Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church

In the heart of Sri Vijaya Puram, within the serene DAG Colony of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Mar Thoma Church stands as a beloved spiritual sanctuary. Known formally as the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, this local parish in Bamboo Flat is part of a historic denomination that traces its origins to the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in AD 52. The church is a vibrant center for Christian worship, community service, and spiritual growth, serving the faithful across Port Blair and the surrounding islands with a rich blend of Oriental liturgical tradition and evangelical principles.

Visitors and members alike describe the church as one of the most peaceful and contemplative places in the region. Its central location makes it an accessible house of worship for locals and tourists seeking a moment of quiet reflection. The congregation is known for its warmth and dedication, creating an atmosphere that is both reverent and welcoming. Whether you are attending a Sunday Divine Liturgy, participating in a community outreach project, or simply stepping inside for personal prayer, the Mar Thoma Church offers a divine experience that anchors the soul.

Spiritual Services & Sacraments

The parish provides a full cycle of worship and sacramental life rooted in the faith and sacraments of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church. The liturgical calendar is carefully observed, offering regular opportunities for confession, Holy Qurbana (Eucharist), and the observance of major feasts such as the Feast of the Apostles and St. Thomas the Apostle’s Day.

• Holy Qurbana: Weekly Eucharistic services conducted in the Malayalam and English language, following the reformed liturgical traditions of the church.
• Sacraments: Baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funeral rites are administered by ordained clergy in accordance with church doctrine.
• Special Observances: Lenten prayers, Advent retreats, and Apostolic feast days are marked with special worship services and community gatherings.
• Spiritual Counseling: The vicar and church elders provide pastoral care, family counseling, and spiritual guidance to members and visitors.

Community Engagement & Social Welfare

Embracing the church’s motto of “evangelical in principle and ecumenical in outlook,” the Mar Thoma Church in Bamboo Flat actively extends its mission beyond the sanctuary walls. It participates in the broader outreach initiatives of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, which operates numerous social welfare institutions across India. Locally, the parish mobilizes resources for humanitarian aid, educational support, and community development projects that serve the diverse population of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The congregation is a hub for several vibrant organizations, including the Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam, Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam (Youth Fellowship), and the Mar Thoma Suvishesha Sevika Sangam (Women’s Evangelistic Association). These groups equip members of all ages to grow in faith and serve others, organizing everything from island clean-up drives to visiting the sick and elderly. The spirit of volunteerism is deeply embedded, reflecting the church's commitment to being a beacon of hope in the region.

What We Offer

As a fully functioning parish, the church offers much more than just Sunday services. It serves as a comprehensive resource for spiritual formation, religious items, and community connection, making it a cornerstone of Christian life in Sri Vijaya Puram.

• Religious Items & Resources: Prayer books, liturgical guides, Mar Thoma publications like Sabha Tharaka and Sandesam, candles, and other spiritual aids are often available to support personal devotion.
• Organizational Groups: Active chapters of the Sunday School for children, youth fellowship for young adults, and women’s evangelistic association that meet for study, prayer, and service.
• Prayer Requests: A dedicated channel for submitting prayer requests, ensuring that the community lifts up individual and collective concerns to God.
• Facilities & Accessibility: Centrally located with proximity to public transportation in Port Blair, making it convenient for worshippers from across the city and nearby islands.
• Event Hosting: The church hall and grounds are available for hosting church conventions, retreats, and community celebrations that mark the island’s Christian calendar.

Why Customers Choose Us

The Mar Thoma Church in Sri Vijaya Puram is consistently praised for its architectural beauty, spiritual depth, and the genuine love of its community. Reviews from visitors highlight the church as a place where one can find peace and a profound connection with the divine. Its architecture, a fine example of thoughtful design, provides a sacred space that inspires awe and reverence. Here’s what makes this church a preferred spiritual home for many on the islands:

• Deeply Spiritual Atmosphere: Described as a “place of souls,” the church offers an environment conducive to deep contemplation, prayer, and spiritual renewal.
• Welcoming Community: The “Marthomians,” as parishioners are affectionately called, are celebrated for their hospitality, making every visitor feel like a part of the family.
• Heritage & Stability: As part of a global church with over 1.6 million followers and an unbroken history dating to the first century, the parish carries a profound sense of continuity and doctrinal stability.
• Central Location: Its situation in the heart of Port Blair ensures that it is easily accessible for both residents and travelers exploring the Andaman Islands.
• Holistic Faith Practice: The church integrates worship, scriptural teaching, and social action, appealing to those who seek a balanced and active Christian life.

Serving Bamboo Flat & Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Beyond its immediate neighborhood in DAG Colony, the Mar Thoma Church serves as the spiritual epicenter for the Mar Thoma diaspora scattered across the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The parish coordinates with the mainland church headquartered in Thiruvalla, Kerala, to ensure that island congregations receive pastoral care, administrative support, and the resources necessary for vibrant ministry. The church is instrumental in preserving the liturgical and cultural heritage of the Mar Thoma community in a unique island setting, fostering a sense of belonging far from the denomination’s historical heartland.

The church’s role extends into cultural preservation, ecological stewardship, and inter-church dialogue. Inspired by the church’s mother body, which has engaged in ecumenical agreements like the Celebration of Unity with the Old Catholic Church, the local parish promotes peaceful coexistence and cooperation among various Christian denominations and the wider community on the islands. It stands as a symbol of unity, faith, and resilience, addressing spiritual and social needs in a geographically isolated region.

Hours, Location & Directions

Finding the Mar Thoma Church is simple for anyone navigating Sri Vijaya Puram. The church is prominently located at MP8M+449, within the well-known DAG Colony. Being in the heart of the city, it is well-served by public transportation, including buses and local transport services available across Port Blair. For those driving or taking a taxi, the church is easily accessible from major roadways in the city.

While the Google Maps listing currently has no specific opening hours displayed, the church is generally open for scheduled worship services, organizational meetings, and personal visits. The best way to confirm exact service times, which follow the Mar Thoma lectionary and liturgical seasons such as the Fast of the Apostles, is to contact the parish directly at +91 60148 60148. Visitors are always welcome to join the community for Sunday worship or to simply spend a quiet moment inside this architecturally beautiful and serene sanctuary.