Our History & Heritage
An ancient faith.
A growing church family.
From the Christian traditions of Kerala to our parish home in North London, our story is one of faith carried across generations, fellowship across cultures and service rooted in the love of Christ.
Our journey through the years
Sinai Mar Thoma Church is part of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, also known as the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. Our heritage brings together the St. Thomas Christian tradition, Eastern worship and the renewal of the nineteenth-century Reformation.
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AD 52 · Traditional origins
Roots in the ministry of St. Thomas
The Mar Thoma Church traces its spiritual heritage to St. Thomas the Apostle, who is traditionally believed to have brought the Gospel to India in AD 52. This heritage continues to shape our identity as a community of worship, witness and service.
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19th century · Renewal
A tradition renewed through Scripture
A movement of reform within the ancient Syrian Church in Kerala, led by Abraham Malpan and Kaithayil Geevarghese Malpan, helped shape the Mar Thoma Church. This renewal emphasised Scripture while retaining the Church’s Eastern liturgical heritage and episcopal tradition.
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1957 · United Kingdom
Faith finds a new home
The Mar Thoma community in the United Kingdom began gathering for prayer and fellowship in 1957. These early gatherings laid the foundation for a growing network of church families, prayer groups and parishes.
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· Parish established
The beginning of Sinai Mar Thoma Church
Sinai Mar Thoma Church, North London, was established with 34 families, becoming the eighth Mar Thoma parish in the United Kingdom. This marked the beginning of a shared journey in worship, fellowship and service.
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· Dedication
Dedicated to God’s service
The parish was formally dedicated by His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan. With thanksgiving to God, the congregation began its life together as a new parish.
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Our continuing story
Growing together in North London
Our parish belongs to the UK, Europe and Africa Diocese and worships at All Saints’ Church, Harrow Weald. Through parish ministries, prayer groups and fellowship, we continue to nurture faith, welcome newcomers and serve one another.
The heritage we carry forward
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Rooted in worship
Our worship reflects the richness of the Eastern Christian tradition and the St. James liturgy. Scripture, prayer and sacramental life remain central to our journey of faith.
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United in fellowship
Clergy and lay members share in the life and ministry of the Church. Across generations, our church family offers opportunities to belong, contribute and grow as disciples of Christ.
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Connected in community
We value our partnership with All Saints’ Church and the wider Anglican community. Our heritage encourages us to build friendships across cultures and work together in Christian service.