Parish Story
From prayer fellowship to parish
The Cardiff parish grew from a prayer fellowship into an independent congregation in 2015 and was approved as Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Cardiff in 2021.
What began with prayer meetings and travel to Bristol developed steadily into regular worship, Sunday School, VBS, women's fellowship and parish life rooted in Wales.
From prayer meetings to regular worship
The first prayer meeting in Cardiff was held in September 2006 under the leadership of Rev Benu John. In the early years, members also travelled to Bristol for worship, while monthly prayer meetings gradually established a local rhythm of fellowship.
Sunday School began with a small number of children, and the first Mar Thoma worship service in Cardiff was held in March 2008 under Rev Dr Abraham Mathew. Over time, Sunday worship, VBS and more regular services took shape through the support of clergy and families.
Growth into parish life
On 1 April 2015, with the blessings of the diocesan bishops, Cardiff Mar Thoma Congregation was declared an independent congregation. The parish later received approval to be elevated as Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Cardiff with effect from 15 September 2021.
The history also reflects gratitude: to the mother parish in Bristol, to church hosts in Cardiff who supported worship, and above all to God for sustaining the congregation through its early years.