Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Chicago

Established by Pope John Paul II on March 13, 2001, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Chicago was the first ecclesiastical territory of the Syro-Malabar Church outside India. It serves Kerala Catholic immigrants and their descendants across the United States and Canada through 39 parishes, celebrating the ancient East Syriac liturgical rite. The eparchy takes its name and tradition from St. Thomas the Apostle, who is said to have brought Christianity to Kerala in 52 AD. Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral in Chicago serves as its seat.