Parish History
Establishment of St. George Indian Orthodox Church, Epping, Melbourne
The first Holy Qurbana on Australian soil by the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Syrian Church was celebrated in May 1980 by the late H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Osthathiose, during his visit to Melbourne for a World Council of Churches meeting. This historic occasion deeply inspired the local faithful and laid the foundation for the formation of a Parish.
In response to this spiritual awakening, Rev. Fr. P. K. Skariah arrived in Melbourne on August 27, 1980, becoming the first resident priest. A true visionary, Fr. Skariah not only introduced English services to engage the younger generation and fostered unity with other Oriental Orthodox churches, but also played a pioneering role in establishing Orthodox congregations across Australia, sowing the seeds for what would become a growing and vibrant church presence nationwide.
In July 2024, the faithful from St. Mary's Indian Orthodox Cathedral, residing in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, came together with a long-cherished desire to establish a convenient place of worship closer to their homes. This vision was driven by a deep spiritual commitment and the practical need for a more accessible Church community.
Five dedicated members, Mr. Ashly Chemmanan, Mr. Binoy Varughese, Mr. Josan Mathew, Mr. Sajith Thomas, and Mr. Santhosh Samuel, took the initiative to assess the interest and support within the community. Through a signature campaign, they gathered overwhelming encouragement and formalised a request to the Metropolitan of the Diocese of Asia Pacific, H.G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros.
Responding to the heartfelt request, the Diocesan Metropolitan officially declared the formation of a new parish, named St. George Indian Orthodox Church, Epping, Melbourne, effective from 1st April, 2025.
Diocesan Metropolitan with Founding Members (Left to Right): Mr. Ashly Chemmanam, Mr. Binoy Varughese, Rev. Fr. Jibin Sabu, H.G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros (Diocesan Metropolitan & Vicar), Mr. Sajith Thomas, Mr. Santhosh Samuel and Mr. Josan Mathew
Leadership and Formation
The first official order appointed His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros as the founding Vicar of the newly established parish, and Rev. Fr. Jibin Sabu was entrusted with the pastoral and administrative responsibilities as the Parish Priest-in-Charge.
To support the smooth establishment and functioning of the parish during its initial phase, an adhoc committee was formed by the Diocesan Metropolitan consisting of the five founding members. This committee was tasked with assisting the vicar and guiding the community until the formal establishment of the Parish Assembly and the Managing Committee.
The formation of St. George Indian Orthodox Church, Epping, stands as a testimony to the unity, vision, and unwavering faith of the community. It marks a new chapter in the spiritual journey of the faithful in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
First Holy Qurbana
The first Holy Qurbana was conducted on 27th April at Hume Global Learning Centre, Craigieburn with H. G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros being the Chief Celebrant and assisted by Rev. Fr. Jibin Sabu.
The Holy Mass was attended by 400 people including Clergy and parishioners from various Indian Orthodox Parishes across Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo and Shepparton, marking it a significant milestone in the history of the Indian Orthodox Church in Australia.