About

“My soul glorifies the Lord” - Luke 1 : 46 

St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church, Perth, arose from the need for a place of worship south of the river. Recognizing the challenges faced by devout Malankara Orthodox families in regularly attending Holy Qurbana and participating in other spiritual activities due to distance and work commitments. This necessity was brought to the attention of our Diocesan Metropolitan, H.G. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos, who warmly embraced the idea of establishing and nurturing a second church in Western Australia to accommodate our faithful followers. Through the grace of The Almighty and the intercession of patron saint, St. Mary along with St. Thomas, St. Gregorios of Parumala, and St. Dionysius, St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church, Perth was founded. The vision and dedication of 20 founding members and their families, under the able guidance of Rev. Fr. Robin P. Thomas, brought this endeavour to fruition.

St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church, Perth is under the Episcopal Jurisdiction of the Madras Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, whose Primate is the Catholicose of the East and the Malankara Metropolitan, residing at the Catholicate Palace, Devalokam, Kottayam, Kerala, India.

Following the submission of a signed application to the Diocesan Metropolitan, the first official meeting of St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church, Perth, was convened by H.G. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos on 6th December 2023. During this meeting, Thirumeni acknowledged the faithful's request and the necessity for a church south of the river. Essential guidance was provided on how to proceed with the establishment of the church. In accordance with the Orders (Kalpana) issued by the Diocesan Metropolitan in January 2024, the church officially came into existence on 1st February 2024, with Rev. Fr. Robin P. Thomas appointed as Vicar in-charge, alongside seven office bearers and three spiritual organization leaders.

In its initial stages, the congregation convened at various venues and residences for prayer meetings until, through divine providence, a place for worship was secured. The inaugural Holy Qurbana was celebrated on May 18th, 2024, at St. Augustine’s Church Como-Manning, led by Diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos. The church expresses deep gratitude to the parish priest, Rev. Fr. James George, the parish Council, and the Anglican Church, Diocese of Perth, for their generosity in opening their doors for worship.

Going forward, St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church, Perth will gather every Sunday for Holy Qurbana, followed by Sunday School and other spiritual activities. With the blessings of the Triune God and the prayers of patron saints, especially Mother Mary, may this church serve as a guiding light, nurturing faithful in their relationship with God and empowering them to positively impact their families, workplaces, and communities for Christ.