Church History

Established in 1987, The Mar Thoma Church of Greater Seattle, is one of the parishes under the Diocese of North America and Europe.

Our journey to this day began in August 1984, when the visiting Suffragon Metropolitan Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Athanasius, approved Rev. K. G. Pothen who was rendering pastoral care in Los Angeles; to provide pastoral service to those living in Seattle and surrounding areas. Thus, the seed of Marthoma Church was planted in Seattle in 1984, but the seed remained dormant until 1986.

On December 9, 1986, a formal request was sent to India addressed to Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Marthoma Metropolitan seeking permission to start the Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater Seattle. During his visit to the US in July 1987, at a meeting presided by the Metropolitan, the first executive committee of the Mar Thoma Congregation was elected.

By August 31st, 1987, Mar Thoma Congregation was officially born with 14 family members.

Until April 2000, Church services were conducted once every three months and monthly prayer meetings at various homes and halls provided by the courtesy of our members.

On June 13, 1990, Marthoma Church of Greater Seattle was elevated to the level of parish and the once-in-three-month worship service became a once-a-month event.

Vicar Rev. K.G. Pothen remained as President until March 1989 who was replaced by Rev. Alexander Thomas who served from April 1989 thru April 1992 followed by Rev. C. John from June 1992 until the end of 1995. From January 1996 to May 1997, Rev. Philip Easow from Edmonton, Canada, served as President. Rev. Dr. Kurian Thomas who was stationed in San Francisco, served from June 1997 – 2001 and Rev. George K. John from 2001 – 2003.

The Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus, Diocesan Bishop dedicated the existing Church building of the Mar Thoma Church of Greater Seattle on May 13th 2000.