“My Lord and my God.” These powerful words once spoken by St. Thomas resonate through the very foundation of Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church.
Let’s step inside this house of worship. Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith. It is a beacon of community.
The story of Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church begins far away. Its roots trace back to India. Saint Thomas the Apostle brought Christianity to India in A.D. 52. This makes the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. This is the foundation of Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church.
Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church in Floral Park is a parish. It is one of over 50 parishes within the Northeast American Diocese. This diocese belongs to the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. This church is part of the larger family. It is part of the universal Christian Church.
Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios is the church’s patron saint. He is also known as Parumala Thirumeni. He inspires the parish.
The parish of Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church prioritizes spiritual growth. They want children and adults to grow in Christ. Worship and service are key. The church values communal worship. It emphasizes the importance of every member in Christ’s body.
Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church adheres to the faith passed down. This faith comes from Jesus Christ. It comes through apostles like St. Thomas. The church believes in the Holy Trinity. They believe in one baptism for the remission of sins. This is declared in the Nicean Creed. It is recited during every service.
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is part of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. It shares communion with churches like the Coptic Orthodox Church. They also share with the Syrian Orthodox Church. They recognize only three ecumenical councils. These are Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus.
Originally, Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church was founded with 18 families in 1988. The first Holy Eucharist was celebrated by H. G. Mathews Mar Epiphanios. Over the years, the church moved locations. It started at Mercy College in the Bronx. It later moved to St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Yonkers. It even spent time at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.
In 2006, the parish acquired property. This was on 50 Ludlow Street in Yonkers. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in 2009. The foundation stone was blessed by H.G. Mathews Mar Barnabas.
The temporary consecration of the new Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church occurred in 2011. H. G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos conducted it. The first Holy Qurbana was celebrated. The church was officially consecrated in June 2013. This was by H. G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos and H. G. Dr. Abraham Mar Seraphim.
Today, Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church stands as a symbol. It is a symbol of faith and perseverance. It represents a community. It honors its roots. It embraces its future. As you leave this sacred space remember the words of St. Thomas. Let them guide you. “My Lord and my God.”