Bishops, former vicars and dignitaries, both local and from around the world, will take part in the online meeting
The St John’s Mar Thoma Church in Cambridge Road in Hounslow will be celebrating their 25th anniversary with a special thanksgiving service on Sunday, March 7, 2021.
The Christian community from the southern Indian state of Kerala began worshipping at the former parish hall of the St Paul’s Church in 1996 and has since played an integral role in the life of the faith community.
“The thanksgiving service and the web-based meeting that follows will be a joyous occasion for past and present members to look back and discover how their church came into being and how it has changed over the years,” said Rev. Binu John Varghese, vicar of St John’s.
Bishops, former vicars and dignitaries, both local and from around the world, will take part in the online meeting and the main message will be given by the newly installed head of the church in Kerala Most Rev. Dr Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan. Also taking part will be the present diocesan bishop for North America and Europe Rt Rev. Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos and former diocesan bishop Rt Rev. Dr Euyakim Mar Coorilos.
Former Church of England bishop Rt Rev. George Cassidy, Seema Malhotra MP and Daya Bai, a renowned social activist based in North India, will also take part in the anniversary meeting.
The St John’s Mar Thoma Church has played a significant role in supporting charities in the UK and in India, a sincere commitment to humanitarian causes, a major participant in the Olive Branch charity for the homeless based on Hounslow High Street and a dedicated participant in the local prison ministry.
A silver jubilee committee under the leadership of the vicar has been working with Mr Abraham K Thomas and Mr Shabu Varughese as convenors, keeping in mind the current Covid-19 pandemic situation.