Our Church & Diocese

Our Church's Origin

History of Indian Malankara Orthodox Church

The Indian Malankara Orthodox Church, part of the Oriental Orthodox family of churches, has a rich history and a distinct theological and cultural identity. Its roots can be traced back to the early Christian community in India, particularly to the arrival of Thomas the Apostle in the first century AD. This connection signifies the deep historical presence of Christianity in India, especially in the southwestern state of Kerala.

In 1930, the church underwent a formal reorganization, establishing itself as the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and later as the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church. This move was led by influential figures, including Baselius Geevarghese I, who became the first Catholicos of the Indian Orthodox Church in 1964.

The Indian Orthodox Church is a member of Anglican Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum (AOORF) and member of Churches together in England (CTE) in the UK

Head of Malankara Orthodox Church

Head of Church

The highest-ranking bishop of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church holds the title of Catholicos of the East. The current position is occupied by Catholicos Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II, who oversees the administration and spiritual guidance of the church. The Catholicos is supported by various bishops who oversee different dioceses across India and abroad, emphasizing a decentralized form of governance that cherishes local cultural expressions of faith.

In the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church, we hold a profound trust in the One True God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our understanding of God emphasizes His eternal, self-existent, indivisible, infinite, and incomprehensible nature. God is glorious, holy, and not created, existing in His own right as the sovereign creator of the entire universe. All things originate from Him, and we acknowledge Him as the source of our being and the essence of all goodness. This recognition leads us to continual adoration and praise.

The Father

Regarding the First Person of the Trinity, the Father, we understand Him through the revelations of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Our relationship with God is not built solely on intellectual knowledge but on true worship within the community of faith. Genuine knowledge of God is manifested through the quality of our lives and spiritual practices, ultimately leading to deeper understanding and appreciation of His divine nature.

The Son

We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became fully human and reigns over the universe. All power in heaven—referring to those aspects of reality beyond our sensory experience—and on earth—encompassing all that is tangible and perceptible—has been entrusted to Jesus Christ, the God-Man. In His victory over death and evil, while these forces are still permitted to function, they serve the greater purposes of Christ. We hold firm to our faith that love and life will ultimately triumph, affirming the Church’s belief in the final triumph of good over evil.

Holy Spirit

For us, the Holy Spirit embodies the roles of life-giver, sanctifier, and perfecter. The Holy Spirit is actively present in our lives, offering guidance, strength, and renewal. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience sanctification, which empowers us to live in accordance with God’s will, fostering both personal transformation and communal harmony.

Diocese of UK, Europe & Africa

Our Diocese History

In 2009, the geographical boundaries were reorganized, resulting in the formation of the Diocese of UK-Europe and Africa. This diocese encompasses all parishes, congregations, and spiritual organizations of the Malankara Indian Orthodox Syrian Church located within Europe and Africa. It is one of the 30 dioceses of the Malankara Indian Orthodox Syrian Church, whose Holy See is at the Catholicate Palace (Devalokam Aramana) in Kottayam, Kerala, India.

Currently, the Diocese comprises 41 parishes across 10 countries in Europe and Africa, along with numerous congregations in various locations. The diocesan headquarters is based in Swindon, in southwest England (UK).

Since November 2022, Bishop Abraham Mar Stephanos has served as the Metropolitan of the Diocese of UK-Europe and Africa, succeeding Metropolitan HG Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios.

Metropolitan Stephanos, formerly Fr. Abraham Thomas, was born on 11 June 1969 to Late Mr. K. A. Thomas and Mrs. Annamma of Kadakkamannil House, Mylapra, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India. He is a member of St. George Orthodox Church (Valiyapalli), Mylapra, under the Diocese of Thumpamon. He completed his primary education at Seventh Day Adventist School, Pathanamthitta (1974-78), and Marthoma High School (1978-84), followed by Pre-Degree (1984-86) and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (1986-89) from Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.