Syro-Malabar Catholic Major Archeparchy of Ernakulam–Angamaly

The Archeparchy of Ernakulam–Angamaly is the major archeparchy and the see of the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. It has been the major archeparchy since 1992 when the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church was elevated to the status of a major archiepiscopal church with Ernakulam-Angamaly as the primatal see. The major archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly is the main bishop of the jurisdiction, at the same time the head of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. The eparchies of Kothamangalam and Idukki are the two suffragan eparchies of the major archeparchy.

The see of Ernakulam-Angamaly occupies a prominent position in the history of the Syro-Malabar. It is the diocese which contains the historic places Kottakkavu, Kokkamangalam and Malayattoor associated with St. Thomas. The diocese also witnessed many significant events like the Synod of Diamper, Coonan Cross Oath and the Angamaly Padiyola. The present Syro-Malabar faithful were under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Verapoly and European bishops since the 1600s. Pope Leo XIII separated the Syro-Malabars from Latin Church jurisdiction and he established the vicariates of Ernakulam, Thrissur and Changanassery for Syro-Malabar Catholics by the late 19th century. Ernakulam–Angamaly was established as a Vicariate by the Bull Quae Rei Sacrae of Pope Leo XIII on 28 July 1896 and Mar Louis Pazheparambil was appointed as the first figure apostolic, who assumed charge on 5 November 1896. Under the able guidance of Mar Pazheparambil, the vicariate began to flourish. The city of Ernakulam was chosen to be the location for the bishop's house which was completed and blessed on 24 April 1900. When the Syro-Malabar Hierarchy was established in 1923, Ernakulam was chosen as the see. In 1992, the name of the diocese was changed to Ernakulam - Angamaly and it became the Major Archdiocese.

Mar Cardinal George Alencherry was the Major Archbishop till his resignation on 7 December 2023. Until July 2022, Archbishop Mar Antony Kariyil CMI was the Vicar of Major Archbishop, responsible for the administration of the major archeparchy. Mar Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop of Thrissur Archeparchy, was appointed by the Pope Francis as the apostolic administrator of the same, replacing Mar Antony Kariyil. On 7 December 2023, he too resigned. Mar Bosco Puthur became the Apostolic Administrator of the Major Archeparchy. On 11 January 2025, The Holy See granted the Archdiocese back to the Major Archbishop, who named Mar Joseph Pamplany as the Vicar of the Major Archbishop.

The Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese caused a major controversy for the Syro-Malabar Church around the implementation of celebrating uniform mode of Holy Mass. Archbishop Mar Antony Kariyil's leadership and resignation in 2022, against the backdrop of resistance to Archbishop Mar George Alencherry, marked a significant phase. The dispute escalated with protests and the closure of St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica in Ernakulam. Despite Pope Francis's directives for unity and a deadline for resolution, conflicts persisted, leading to significant opposition and actions against Vatican-appointed Archbishop Cyril Vasil by the laity of the Arch Diocese. The Pope's direct intervention on 7 December 2023 emphasized reconciliation and adherence to Catholic principles or face excommunication.