By C.M. Paul
Chicago, July 6, 2026: The Syro‑Malabar Cathedral of St. Thomas in Chicago marked the annual Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle with solemn liturgy, vibrant cultural expressions, and a powerful display of community unity.
This year’s celebration carried added significance as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Syro‑Malabar Eparchy of Chicago, the first diocese of the Church established outside India.
The nine‑day festivities, which began on June 28 with the ceremonial flag hoisting and Eucharistic procession, culminated on Sunday, July 5, with a festive Mass concelebrated by two bishops and nine priests, drawing hundreds of lay faithful and religious from across the Midwest.
Presiding over the Eucharist, Bishop John “Joy” Alappatt of the Syro‑Malabar Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Chicago, reminded the congregation of the enduring legacy of St. Thomas in shaping the identity of Kerala’s Christian community.
“The Dukrana [a Syriac word meaning ‘commemoration’] is not just a remembrance of an apostle; it is a reminder of our mission to live and witness the faith he brought to our ancestors,” he said.
Founding Bishop Jacob Angadiath, 80, who also marked his 25th episcopal ordination anniversary, expressed deep gratitude for the growth of the eparchy over the past quarter-century.
“This cathedral stands today because of the faith, sacrifice, and unity of our people. The Lord has blessed this community abundantly,” he told parishioners.
Cathedral vicar Father Thomas Kadukappillil highlighted the unique privilege of the Chicago cathedral.
“We are blessed to house the relics of St. Thomas the Apostle. For our diaspora community, this feast is not just cultural—it is deeply spiritual and personal,” he said.
A standout moment of the celebration was the brilliant performance of the cathedral’s youth choir, which led the singing of the entire Mass in English. For the first time, Bishop Alappatt celebrated the sung English Mass using the same traditional melodies familiar to the Malayalam liturgy.
Parishioner George Mathew described the experience as “deeply moving and historic,” noting how the young voices carried the ancient Syriac‑Malayalam tunes with clarity, devotion, and remarkable discipline.
One choir member shared, “We wanted to show that our tradition can flourish in any language when sung with faith.”
The feast day procession added further grandeur, featuring over 20 statues of popular saints and revered figures of the Syro‑Malabar Church.
Two chenda melam ensembles accompanied the procession, filling the air with Kerala’s rhythmic festive energy. These colorful ceremonial umbrellas, carried by men and women, created a striking tableau of devotion, heritage, and diaspora pride.
Youth leaders and volunteers played a vital role in coordinating the events, while parish trustees and families ensured smooth logistics throughout the feast days. The evening concluded with a fireworks display, symbolizing joy, thanksgiving, and communal harmony.
Parishioners described the feast day as “a spiritually enriching and community‑binding experience,” noting how the celebration seamlessly blended Kerala’s Christian heritage with the vibrancy of the Chicago diaspora.
The jubilee celebrations will continue with Eparchial Convention from July 9 to 12, bringing together clergy, faithful, popular speakers, cultural performers, and families from across the United States and abroad.
The convention is expected to highlight the eparchy’s 25‑year journey, its missionary outreach, and the growing role of youth and families in shaping the future of the Syro‑Malabar Church in North America.
(Photo supplied]