The Syro Malabar Catholic Church is a major Archiepiscopal Church in full communion with the Apostolic See of Rome. It is one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in the Catholic communion and follows the East-Syriac liturgy that dates back to the third century.  

Known for its deep-rooted spirituality and high rate of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, the Syro Malabar Church is one of the most vibrant Catholic communities in the world, with over four million members with rich, and fascinating history and traditions. 

The community was inspired in India through the missionary efforts of St. Thomas the Apostle. On the 23 December 2013 Pope Francis established the Syro Malabar Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle in Melbourne. 

Their Eparchy within Australia comprises of 50 communities, 29 priests and over 65,000 parishioners across Australia. With Melbourne as the headquarters of the Syro Malabar Eparchy, there are four parishes, a chancery office and 12,000 active parishioners in Melbourne alone.

All parishes within the Syro Malabar Eparchy in Melbourne have chosen to place their surplus funds with CDF. Fr. Francis Kolencherry the Vicar General of the Eparchy says, “the CDF service is excellent, and we are happy to be able to speak with someone we know, anytime we may have a question.” 

The Syro Malabar communities, through the support of CDF are building a Cathedral, two parish churches and have also purchased a chancery office. This trusted partnership with CDF, allows the community’s vision to expand and meet the demands of an ever growing and thriving church community.