About Our Church
Discover the rich history and traditions of the Malankara Orthodox Church
Our History
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church traces its origins to the apostolic mission of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who arrived in India in 52 AD. This makes our church one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.
St. Gregoriose Orthodox Church of India in San Lorenzo, California, was established to serve the spiritual needs of the Malankara Orthodox community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our church continues the ancient traditions and liturgical practices that have been preserved for over nineteen centuries.
We are part of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which is in communion with the Oriental Orthodox family of churches, maintaining the faith and traditions as received from the apostles.
Our Beliefs & Traditions
Core Beliefs
- • We believe in the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- • We affirm the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ in one person
- • We believe in the apostolic succession and the authority of the Church
- • We honor the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God (Theotokos)
- • We believe in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life
Sacred Traditions
- • Holy Qurbana (Divine Liturgy) in Syriac and Malayalam
- • Seven Sacraments of the Church
- • Fasting seasons and liturgical calendar
- • Veneration of saints and relics
- • Traditional prayers and hymns
Managing Committee
Clergy and lay leaders serving the parish family with prayer, stewardship, and hospitality.
Rev. Fr. Mathew Poozhikunnel
Vicar & President
Rev. Fr. Varghese Kaleekal
Assistant Vicar
MC member information will be available soon.
Liturgical Practices
Holy Qurbana
The central act of worship, celebrated every Sunday and on feast days, following the ancient Syriac tradition.
Sacraments
Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Eucharist, Confession, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and Holy Unction.
Prayer Life
Daily prayers, fasting, and participation in the liturgical seasons of the Church year.
Church Leadership
Hierarchical Structure
Our Parish
Vicar & President: Rev. Fr. Mathew Poozhikunnel
Assistant Vicar: Rev. Fr. Varghese Kaleekal
Parish Council: Elected managing committee members supporting ministry and administration
Trustees: Stewardship and financial oversight
Committees: Youth, Women's Fellowship, Choir, Prayer, Outreach, and more
Community Life
Spiritual Organizations
- • Sunday School
- • Youth Ministry
- • Women's Fellowship
- • Church Choir
- • Prayer Groups
- • Bible Study Groups
Community Activities
- • Annual Church Festival
- • Cultural Programs
- • Charity and Outreach
- • Educational Seminars
- • Family Gatherings
- • Youth Camps and Retreats
Join Our Community
Worship Schedule
Sunday Services:
Morning Prayer: 8:30 AM
Holy Qurbana: 9:00 AM
Daily:
Evening Prayer: 7:00 PM
Contact Information
Address:
15661 Washington Ave
San Lorenzo, CA 94580
Email: vicar@sgoci.org
Phone: [Phone Number]