ATLANTA MAR THOMA CHURCH 775 Rays Road, Stone Mountain, GA - 30083 |
The second worship service was conducted in February 1986 by Rev. A.I. Issac (Now Rt. Rev. Dr. Issac Mar Philoxenos). The third worship service was in April 1986 and the fourth service was conducted in May 1986 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Irenaeus. From June 1986, Rev. K. U. Abraham(Now Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Mar Paulos) used to come to Atlanta from Princeton, New Jersey every other month until May of 1987. All these worship services were participated by just over 10 families.
One of the major milestones was accomplished in June 1987. This small group of 12 families requested to be a Congregation. The request was approved by the Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan and thus the -Atlanta Mar Thoma Congregation- was formed in the North American Zone. It is worthwhile to mention the names of those 12 members here
Rev. A. G. Mathew & Family | Mr. Joseph Stephen & Family | ||
Mr. George Eapen & Family | Mr. Mathews Kurian & Family | ||
Mr. Thomas George (Sr) & Family | Mr. Philip A. Chacko & Family | ||
Mr. K. M. Thomas & Family | Mr. Varghese Samuel & Family | ||
Mr. Roy Varghese & Family | Mr. Sam Johnson & Family | ||
Mr. P. C. Jacob & Family | Mr. Philip Mathai & Family |
Among these families, Mr. Joseph Stephen and Mr. George Eapen (Senior) who worked very diligently to bring all our people together and also to organize the worship services.
On August 1, 1987, Rev. T. I. Joseph was appointed as the Vicar for 3 years.
The next major milestone was in June 13, 1990 when the congregation was elevated as a Parish by the Metropolitan. In fact, Atlanta parish was the tenth parish formed in the North America and Canada region.
By year 1992, our parish grew into a total strength of 27 families. Until year 2001, all our worship services were conducted in different churches in Atlanta area. Following are few of those churches
1. Methodist Church in Austell
2. Episcopal Church in Austell
3. Ingleside Presbyterian Church in Clarkston
4. St. Mary-s Orthodox Church in Clarkston
In year 2001, as a parish we purchased this current building, renovated and furnished as a Church for worship services. The dedication worship service was conducted on July 4, 2001, by the Metropolitan His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom and the dedication of this church was done by Rt. Rev Dr. Zacharias Mar Theophilus in the presence of the Metropolitan.
In year 2004, the parsonage was bought and the dedication was done on September 26, 2004 by Rt. Rev Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos.
Rev. Simon Behanan was our first resident Achen.
Following are the 9 Achens who served as Vicars in our parish.
Rev. T. I. Joseph | 1987 - 1990 | ||
Rev. Mathai Joseph | 1990 - 1993 | ||
Rev. P. G. Mathew | 1993 - 1996 | ||
Rev. Samuel Mathai | 1996 - 1999 | ||
Rev. Dr. John Joseph | 1999 - 2001 | ||
Rev. Simon Behanan | 2001 - 2006 | ||
Rev. Abraham P. Varkey | 2006 - 2009 | ||
Rev. Jai Varghese | 2009 - 2012 | ||
Rev. P. S. Thomas | 2012 - 2015 | ||
Rev. M.P. Samuel | 2015 - 2018 | ||
Rev. Aju Abraham | 2018 - till present |
As
of now, we have 112 families in our
parish with a total of 429 members.
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