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Pat. Abded Mshiho II and the 1903 “Synod of Deposition”
On the controversy surrounding the nature of the deposition of Patriarch Abded Mshiho II in 1903-05. Was it an ecclesiastical, or merely political act? Did the Patriarch continue to be a spiritually valid Primate?
30 August, 2024
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Throne of St. Thomas in the East: An Analysis of Medieval and Post-Medieval Sources
Patriarch Yakub III claimed in 1970 that the notion of a 'Throne of St. Thomas' is unhistorical and uncanonical, for not only was the title not used by the early Catholicoi and Maphrians, the Apostle lacked sacred priesthood. Here, both claims are scrutinized in light of clear historical evidence.
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Arthat Padiyola of 1807: Text + Translation + Commentary
Text with notes of the Chepped-Padiyola (proceedings written on copper plates) of the Syrian Christians of Arthat addressed to Mar Dionysius I (Mar Thoma VI).
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Rethinking the Ecclesiology of Mar Dionysius IV of Cheppad: An Appraisal
It has often been hypothesized that Mar Dionysius of Cheppad, along with his predecessors, was a pro-Antiochene metropolitan who denounced the independence of the Malankara Church. How historically accurate is this picture?
15th October, 2024
Francis Dionisio S.J. on Knai Thoma and the Edessan Migration
Fr. Dionisio's account of the St. Thomas Christians of Malankara, as well as of the two migrations to the region, is quite unique compared to later, native narratives. This article intends to evaluate it's distinctive contribution as a primary source.
24th December, 2024
Maphrianate, Catholicate, and Reestablishment
The prevailing view in the Malankara Church, as attested by early sources (including the 1934 Constitution), which considers the Catholicate of Malankara to be a reestablishment of the earlier Maphrianate, has recently been challenged. This article examines the strength of these arguments and reaffirms the traditional view through a concise historical study.
19th January, 2025
Jurisdictional Claims of Antioch over Cyprus: Ephesus 431 and Autocephaly
In the early fifth century, the See of Antioch claimed ecclesiastical supremacy over the Church of Cyprus, and as a bitter conflict emerged, the matter was eventually presented before the Council of Ephesus. This article outlines and analyzes the historical sources and events, with a particular emphasis on its relevance in contemporary Malankara.