Dearly Beloved in Christ,
Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
It is with gratitude to God and humility that I have assumed the responsibility of serving as the Vicar of our Parish from 1st May 2026 onwards. I thank God for this sacred calling and for the privilege of ministering among you. I humbly request each one of you to uphold me and my family in your Prayers, that we may faithfully fulfil the ministry entrusted to us according to God’s will.
I also take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Genil Abraham Achen and his family for their sincere, dedicated, and loving service to this parish during the past three years. May our gracious Lord continue to bless and guide them in their future ministry.
Personally, I consider it a great privilege to succeed Achen. We studied same time in the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, and, by God’s providence, he also served as my Vicar at Anchery Christos Mar Thoma Church. I request all our Parish members to continue remembering Achen and his family in your prayers as they begin a new chapter in their ministry.
As we enter a new quarter—July, August, and September—let us prepare ourselves spiritually to participate meaningfully in the life and worship of the Church.
During July, we shall observe: The Tithe Offering Sunday, Clergy Sunday and learn about the Sacrament of the Holy Matrimony.
May these occasions deepen our commitment to faithful stewardship, encourage us to Pray for those called to ministry, and strengthen Christian family life.
During August, we begin with the “Fifteen Days’ Lent (1st–15th August)”, reflecting upon the life, humility, and dedication of Saint Mary. During this month we shall also observe: the Mission Sunday, The Feast of the Transfiguration, India’s Independence Day and Reformation Sunday.
We will also continue learning and reflecting on the Holy Sacraments of the Baptism and the Holy Qurbana, enabling us to appreciate more deeply the grace of God revealed through the life of the Church.
Towards the end of August, our Malayali community joyfully celebrates ‘Onam’. May this festive season become an opportunity for fellowship and sharing God’s blessings with one another.
In September, we shall observe: the Education Day and Sevika Sanghom Day.
Let us especially remember our children and young people. They are precious gifts entrusted to our care. May we understand them with love, encourage them with patience, and guide them to grow as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Together, let us build homes and a parish where the next generation experiences Christ’s love and truth.
Dear brothers and sisters, the Church grows stronger when every member walks together in faith, worship, fellowship, and service. Let us therefore encourage one another, pray for one another, and work together so that our Parish may continue to be a living witness to Christ’s love.
May the Lord bless each family in our Parish with His peace, grace, and abundant blessings.
With prayers and love,
Rev. Dr. Thomas Kurian Anchery
Vicar
CHURCH PROGRAMMES
Worship Service Calendar
Regular Meetings
OUR MISSION INITIATIVES
Umeed – A Shelter of Hope for Pediatric Cancer Patients
Umeed is a project launched in collaboration with the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai—India’s leading cancer treatment hospital.
Each year, many children afflicted with cancer from remote parts of India come to TMC for diagnosis and treatment. Many of these families are financially disadvantaged and struggle to afford even basic necessities in Mumbai during the treatment process that sometimes extends to several weeks and some are left to fend for themselves on the footpaths of the city.
Our Response: Shelter, Food & Travel Assistance
Through Umeed, we provide:
- Shelter at Umeed, our care center in Mumbai in a peaceful and safe environment
- Nutritious meals for both children and their caregivers
- Reimbursement of local travel expenses to and from the hospital
- Emotional and community support during a challenging journey
How Are These Services Funded?
Project Umeed is entirely sustained through the generosity of our members and well-wishers. Our primary fundraising campaign, “Ruchi Vediyu, Ruchi Pakaru,” is conducted annually during the Great Lent season, inviting members to share for those in need. The prayers, donations, and volunteering spirit of our members form the backbone of this mission.
Project Umeed is managed under the banner of Mar Thoma Welfare Society , the social outreach arm of the Parish.
Mar Thoma School, Maharashtra – English Medium School (State Board)
Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Chembur started the Mar Thoma School Maharashtra in the year 1982 with K.G. classes having a strength of 12 students under the headship of Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa (then Rev. Joseph Jacob, parish vicar) and Mrs. Renee Joseph. Our first batch of SSC students appeared to the board exam in March 1996.
The present school building was inaugurated on 15th November 2002. The school under the guidance of governing council and committed teachers continued to grow steadily and gradually into a full–fledged secondary school having a current strength of 1700 students up to Class X.
Balwadi – Building Foundations for a Better Tomorrow
The Parish runs a Balwadi for children living in economically weaker areas of Shivaji Nagar.
This initiative aims to:
- Provide pre-school education and support
- Support language, cognitive, and social development
- Create a safe and engaging learning space for children aged 3–5
- Augmenting the learning capabilities of school going children
- Inculcating moral and ethical values
Currently, 25 children are enrolled in our Balwadi program. For many of them, this is their first step toward formal education—a step made possible through the love and care of our community. The enthusiasm and participation of the enrolled children and their parents gives us the motivation to manage this center in the best manner.
Balwadi is managed under the banner of Mar Thoma Welfare Society , the social outreach arm of the Parish.
Paratwada – Evangelical Outreach Program
Chembur Parish Edavaka Mission takes joy & pride to be entrusted with the responsibility of connecting with God’s children in the Paratwada region of Vidharbha. The Paratwada Mission is a part of the evangelical outreach program of the Mumbai Diocese.
Paratwada, in Amravati District, is not a well-developed region. Many parts of the region are known to deprivation, natural resources are scarce, farm activities are subdued due to low rainfall and regular draught conditions.
The mission was elevated as a Congregation recently. However, Chembur Parish remains connected to the families through regular exchange programs, for fellowship, interactions & bonding in the love of our Good Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As this small congregation grows in the coming years, we remain committed to be a part of their journey of enhancing their social well-being.