THE SYRIAC CHRISTIANS OF SOUTH INDIA
THE SYRIAC CHRISTIANS OF SOUTH INDIA

Summary/Abstract: Since the 20th century St. Thomas Christians were gradually moving away from a Syriac ambience, because most of the liturgy began to be celebrated in Malayalam. The Syriac Malpan system of priestly formation gave way to seminaries which usually follow a European syllabus. Syriac studies had been neglected, though it was kept up nominally in some pockets. In Universities colleges, and some seminaries Syriac Studies were going on a peripheral level. But recently due to the arrival of SEERI on the scene, a revival of Syriac studies is being felt. All the Churches have a growing awareness in their Syriac roots. As a result, in some Churches Syriac is being taught in Sunday schools, parishes etc. This new interest is spreading from place to place. Perhaps this will compensate for the past negligence. It is the laity who very much demand the use of Syriac once again in liturgy. If the clergy and hierarchy take concrete steps in promoting this new impetus, Syriac will flourish all the more in India. One thing is certain: As long as St. Thomas Christians exist, they will not desert their theological, liturgical and spiritual heritage in Syriac language. Malayalam as a language and as a cultural tool is now richer than before, thanks to the arrival of Syriac language and heritage! The St. Thomas Christians were not mere passive receivers of heritage, but they opened the cultural package mixing it with waters of Indian heritage and produced the fruits that remain today.

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