Gazing upon Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral, have you ever considered its unique position? It serves as the heart of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Chicago. The story of this cathedral begins not here in Bellwood, but with the waves of Syro-Malabar Catholic immigrants who began arriving in the United States in the 1950s. Finding themselves without their familiar rite, they gathered in major cities. They formed lay associations and organized Holy Qurbana with the help of bi-ritual Syro-Malabar priests. The local Latin dioceses offered support, establishing Syro-Malabar missions within their existing structures. Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral stands as a testament to their perseverance. This cathedral, dedicated on July 5, 2008, is more than just a beautiful building. It represents the culmination of decades of effort to preserve the Syro-Malabar Catholic traditions in a new land. The first bishop appointed to lead this new eparchy was Jacob Angadiath. He served from the eparchy’s establishment in 2001 until his retirement in 2022. He was succeeded by the current bishop, Joy Alappatt. The cathedral, with a capacity of 1,165, serves a vibrant community of over 1200 families. It acts as a central hub for not just religious services, but also cultural preservation. Within its walls, you’ll hear both English and Malayalam. Children attend catechism classes and Malayalam language lessons. The Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral isn’t just a place of worship. It is a living testament to the faith and resilience of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Chicago. It’s a place where tradition meets the future. A place where a unique cultural heritage thrives.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one