The history of the Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia is a history that is passed
from generation to generation about the continued journey of faithful
believers in Christ Jesus. As we look back on the transitional journey of the
Mar Thoma Church Philadelphia, its roots go way back to the early 1960’s.
During this time, a few Christians belonging to different denominations from
Kerala came to Philadelphia and its surroundings for higher studies.
This ecumenical group met often as prayer cells in homes and later on met
once a month at ‘Asbury Methodist Church at 3400 Chestnut Street’ and
‘Episcopal Church of the Saviour, 3723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA
19104’ from 1972 to 1975.
In 1976 August, Late Rt. Rev. Easow Mar Timotheos Episcopa visited the
worshipping community at Philadelphia, and with the encouragement of
Thirumeni, the ‘Mar Thoma Christian Congregation’ of Philadelphia was
formed.
On October 1st, 1976, a meeting of all Mar Thoma members was held at
Muhlenburg Lutheran Church, 13th & Ruscomb, Philadelphia, under the
leadership of Rev. K.S. Mathew. In that meeting, it is decided to have
Malayalam Holy communion service on 2nd Sundays and divine service on
4th Sundays.
Since then, we were worshipping at the following places:
1. Episcopal Church of the Savior, 3723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
2. Muhlenburg Lutheran Church, 13th &Ruscomb Street, Philadelphia
3. Messiah Lutheran Church, 4400 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia
In 1977 October, the Mar Thoma Christian Congregation prepared its bylaws,
which was approved by the then Missionary Bishop The Late Most Rt. Rev. Dr.
Philipose Mar Chrysostom with effect from November 1st, 1977.
Rev K S Mathew served as the first vicar.
In 1978, September the congregation was officially approved by the Mar
Thoma Church Synod.
In 1979 May, the Mar Thoma Christian Congregation of Philadelphia was
registered as a non – profit organization with the Commonwealth State of
Pennsylvania.
In 1983, the congregation was approved as a ‘Parish’ by the Mar Thoma
Church Synod
In 1985, our Parish was registered in the Commonwealth State of Pennsylvania as
‘Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia’ as a non – profit organization.
In 1987, Bethel Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia formed as a sister church of
our parish.
In 1987, a property at 6104 North 7th Street, Philadelphia was bought for
parish parsonage.
In 1989, Parish acquired its own place of worship at 2060 Orthodox Street,
Philadelphia under the leadership of The Vicar Late Rev M. C. George. This
church building was dedicated by then Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Philipose
Mar Chrysostom Episcopa on June, 9th 1990.
In 1997 Parish Parsonage was relocated and purchased the property at 9234
Darlington Road, Philadelphia, PA – 19115
In 1998, Ascension Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia formed as a sister church
of our parish.
In 2001, October, our Parish celebrated its Silver Jubilee.
In 2005, St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Delaware valley formed as a sister
church of our parish.
In 2010, December 28th we relocated our worship place by purchasing a
property located at 1085 Camp Hill Road, Fort Washington, PA 19034 under
the leadership of the Vicar Rev. Philip George.
In 2011 March 26th, this facility was dedicated as the place of worship for the
Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia by then Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr.
Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa who is our present The Most Rev. Dr.
Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitian.
The following priests have served the Mar Thoma Church Philadelphia as Vicars:
- Rev K. S Mathew ( 1976 – 1977)
- Rev Thomas P George ( 1977 – 1979)
- Late Rev M. V Benjamin ( 1979 – 1981)
- Late Rev K J Philip, Associate. Vicar ( 1979)
- Rev Abraham Thomas (1981 – 1984)
- Rev A. G. Mathew ( 1984 – 1987)
- Rev A. I. Isaac, Asst. Vicar ( 1986)
- Rev P. S. Daniel, Asst Viar ( 1987)
- Late Rev M. C. George ( 1987 – 1990)
- Rev Joseph Ayrookuzhy ( 1990 – 1993)
- Rev. M. P. Yohannan ( 1993 – 1997)
- Rev P. P. Thomas, Asst. Vicar ( 1994)
- Rev Joseph Chacko ( 1997 – 2001)
- Rev Sunny George ( 2001 – 2004)
- Rev T. P. Zachariah ( 2004 -2007)
- Late Rev C. P. Wilson ( 2007 – 2008)
- Rev Philip George ( 2008 – 2011)
- Rev P. A. Abraham ( 2011- 2014)
- Rev Reji Thomas ( 2014 – 2017)
- Rev Jinu Abraham ( 2017 – 2021)
- Rev Biju P. Simon ( 2021 – Present)
Let us thank and praise God for all the bishops, priests, executive committee members, lay leaders and parish members who provided necessary guidance and leadership to us in all these years. As members of the church, let us surrender ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that He may exalt us and use us for His glory in the years to come.
Happy 48th Birthday to our Mar Thoma Church Philadelphia Parish and May God continue to Bless Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia for many more years to come!