The Malankara Orthodox Diocese of Southwest America
Exploring the historical roots, organizational structure, and pastoral reach of a significant spiritual community in North America.
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Diocesan Overview
Geographical Scope
The Malankara Orthodox Diocese of Southwest America, often referred to as the Southwest Diocese or DS-WA, is an ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. It encompasses parishes across the United States and Canada, serving a diverse congregation.
Administrative Hub
The diocesan headquarters are strategically located in unincorporated Fort Bend County, Texas, near Beasley. This central location facilitates administrative oversight and coordination for the widespread parishes within its domain.
Affiliation and Rite
As an integral part of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, the Southwest Diocese adheres to the ancient Malankara Rite. This tradition connects the diocese to a rich spiritual heritage dating back to the Apostle Thomas.
Historical Trajectory
Establishment in America
The foundation for an American diocese was laid in 1979 under the leadership of Metropolitan Thomas Makarios. This marked a significant step in establishing a formal ecclesiastical presence for the Malankara Orthodox community in North America.
Formation of the Southwest Diocese
In 2009, the original American diocese was reorganized, leading to the establishment of the Malankara Orthodox Diocese of Southwest America. This division aimed to better serve the growing number of faithful across different regions, with Metropolitan Alexios Mar Eusebius appointed as its first head.
Leadership Transitions
The diocese has seen several leadership changes, including the tenure of Metropolitan Mathews Barnabas, followed by Alexios Mar Eusebius. Following Eusebius's transfer, Zacharias Mar Aprem served as Assistant Metropolitan, before Thomas Mar Ivanios was appointed as the permanent Diocesan Metropolitan in October 2022, bringing stability and continuity.
Organizational Framework
Diocesan Metropolitan
The spiritual and administrative head of the diocese is the Diocesan Metropolitan. Currently, His Grace Thomas Mar Ivanios holds this position, guiding the faithful and overseeing the diocese's operations. The Metropolitan is appointed by the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan.
Hierarchical Structure
The Diocese operates under the supreme authority of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, headquartered in India. This structure ensures adherence to the Church's doctrines, traditions, and canonical governance across its global jurisdictions.
Headquarters and Administration
The diocesan headquarters in Beasley, Texas, serves as the central administrative office. It manages communications, records, and coordinates activities across the various parishes, ensuring efficient functioning of the diocese.
Diocesan Leadership
Historical Metropolitans
The leadership of the diocese has evolved over time, reflecting its growth and organizational development. Key figures have guided its path:
Parish Network
List of Churches
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Seattle, WA
- St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Spokane, WA
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Phoenix, AZ
- St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, San Francisco, CA
- St. Maryโs Malankara Orthodox Church, Los Angeles, CA
- St. George Malankara Orthodox Church, Sacramento, CA
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Valiyapally, Los Angeles, CA
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Congregation Chapel San Diego, CA
- St Mary Malankara Orthodox Congregation Las Vegas, NV
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Denver, CO
- St. Mary's Malankara Orthodox Valiyapally, Dallas, TX
- St. Mary's Malankara Orthodox Church, Carrollton, Dallas, TX
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Dallas, TX
- St. George Malankara Orthodox Church, Dallas, TX
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Dallas, TX
- St Paulโs Malankara Orthodox Church, Dallas, TX
- St James Malankara Orthodox Church, Dallas, TX
- St Ephrem Malankara Orthodox Congregation North Dallas, TX
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Cathedral, Houston, TX
- St. Mary's Orthodox Malankara Church, Houston, TX
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Houston, TX
- St. Peter's & St. Paul's Malankara Orthodox Church, Houston, TX
- St. Stephen's Malankara Orthodox Church, Houston, TX
- St John The Baptist Malankara Orthodox Congregation North Houston, TX
- St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Austin, TX
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Congregation, McAllen, TX
- St. George Malankara Orthodox Church, San Antonio, TX
- St. Mary's Malankara Orthodox Church, San Antonio, TX
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Lufkin, TX
- A&M College Station Orthodox Congregation, TX
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Oklahoma City, OK
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Congregation, New Orleans, LA
- St Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Pompano Beach, FL
- St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Miami, FL
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Miami, FL
- St. Gregorios Malankara Malankara Orthodox Church, Tampa, FL
- St. Mary's Malankara Orthodox Church, Tampa, FL
- St. Maryโs Malankara Orthodox Church, Orlando, FL
- St. Paul's Malankara Orthodox Church, Orlando, FL
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Jacksonville, FL
- St. Maryโs Malankara Orthodox Congregation, South West Florida, FL
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Atlanta, GA
- St. Mary's Malankara Orthodox Church, Atlanta, GA
- St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Atlanta, GA
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Congregation, Augusta, GA
- St Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church Charlotte, NC
- St. Barnabas Malankara Orthodox Congregation, Nashville, TN
- St. Mary's Malankara Orthodox Congregation, Memphis, TN
- St Paulโs Malankara Orthodox Congregation, Chattanooga, TN
- St. George Malankara Orthodox Congregation, Louisville, KY
- St Maryโs Malankara Orthodox Church, St. Louis, MO
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Kansas City, MO
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Congregation, Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN
- St Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Cathedral, Bellwood, IL
- St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Elmhurst, IL
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL
- St Maryโs Malankara Orthodox Church Oak Lawn, IL
- St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Church, Detroit, MI
- St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Detroit, MI
- St. Mary's Malankara Orthodox Church, Detroit, MI
- St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Cleveland, OH
- St Ephrem Malankara Orthodox Congregation, Columbus, OH
- St Joseph The Just Malankara Orthodox Congregation, Dayton-Cincinnati, OH
- St. Antony The Abbotโs Malankara Orthodox Congregation, Pittsburg, PA
Connect and Inquire
Official Website
For the most current information, official announcements, and detailed resources, please visit the diocese's official website:
www.ds-wa.org
Headquarters Address
The administrative center of the diocese is located at:
3101 Hopkins Rd
Beasley, TX 77417
USA
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References
References
- "Parishes." Diocese of South-West America. Retrieved on 27 October 2011.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice Regarding Content and Sources
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from the Wikipedia article on the Malankara Orthodox Diocese of Southwest America.
Source Material Limitations: The original Wikipedia article notes an "excessive reliance on primary sources." While efforts have been made to synthesize and present information clearly, users should be aware that the depth of analysis may be limited by the nature of the source material. For definitive theological or historical interpretations, consulting official Church publications and scholarly works is recommended.
Not Official Religious Advice: The information provided herein does not constitute official religious guidance, pastoral advice, or canonical pronouncements from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church or its Diocese of Southwest America. For matters of faith, doctrine, or spiritual guidance, please consult with ordained clergy or authorized representatives of the Church.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided. Always refer to official Church resources for authoritative information.