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Dubai, One of the seven states of UAE, strategically located and famous for its historic trading traditions, had been enticing traders, visitors and job-seekers even before the oil-boom. The influx steadily in the 1960′s and reached the pinnacle in the 1970′s. A small cell of them belonging to the Malankara Orthodox Church came together and formed a congregation, which in 1968 assumed the status of parish.

Initial gatherings at the residence of members gradually shifted to the women’s society hall in Deira, due to sizeable increase in membership. Soon, the need for a church building became inevitable and representations were made to the authorities concerned in this regard. The St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral Dubai, situated in plot No. B-21, Zabeel East Area, today stands as a magnificent testimony of the magnanimity of H.H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai who gifted the plot of land on April 25, 1972. The first Church building which could accommodate around 300 people was consecrated in 1976 by Late H.G. Joseph Mar Pachomios.

Construction of the Parsonage, New Parsonage Complex and parish Hall were some of the projects of the parish in the years followed. The present Church building was completed in record time and was consecrated by H.H. Baselios  Mar Thoma  Mathews II of blessed memory on 12th June 1992 assisted by the Late Dr. Paulose  Mar Gregorios, H.G. Stephanos Mar Theodosious, H.G. Kuriakose Mar Clemis and H.G. Job Mar Philoxenos. The new office complex combining offices, sextonage, mini hall and stores was constructed in 1998 and was blessed by the Late H.H. Baselios mar Thoma Mathews II.

H.H. Baselios mar Thoma Mathews II of blessed memory, the then Catholicate  of the East and Malankara Metropolitan seated on the Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas, elevated it to the position of ‘Great Church’ in an Encyclical Bull and proclaimed it as ‘ St. Thomas Orthodox Great Church’ during the Apostolic visit to the Parish in October 2003.

On 22nd December 2006 St. Thomas Orthodox Great Church was elevated to the position of ‘St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral’ by H.H. Baselios Marthoma Didimos I.

St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral Dubai, today has emerged as one of the most prominent parishes in the Malankara Orthodox Church. The untainted apostolic faith inherited from Apostle  St. Thomas and handed over from generations is upheld and preserved with reverence. The parish with a strength of more than 1800, surges ahead day by day by the grace of the Almighty and the intercession of the patron saints, St. Mary, St. Thomas and St. Gregorios of Parumala.