Our Vacar

Rev. Fr. Sunoj Maliyil Oommen

Rev. Fr. Maliyil Sunoj Oommen is from Valanjavattom, Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India. He is the second son of Late Mr. M. C Ommen and Molly Oommen of Maliyil. He is a member of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church Valanjavattom east at his home town. His early education was in M.G.M.H.S. He completed his undergraduate studies at the D.B Pampa College. He also earned diploma in Automobile Engineering from NSVK Institution Bangalore, he followed his calling to pursue seminary education at Orthodox Theological Seminary (Kottayam) where he received BD (Bachelor in Divinity) GST (Graduate of Sacred Theology). He was ordained as deacon on May 19, 1998. H. G. Paulose Mar Pachomios ordained him as priest on October 2nd, 1999. From 2000 to 2005 he served as a priest in the Idukki diocese. Achen came to United States of America 2005 July 25th and he served as the Asst: Vicar of St Mary’s Orthodox Church Chicago. Then he is the Vicar of St. Gregorios Malankara Orthodox Church, Rochester Hills Michigan from 1st June 2010 to June 30 2014, Presently he is the Vicar of St.George Indian Orthodox Church San Antonio Texas from July 1st 2014. His wife is Blessy Marim Thomas (D/o Mr. K . V Thomas and Mrs. Annamma Thomas) They have one child, Fenin Sunoj.

Vicar’s Message

Dearly Beloved,

It is with great happiness that I welcome you all to the official website of St. George Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church, San Antonio. This parish is under the Diocese of South West America. We are glad that you have taken the time, even if it is only for a few minutes, to visit our site and share in the experiences of our parish. We hope you find the information useful and will visit us again soon. In fact, we also welcome and encourage you to join us for worship. Our liturgy is a rich and moving service that incorporates all the senses; you truly experience the presence of God. At the onset of our Lord’s ministry, He called a group of men and said to them, “Come, Follow Me”. These men became His disciples and later apostles and martyrs. Through this command, Christ called these men to experience a richer and fuller life, away from this world and work for the Kingdom of God. The apostles were simple and ordinary but their calling was extraordinary. They were not the typical talented, well-educated religious leaders of the time. Jesus wanted the world to know that He could use anyone willing to follow Him and uphold the truths that He proclaimed. It is this same command that the Lord gives each and every one of us, “Come and Follow Me”. To follow Christ means to live according to His command and walk in the path directed by the Gospel. What is important to Him must become important to us. We must not succumb to worldly pleasures and focus becoming Christ like. Our pursuit in life is to be united with Christ Jesus, our “Lord and God”. The deep faith and conviction in Jesus Christ has helped our Church to flourish and prosper over the past two centuries of its existence. Today, we trust God even more for His guidance and direction. St. George Indian Orthodox Church, San Antonio has stood strong as a great symbol and beacon of light to the Indian Malayalees living in this area since 2003. Under the guidance and direction of our Mother Church, God is working wonders in our midst. With the Holy Qurbana every week and various activities for all ages, our members experience a brotherly unity. Please join us for worship and experience the richness of the Orthodox Church and the unique and diverse culture of Kerala, our native land. This parish, from its humble beginning as a congregation has always been steadfast to the rich traditions of Orthodoxy, practiced true Christian spirit, and maintained brotherly love and harmony. May the Lord help us and guide us to continue in that path. All glory and honor, praise and adoration to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one true God, now and always unto ages of ages.

Amen!