About Us

UK, Europe & Africa Diocese

St George's Indian Orthodox Church, London

St George’s Indian Orthodox Church in London, part of the UK, Europe, and Africa Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in India, has been serving the London community since the 1970s. The church’s journey began when the Indian Orthodox community started holding Holy Eucharist services at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe Church near Blackfriars every Sunday, a tradition they have kept since 1978. The Indian Orthodox community has been fortunate to continue their service at this church since 1978.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the worship at St. Andrew-by-the-wardrobe Church was disrupted for a few months. However, with the help of the Church of England and others, a new place of worship was found at St. Margaret Pattens Church of England, Eastcheap. The Holy Eucharist continues at St Margaret Pattens since 27 March 2022.

It is with great pride that St George’s Indian Orthodox Church continues its tradition of service in the heart of London, welcoming new individuals and students to join its congregation every Sunday. The church’s commitment to the city and its people is a testament to its enduring legacy since the 1970s.

Indian Orthodox Church Starts Services at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe Church Near Blackfriars

Service at St Andrew by the Wardrobe

1970s till March 2022

St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe Church: A Historical Overview

St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe is a historic Anglican church located near Blackfriars in the City of London. The church’s unique name derives from its proximity to the King’s Wardrobe, a royal storage facility for garments and other goods used by the monarch and court.

Tragically, St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666. The church was later rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren, the renowned architect responsible for the reconstruction of many London churches following the Great Fire, including St. Paul’s Cathedral. Wren’s design for St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe is characteristic of his work, with classic architectural features and a sense of grandeur.

The Indian Orthodox Church, part of the UK, Europe, and Africa Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in India, began its services at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe Church near Blackfriars in the late 1970s. This marked a significant moment for the Indian Orthodox community in London and in the United Kingdom, allowing them to establish a regular place of worship in the heart of the city.

For decades, the Indian Orthodox community gathered at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe to celebrate the Holy Eucharist every Sunday. This tradition has contributed to the growth and establishment of the Indian Orthodox Church in London and the UK, providing a stable base for the community’s religious and cultural practices. Despite various challenges, the church’s commitment to serving the London community has remained steadfast.

During World War II, the church suffered significant damage from German bombing raids, resulting in extensive restoration work. Despite these challenges, St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe has remained a symbol of resilience and renewal. Its ability to recover from both historical and modern tragedies illustrates the enduring spirit of London. The church continues to serve as a place of worship and a community gathering point, providing a link between the past and the present. With its rich history and connections to notable figures like Shakespeare, St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe holds a special place in London’s religious and cultural landscape.

St. Margaret Pattens Church of England, Eastcheap

Service since March 2022

St. Margaret Pattens is situated near major landmarks and is accessible by public transportation, including the Monument and Fenchurch Street stations. Its location makes it a convenient and central meeting point for worship and events. The church has a history of welcoming various congregations and communities, reflecting its enduring role as a place of faith and fellowship in the City of London.

St. Margaret Pattens has served as a place of worship and community gathering for centuries, providing a peaceful refuge in the heart of the bustling city.

The Indian Orthodox Church, which had been holding services at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, a historic Anglican church located near Blackfriars in the City of London, moved its services to St. Margaret Pattens Church of England, Eastcheap, in March 2022. This transition was made possible with the assistance of the Church of England, helping the Indian Orthodox community in London find a new home.

St. Margaret Pattens Church of England, located at Rood Lane and Eastcheap in the City of London, is a significant historic church with a rich architectural heritage. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the church was completed in 1687 as part of the extensive rebuilding efforts following the Great Fire of London in 1666. St. Margaret Pattens is known for its slender spire, which is one of the few surviving spires designed by Wren in the City of London, reaching a height of 200 feet. The church’s name, “Pattens,” is believed to come from the makers of pattens, a type of wooden shoe, who had shops nearby in earlier times.

The church’s interior features classic 17th-century design elements, including intricate woodwork, high ceilings, and ornate details. It has retained much of its original charm, with beautiful stained glass windows and traditional pews.