Our Parish & Community
The Story of St Luke's Church
The spiritual roots of St. Luke’s Indian Orthodox Church, Chelmsford, trace back to the inspiring leadership of Rev. Fr. Dr. Ninan V. George, then Vicar of St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Cathedral (SGIOC), London. Under his guidance, members of the SGIOC Dionysius Prayer Group, Chelmsford, was inspired to organise Christmas Carol Area Prayers at Chelmsford in 2017 and 2018. These blessed gatherings, held at Broomfield Methodist Church, Chelmsford, brought together over 120 faithful from the Indian Orthodox community across Essex, along with friends from other Christian denominations in the area. The joyful fellowship and shared worship during these events marked the humble beginning of a beautiful spiritual journey for the Indian Orthodox families in and around Chelmsford — uniting hearts in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving to our Lord.
By the abundant grace of God, and following the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chelmsford Holy Qurbana commenced on 7th May 2022, as a once-a-month satellite service of SGIOC, London. The first Holy Qurbana was prayerfully celebrated under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Nithin Prasad Koshy, Vicar of SGIOC, with the permission of H.G. Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios, then Metropolitan of the Diocese of UK–Europe and Africa, and with the approval of SGIOC General Body. Later, on 1st October 2022, Rev. Fr. Josen John was appointed as Priest-in-Charge of the Chelmsford Holy Qurbana by H.G. Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios.
Under the continued spiritual leadership of Rev. Fr. Josen John and through the earnest prayers of the faithful, the community grew in strength and fellowship.. On 2nd May 2023, the Chelmsford Holy Qurbana was elevated to St. Luke’s Indian Orthodox Congregation under the blessing and leadership of H.G. Abraham Mar Stephanos, the current Metropolitan of the Diocese, with Rev. Fr. Josen John serving as its first Vicar.
From 2nd July 2023, the Holy Qurbana services were relocated to St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Chelmsford, providing a more permanent, spacious and spiritually enriching home for the growing congregation. With the community’s deepening faith and commitment, the frequency of services increased to two per month from January 2024.
By the infinite mercy of God, the congregation reached another blessed milestone when it was elevated to parish status on 20th October 2024, by H.G. Abraham Mar Stephanos.
From January 2025, St. Luke’s Indian Orthodox Church, Chelmsford, began celebrating three Holy Qurbana services each month, marking a new and vibrant chapter in its faith journey — a testament to God’s grace, the unity of believers, and the enduring mission of the Church.
Today, St. Luke’s Indian Orthodox Church, Chelmsford, is blessed with around 50 subscribed families and continues to grow as a close-knit, Christ-centred community. The parish flourishes through the active participation of its various spiritual organisations — including MMVS, AMOSS, the Youth Fellowship, and Sunday School — all dedicated to worship, fellowship, and service in Christ.
Our Core Values
At St Luke's, our values guide our mission and shape the community we create for worship, growth, and service.
Community
Tradition
Service
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