A Golden Jubilee marks 50 remarkable years — a milestone of enduring faith, unwavering community, and the grace of God. It is a time to pause, remember, and give thanks for every soul who has walked through our doors, every prayer offered in our sanctuary, and every act of service carried out in His name.

For St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, this Jubilee is more than an anniversary. It is a celebration of the living church — the people, the priests, the families, and the generations who have shaped who we are today.

Founded in 1976, St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church has been a spiritual home for the Indian Orthodox community in Philadelphia for five decades. What began as a small congregation has grown into a vibrant parish family — offering worship, fellowship, outreach, and a place where faith is passed from one generation to the next.

As we enter our 50th year, we celebrate not just our founding, but every milestone since — the sacraments celebrated, the families welcomed, the youth formed in faith, and the community we continue to serve. This Jubilee is our collective testimony to the faithfulness of God and the dedication of His people.

The main Jubilee celebration will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Join us for a full day of worship, fellowship, and joyful celebration.

The Jubilee day will open with Morning Prayer and be anchored by a solemn Holy Qurbana — the central act of worship in the Indian Orthodox tradition. This sacred Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in thanksgiving for 50 years of God’s grace upon our parish.

A special Public Meeting will bring the community together to reflect on the journey of the past five decades and to look with hope toward the future. We invite all parishioners, families, and friends to be present for these meaningful moments of prayer and remembrance.

We are deeply blessed to welcome distinguished hierarchs of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church to share in our celebration:

Our Jubilee Souvenir is one of the most cherished traditions of this celebration — a lasting record of who we are and how far we have come. We are actively gathering photos, stories, and reflections from our parish family to include in this commemorative publication.

The Souvenir will include:

Beyond the liturgical celebrations, the Jubilee will be marked by a rich programme of cultural events and community initiatives that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our parish family.

This celebration belongs to all of us. There are many ways to be part of making the Golden Jubilee a meaningful and memorable occasion.