Brief History of Bangalore Parish |
STECI History
St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India (STECI) originated from the Mar Thoma Syrian Church with the objective of reconstituting the church according to its founding principles. The STECI was launched at Thymala, Manjadi, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India on Jan 26, 1961.
The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church formally came into existence in 1889 after losing the ‘Seminary Case’ or Royal Court Case against the Jacobite Metropolitan Mar Dionysius. The rift with the Jacobite Metropolitan began after 12 clergymen of the reformed faction of the church under the leadership of Abraham Malpan declared opposition to 24 non-biblical evil practices in the Malankara Church on 5th Sept. 1836. This development was the result of a great reformation that was triggered by the Church Missionary Society and the reformation movement led by Abraham Malpan and Kaithayil Gee Varghese Malpan in 1826.
Based on Biblical teachings, they gave up beliefs and practices contrary to the Word of God that was proclaimed by St. Thomas (one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ who landed in Cranganore, near Cochin in 52 A.D. according to tradition). Within four decades of the formation of the Mar Thoma Church, led by a section of leadership, the Mar Thoma Church started deviating from its reformed faith, doctrines and practices, and became lenient to non-Biblical practices.
Therefore, another Reformist Forum was started by Mr. K. N. Daniel, a lay theologian and activist in 1929. Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan was supportive of him until his demise in 1947. However, the drifting from reformist positions continued. It is in this context that on October 29, 1952, the Pathyopadesa Samithi, Forum to Defend Sound Doctrine, was formed. Under the able leadership of Mr. K. N. Daniel, they raised their voices within the church against the drifting away of faith for about a decade.
When this became futile and impossible, the reformed section of the Mar Thoma Church decided to reconstitute the Mother Church under the name St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India in 1961 to retain and continue the reformation. These facts are mentioned in the preamble of the constitution of the STECI.
Parish Journey
The Bangalore Parish of the St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India (STECI) stands as a testament to faith, endurance, and missionary vision. Its history is marked by dedication and spiritual growth, serving the community of believers in the city of Bengaluru.
The journey began with the arrival of STECI families who had moved to Bangalore for work. Initially, they gathered for occasional prayer meetings. This informal fellowship gradually became a weekly routine, often meeting at rented halls or the homes of believers. Services were held at various rented locations across the city, including Richmond Town, Indiranagar, and Infantry Road until a permanent place could be secured.
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