Church History

The History of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Los Angeles

The Malankara Orthodox Church

The Indian Orthodox Church, one of the ancient churches of the world was founded in Kerala, India by St. Thomas the Apostle around AD52.

The Orthodox Church is eastern in origin. It is neither western nor reformed. It is not Roman Catholic or Protestant. The Indian Orthodox Church is autonomous, but belongs to the family of the oriental orthodox churches and to the wider group of the world’s orthodox churches.

A Brief History of the St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, an important city in the western coast of the American sub-continent is located in the south-western part of California. World famous Hollywood is in Los Angeles.

Although Malankara Christians started to migrate to east coast in 50’s and 60’s, migration to this part of the country started perhaps in late 60’s and larger numbers in 70’s and 80’s. The inspiration of a handful of dedicated Malankara Christians caused for the formation of a congregation in Los Angeles in mid 1975. It was named St. Thomas Congregation of the members of the Malankara Orthodox Church of India, Los Angeles. The members numbering 10 to 12 started to meet in a small room converted and used as a chapel at the residence of Fr. Philip Cane, a priest of the American Orthodox Catholic Church headed by His Eminence Bishop Demetrius, at 4611 Prospect Avenue, Los Angeles. As per the arrangements with that church, the spiritual needs of the people were officiated by Fr. Philip, who showed great concern of the members and their faith. In the absence of a priest of their own, the members persuaded Fr. Philip to conduct Sunday services. Time went by and the numbers increased. The congregation started to use a rented facility at St. Thomas More Chapel, Newman Center at 4665 Willowbrook Avenue, Los Angeles.

In September 1976, Fr. A.M. Varughese, Pandalam, a priest from Malankara Church happened to visit Los Angeles, during his American tour. The members had the privilege to attend a service in malayalam by a malayalee priest for the first time during that time.

Thomas Philip was baptized by Fr. Philip Cane of American Orthodox Catholic Church in 1975. This was the first baptism recorded in the church register.

While on an American tour, His Grace Late Joseph Mar Pakomios visited Los Angeles in June 1978. His Grace was given a warm welcome in a function arranged by the members. About 150 people including members from CSI and Mar Thoma churches and other community members attended. It was on this occasion a church building fund was inaugurated. His Grace conducted Holy Qurbana at the Newman Center, Los Angeles. The members took good care of His Grace during his stay and entertained him with some sight seeing. An article in the Los Angeles Times about the Malankara Orthodox Church and the news of His Grace’s visit gave good publicity for our existence.

Due to some difference of opinions with the authorities of the Newman Center, the place was vacated and moved to a new rented facility at Monterey Park in 1979.

In January 1979, the American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church came into existence and His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios took charge as the first Diocesan Metropolitan vide kalpana number 208 in 1978.

It was a blessed; joyous and memorable occasion in the history of Los Angeles Church in July 1979 when the supreme head of the Malankara Orthodox Church, His Holiness Moran Mar Basalios Mar Thoma Mathews I, Catholicos, accompanied by Metropolitan of American Diocese, His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios, visited this great city. For the first time in the history of the church a munninmel Qurbana was celebrated. In a public meeting attended by a large gathering of friends and members of other churches, a warm welcome was extended to His Holiness. Representatives and Bishops from Greek Orthodox Church, Armenian Orthodox Church and other local churches participated in the event.

At the next visit of His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios in 1980, the general body and the managing committee held discussions and decided to join as parish under the American Diocese. Thus in mid 1980, the congregation assuming the new name "St. Thomas Orthodox Church, Los Angeles", joined the American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Fr. K.K. Kuriakos, residing in San Francisco, was appointed as the first vicar from August 1980. He conducted Sunday services once a month and rest of the Sundays Fr. Philip continued to conduct the services. In August 1982, a full-time priest, Fr. T.P. Mathew was appointed. On the appointment of a full-time vicar and according to the orders from Catholicos and Diocesan Metropolitan the services of Fr. Philip was discontinued. However, the members will even remain grateful to Fr. Philip for his contribution to this community. As per Diocesan Metropolitan orders, the services of Fr. T.P. Mathews was discontinued. The Diocesan Metropolitan has deputed Fr. George Koshy on a temporary basis and served this church in July/August 1983. The present vicar Fr. Yohannan Panicker took charge from September 17, 1983, as per orders of the Metropolitan.

On August 16, 1981, the marriage of Mr. Ranji Stephen George with Teja was solemnized at Episcopal Church, Alhambra by Fr. John Mathews of New Jersey. This was the first marriage recorded in the marriage register of this church.

From 1975 onwards one of the problems facing the members was the non availability of proper places to conduct services. From Monterey Park, services were moved to Alhambra and then places like Whittier, El Monte and to many other places on special occasions like Holy Week. Experiencing such difficulties, the members decided to buy or construct a church. Different ways were explored to raise fund. One major move was to conduct Christmas caroling and collect funds. So for the first time in 1983, the members have started Christmas caroling, which still continues. Other ways were auction, raffle, entertainment and contributions from members. The members of the church building committee worked hard. Almost all the members have contributed their mite. Thus with the blessings of God Almighty and earnest cooperation and sincere efforts of members and vicar a church facility at 124 N. 5^th Street in the city of Montebello in greater Los Angeles was bought in October 1986. And the long cherished desire of the members became a reality. The church was dedicated by His Grace Mathews Mar Coorilos, then Catholicos designate, presently His Holiness Baselius Mar Thoma Mathews II, assisted by His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios and several other priests on November 23, 1986. The public function was well attended by a large gathering including members of other church denominations and friends from other communities. The Mayor of Montebello city and other dignitaries spoke on the occasion.

Sunday School for young children started at the early stage. Marthamariam Samajam and Youth League started functioning from 1982. From the beginning, financial aids were given to individuals and institutions here and in India. Now we have grown from 71 family. Several Bishops, Rambans, Priests, deacons and Laymen visited this church from time to time. The members are thankful to all of them. The members will also remain grateful to the farsightedness and dedication of the early members of this church. Let the blessings of God Almighty and the intercession of St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Gregorios of Parumala and St. Mary remain with this church for the time to come.

We thank and appreciate all the members for their hard work and support.

[Home] [Up]