Mar Thoma Church - Diocese of North America
Serving the Southern Region (Region 4) - Engaging in Mission & Ministry
The initial Board of Directors consists of seven members serving in alignment with the Diocesan Assembly term. The majority of Board members are also members of the Diocesan Council.
President / Diocesan Bishop
Merrick, NY
Vice President
Davie, FL
Secretary
Snellville, GA
Treasurer / Registered Agent
Wellington, FL
Accountant
Brandon, FL
Diocesan Secretary
Merrick, NY
Diocesan Treasurer
Floral Park, NY
The Southern Regional Activity Committee is organized exclusively for religious and charitable purposes, working to serve our community and advance the mission of the Mar Thoma Church.
The Southern Region consists of five parishes and three congregations across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee.
Stone Mountain, GA
Orlando, FL
Tampa, FL
Margate, FL
Davie, FL
Chattanooga, TN
Nashville, TN
Jacksonville, FL
The Mar Thoma Syrian Church traces its origins to the apostolic mission of St. Thomas the Apostle in A.D. 52 in Kerala, India, with headquarters in Thiruvalla, Kerala, India. As one of the ancient apostolic churches, the Mar Thoma Church has preserved its unique liturgical traditions while embracing evangelical and reformed principles. The church's reformation in the 19th century led to a renewal movement that maintained apostolic succession and liturgical worship while emphasizing personal faith, biblical authority, and social responsibility.
Today, the Mar Thoma Church serves millions of faithful worldwide, combining ancient Eastern Orthodox liturgical traditions with Protestant evangelical theology. The church is known for its emphasis on social justice, education, and medical missions, particularly in India where it operates numerous schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions.
The Diocese of North America represents the administrative and spiritual structure of the Mar Thoma Church across the United States and Canada. The Diocese is a religious corporation registered under Section 10 of the New York Religious Corporations Law and is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Under the guidance of the Diocesan Bishop and the Diocesan Council, the Diocese oversees the spiritual welfare of congregations, facilitates programs and ministries, and maintains the connection between local parishes and the global Mar Thoma Church. The Diocesan Council comprises clergy and lay representatives who work together to address the pastoral, administrative, and developmental needs of parishes within the Diocese.
The Southern Regional Activity Committee (Southern RAC) was established in 2025 as a duly approved subcommittee of the Diocesan Assembly in the Southern Region (Region 4 of the Diocese of North America). The corporation was formed under Clause 217 of the Sabha Constitution of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church and incorporated as a nonprofit religious and charitable entity under Chapter 617 of Florida Statutes.
The Southern RAC serves as a regional hub for Mar Thoma parishes and congregations across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, coordinating activities, fostering fellowship, and supporting the growth of local congregations. As a regional center, the Southern RAC works closely with the Diocesan Council to ensure seamless communication and aligned vision for ministry.
The RAC facilitates regional conferences, youth gatherings, leadership training programs, and inter-parish activities that strengthen the bonds of faith and community among member parishes. Through its various ministries and programs, the Southern RAC continues to advance the mission of the Mar Thoma Church in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, serving communities, and nurturing spiritual growth across the region.
The Southern RAC is organized primarily for religious and charitable purposes including the construction of facilities for mission fields, socio-economic development programs, disaster relief efforts, and enabling Mar Thoma Christians in the diaspora to engage with their ecclesial heritage while shaping the Church's future in North America.