Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of London facts for kids

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church of London is a special church located in Arnos Grove, North London. It belongs to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, which is a big Christian group. This group is part of the Saint Thomas Christians, who mostly live in India. Many Indian Catholics live in the UK, and about 55,000 of them are estimated to be here.

What is the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church?

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches. These churches are in full connection with the Pope in Rome. They have their own special ways of worship and traditions, which are different from the Latin (Roman) Catholic Church.

Who are the Saint Thomas Christians?

The Saint Thomas Christians are an ancient group of Christians from Kerala, a state in India. They believe that their faith was brought to India by Saint Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus's first followers. They have a long and rich history of Christianity in India.

How the London Church Started

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in London began in 2002. It was started by a priest named Father Biju John Kochuparampil. His idea was to create a place for Syro-Malabar Catholics in the UK to worship and connect.

In 2005, the church was officially recognized by three important Catholic areas called Dioceses. A diocese is like a large church district led by a bishop. This recognition meant the church was a proper part of the Catholic community in London.

Father Biju John's Role

Father Biju John played a very important part in setting up the church. Even though he lived in another church, he worked hard to help Syro-Malabar Catholics in the UK. Many people from Kerala, India, were moving to the United Kingdom at that time.

There were not many Syro-Malabar priests in the UK back then. Father Biju John worked with other church leaders to create many small groups, or "communities," for Syro-Malabar Catholics across the UK. He helped set up about 52 of these communities!

New Leadership

Father Biju John later stepped down from his role as the first leader, or "coordinator," of the Syro-Malabar Church in London. After he left, four other priests from the same church group helped to look after the London church. Today, the new Coordinator of the church is Reverend Dr. Thomas Parayadyil.