Vienna: For the Knanaya Catholic community in Austria, which carries a legacy of more than five decades, Christmas Day 2025 became historically significant with the establishment of a new parish system. The parish structure for Knanaya Catholics has officially come into effect within the Archdiocese of Vienna, under the Ordinariate for the Eastern Churches in Austria.

The new parish system was approved with the authorization of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, President of the Ordinariate for the Eastern Churches in Austria and Archbishop Emeritus of Vienna. This long-awaited recognition has been received as a meaningful Christmas gift by the Knanaya faithful living in Vienna, comparable to the parish status granted to other Syro-Malabar communities in the region.

During the festive Christmas Day Holy Qurbana celebrated on December 25, the official decree approving the new parish was formally handed over by Rev. Yuri Kolasa, Vicar General of the Ordinariate for the Eastern Churches in Austria. The decree was received by Rajesh Kadavil, President of the Austrian Knanaya Catholic Community, and George Vadakkanchery, Secretary of the community.

As part of the new pastoral arrangement, Rev. Fr. Jijo Ilal Vungkachalil has been appointed as the first chaplain of the newly established parish system. The announcement is widely regarded as a recognition of the Knanaya community’s strong faith witness and active ecclesial presence, particularly within the Catholic communities of Vienna.

Members of the Knanaya Catholic community expressed hope that this official parish recognition will further strengthen their spiritual renewal, unity, and growth in Austria.