Parish History
Last Updated on Friday, 11 December 2009 12:42
Mark 11:22-24 (New King James Version) The Marthoma Parish in the United Kingdom During the 1970’s more Marthomites and other Christians came to England from Malaysia, Singapore, Uganda, Zambia, India and many other countries in East Africa. In 1979 we moved to St. Mary’s Parish Church in Newington in Kensington. Although we had services once/ twice a month, most of our members took membership in the local parishes of the Church of England, with whom the Mar Thoma Church had full communion. Who we are: The St Peter’s Mar Thoma Church East Area - UK is the newest addition to the Mar Thoma Church community in the Dioceses of North America and Europe. From its small and rather tentative beginnings, the Church has grown remarkably with new families joining us each month, who gather every Sunday to worship and praise the LORD! Isaiah 56:7 (New King James Version) Our Parish Boundary: This is the only Mar Thoma Church that is geographically based in East London and the Eastern Region of England. Our actual church is purposefully located within easy reach of such places as East Ham, Leyton, Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Hackney, Bethnal Green, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Basildon, Ilford, Barking, Romford, Hornchurch, Colchester, Ipswich and many more areas in the eastern region of England. Most of our members in these areas are only 30-45 minutes away from the church. Our church is also located in the heart of the most dynamic Indian community with its vibrant culture, in all of London. The church is only a stones throw away from many South & North Indian shops selling from jewellery to an abundance of imported fresh and frozen foods from the state of Kerala and elsewhere in India. Who we serve: We are very much an inclusive church and this is reflected in our membership which is not only made up of Marthomites, but also includes families and individuals from our sister churches such as the CSI, CNI …etc. We strongly believe in being part of the wider community and aims to support many of the local activities. Our Beginning: The formation of this Church was as a result of a few Marthomites who got together during October 2005, to discuss whether it was feasible to start a new church, geographically based and established within the wider community. It was felt that they could, even though many were nervous about this big step they were about to take into this uncertain area. Many more families joined the initial group in wanting a Mar Thoma Church nearer to where they and their family work, reside and attend school. Luke 11:28 (New King James Version) The LORD was with them and the energy, fervour, and spiritual commitment of these families resulted in a meeting on 31st January 2006 with our Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos to discuss the possible formation of an East Area Church. Thirumeni was very positive towards the proposed idea and he advised them on the way forward. After further correspondence and discussions, Thirumeni issued a Kalpana formally establishing a Congregation in the East Area as of April 2006. We were also blessed that Rev. Benu John, who happened to be studying in England, was appointed by Thirumeni as our Vicar. On 2nd April 2006, we had our inaugural Holy Communion service, which was conducted by Benu Achen and witnessed by many, including friends from other Malayalee sister churches. Parish Status: On 4th March 2007, the General Body unanimously authorised the management committee to request our Diocesan Bishop to establish us as a Parish. Again, a signed list of names was forwarded to our Diocesan Bishop. Following the Episcopal Synod meeting in Thiruvalla on 25th April 2007, a Kalpana was sent by His Grace the Most Rev Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan establishing us as a Parish, effective as of 1st May 2007. Our Vision: This Parish is fully committed to serving the spiritual needs of the Malayalee Christians residing in the East of London & England, and where possible, promote Christian harmony and fellowship in the local community. This church in this area plays an important role in passing our faith, traditions, culture and beliefs to our future generation. In particular, this new church helps and supports new families to the U.K. and welcomes their active participation in Sunday school and various other church activities. Matthew 11:28 (New King James Version) Let us pray with vision, commitment, as well as enthusiasm to serve the LORD through the church that we will continue to come forward as members, celebrate the faithfulness of GOD ALMIGHTY, and participate in his mission. The vision of the Mar Thoma Church is "Lighted To Lighten". St Peter’s Mar Thoma Church East Area - UK will aim to become the beacon in the U.K. in providing spiritual enrichment to individuals and families through Fellowship, Prayer and Worship under the vision of the Mar Thoma Church. Our church has a mission to reach people in the East of London and England in the name of our LORD and SAVIOUR, to provide pastoral care and serve their spiritual needs.
So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Our Church had a humble beginning in Kerala, it has expanded its boundaries to different corners of the continents of the world. In early 1950s, few Marthomites came to the United Kingdom as students for higher studies and others for employment. Once a month they met in the chapel of the Indian YMCA Students’ Hostel in London. At that time there were no other Malayali Christian services in UK. This encouraged other Malayali Christians also to participate in our service.
Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.