Syro Malabar Church London

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St. Alphonsa Feast and Celebrations in East Ham
London : His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will canonise Blessed Alphonsa to the Sainthood on the 12th of October 2008. St.Allphonsa is the first saint from India.

Syro Malabar Catholic Church in London has decided to celebrate this occassion. The programmes are as follows

17th and 18th October 2008 : 2.00 pm tp 6.00 pm : Retreat
(Preachers : Rev Fr. Scaria Kalloor OFM & Rev.Fr. John Parokkaran CMI)

19th October 2008 : Blessing of St.Alphonsa's icon followed by Pontifical High Solemn Mass

Main Celebrant : His Grace Mar Joseph Perumthottam (Archbishop of Changanachery Archdiocese)

Feast Message : His Excellency Mar George Alanchery (Bishop of Diocese of Thakkala)

Reception and Tea thereafter.

To view the notice please click here.

How to reach here...click here

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE
The next marriage preparation classes will be on the 23rd , 24th and 25th of October 2008. There after on every last Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the alternative months.

The venue for the Pre marriage Course will be at :
Our Lady of Lourdes,
Arnos Grove
London
N11 1AA

Click here to download the Pre Marriage Course Application Form
How to get here ?... www.tfl.gov.uk

Those who wish to participate in the course please contact the co-ordinator or register online.
For more details please contact Fr. Thomas Parayadiyil on 02083683016 or Mrs.Rosamma M Thomas on 07961444865

READ THE PASTORAL LETTER FROM HIS EMINENCE MAR VARKEY CARDINAL VITHAYATHIL

Lonon : The Head and the Father of Syro Malabar Church, Major Archbishop His Eminence Varkey Cardinal Vithyathil urged the migrant faithful of Syro Malabar Church to pray for the Church during the time of Dukrana. To read the Pastoral Letter click here

JULY 3rd GRANT CELEBRATION IN LONDON

Lonon : St.Micheals Church in East Ham will host this years July 3rd celebration in London. Members from all the Syro Malabar Holy Mass centres in the Archdioceses of Westminister, Southwark and Diocese of Brentwood will be participating in the event.

The Holy Mass will start at 2:30 pm at St.Micheals Church, East Ham. Cultural Events and dinner is arranged at the town hall in East Ham. The program will end by 8.00 pm.

Any one who wish to become "Presudendhi" please contact your Kaikkaran as soon as possible. Those who wish to have dinner please make sure you get the tickets from your Kaikkaran. The ticket rates for Adult is £5.00 and for Children above 3 years is £3.00. Any one who would like to perform any cultural programs during the event please contact Mr.Joice P James on 07832374201 or your Kaikkaran.

To view the Notice click here

To view the venue

ANNUAL RETREATS IN MASS CENTRES -updated on 19/05/2008

Stevenage
26th April

Slough
10th May

Romford
24th May

Catford
23rd May 17:00 to 21:30 Hrs
24th May 11:00 to 16:00 Hrs
25th May 13:00 to 18:00 Hrs

Tolworth
17th May 10:00 to 14:00 Hrs

26th May 14:00 to 20:00 Hrs
27th May 14:00 to 20:00 Hrs
28st May 14:00 to 20:00 Hrs

Maidstone
21st June

Walthamstow
25th June
26th June
27th June

HOLY WEEK CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON

The Holy Week celebrations in various Holy Mass centres in London are scheduled as follows

Date	Place	Event	Time
16th March 2008	Enfield	Palm Sunday	4.00 pm
16th March 2008	Dartford	Palm Sunday	3.00 pm
16th March 2008	East Ham	Palm Sunday	3.30 pm
20th March 2008	Catford celebarations will be at Downham Good Shepherd Catholic Church	Maundy Thurdsay	4:00 pm
20th March	Tolworth	Maundy Thursday	4.00 pm
20th March	Eastham	Maundy THursday	5.00 pm
21 March	Thorntonheath	Good Friday	6.00pm
21 March	East Ham	Good Friday	8.30pm
21 March	Wembly	Stations of the Cross	5.00pm
22 March	Haywardsheath	Easter	4.30pm
23 March	Southend-On-Sea	Easter	10.30pm
23 march	Catford	Easter	2.00 pm
23 March	Canterberry	Easter	4.00pm
23 March	Hounslow	Easter	3.00 pm
23 March	Wembly	Easter	4.00pm
23 MArch	East Ham	Easter	3.30pm

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON

London : Syro Malabar Catholic Church London extends her greetings and warm wishes to all in UK. This year we will be having Christmas Eve Special prayers and Solemn Holy Mass "Thiruppiraviyute Karmmangal" in two Holy Mass centres, viz; Catford and Eastham. Every year we have this special Mass on the Christmas eve. Faithful from nearby Holy Mass centres attend this service. Make sure you attend the Holy Mass near to you. There will be carol service. All are welcome to this service.

The Christmas Holy Mass and celebrations in different Holy Mass centres are shown in the table below:

DATE	TIME	HOLY MASS CENTRE
21st December 2007	6:30 p.m	Slough
23rd December 2007	3:30 p.m	Gillingham
24th December 2007	8:00 p.m	Catford
24th December 2007	8:30 p.m	East Ham
25th December 2007	10:30 a.m	Southend-on-sea
25th December 2007	6:00 p.m	Stevenage
26th December 2007	9:00 a.m	Canterbury
26th December 2007	6:00 p.m	Thorntonheath
27th December 2007	5:00 p.m	Maidstone
28th December 2007	4:30 p.m	Tolworth
29th December 2007	5:30 p.m	Ashford

London Welcomes new Coordinator for Syro Malabar Catholic Church

Fr Thomas Parayadyil (born on 16-03-1949 and ordained on 19-12-1973) is a member of the Missionary Society of St Thomas the Apostle, Melampara, Kerala. He has a doctorate in Oriental Liturgy from Rome and was professor of Liturgy at St Hoseph´s Seminary for six years. Then he was appointed the Rector Ruhalaya Major Seminary, Ujjain, Madhyapradesh. Later while he was in the diocese of Ujjain as the Vicar General and the Cathedral Parish Priest he was elected the Director General of the Missionary Society (1998-2003). Recently the Major Archiepiscopal Synod of the Church assigned him to be the co-ordinator of the Syro-Malabar Catholics in England and subsequently with the appointment of the Bishops in London, he took charge of the office

FAREWELL TO REV.FR.BIJU JOHN

Fr.Biju John Kochuparampil, the First Coordinator for the Syro Malabar Catholic Church in London has paved the way for the new coordinator. His pastoral work in the three diocese of London was excellent. He managed to coordinate the 33 Holy mass centres in London and implement a common system for all the Holy Mass centres. He was young, energetic,a true lover of Syro Malabar Church , enthusiastic and had a great vision for our church in UK. He was appointed as the first Coordinator for the Syro Malabar Church in London in 2005 and continued until September 2007.

He will be continuing his Doctoral studies in the University. With all our heart we asure Fr.Biju John all our heartfelt gratitude and prayers. We also assure you that we will keep the light you have enlightened for ever. We thank you for all your efforts and prayers. It is for sure that your name will be written in Golden letters in the History of Syro Malabar Church in England. We wish you all success.

ANNUAL FAMILY RENEWAL RETREAT 2007

Thousands gathered for the Annual family retreats conducted in the 9 Holy Mass centres in London. Our church have been arranging retreats like this every year. This years retreat was lead by Very Rev. Fr.Scaria Kalloor. We had a great response from our faithful regarding this retreat. It was for the first time we had a Family renewal retreat based on our lifes in UK. Rev.Fr.Scaria illustrated the problems we face in UK and explained how we can face it and succeed in life. There is a high demand from public for his retreat again.

There were special prayers for children and married couples renewed their marriage vowes. The healing prayers and Adorations became a new experience for our faithful. It was a great time for our faithful to be with Our Lord.

Fr.Scaria is a Cappuchin missionary priest worked in the Europe for over 14 years. Who have good knowledge and experince on life in Europe. He did his research in Rome.

Annual retreat for our communities were arranged in the three diocese of London. The schedule were as follows.

Basildon (Essex)
29 July (Sun) 2pm to 8pm
Contact :Joseph 01268456209

Southend-on-Sea (Essex)
5 August (Sun) 1pm to 8pm
Contact : Jaison Chackochan 01702308429 / 07984293430

Stevenage (North London)
10 (Fri) August 10am to 8pm
Contact : Shaji 07737700911 shajiphilip@hotmail.com

Enfield (North London)
11 (Sat) August 10am to 7pm
Contact : Jose Varghese 02083673928 / 07877540095

East Ham (East London)
17,18,19 August (Fri-Sun)
Fri :2-7pm,
Sat:2.30-7pm
Sun: 2-5.30pm
Contact : Antony Mathew 07939285457

Tolworth (South West London)
20,21,22 August (Mon-Wed)
Mon-Wed 2-7pm
Contact : Tolworth Rosamma Mattathil 07961444865

Catford ( South East London )
24,25,26 August (Fri-Sun)
Fri-5-9pm,
Sat-11-4pm
Sun-1-6pm
Contact Joice P James 07932992498

Walthamstow
27 August
Mon - 9:00- 5:00 pm

The coordinator has nominated three members to the coordination committee. They are as follows :

Mr.Jomon Kunnel - Syro Malabar Catholic Church Representative for the stations outside the three diocese.
Mr.Savy - Syro Malabar Catholic Church Representative for Kent in the Arch Diocese of Southwark

Mr.Cyril Padapurackal - Syro Malabar Catholic Church Representative for Kent in the Arch Diocese of Southwark

Dukrana Celebration 2007

Click Here for More pictures of the Event.......

Syro Malabar Catholic Church London celebrated “Dukrana” (St. Thomas Day) celebration 2007 in London. The celebration will took place on 3rd July 2007 at St. George’s cathedral, Southwark from 14:00 to 18:30 hrs. London Coordinator Rev.Fr.Biju John recieved Most.Rev. Archbishop Mar Kevin McDonald by giving "ponnada". Hundreds gathered in the Cathedral witnessed the grant celebration. Rev.Fr.george Cheeramkuzhi, the Coordination committee members and Syro Malabar priests in London invited and recieved Most.Rev. Archbishop and Very.Rev.Canon James Cronin the dean of the cathedral. They were recieved by thalappoli , muthukudas and our traditional custom.

Rev. Fr.John Meonkari CMI was the main celebrant for our liturgy. Our priests in London and the Parish priets from the Holy Mass centres along with the Rev.Msgr.Richard Moth (the Vicar General of Southwark Archdiocese) and Rev.Deacon Jim concelebrated the Holy mass. Rev.Xanon James Cronin welcomed everyone to the cathedral.

Most Rev.Archbishop Kevin McDonald preached the sermon. Rev.Fr.Luke conducted the "ladinju" and the colour full procession with the icon of St.Thomas, Marthoma Cross, incense and muthukudas reminded the feast day like in Kerala.

The cultural activities and reception were conducted at the Cathedral hall.

To view the pictures of the event please click here

Holy Week celebrations in London

ARNOS GROVE:

New Coordination committee for Syro Malabar Catholic Church in London

London:New Coordination committee members have been elected for the Syro Malabar Church in London. Each coordination committee members were elected by the General Body Meeting of each Diocese in London for the 2007-2008 year.

Mr.Joy Iremban and Mrs.Binny Manoj were elected as the coordination committee members from the Arch Diocese of Westminster.

Mr.Antony Mathew and Mr.Noby Augustine were elected as the coordination committee members from the Diocese of Brentwood.

Mr.Joice Pallickamyalil James and Mrs.Rosamma Mattathil have been elected as the coordination committee members for the Arch Diocese of Southwark.

Mrs.Sophie Ittira died in London

Mrs.Sophie Ittira, wife of Sri. Ittira Payyappallil died on the 10th February 2007. The funeral was conducted at The City od London Cemetery in East London on the 17th February 2007. She belongs to Aanjiparampil family in Varappuzha, Kothadu. She had two children, Richard and Ronald who are studying in London. According to her wish her body was buried according to the Syro Malabar Rite. Rev.Fr.George Cheeramkuzhi was the celebrant. The London Syro Malabar Coordinator Rev.Fr.Biju John paid respect. Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Southwark Diocese representative Mr.Joice P James , Malayalee councillor in East Ham Mrs.Omana Gangadharan and several people attended the funeral. A Holy Mass was celebrated at the Church in Beckton.

December 2006 Circular
The Circular published by the Syro Malabar Catholic Church, London is available for download from our downloads section.

London Malayalees Celebrated Xmas at Arnos Grove

The Christmas Celebrations for the Syro Malabar faithful in London began with Solemn Holy Christmas Celebrations ("Thirupiraviyude Karmangal") on 24th December, the Christmas eve at 8.00 pm at Arnose grove. Variety Cultural programs like Bharatnatyam, Mimicry, Carol Songs, "Anthahshari" were performed by Children at the Parish Hall. A Christmas dinner was arranged by the Prish committee for the faithful and hundreds of people participated.

Miss Carol Thomas and Miss Raina Victor Performing Bharatnatyam on the 24th of December 2006 during the Christmas Party at Arnos Grove.

Syro Malabar catholic Church in London arranges Cultural Program
Syro Malabar Catholic Church London is proud to announce that we can arrange traditional cultural programmes for any kind of events. Traditional cultural programs like Bharatanatyam, Margamkali etc can be arranged for your parties.
Please contact Rev.Fr.Biju John to book cultural programs on 02083683016

Christmas Celebrated in East Ham
24th December

7:30 pm to 8.00 pm -Sacrament of recconciliation
8:30 pm - Christmas Ceremonies and Holy Qurbana by the Brentwood Diocese Chaplain Very Rev.Fr. George Cheeramkuzhy
(at St.Micheal's Church East Ham)

26th December

10:30 am - 2:00 p.m - Cultural Programs and the Christmas Party (at St.Antony's Church 56 St.Antony's Road Forest Gate)

Christmas Celebrations in Maidstone

Maidstone Malayalee Catholic Community celebrating Christmas and new year on 27th December 2006 at St. Francis Church,126 Week Street, Maidstone ME16 8NG. Holy Mass started at 6.00 p.m and social gathering followed in Parish Hall.

Christmas Celebrations in Nottingham
On the 23rd of December the Christmas Carol will reach each houses in Nottingham. They will select the best Xmas trees and Cribs from the visit and the winners will be rewarded. The program for the Christmas Eve will start with the "Thiruppiraviyude Karmangal" followed by a Solemn Holy Mass at Nottingham.
Those who would like to get more details ,please contact Mr.Byju Menon Cheri or Mrs.Sonia

International Holy Mass at Westminster Cathedral

On November 12th The Cardinal celebrated International Holy Mass at Westminster Cathedral.
Time: 5.30 P.M.
Cardinal Murphy O Connor celebrated the International Holy Mass with the chaplains of Eastern catholic rites and other chapliancies in London. Fr.Biju John, the coordinator for the Syro malabar Catholic Church in London was a co-celeberant.

Syro malabar faithfull frim different parts of london gathered there on traditional dresses and participated in the procession with "Marthoma Kurisu" and "Muthukudas"

Attacks against the Syro malabar Faithful - condemned by the Syro-Malabar catholic Church London.
The Syro-Malabar Coordinator London, condemned all the recently shocking attack against the Syro-Malabar families living in the UK. He said ‘It is shocking and inhuman, we have a special wing to help and assist with the victims. We are working hand in hand with the government and the Catholic Church in England to deal with these kind of attack against the Catholic church.’ he added.
If you are a victim of any kind of attack and discrimination please let us know.

Holy Mass Centre in Catford - Holy Cross Church, Sangley Road, Catford SE6
Catford can be accessed by South Eastern Rail services and there are many connection buses from central London. This centre is for the faithfull living in the South East of London. Holy Mass and catechism for our children on every last sunday of every month at 2.00 pm.

RETREAT FOR CHILDREN IN SUMMER Updated on : 7th August 2006

A retreat for Children has been conducted on the 4th 5th and 6th of August at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Arnos Grove, London, N11 1AA.

Miss Marykutty and Santhosh from Christeen team, Kerala lead the retreat. The retreat was very successfull. On behalf of the Syro Malabar Church in London Mr.Joice P James extended the gratitude and thanks to Fr.Biju John for arranging such a marvelous retreat for the Children. He also thanked each and every one who supported and worked for this retreat. The leadership of Antony Mathew and Samuel was appreciated.

Sunday, July 30, 2006
Rev fr. John boyle Ashford Kent writes:
Syro-Malabar Server

Our monthly Syro-Malabar Mass took place on this 30th July afternoon, celebrated by Father Biju John, the co-ordinator for the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Westminster, Brentwood and Southwark. Before Mass began, I presented one of our young servers from the Syro-Malabar community, Jebin, with his certificate of enrolment in the Guild of St Stephen which took place on May 1st at Aylesford Priory.