Our Diocese
The Diocese of UK-Europe and Africa is part of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, also known as the Indian Orthodox Church is one of the family of Oriental Orthodox Churches. Our Church traces its roots to the ancient Christian tradition founded by St. Thomas the Apostle in India in A.D. 52. This rich apostolic heritage has been preserved through two millennia of unbroken faith and tradition, making us one of the most ancient Christian communities in the world. The headquarters of the Indian Orthodox Church is located in Kottayam, Kerala, South India.
In the global Christian community, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is a founding member of the World Council of Churches and actively participates in ecumenical dialogue. Our theologians have made significant contributions to theological scholarship, fostering understanding and unity between the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches and promoting the cause of Christian unity worldwide.
The Diocesan Headquarters is based in London, England. We are blessed with seventy-two parishes and congregations spread across the United Kingdom, Ireland, mainland Europe, South Africa, and Nigeria. The Diocese is registered with the UK Charity Commission (Registration Number 1139302) and serves as the umbrella organisation for all parishes and congregations of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Europe and Africa. At present, approximately 3,250 families are part of the Diocese, with nine new parishes and congregations established during 2024–2025. There are eleven church-owned places of worship, including nine in the UK, one in Ireland, and one in South Africa. Under the spiritual guidance of our Diocesan Metropolitan, His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos, the Diocese is served by forty-nine priests and four deacons.
Our Orthodox witness is founded on 2,000 years of sacred tradition, bearing testimony to the Kingdom of God and affirming that all humanity is called to unity in this divine purpose. The faithful, as individuals and as a community, participate in the growth of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, in accordance with the Apostolic and ancient traditions of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and under the authority of the Holy Episcopal Synod.
The Diocese sustains this sacred witness by nurturing the spiritual life of Orthodox faithful who have migrated — and continue to migrate — into our fold. We offer accessible pastoral care, vibrant liturgical life, and faithful adherence to the Apostolic tradition. A strong emphasis is placed on guiding the younger generation to live their Orthodox faith while navigating life in a multicultural and multifaith society. We also strive to preserve the language, liturgical heritage, and cultural identity entrusted to us by our forebears.
In the spirit of Christian love and hospitality, the Diocese seeks to build relationships of mutual respect and cooperation with all sections of society through dialogue, service, and outreach. We continue our pilgrimage with steadfast faith, seeking growth and renewal in spiritual, theological, and ecumenical spheres, always upholding the sanctity of sacramental family life as the heart of our Christian witness.
Parishes and Congregations
- United Kingdom – 48
- Ireland – 11
- Europe – 11
- Africa – 2
Diocesan Office
St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Cathedral, Brockley, London SE4 1UF
📞 +44 179 3297 591
✉️ office@indianorthodoxuk.org
Diocesan Secretary
Rev. Fr. Varghese T. Mathew
✉️ diocesansecretary@indianorthodoxuk.org
Public Relations Officer and Personal Secretary to Metropolitan
Mr. Saji Varghese
✉️ office@indianorthodoxuk.org