Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto

Overview

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, is a nonprofit organization within the larger Mar Thoma Church diaspora. It serves as a spiritual home for members of the Mar Thoma community in Canada. The church's history in Canada dates back to the 1970s, reflecting the growth of Mar Thoma communities in the country.

History

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church's beginnings were marked by the commencement of Mar Thoma Syrian liturgical worship in Canada in September 1972. This initial step was facilitated by the late Metropolitan, the Most Reverend Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma, who permitted Holy Communion services to start at the Trinity College Chapel of the University of Toronto. These services were led by the late Reverend Abraham Lincoln[1][2].

In May 1978, the congregation achieved formal status, and by May 14, 1979, it was officially recognized as a registered church in Canada, known as "The Canadian Mar Thoma Church Toronto"[1].

Leadership and Activities

The church operates under the leadership of its executive committee, which includes positions such as President and Vicar, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Lay Ministrants for both Malayalam and English services[2].

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, engages in various community activities, including the Annual Parish Picnic and the Parish Harvest Festival. Notably, the church commemorated the 51st anniversary of the first Malayalam Qurbana in Canada, highlighting its deep-rooted connection to its heritage[2].

Structure and Similar Organizations

While the Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, is the primary entity discussed here, there are other Mar Thoma parishes in the Greater Toronto Area, such as St. Mathew's Mar Thoma Church, established in 2001 to serve Mar Thoma families in western Toronto and beyond[3][4]. The Mar Thoma Church is distinct in its blend of oriental worship practices and autonomous administration, serving as a bridge between Eastern and Western ecclesiastical traditions[4].

Mission and Worship

The Mar Thoma Church emphasizes mission work and evangelism while maintaining traditional worship practices. Services are conducted in both Malayalam, reflecting the community's cultural heritage, and English, to accommodate a broader audience[4]. This approach helps foster a sense of community among its diverse membership.

Registration and Nonprofit Status

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, is registered as a nonprofit organization with a Business Registration Number. This status underscores its commitment to serving the community without profit motive.

Conclusion

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, represents a vital part of the global Mar Thoma Church, offering spiritual leadership and community support to its members in Canada. Its history, leadership, and activities all contribute to aassistant

Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto

Overview

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, is a nonprofit organization within the larger Mar Thoma Church diaspora. It serves as a spiritual home for members of the Mar Thoma community in Canada. The church's history in Canada dates back to the 1970s, reflecting the growth of Mar Thoma communities in the country.

History

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church's beginnings were marked by the commencement of Mar Thoma Syrian liturgical worship in Canada in September 1972. This initial step was facilitated by the late Metropolitan, the Most Reverend Dr. Juhanon Mar Thoma, who permitted Holy Communion services to start at the Trinity College Chapel of the University of Toronto. These services were led by the late Reverend Abraham Lincoln[1][2].

In May 1978, the congregation achieved formal status, and by May 14, 1979, it was officially recognized as a registered church in Canada, known as "The Canadian Mar Thoma Church Toronto"[1].

Leadership and Activities

The church operates under the leadership of its executive committee, which includes positions such as President and Vicar, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Lay Ministrants for both Malayalam and English services[2].

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, engages in various community activities, including the Annual Parish Picnic and the Parish Harvest Festival. Notably, the church commemorated the 51st anniversary of the first Malayalam Qurbana in Canada, highlighting its deep-rooted connection to its heritage[2].

Structure and Similar Organizations

While the Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, is the primary entity discussed here, there are other Mar Thoma parishes in the Greater Toronto Area, such as St. Mathew's Mar Thoma Church, established in 2001 to serve Mar Thoma families in western Toronto and beyond[3][4]. The Mar Thoma Church is distinct in its blend of oriental worship practices and autonomous administration, serving as a bridge between Eastern and Western ecclesiastical traditions[4].

Mission and Worship

The Mar Thoma Church emphasizes mission work and evangelism while maintaining traditional worship practices. Services are conducted in both Malayalam, reflecting the community's cultural heritage, and English, to accommodate a broader audience[4]. This approach helps foster a sense of community among its diverse membership.

Registration and Nonprofit Status

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, is registered as a nonprofit organization with a Business Registration Number of 118833904RR0001. This status underscores its commitment to serving the community without profit motive.

Conclusion

The Canadian Mar Thoma Church, Toronto, represents a vital part of the global Mar Thoma Church, offering spiritual leadership and community support to its members in Canada. Its history, leadership, and activities all contribute to a thriving community that has grown significantly since its inception.

[1] https://canadianmarthomachurch.com/index.php/about-the-mar-thoma-church/ [2] https://canadianmarthomachurch.com [3] https://marthomachurch.ca/about-us/parish-history/ [4] https://marthomachurch.ca/about-us/ [5] https://www.cmtfc.ca