Establishment and Growth: In the year 2010, the seeds of the St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church were sown with the blessings and approval of the Diocesan Metropolitan, His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros. A chapel was established in the name of St. Gregorios of Parumala in the southeast region of Melbourne under the auspices of the mother church, St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Cathedral (SMIOC), Melbourne, marking the commencement of a remarkable journey for our parish. The first Holy Qurbana at the chapel was celebrated at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Pantelimon, Dandenong, by Rev. Fr. K Y Chacko on 3rd January 2010. Following the initial arrangement, Holy Qurbana services began on every first Sunday evening at the Anglican Parish of St. Michael and St. Luke in Dandenong. Since January 11th, 2011, Holy Qurbana has been regularly celebrated every Sunday morning at St. Mary’s Community Centre on New Street in Dandenong, until the consecration of the chapel at Clayton.

Foundation Stone Blessing: In December 2012, the joyous culmination of our collective efforts resulted in the purchase of a property in Clayton, following the heartfelt decision made during the General Body Meeting of SMIOC. The happiness overflowed on October 6th, 2013, as His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, the Diocesan Metropolitan, graced us with his presence to bless and ceremoniously lay the foundation stone for our cherished church on the newly acquired land.

Construction and Consecration: The chapel’s construction journey reached its culmination under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Shinu K Thomas as Vicar of SMIOC. In November 2015, our longstanding dream of worshipping in our own new Chapel in Clayton was finally accomplished after years of diligent preparation. Our hearts brimmed with joy as we were blessed with the unique opportunity for the consecration of the Chapel held on Friday, November 20th, and Saturday, November 21st, 2015, officiated by the Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan , His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II. Enhancing the spiritual significance of this momentous occasion, the consecration service, led by His Holiness, was co-officiated by the Secretary to the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Church, His Grace Dr. Mathews Mar Severios(current Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan), alongside the former and current Metropolitans of our Diocese, His Grace Dr. Yakob Mar Irenaios and His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros respectively. The culminating consecration ceremony featured the Holy Mooninmel Qurbana celebrated by our revered Thirumenis, accompanied by priests and altar assistants. Distinguished priests from various regions of Australia, alongside visiting clergy, joined the services, attended by a diverse gathering of faithful from different denominations. A public meeting in the consecrated chapel, graced by religious and political leaders, marked the occasion and concluded with a festive lunch.

Installation of St. Gregorios of Parumala Relics: On October 7, 2017, the relics of St. Gregorios of Parumala was ceremoniously installed in this parish by our Diocesan Metropolitan, His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros. The relics serves as a reminder of the life and faith of St. Gregorios, assist us in strengthening our own beliefs, and inspire us to pray and seek the intercession of St. Gregorios. Since then, the parish has witnessed pilgrims, with sincere devotion, walking from their homes (padayatra) to the church, offering their prayers humbly through the intercession of St. Gregorios during the feast in November every year. The pilgrimage persists without interruption, reflecting unwavering faith and devotion.

St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Chapel’s Elevation to Parish: Following the request of SMIOC, General Body meeting, Diocesan Metropolitan His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros issued a Kalpana effective July 1st , 2019, declaring the elevation of St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Chapel to St. Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church(SGIOC), with Rev. Fr. Sam Baby appointed as the first vicar of our parish.

Parish Elevated to Malankara Gregorian Pilgrim Centre: On July 11, 2023, the parish received divine elevation as the Global Pilgrimage Centre, graced by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Through a Kalpana, His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, elevated the parish as the Malankara Gregorian Pilgrim Centre. This spiritual ascent was guided by the recommendation of His Grace Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos, the Metropolitan of the Diocese of Madras.

Establishment of St. George Congregation: In Tasmania, a group of devoted Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church followers lack nearby access to churches and spiritual gatherings, yet find solace and guidance through a caring parish community, despite the physical distance. Under the ongoing support and guidance of our parish, a new congregation was established in the name of St. George in Tasmania, where the Holy Qurbana is celebrated once every month. The first Holy Qurbana was celebrated on July 14th, 2023, at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Moonah.

A Beacon of Faith: Our parish, diligently upholds liturgical services aligned with the beliefs and faith of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Initially established as a chapel in 2010 and later evolving into an independent parish in 2019, it was subsequently elevated to the status of the Malankara Gregorian Pilgrim Centre. This spiritual community has experienced consistent growth and prosperity and is now widely recognised as one of the prominent parishes in the region. Centered on spiritual enrichment, the parish has evolved into a cherished home for nearly 200 families dedicated to their faith journey.

Gratitude for Divine Blessings: With profound gratitude and heartfelt praise, we acknowledge the benevolence and abundant blessings bestowed upon our parish by the Lord Almighty. Guided by the grace and blessings of our Lord, through the intercessory prayers of the Mother of our Lord, St. Gregorios of Parumala, and all the saints, and fortified by the prayers of our spiritual fathers.