Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church: Faith, Heritage, and Mission

The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church (Malayalam: മലങ്കര മാർത്തോമ്മാ സിറിയൻ സഭ), also known simply as the Mar Thoma Church, is one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. Traditionally, it is believed that St. Thomas (Mar Thoma), the disciple of Jesus Christ, arrived in India in AD 52 and established the Church on the Malabar Coast (present-day Kerala, then Malankara).

Rooted in the Bible, the Church preserves its Oriental heritage, Episcopal leadership, and value-oriented democratic administration. It is recognized globally as a “bridge” church, promoting unity within the ecumenical Christian community.

Beliefs and Practices

• Faith in Jesus Christ, God incarnate and redeemer of humankind.
• Trinitarian belief, recognizing God revealed in the Holy Scripture.
• Holy Bible as the foundation of faith and doctrine, guided by the Nicene Creed.
• Promotion of spiritual growth through sacraments, ministry of the Word, and active laity participation.

Leadership and Global Presence

The Church is led by Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the 21st Malankara Metropolitan. Supported by 12 bishops and over 1,000 clergy, it serves approximately 1.6 million members worldwide across 13 dioceses, with headquarters at SCS Campus, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India.

Mission

• Preserve and teach the divine doctrines of Jesus Christ.
• Promote spiritual life through sacraments and the ministry of the Word.
• Spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.

The Mar Thoma Church continues its mission globally, uniting communities in faith, worship, and service.

Learn more about our heritage and mission at marthoma.in.