MALANKARA SURIYANI KNANAYA SAMUDAYAM

Who We Are

A Community Rooted in 2000 Years of Faith

Our ancestors migrated from Edessa (an ancient city in Upper Mesopotamia, now known as Şanlıurfa in modern-day Turkey) to the Malabar coast at Kodungalloor (Cranganore) in AD 345 under the leadership of Knai Thommen, also known as Thomas of Cana. The Knanaya community consisted of about 400 people belonging to 72 families of seven clans — Bagi, Belkuth, Hadai, Kujalig, Koja, Mugmuth, and Thegmuth.

They were spiritually guided by Mor Joseph of Urfa, a revered Syrian Orthodox Bishop. They formed themselves into an endogamous community, keeping their tradition and culture while co-existing peacefully among the St. Thomas Christians in India.

The Knanaya community has since maintained its unique cultural and religious identity, reflecting a deep sense of heritage and tradition that continues to thrive in contemporary society. The Knanaya migration is considered a turning point in the history of St Thomas Christians of Malabar.