Malankara Church of India: Questions of Jurisdictions, Theology and Worship

Abstract

The objectives of the study are to analyze the features of worship and theological thought, as well as the jurisdictional subordination and internal hierarchy of the Malankara Church of India. The object of the study is the liturgical rite, theological heritage and the organizational structure of the Malankara Church of India. To do this, the author uses axiomatic and inductive methods. Questions of worship and theological thought of the Malankara Church of India are of significant research interest in the light of their own national characteristics and historical retrospective. The Malankara Church of India is a unique example of an original Church that has remained faithful to the Christian tradition and ecclesiology. The territorial remoteness of the Malankara Church from other ancient Churches of the East and other civilizations allowed it to pass through the centuries of Christian, world and Indian history in an almost unchanged form, to preserve its authenticity with elements of national color, which was reflected in worship and theological thought. The jurisdiction of the Malankara Church is a classic example of complete autonomy and independence, which even the Portuguese colonization and the coming of the British to India could hardly touch.