Northeast American Diocese

The history of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of the East in the U.S.A. begins approximately in the mid 20th century. During this period, a number of prominent priests and laity came to the U.S.A. for higher studies and training.

In 1976, the Holy Synod made a momentous decision and granted the parishes in America their own Diocese, creating the American Diocese. His Grace, late, Thomas Mar Makarios was given authority of the American Diocese and the enthronement of the newly elected Metropolitan Mar Makarios was held on July 14, 1979.

In 1991, the Diocese came under the direct control of a Malankara Metropolitan who was assisted by Mathews Mar Barnabas. Later the Diocese control came under the full authority of Mathews Mar Barnabas and the enthronement ceremony was held in March 1993.

His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas

In 2002, Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, a young, talented leader and orator joined the Diocese as the assistant to Mar Barnabas. With his assistance, the Diocese has grown even further.

In 2009, the Malankara Church decided to divide what was known as the ‘American Diocese’ into two dioceses, namely – the Northeast American Diocese and the Southwest American Diocese.

On February 26th 2011, His Holiness Baselius Mar Thoma Paulose II appointed Metropolitan Mar Nicholovos as the Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese . On May , 2011, His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas, the former Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese, retired back to India.

Th enthronement for His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos was held on Saturday, May 21, 2011.

His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos
[Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese]

Today, the Northeast American Diocese can boast of more than fifty parishes, with more than forty priests, 14 deacons and seminarians. The hard work and prayers of all our Hierarchs, Priests, and laity have led to the Diocese’s strong foundation, and have provided for us a secure future and outlook for the next generation of Indian Orthodox Christians in the Northeast American Diocese.

To know more about Northeast American Diocese please visit the website www.neamericandiocese.org