History

Origin

The Orthodox Church in India traces its origin to 52 A.D., when St. Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ arrived and propagated the gospel and established church in the southern part of India. This church believes in preserving an unbroken continuity of spiritual life, ethical value and noble traditions through the ages. In order to keep up this belief, a handful of a variety of job prospects offered by the industrial belt in the area, got together under the banner of 'Christian Association' in the year 1976.

Establishment of the Church

St. James Orthodox Church, Mayur Vihar Ph-3 is the first Indian Orthodox Church in the name of St. James the Greater. St. George prayer group was one of the prayer groups of our mother parish, St. John's Orthodox Church, Mayur Vihar Phase-I. However, H.G Job Mar Philoxenos, the later Metropolitan of Delhi Diocese suggested it to be named after St. James the Greater.

A small group of faithful orthodox Christians gathered and worshipped at Mayur Vihar Ph-3 and thus the Orthodox community was started here in 2001. It was the last among other Christian communities to start their worship at Phase-3. However, with the prayers and blessings of St. James, the Orthodox community was first allotted the land for building the church at the heart of Mayur Vihar Phase-3. His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose-II, Catholicos of the East solemnly consecrated the Church of St. James at Mayur Vihar Phase-3.

St. James Play School

As a part of the educational venture of the St. James Orthodox Church Society, a humble beginning was made in 2012 in the church basement. It was headed by the Chairman Rev. Fr. George Varghese. During the early stages, the school consisted of 13 students in the age group of 3+ and 4+, 15 children in day care and 5 staff.

The President of the society is His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Paulose-II, the Catholicos of East and Vice President is His Grace Dr. Youhanon Mar Demetrios, the Metropolitan of the Delhi Diocese. This is headed by the Chairman Rev. Fr. Binish Babu.