The Indian Orthodox Church (also known as the Malankara Orthodox Church, Orthodox Church of the East, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Orthodox Syrian Church of the East) is a prominent member of the Oriental Orthodox Church family in Christianity, traditionally held to be founded by St. Thomas, the Disciple of Christ in A.D. 52. ...more

St. Gregorios Geevarghese or Parumala Thirumeni (പരുമല തിരുമേനി) (June 15, 1848 - November 2, 1902) of Parumala was an Indian religious leader and later a saint of both the Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church and the Malankara Orthodox Church. He is popularly known as Parumala Thirumeni (Bishop of Parumala).

Saintly Life Style : At Parumala Seminary he led an ascetic life. He woke up at 4am in the morning and prayed till 5am. He taught deacons till 7am followed by prayer and his light breakfast. From 9am till 11am he taught deacons again. From 11am to noon he took care of administrative matters and again went to prayer at noon and then to lunch. He rested till 1:30pm and taught till 4pm with a brief prayer in between. From 4pm to 5:30pm he was busy with his administrative duties. After evening prayers and supper he taught bible to the deacons. After the complining, at 9pm he would let the deacons go to bed, but he would still be praying until midnight. On Wednesdays and Fridays and lenten days, he would fast till evening. Besides, he observed his own special fasts. People came from far and near to seek his blessings and paternal advices. In his own words "Prayer brings truth, religious faith, honesty and respect among the people." ...more

Mar Baselios Paulose I
Moran Mar Baselios Paulose II
Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese I
Moran Mar Baselios Augen I
Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese II
Moran Mar Baselios Mathews I
Moran Mar Baselius Mar Thoma Mathews II
Moran Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Didymos I ( Present )

 This congregation has a history of a humble beginning with a small group of people living in the famous city of Belfast in Northern Ireland , the land of emerald.  It is a zealous fulfilment of this handful of people who have a definite vision of a Christian mission. It was God’s decision and grace that the congregation came into being on 23^rd October 2004 . It was Rev Fr. Abraham Thomas, Vicar and President of the St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church in London who took initiative in forming this congregation. The first Holy Communion based on Orthodox Syrian liturgy, was celebrated in Malayalam (one of the vernacular languages in India ) by him on the same day in this land of saints and scholars. This congregation is blessed for it being named after St. Gregorios of Parumala, the great saint of Indian Orthodox Church.  The Apostolic blessings from His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Didimos I, the Catholicose of the East / Malankara Metropolitan and the patronage, prayerful support, and guidance from the diocesan bishop H. G. Dr.Thomas Mar Makarios Metropolitan has indeed been a great impetus in the development of this congregation.

Later on, under the able leadership of Rev. Fr. Varghese Mathew, the vicar of St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Church in Bristol, this congregation in Belfast gained momentum and holy service began to be conducted once every month. The Thumpamon diocesan bishop of The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and president of the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Student Movement of India, His Grace Philipose Mar Yousebios Metropolitan made a pastoral visit to this congregation on 10^th April 2005 . His apostolic visitation was a source of blessings and   inspiration to the people belonging to this congregation.  Rev. Fr. Shinu Thomas   who was on a higher study in Switzerland came to Belfast and conducted the New Year service of 2006. The first Holy Week Service in this congregation was led by Rev. Fr. Shibu Varghese from Switzerland in the month of March 2006.  Rev. Fr. Mathai Idayanal from Kerala visited this congregation in the month of August 2006 and celebrated Holy Eucharist and conducted a study class for the faithful in the congregation. Rev. Fr. K. Gee Varghese who was doing his doctoral study at St. Thomas Aquinas Pontifical University in Rome on his visit to Belfast conducted the Christmas Service on December 25, 2006 . Since January 1^st 2007  Rev. Fr.  T. George has been acting as the officiating priest of this congregation. Rev.Sister Deena of Kizhakkambalam Bethlehem St.Mary’s Dayara played a vital role in formulating this congregation.  A host of enthusiastic persons like Mr. George Varghese, Mr.Anil Thomas, Mr.Manoj Thomas, Mr.Thomas Geevarghese and Mr.Jaison Thomas, took active role by being the office bearers during this period of three years. 

Regular holy service (Holy Communion) is being conducted on third Sundays at a community hall of the Community of Lamb of God called Shalom House, based at Antrim Road, Belfast City. Occasionally the venue of service changes to Belfast Bible College in Dunmurry.  Mr.Shibu Abraham, Mr.John Varghese, and Mr.Aju Abraham have taken leading role in rendering their service as acolytes.

           Over the short span of these three years, the church took a long leap spiritually and could attract more members into its fold with its multifarious activities as days roll on.  The year 2007 witnessed the beginning of the Sunday school, setting up a philanthropic charity box in the name of our patron saint. The charity box would contribute to the poor or needy. The congregation has started a quarterly publication named Insight.  The official website of the congregation is the fruit and expertise of Mr. Biju Joy, Mr. Shine Joseph Cherian, Dr Shaji Chacko and Mr. Varghese Philip. The soul of this congregation is the fellowship of all those who belong to this congregation. The sole aim of this congregation is the, glory of God.  May God’s name be gloried more through this Congregation in the years to come…..!