Mar Baselios Orthodox Syrian Church , Surat

The city of Surat is located on the bank of river Tapi. Surat was a grand port city during the Mughal period. Presently, Surat is a chief industrial city with many textile mills. Besides, Surat is also an important diamond-cutting centre in India. The history of Baselious Orthodox Syrian Church, Surat, can be traced back from the year 1974. Rev. Fr. K. T. Thomas (Now, H.G. Thomas Mar Athanasios, Metropolitan of Chengannur Diocese) stationed at Vadodara, was trying to form a parish in Surat. Thus, with immense pleasure, about 7-8 families consisting of 15 to 20 members gathered together on 14th July 1974 under the dynamic leadership of Rev. Fr. K. T. Thomas and on 28th July 1974, a group of believers professing orthodox faith, gathered at Ishwar Bhawan at Makkaipool and Rev. Fr. K. T. Thomas (H. G. Thomas Mar Anthanasious) celebrated the first Holy Quarbana at Surat and formed the parish in the name of “MAR BASELIOS”. In the year 1986, we purchased 3 plots of land at Ranchhod Ratna Nagar, Gaviar Gam, Near Surat Airport and Magdalla Port, Surat. At that time the vicar was Rev. Fr. M. S. John (Rev. Fr. Yuhannon Ramban, Old Seminary, Kottayam). The foundation stone of the present church was laid down by Very Rev. Yuhannon Ramban on 27th October 1991 and Holy Quarbana was celebrated in the temporary shed and construction work for the church was continued till 1994. Consecration Ceremony was done on 11th and 12th of February 1995. H. G. Thomas Mar Athanasious (Metropolitan of Chengannur Diocese) founder of the parish was the chief celebrant of the consecration ceremony. During the year 2006, the renovation of church was started. On 1st January 2008, consecration of the new church was done by H. G. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos Metropolitan. At present the parish consists of approximately 95 families and it is growing like a giant tree which is a pride for Malankara Orthodox Church as a whole and Bombay Diocese in particular. Holy Qurbana in Malayalam & English are conducted regularly. The Present Vicar is Rev. Fr. Benjamin Philip