What is an 'eparchy' anyway? Pope Francis just established one in the USA and Canada

Eparchy covers eastern USA and parts of Canada.

Pope Francis has established a new eparchy, that is a new branch or diocese of the Church in the United States and Canada. The eparchy belongs to the Syro-Malankaran rite of the Church, one of the 22 rites in communion with Rome. It will cater to Indian-American Catholics. Its first bishop is Thomas Eusebios Naickamparambil.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - The new eparchy, or diocese, is for Syro-Malankaran Catholics, who come primarily from India. It spans the eastern half of the United States and into Canada. Churches are present in Florida, Texas, Illinois, New York, Michigan and Canada. Between these states, the eparchy covers 19 parishes and missions, 10 monasteries, and 33 priests.

The new diocese is called, the Eparchy of St. Mary, Queen of Peace, and it is based out of Elmont, New York.

Bishop Thomas Naickamparambil is from India, but has been in the United States for several years, overseeing the rite in America since 2001.

The Syro-Malankara rite was established by St. Thomas the apostle, who it is believed traveled to India in the years following the death of Christ. Although historians argue there is no evidence of such a journey by the Apostle Thomas, it is remembered in legend and believed by millions. It was certainly possible during that time, and the fact that physical evidence does not exist is a common problem for ancient historical claims.

The Syro-Malankara rite is in full communion with Rome and recognizes Pope Francis as the head of the Church. It is part of the glorious diversity of the Catholic Church.