Chaldeans originate from Iraq and Syro-Malabar Catholics come from India. According to an ancient tradition the Chaldean Church was founded by the Apostle Thomas while he was on his way to India. Both the Chaldean and Syro-Malabar liturgy have similar roots.
While the texts and prayers are essentially the same, the language, vestments and the melodies used are different. This is largely due to cultural influences. The Syro-Malabar liturgy is more influenced by the Latin liturgy than the Chaldean liturgy.
