What is the Difference Between Jacobite and Orthodox?

The Jacobite and Orthodox churches are two separate denominations within the Indian state of Kerala, with origins dating back to the advent of St. Thomas in India in 52 AD. Both churches have similar beliefs about the origin of Christianity but differ in their perspectives on the history and faith of the Malankara Church.

The main differences between the Jacobite and Orthodox churches are:

1. Affiliation: The Orthodox church wanted to be an independent faction affiliated with the Antioch Orthodox church, while the Jacobite church wanted to remain under the Antioch headship. The Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church is a branch and an integral part of the Syriac Orthodox Church, with the Patriarch of Antioch as its supreme head.
2. Language: Jacobites use more Syriac than the Orthodox "Sabha".
3. Hierarchy and Origins: The difference between the Indian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church lies in their hierarchy and origins. The Indian Orthodox Church is considered schismatic of the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Despite these differences, both churches have the same faith-based beliefs and share many similarities in their practices and traditions. The recent Supreme Court ruling in India has clarified that the Jacobite Syrian Church cannot remain a part of the Malankara group and must either join the Orthodox church or become an independent church.

Comparative Table: Jacobite vs Orthodox

The Jacobite and Orthodox churches are both part of the Christian community in Kerala, India, and have similar faith-based beliefs. However, they have some differences in their history, hierarchy, and language. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

Despite these differences, both churches have the same amount of Syriani, and there are Orthodox Knanayas who are Syrian Orthodox, also known as Jacobite. The split between the two churches occurred mainly due to differences in hierarchy and administrative structure.