ST. THOMAS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OTTAWA

St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church of Ottawa (STIOC) is a parish under the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church dedicated to nurturing the spiritual development of its members and future generations in the True Orthodox Christian Faith. Rooted in the love and mercy of God the parish seeks to build a spiritually vibrant community that not only deepens its faith but also extends compassion and service to the wider world. Guided by the mission to uphold the ministries of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ STIOC provides a sacred space for worship spiritual nourishment intergenerational engagement and Christian outreach through the following ongoing programs: 1. Divine Worship and Liturgical Services The central activity of our parish is the celebration of the Holy Qurbono (Divine Liturgy) held regularly on Sundays along with Morning Prayers and Vespers. Services follow the West Syriac liturgical tradition of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Special services are conducted during significant periods of the liturgical calendar including Great Lent Holy Week Feasts of Saints Christmas (Yeldho) and New Year. 2. Spiritual Organizations STIOC supports several spiritual organizations aimed at serving specific demographics within the parish: Sunday School: Provides Orthodox Christian catechesis to children and youth nurturing early spiritual formation through Scripture liturgy and tradition. Morth Mariam Vanitha Samajam (MMVS): Women’s fellowship that supports church functions organizes prayer meetings and participates in regional and diocesan initiatives. Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement (MGOCSM) and The Orthodox Christian Youth Movement (OCYM): Youth and young adult ministries that organize spiritual discussions service projects and leadership-building programs. 3. Pastoral Care The parish priest provides ongoing pastoral care to members of the church community. This includes spiritual counseling sacramental preparation home blessings visitations and support during times of illness bereavement or family need. The priest also guides individuals and families in their spiritual growth and connection to the Orthodox faith. 4. Orthodox Christian Catechesis and Faith Formation Beyond Sunday School catechesis is offered for adults and youth through spiritual talks discussion groups and instructional sessions. These programs aim to deepen understanding of Orthodox theology sacramental life and Christian living.