St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral – A Legacy of Faith and Fellowship in Houston
A prayer group was founded in the early 1970s, inspired by the spiritual vision of Indian immigrants seeking a place to pray together in the traditions of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. On November 17, 1974, the prayer group invited Rev. Fr. C.O. Vargis from Corpus Christi to celebrate the Holy Qurbana in the Malankara Orthodox tradition in a rented facility at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Bellaire, marking the beginning of a growing Orthodox community in Houston.
Following this initial gathering, regular monthly services were instituted, and on December 15, 1974, the first Managing Committee was elected. The congregation was named after St. Thomas the Apostle, the patron saint of India, and affiliated with the Diocese of Outside Kerala of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The parish was formally incorporated as a non-profit in Texas on February 13, 1975, and Rev. Fr. C.O. Vargis was officially appointed as the first Vicar by His Grace Mathews Mar Athanasius.
Growth and Establishment
Between 1974 and 1981, worship services were held at several temporary venues, including Houston Baptist University and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. In 1981, after years of fundraising and dedication, the parish established its first permanent church building in Bridgeport, Southeast Houston. This made St. Thomas the first Malankara Orthodox Church in the American Diocese to own its own facility.
That same year, a revitalized Sunday School program began, laying the foundation for the Cathedral's strong spiritual education. Over the following years, the parish experienced substantial growth. By 1988, membership had increased to 109 subscribing families. Rev. Fr. Gheevarghis Aroopala was appointed as the full-time Vicar in May 1988, making St. Thomas the first parish in the American Diocese to have a full-time Vicar. Since then, many clergy have served and are still serving the Cathedral, contributing to its spiritual growth and continued development.
Expansion and Milestones
In response to continued growth, the parish purchased 8 acres of land in Stafford, Houston and began construction of a larger church facility. The foundation stone was laid on June 22, 1992, and the first Holy Qurbana in the new church was celebrated on March 7, 1993. The Church and its auditorium were consecrated on December 25, 1993. An additional 4 acres were purchased in 1997, bringing the total property to 12 acres.
In 1999, the Parish celebrated its Silver Jubilee (25th Year), honored by the presence of His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, Catholicos of the East. During this time, Rev. Fr. Gheevarghis Aroopala was elevated to Corepiscopa. In 2024, the Parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee (50th Year), honored by the presence of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan.
Our Present
Today, St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral Houston is a vibrant spiritual home to over 360 subscribing families. The Parish serves as a beacon of the Orthodox faith in the region and continues to thrive under the leadership of devoted clergy and the active participation of its members.
Our spiritual organizations—Sunday School, MGOCSM, FOCUS, Martha Mariam Samajam, St. Thomas Mission and area-wise Prarthana Yogams —remain integral to the spiritual life of the Parish. Many of these organizations have initiated pioneering programs that serve as exemplary models throughout the Diocese of South-West America.
As we continue our journey of faith, fellowship, and service, we remain ever grateful for God's guidance and blessings. We pray that our Parish continues to glorify His name and stand as a stronghold of Orthodox Christian values for generations to come.