We are part of St. Mary, Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in USA and Canada, and we celebrate our faith through the West-Syrian (or Antiochene) Rite. With the blessings and guidance of the Roman Pontiff, we proudly take our place in the Universal Church. The ethos of our congregation aligns with the sentiments expressed in the Second Vatican Council’s Unitatis Redintegratio (4). While our foundational beliefs unite us, it is the diversity of our traditions and practices that truly enriches our community.
Our presence in the Niagara Region is a testament to God’s grace and providence. Although we began gathering as a community in 2018, it was in 2021 that our mission was formally recognized. With the blessings of Bishop Gerard Bergie, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Catharines, and under the leadership of Most Rev. Philipos Mar Stephanos, Bishop of the St. Mary Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in the New york and Canada, our parish was officially established. Fr. Aji Varghese was appointed as our first pastor on November 27, 2021.
Fr. Aji, also the founder of our community, has been a guiding light in our growth. Through his visionary leadership, the parish has flourished. Our members—primarily recent Syro-Malankara Catholic immigrants to Canada—bring a dynamic and faith-filled spirit that enriches every aspect of our worship and community life.
With a dedicated parish council, a vibrant choir, and an energetic youth group, we strive to build a community that reflects the joy of the Gospel. Our doors—and hearts—are open to all. Whether you’re curious about our traditions or drawn to the profound beauty of the Antiochene liturgy, we invite you to journey with us in faith and fellowship.
We are also deeply committed to ecumenism and unity among Christian communities. Our signature initiative, Jingle Bells—celebrated annually since 2022—brings together churches across denominations in a joyful expression of Christmas through music, dance, and shared celebration. Jingle Bells 2022, 2023, and 2024 have beautifully showcased our desire to foster harmony and shared witness to Christ in our region.
Our Mission at St. Peter and St. Paul Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is to faithfully live out and share the spiritual and liturgical treasures of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, in full communion with the Holy See. Through the celebration of the Holy Qurbono, a vibrant sacramental life, deep catechesis, youth and family formation, and active participation in the life of the Church, we aim to form missionary disciples who witness to the love of Christ.
We are especially committed to nurturing our children in the faith, supporting immigrant families in their spiritual journey, and building unity across Christian communities through initiatives like “Jingle Bells”—our annual ecumenical celebration of Christmas that brings churches together in faith and fellowship. Strengthened by prayer, tradition, and community, we move forward with hope, guided by the example of St. Peter and St. Paul.
St. Peter and St. Paul Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, located in the heart of the Niagara Region, is a vibrant expression of the Syro-Malankara Catholic tradition within the Universal Church. We are part of the St. Mary Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Diocese of New York & Canada, and we celebrate our faith through the richness of the West-Syrian (Antiochene) Rite. Founded in faith and love by Fr. Aji Varghese and the devoted Syro-Malankara Catholic families in this region, our parish is a place where Eastern liturgical heritage, Catholic unity, and cultural diversity come together in harmony.
We envision a dynamic and prayerful community where the beauty of the Syro-Malankara identity is preserved, passed on, and joyfully lived—welcoming all to grow together in holiness and communion.