St. Mary’s Church
“In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit”
When Malankara Orthodox Christians migrated to the U.S., many settled in cities like New York, Chicago, and Dallas. Longing for spiritual fellowship, a few faithful families in Dallas began meeting in homes and garages for prayer. Though their hopes seemed distant, they held on in faith, and in 1973, their prayers were answered. Rev. Fr. T.M. Zachariah from New York came to Dallas and celebrated the first Holy Qurbana at Southern Methodist University—planting the seed of what would become the first Malankara Orthodox parish in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
The community faced many struggles in those early years, often moving from place to place for worship. But with God’s grace and St. Mary’s intercession, the parish grew stronger. By 1981, they secured their first worship space on Forney Road in Dallas, and as membership grew, a new property was purchased in Farmers Branch in 1989.
Over the decades, the parish was blessed by devoted priests, supportive hierarchs, and visits from church leaders, including His Holiness Moran Mor Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews I. Spiritual organizations such as MGOCSM, Sunday School, OCYM, and Martha Mariyam Samajam also flourished, enriching parish life.
Though the parish experienced challenges, including a split in 2004, it continued to grow and thrive. A new, larger facility was consecrated in 2011, marking a new chapter in its history. In 2012, the church was elevated to St. Mary’s Orthodox Valiyapally.
Today, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Rajesh K. John, the church remains a strong spiritual home for the Malankara Orthodox community in Dallas—still carrying the faith and vision of those few believers who first prayed together in the 1970s.
Congregational Worship in the Sanctuary
A sacred moment of prayer as the congregation gathers for Holy Qurbana at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, united in devotion beneath the glow of stained glass and the warmth of worship.
Clergy and Acolytes at the Altar
Clergy and altar servers lead the faithful in worship, honoring the ancient liturgy of the Malankara Orthodox tradition — a living expression of grace and continuity in Christ.
Flag Hoisting Ceremony
The church community gathers outdoors for a flag-hoisting ceremony, marking celebration and unity in faith. A symbol of devotion, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the Orthodox Church.
Family and Clergy Celebration
A family stands alongside clergy holding flowers in thanksgiving and joy — a heartfelt moment that reflects the strength of family, faith, and fellowship at St. Mary’s Church.
