The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church is one of the ancient Christian churches of the world and forms part of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. According to tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle arrived in India in A.D. 52 and established the Church on the Malabar Coast, then known as Malankara.
Bethel Mar Thoma Syrian Church, New Delhi, is one among the vibrant parishes of the Delhi Diocese. Over the past three decades it has emerged as a significant centre of worship, fellowship, and service — nurtured by the dedication of its clergy and laity.
Bethel Mar Thoma Syrian Church · Est. 1991 · New Delhi
Four prayer groups functioning under Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church — Saket, Pushpa Vihar, Malviya Nagar, and Sheikh Sarai — submitted a request to the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Episcopa, seeking approval to establish a new parish.
His Grace Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan named the newly formed parish "Bethel," meaning House of God. The first Holy Qurbana was celebrated the same evening in the basement library of St. John's School, Greater Kailash. Rev. George Mathew (Karikom) was entrusted as the first Vicar.
Founding DayFor the next twenty-one years, St. John's School served as the spiritual home of Bethel Parish, as the congregation grew steadily in faith, fellowship, and number.
Through the dedication and prayers of parish members, 553 square yards of land were purchased during the tenure of Rev. Sam Abraham as Vicar — a pivotal step towards a permanent home.
Major MilestoneRt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa blessed the temporary Madhbaha on 5 September 2012, and worship services shifted from St. John's School to the new premises on 9 September 2012, even as construction continued.
The new church building was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa, in the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa and the late Most Rev. Dr. Jacob Mar Barnabas Metropolitan. The first Holy Qurbana in the consecrated church followed on 21 April 2013.
ConsecrationThe parish celebrated its Silver Jubilee, inaugurating the medical aid scheme "Bethel Sanjivani" and the educational aid scheme "Bethel Jyoti." Celebrations concluded on 10 July 2016. Bethel was also honoured as Best Parish in the Diocese for 2014–15, 2015–16, and 2018–19.
25 YearsToday Bethel Mar Thoma Syrian Church comprises 143 active families with 565 members, organised into seven prayer groups. The present Vicar, Rev. Binu J. Varghese, assumed charge on 1 May 2026, continuing to serve the parish with dedication and commitment.
Present DayOur tradition traces back to St. Thomas the Apostle's mission to India in A.D. 52, making the Mar Thoma Church one of the oldest Christian communities in the world — a heritage we treasure and celebrate.
Rooted in the ancient Malankara tradition yet renewed through the Reformation, the Mar Thoma Church is often described as a "bridge church" — preserving apostolic faith while embracing a value-based democratic administration.
From seven prayer groups to charitable schemes such as Bethel Sanjivani and Bethel Jyoti, our 565 members live out a calling to love God and serve neighbour across Delhi-NCR.