Jerusalem Mar Thoma Church, Hebbal, Bengaluru is a parish of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar under the Chennai–Bangalore Diocese, prayerfully serving 229 families and around 814 members, organized into seven prayer groups: ABS, AHS, GRD, HRT, KED, SLP, and YLK.
Our History
The need for establishing a Mar Thoma church in Bangalore North was first discussed at a joint meeting held on 11 December 1990, bringing together members of the three Mar Thoma parishes then in Bangalore: The Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Primrose Road; Bangalore East Mar Thoma Church; and Ebenezer Mar Thoma Church, Jalahalli. It was the shared vision of the Hebbal and J.C. Nagar Prayer Groups, then affiliated with Primrose Road Church, that led to the formation of a new parish in Hebbal.
With the blessing of the then Diocesan Episcopa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Thirumeni, the Bangalore North Congregation was formally constituted, with worship services beginning twice a month at the residence of Late Mr. Jacob Pulimoodu in R.T. Nagar under Rev. M. S. Skariah. A plot of land measuring 110 × 65 feet was later acquired on Kempapura Road, Hebbal, through the initiative of Late Rev. K. Thomas, and a modest 22 × 40 feet chapel was built under the supervision of Late Mr. P. M. Jose.
The congregation was elevated to independent parish status on 1 August 1991, with Late Rev. K. Thomas as its first Vicar. The foundation stone for the present church building was laid on 8 May 1992, the basement hall was dedicated on 18 March 1993, and the completed main church was dedicated on 21 May 1994 by Late His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan, assisted by the Suffragan Metropolitan Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Valiya Metropolitan, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa, and Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Timotheos Episcopa.
In 2025, the parish joyfully marked its 35th Parish Day, giving thanks for God’s faithfulness across three and a half decades of worship, fellowship, and mission.
Former Vicars
| Vicar | Term |
|---|---|
| Rev. K. Thomas (Late) | 1991 – 1995 |
| Rev. Dr. K.A. Abraham | 1995 – 1996 |
| Rev. Dr. Abraham Zachariah | 1996 – 1997 |
| Rev. K.C. George | 1997 – 1999 |
| Rev. Thomas Mathew (Late) | 1999 – 2004 |
| Rev. Mathew Baby | 2004 – 2006 |
| Rev. C.K. Titus | 2006 – 2009 |
| Rev. A. John George | 2009 – 2012 |
| Rev. Thomas John A. | 2012 – 2015 |
| Rev. Varghese Mathew | 2015 – 2019 |
| Rev. Prince Korah (Late) | 2019 – 2023 |
| Rev. Shinu Baby | 2023 – 2025 |
We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our former Vicars for their dedicated, vibrant, and fruitful ministry in our parish, and continue to uphold them in our prayers.
Our Diocesan Episcopa
Rt. Rev. Dr. Gregorios Mar Stephanos Episcopa serves as our Diocesan Bishop, providing dynamic leadership and a clear Kingdom-focused vision for the Chennai–Bangalore Diocese. Thirumeni visited our parish for our 35th Parish Day on 17 August 2025.
Our Current Leadership
Rev. K. A. Varghese has served as our Vicar since 2025, and under his leadership the parish continues to grow in worship, fellowship, and mission. He is supported by Mrs. Moni Varghese Kochamma and their daughters Ashley Ann Varghese and Ardhra Ann Varghese, who are active in the Sevika Sangham and Yuvajana Sakhyam respectively.
The Kaisthana Samithi (Executive Committee) for 2026–27 is led by:
- Vicar and President: Rev. K. A. Varghese
- Vice President: Mr. Babu Koshy
- Secretary: Mr. Lijo Lucose – +91-9742424155
- Trustee, Finance: Mr. AVM Mathew George – +91-9980663220
- Trustee, Accounts: Mr. Abraham Varghese (Aby) – +91-9449599167
- Lay Leaders: Mr. AJ Varghese – +91-9448827117, Mr. Cherian Thomas – +91-9483063926
See our Organizations page for the complete 2026–27 committee, area prayer group representatives, and mission field coordinators.