Syriac Christianity is an ancient branch of Eastern Christianity that emerged in the first century AD within the Near East, particularly in Syria and Mesopotamia, using Aramaic (Classical Syriac) for its liturgy and theology. It is characterized by its Semitic cultural roots, distinct from Greek or Latin traditions, and represents one of the oldest continuous Christian traditions.
The origins and culture are centered around Edessa (modern-day Şanlıurfa, Turkey) and Antioch. This tradition is deeply rooted in the Semitic, Aramaic-speaking world familiar to Jesus and the Apostles.The language used is Classical Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic, which serves as the sacred language in theology and liturgy.
Syriac Christianity has had a long history in India. According to tradition,Christianity in India was established by St. Thomas who arrived in Malankara(Kerala) from Edessa in A.D. 52.The close ties between the Church in Malankaraand the Near East go back to at least the fourth century when Joseph, a merchantfrom Edessa travelled to India and met Christians there.
The church in Malankara today is an integral part of the Syriac Orthodox Church with the Patriarch of Antiochas its supreme spiritual head. The local head of the church in Malankara is theCatholicos of the East (currently held by Aboon Mor Baselios Joseph), consecratedby and accountable to the Patriarch of Antioch.
