Fr.Santhosh Thomas Koickal
To carry out such a task, 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).
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 acrossproactive thoughts made by the German bishops in medical and nursing care for the aging generations of the Germans in the future. So the first young ladies from India (Kerala) came through the intervention of our late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios and Bishop Zacharias Mar Athanasios to Germany. In 1963, the Syro-Malankara seminarians came to Königstein/Ts near Frankfurt for priestly formation. That was the beginning of the Syro-Malankara Catholics community in Germany. Later young women, Religious Sisters and Priests came to Germany. They were placed in different hospitals and parishes of Germany. They have been placed mainly in the cities of Bonn-Venusberg, Neuss, Krefeld, Ibben-buren, Heidelberg, Tübingen, Aachern and Emmendingen
The Proper pastoral care for the malankara community was not regulated at that time.The people invited Priests who were in Rome for higher studies for getting Hl. Mass and other pastoral help. Moreover, in 1996 Rev. Fr. John Varghese Easwarankudyil was appointed by late Archbishop and Catholicos 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 worked as Parochial Vicar in a German Catholic parish. Then the head of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church Archbishop Most Rev.Dr. Cyril Mar Baselios tried his best to coordinate the Malankara community and have regular spiritual activities. His attempt was to bring together the different groups from different locations in Germany and that was successful. 50 the Year of the Migration of the Syro Malankara Catholics in Germany was celebrated in the year 2014 in Krefeld in accordance with the celebration of the Reunion.
APOSTOLIC VISITOR AND ADMINISTRATOR
From the beginning of the growth, we are blessed with the Pastoral and Apostolic care from Bishops. Our late Catholicos Most Rev.Dr. Cyril Mar Baselios blessed the community with his Prayers and interventions. From 2001-2003 Bishop Dr. Isaac Mar Cleemis ( Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos) was the first Apostolic Visitor and Administrator of the Syro- Malankara Community in North America and Europe. From 2005 -2010 Bishop Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas became the Apostolic Visitor and Administrator of North America and Europe with primary residence in New York, America. Then H.E.Bishop Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius appointed as our Apostolic Visitor and Administrator. H.E.Bishop Thomas Mar Evusebius became the Bishop of the diocese of Parrasala. His Succesor is Bishop Dr.Yoohanon Mar Theodosius as our Apostolic Visitor for Europe and he was the Curia Bishop and now he is the Bishop of Muvattupuzha.
PASTORAL CARE
As mentioned earlier, in 1996 Fr. John Varghese Easwarankudyil has been appointed to coordinate the pastoral care for the Syro- Malankara community in Germany. He coordinated the faithful in different centers and offered his Pastoral care. In 2006, Rev. Dr. Vijayanth OIC was appointed as the coordinator in Germany. He also offered his marvelous service for the pastoral care of the Malankarites.
ECCLESIASTICAL COORDINATOR
In 2007, negotiations were made with the German Bishops’ Conference and accordingly with the great help and support, Syro-Malankara Priests were appointed for the pastoral care of the Syro- Malankara Community in Germany. In September 2007, the Diocese of Mainz granted (organized by the German Bishops’ Conference) a scholarship for a Malankara priest to study in Germany and it was granted by the German Bishop’s Conference with a condition that the priest should continue the pastoral care for the Syro- Malankara Community in Germany. In April 2007 the Holy Synod of the Syro-Malankara church appointed Rev.Fr.Santhosh Thomas Koickal (Diocese of Pathanamthitta) as ecclesiastical coordinator for the Syro- Malankara Community. So, in August 2007 he came to Germany and is doing still the pastoral care of the malankarites in Germany. He is staying in Frankfurt and is helping the Apostolic Visitor Bishop Dr. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius for the pastoral care of the Syro Malankara Catholic Communities throughout Germany.
CHAPLAINS
With effect from 01.September 2009, H.E. Cardinal Joachim Meisner, Archbishop of Cologne specially appointed Fr. Santhosh Thomas (Koickal) for the pastoral care of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of Cologne. That was according to the “Instructio de Pastorali migratorum Cura” from 08.22.1969 and in consultation with the German Bishops Conference and also the Head & Father of our Malankara Church.
With effect from January 1, 2012 Most Rev.Dr.Franz-Peter Tebartz von Elst, the Bishop of Limburg, included and in corporated the Malankara Community according to the ‘’missio sine curaanimarum’’ for the other native language speaking communities in the diocese of Limburg, in the newly constructed Pastoralraum “Frankfurt-Nordost”.
With effect from 01.June 2018, H.B.Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, with consultation of H.E. Bishop Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, the Apostolic Vistator for Europe appointed Rev Fr..Joseph Chelamparambath 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 (Diocese of Bathery)for the pastoral care of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of Cologne. That was according to the “Instructio de Pastorali migratorum Cura” from 08.22.1969 and in consultation with the German Bishops Conference and also the Head & Father of our Malankara Church and with the Ecclesiastical Coordinator of the Malankara Catholic Church in Germany.
With effect from 21 March 2018, H.B.Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, with consultation of H.E. Bishop Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, the Apostolic Vistator for Europe appointed Rev Fr.Paul Mathew OIC as the Chaplain of the Syro Malankara Catholic Community in Krefeld. Last 6 years Fr.Paul Mathew is working in the Parish of the diocese of Aachen. In consultation with the German Bishop Conference and the Ecclesiastical Coordinator of the Malankara Church the Diocese of Aachen is allowed him to do Pastoral care for the Malankarites in the dioces of Aachen.
With effect from 19 February 2019, H.B.Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, with consultation of H.E. Bishop Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, the Apostolic Vistator for Europe appointed Rev Fr.Jacob Vazhakunnathu (Diocese of Thiruvalla) as the Chaplain of the Syro Malankara Catholic Community in Dortmund-Herne. Last 8 years Fr.Jacob Vazhakunnathu is working in the Parishof the diocese of Münster.In consultation with the German Bishop Conference, and the diocese of Münster and the Ecclesiastical Coordinator of the Malankara Church the Archdiocese of Paderborn is allowed him to do Pastoral care for the Malankarites in the Archdioces of Paderborn.
With effect from September 2021, H.B.Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, with consultation of H.E. Bishop Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, the Apostolic Vistator for Europe appointed Rev Fr.Samuel Paravila as the Chaplain of the Syro Malankara Catholic Community in Dortmund Herne.Rev Fr. Jacob Vazhakunnathu is relieved from his Pastoral ministry for the Malamkara Community in the Archdiocese of Paderborn. And Rev.Fr.Austin John is appointed as the Chaplain for the München Mission.And Rev.Father Jobin Putahlavila and Rev.Fr.Anoop Scaria Manpurackamannil are helping the Missions in Hannover and Berlin. Rev.Fr.Eldo Kainjiramalayil helping in Mainz Mission accordingly.
PARISHES, LITURGICAL SERVICES SCHEDULE, PASTORAL COUNCIL & PARISH COMMITTEES
MALANAKRA LITURGICAL SERVICE
From October 2007, there is Regular monthly Eucharistic Prayers & Holy Masses according to the Syro-Malankara liturgy in all five centers in Germany as well as the places where the Religious sisters are located. There is Family Prayer gathering in every communities once in a month. There are retreats for the people during the Lenten seasons. Every year Pilgrim tours are organized to different Pilger centers. We are celebrating the Reunion in the presence of our Malankara Bishops every year and all Malankarites gather in one centre during that time. 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 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. There are about 320 Malankara families living in Germany. The five centers are:
1.Krefeld: St. Maria Gemeinde
St. Johannes Baptist Kirche, Johannes Str.40, 47805 Krefeld
First Saturday in Month: 16.00 PM Hl.Mass . Once in a Month : Family Prayer
2.Bonn-Köln: St. Thomas Gemeinde
Heilig-Geist Kirche,
Kiefernweg 22,
53127 Bonn-Venusberg
Every first and third Sunday at 15.00 pm
Once in a Month : Family Prayer
3.Heidelberg-Stuttgart: St. Peter und Paul Gemeinde
Guter Hirte Kirche,
Memelerstr.38,
68307 Mannheim
Every Second Sunday in Month: 15.00 PM (in Winter)
15.30 Uhr (im Summer) Hl.Mass
4.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 Month: 16.00 PM Hl.Mass
5. Frankfurt-MAINZ: St. Josef Gemeinde
Herz Jesu Kirche,
Eckenheimer Landstr.324,
60435 Frankfurt am Main
Every First Friday: 18.30 PM Hl.Mass & Anbetung,18.00 PM
Fourth Sunday in Month. 16.00 PM Hl.Mass
Second Saturday in Month. 16.00 PM Hl.Mass in Mainz
Once in a Month : Family Prayer
The new Units are:
6.Mainz Mission :
Liebfrauen Kath.Kirche,
Mosel Str.30,
55118 Mainz.
Second Saturday in Every month at 16.00 pm
7.München Mission:
St. Birgitta Kth.Kirche,
Parkstr.11,
82008 Unterhachting
In every third Sunday of the Month at 15.00 Pm
8.Köln Mission:
Kirche Maria Himmelfahrt
Marzellenstraße.30,
50668 Köln
2nd Sunday in Every two Months at 15.00 Gottesdienst
9.Düsseldorf Mission:
2nd Sunday in Every two Months at 15.00 Gottesdienst
10.Hannover Mission:
St.Anna Kath.Kirche,
Anderter Str.9,
30629 Misburg-Hannover.
In every third Saturdy of the month at 15.00 pm
11.Berlin Mission:
St.Clemens, Kth.Kirche,
Stressemannstr.66,
10963 Berlin.
In every first Sunday of the Month at 15.00 Pm
All our centers are constituted with a parish council. Besides, we have a Pastoral Council for allover Germany, who is supporting & helping our chaplain & coordinator for 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 center elected specially, representatives of all three Religious congregations, representees of MCA, MCYM, Mathrusangam, Auditor and finally the two synodal commission members.
MALANKARA PRIESTS
About 20 Diocesan Priests and 12 Bethanien Priests from the Malankara Catholic Church are serving the German Church in different German dioceses.They are in the diocese of Muenster, Archdiocese of Koeln, diocese of Aachen, Limburg, Rottenburg, Augsburg, Regensburg, Passau. Timely the Priests are also helping the Ecclesiastical Coordinator for the Pastoral care of the Malankarites in different centers.
RELIGIOUS SISTERS AND HOUSES
About hundred Religious Sisters of the Syro-Malankara Church are serving in various charitable 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
Pious 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 Mathrusamajam (Mathruvedi) are also very active. The MCA conducts monthly family prayer meetings, while Mathrusamajam organizes regular events and programs.
In July 2021, Sunday School (catechesis instruction) was officially introduced for children in Germany by Apostolic Visitator Bishop Dr. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, with Rev. Fr. Santhosh Thomas appointed as its 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 Malankara Catholic Church as Chief Guest.
The inauguration of the Apostolic Mission of the Apostolic Visitator for Europe, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Dr. Kuriakose Thadathil Remban (Bishop-Elect), will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in the United Kingdom. The community extends heartfelt prayers and best wishes for this joyful occasion.
CONCLUSION
I conclude this small narration 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 LATIES. 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, Head of the Malankara Catholic Church and Bishop Dr.Thomas Mar Eusebius, our former Apostolic visitor and Administrator for their unfailing support and sound advices. Our most heartfelt thanks go to the Bishop Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas, Rev.Fr.John Varughese Eshwarenkudiyil, Rev.Fr.Thomas Padiyamkulam and Rev Dr.Vijayananth OIC for their hard work and outstanding contributions to the Malankara Community in Germany. And we wish you all the best and God’s Blessing to our present Apostolic Visitor and Administrator H.E.Bishop .Dr.Yoohanon Mar Theodosius .
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.
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.
