Our Parish
From a small prayer gathering in 1973 to one of the largest parishes in the Mar Thoma Diocese of North America — this is our story, our clergy, and our family.
A parish born from the heartfelt desire of a few faithful families.
The Chicago Mar Thoma Church began in 1973 as an organized prayer group of families who desired to worship in the Mar Thoma tradition. The late Metropolitan, the Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma — then Alexander Mar Theophilus Episcopa — encouraged the small group toward regular Bible study, prayer, and worship on his visit that same year.
Today, the parish is home to over 350 families and is served by Rev. Ashish Thomas as Vicar and Rev. Biju Yohannan as Assistant Vicar — one of the largest parishes in the Diocese of North America.
A Prayer Group is Born
Faithful families begin meeting for prayer, encouraged by Metropolitan Alexander Mar Thoma on his visit to Chicago.
Recognized as a Congregation
The Episcopal Synod formally recognizes the group as a Mar Thoma Congregation.
Elevated to Full Parish
Continued spiritual and membership growth leads to elevation as a full parish in August.
Land Purchased, First Vicar
240 Potter Road is purchased, and the parish welcomes its first full-time Vicar.
Our Church is Built
Foundation laid July 14, 1985; the newly built Chicago Mar Thoma Church is dedicated in November 1986.
Mother to Two Parishes
CMTC becomes the mother parish to Bethel MTC, Frankfort (1994) and St. Thomas MTC (2004).
Renovated & Expanded
Our expanded church building is rededicated by Metropolitan Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma.
Golden Jubilee
CMTC celebrates fifty years of the Mar Thoma faith community in Chicagoland, and its 50th Parish Day.
Rev. Ashish Thomas
Vicar, Chicago Mar Thoma Church
Smitha Rose Mathew Baskyomo — Children: Jonathan & Nehema
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ! As we enter September, let us pause and thank God for His faithfulness during the first eight months of 2026. We have much to be grateful for as individuals, families, and as a parish.
Our theme this year, “Faithful Today, Hopeful Tomorrow,” reminds us to receive the past with thanksgiving, live the present faithfully, and embrace the future with hope.
Rev. Biju Yohannan
Assistant Vicar, Chicago Mar Thoma Church
Remya Thomas — Daughter: Daphne
After the joy of the Easter season, our parish continues to walk in the light of the Risen Lord. This month, we turn our thoughts toward His Ascension, when Christ returns to the Father, entrusting His mission to us — to be His witnesses in Chicagoland and to the ends of the earth.
I count it a joy to journey alongside our Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, and Yuvajana Sakhyam families, and to see Christ's love take root in every generation of our parish.
Serving the Parish
Elected lay leaders who serve alongside our clergy in the governance and ministry of CMTC.
Rev. Ashish Thomas
Vicar & President
Rev. Biju Yohannan
Asst. Vicar & Vice President
Mr. Abraham Philip
Lay Vice President
Mrs. Sujatha Abraham
Lay Vice President
Mr. Monish John
Secretary
Mr. Mathew Varghese
Trustee – Finance
Dr. Abraham George
Trustee – Accounts
Mr. Johnson Thomas T.
Lay Leader (Malayalam)
Mr. Steive Thomas
Lay Leader (English)
Mr. Roy Thomas
Mandalam Member
Dr. Joe M George
Diocese Assembly Member
Mrs. Lalu Thomas
Diocese Assembly Member
Rev. V. T. John
Diocesan Assembly Member
Dr. Susan Chacko
Choir Secretary
Mr. Abraham K. Abraham
Parish Mission Secretary
Mr. George Mathew
Senior Fellowship Secretary
Dr. Aney Abraham
Sevika Sangham
Mr. Shane Abraham
Youth Fellowship Secretary
Mrs. Deepa Susan Abraham
Yuvajana Sakhyam Secretary
Mrs. Shyla Varughese
Sunday School Superintendent
Mr. Jacob Thomas
Area 1 Representative
Mr. Abraham V. George
Area 2 Representative
Mr. Jibu Mathew
Area 3 Representative
Mr. John Mathew
Area 4 Representative
Mr. Shani Abraham
Area 5 Representative
Mr. Shinoj George
Area 6 Representative
Mr. Praveenmon Thomas
Area 7 Representative
Mr. Shibu David
Area 8 Representative
Mr. Rubin Varghese
Area 9 Representative
Mr. Albin George
Area 10 Representative
Mr. Sibi M. Jacob
Area 11 RepresentativeServing the Parish in Advisory Roles
Mr. Koshy Varghese
Lay Leader (Malayalam)
Mr. Shane Abraham
Lay Leader (English)
Dr. Shijy Alex
Auditor
Mr. Achenkunju Mathew
AuditorNew Community Hall & Expansion
CMTC is planning an expanded community hall to better serve our growing parish — a space for fellowship, worship overflow, Sunday School, and community outreach for generations to come.
Events & Gatherings
Bishop's Pastoral Visit
Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa, Bishop of the Diocese of North America, will preside over a special Holy Qurbana at CMTC. All members and families are warmly invited.
Thanksgiving Holy Qurbana
Annual Thanksgiving Holy Qurbana followed by a community dinner — a time to give thanks together as a parish family.
Christmas Carol Service
Candlelight carols, the Nativity narrative, and a solemn Christmas Eve Holy Qurbana to celebrate the birth of our Lord.