In August - September 2005, a handful of Orthodox Christians of Albany, NY area, who used to conduct worship services in association with the
St. Pauls Indian Orthodox Church, Albany NY
United Christian Fellowship for over a decade till then, got together to form their own congregation under the able leadership of Late Lamented Very Rev. Thomas Mundukuzhy Cor Episcopa.
The first Orthodox Holy Qurbana (Holy Eucharist) of the newly formed congregation was thus celebrated on 11th September, 2005 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 49 Killean Park, Colonie, N.Y., 12205, led by Mundukuzhy Achen (Vicar).
Our Lord has been gracious to us to guide us in our spiritual growth through the years. Today that small group has grown to about close to 20 families. We gather for worship every 3rd and 5th Sundays and for evening prayers and Sunday School on other Sundays under the stewardship of our beloved shepherd and vicar Rev. Fr. Sujit Thomas.
Jobson achen (our previous vicar) has been taking care of the spiritual needs of the congregation since the passing away of Mundukuzhy achen in March 2007. The Metropolitan appointed Jobson achen as the official vicar of the congregation in June 2008 (Kalpana dated June 27, 2008) while also recognizing Albany as an official congregation under the diocese. In 2012, Rev Fr. Sujit Thomas was appointed as the vicar of St Pauls Indian Orthodox Church, Albany NY
Since 2008, we started having Christmas service here in Albany. Since 2009, we have been blessed to have the entire Holy week Services in the parish. Every year we have a Annual Retreat during the 15 day fasts along with other retreats and conventions throughout the year.Our children have been participating in the Diocesan Annual competitions and shows every year. We have regular Bible Studies and faith related studies as part of the parish activities. The Sunday school and the parish engages in several charity initiatives in India as well as in the local community here in Albany.
On March 1st, 2012, we began to rent "49 Killean Park, Colonie, NY 12205, which is the St. Michaels Episcopal Church". With this move we had Holy Qurbana on Saturday Mornings at 8am. Some photos of this location are shown below: