The St Peter’s Mar Thoma Church East Area – UK is under the aegis of the Diocese of North America and Europe. From its small and rather humble beginnings, the Church has grown remarkably with new members joining regularly, who gather every Sunday to worship and praise the LORD!

Isaiah 56:7 (New King James Version) “Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

Our Parish Boundary: This is the only Mar Thoma Church that is geographically based in East London. The church is purposefully located within easy reach of places as East Ham, Leyton, Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Hackney, Bethnal Green, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Basildon, Ilford, Barking, Romford, Hornchurch, Colchester, Ipswich and many more areas in the eastern region of England.

 We are very much an inclusive church and this is reflected in our membership which is not only made up of Marthomites, but also includes families and individuals from our sister churches such as the CSI, CNI …etc. We strongly believe in being part of the wider community and aims to support many of the local activities.

Our Beginning: The formation of this Church was as a result of a few Marthomites who got together during October 2005, to discuss whether it was feasible to start a new church, geographically based and established within the wider community. It was felt that they could, even though many were nervous about this big step they were about to take into this uncertain area. Many more families joined the initial group in wanting a Mar Thoma Church nearer to where they and their family work, reside and attend school.

Luke 11:28 (New King James Version)
But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

The LORD was with them and the energy, fervour, and spiritual commitment of these families resulted in a meeting on 31st January 2006 with our Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos to discuss the possible formation of an East Area Church. Thirumeni was very positive towards the proposed idea, and he advised them on the way forward.

After further correspondence and discussions, Thirumeni issued a Kalpana formally establishing a Congregation in the East Area as of April 2006. We were also blessed that Rev. Benu John, who happened to be studying in England, was appointed by Thirumeni as our Vicar. On 2nd April 2006, we had our inaugural Holy Communion service, which was conducted by Benu Achen and witnessed by many, including friends from other Malayalee sister churches.

Parish Status: On 4th March 2007, the General Body unanimously authorised the management committee to request our Diocesan Bishop to establish us as a Parish. Again, a signed list of names was forwarded to our Diocesan Bishop.

Following the Episcopal Synod meeting in Thiruvalla on 25th April 2007, a Kalpana was sent by His Grace the Most Rev Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan establishing us as a Parish, effective as of 1st May 2007.