WINDSOR MAR THOMA CHURCH
(WMTC)

Windsor Mar Thoma Church, established on August 13, 2023, through the dedicated initiative of Rev. Sunil Chacko, then vicar of St. Matthews Mar Thoma Church in Toronto, alongside a group of Mar Thomites residing in Windsor. Prior to our formation, local Marthomites traveled to Detroit Mar Thoma Church in Michigan for worship. We proudly achieved official congregation status on January 1, 2024, with the endorsement of the North American Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa. Our first General Body meeting, held on January 20, 2024, facilitated the election of our Executive Committee, further affirmed by the new Episcopa of the North American Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos. We are grateful to have Rev. Jeswin Simon John serving as our official vicar, guiding our community as we grow in faith and fellowship.

The Mar Thoma Church, also known as the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, is a Christian denomination with its roots in the ancient Malankara Church of India. The primary focus and purpose of the Mar Thoma Church can be summarized as follows:

Christian Faith and Worship: The Mar Thoma Church is a Christian denomination that follows the tenets of Christianity, emphasizing the worship of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The church places importance on the Bible as the authoritative source of Christian faith and practice.
Episcopal Tradition: The Mar Thoma Church follows an episcopal polity, which means it is governed by bishops. The church has its own episcopal hierarchy, and the Metropolitan, often known as the Mar Thoma Metropolitan, serves as the spiritual head of the church.
Spiritual Growth and Discipleship: Like many Christian denominations, the Mar Thoma Church is committed to fostering the spiritual growth of its members. This involves providing religious education, conducting worship services, and offering various programs to help individuals deepen their faith and understanding of Christian teachings.
Mission and Outreach: The Mar Thoma Church is involved in various mission and outreach activities, both within India and globally. This may include humanitarian work, educational initiatives, and evangelistic efforts aimed at spreading the Christian message.
Social Engagement: The church is often engaged in social issues and works towards the betterment of society. This can include efforts related to education, healthcare, and other forms of social welfare.
Preservation of Heritage: The Mar Thoma Church has a rich historical and cultural heritage. It seeks to preserve and promote its unique traditions, liturgy, and customs while adapting to the changing needs of its members.

It's important to note that while the Mar Thoma Church shares common Christian beliefs with other denominations, it also has its distinct identity shaped by its historical development and the specific context of the Malankara region in India.

ABOUT MAR THOMA CHURCH

History Of Mar Thoma Church...

The Mar Thoma Church has its origins in the ancient Malankara Church of India, which traces its roots back to the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century. Over the centuries, the Malankara Church had connections with various Christian traditions, including the East Syrian (Nestorian) Church.

The formation of the Mar Thoma Church as a distinct entity can be traced to events in the 19th century, particularly the influence of the British East India Company and the arrival of missionaries from the Church Missionary Society (CMS). The following key events led to the emergence of the Mar Thoma Church:

Synod of Diamper (AD 1599): The Synod of Diamper, also known as the Udayamperoor Synod, was a historic assembly convened by the Roman Catholic Church in Kerala, India. It aimed to bring the Malankara Church under the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. The synod introduced Latinization in the liturgy and practices of the Malankara Church. However, not all members of the Malankara Church accepted these changes.
Reforms by Abraham Malpan (19th century): A pivotal figure in the history of the Mar Thoma Church is Abraham Malpan, a priest in the Malankara Church. He emphasized the need for reforms in the church, advocating a return to the ancient traditions and resisting the influence of the Synod of Diamper. His efforts contributed to a movement of spiritual renewal within the Malankara Church.
Palakkunnathu Thomas Athanasius and the Mar Thoma Church: Palakkunnathu Thomas Athanasius, a bishop of the Malankara Church, played a crucial role in the formation of the Mar Thoma Church. In 1836, he consecrated himself as a Metropolitan with the title "Mar Thoma." This act marked the beginning of the independent identity of the Mar Thoma Church.
CMS Missionaries: The Church Missionary Society (CMS) missionaries, including Benjamin Bailey and Henry Baker, were active in Kerala during this period. They supported the reforms advocated by leaders like Abraham Malpan and played a role in the establishment of the Mar Thoma Church.
Mar Thoma Church Synod (1876): The Mar Thoma Church formally organized itself through the Mulanthuruthy Synod in 1876. At this synod, the church adopted a constitution and affirmed its commitment to reformed traditions. The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, commonly known as the Mar Thoma Church, was officially formed, separate from the other factions within the Malankara Church.

The Mar Thoma Church has since continued to develop its distinct identity, maintaining its Episcopal structure, liturgical practices, and commitment to the Christian faith, while also engaging in social and missionary activities.

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