The establishment of the Syro-Malabar diocese of Chicago is a historical landmark in the history of the Syro-Malabar church. This diocese was erected by Pope John Paul II in 2001 and Rev. Dr. Jacob Angadiath was appointed as its first bishop. Now there are more than 100,000 Indian Catholics following this rite in USA and Canada and the number is increasing because of the immigration of professionals. The diocese has established 8 parishes in different parts of the country and there are close to 30 missions where people have registered their names and priests of the diocese appointed to cater to their needs. 'Kerala Catholic Mission of Georgia' is one of the missions in the diocese. The Knanaya community has their own missions under the pastoral guidance of Knanaya priests and they also come under this diocese. Out of the 9000 families registered in the diocese 1500 families are Knanaites. Articles of interest: History of Syro Malabar