About Our Faith
The faith of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church is centered on Jesus Christ, grounded in the Bible, rooted in the ancient apostolic tradition of St. Thomas Christians, and shaped by Reformed Christian teachings emphasizing worship, prayer, service, and sharing Christ’s love with the world.
Christ-Centered Faith
Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, grounded in the Bible as the ultimate authority for faith and life.
Apostolic Tradition with Reformed Theology
The church preserves the historic Syriac Christian heritage of St. Thomas Christians while embracing Reformation principles emphasizing grace, scripture, and personal faith.
Worship, Service, and Mission
Faith is lived out through worship, evangelism, compassion, social justice, and serving society in the spirit of Christ.
Upcoming Events
Parish Calendar
Sunday Message
This Week's Bulletin
2026 Mar Thoma Festival
Mar Thoma Fest is less than 3 weeks away and is scheduled for Saturday, August 22nd. Marthomafest for years has been a time of fellowship with one another, using the various God-given talents of our church to serve each other in addition to developing God-given talents to showcase to our church community. There have also been opportunities to learn and grow when working along other brothers and sisters in Christ. Please mark your calendars and adjust your schedules accordingly. Marthofest is a best experience when all of us work together for a greater purpose
Dance and Cultural Show:
Please sign up for group dances in the links that have been circulating around. Those interested in joining for fashion show, singing and any other programs, Please share your name with Evangeline (Anju) and Jaya.
We are excited to announce a Church-wide Skit for our upcoming Mar Thoma Fest!
There are a variety of roles available, and everyone is encouraged to participate- whether you’re a child, youth or adult. It’s a wonderful opportunity to serve, have fun, and showcase our talents together. If you’re interested in participating, please sign up by contacting Evangeline John.
2026 Mar Thoma Festival Tournaments
Get ready for an exciting week of fellowship, fun, and friendly competition at our 2026 Mar Thoma Festival Tournaments! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just enjoy playing, we encourage everyone to participate and cheer one another on.
Tournament Schedule
🎾 Aug 11–14: Pickleball (5:30 – 9 pm)
- Men’s Singles (partner random selection – Aug 9, after Service)
- Men’s Doubles
- Mixed Doubles
🏓 Aug 17: Table Tennis
- Singles
- Doubles
🏐 Aug 21: Volleyball
🏀 Aug 22: Basketball
Registration Deadlines
📅 Aug 8: Pickleball & Table Tennis
📅 Aug 14: Volleyball & Basketball
Simply scan the QR code on the tournament flyer to register. Or click here.
Let’s come together as a church family to build friendships, encourage one another, and celebrate the gifts God has given us through sports and fellowship.
“Join. Compete. Encourage. Celebrate Together!”
We look forward to seeing you on the courts and the court! God bless!
22nd Diocesan Sevika Sanghom Conference
The 22nd Diocesan Sevika Sanghom Conference of the Diocese of North America will be held October 1–4, 2026, at Valley Forge Resort in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and will be hosted by Christos Mar Thoma Church, Philadelphia.
Theme: “Women: Rooted in Christ and Routed for Mission”
Early registration ends on July 31. Registrations received after this date will be subject to an additional $25 late registration fee.
If you are interested in attending and need assistance with registration or have any questions, please contact the Sevika Sanghom Secretary, Mrs. Annie Varghese.
2027 Family Conference
Many of you are familiar with the Regional Assembly Council (RAC), which was introduced several years ago. However, the Midwest RAC was officially constituted last year, bringing together all Mar Thoma parishes and congregations in the Midwest region. Members of the RAC include office bearers of parish, Mandalam and Assembly members, and Diocesan Council members from the region, with our Diocesan Episcopa serving as its President.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of serving as the RAC Treasurer. During this time, we have worked to formalize the bylaws and complete the registration of the organization with the State of Illinois, and I am happy to share that this process has now been completed.
As mentioned in the letter that was read, the Midwest RAC will be hosting the 2027 Family Conference, and our parish is playing a significant role in its planning and organization. We are blessed to have several members of our parish serving in key leadership positions:
- Jobin Achen – Chairperson for multiple planning committees
- Mr. Alan John – Co-Convenor of the Conference
- Mr. Boben George – Co-Convenor, Souvenir Committee
- Ms. Evangeline John – Convenor, Children and Youth Program
- Myself – Conference Treasurer
We humbly request the prayers and support of our parish family for this important event. We hope to leave our parish’s signature on the way this conference is planned and conducted, making it spiritually enriching, family-friendly, accessible, and truly worthwhile for everyone who attends.
Please mark your calendars for July 1–4, 2027, and begin planning now. We hope to see a strong participation from our parish as we gather with Mar Thomites from across North America in the Chicago area for this special conference.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
— Matthew 18:20
