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India, a land of diverse religions, languages, and cultures, has a long and intricate relationship with Christianity, particularly with the Orthodox tradition. While the subcontinent is predominantly known for its Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Muslim heritages, Orthodoxy has etched a significant mark in the annals of India's spiritual journey.
According to tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle arrived on the Malabar coast of India in 52 AD, establishing seven churches and converting many to Christianity. This nascent Christian community, known as the St. Thomas Christians or the Malankara Church, has its roots in Orthodox traditions and practices.
Over time, India's indigenous Christian community interacted with various foreign Christian missions and influences. From the Nestorian Christians of Persia in the early centuries to the Portuguese Catholics in the late medieval period, these interactions have been both collaborative and contentious. The Synod of Diamper in 1599 sought to align the Malankara Church with the Roman Catholic rites, leading to significant changes but also resistance and eventual schisms.
Amid the backdrop of foreign intervention and internal disputes, there arose a strong desire to revert to the ancient Orthodox traditions. By the 19th century, factions of the St. Thomas Christians sought to reestablish connections with the Eastern Orthodox Church, resulting in the formation of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which holds fast to the Antiochian rites and traditions.
Today, the Orthodox Church in India is a mosaic of traditions. While the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church stands as the most prominent representative, there are other denominations like the Malabar Independent Syrian Church. As with many religious communities, the Orthodox Church in India grapples with issues like modernity, diaspora dynamics, and inter-religious dialogue, all while trying to preserve its ancient liturgical and spiritual heritage.
The story of Orthodoxy in India is a testament to the faith's adaptability and resilience. Navigating through centuries of change, external influences, and internal evolution, the Orthodox tradition in India offers a unique lens into the universality of Christian faith, rooted in the soil of one of the world's oldest and most diverse civilizations.
The 2025 Daily Lives of the Saints Calendar has been around for over 20 years and is one of the most popular Orthodox Calendars in the world.
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This 365-page daily calendar book features the life of an Orthodox saint, insightful teachings from the Saints and elders of the Church, a list of all commemorations for the day, Gospel and Epistle readings, fasting guidelines, and references to feasts. The stories include the lives of Greek, Russian, Georgian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Serbian, English, Celtic, and American saints.
Orthodox Christianity has a significant presence in India, with several notable churches that showcase the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Orthodox community. These churches serve as centers of worship, cultural preservation, and community gathering. Here are some of the notable Orthodox churches in India:
Located in Brahmavar, Karnataka, St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral is a prominent Orthodox church known for its architectural beauty and religious significance. The church, adorned with intricate woodwork and vibrant frescoes, is a place of worship and pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians in the region. It also hosts various cultural and religious events throughout the year.
Parumala Mar Gregorios Orthodox Church, situated in Parumala, Kerala, is a renowned Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Gregorios of Parumala, one of the most revered saints in the Indian Orthodox Church. The church attracts a large number of pilgrims who seek blessings and spiritual solace at the tomb of Saint Gregorios. The annual feast celebrated here is a significant event for the Orthodox community.
Located in Hauz Khas, Delhi, St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral is a vibrant center of worship for the Orthodox Christian community in the capital city. The church, known for its beautiful Byzantine-style architecture, hosts regular liturgical services and fosters a sense of community among its members. It also plays an active role in promoting cultural and social initiatives.
St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral, situated in the heart of Kolkata, West Bengal, is a historic Orthodox church that traces its roots back to the arrival of Saint Thomas the Apostle in India. The church's distinctive architecture and spiritual significance make it a place of reverence for Orthodox Christians in the region. It hosts religious services, cultural events, and charitable activities.
These notable Orthodox churches in India reflect the diversity and richness of Orthodox Christianity in the country. They provide spaces for worship, spiritual nourishment, and community engagement. Whether you are an Orthodox believer or a visitor interested in experiencing the cultural and religious heritage of India, these churches offer a glimpse into the Orthodox tradition within the Indian context.
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Orthodox Christianity has a significant presence in India, particularly in the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, also known as the Indian Orthodox Church, is the main Orthodox Christian denomination in India.
Orthodox Christianity was brought to India by the Apostle Thomas in the 1st century AD. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church traces its origins back to the early Christian community established by St. Thomas in the region of Malankara (present-day Kerala).
Orthodox Christians in India follow the liturgical practices and traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy while incorporating local customs and cultural elements. Holy Qurbana (Divine Liturgy) is at the heart of their worship, which is conducted in the local language, Malayalam. Iconography, incense, and hymnody hold significant importance in their spiritual practices.
India is home to several significant Orthodox monasteries and churches. The St. Thomas Orthodox Church in Parumala, the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Cathedral in Thrissur, and the St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral in Manarcad are among the notable sites for Orthodox Christians in India. These places serve as spiritual centers and pilgrimage destinations for the faithful.
