Christianity came to India in 52AD, when St Thomas came to Kerala. He founded 7 churches and died in Madras. The churches he founded are called Syrian churches because Syriac is the traditional liturgical language. St Ephraim (opposite) is one of the great hymnographers of these churches.
The 6th century Persian Crosses witness to the continued life of the church. This was compromised when the Portuguese tried to bring the indigenous church under Latin rule. Those who asserted their historic independence at the Coonan Cross, followed the West Syrian tradition.
In 1772 Mar Gregorios consecrated Abraham Mar Koorilose as bishop. This was not appreciated by his fellow bishop, who hindered his ministry. Mar Koorilose eventually retired to Thozhiyur where he led a life of prayer. He is recorded as doing one miraculous healing of a Muslim boy.
The episcopal line was maintained and the church faithfully continued in its worship and prayer. When the main church ran out of bishops, MISC three times provided bishops for the Malankara Church.
MISC also provided a bishop for the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, which remains a sister church. When MISC had a problem with their succession, the Mar Thoma remembered the help they had received and so consecrated a bishop for MISC. MISC have not accepted any of the reformed doctrines of the Mar Thoma.
The church today is expanding out of its centre in Thozhiyur. A new church was recently opened in Cochin. New congregations are also developing in the heartland.
Joseph Mar Koorilose, the present Metropolitan, is keen to keep the traditions of the church. He visited the Patriarch of Antioch, who allowed him to celebrate the Qurbana in churches in the Middle East.
The church has also recently joined the All India Council of Churches.
There have been other developing links, not least with the Anglican and Lutheran churches. This has been administered through a Support Group based in England, where it is a registered charity.
