St.Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, Peterborough

St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church in Peterborough is part of the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church. Our Church shares a rich heritage rooted in the Holy Bible and the teachings of the early Church Fathers. It traces its history back to 52 A.D., when it was established in India by St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The Church is led by its own supreme head, the Catholicos (meaning “Universal Father”), who also holds the title of Malankara Metropolitan — "Malankara" referring to the historical name for the Malayalam-speaking region of Kerala. Today, the Church guides faithful communities through dioceses across India and around the world.

Our parish comes under the Diocese of UK-Europe and Africa, led by the Diocesan Metropolitan under the authority of the Holy Episcopal Synod.The formation of St. Gregorios Church is a true story of God’s grace and the dedication of its parishioners. For years, Orthodox families living in and around Peterborough travelled long distances to attend the Holy Qurbana (Holy Eucharist). To meet the need for a local worshiping community, Mr. Varghese P. Thomas and Mr. Paulson Varughese took the initiative of gathering families together in 2009 to draft a request for the Diocese.With the blessings and guidance of then Diocesan Metropolitan, His Grace Dr. Mathews Mar Thimothios, the initiative moved forward. In May 2016, Rev. Fr. Tom Jacob held a initial prayer meeting at the home of Mr. Paulson Varughese. A few months later, on the second Saturday of November 2016, Fr. Tom Jacob celebrated the very first Holy Qurbana at St. Andrew’s United Reformed Church.In January 2017, during an episcopal visit, the Diocesan Metropolitan officially declared the congregation a full parish and dedicated it to our patron saint, St. Gregorios of Parumala. Rev. Fr. Tom Jacob served as the first Vicar. Fr. Tom was followed by Rev. Fr. Mathew Kuriakose, who served between 2021 and 2024. Rev. Fr. Ricku Cherian serves as the current Vicar.

We remain deeply grateful to all our clergy, founding members, and faithful who have contributed their time and prayers to the growth of our parish.

Today, our parish has regular Holy Qurbana on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. We also have active spiritual organisation such as AMOSS – Akhila Malankara Orthodox Shusrushaka Sangham (Acolyte group), MMVS – Marth Mariam Vanitha Samajam (Women's Wing), Sunday School, OCYM – Orthodox Christian Youth Movement, and SDOF – St. Dionysius Orthodox Fellowship. Working closely with our Diocese, sister Orthodox parishes, and other Christian churches, our mission remains focused on worshiping Christ, growing in faith and love, and passing on our Church traditions to future generations.