Bristol St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church

The historical journey of the birth of St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Bristol (SMIOC Bristol) begins by the dawn of the 21st century wherein the early years of the millennium saw the migration of Malankara Orthodox Christians into the United Kingdom from countries such as the Middle East, India, and other parts of the world.

In August 2002, a small flock of worshippers start to conduct family gatherings for prayer meetings in the homes of those in Bristol. In October 2002, for the first time, Fr. Abraham Thomas the then Vicar of St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, London conducted evening prayers and Holy Communion in Bristol. This initiative is pivotal to the history of the commencement of our very own regular evening prayers and Holy Communion service in Bristol.

In April 2003, SMIOC Bristol observed the first holy week. The prayers were performed by Fr. Abraham George in a rented hall. In August 2003 the Late Lamented His Grace Dr Thomas Mar Makarios Metropolitan of the then Diocese of North America and UK, Europe, and Canada made his maiden visit and proclaimed the congregation in Bristol as a parish of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in the presence of Fr. Abraham Thomas and Fr. Varghese Mathew. His Grace also appointed Rev. Fr Varghese Mathew as the first Vicar of the church.

The services were held initially on every second and fourth Saturday at St Vincent De-Paul Catholic Church until the acquirement of the current church property in 2013. On the 6th and 7th September 2013, the parish was consecrated by the Supreme Head of the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Syrian Church, His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II, Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan assisted by Late Lamented His Grace Thomas Mar Athanasios Metropolitan, Diocese of Chengannur and our diocese bishop, His Grace Dr Mathews Mar Thimothios Metropolitan, Diocese of the UK, Europe & Africa.

All spiritual organizations such as Sunday School, MGOCSM (Youth Movement), MOMS and Prayer Group are actively functioning in the parish.