St. Thomas Orthodox Valiyapally
About our Parish
Rooted in Apostolic Faith, Growing in Los Angeles.
OUR HISTORY
Preserving Apostolic Traditions in Southern California
St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Valiyapally was established to serve the Malankara Orthodox faithful in the greater Los Angeles area. The parish is part of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (Indian Orthodox Church), one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, tracing its origins to the apostolic mission of St. Thomas, who arrived on the shores of Kerala, India in 52 AD. Through centuries of cultural synthesis, we have preserved the ancient Syriac Liturgy alongside deep-seated Indian Christian traditions.
​
The parish was founded to preserve and share the rich liturgical traditions, sacramental life, and spiritual heritage of the Malankara Orthodox faith in Southern California. Over the years, the parish has grown into a vibrant spiritual home for families, offering Holy Qurbana (Divine Liturgy), Sunday School, youth programs, and community outreach.
VICAR & SPIRITUAL LEADER
Fr. Samuel Varghese
Fr. Samuel (Saju) Varghese serves as the Vicar of St. Thomas Malankara Orthodox Valiyapally, Los Angeles. He is an ordained priest of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church with years of dedicated pastoral ministry.
​
He earned his B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign and pursued theological studies at St. Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute (SEERI) and the Orthodox Theological Seminary (OTS) in Kottayam, specializing in Syriac language and West Syriac liturgy. He also holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology (Marriage & Family Therapy) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
​
Fr. Varghese is passionate about nurturing the faith of the parish community through liturgical worship, spiritual counseling, youth formation, and outreach to those in need. His pastoral ministry integrates theological and psychological training, offering a holistic approach to spiritual care and family life. Under his guidance, the parish continues to grow in faith, fellowship, and service.
