The journey of Mor Kauma Syriac Orthodox Church, Niagara, began in March 2020, when a small group of faithful believers gathered for a prayer meeting with the hope of starting a spiritual community in the Niagara region. However, due to the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gatherings could not continue as planned.
After two years, in August 2022, the dream of beginning and strengthening a Syriac Orthodox parish in Niagara was reignited. A few dedicated families —Jithin George, Jinson Joy, Sibu Joseph and Boney Raju — came together and organized a prayer meeting in Niagara Falls, led by Rev. Fr. K. V. Paulose. Encouraged by the strong desire of the faithful to have regular Holy Mass in Niagara, Fr. Paulose sought approval from the Archbishop of the Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church of North America, H.E. Mor Titus Yeldho. After careful review, the archbishop joyfully granted permission to begin Holy Mass in the Niagara region.
On 2022 October 2nd, the Feast of Eldho Mor Baselios Bava, the first Holy Mass in Niagara was celebrated by Rev. Fr. K. V. Paulose and Rev. Fr. Manu Mathew. Faithful members from across the region gathered to witness this historic and blessed moment. During this time, Boney Raju and Jithin George were selected as the first Secretary and Treasurer, taking responsibility for coordinating the initial church activities. Rev. Fr. Paulose and Rev. Fr. Manu Mathew were appointed as the first vicars of the church by the Archbishop, with Fr. Paulose serving more frequently due to his availability.
On the Feast of Parumala Mor Gregorios, H.E. Mor Severios Abraham visited the parish and celebrated the Holy Mass, further blessing the growing community.
A major milestone was reached on 2022 December 25th, Christmas Day, when the Patriarchal Vicar of the Malankara Archdiocese in North America, H.E. Mor Titus Yeldho, celebrated Holy Mass and officially named the parish as Mor Kauma Syriac Orthodox Church.
Since the congregation did not have its own property, the faithful first gathered for worship in the Serbian Orthodox Church in Niagara. As the community continued to grow, the church later moved its services and prayer gatherings to the United Mennonite Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which graciously offers all amenities needed to support and strengthen the growth of our parish community.
Today, under the spiritual leadership and guidance of our vicar, Rev. Fr. Cherian Paulose, the church continues to grow in faith, unity, and service. Our parish stands as a beacon of hope and devotion for families across Niagara and beyond.
