St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church in Newcastle was consecrated on May 26 and 27, 2024, in a grand ceremony led by His Holiness Moran Mor Baselios Mathews III, Supreme Head of the Indian Orthodox Church. His Holiness was on a three-week visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The event saw the presence of numerous distinguished guests, including Rev. Fr. Tom Courrier from the Roman Catholic Church, Very Rev. Lee Batson Dean of Newcastle from the Church of England, and Rev. Fr. Dimitri from the Russian Orthodox Church. Diocesan representatives, church officials, and former vicars extended their felicitations to the church.
Representatives from the Coptic Orthodox Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Eritrean Orthodox Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Romanian Orthodox Church, Jacobite Church, and the Catholic Church (Malayalam) were also present.
Vicars from UK-regional Orthodox further graced the consecration event.
During the ceremony, Vicar Rev. Fr. Tiji Thankachan welcomed the guests. Treasurer Mr. Biju Varghese received the church keys on behalf of the congregation, and Secretary Mr. Reji Thomas delivered the vote of thanks.
