Central
The Mar Thoma Church has a well defined constitution, the first four parts of which lay down explicitly its basic teachings. Belief in the Trinity, Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Bible as the foundation for all theological teachings, Nicean Creed, Sacraments of Holy Baptism & Holy communion, the exhortation to preach the Word of God everywhere in the world, the declaration that the Mar Thoma Church is part of the One Catholic and Apostolic Church, the orders of priests and Bishops-these are the basic concepts which form the backdrop of its constitution.
From the point of Administration the Church has three levels viz.
- Central administrative setup embracing the entire Church
- Dioceses
- Parishes
Central administrative setup embracing the entire Church
The central administrative set up consists of the Metropolitan, the Episcopal Synod, the Prathinithi Mandalam (Legislative Assembly) and the Sabha Council (Executive body of the Mandalam).
Metropolitan
His Grace the Metropolitan is the supremo of the Church and the other Bishops are to assist him. With the assistance of the Episcopal Synod and the Sabha Council, he forms the Dioceses. The Bishops obtain their powers from the Metropolitan. He is the president of the Episcopal Synod, the Sabha Prathinidi Mandalam and the Sabha Council. He is also an ex-officio trustee of the Church.
His Grace the Metropolitan is the supremo of the Church and the other Bishops are to assist him. With the assistance of the Episcopal Synod and the Sabha Council, he forms the Dioceses. The Bishops obtain their powers from the Metropolitan. He is the president of the Episcopal Synod, the Sabha Prathinidi Mandalam and the Sabha Council. He is also an ex-officio trustee of the Church.
Episcopal Synod
Consisting of all the Bishops of the Church, the Episcopal Synod helps the Metropolitan in general administration. The Synod approves the decisions of the Prathinidhi Mandalam and the Diocesan assemblies. Preparation & publishing of the liturgy is also done by the Synod, in addition to transfer and posting of clergy.
Consisting of all the Bishops of the Church, the Episcopal Synod helps the Metropolitan in general administration. The Synod approves the decisions of the Prathinidhi Mandalam and the Diocesan assemblies. Preparation & publishing of the liturgy is also done by the Synod, in addition to transfer and posting of clergy.
Prathinidhi Mandalam
This is the house of representatives, the apex body of the Church, consisting of the Metropolitan, all other Bishops, Vicars General, representatives of clergy and parishes, representatives of the recognised Institutions of the Church, representatives of those who have become members of the Church as a result of the missionary work of the Church and persons nominated by the Metropolitan. 65% of the membership is from laity and 35% from among the clergy. The lay representatives are elected by parishes and other institutions. The clergy members are chosen according to seniority. The tenure of a Mandalam is 3 years.
This is the house of representatives, the apex body of the Church, consisting of the Metropolitan, all other Bishops, Vicars General, representatives of clergy and parishes, representatives of the recognised Institutions of the Church, representatives of those who have become members of the Church as a result of the missionary work of the Church and persons nominated by the Metropolitan. 65% of the membership is from laity and 35% from among the clergy. The lay representatives are elected by parishes and other institutions. The clergy members are chosen according to seniority. The tenure of a Mandalam is 3 years.
The Mandalam elects the Sabha Secretary, Lay Trustee & Treasurer and Clergy Trustee. The Mandalam decides all spiritual and temporal affairs of the Church. The annual report, accounts and budget are scrutinised and passed by the Mandalam. The decision of the Mandalam are circulated in all parishes by the Metropolitan, with the approval of the Synod. Though generally the Mandalam meets once a year, in exigencies special Mandalam can be convened.
Sabha Council Sabha Council is the Executive Committee of the Mandalam. The Metropolitan is the President of the Sabha Council, all Bishops, the Senior Vicar General, the Trustees and Secretary are ex-officio members of the Council. The other members are elected from Dioceses by the Mandalam Members for three years. The council has the power to implement the decisions of the Mandalam which are approved by the Synod and confirmed by the Metropolitan. The Sabha Council is also an advisory body to the Metropolitan.
The Sabha OfficeSabha Office, the Central Secretariat of the Church, functions directly under the control of the Sabha Secretary, who is the secretary of the Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam and Sabha Council gives bureaucratic support to the executive bodies of the Church. It executes the decisions of the Synod, Prathinidhi Mandalam, Sabha Council, various committees etc, and coordinates with the Dioceses, Organizations and Parishes. It also liaisons with Government and Semi Government organizations & local bodies. The Sabha Secretary is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sabha Office, and he is responsible for implementation of all policy decisions, with the close co-operation of the Lay Trustee and the Clergy Trustee.
The Sabha Office has two wings One headed by the Administrative and Personnel Manager and the other by the Finance Manager. General correspondence, follow up and conduct of Synod, Sabha Council, Prathinidhi Mandalam meetings, and other committees and their reports, and correspondence with Parishes, Dioceses and Clergy are taken care of by the Administrative wing. The properties and buildings of the Church, their maintenance, taxes etc are also under this section. The Finance section takes care of Accounts and Financial statements. Funds and their investments, Bank accounts, collection of cheques, payments etc are attended to by this section.
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| Sabha Office, Thiruvalla | Sabha Auditorium |
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| Poolatheen Tiruvalla | Old Poolatheen |
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| T.M.A.M.M Block | St Thomas Church Tiruvalla |
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Diocese
The central administration of the Church is backed by the Dioceses. The Diocesan Bishop supervises the local administration subject to the approval of the Metropolitan. A Vicar General may be appointed by the Metropolitan, to assist the Diocesan Bishop. The Diocesan Bishop is assisted by the Diocesan Assembly and the Diocesan Council, elected by the Diocesan Assembly. All parishes in the Diocese are represented in the Assembly. All Achens in the Diocese including retired Achens are members of the Diocesan Assembly. The duration of the Assembly will be the same as that of the Prathinidhi Mandalam. The Diocesan Bishop is the President of the Assembly and the Council. Both the Assembly and the Council have elected trustees and secretaries.
The Diocesan Assembly takes appropriate decisions for the development of the Diocese, and also passes the annual report, accounts and budget of the Diocese. The Diocesan Council implements the decisions of the Assembly in addition to assisting and advising the Diocesan Bishop.
Diocese
| Name | No of Parish | Secretary | Episcopas | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ADOOR DIOCESE Hermon Aramana Web : http://www.adoordiocese.orgAdoor - 691 523 Pathanamthitta Dist. Ph: +91 4734 228240 (O) Fax: +91 4734 228352 Email: hermon@marthoma.in | 123 | Rev. Alexander Thomas Ph: +91 4734 228240 (O) | Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa |
| 2 | CHENGANNUR - MAVELIKARA DIOCESE Olivet Aramana, Web : http://cmdiocese.marthoma.in/Thittamel Chengannur - 689 121 Alappuzha Dist. Ph: +91 479 2456667 (O) Fax: +91 479 2452727 Email: chengannur@marthoma.in,theosinai@hotmail.com | 89 | Rev. George Mathew (Keekozhur) Ph: +91479-2452734 (R) | Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan |
| 3 | CHENNAI - BANGALORE DIOCESE Mar Thoma Bhavan No.77, 6th Avenue Harrington Road Chetpet Chennai - 600 031. Tamil Nadu Ph: +91 44 28363165 (O) Fax: +91 44 28363165 Email: cbdiocese@marthoma.in, mtbhavan@yahoo.co.in | 179 | Rev. Thomas Mathew (Punnavely) Ph: +91 44 28363165 | Rt. Rev. Dr.Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa |
| 4 | DELHI DIOCESE Mar Thoma Centre Web : http://delhidiocese.com/26, Bhai Vir Singh Marg Gole Market New Delhi -110 001. Ph: +91 11 23342828 Fax: +91 11 23348800 Email: mtcdelhidiocese@rediffmail.com, delhidio@marthoma.in | 88 | Rev. Thomas Cherian Ph: +91 11-23342828 (O) | Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa |
| 5 | KOTTAYAM - KOCHI DIOCESE Bethel Aramana Web : http://kottayamkochidiocese.orgManganam.P.O. Kottayam - 686 018 Ph: +91 481 2578420 Fax: +91 481 2571879 Email: kkdiocese@marthoma.in | 117 | Rev. K V Cherian Ph: +91 481 2341104, 9447918944 | Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa |
| 6 | KUNNAMKULAM - MALABAR DIOCESE Mar Thoma Centre Web : http://kmdiocese.marthoma.in/Makkada P.O Kakkodi (Via) Calicut - 673 617. Ph: +91 495 2265773 Fax: +91 495 2267641 Email: kmdiocese@marthoma.in,kmdocese@yahoo.com | 82 | Rev P T Thomas Ph: +91 495 2265796 (R) 9447440103 | Rt. Rev. Dr.Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa |
| 7 | MALAYSIA - SINGAPORE - AUSTRALIA - NEW ZEALAND DIOCESE Ph & Fax: 603 62591685(O) Email: malaysiamarthoma@hotmail.com | 27 | Dr. Thomas Varghese Ph: 603 22834975 (R), 603 79559312(O) | Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa |
| 8 | MUMBAI DIOCESE Mar Thoma Centre Web : http://www.mumbaidiocese.com/Sector 10-A Plot No.18, Vashi Navi Mumbai - 400703. Ph: +91 22 27669484 Fax: +9122 27669486 Email: mumbaidio@marthoma.in | 74 | Rev. Shibu P.V. Ph: +919757030629(M) | Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa |
| 9 | NIRANAM - MARAMON DIOCESE Niranam-Maramon Diocese S C S Campus Thiruvalla - 689 101 Pathanamthitta Dist Ph: +91 469 2603047 Email: nmdiocese@marthoma.in | 84 | Rev. Dr. Samson M. Jacob Mob: +91 9447345533 | His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan |
| 10 | NORTH AMERICA - EUROPE DIOCESE Sinai Mar Thoma Centre Web : http://www.marthomanae.org2320 S. Merrick Avenue Merrick, NY - 11566, Ph. 516-377-3311 Fax: 516-377-3322 Email: marthomadiocese@gmail.com | 86 | Rev.K.E. Geevarghese Ph: 001-516-377-3311 (O) 214-412-7951 | Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa |
| 11 | RANNI - NILACKAL DIOCESE Mar Thoma Centre Mandiram-P.O Ranny - 689 672. Pathanamthitta Dist. Ph: +91 4735 227487(O) Fax : +91 4735 227511 Email:rannynilackal@rediffmail.com, rndiocese@marthoma.in | 132 | Rev K G Joseph Ph: +91 4735-228422 (R) | Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Athanasius Episcopa |
| 12 | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - KOLLAM DIOCESE Mar Thoma Centre Mannanthala P.O Trivandrum - 695 015. Ph: +91 471 2530540 Fax: +91 471 2531535 Email: mttvm@vsnl.com, marthoma@marthomatvmqlndiocese.com Website : marthomatvmqlndiocese.com | 150 | Rev George Jose Ph: +91 474-2533007, 2530540, 9447489382 | Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Timotheos Episcopa |
Parish
Parish Administration
The most vital local unit of the Church is the Parish. All those whose names appear in the Parish Register and worship in the Parish Church, are members of the Parish. Each parish has a Vicar, Assistant Vicars wherever appointed, and elected Secretary, Trustees and Lay Ministrants. The Edavaka Sanghom (General Body of the Parish) takes decisions in respect of all matters relating to the parish. The annual accounts and budget of the parish are also cleared by the Edavaka Sanghom. All its decisions are subject to the approval of the Diocesan Bishop. Edavaka Sanghom members should be above 18 years of age, communicants and whose membership is not banned by higher authorities. Since the Mar Thoma Church has adopted the policy of voluntary contribution, there is no fixed fee for membership. However all members are under christian obligation to extend financial aid for the needs of the parish and the Church.
The Edavaka Sanghom has an Executive Committee called the Kaisthana Samithi. For administrative convenience and fellowship, the parish is divided into prayer groups. The prayer groups are local bodies usually arranged geographically and send representatives to the Kaisthana Samithi.
Though not directly involved in the administrative set up, there are different institutions in the Church, which are governed by the constitution. Among them are Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association (a wing to lead and co-ordinate the Evangelistic work of the Church), Sunday School Samajam (Children’s Department), Suvisesha Sevika Sanghom (Women’s Department), Voluntary Evangelistic Association (another department to mobilize Parish for evangelistic work), Yuvajana Sakhyam (Youth Department), Medical Mission (Responsible for co-ordinating healing mission of the Church), various educational institutions and welfare projects.
Though democratic principles are incorporated in the administration, the Church takes pride in the fact that most decisions are based on consensus, reached after prayerful consultations and discussion. The functioning of the 1365 strong members Mandalam is the best example for this.
The Church follows a wonderful heritage in its administration, and carefully blends active involvement of the laity. The Mandalam consisting of 65% laity at all times. In the Episcopal Nomination Board (a body responsible for nominating Bishop Candidates) with 24 members, 14 are lay members. The administrative setup of the Mar Thoma Church is a harmonious blend of Episcopal and democratic methods, and the Church is always responsive to the demands of the times.
Sabha Office
Thiruvalla - 689 101
Kerala, India
Ph: +91 469 2630449, 2606080, 2606090
Telegram: ‘Seminary’
Fax: +91 469 2630327
Email: sabhaoffice@marthoma.in
Kerala, India
Ph: +91 469 2630449, 2606080, 2606090
Telegram: ‘Seminary’
Fax: +91 469 2630327
Email: sabhaoffice@marthoma.in
| Sabha Secretary | Very Rev. K.S. Mathew Ph: +91 2607906(D), +91 469 2630188 (R), Fax: +91 469 2630327 Email: sabhaoffice@marthoma.in |
| Clergy Trustee | Rev. Varghese Thomas (Anicadu) Ph: +91 469 2750591, 2670891 (R) Mob: +91 9961221152 (M) |
| Finance Manager | Rev. P.C. Saji Ph: +91 9744710442 (M) Email: accountsdept@marthoma.in |
| Senior Engineer | Engr.Cherian Kovoor Ph: +91 469 2630332 (R) |
| Office Manager | Mr. V.M.Babu Ph: +91 481 2556176 (R), +91 9847921149 (M) |
| Manager (Accounts) | Mr. T.M. Joseph Ph: +91 479 2366427(R) |
| System Manager | Rev. John Geevarghese Ph: +91 9747406554(M) |
