Birmingham: Bishop Joseph Srampickal of the Catholic Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain has issued a comprehensive clarification on the canonical discipline governing the validity of sacramental marriages, particularly for Syro-Malabar faithful, including members of the Knanaya community residing in Great Britain.

The clarification, released as Circular 07/2025, reaffirms that all Syro-Malabar Catholics living in Great Britain fall under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain, established by Pope Francis in 2016. The Bishop’s message aims to provide clarity on canonical belonging, jurisdiction, and the proper norms for celebrating marriages according to the Eastern Catholic tradition.

Canonical Belonging to a Parish or Eparchy

According to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, every faithful remains subject to the jurisdiction of their own Church sui iuris by law. This means that the Syro-Malabar faithful, by virtue of domicile or quasi-domicile, belong to the Eparchy in which they reside. Bishop Srampickal emphasized that one does not become a member of an Eparchy or parish merely by filling a registration form, as such forms serve only administrative purposes and do not determine canonical belonging.

He reiterated that the Syro-Malabar Church, one of the 23 self-governing Eastern Catholic Churches, exercises jurisdiction in India as its proper territory. All Syro-Malabar eparchies established abroad, including the Eparchy of Great Britain, were directly erected by the Holy See and therefore come under the jurisdiction of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in Rome.

Jurisdiction and the Knanaya Faithful

The Bishop clarified that the Archdiocese of Kottayam in India retains jurisdiction over Knanaya faithful only within India. Outside India, including Great Britain, the Syro-Malabar Knanaya faithful are under the pastoral authority of the Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain. This jurisdictional structure was determined by the Apostolic See and applies to all Syro-Malabar members residing in the region.

To preserve and promote the unique heritage of the Knanaya community, Bishop Srampickal has established fifteen Syro-Malabar Knanaya Missions and Proposed Missions across Great Britain and appointed priests specifically for their pastoral care. These missions aim to safeguard the Knanaya heritage, spirituality, and liturgical traditions in full communion with the Universal Catholic Church. The Bishop expressed his sincere desire that the Knanaya faithful continue to flourish in faith and heritage under the pastoral care of the Eparchy.

Celebration of Marriage and Canonical Requirements

Bishop Srampickal emphasized that for a marriage to be valid between two Syro-Malabar faithful, it must be blessed by their proper pastor within the Eparchy. Priests appointed by the Bishop of Great Britain are the proper pastors authorized to administer such sacraments.

He also noted that there is a possibility for Oriental Catholics to celebrate marriage in the Latin Rite, provided that a proper delegation is given to the Latin priest and all canonical and administrative procedures are strictly followed.

Quoting guidance from the Apostolic See, the Bishop underlined that the Knanaya tradition, which traces its origins to the arrival of Thomas of Cana and the East-Syrian liturgical heritage, must remain faithful to the Eastern Catholic Church of which it is an integral part.

Preservation of Heritage and Unity in Faith

Bishop Srampickal reaffirmed his commitment to fostering unity within the Eparchy while upholding the cultural and spiritual identity of every community. “It would seem inconsistent to seek to preserve the customs of the Knanaya tradition while at the same time not remaining faithful to the Eastern Church of which it is an integral part,” the Bishop noted.

He called on all faithful to live out their Catholic identity in full communion with the Universal Church, while cherishing the sacred traditions that form the foundation of their community life.

The circular is to be read in all parishes, missions, and proposed missions of the Eparchy during the Holy Qurbana on Sunday, October 12, 2025, or on the nearest Sunday when Holy Qurbana is celebrated.