Malankara Orthodox Diocese of Southwest America


The Malankara Orthodox Diocese of Southwest America, sometimes referred to as the Southwest Diocese or DS-WA is a diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The diocesan headquarter is located in Beasley, Texas a suburban city, 40 miles from downtown Houston, Texas. The Southwest Diocese covers several churches in the U.S. states, and Canada.

History

American Diocese

The American Diocese was established in 1979 by His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios. In 1991, after the death of H.G Makarios, His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas was enthroned as Metropolitan in 1993. In 2002, His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos was appointed as the assistant Metropolitan.

Formation of the Southwest Diocese

The Diocese was formed by order number 145/2009 signed by the then Catholicos of the Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas and Malankara Metropolitan, His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Didymus I on 1 April 2009. His Grace Mar Barnabas and His Grace Mar Nicholovos were appointed to the Northeast American Diocese and His Grace Alexios Mar Eusebius was appointed the Southwest Diocese.
According to order number 01/2017, His Grace Eusebius was relinquished of his administrative duties. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church regained control over the diocese and His Grace Zacharias Mar Aprem was appointed as Assistant Metropolitan.

Today

As of April 2020, there are currently 63 churches in the Southwest Diocese.

Diocesan Metropolitan

Current List of Churches

The Diocese of South-West America is zoned into five regions.

Midwest

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Leaders

Director: Fr. Joel Mathew
Project Manager: Mr. Jobby Jacob
Treasurer: Mr. Jason Abraham
Other: Dn. Saju Varghese, Fr. Jake Kurian, Dn, Pradeep Hatcher

Origin (2015)

The Ministry of was created by His Grace Alexios Mar Eusebius, Metropolitan of the Diocese of South-West America in July 2015 to promote the translation, versification, and publication of vital English liturgical resources. As of 12 September 2017, His Grace Zacharias Mar Aprem has been the acting Assistant Metropolitan
2016
Shehimo - Book of Common Prayer - On the Feast of Theophany in 2016, the Liturgical Resource Development released a hard cover common prayer book.
2017
Service Book of the Holy Qurbono- On February 17, 2018, during the Holy Lent, it was announced that LRD begun printing and shipping the new multilingual Holy Qurbana Book
2018
2019
2020
LRD Mobile App - On 4 April 2020, the Liturgical Resource Development released a mobile app for people to download during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The app will be available in the Apple and Google Play stores.

Current Projects

There are developments to produce a new English Festal Breviary Book, English Sacrament Breviary Book, English Funeral Service Book for Men, Women and Children, LRD App and Audio Recordings

MGOCSM

is one of the most dynamic spiritual organizations of our Church and it plays a crucial role in the nurturing of our youth for them to live in Christ our Lord.

Leaders

East Region – Atlanta area: Ms. Sheba Mathew
East Region – Florida area: Ms. Deepthi Varghese
Midwest Region – Chicago area: Mr. Roshen Samuel
Midwest Region – Detroit area: Mr. Alan Sam Jose
Northwest Region: Ms. Sneha Philip
South Region – Dallas area: Mr. Nimal Zachariah
South Region – Houston area: Ms. Deepti Kuriakose
West Region: Ms. Laveena Joy

Campus Ministry

On August 16, 2029, His Grace Aprem announced the formation of a new Diocesan-wide Campus Ministry Project.
Coordinators- Fr. Diju Skariah, Mr. Manoj Thomas and Mr. Selby Thomas

Sunday School

Resources

Resources for Sunday school students and teachers can be found

Mar Barnabas Educational Reward

The Mar Barnabas Educational Award was instituted by our diocese in 2011 to encourage youth to excel in their academic achievement with a commitment to the church, diocese and the mission of the church.
Award Committee:
1. Rev. Fr. Mathew Alexander
2. Mr. George Geevarughese
3. Mr. Roy V. Thomas

Marth Mariam Vanitha Samajam

, abbreviated MMVS, was founded in 1928 in India. It was started under the patronage of the Late Very Rev. Fr. M.C. Kuriakose
Ramban and with the leadership of K.M Annamma and co-workers.
The motto of the organization is “Prarthikkuka, Pravarthikkuka, Prakasikkuka”.

2020 Diocesan Office Bearers

, abbreviated OCYM, was founded in 1938 in India. It serves as a ministry to contribute to the goodness and progress of the Church and community in the three-fold path of worship, study and service

Leaders

Vice President: Rev. Fr. Mathews George
Secretary: Mr. Varghese A. Panicker