Following the closure of the United Reform Church in 2016 the building became the Indian Orthodox Church of St. Thomas serving a congregation in the Northumberland and Durham area. St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Newcastle, was consecrated on 27 May 2024.
St Thomas Indian Orthodox Church Newcastle, consecrated by His Holiness Moran Mor Baselios Mathews III, Supreme Head of Indian Orthodox Church, His Grace Abraham Mar Stephanos (Dioceses Metropolitan), and the worshipful mayor of Gateshead Councillor Kath McCartney attended the public meeting. On this occasion, Rev. Fr. Tom Courrier – from the Roman Catholic Church, Very Rev. Lee Batson Dean of Newcastle – from the Church of England, Rev. Fr Dimitri – from the Russian Orthodox Church, Diocesan Representatives, church diocesan officials and Ex Vicars felicitated the church.
All UK-regional Orthodox vicars also attended the Consecration program.
Little History
This fellowship officially began on August 1, 2004, and was declared a congregation on January 5, 2008, by HG Late Dr Thomas Mar Makarios. St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church provides a platform for cultural, religious, and socio-religious activities for the Orthodox community in the northeast of England. This is the first Indian Orthodox Church in Northeast England to have its own church.