Logo of the Mar Thoma Church
The logo of the Mar Thoma Church consists of a shield emblazoned with a Christian Cross with the representation of the Ashoka Chakra at the centre. It is flanked on the right and left by a Lotus and a Hand Lamp respectively. The motto Lighted To Lighten is written in English above the cross.
The Motto
“LIGHTED TO LIGHTEN” The role of the church is to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every believer and member of the Church is here in their position, wherever they are, are given the light so that they can lighten others. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Mathew 5: 14
The Cross
The cross placed in the centre represents the centrality of Jesus Christ in the church and its mission. It is a proclamation that God himself came and atoned for all humankind and the redemption is freely available by faith in Jesus Christ without regard to any form of karma.
The Achoka Chakra
The Achoka Chakra is the symbol of India and represents the Indian roots of the church. Traditionally the Chakra was presented by the Emperor Ashoka, as a symbol for denoting the Wheel of Life and Cosmic Order (or Dharmachakra). By placing the wheel at the heart of the Cross, it is a declaration that life finds its ultimate salvation in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus once and for all. It symbolises the completion and closing of the wheel of life for all those who follow the Bhakthi Marga (Path of Righteousness) in Jesus Christ.
The Hand Lamp
The Hand Lamp represents the lamp that is carried in all believers. It reminds all believers to be the light of the world and act as a witness to give the light of salvation for others in their daily life. It also seeks to remind to pay diligent attention to the study of the word of God.
The Lotus
The Lotus represents holy living and is traditionally part of the offering of sacrifices of praise and adoration in the Indian tradition to God. It reminds believers to live holy despite the circumstances around them and exude the fragrance of God.