General Information
Mar Thoma church was founded in AD 52 by Saint Thomas (Mar Thoma), one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. Known by the name of the Apostle, Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar is one of the oldest denominations of Christianity. The Church defines itself as "Apostolic in origin, Universal in nature, Biblical in faith, Evangelical in principle, Ecumenical in outlook, Oriental in worship, Democratic in function, and Episcopal in character”.
The Marthoma Syrian church is a global church having its presence in every continent. The faithful community is nurtured and nourished through various organizations like Marthoma Evangelistic Association (1888), Marthoma Sunday School Samajam (1905), Marthoma Suvisesha Sevika Sangham (1919), Marthoma Voluntary Evangelists Association (1925), Marthoma Yuvajana Sakhyam (1933), Marthoma Students’ Conference (1910), and Department of Sacred Music and Communications (1969).
The Marthoma church is at present blessed by the able leadership of thirteen Bishops and is headed by Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Marthoma Metropolitan who is the 21st Malankara Metropolitan to occupy the Holy Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas. The Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Valiya Metropolitan, the pride of our church, is leading a blessed retired life.
Logo of Mar Thoma Church
The logo of the Mar Thoma Church consists of a shield emblazoned with four sacred symbols - A Cross, a Wheel (chakra), a Hand Lamp and a Lotus.
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The cross symbolizes the fact that Christ is at the center of the Church and its mission.
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In the heart of the cross is a wheel (Ashoka Chakra), the emblem of India, symbolizing life.
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The hand lamp reminds all believers to be the light of the world and act as a witness to give the light of salvation. It also seeks to remind to pay diligent attention to the study of the word of God.
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Lotus, the traditional Indian symbol of holy living, reminds believers to live holy despite the circumstances around them and exude the fragrance of God.
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The motto; “Lighted to Lighten” is written in English above the cross.
The role of the church is to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every believer and member of the Church here in their position, wherever they are, are given the light so that they can lighten others.