St. Gregorios Orthodox Church Hopewell Junction New York

In February 2003, some of the members decided to initiate formal process to satisfy this need. An ad-hoc committee to evaluate and discuss the possibility of starting the church in this region and make formal proposal to the Metropolitan of American Diocese.

On March 2, 2003,the ad-hoc committee and other members met His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas, the Diocesan Metropolitan, who after due considerations, issued the kalpana granting the permission to establish a church in the name of St. Gregorios of Parumala for the residents of Dutchess county and surrounding areas. Rev. Fr. Raju Varghese as the Vicar until a permanent achan was available and assigned.

On May 4, 2003, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Raju Varghese, our inaugural Service was celebrated. A large number of people of the community and members of sister parishes attended this service. The day began with the Holy Liturgy by H. G. Zacharias Mar Nicholovas, the Assistant Metropolitan of the American Diocese. After the Service, a public meeting was held to inaugurate the parish officially. Mr. Joel Miller, Member of the New York State Assembly was the Chief Guest at the meeting.