Parish Life
The ministries and fellowships that nurture faith, build community, and serve one another within St George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Leeds.
Nurturing Young Disciples
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Sunday School is a vital ministry of St George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, dedicated to the spiritual formation of our children within the rich tradition of the Syriac Orthodox faith. It provides a nurturing and structured environment where children can learn the teachings of the Holy Bible, understand the history and heritage of our ancient church, and grow in their faith through worship, prayer, and fellowship.
Lessons grounded in the Holy Bible and the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church, introducing foundational stories from both the Old and New Testaments, alongside the rich history of St Thomas Christianity in India.
Teaching liturgical hymns and prayers that reflect our Orthodox tradition, encouraging children to participate meaningfully in the Holy Qurbono and to express their faith through art and creativity.
Explaining the significance of regular worship, the Holy Sacraments of the Orthodox Church, and encouraging children to understand their calling to serve the Church and wider community.
For Our Young Members
The Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Youth Association (JSOYA) is the official youth wing of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, and our parish is proud to have an active and growing chapter here in Leeds.
Founded on the principles of faith, fellowship, and service, JSOYA plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual, social, and cultural development of our young members. At St George Church Leeds, our youth group brings together young members of the congregation to deepen their Orthodox faith, build lasting friendships, and actively serve both the Church and the wider community.
The group organises regular prayer meetings, Bible studies, and leadership development activities, all rooted in the teachings and traditions of the Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church. Through its initiatives, JSOYA encourages young people to embrace their identity as Orthodox Christians, remain connected to their Syriac heritage, and grow into responsible, faith-driven individuals.
Our youth also take an active part in charitable outreach — participating in community service initiatives, fundraising efforts for those in need, and supporting parish events that benefit both the congregation and the wider Leeds community.
Regular prayer sessions and scripture study grounded in the Syriac Orthodox tradition.
Community service, fundraising, and support for the underprivileged in Leeds and beyond.
Training and mentoring young members to serve the Church and lead with faith.
Celebrating our Syriac Orthodox identity through cultural events, feast days, and parish festivals.
Active involvement in Holy Qurbono, feast day celebrations, and the life of the parish community.
Building bonds among the youth of the Jacobite community across the UK.
Women's Fellowship
Martha Mariam Vanitha Samajam — the Women's Wing of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church
The Vanitha Samajam, formally known as the Martha Mariam Vanitha Samajam, is the esteemed women's fellowship of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. Founded in 1928 and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Samajam has for nearly a century been the spiritual and social heartbeat of women across our Church.
St George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Leeds, is blessed with an active and dedicated Vanitha Samajam that plays a central role in the life of our parish. Our members gather regularly for prayer, scripture reading, and devotional fellowship, strengthening the spiritual bonds that hold our community together far from home.
Functioning as an integral part of the Church's official structure, the Samajam is guided by a mission "to enhance and enlighten the spiritual and social growth of the women" of the Church. Under the pastoral guidance of our vicar, the women of our parish come together in a spirit of sisterhood to serve God, one another, and the wider community.
Regular prayer meetings, Bible studies, and devotional gatherings on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
Fundraising drives, support for those in need, and community service programmes.
Seminars on health, wellness, and skills development to uplift and equip women in the community.
Active involvement in church festivals, feast day celebrations, and cultural events that preserve our Syriac Orthodox heritage.
Come Together in Prayer
At the heart of our parish life is a deep commitment to communal prayer — gathering together as one family in faith, wherever we are in the region.
Parish prayer meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month at 5:00 PM, alternating between the homes of parish members across Leeds and Wakefield. These intimate gatherings bring together families and individuals from across the region, creating a warm space for shared prayer, scripture reflection, and fellowship.
By rotating between different homes in Leeds and Wakefield, the prayer meetings serve not only as a time of spiritual renewal but also as a means of strengthening the bonds of community. They ensure that members across both areas remain connected to one another and to the life of the parish — carrying the spirit of St George Church into every corner of our community.
All members of the parish and their families are warmly encouraged to attend. The host for each meeting is announced in advance through the parish WhatsApp group, Facebook page and Instagram.
Prayer meetings rotate among the homes of parish members across Leeds, bringing together the congregation in fellowship and prayer.
Meetings also take place in Wakefield, ensuring members in the area remain connected to the wider parish family.
Each gathering typically includes opening prayers and hymns from the Syriac Orthodox liturgical tradition, a scripture reading and reflection, intercessory prayers for parish members and the wider Church, and time for fellowship over refreshments.
Whether you are a long-standing member or new to the parish, prayer meetings are an open and welcoming space to grow in faith and build friendships within the community.