History of the Diocese

UK, Europe & Africa Diocese

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

History of the Diocese of UK, Europe & Africa Diocese

The roots of the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Syrian Church in the UK, Europe, and Africa can be traced back to the 1930s. The first significant connection was established when Abu Alexios of the Bethany Monastery (later Bishop Alexios Mar Theodosius) visited the UK. This visit was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Prof. A. M. Varki of Alwaye, a member of the Mission of Fellowship to England and Ireland, sponsored by the National Christian Council of India (NCCI). With the support of individuals such as Dr. William Paton, Canon John Douglas, and others, an association called The Friends of the Syrian Church was formed. This organization aimed to support the ancient Malankara Church by providing opportunities for higher theological training. Abu Alexios was the first candidate chosen under this initiative, and he participated in the Jubilee celebrations of the Community of the Resurrection, Mirfield, fostering strong relationships with several religious communities in the UK.

In 1934, Rev. Fr. T. V. John of U.C. College, Alwaye, became the second priest to visit the UK under this scheme. During this time, Holy Qurbana in Malayalam was conducted at the King’s College Chapel, London. Over the years, several other clergy members also arrived in the UK under this program, strengthening the Church’s presence in the region.

A significant milestone in the early history of the diocese was the visit of H. H. Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese II, Catholicos of the East, in 1937. He was accompanied by Very Rev. Ramban C. M. Thomas (later Metropolitan Thoma Mar Dionysius) and Abu Alexios to participate in the Second Faith and Order Conference of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Edinburgh. After the conference, Ramban C. M. Thomas remained in Oxford for studies with the Cowley Fathers, where he also conducted Eucharistic services.

By the 1950s and 60s, the influx of Malayalee migrants into the UK laid the foundation for the growth of a Malayalee Christian community. However, church services were still conducted only occasionally by visiting priests and prelates.

Notable clergy members who visited the UK for higher studies and other ecclesiastical purposes included:

  • Metropolitan Mathews Mar Coorilos (later Catholicos H. H. Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II)
  • Rev. Fr. Dr. K. Philipose (later Metropolitan Philipose Mar Theophilus)
  • Rev. Fr. Dr. C. T. Eapen
  • Rev. Fr. P. S. Samuel
  • Rev. Fr. P. V. Joseph (later Metropolitan Joseph Mar Pachomios)
  • Rev. Fr. Yuhannon (later Metropolitan Yuhannon Mar Athanasius)

This period marked the gradual establishment of the Malankara Orthodox presence in the UK, setting the stage for further growth and organization in the following decades.

Fr. Philipose (later Metropolitan Philipose Mar Theophilus) made several visits to the UK, ministering to the faithful during his trips to Europe in connection with various World Council of Churches (WCC) programs. Another key figure who rendered invaluable service to the Orthodox community was Rev. Dn. K. G. George (later Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Ivanios), who spent several years residing with the Cowley Fathers in Oxford.

During this period, Eucharistic services were conducted at the Indian YMCA Chapel, Fitzroy Square, London. These services were generally ecumenical, accommodating the broader Malayalee Christian community. Over time, the frequency of these services gradually increased.

In the early 1970s, Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Osthathios, during one of his pastoral visits, initiated the formation of the St. Gregorios Prayer Fellowship. This fellowship later evolved into regular Orthodox services at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Wardrobe Church in Blackfriars, London.

However, as more Malayalee migrants arrived in the UK, denominational differences became more pronounced. By 1974, the Orthodox Syrian Church and the Mar Thoma Church formed separate congregations, leading to independent worship services for each community.

The Orthodox congregation that initially worshipped at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Wardrobe Church in Blackfriars continues its legacy today as St. George’s Indian Orthodox Church. The parish now conducts services at St. Margaret Pattens Church, Rood Lane, Eastcheap, London, EC3M 1HS, maintaining the deep-rooted presence of the Indian Orthodox Church in central London.

A significant milestone in the history of the diaspora Orthodox community occurred in 1976, when the Church outside Kerala was reorganized. As part of this restructuring, the European region was placed under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Bombay, led by Metropolitan Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios.

During one of his visits to London, Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios formally declared the London congregation as St. Gregorios Orthodox Parish, with services being held at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Wardrobe Church in Blackfriars, London.

In the 1979 diocesan reorganization, the European parishes were transferred to the Diocese of Delhi, benefiting from the pastoral guidance of Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios, a distinguished scholar who frequently visited the UK.

Further restructuring took place in 1993, leading to the formation of a new diocese—Canada, UK, and Europe—under the leadership of Metropolitan Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios. This marked another crucial step in the growth and consolidation of the Malankara Orthodox Church in Europe.

The Orthodox congregation that began its services at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Wardrobe Church in Blackfriars continues its legacy today as St. George’s Indian Orthodox Church. The parish now conducts services at St. Margaret Pattens Church, Rood Lane, Eastcheap, London, EC3M 1HS, ensuring the ongoing presence of the Indian Orthodox community in Central London.

In 2009, the Holy Episcopal Synod decided to bifurcate the region once again, leading to the formation of the present Diocese of UK-Europe and Africa. The newly consecrated Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios was appointed as the first Diocesan Metropolitan, overseeing a vast jurisdiction spanning two continents, from the western tip of the UK mainland to the southern tip of Africa.

Under the Episcopal guidance of H.G. Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios, a distinguished multilingual scholar and expert in the Old Testament, the diocese experienced significant growth during its formative years.

In November 2022, H.G. Abraham Mar Stephanos assumed charge as the Metropolitan of the Diocese of UK-Europe and Africa.

The diocese currently comprises 57 parishes and congregations across 10 countries in Europe and Africa.