St Thomas Marthoma Church

History

History

Kharghar was developed as a residential node by CIDCO as part of the Navi Mumbai Development Plan.  Many members from Marthomite diaspora community started migrating to Kharghar from nearby places retaining their membership in their respective parishes in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.  Till 2005, Marthomite settled in Kharghar were part of CBD prayer group of St. Pauls MTC Vashi.  During 2006, Marthomites who were residing in this locality, who were the members of 7 different parishes of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai  joined together and formed a prayer group to have Christian fellowship among them. On 21st Dec 2008, as per the request of the prayer group members, the then Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa has elevated this prayer group to the status of an independent congregation and permitted the members to retain the membership in their respective parishes. Rev. Dr. Kurien Thomas, the then Diocesan Secretary and vicar of St. Pauls MTC, Vashi was appointed as the vicar of the Kharghar congregation. Our Episcopal Synod has agreed to elevate our congregation to the status of a full pledged parish from 1st January 2010 and appointed Rev. Dr. Kurien Thomas as the vicar of the new Parish.  The inauguration of the parish was held on 1st January  2010 after the Holy Communion service by Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulose Thirumeni, the then Diocesan Bishop.