About Us

In 1944, the feasibility of establishing a Parish in the capital city of India. However, due to the sparsity of population, it was out of scope. This idea was revived in 1952, and formally  established on 19 December 1952, during the nineteenth centenary celebration of the arrival of St. Thomas in Kerala. Members of the parish continued to dream about having a place of worship of their own.

As a first step, The Delhi Orthodox Syrian Church Society was registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 in 1961, with the three-fold aim of establishing places of worship, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. Intensified efforts in 1964 helped us secure a plot of land from the Delhi Development Authority, on a priority basis, and the foundation stone of the church was laid by His Holiness Moran Ignatius Yacob III, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, on May 19, 1964, during His Holiness’ brief visit to the Capital city.

The construction work started on April 13. 1966, and it was completed in two years. i.e. was consecrated by His Grace Mathews Mar Athanasios, Metropolitan of the Diocese outside Kerala, on April 6 & 7, 1968. A generous timely donation of Rs. 50.000 from His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia helped us immensely, and in gratitude, the Parish hall has been named after the Emperor and His Majesty inaugurated it on April 30, 1968.

St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, the principal church at the headquarters of the Diocese, assumed the new name of St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Cathedral in 1979 and continued to function as the Diocesan headquarters. In 2011, the Cathedral was renovated and dedicated for worship on October 21, 2011 by H.H. Baselios Marthoma Paulose II. The parish hall was also renovated and re-dedicated on 24th May 2015, named as HAILE SELASSIE HALL.

Your Voice of Tomorrow

The “Voice of Tomorrow” a group of youngsters met yesterday after the Holy Qurbana, under the initiative of the Vicars. It was a fruitful and encouraging gathering, marking the first such meeting after a long interval. The meeting saw enthusiastic participation from nearly 90 youngsters, including professors, IT professionals, advocates, teachers and young people from various other fields. The participants shared their thoughts and deliberated on several important issues concerning the Church, the younger generation and the role of the Cathedral in the years ahead. The discussions highlighted the rich talents, resources and potential available within our young members, as well as the need to nurture these strengths towards a meaningful and purposeful direction. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of a God-centred life and the potential role of the Cathedral in providing spiritual guidance, fellowship, opportunities for service and a platform for young people to contribute meaningfully.

Teachers’ Day Celebrations

Teachers’ Day was celebrated today following the Holy Qurbana. On this special occasion, the teachers of the Cathedral were honoured with a token of appreciation and gratitude for their dedicated service. They also shared a memorable moment with the Vicars for a commemorative photograph.

Unit-Level Cultural Competitions

Unit-Level Cultural Competitions were conducted on Sunday, 30th August 2026.
Congratulations to all the winners, and special appreciation to our Sunday School Headmaster and teachers for their dedicated efforts.

Metropolitan Award 2025-26

Our OCYM unit was awarded the Metropolitan Award 2025-26 for Best Unit (Large Category) – Diocese of Delhi, and Adv. Ben Daniel Mathew was selected as the Best Secretary of the year.

Our  Shepherds

H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews III

Malankara Metropolitan & Ninth Catholicos of the East in Malankara

H.G. Dr. Youhanon Mar Demetrios

Metropolitan of Delhi Diocese

Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathews

Vicar

Rev. Fr. Ansal John

Asst. Vicar

Rev. Fr. Binu B Thomas

Asst. Vicar

Message of the Month

Dearly beloved in Triune God,

As the countdown officially begins for our 75th Jubilee Year, our hearts resonate with the ancient trumpet call of Leviticus 25:10: “Sanctify the year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Seventy-five years of shared worship, grace, and community stand as a powerful testament to God’s enduring faithfulness in our parish. This landmark celebration is far more than a simple milestone on a calendar; it is a sacred invitation to spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and vibrant fellowship.

Preparations for this grand anniversary are underway, and the call to serve extends to every single member of our parish family. In the eyes of the Lord, every vocation, age group, and background carries equal sacred dignity. Whether you are young or old, a student or a seasoned professional, a homemaker or retired, your presence is vital. You are an indispensable thread in the rich tapestry of our 75-year story. As Saint Paul reminds us, “The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary” (1 Corinthians 12:21–22).

Our church fathers beautifully echo this call for absolute unity across all walks of life. Emphasizing that every believer has an active role in the household of God, Saint John Chrysostom wrote in his Homilies on First Corinthians:

“The Church is not a theatre that we should listen only to speakers… we are one body, and the difference of offices does not break the unity of the harmony. Let us not then lie idle, but let everyone contribute his share.”

Likewise, Saint Augustine observed the quiet beauty of shared purpose in sacred labor:

“In necessary things unity, in doubtful things liberty, in all things charity. Work as if everything depends on you, but pray as if everything depends on God.”

As we shape the next chapter of our journey together, your unique voice, prayers, and hands are needed. Over the coming months, every ministry, youth group, and family will have dedicated opportunities to contribute to the festivities. Let us step forward with joyful spirits—uniting our varied talents, bridging generations, and preparing our sanctuary for this glorious Jubilee.

The countdown has officially started. Come, let us build, serve, and celebrate 75 years of grace as one body in Christ!

Fr. Ansal John

Asst. Vicar