Friday of the month, specifically dedicated to the steady spiritual growth of the Church.
5. Hierarchical Support and Episcopal Visits
Responding to the formal request of HB Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, In response to our church request , extended his fullest support and collaboration toward the progressive expansion of the Church. The Archdiocese of Adelaide and its Archbishop, Most Rev. Philip E. Wilson, respectfully and gratefully remembered for their pivotal role in the initial launch of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Australia.
Similarly, the Archbishop of Brisbane, Most Rev. Dr. Mark Coleridge, has extended profound pastoral support by fostering and hosting Fr. Premkumar. Archbishops and bishops from various dioceses across both Australia and New Zealand continue to willingly offer personal and pastoral assistance to these growing communities.
Rt. Rev. Premkumar Corepiscopo as appointed pastor of the Syro Malankarites in Brisbane His Beatitude Baselios Cleemis Catholicos in 2017.
On 5 August 2017, Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius was formally appointed as the Apostolic Visitator to Europe and Oceania. His Excellency completed his historic first official pastoral visit to the communities of Australia and New Zealand from 27 February 2018 to 13 March 2018, marking a monumental milestone in stabilizing the long-term canonical and pastoral structure of the mission.
The visits of Most Rev. Dr . Abraham Mar Julios , Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios and Most Rev. Dr. Mar Athanacios strengthened the Malankara communities in their ecclesial life.
At the request of the HB Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Major Archbishop Catholicos The Holy See appointed Most Rev. Dr. Yoohano Mar Theodosias as the apostolic visitator for Europe and Oceania on 5 th August 2017. His pastoral visits and conversation with respective Bishops made commendable impact on the life our church in Australia.
In responding You mention the present chaplain and their missions
Rev.Fr. Premkmar – coordinator of Australia.
in charge of the following missions
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Rev. Fr. Philip Vettikattil – Melbourne
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Rev. Fr. Aby – Sydney
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Rev. Fr. – Perth ( join)
In responding
To the request of the Major Archbishop Catholicos HB Baselios Cardinal Cleemis,
The Holy See appointed His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mar SIlvanios as the apostolic visitator for Oceania 2022.
His well inspiring pastoral visits and interventions with the local Bishops have produced tangible results in the establishment of our ecclesiastical arrangements in Australia.
