Kemdikbud International
Home Public Figure Saint Thomas Christians Leaders and Icons: The Top 10 Notable Personalities

Saint Thomas Christians Leaders and Icons: The Top 10 Notable Personalities

By -

Saint Thomas Christians, also known as Malankara Christians or Nasrani, are a community of Christians who trace their origins to the apostle Thomas. They have a rich cultural and historical heritage, and several prominent individuals have emerged from this community. Here are 10 popular celebrities and notable people from the Saint Thomas Christian ethnicity:

  • 1. Alphonsa Muttathupadathu – A Roman Catholic nun who became the first Indian woman to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
  • 2. Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Bishops – Several bishops from the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, the largest Thomas Christian community, have gained international recognition for their theological contributions and leadership.
  • 3. Emmanuel Mouni – An Indian-American actor who gained fame for his role as Jamal Malik in the Academy Award-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire.”
  • 4. K. M. Mathew – A prominent journalist and the longtime editor-in-chief of the Malayala Manorama, one of the largest circulated newspapers in India.
  • 5. A.R. Rahman – A world-renowned composer and musician who has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for his work on the film “Slumdog Millionaire.”
  • 6. Shobana Chandrakumar Pillai – A highly acclaimed Indian actress and dancer, known for her contributions to Indian cinema and Bharatanatyam dance.
  • 7. M. G. Sreekumar – A popular playback singer and music director in the South Indian film industry.
  • 8. Bobby Kottarakkara – A versatile actor and director who has worked in both Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
  • 9. P.T. Usha – An Olympic athlete who gained widespread recognition for her achievements in track and field, particularly in sprint events.
  • 10. Yesudas – A legendary playback singer and classical musician who has recorded thousands of songs in various Indian languages.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have helped showcase the talent and diversity of the Saint Thomas Christian community. They serve as beacons of inspiration and continue to pave the way for future generations of achievers.

The Saint Thomas Christians, also called Syrian Christians of India, Marthoma Suriyani Nasrani, Malankara Nasrani, or Nasrani Mappila, are an ethno-religious community of Indian Christians in the state of Kerala (Malabar region), who, for the most part, employ the Eastern and Western liturgical rites of Syriac Christianity. They trace their origins to the evangelistic activity of Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century. The Saint Thomas Christians had been historically a part of the hierarchy of the Church of the East but are now divided into several different Eastern Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, Protestant, and independent bodies, each with their own liturgies and traditions. They are Malayalis and speak Malayalam. Nasrani or Nazarene is a Syriac term for Christians, who were among the first converts to Christianity in the Near East. Historically, this community was organised as the Province of India of the Church of the East by Patriarch Timothy I (780–823 AD) in the eighth century, served by bishops and a local dynastic archdeacon. In the 14th century, the Church of the East declined due to persecution by Tamerlane, and Portuguese colonial overtures to bring St Thomas Christians into the Latin Catholic Church, administered by their Padroado system in the 16th century, lead to the first of several rifts (schisms) in the community. The attempts of the Portuguese culminated in the Synod of Diamper, formally subjugating them and their whole Archdiocese of Angamaly as a suffragan see to the Archdiocese of Goa, which was under the Portuguese Padroado and celebrated the Roman Rite form of worship. Portuguese oppression provoked a violent resistance among the Thomasine Christians, that took expression in the Coonan Cross Oath protest in 1653. This led to the permanent schism among the Thomas' Christians of India, leading to the formation of Puthenkūr (New allegiance, pronounced Pùttènkūṟ) and Pazhayakūr (Old allegiance, pronounced Paḻayakūṟ) factions. The Pazhayakūr comprise the present day Syro-Malabar Church and Chaldean Syrian Church which continue to employ the original East Syriac Rite (Babylonian Rite /Persian Rite) liturgy. The Puthenkūr group, who resisted the Portuguese, under the leadership of archdeacon Thoma I, organized themselves as the independent Malankara Church, entered into a new communion with the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, and they inherited the West Syriac Rite from the Syriac Orthodox Church, which employs the Liturgy of Saint James, an ancient rite of the Church of Antioch, replacing the old East Syriac Rite liturgy.The Eastern Catholic faction is in full communion with the Holy See in Rome. This includes the aforementioned Syro-Malabar Church as well as the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, the latter arising from an Oriental Orthodox faction that entered into communion with Rome in 1930 under Bishop Geevarghese Ivanios (d. 1953). As such the Malankara Catholic Church employs the West Syriac liturgy of the Syriac Orthodox Church, while the Syro-Malabar Church employs the East Syriac liturgy of the historic Church of the East.The Oriental Orthodox faction includes the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, resulting from a split within the Malankara Church in 1912 over whether the church should be autocephalous or rather under the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch. As such, the Malankara Orthodox Church is an autocephalous Oriental Orthodox Church independent of the Patriarch of Antioch, whereas the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church is an integral part of the Syriac Orthodox Church and is headed by the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch.The Iraq-based Assyrian Church of the East's archdiocese includes the Chaldean Syrian Church based in Thrissur. They were a minority faction within the Syro-Malabar Church, which split off and joined with the Church of the East Bishop during the 1870s. The Assyrian Church is one of the descendant churches of the Church of the East. Thus it forms the continuation of the traditional church of Saint Thomas Christians in India.Oriental Protestant denominations include the Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India. The Marthoma Syrian Church were a part of the Malankara Church that went through a reformation movement under Abraham Malpan due to influence of British Anglican missionaries in the 1800s. The Mar Thoma Church employs a reformed variant of the liturgical West Syriac Rite. The St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India is an evangelical faction that split off from the Marthoma Church in 1961.CSI Syrian Christians are a minority faction of Malankara Syrian Christians, who joined the Anglican Church in 1836, and eventually became part of the Church of South India in 1947, after Indian independence. The C.S.I. is in full communion with the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. By the 20th century, various Syrian Christians joined Pentecostal and other evangelical denominations like the Kerala Brethren, Indian Pentecostal Church of God, Assemblies of God, among others. They are known as Pentecostal Saint Thomas Christians.

Most Famous Saint Thomas Christians People

Saint Thomas Christians’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Saint Thomas Christians are an ancient community of Christians in India, named after their patron saint, St. Thomas the Apostle. They trace their origins back to the arrival of St. Thomas in India in the 1st century AD, making them one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Over the centuries, the Saint Thomas Christians have developed a unique identity and cultural heritage that sets them apart. Today, they are spread across various denominations and belong to different Churches, but the legacy of their rich history still lives on.

Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Saint Thomas Christians heritage:

  • Syriac Liturgical Tradition: The Saint Thomas Christians have preserved and practiced the ancient Syriac liturgical tradition, which has its roots in the early Christian community of Edessa in modern-day Syria. This liturgical tradition, known as the East Syriac or Chaldean tradition, is characterized by its rich symbolism, intense prayers, and use of the Syriac language. The Saint Thomas Christians have embraced this tradition and continue to worship in Syriac, using ancient rituals and prayers handed down through generations.
  • Knanaya Heritage: The Knanaya community is a subgroup of the Saint Thomas Christians who migrated from the Middle East to the Malabar Coast of India in the 4th century. They have a distinct heritage and customs, which set them apart from other Saint Thomas Christian groups. The Knanaya Christians have maintained their distinct identity through endogamy, marrying within their community, and have preserved their unique traditions and rituals for centuries, making them a vital part of the Saint Thomas Christian legacy.
  • Malayalam Christian Literature: The Saint Thomas Christians have a rich literary tradition that dates back to the early centuries of Christianity in India. They have produced numerous works in Malayalam, the native language of Kerala, which include theological treatises, liturgical texts, hymns, and devotional literature. These literary works not only reflect the unique spirituality and theological insights of the Saint Thomas Christians but also serve as a testament to their enduring love for their faith and their commitment to preserving their traditions.

The Saint Thomas Christians heritage is a testament to the resilience, faith, and rich cultural diversity of this ancient Christian community. Their unique liturgical tradition, the Knanaya heritage, and their contributions to Malayalam Christian literature are just a few examples of the lasting impact they have made throughout history. As the Saint Thomas Christians continue to thrive and evolve in the modern world, it is important to recognize and celebrate their rich historical inheritances that have shaped their unique identity.

Factsheet About Saint Thomas Christians People

Demographic Percentage
Total Population Approximately 5 million
Religion Christianity
Ethnicity Saint Thomas Christians
Main Region Kerala, India
Languages Mixture of Malayalam, Tamil, and Syriac
Subdivisions Several denominations including Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, and others
Distribution Primarily concentrated in Kerala, with diaspora communities across the world
Socio-Economic Status Varies, ranging from lower income groups to middle and upper classes
Pentecostal Saint Thomas Christians, also called Pentecostal Syrian Christians, are the ethnic Saint Thomas Christians (Nasranis) affiliated to various Pentecostal and independent Neo-Charismatic churches. Sometimes, the Kerala Brethren are also erroneously lumped together with Pentecostals. The community is native to the Indian state of Kerala, and shares in the legacy of early Christianity in the region, traditionally traced to the missionary activities of Saint Thomas the Apostle in the first century (AD 52–72). Prior to their conversion to Pentecostalism, they belonged to traditional Saint Thomas Christian denominations.

The Ancient Heritage of Saint Thomas Christians Ethnic Groups

Saint Thomas Christians Ethnicity: References and Resources

The Saint Thomas Christians, also known as Syro-Malabar Christians, are a distinct ethnic group in India who are followers of Christianity. They trace their origins back to the Apostle Thomas, who is believed to have arrived in India in the 1st century AD to spread the message of Jesus Christ. The Saint Thomas Christians have a unique cultural and religious heritage, blending Indian traditions with Christianity.

For those interested in learning more about the Saint Thomas Christians, here are some references and resources to dig deeper into their history, culture, and traditions:

  • The Syro-Malabar Church: History – This website provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Syro-Malabar Church, which is the largest group of Saint Thomas Christians. It covers the arrival of Apostle Thomas, the establishment of Christian communities in India, and the development of the Syro-Malabar Church over the centuries.
  • Britannica – Saint Thomas Christians – This article on Britannica offers an in-depth understanding of the Saint Thomas Christians, including their historical background, religious practices, and social structure. It covers the different branches of the community and their distinctive traditions.
  • St. Thomas and the St. Thomas Christians – This website provides an informative account of the arrival of Apostle Thomas in India and the subsequent establishment of the Saint Thomas Christians. It explores the legends and folklore associated with Apostle Thomas and the impact of his mission on the Indian subcontinent.
  • Syro-Malabar Church: Biography of St. Thomas Apostle – For a closer look at the life and teachings of Apostle Thomas, this resource from the Syro-Malabar Church delves into his biography. It explores his missionary journeys, martyrdom, and the significance of his mission in India.
  • Encyclopedia.com – St. Thomas, Apostle to India – This article provides an overview of Apostle Thomas’ mission and the establishment of Christianity in India. It discusses the historical evidence and legends surrounding his arrival and highlights the enduring influence of his teachings on the Saint Thomas Christians.

By exploring these references and resources, one can gain a deeper understanding of the Saint Thomas Christians, their unique historical journey, and their rich cultural and religious heritage.

Explore other famous people with Karakalpaks, Marshallese and Palawa roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Investigating influential individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds tied to these Saint Thomas Christians origins unveils the interwoven tapestry of global cultures and their impactful contributions to the world.

That concludes the information we can provide about famous Saint Thomas Christians individuals. Thank you for reading.

Join channel telegram websitekami.com agar tidak ketinggalan berita loker terbaru lainnya

Join now
Famous peopleSaint Thomas Christians
Comment
Share:
Next

Prev

Artikel Terkait

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ad

Don't show again Yes, I would!