ABOUT OUR PARISH

Photo Courtesy: Mable Philip

St. Gregorios Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church, Philadelphia, is one of the earliest parishes of the American Diocese under the Malankara Orthodox Church in India.

Our Parish was originated in 1974 under the leadership of V. Rev. K Mathai Cor Episcopa considering the spiritual need of the Orthodox faithfuls of Kerala origin who lived around the Metropolitan area of Philadelphia. Originally the name of the Parish was St. Thomas Orthodox Church. Later the the name of the Parish was changed in 1984 as St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Philadelphia. Our Parish members Rev. Fr. Dr. Paul C. Varki and Dr. T.V. Philip are pioneer members of the first congregation.

Initially the Parish members worshipped at the chapel of the Church of the St. Savior Cathedral, 38th and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA. In 1995 the Parish worhip service was moved to an owned Church at 7721-31, Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136. During the construction of the new Church at Bensalem the Parish moved worship service to a temporary arrangement on Frankford Avenue from May 27, 2008.

EARLIER CHURCH AT TORRESDALE ROAD, PHILADELPHIA

The year 2008 is a milestone year of the parish. The long cherished dream of our Parish members came true to have a bigger church, with completion of the new Church  at 4136 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020. The Parish started worshipping service at this new churh on the Christmas day of year 2008. Consecration of the Church was conducted during May, 2009 by the Diocesan Metropolitan H.G. Mathews Mar Barnabas.

WORSHIP SERVICE HALL AT BENSALEM CHURCH

SOCIALIZING AREA IN THE BASEMENT

Regular Holy Worship is conducted on all Sundays from 8.30 A.M. to 11 A.M. In addition, Evening Prayer and intercessory prayers in the name of St. Mary are conducted on Wedenesday evenings from 6.00 P.M. through 8.00 P.M.  Holy Qurbana and intercessary prayers in the name of Patron Saint, St. Gregorios of Parumala are conducted at 6.00 P.M. at the Church on every Fridays.

In June 2011, Rev. Fr. Shibu Venad Mathai had taken over as the Vicar of the Parish, as the founder Vicar V. Rev. K. Mathai Cor Episcopa had moved to Kerala, India.

Photo Courtesy: Varghese P. Issac

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                                              OUR PARISH                                                     

                                                CONTENTS

                                         1. About Our Parish

                                         2. Parish History

                                         3. Our Vicar

                                         4. Other Clergies

                                         5. Office Bearers

                                         6. Our Patron Saint

                                         7. Our Congregation And Worship