Our Vicar
Serving God and Shepherding His Flock
Rev. Fr. Robin Baby
Rev. Fr. Robin Baby is a priest of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, originally from Angamaly, Kerala, India. His home parish is St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Soonoro Cathedral, Angamaly, a place of profound spiritual significance that has nurtured his faith and strengthened his connection to the sacred traditions of the Church.
Rev. Fr. Robin Baby pursued his theological studies at Udayagiri Seminary, Vettikkal, Ernakulam, Kerala, where he received his theological formation in preparation for the holy priesthood. He also obtained a Diploma in Education in the Syriac Language from the St. Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute (SEERI), Kottayam, reflecting his dedication to the study and preservation of the Church’s rich Syriac heritage.
His journey in ordained ministry commenced in 2006 with his ordination as a deacon. Demonstrating a deep appreciation for the liturgical and musical traditions of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, he won the ECCARA competition in Syriac hymnody, featuring the eight traditional Nirangal (melodic modes), at Malecruz Dayara. This achievement stands as a testament to his engagement with the Church’s sacred hymns and liturgical heritage.
On 21 January 2012, he was ordained to the holy priesthood, marking a significant milestone in his spiritual journey and his commitment to serving God and His Church. Following his seminary formation, he served as a teacher at the seminary while awaiting the opportunity to pursue higher studies in Istanbul, Turkey.
A notable chapter in his ecclesiastical service was his appointment as Secretary to the late His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselios Thomas I Bava, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. This responsibility provided him with valuable experience in ecclesiastical administration and service to the leadership of the Church.
Following his priestly ordination, Rev. Fr. Robin Baby received his first pastoral appointment at St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Cathedral Church, Singapore, where he served as Parish Priest. In 2018, he commenced his ministry as Parish Vicar of St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Christchurch, New Zealand, where he continues to serve the parish community with faith and dedication.
Throughout his priestly ministry, Rev. Fr. Robin Baby has remained devoted to his sacred vocation, faithfully upholding the spiritual responsibilities, liturgical traditions, and enduring heritage of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to pastoral service, theological learning, and the spiritual well-being of the faithful entrusted to his care.
Our Church Address
231 Barrington Street,
Somerfield,
Christchurch 8024
