Welcome to Houston
St. Mary's Malankara Orthodox Church
Enter in the full assurance of spirituality, so may I welcome you as Jesus has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are an Orthodox parish dedicated to welcoming and extending genuine Christian love to everyone. As an Orthodox Church, we believe that our worship is an authentic, biblical, and powerful experience. We continue to observe the same liturgy as practiced by the early Church. Through this unbroken tradition of service and worship, we uphold the Church’s faith and teachings, as founded by Jesus Christ Himself.
Every Orthodox Church around the world worships God in the same way our forefathers did—in truth and in spirit. We hope your experience with our community is blessed, and that our Lord Jesus Christ continues to guide you with His grace and love.
St. Mary's Malankara Orthodox Church in Houston was established on October 17, 2010, with the blessing of H.G. Alexios Mar Eusebius. Its mission is to provide a spiritual home for local Orthodox Christians and to make the Orthodox faith known in this region. While the Orthodox Church has deep historical ties to various cultures, the Faith itself is universal—rooted in the unbroken Apostolic tradition, and calling all to “come and be blessed.”
We are committed to serving our parish and the wider community in every way we can. We believe that St. Mary's will continue to be a shining light for generations. We invite you to explore our website and to visit our parish in person.
Rev. Fr. Rajesh K John
Vicar
We cordially invite everyone to our house of worship, where we hold traditional Malankara Orthodox (Kerala, India) services.
St. Thomas founded the Orthodox Church in India AD 52. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the Indian Orthodox Christian faith, our ancient and venerable roots, and the many ministries and services offered by our wonderful community. We offer something for all to learn and develop in the image and likeness of God thanks to our stewards’ gracious efforts within the context of good Christian fellowship.
Houston St. Mary's Orthodox Church is a member of the worldwide Orthodox Churches' communion. We are part of the Diocese of South-West America, led and cared for by H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Ivanios Metropolitan. The Malankara Orthodox Church, headquartered in Devalokam, Kottayam, Kerala, India, is led by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the Catholicose and Malankara Metropolitan of India.
St. Mary is often referred to as “the second Eve,” representing the reversal of Eve’s fatal fall in the Garden of Eden through her obedience and role in God’s plan for salvation. In the Malankara Orthodox Church, the veneration of St. Mary is deeply rooted in its Christology and ecclesiology. Her role as the Theotokos (Mother of God) underscores her unique connection to Christ’s incarnation, while her life of humility and faith serves as a model for the Church. St. Mary’s intercession is seen as a vital part of the Church’s spiritual life, symbolizing hope, grace, and the ultimate victory over sin and death.
St. Gregorios Geevarghese, lovingly known as "Parumala Thirumeni," played a pivotal role in the spiritual and developmental growth of the Malankara Orthodox Church. From a young age, his life was marked by divine grace and dedication. At just ten years old, he received the order of Korooyo from Palakunnath Mathews Mor Athanasius at the Karingachira St. George Orthodox Syrian Church. By the age of 18, he was ordained as a Shamshono by Yuyakim Mor Koorilos, the Reesh Episcopa to Malankara (Patriarchal delegate). Known for his ascetic life, profound faith, and wisdom, Parumala Thirumeni's saintly deeds and guidance have left an indelible mark on the Church, inspiring generations of faithful.
St. George's life remains shrouded in mystery, but he is believed to have been born into a noble Christian family in the late third century in Cappadocia, a region now part of modern-day Turkey. Following in his father's footsteps, he pursued a military career and became a soldier in the service of Emperor Diocletian. However, when the emperor initiated the systematic persecution of Christians, George refused to participate, standing firm in his faith. This act of defiance led to his torture and eventual execution in 303 AD in Palestine, cementing his legacy as an early Christian martyr. Over the centuries, his story has inspired countless legends, including the famous tale of St. George and the Dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. His unwavering courage and faith have made him one of Christianity's most venerated saints.
