St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral

Hauz Khas, New Delhi

Prayer Timings

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.

Major Spiritual Events

Events in February 2025

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2 March, 2025

Our Shepherds

Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathews

Vicar

Rev. Fr. Ansal John

Asst. Vicar

Spiritual Organizations

SUNDAY SCHOOL

MGOCSM

YOUTH LEAGUE

DIASPORA

MMVS

PRAYER GROUPS

Message of the Month

Dearly Beloved,
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be
the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” — 2 Peter 3:18

Each new day brings fresh hope and a renewed desire to grow closer to God. The Christian life is not static but a continuous journey of spiritual development. Just as we pursue growth in various areas of life, our spiritual growth should also be a lifelong pursuit. As we step into the new year, this verse offers timeless wisdom that encourages us toward maturity in Christ.

The beginning of a new year often invites reflection and renewal, with many people setting resolutions for personal improvement. As Christians, however, we are called to prioritize spiritual growth above all else. This is our primary goal— to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

To “grow in grace” means to increasingly recognize and embrace God’s unmerited favor. Grace is foundational to the Christian faith, and as we grow in it, we develop a deeper appreciation for God’s mercy. This recognition not only transforms our relationship with Him but also compels us to extend that same grace to others. Peter’s call to “grow” is an active one. It is not passive. Just as we set intentional goals for physical or career growth, we should likewise set goals for our spiritual development.

One of the most powerful examples of growth in the Bible is the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt. The Exodus was not merely a physical escape but a profound spiritual journey. As they traveled through the wilderness, the Israelites were called to grow in faith, obedience, and trust in God. Though they faced doubt, fear, and rebellion, God remained faithful, providing for them with manna, water from rocks, and protection from enemies.

As we enter the new year, we may feel that we are embarking on a similar journey of growth. Like the Israelites, we may encounter struggles, doubts, and challenges, but the call to grow in grace and knowledge remains. Their journey reminds us that spiritual growth often comes through perseverance, obedience, and trust in God’s promises, even in difficult times. Just as they looked forward to the Promised Land, we too are to look forward to the spiritual transformation that Christ offers us.

In the coming year, we are invited to deepen our understanding of Christ. This knowledge is not just intellectual but relational and experiential. It is cultivated through prayer, worship, Bible reading, and walking in the Spirit. The more we know Christ, the more we are transformed to reflect His character in our own lives.

Ezra 7:10 provides a powerful model for spiritual growth. It describes Ezra’s commitment to study the Law of God, live according to it, and teach it to others. These three actions—study, obedience, and teaching—are key to spiritual growth. Just as Ezra’s mission impacted Israel, we too are called to embody these same principles in our lives. We study God’s Word to deepen our understanding, we live according to it to demonstrate His truth, and we teach others to help them grow as well.

The new year is a time when many make resolutions for physical, financial, or personal growth. However, for Christians, this is also a sacred opportunity to reflect on our spiritual journey. Just as the Israelites renewed their commitment to God through feasts, sacrifices, and festivals, we are called to renew our commitment to growing in grace and knowledge.

As we set our goals for the year ahead, let us make spiritual growth a priority. The new year offers a fresh start, a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and a chance to anticipate the ways in which God will continue to shape and transform us as we grow closer to Him.

May this year be one of deep spiritual growth as we strive to know Christ more fully, live more faithfully, and share His love with the world. May the Almighty God bless us all. Amen.

Yours in His Service
Fr. Ansal John
(Asst. Vicar)

UPCOMING EVENTS

19 Jan

Sunday

Parish Sports Day

Felicitation of Sunday School Teachers

Dr. Jessy Abraham (31 yrs); Mr. Samuel PM (27 yrs); Ms. Mariamma Thomas (24 yrs) were felicitated for completing moe than 20 years of service at the Orthodox Theological Seminary, Nagpur, on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

Organised by OSSAE-OKR

Our team secured the first position in Job Mar Philoxenos Musical Talent Meet-XII

Organized by St. Stephen’s Orthodox Church, Dilshad Garden.

Joshua Paul secured 1st runner up & Robin Varghese secured 2nd runner up in ASM

Organized by Mar Gregorios Orthodox Church, Janakpuri

Layam Kalasagar Puraskaram

Mr. Nainan Thalassery was presented the Layam Kalasagar Puraskaram  on 27.10.2024 by Layam Ochestra & Cultural Group. Congratulations!

Henosis Basketball Tournament

Our Basketball team, both Men & Women, participated in the ‘Henosis Basketball Tournament’ organized by Infant Jesus Forane Church, Palam. We secured the first position in both the categories. Congratulations!

Diocesan Level Sunday School Competition

Mevin Saji secured the second position in Bible Verses Writing from Intermediate category.

Diocesan Level Sunday School Competition

Alvin Geo Jojy, Kezia Mariam J, Mevin Saji secured the second position in Group Song from Intermediate category.

Diocesan Level Sunday School Competition

Eliza Anna George secured the third position in Solo Song from Secondary category.

Paying tribute to Shri. Sitaram Yechury

Our Cathedral paid homage to Shri. Sitaram Yechury, the Indian Marxist politician and General Secretary of the CPI(M)

Diocesan Level Sunday School Competition

Our Cathedral secured the Third position in South East District.

Mrs. Kunjamma Mathew was felicitated by NCCI

Mrs. Kunjamma Mathew, our member, was felicitated for her remarkable achievement as the All India President of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) during the general body of National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)