Parish History

Establishment and Growth

In the year 2010, the seeds of the St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church were sown with the blessings and approval of the Diocesan Metropolitan, His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros. A chapel was established in the name of St. Gregorios of Parumala in the southeast region of Melbourne under the auspices of the mother church, St. Mary's Indian Orthodox Cathedral (SMIOC), Melbourne.

The first Holy Qurbana at the chapel was celebrated at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Pantelimon, Dandenong, by Rev. Fr. K Y Chacko on 3rd January 2010. Since January 11th, 2011, Holy Qurbana has been regularly celebrated every Sunday morning at St. Mary's Community Centre on New Street in Dandenong, until the consecration of the chapel at Clayton.

Foundation Stone Blessing

In December 2012, the joyous culmination of our collective efforts resulted in the purchase of a property in Clayton, following the heartfelt decision made during the General Body Meeting of SMIOC. On October 6th, 2013, His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros graced us with his presence to bless and ceremoniously lay the foundation stone for our cherished church.

Construction and Consecration

In November 2015, our longstanding dream of worshipping in our own new Chapel in Clayton was finally accomplished after years of diligent preparation.

Our hearts brimmed with joy as we were blessed with the unique opportunity for the consecration of the Chapel held on Friday, November 20th, and Saturday, November 21st, 2015, officiated by the Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan, His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II.

Installation of St. Gregorios of Parumala Relics

On October 7, 2017, the relics of St. Gregorios of Parumala were ceremoniously installed in this parish by our Diocesan Metropolitan, His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros. The relics serve as a reminder of the life and faith of St. Gregorios, assist us in strengthening our own beliefs, and inspire us to pray and seek the intercession of St. Gregorios.

Elevation to Parish Status

Following the request of SMIOC General Body meeting, Diocesan Metropolitan His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros issued a Kalpana effective July 1st, 2019, declaring the elevation of St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Chapel to St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church (SGIOC), with Rev. Fr. Sam Baby appointed as the first vicar of our parish.

Malankara Gregorian Pilgrim Centre

On July 11, 2023, His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, elevated the parish as the Malankara Gregorian Pilgrim Centre.

Establishment of St. George Congregation

Under the ongoing support and guidance of our parish, a new congregation was established in the name of St. George in Tasmania. The first Holy Qurbana was celebrated on July 14th, 2023, at St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church in Moonah.

A Beacon of Faith

This spiritual community has experienced consistent growth and prosperity and is now widely recognised as one of the prominent parishes in the region. Centred on spiritual enrichment, the parish has evolved into a cherished home for nearly 200 families dedicated to their faith journey.