Church History

Dutchess county of New York State is situated 90 miles north of New York City. During the past decade many Indian families, including members of the malankara indian orthodox church, moved to this region. Since there was no church serving this community, the members had to travel more than seventy miles to places like New Rochelle, Bronx, Yonkers or Rockland to attend the Sunday Services. The need for a church to cater the needs of this community was felt by most members.

 

In February 2003, some of the members decided to initiate formal process to satisfy this need. An ad-hoc committee to evaluate and discuss the possibility of starting the church in this region and make formal proposal to the Metropolitan of American Diocese.

On March 2, 2003, the ad-hoc committee and other members met His Grace The Most Rev.HG.Mathews Mar Barnabas, Metropolitan of America, who after due considerations, issued the Kalpana granting the permission to establish a church in the name of St. Gregorios of Parumala for the residents of Dutchess County and surrounding areas. Rev. Fr. Raju Varghese  Served as the Vicar until Rev.Fr. Jobson Kottapuram was assigned as the permanent Vicar.

 

On May 4, 2003, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Raju Varghese, our inaugural Service was celebrated. A large number of people of the community and members of sister parishes attended this service. The day began with the Holy Liturgy by H. G. Zacharias Mar Nicholovas, the Assistant Metropolitan of the American Diocese. After the Service, a public meeting was held to inaugurate the parish officially. Mr. Joel Miller, Member of the New York State Assembly was the Chief Guest at the meeting.

Previous Vicar: Rev. Father. Jobson  Kottapurath (2005-2017)

Current Vicar: Rev. Father Cherian Mundackal