A Brief History of St. Mary’s
The Malankara Orthodox Church is one of the Oriental Orthodox Churches of the world, tracing its sacred origin to the Apostle St. Thomas, who came to India in AD 52 to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ — long before many other parts of the world encountered Christianity. Through divine providence, the Church has endured for over two millennia, persevering through numerous trials and tribulations.
The Calgary Community
The migration of Malankara Orthodox faithful to North America began in the 1960s, with families settling across the United States and Canada. A number of these families made Calgary their home. In the early years, they gathered as a prayer group alongside members of other Malayalee Christian communities from Kerala, India. Holy Eucharistic services were conducted occasionally by visiting priests and bishops, becoming more regular following the establishment of a Malankara Orthodox parish in Edmonton in the 1980s.
Parish Milestones
| December 21, 2002 | The Calgary congregation officially declared a parish by H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios of blessed memory |
| November 1, 2004 | Parish placed under the Diocese of Canada under H.G. Dr. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, the Diocesan Metropolitan |
| 2015 | Purchase of land on the outskirts of Calgary — the first step toward a permanent church building |
| 2024 | Official approval received from Rocky View County to construct a church and community hall |
| June 29, 2024 | Foundation stone laid by H.G. Thomas Mar Ivanios, former Diocesan Metropolitan |
| May 29–30, 2026 | Consecration of the church building — a long-held prayer of the parish community fulfilled |
The Consecration
Through the prayers, dedication, and generous contributions of parish members — along with the support of faithful well-wishers across Canada and the United States — the long-cherished dream of building a house for the glory of God Almighty has come to fruition.
The consecration was blessed by H.H. Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, with the gracious presence of H.G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos (Asst. Metropolitan, Diocese of Canada) and H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios (Metropolitan, Diocese of Kunnamkulam).
“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!” — Psalm 84:1