Our History

Rooted in Faith Since 1976

St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church was founded in September 1976 in West Orange, New Jersey. The parish was established by Rev. John Mathews and a dedicated group of Malankara Orthodox families who had emigrated from the state of Kerala, India, seeking both livelihood and a spiritual home in the United States.

The early congregation gathered in rented spaces, celebrating the Holy Qurbana in the ancient West Syriac liturgical tradition that dates back to the Apostle St. Thomas. As the community grew through the 1980s and 1990s, the parish eventually settled at its current home at 1231 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, where it continues to serve as a beacon of Malankara Orthodox faith in the tri-state area.

Today, under the pastoral guidance of V. Rev. Fr. Yesudasan Pappan Cor Episcopa, our parish family continues to deepen its faith, nurture its children through Sunday School and youth ministry, and witness to the love of Christ in the wider community. In 2026, we joyfully mark our 50th Golden Jubilee — a testament to God’s unfailing grace across five decades.

Parish at a Glance

    • Founded: September 1976
    • Original Location: West Orange, NJ
    • Current Address: 1231 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013
    • Denomination: Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Syrian Church
    • Patron Saint: St. Gregorios of Parumala
    • Vicar: V. Rev. Fr. Yesudasan Pappan Cor Episcopa
    • Phone: (718) 419-1832

 

Our Journey Through the Years

1976

Parish Founded

In September 1976, Rev. John Mathews gathered Malankara Orthodox families in West Orange, NJ, to establish the first Indian Orthodox parish in the region. Sunday worship began in a humble rented hall, united by the ancient liturgy of St. James.

1990s

Growth & New Home

Through the 1980s and 1990s, the parish grew significantly as the Indian Orthodox diaspora in New Jersey expanded. The community relocated to Clifton, NJ, establishing a permanent church home at 1231 Van Houten Ave, and formalized programs including Sunday School and youth fellowship.

2026

50th Golden Jubilee

November 6–8, 2026 marks our 50th Golden Jubilee — a historic three-day celebration of God’s faithfulness to our parish family across five decades. The anniversary will include a solemn Holy Qurbana, cultural programs, a grand banquet, and a rededication of our community to the Lord’s service.

 

Our Vicar

V. Rev. Fr. Yesudasan Pappan Cor Episcopa — Vicar, St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, Clifton NJ

Our Spiritual Shepherd

V. Rev. Fr. Yesudasan Pappan Cor Episcopa

V. Rev. Fr. Yesudasan Pappan Cor Episcopa serves as the Vicar of St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, Clifton, NJ. He was ordained to the holy priesthood within the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Syrian Church and has devoted his ministry to the spiritual formation, pastoral care, and communal growth of our parish family.

As a Cor Episcopa (Chorepiscopus), Fr. Yesudasan holds a distinguished rank in the ancient episcopal order of the Malankara Orthodox Church. He leads our community in the celebration of the Holy Qurbana, administers the holy sacraments, and guides the faithful with wisdom rooted in Orthodox theology and Apostolic tradition.

Under his pastoral leadership, the parish continues to flourish — nurturing strong Sunday School and youth programs, fostering deep community bonds, and preparing joyfully for our 50th Golden Jubilee in November 2026.

Parish Office: 1231 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013  |  Phone: +(718) 419-1832

 

Our Parish Community

50

Years of Grace

100+

Parish Families

4

Weekly Services

1

Family in Christ

 

Our Patron Saint

St. Gregorios of Parumala

St. Gregorios of Parumala — Patron Saint

Gregorios Geevarghese II of Parumala (1848–1902)

St. Gregorios of Parumala — also known as the Parumala Thirumeni — was a bishop of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the first person of Indian origin to be canonized as a saint in the Orthodox Christian tradition. Born Geevarghese on June 15, 1848, in Mulamthuruthy, Kerala, he was consecrated bishop at the young age of 29 and served as the Metropolitan of Niranam.

Renowned for his deep piety, compassionate ministry to the sick, and tireless service to the poor, he was called the “Karunayude Thampuran” (Lord of Compassion). He passed away on November 2, 1902, and was canonized in 1947. His feast days are celebrated on November 2nd and June 1st. Countless miracles have been attributed to his intercession, and his shrine at Parumala, Kerala, draws pilgrims from across the world.

Our parish bears his name with great pride and devotion, seeking his intercession and striving to follow his example of humble, prayerful service to God and neighbor.