History

History and Growth of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Toronto

The Syro-Malankara Catholic presence in Toronto began in 1986 with the arrival of Rev. Dr. Peter Kochery, who played a foundational role in establishing a Malankara Catholic community in the region. At the time, fewer than five Malankara Catholic families resided in the Greater Toronto Area.

By 1991, the Mission officially began its spiritual activities, including the celebration of the Holy Qurbono once a month and the initiation of monthly prayer meetings. Services were held at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, where Dr. Kochery resided. Having laid a strong foundation, he entrusted the leadership of the Mission to Rev. Fr. Antony Chethipuzha in 1992.

Under Fr. Antony’s leadership, the community continued to grow steadily, maintaining regular liturgical services and prayer gatherings. During this period, the Malankara liturgy was celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Parish, where Fr. Antony served as Associate Pastor. His guidance helped the Mission flourish into a spiritually vibrant and closely connected community.

A pivotal moment came in 1997 with the appointment of Rev. Fr. Gigi Philip as vicar. The community returned to St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, and the Holy Qurbono began to be celebrated weekly. Fr. Gigi’s dynamic leadership introduced many key initiatives: catechism classes for children, Lenten retreats, a Christmas carol program, and continued monthly prayer meetings. In 2003, the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) was formally established, fostering greater involvement of the youth in the life of the Church.

In 2004, Rev. Fr. Cherian Mambrakuzhy assumed pastoral leadership and relocated the Mission to St. Eugene’s Chapel, affiliated with St. Margaret of Scotland Church. His tenure brought renewed spiritual vitality, deepening the faith life of the parish. He renamed the community St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Mission, introduced the English Malankara Qurbono, and in 2008, hosted the MCYM North America Conference in Toronto.

Rev. Fr. John Kuriakose succeeded Fr. Cherian in 2008. The community briefly moved to St. Mary’s Polish Church in downtown Toronto before returning to St. Eugene’s Chapel. In July 2009, MCYM Toronto launched a monthly bulletin, which continues to be shared with the Malankara diaspora around the world.

In 2015, Rev. Fr. Gigi Philip returned as vicar, with Rev. Fr. Abraham Luckose joining as associate vicar in 2016. A historic milestone occurred on February 26, 2017, when the Mission was elevated to the status of a full-fledged parish under the St. Mary, Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in the USA and Canada, by Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius, the first bishop of the Eparchy.

On July 3, 2018, the parish acquired a permanent home at 11–15 Warrendale Court, Etobicoke. Later that year, on October 28, 2018, Fr. Gigi Philip was appointed Syncellus of Canada by Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos, the current bishop of the Eparchy.