Our Church


Our Church in BC started as a congregation of immigrants from the state of Kerala, India.
Malayalees have been living in the Vancouver area for a very long time, they were few in numbers and due to lack of Malayalam services many attended the local churches. As immigrants increased in Canada few more came to reside here in BC Vancouver. Their urge for a traditional Malayalam service grew stronger and they formed a congregation in the late 1990’s. The congregation had people from different Christian denominations of Kerala and service was conducted on rented churches premises.

Years later, people of Orthodox faith invited priests from neighboring provinces who came and conducted the holy mass, this laid the foundation for the growth of our congregation.
Fr. Alfonse Powath become the first torch bearer of the faith followed by our V. Rev. Ramban Lazarus O,I,C, Cor – Episcopa and then Fr. Daniel Chacko Pullelil kept the momentum. Our spiritual leaders gave us spiritual guidance and an opportunity to receive the Holy Qurbana. They served the community once or twice a month depending upon their availability and the funds available with the small and dedicated congregation. Their services are remembered with respect and gratitude. With the passage of time the number of followers increased and a new ambition arose. In February 2007 the congregation decided to register a church under BC laws to create a permanent identity. Our church was officially registered.

The Church is named St. George Malankara Orthodox Church of British Columbia.
The church passed through various stages in its growth and today it is a living testimony of the faith of its founders and a joy to its members in the Orthodox family. We have approximately 30 families. Our church members once again demonstrated their commitment to continue against all odds to enrich their life with spiritual growth. We continue to strive for improvement and growth.

Few years ago His Grace Dr. Mar Makarios visited Vancouver to meet our congregation and promised to help us in every aspect to become a full fledged church with its own Vicar and premises. The entire congregation is working towards this goal.

At present we are guided by our officiating Vicar Fr. T. U. Jacob who is officially the Vicar of St. Thomas Orthodox Church Seattle. His dedication and kindhearted approach is helping us to maintain our traditions, he visits us once a month to conduct the service (Holy Mass) The church provides the congregation with a facility to worship, create harmony and good living between its members. It holds many activities such as Sunday school classes, Marthamariyam (Ladies wing) Community dinners, Christmas party and Carol singing.

Sunday school activity is steadily growing thanks to the hard work of our dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students. Marthamariyam Samajam is working towards bringing families together and it is also gathering momentum.
It is only a humble beginning we have a long way to go, Our Lord will show us the way as we move under his command. The day is not too far when we are self sufficient in all aspects. While we are still struggling, we are thankful for all the blessings the Lord has given us.