Jacobite Online stands as one of the pioneering digital initiatives of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, created with the vision of connecting faithful believers across the world through modern technology while preserving and promoting the rich spiritual heritage of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
The Beginning of a Vision
In the early years of the internet, when church-related digital resources were extremely limited, a growing need was felt among Jacobite faithful for an online presence that could provide authentic information about the Church, its history, liturgical traditions, news, and activities. Recognizing this necessity, a group of devoted believers, led by the administrator of Jacobite Online along with a few fellow faithful, came together with a common vision—to establish a comprehensive online platform dedicated to the Jacobite Syrian Church.
jacobitesyrianchurch.org was registered on 17 December 2005, officially inaugurated by Catholicos His Beatitude Baselios Thomas I.
As a result of this effort, the domain (www.jacobitesyrianchurch.org) was registered on 17 December 2005, marking the beginning of a historic digital mission for the Church. The website was subsequently inaugurated by our Beloved Catholica Bava Late Lamented His Beatitude Baselios Thomas I, Catholicos of the East, at Puthencruz — one of the earliest organized attempts to establish a strong online presence for the Jacobite Syrian Church.
Expanding the Mission: Radio Malankara (SHUBAHO)
The vision of Jacobite Online extended beyond a traditional website. The team realized that technology could serve as a powerful medium for spreading the message of the Church and connecting believers worldwide, especially those living far away from their native parishes.
With this objective, the team launched Radio Malankara (SHUBAHO), the online radio ministry of the Jacobite Syrian Church. On 4 September 2008, it was officially inaugurated by our Beloved Catholica Bava Late Lamented His Beatitude Baselios Thomas I, Catholicos of the East, at Manarcadu.
Radio Malankara (SHUBAHO) (launched 4 September 2008) was the first-ever online radio service launched by any Church in Malankara.
Through this platform, faithful believers across the globe could listen to spiritual messages, liturgical hymns, devotional programs, church announcements, and special broadcasts related to major feasts and events of the Church.
Building the Digital Presence of the Church
During the mid-2000s, when internet usage was still in its early stages among Church institutions, most dioceses and organizations did not have an online presence. Recognizing this need, the Jacobite Online team undertook the responsibility of creating and maintaining websites for dioceses across the Church.
Jacobite Online created and maintained websites for all dioceses inside Malankara as well as external dioceses (Delhi, Mylapore, and more).
The mission expanded beyond Kerala to include the Delhi Diocese, Mylapore Diocese, and other Church institutions. For many years, these diocesan websites served as the primary source of authentic Church information for thousands of faithful across India and abroad — long before Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms emerged as dominant communication channels.
Despite the challenges of managing numerous platforms with a volunteer team, the pioneering work of Jacobite Online laid the foundation for the digital transformation of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. Many online initiatives that exist today trace their origins to the dedication of the Jacobite Online team during those formative years.
Launch of Malankara Vision (TESHBUHATO) – Online Television Ministry
Continuing its pioneering digital mission, Jacobite Online launched another landmark project in 2009 — Malankara Vision (TESHBUHATO),(www.malankaravision.com) the online television platform of the Jacobite Syrian Church.
The service was officially inaugurated on 13 February 2009 by the Patriarchal Delegate to Malankara during the sacred Dhukrono Feast of Saint Moran Mor Ignatius Elias III at Manjinikkara.
Malankara Vision (TESHBUHATO) (launched 13 February 2009) is the first church-based online television platforms in Kerala.
Malankara Vision (TESHBUHATO) provided live video coverage of major church events, enabling thousands of faithful around the world to participate virtually in important spiritual gatherings.
Pioneers of Live Streaming Church Events
During a period when live streaming technology was still in its infancy, Jacobite Online played a crucial role in bringing Church events to believers worldwide. Through Radio Malankara (SHUBAHO) and Malankara Vision (TESHBUHATO), the team regularly provided live coverage of:
- Manarcadu Perunnal
- Manjinikkara Perunnal
- Akhila Malankara Puthencruz Convention
- Major feast celebrations and church events across Malankara
All these services were provided completely free of charge, driven solely by a spirit of service and commitment to the Church and its faithful. For thousands of believers living outside Kerala and abroad, these broadcasts became a vital spiritual connection to their Church and homeland.
Supporting Other Church Media Initiatives
Jacobite Online was never limited to its own projects alone. The team provided full technical and digital support to Viswasa Samrakshan, helping establish its online presence and assisting in its monthly news magazine publication.
The team also extended support to Malankara Syriac Voice, an initiative of the Mor Behnam Study Circle, facilitating regular publication of news related to both the Jacobite Syrian Church and The Universal Syriac Orthodox Church worldwide — reflecting the broader mission of strengthening communication, unity, and awareness within the Church community.
Preserving Syriac Heritage Through Digital Resources
Beyond news reporting, broadcasting, and diocesan web development, Jacobite Online has remained committed to preserving and promoting the spiritual, historical, and literary heritage of the Syriac Orthodox Church through specialized online resources.
As part of this continuing mission, the Jacobite Online team currently maintains several independent projects dedicated to the study and dissemination of Syriac Orthodox faith, history, and traditions.
Our Saints – The Lives of the Saints and Holy Fathers
One of the most significant initiatives is Our Saints (www.oursaints.org), a comprehensive online resource dedicated to the lives, biographies, teachings, and spiritual legacy of the Saints, Patriarchs, Bishops, Holy Fathers, and Martyrs of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
Our Saints (www.oursaints.org) serves as a comprehensive reference guide to the biographies, teachings, and feasts of Syriac Orthodox holy fathers.
The website serves as a valuable reference for clergy, theological students, researchers, Sunday School teachers, and faithful believers seeking authentic information about the great men and women who shaped the history of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church.
Through detailed biographies, historical records, feast day information, and spiritual writings, Our Saints seeks to preserve the memory of the Church's holy fathers and transmit their spiritual heritage to future generations. The project also aims to make reliable historical information accessible to Syriac Orthodox faithful throughout the world, particularly to younger generations who increasingly rely on digital platforms for learning and research.
Peshitta Bible – Bringing the Syriac Bible to the Digital World
Another important ministry currently maintained by Jacobite Online is Peshitta Bible (www.peshittabible.org), a unique online platform dedicated to the Holy Bible in both Syriac and Malayalam languages.
Peshitta Bible (www.peshittabible.org) provides the ancient Syriac text and Malayalam translations for personal study and research.
The Peshitta Bible project was developed with the objective of making the ancient Syriac biblical tradition more accessible to believers, scholars, clergy, and students. The website allows readers to study and compare the Syriac text and Malayalam translations, helping preserve the close connection between the Syriac language and the spiritual life of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
The Malayalam text published on the website is based on the renowned "Vishudha Grandham", translated by the late Very Rev. Kurian Arch Corepiscopa Kaniamparambil, whose monumental contribution to biblical scholarship and Syriac studies remains invaluable to the Church. By digitizing and making this translation available online, the project helps ensure that this important work remains accessible to future generations of faithful.
The website has become a valuable resource for personal Bible study, theological education, liturgical preparation, and academic research, while also promoting awareness of the rich biblical and linguistic heritage of the Syriac Orthodox tradition.
Continuing the Mission
These initiatives reflect the broader vision of Jacobite Online: not merely to report news, but to preserve the faith, history, theology, language, and traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the digital age.
Through projects such as Our Saints and Peshitta Bible, Jacobite Online continues its longstanding commitment to serving the Church by creating reliable online resources that educate, inspire, and strengthen the spiritual life of believers around the world.
Changing Times and Reduced Activities
As social media platforms became increasingly popular, the way people accessed information changed dramatically. Live streaming became widely available through various networks, making it easier for parishes and organizations to directly reach the faithful. Many of the services that Jacobite Online pioneered were no longer unique necessities, and the activities of the platform gradually reduced.
However, even during this period, the ministry continued through Malankara Vision (TESHBUHATO), which faithfully carried out the live telecast of the annual Manjinikkara Perunnal and other major events for many years.
A New Chapter Begins
After nearly six years of limited activity, Jacobite Online is entering a new phase of service. Responding to repeated requests from clergy and faithful across different regions, the need for a dedicated online platform for authentic Church news and information once again became evident.
Relaunched at www.jacobiteonline.com to serve as a trusted archive, digital news source, and global connection point for the Jacobite faithful.
By the grace of Almighty God, Jacobite Online has now resumed regular updates through www.jacobiteonline.com with a renewed vision. The relaunched platform seeks to serve as:
- A trusted source of Church news and announcements.
- A historical archive of important Church events.
- A platform for promoting the heritage and traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
- A medium connecting Jacobite faithful around the world.
- A digital witness to the faith, spirituality, and mission of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church.
Looking Forward
From the registration of its first website in 2005, to pioneering online radio in 2008, launching online television in 2009, supporting numerous Church media initiatives, and now entering a renewed phase of digital ministry, Jacobite Online remains committed to its original mission — serving the Church and its faithful through technology.
With prayers, dedication, and the blessings of the Holy Church, Jacobite Online continues its journey of faith, communication, and service, striving to connect generations of believers and preserve the spiritual heritage of the Syriac Orthodox Church for years to come.