Syro Malabar Catholic Cathedral Church

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By any chance, if you travel through Noothanchery, you cannot miss this mind-blowingly beautiful church. Unknowingly, you would turn your vehicle towards the lane where it is located and visit this attractive structure for sure. Not many of Chennaiites know about Syro Malabar Catholic Cathedral Church situated in the southern outskirts.

First things, first! Let me clarify with essential details for the benefit of non-Christians!



The Eastern Catholic Church is a group of 23 autonomous Catholic Churches in full communion with the Pope in Rome. The Syro Malabar Catholic Church, based in Kerala, is one of the churches in the group.

There are 35 eparchies under the Syro Malabar Catholic Church. (Eparchy is like a diocese or province that comes under a particular jurisdiction.) 

Syro Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Hosur, headquartered in Tamil Nadu, is one of those eparchies. Pope Francis established it in 2017 CE. St. Antony's Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral Church at Noothanchery locality in South Chennai is the Cathedral of this eparchy. It was built to fulfill the religious needs of the Syro-Malabar Catholics settled in South Chennai. 



The interior of the church is spacious. On the altar, the Crucifix icon (Jesus Christ on the Holy Cross) is found. The icons of Mary and Mary holding the infant Jesus are located on two corners of the altar. The hall is full of paintings depicting various scenes in the life of Jesus. The large colorful stained glass windows enhance the elegance of the interiors. 

Not only for the Syro Malabar Catholics but for anyone who loves Catholic architecture, it is a must-visit.

Happy travelling.



Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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