HISTORY
The Syrian Orthodox Church it one of the most ancient Christian churches tracing
its roots to the church of Antioch. The disciples were first called in Antioch. Apostle peter is believed to have established
a church in Antioch in AD. 37, the remnants of which arc still in Antioch
The number of followers of the Syrian Orthodox Church today is
around three million. The majority of them reside in India and the rest are spread mainly in Syria. Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan,
Turkey, Egypt, Europe, North and South America and Australia. Its supreme head at present is his holiness Moran Mor Ignatius
Zaakal Iwas, patriarch of Antioch and all the east, the 122nd successor of st.peter in the legitimate line of patriarchs
of Antioch
The supreme head looked upon as the common father of all Syrian
orthodox people wherever they are. He is obeyed by the Catholicose , prelates, clergy, and laity of all ranks in the Syrian
Orthodox His holiness patriarchs religious duties include the installation of Catholicose , the consecration of chrism with
the assistance of at least two bishops
The Catholicose of India at present is His Grace Aboon Mor
Baselious Thomas I who is second in order to supreme spiritual head, the patriarch of Antioch. Under his grace there are
number of bishops to look after each diocese
The Syrian orthodox church in Europe is established around 15 years ago. The
Metropolitan Mor Geevarghese Mor Gregarious who was the first metropolitan for the Europe diocese. The Metropolitan His
Grace Mor Theophilose Kuriakose who is the present bishop for the this diocese.