About us
Parish History:
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.
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!
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.”
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. In fact, many Malayalees from outside of our parish boundaries make special journeys to taste and buy familiar Keralian items, and then will visit our church to partake in our worship service.
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, Jacobites, Catholic…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.
But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
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 Tiruvalla 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.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
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.
