Parish History

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 31 May 2022 18:13

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The beginning Years

In the Spring of 1995, as part of the Diocese of North America & Europe's vision to reach out to more areas, the then Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan Thirumeni visited the Raleigh area. Thirumeni allowed Mar Thoma members to attend St. Paul's Episcopal Church for regular worship and also to attend the ongoing Malayalee Ecumenical Worship, under the leadership of Fr. M.K Thomas,a Malayalee Orthodox priest.

Zacharias Thirumeni agreed to send the then Diocesan Secretary Rev. Dr. P. G. George Achen occasionally for worship, on a need basis. Accordingly, Rev. Dr. PG George Achen, conducted the first Marthoma Holy Communion Worship at Baptist Student Center in Raleigh on September 10, 1995.

North Carolina's first Mar Thoma Prayer Group

When Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Thirumeni took charge as the new Diocesan Bishop, the then Diocesan Secretary Rev Dr. John Joseph Achen was sent here every quarter. John Joseph Achen stressed the need for regular MT prayer meeting in the area, and gave effective leadership and guidance to members. Accordingly, a monthly prayer meeting was started in 2003.

North Carolina Parish Formation

In 2004, the then Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Thirumeni visited North Carolina and conducted Holy Communion worship at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Cary, NC, on June 8th 2004. Rev. George C Mathew Achen accompanied Thirumeni during his visit. After the Holy Communion worship, a General Body was held which was attended by 10 families in the area, presided by Thirumeni, which unanimously requested Thirumeni to approve North Carolina as a congregation. In June 2004, Thirumeni sent out the circular approving the congregation with effect from July 1st 2004, and appointing Rev. George C. Mathew Achen as the first Vicar of North Carolina Congregation effective from July 1, 2004. The congregation was officially registered as North Carolina Mar Thoma  Church, Inc with the State of North Carolina on November 8, 2004.

On Feb 10, 2011, the Episcopal Synod met and accepted us to a status of a Parish with effect from March 15, 2011. We thank our former Diocesan Bishops and all our Vicar Achens, for the patience, perseverance, and support that we have received.

Permanent Worship Place for Parish

In September 2014, Parish signed the agreement to purchase the permanent worship place at 2773 Milburnie Road, Raleigh, NC based on prior general body decisions of 2012 and final general body decision of August 2014. On October 12th, 2014, by the Grace of God, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Marthoma Metropolitan blessed the worship place at 2773 Milburnie Road, Raleigh, NC and celebrated Holy Communion.

By the grace of God, North Carolina Mar Thoma Church completed the purchase in 3 months and moved to its own church building at 2773 Milburnie rd, Raleigh NC 27610 on December 18^th 2014. We record our thanks and appreciation to all who helped and supported this cause, especially then our Vicar Rev, Renu John Achen's leadership to the Building Committee.

On November 6, 2016 Rt. Rev Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa performed the Madubaha Dedication for NC Marthoma Church.

 Current Vicar & Family

Rev. John P. Varghese Achen is serving us as full time Resident vicar. The current Parsonage is located at 559 Writers way, Morrisville, NC 27513.

Former Vicars of Parish

• Rev. George C Mathew (July 1, 2004 - Dec 31, 2005-First Vicar)
• Rev. Saji P Thomas (Jan 1, 2006 - April 30, 2007)
• Rev. Samuel Santhosham (May 1, 2007 - April 30, 2010) 
• Rev. Vinoy Daniel (May 1, 2010-April 30, 2011)
• Rev. Dr. Philip Varghese (May 1, 2011 - April, 30, 2012)
• Rev Renu John (May 1, 2012 - April 30, 2015)
• Rev. Anil T Thomas (May 1, 2015*** - April 30, 2018)
• Rev. Sam Oommen Mathews (May 1, 2018 - Apr 30, 2021)
• Rev. Skariah Varughese (May 1, 2021 - May 31 2022)

All the former Vicars have ably shepherded us and we fondly remember them now and thank the Almighty for their services.

*** Interim vicar served in the beginning, due to visa delay of assigned vicar