Sojourners
in Faith.

Roots: Faith Carried to the City

In the early decades of the 20th century, many Syrian Christians, among them members of the Mar Thoma Church, left Kerala for Mumbai in pursuit of higher education and livelihood. Far from home, they held on to their faith. Protestant believers gathered for common Malayalam worship on Sundays at St. Mary's Anglican Church, Parel.

A turning point came in 1940, when the Mar Thoma members resolved to form their own congregation. The late Very Rev. P. J. Thomas of Ankola Ashram celebrated the first Holy Communion in Mumbai according to the Mar Thoma liturgy at St. Mary's CNI Church, Parel. The late Rev. K. T. Thomas of Sihora Ashram also ministered to the community with frequent services.

The congregation moved to the Holy Redeemer CNI Church, Dadar, in 1942. In August 1943, the late Rev. P. John Varghese (Palaghat Achen) was appointed its first resident Vicar in Bombay. The community then grew steadily. A second Mar Thoma church was formed at Kalyan in 1951, and a worship centre was established at Santacruz in 1960 for the western suburbs. Parishes followed across Mumbai and its suburbs.

The Seed of a New Parish

Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Borivali, was established on 1 January 1983, with a membership stretching from Kandivali to Bhayandar. Distance and travel made worship difficult for the prayer groups of Mira Road and Bhayandar, so they began organising chapel services in their own neighbourhoods. Soon they felt the need for a worship place close to where they lived.

Gradually, 113 families from Bhayandar, Mira Road (North) and Mira Road (South) came together. Under the guidance of Rev. Thomas Paul, Vicar of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Borivali, they approached the Diocesan Episcopa, Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas, with their request.

Birth of the Parish: 2002

In November 2002, the parish was born as St. John's Mar Thoma Syrian Church. On 9 November 2002, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa formally inaugurated it by celebrating Holy Qurbana. Rev. Viju Varghese, Assistant Vicar of Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Borivali, was appointed its first Vicar.

The young parish had no building of its own, and worship was held in various rented venues. Even so, the life of the church flourished, with Edavaka Mission, Youth Meetings, Sunday School, VBS and Sevika Sanghom all growing steadily.

A Dream Takes Shape: A Church of Our Own

Holding every activity in rented spaces became increasingly inconvenient, and the longing for a permanent home grew in every heart. A Project Committee was formed under Convenor Mr. Issac J. Cottadiyil, with the guidance and leadership of Vicar Rev. Benchamen George. Their farsighted search for a suitable site was matched by the sincere efforts and generous giving of the whole congregation.

December 2005: the present plot was purchased

April 2006: the foundation stone was laid

6 December 2008: the church, parish hall and parsonage were dedicated to the service of the Lord by Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa, Mumbai Diocese

A Living, Serving Community

Today the parish is a vibrant spiritual family. Alongside regular worship, it sustains the Edavaka Mission, Sevika Sangham, Sunday School, Yuvajana Sakhyam, Parish Choir, Senior Citizens' Fellowship, Senior Youth Forum and Vikasana Sangam, each nurturing a different stage and expression of faith.

The parish's witness reaches beyond the city as well. It has adopted a village mission project at Khalapur in Raigad District, about 150 km from Mira-Bhayandar, extending its love and service to those in need.