East Kent St. Peters and St. Pauls

St. Peter’s & St. Paul’s IOC East Kent is one of the newly formed congregations under the UK, Europe, and Africa Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India. Malankara Orthodox faithful living in the East Kent region (Maidstone, Chatham, Ashford, Rochester, Gillingham & Orpington) of the UK, were members of London, Hemel Hempstead, or Canterbury parishes. There were many new families relocating to this area and were finding it difficult to attend the Holy Liturgical services of our church and provide spiritual education, training, and experience to their children. So, a few members of our church, living in East Kent, felt that it was their mission to initiate a new Prayer Fellowship or Congregation in this area and provide opportunities for more people to attend our Malankara Orthodox Church Services.

The relocation of Rev. Fr. Joseph Elavunkal Mathew to Kent, brought a new energy to the faithful members of our church living in this area. On 2nd May 2022 a few of these members prayerfully came together & decided it was time to act and submitted a request to our beloved Diocesan Metropolitan H. G. Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios for permission to start a Prayer Fellowship in the East Kent area. On 3rd May 2022, Thirumeni granted his blessings and assigned Rev. Fr. Joseph Elavunkal Mathew to organise and lead the Prayer Fellowship in this area in the name of the Holy Apostles of Jesus Christ, St. Peter and St. Paul.

By God’s immense grace, our first Prayer Meeting was held on 28th May 2022 with the leadership of Rev. Fr. Joseph Elavunkal Mathew at All Saints Church, West Farleigh, Church Lane, Maidstone, ME15 0PD, which was attended by 40 people from 14 families. A Core Committee with 10 people was elected to help with the functioning of the prayer group and it was decided to continue our prayer meetings on the fourth Saturday of every month.

On 1st July 2022, the Core Committee prepared and submitted a feasibility report to our beloved Diocesan Metropolitan, H. G. Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios and requested his blessings to declare this Prayer Fellowship as a Congregation, allowing us to conduct Holy Liturgical service at least once a month, which would eventually grow into a parish of our Diocese. On the 18th of September 2022, the newly announced St. Peter’s & St. Paul’s Indian Orthodox Congregation, East Kent held its first Holy Eucharist & Inauguration at All Saints Church, West Farleigh, Church Lane, Maidstone, ME15 0PD. It was a momentous occasion for the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox faithful of Kent. Diocesan Metropolitan H.G Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios celebrated the Holy Qurbana. Very. Rev. Abraham George Chor-Episcopa & Dr. Sen Varghese Kallumpuram (Diocesan Association Member) were also present on the day.

Beloved Thirumeni gave permission to conduct regular church services every 1st and 3rd Sunday at the same location under the leadership of Vicar, Rev.Fr. Joseph E Mathew. The combination of natural beauty around the All Saints Church and the heavenly Malankara Orthodox worship, created an immersive experience for the 150 faithful who attended, including members from sister parishes. Our newly appointed Diocesan Metropolitan, H. G. Abraham Mar Stephanos was very pleased with the growth of the congregation & humbly gave his permission to conduct regular weekly services from 1st January 2023.

Currently the parish has services every 1st & 3rd Sundays and every 2nd & 4th Saturdays at All Saints Church, West Farleigh, Church Lane, Maidstone, ME15 0PD under the strong leadership of our Vicar, Rev. Fr. Joseph E Mathew. The church is growing with 40 member families & all spiritual organisations (Sunday School, MMVS, OCYM) are being conducted regularly. Parish members have high hopes for the future of this church and is continuing to work together, since its inception.