The year was 1989—a time of growth and transformation for the Orthodox Christian diaspora in the United States. As waves of faithful from Kerala began to settle across the East Coast, a small yet committed group of Orthodox believers in New Jersey found themselves longing for more than just a cultural connection to home. They yearned for a spiritual anchor—a church rooted in their liturgical tradition, where they could raise their children in faith and worship in their native tongue. Amidst this fervent spiritual longing, Very Rev. Fr. C. M. John, a visionary priest with a deep love for his community, stepped forward. With prayerful discernment and pastoral guidance, he led a handful of believers in Montclair to imagine the seemingly impossible: the establishment of an Orthodox parish in their adopted land.
Their dreams began to take shape when their passionate pleas reached the ears of His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios, the then Metropolitan of the American Diocese (now of blessed memory). Moved by their sincerity and encouraged by Fr. John’s leadership, His Grace granted the kalpana to form a parish. Thus was born St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of New Jersey significantly, the first and only church in the state dedicated to St. Mary, the Mother God. The first Holy Qurbana was offered on December 24, 1989, in the modest basement of The First Congregational Church in Montclair. Though humble in appearance, this sacred gathering marked the beginning of a rich spiritual legacy. For the next year and a half, Fr. C. M. John faithfully served the growing community, celebrating the Divine Liturgy and nurturing with spiritual for the faithful. When Fr. John moved to queens , several priests from across the American Diocese came forward to serve the faithful with selfless devotion. Among them, Rev. Fr. George Koshy, Rev. Fr. Zakariah, and Rev. Fr. Varkey are gratefully remembered for their unwavering commitment to sustaining worship and holding the community together.
A major turning point came in 1993, when His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas, Metropolitan of the American Diocese, appointed Rev. Fr. Jacob Philip as the new vicar. Regular worship was reestablished, ministries began to form, and a sense of renewed purpose filled the air.
Fr. Jacob Philip and the church leadership cast their eyes toward a long-cherished goal: owning a church building. Fueled by unwavering faith, tireless fundraising, and the unity of the congregation, significant progress was made. Even though Fr. Jacob had to return to India after 14 years of faithful service, the firm foundation he had laid continued to bear fruit.
The years that followed saw transitions in leadership, with several clergy stepping in to maintain continuity. Each priest brought with them their own gifts, strengthening the church in unique ways. Among the many priests who served during this time, Rev. Fr. K. Y. Wilson, a visiting priest from India, was especially appreciated for his warmth and guidance. Though his time as vicar was short due to, his impact was heartfelt. He was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Rajesh Philip, who also served the parish with dedication during a transitional phase.
Then, on August 1, 2009, came a defining moment in the church’s journey: the appointment of Rev. Fr. Sunny Joseph as Vicar. With steadfast leadership, pastoral dedication, and a clear vision, Fr. Sunny galvanized the parish towards the realization of its long-held dream. Through collective effort, fervent prayer, and God’s grace, the breakthrough finally came.
In March 2011, the community rejoiced as they acquired their own place of worship: a beautiful church building in Linden, New Jersey. After years of worshiping in borrowed spaces, St. Mary’s Orthodox Church of India, Linden, NJ, finally had a permanent spiritual home one that would serve generations to come. His Grace Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan of Northeast American Diocese consecrated our new sanctuary on December 7th, 2013.
This church stands today not merely as a building of bricks and mortar, but as a monument of faith, perseverance, and divine providence. It is a testament to the unshakable commitment of its founding members, the clergy who shepherded it through trials, and the faithful who never gave up on their dream. Above all, it is a place consecrated to the glory of God and under the loving intercession of St. Mary, the Mother of God
