The congregation in 1992 with the founder Vicar Rev. Fr. Jose Pallathatta and Deacon Eldhose
“These I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Isaiah 56:7”
In the 1980s, a significant number of Indian migrants, particularly from Kerala, settled in the UK, bringing with them the deep-rooted traditions of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. Recognising the need for spiritual fellowship, Rev. Fr. Jose Pallathatta—then a theology student in Dublin and now Metropolitan of the Cochin Diocese—visited London in 1989. Alongside pioneers like Mr. Chandy Thomas and Mr. Thankachan, he initiated efforts to form a congregation. The first Holy Qurbana was celebrated in June 1989 at St. Mary Aldermary Church, London. Following a visit by H.G. Abraham Mor Severios and increased community engagement, the first official general body meeting was held in December 1989, establishing the St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, the first of its kind in the UK.
Over the years, the church saw spiritual leadership from several dedicated priests including Rev. Fr. George Vadath, Rev. Fr. Eldhose Kaungampillil, and Rev. Fr. Raju Abraham. In 2005, the church came under the direct supervision of the Patriarch of Antioch, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. A milestone was reached in 2007 when the church celebrated its parish day with the blessings and presence of H.B. Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I and other high-ranking bishops. In 2009, the church hosted its first-ever Regional Family Conference at Ilford Town Hall, honouring long-standing community members.
From its humble beginnings with six families, the church has grown to over 85 families by 2015. It is the only Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church in the UK offering regular Sunday services and is a registered UK charity governed by an approved by-law. The church actively engages in community life through its Sunday School, Youth Association, Vanitha Samajam, Kudumba Units, and Charity and IT Wings. Cultural events, carol visits, and New Year celebrations are annual highlights.
A significant dream came true in 2018 when, after years of prayer and perseverance, the church acquired its own premises—Harold Hill Baptist Church—which was officially inaugurated on 14th October 2018. Remarkably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the church remained one of the few places worldwide able to conduct Holy Mass every Sunday while adhering to government restrictions. Under the compassionate leadership of the late Rev. Fr. Dr. Biji Chirathilattu, the church extended its mission by supporting local families with essential supplies.
Today, the church continues its charitable legacy through initiatives like the Green Church movement, food pantries, recycling efforts, Barnabas Hub, Wayfinders, and the community café—living testimony to a thriving and compassionate faith community