Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church UK is a diaspora community of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in Kerala, India. The Church in Kerala is part of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, one of the Oriental Orthodox churches, first established in Antioch in the 5th century under the throne of St. Peter.
The Church follows the Syriac Christian tradition of the West Syriac Rite, with a unique liturgy and practices. The Church in Kerala follows the Syriac Orthodox faith, a combination of Orthodox Christian beliefs, Syriac Aramaic religious heritage, and Keralite traditions, with a focus on the Holy Trinity and the divine relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The churches maintain an ecumenical relationship with most Christian denominations.
The main objective of the MSOC-UK establishment is to uphold spiritual and social responsibility; to offer the sacraments to all members according to the rites of the Syrian Orthodox Church; to establish congregations to celebrate the Eucharist (Holy Qurbono); to offer the sacraments to all its members according to the liturgy and faith of the Church; and finally, to establish a charitable organisation to benefit the poor and needy.
The Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church UK functions under the supreme ecclesiastical authority of the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch, in communion with the Catholicate of India, and guided pastoral care of our UK Diocesan Metropolitan.
A journey spanning two millennia from the Apostolic See of Antioch to the Malankara shores of India and the establishment of vibrant parishes across the United Kingdom.
The Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch was established in AD 37 by Saint Peter the Apostle. It is one of the ancient patriarchal sees that formed the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, preserving Syriac—the dialect spoken by Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Established by St. Thomas the Apostle in AD 52 in India and nurtured through the centuries in unbroken faith, liturgy, and sacramental fellowship under the Holy Throne of Antioch and the historic Catholicate of the East.
Beginning in the 1970s with Kerala Christian Fellowship in London, blessed by the historic 1979 visit of Catholicos Mor Baselios Paulose II, and formally chartered as the MSOC-UK Patriarchal Vicariate in 2008–2009. Today over 30 parishes flourish across 6 zones.
Patriarchal Vicar of MSOC UK
Beloved faithful in Christ, welcome to the official digital portal of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Vicariate of Great Britain. As we walk together in faith, let us nurture our children, empower our youth, and uphold the holy traditions of our apostolic faith passed down from the See of Antioch.
MSOC-UK Council is the administrative body of the United Kingdom Diocese. The council was formed in 2009 under the leadership of H.G. Coorilos Mor Geevarghese Metropolitan, and is led by the Metropolitan in-charge elected by the Church Synod. The elected Vice-President and Clergy Secretary is one and the same person, who assists the regional Metropolitan in running the diocese. The Secretary and Treasurer of the council are elected at the regional council meeting, and all of the above posts are held for a fixed two-year term. Every parish elects one council representative, and the council's accounts are audited and published annually.
The recent MSOC UK parish representative meeting was held on 5th October 2024, presided by H.G. Issac Mor Osthatheos. New council representatives and the board of trustees were elected, and the annual report and audit report were presented at the meeting. Notably, new church spiritual wings and the establishment of new parishes across various parts of the UK were among the key highlights discussed.
Our priests will intercede for you during the daily canonical prayers and Holy Qurbono. All requests are confidential.
