About Our Church

The Bangalore Diocese

The Jacobite Syrian Christian Diocese of Bangalore began in 1930 with small cottage prayer gatherings by a few devoted families who wished to preserve their ancient Syriac Christian traditions away from Kerala. The first Holy Qurbana was celebrated at Hudson Church in 1950, followed by another at Trinity Church in 1958. As the community grew, a church was established at Johnson Market in 1972, and organized congregations took shape at Queens Road and Mathikere in 1974. The Holy Qurbana at UTC in 1975 and the appointment of Mor Theophilose Thomas Metropolitan in 1979 marked the beginnings of formal diocesan leadership.

In the 1980s, the diocese witnessed steady growth and stronger spiritual identity. Visits from church dignitaries such as H.B. Baselios Paulose II in 1980 and H.H. Moran Ignatius Zakka I in 1982 strengthened ties with the Holy See. The consecration of St. Mary's Church at Queens Road in 1986 and St. Peter's and St. Paul's Church at Mathikere in 1987 established two central parishes. Under continued leadership, the 1990s saw expansion with mission centers outside Kerala and new parishes such as K.R. Puram.

The early 2000s brought renewed vigor with H.B. Baselios Thomas I's visit in 2002, the establishment of churches at Hosa Road and the elevation of St. Mary's Church to Cathedral status in 2004. The following years marked continuous growth with new parishes, including Hennur, Marathahalli, and Yelahanka, alongside leadership appointments like Mor Dioscorus Kuriakose and Mor Osthatheos Pathros.

In recent years, the diocese entered a phase of modernization and expansion. The establishment of new churches at Sarjapura, Yelahanka, Whitefield, and Mysore between 2020 and 2024, along with the apostolic visit of His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II and the laying of the foundation stone for the Diocese Headquarters, reflected its maturity and strength. The blessing of the new headquarters in 2025 stands as a symbol of the diocese's enduring faith and progress a journey that began with humble gatherings and grew into a vibrant community rooted in the Jacobite tradition and guided by apostolic leadership.

St. Gregorios Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church

St. Gregorios Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, located in the heart of South Bangalore, stands today as a proud symbol of the vibrant and growing Jacobite Syrian Orthodox community in the region. Its origins trace back to the late 1990s, when the faithful residing in areas such as Madiwala, Sarjapura, Adugodi, Koramangala, J.P. Nagar, and Hosur Road began gathering for spiritual fellowship under the guidance of St. Mary's JSO Church, Queen's Road. With the influx of Jacobite faithful to Bangalore in the early 2000s, the need for a dedicated church in South Bangalore became increasingly evident. In 2003, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Jacob Joseph, Vicar of St. Mary's Church, and with the dedicated efforts of lay leaders including the late M. S. Mathew, Mr. P. I. Mathew, and Mr. P. P. Uthup, the initiative to establish a new parish was officially announced during the visit of His Beatitude Mor Baselios Thomas I, Catholicos.

The first Holy Qurbana was celebrated by H. G. Dr. Thomas Mor Thimotheos Metropolitan on May 18, 2003, at the hall of St. Anthony's Friary Church, which became the temporary place of worship. Later in 2003, through the dedicated efforts of Rev. Fr. Geevargis George Pulayath and Mr.K. V. Mathew & family, a suitable plot was identified at Hosa Road marking the beginning of a committed and steadily growing parish. In the interim period, services moved to Dharmaram College. The foundation stone for the new church was laid on June 13, 2004, by H. G. Dr. Thomas Mor Thimotheos. With the leadership of Rev. Fr. Mathews Manalelchira, a chapel was constructed and consecrated on July 24, 2005 by the Diocesan Metropolitan. The current church structure, an embodiment of architectural grace and spiritual strength, was the result of efforts led by Rev. Fr. Eldho John, V. Rev. Roy Kochattu Cor Episcopa, and the unwavering support of the congregation. The Holy Consecration of the completed church took place on October 30, 31, and November 1, 2011, led by H. B. Mor Baselios Thomas I, with the then Diocesan Metropolitan Late H. G. Pathrose Mor Osthatheos, and other bishops.

The church has continued to grow in strength and outreach. A historic moment occurred on January 27, 2024, during the first Apostolic visit of His Holiness Ignatius Aphrem II to Bangalore. His Holiness led prayers at the church, marking a blessed and unforgettable milestone in its journey. Later that same year, a new shrine was consecrated at the rear of the church bringing spiritual solace and grace to many devotees. Another significant development was the initiation of regular evening Holy Qurbana services on Sundays, authorized by a bull from the Diocesan Metropolitan, offering greater spiritual accessibility to the faithful. Today, St. Gregorios Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church stands as one of the most populous and vibrant Jacobite parishes in Bangalore. The parish is actively and spiritually led by Rev. Fr. Geevargis George Pulayath and Rev. Fr. Blessin Baby, with the dedicated support of its office bearers, Mr. P. M. Baby (Vice President), Mr. Manoj Kuriakose (Secretary) and Mr. Eldho Varghese (Treasurer). Together, they guide the spiritual life, administrative functions, and community outreach of the church with deep commitment and faithful leadership, ensuring the continued growth and unity of the congregation. The church actively participates in all diocesan events, with strong representation in the Sunday School, Youth Association, Women's League, and Good Samaritan programs. Under the visionary leadership of H.G. Isaac Mor Osthatheos, Diocesan Metropolitan, the parish continues to grow in spiritual depth and community outreach.

Our Patron Saint

St. Gregorios of Parumala, affectionately known as Parumala Thirumeni, is the first canonized saint of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church. He is remembered not only for his deep spirituality and ascetic life but also for his humility, vision, and unceasing love for God and humanity.

St. Gregorios was born on June 15, 1848, in the peaceful village of Mulanthuruthy, Kerala, to Chacko (of the Pallathatta family) and Mariam. From his childhood, young Geevarghese (his baptismal name) showed remarkable devotion, a disciplined prayer life, and an eagerness to serve the Church. Recognizing his piety and spiritual inclination, the great Metropolitan St. Yuyakim Mor Koorilos and other church leaders took him under their guidance. At a very young age, he was ordained as a deacon, later as a priest (Kassisso), and finally as a Metropolitan by Patriarch Ignatius Peter IV of Antioch in 1876 at Niranam.

As a bishop, Mar Gregorios lived a life marked by prayer, fasting, study, and service. His days began before dawn in deep prayer and meditation, and his simplicity drew people from all walks of life. He served as the Metropolitan of Niranam Diocese, guiding his flock with humility and compassion. He was a visionary leader and reformer, known for his commitment to education and moral discipline. He founded schools, encouraged theological learning, and strengthened parish life through regular worship and catechism. His deep concern for the poor and the sick reflected the compassion of Christ.

Parumala Thirumeni also played a key role in the Mulanthuruthy Synod (1876), which reorganized the Malankara Church under the spiritual leadership of the Patriarch of Antioch, reaffirming the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox identity in India.

Later, he chose to live a simple, monastic life on a small island in Parumala, near Mannar. There, he built a church dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul and lived in prayer, fasting, and solitude. His cell at Parumala became a place of intercession, healing, and divine peace. People from far and near came to seek his prayers and blessings.

After a life wholly dedicated to God, St. Gregorios entered eternal rest on November 2, 1902, at the age of 54. Soon after his passing, miracles were reported at his tomb in Parumala. The faithful who sought his intercession experienced healing, peace, and blessings in abundance. Recognizing his saintly life and divine works, the Holy Synod of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church formally canonized him as a Saint in 1947. His feast is celebrated on November 2 every year with great devotion.

Today, Parumala Church stands as a major pilgrimage center for Jacobites and Christians worldwide. The life of St. Gregorios continues to inspire believers to live in prayer, humility, and service. He is venerated as the Patron Saint of Students, Clergy, and the Faithful, reminding all that true greatness lies in simplicity and obedience to God's will.