• May 7, 2024

Newcastle St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church consecration on May 26 and 27

Newcastle St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church consecration on May 26 and 27

NEWCASTLE May 7: The roots of the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Syrian Church in the UK-Europe and Africa geographical region can be traced back to the 1930s. During that time, there were only very few Malayalee Christians in the North East England (Newcastle) area.

The first Indian Orthodox service was conducted in this area by Rev. Fr. Thomas Yohannan at St. Andrews Church, Lamesley, Gateshead. Since then, regular service was conducted on a quarterly basis in an Anglican church in the Wallsend area.

On August 7, 2004, the first meeting was held in the City Hospital chapel in Sunderland. The day was blessed with the presence of HG Bishop Abraham Mar Saverious, who inaugurated the gathering. On January 22, 2005, all members unanimously selected ‘St. Thomas’ name for the fellowship. Officially, fellowship was declared as congregation on January 5, 2008, by the LL. HG, Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios. On October 2, 2016, we bought a church in Front Street, Winlaton, Blaydon, and the church was temporarily opened for the members by HG Dr Mathews Mar Thimothios (Ex Diocesan Metropolitan of UK Europe and Africa).

Currently, there are around 55 family members. Members join the church from far and wide including places like Newcastle, Darlington, Durham, Middlesbrough, and Stockton. The church was bought from Methodists and converted it to suit our worship traditions and are proud to announce that this is the first Indian Church, owned by the community.

The Supreme Head of the Indian Orthodox Church HH Moran Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews III (Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan) will be the principal celebrant on 26th May 2024 when the church will be consecrated. He will be joined by Diocesan Metropolitan HG Abraham Mar Stephanos.

On 27th of May 2024 at 2.30pm during the public meeting the supreme head of Church from India HH Baselios Marthoma Mathews III (Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan) will lead the meeting.

Other dignitaries joining the occasion will include Mayor of Gateshead, UK Diocesan Bishop HG Abraham Mar Stephanos, HG Bishop Matthew of Sourozh (Russian Orthodox Bishop) Representatives from Church of England Newcastle, Catholic Church Newcastle, Coptic Orthodox Church Newcastle, Romanian Orthodox Church Newcastle and Durham, Greek Orthodox Church Newcastle, Eritrian Orthodox Church Gateshead and Ethiopian Orthodox Church Newcastle.

“We look forward to welcome you as we value your presence to witness such a historic moment for a small faith community like ours. St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church is a beacon of hope and faith for our community, and the Holy Consecration marks a significant milestone in our journey. We would like to express our sincere thanks on behalf of our church management committee to everyone who supports all our church activities. We hope for your continued support and active participation in all our future activities”, said a press note.

For any further questions regarding this event contact Church Secretary Reji Thomas, 98 Silver Lonnen, Newcastle, NE5 2HD, Tel: 07962200998 or Email: reji_pune@yahoo.co.uk