Our Parish

Indian Orthodox Church, London

Summary of Indian Orthodox Church Worship in London

Early Worship at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, Blackfriars (Since 1978)
- The Indian Orthodox (Malankara Orthodox Syrian) Church has held regular Sunday services at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, Blackfriars since 1978.
- It was the only regular place of worship for Indian Orthodox Christians in the UK at the time, with some worshippers traveling up to 120 miles to attend services.
- Sources:
Services at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe (2000–2002)
- The Holy Liturgy was conducted every Sunday at 9 AM during this period.
- Source: Indian Orthodox Church UK
Expansion to St. Peter’s Church Hall, Brockley (2005)
- In 2005, the parish expanded by acquiring St. Peter’s Church Hall, Brockley, allowing for additional services.
- Despite this, St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe remained a central place of worship.
- Source: IOC London
Two Worship Locations in London (2011)
- By 2011, the Indian Orthodox Church had two locations for worship in London:
  - Brockley (St. Peter’s Church Hall)
  - Blackfriars (St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe)
- Source: Brockley Central
Evolution into St. George’s Indian Orthodox Church
- With the growing presence of Indian Orthodox faithful in London, the congregation saw the need for further reorganization. In November 2022, the regular Sunday service conducted at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe Church was relocated to St. Margaret Pattens Church, Eastcheap, London, as St. George’s Indian Orthodox Church.
  This transition ensures that the Indian Orthodox community in Central London continues to have a dedicated place of worship, upholding its rich liturgical traditions and spiritual heritage.

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. Its distinctive name originates from its proximity to the King’s Wardrobe, a royal storage facility that housed garments and other essential goods for the monarch and the court.

Tragically, the church was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was later rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren, the famed architect behind the reconstruction of many London churches, including St. Paul’s Cathedral. Wren’s design for St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe reflects his signature architectural style, characterized by classical elements 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 near Blackfriars in the late 1970s. This milestone marked a significant moment for the Indian Orthodox community in London and the UK, providing them with a dedicated place of worship in the heart of the city.

For decades, the community gathered at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe every Sunday to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. This long-standing tradition played a vital role in the growth and establishment of the Indian Orthodox Church in London and across the UK, offering a spiritual and cultural foundation for its members.

Despite various challenges, the church has remained committed to serving the London community, ensuring the preservation of its religious and cultural heritage.

During World War II, St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe suffered significant damage from German bombing raids, necessitating extensive restoration work. Despite these challenges, the church has remained a symbol of resilience and renewal, standing as a testament to London’s enduring spirit.

Having overcome both historical and modern adversities, the church continues to serve as a place of worship and a community gathering point, bridging the past and 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 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. 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.

St. George’s Indian Orthodox Church, Central London, was affectionately known as the Blackfriars Orthodox Community among Orthodox believers in the UK. The history and growth of the Orthodox Church in the UK, Europe, and Africa have strong ties to this community, as the first regular Sunday service by the Indian Orthodox Church was conducted at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe in the 1970s.

Many members of the older generation, who played a key role in initiating these services, fondly remember the gatherings at Blackfriars. Until 2005, this remained the only regular Sunday service for the Indian Orthodox community in London. In 2005, the parish expanded by acquiring St. Peter’s Church Hall, Brockley, which allowed for additional services.

For decades, the Indian Orthodox community celebrated the Holy Eucharist every Sunday at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, a historic Anglican church located near Blackfriars in the City of London. However, in March 2022, the Church moved its services to St. Margaret Pattens Church of England, Eastcheap, with the support of the Church of England, helping the Indian Orthodox community in London find a new home.

Worshipping at

St. Margaret Pattens Church

Every Sunday at 08:30AM

A New Chapter for the Indian Orthodox Church

In November 2022, the Indian Orthodox Church, which had been holding services at St. Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe, transitioned its services to St. Margaret Pattens Church of England, Eastcheap. This move, facilitated by the Church of England, provided the Indian Orthodox community in London with a new and welcoming place of worship.

St. Margaret Pattens Church: A Historic Landmark

Located at Rood Lane and Eastcheap in the City of London, St. Margaret Pattens Church is a historic Anglican church designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Completed in 1687 as part of the post-Great Fire of London reconstruction, it is renowned for its slender 200-foot spire—one of the tallest among Wren’s churches.

The church’s interior reflects classic 17th-century craftsmanship, featuring high ceilings, intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and traditional pews, all preserving its historic charm and grandeur.