Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church, Thane, India

Historical Details

Build - Founding Year:

1995

History:

Church History Thirty five Orthodox Christian families residing at Mira-Bhayander, who were the members of St. GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH Borivali, felt the need for a separate parish at Mira-Bhayander. The issue was discussed time and again and finally decided to name the proposed parish after St.Gregorios of Parumala. Accordingly a delegation representing Mira-Bhayander Orthodox Christians met His Grace Philipose Mar Theophilos Metropolitan and His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Asst. Metropolitan of Mumbai Diocese on several times at Vashi Aramana. After many persuasions His Grace convinced of genuine necessity and permitted to celebrate the feast of St. Gregorios at Mira-Bhayander. The faithful assembled at the residence of Shri K.U. Abraham at Asmita Hill View, Mira Road (E) and passed a resolution confirming the erstwhile decision of independent parish and its proposed name and also emulated future plans for raising funds for immediate needs. A delegation met Sr. Johanna of Holy Cross Convent, Mira Road and sought her permission to conduct service at their premises and the Sister gracefully permitted to utilize the fourth floor corridor of Holy Cross Convent School. The first holy Qurbana and feast of St. Gregorios was celebrated on 4th November 1994 at 4th floor corridor of Holy Cross Convent School, Mira Road by Rev. Fr. Paul Mathew of St. Paul’s Mission Centre Mavelikara. Thereafter Holy Qurbana has been conducted on Sunday evening on the availability of priests from the diocese till declaration of independent parish. ST. GREGORIOS ORTHODOX CHURCH, Mira-Bhayander has been declared as independent parish with effect from 1st June 1995 comprising members of erstwhile St. George Orthodox Church Borivli who resides at Mira-Bhayander and all other Orthodox Christian resides in Mira-Bhayander by an order of Diocesan Metropolitan and appointed Rev. Fr. C.J. Varghese as its First Vicar. searched for a suitable place for worship. A trust viz. ST. GREGORIOS ORTHODOX CHARITABLE SOCIETY is registered vide Reg. No. MAH/479/96 THANE DT. 31/01/1996 under Bombay Public Trust Act ST. GREGORIOS PARUMALA Golden and glorious chapters have been added to human history by towering personalities who swam across the currents of their contemporary world. Mar Gregorios of Parumala (1848-1902), a man who walked much ahead of his times stands out as a great luminary in the modern history of Malankara Orthodox Church. He is the only formally canonized Saint of the Church. A man of impeccable prayer life and spotless character, the Saint acquired divine wisdom and extra healing powers even when he was alive. He is held in high esteem and respect by the Christians and non Christians for his invaluable contributions as a social reformer. Living in a very conservative society of the 19th century, he raised his voice against social evils like untouchability and racial discrimination. St. Gregorios was a great visionary who very well understood the need for educating the masses. He established many schools in Kerala to eradicate illiteracy. Above all, his contributions in the literary field stand out as unique. He was the pioneer in writing the first travelogue in Malayalam. The Saint entered to his heavenly abode in 1902 and his mortal remains are entombed in Parumala, Kerala.