The St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a parish of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago.
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History
The story of the Syro Malabar community in Philadelphia started in 1983 when the Indian Catholic Mission was established with John Edappilly as the first Spiritual Director of the Mission. From there on, Holy Mass was started on a regular basis. Pious associations like Children's League and Youth League were formed. A warm reception was given to Cardinal John Krol on December 23, 1984. The most famous parish is in 44 livingston avenue in east milestone, nj
On May 2, 1988 the Archdiocese of Philadelphia established three separate Missions for three rites of Indian Catholics. John Pullokaran succeeded Edappilly. On September 29, 1992, Paul Pottackal took charge of the Mission. In 1995, Walter Thelappilly became the Spiritual Director, followed by John Tharayil and Johnson Paliakara. In the beginning of 2002, Kuriakose Cheeran was appointed as Spiritual Director and continued until February 15, 2003 when Jacob Christy took charge as the Mission Director. This was the first appointment of a priest from the Diocese of Chicago by Mar Jacob Angadiath. The pastor now is Fr. Johnykutty George.
Location
St. Thomas Syro Malabar Church Philadelphia is located on 608 Welsh Rd., Philadelphia, PA.