I had the privilege of attending the Churches Group for Evangelisation meeting at the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church St Gregorios Cathedral in Brockley, south London. These are meetings I attend representing Elim. It was a truly memorable day that left a lasting impression on me and reminded me of the richness, history, and diversity of the worldwide Church.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and generosity. Sharing a meal together was a wonderful expression of Christian fellowship, bringing people from different church traditions around one table in the love of Christ. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that our unity is found in Jesus. Indian food is my absolute favourite, so this was a lovely treat.
During the day, we listened to a presentation about the Apostle Thomas, who, according to ancient Christian tradition, took the Gospel to India. Hearing about his ministry and the beginnings of the Indian Orthodox Church (the commonly used name for the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church) gave me a new appreciation for the depth of Christian history and the faithfulness of believers who have preserved the Gospel through countless generations. I was reminded that this is the Thomas who wanted proof that Jesus was alive, from which we coined the phrase “Doubting Thomas”. This doubting Thomas then met the risen Christ, planted churches, and then died for the Jesus he had doubted – I love this.
We were also introduced to the history and traditions of the Indian Orthodox Church. Learning about their heritage, worship, and enduring faith was both inspiring and humbling. As I sat in the cathedral, I was deeply moved by its atmosphere of reverence and devotion. It reminded me that although our expressions of worship may differ, we all belong to the same family of God.
I came away from the day feeling encouraged, challenged, and grateful. The experience strengthened my conviction that churches working together for evangelisation is not only valuable but essential. Building relationships across different Christian traditions enriches our faith and enables us to witness more effectively to the love of Christ.
It was a privilege to share in this special day, and I thank God for the opportunity to learn, to listen, and to experience the beauty of His Church in a new and meaningful way. The day has had a lasting impact on my own faith.
Find out more about the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in the UK.