Formation of the Long Island Mar Thoma Church
The Mar Thoma Congregation of Greater New York was formed in May 1975. In 1976, the congregation was approved as a parish by Most Rev. Dr. Yohannan Mar Thoma Metropolitan. In 1980, Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma divided the parish into four parishes, including the Epiphany Mar Thoma Church in Ozone Park, Queens.
Three years later, some members of the Epiphany Mar Thoma Church residing in Floral Park, Bellerose, and Long Island expressed the need for another church in Long Island. Subsequently, members from Eastern Queens and Long Island submitted a request to the then Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Athanasius Suffragan Metropolitan, signed by 138 individuals. After detailed discussions with Thomas Thirumeni, he verbally approved the request. However, his sudden demise caused delays in obtaining formal approval.
When Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan became the Diocesan Bishop, he approved the request of 64 families living in Long Island and Queens to establish a place of worship in Long Island. On April 26, 1986, during a General Body Meeting presided over by Thirumeni, an Ad-hoc committee was formed to arrange a place of worship. The committee members included:
- Mr. K.C. Cherian (Convenor)
- Mr. Kalathil Varughese
- Mr. Samuel Chacko
- Mr. Varghese Oommen
- Mr. Joseph Dethose
- Mr. Koruthu Philip
The committee approached over eight churches, including Episcopal Churches, but faced several challenges. Eventually, with the assistance of Mr. Thomas K. Mathew (a parish member) and Rev. Dr. P.J. Philip Achen, they contacted the Nassau Lutheran School authorities. The school graciously allowed the use of its facilities for Sunday worship and Sunday School classes. Out of the 64 families, seven returned to the Epiphany Mar Thoma Church.
Inaugural Service
The inaugural service of the Long Island Mar Thoma Church was held at Nassau Lutheran School, Mineola, on Sunday, June 28, 1987, at 9:30 AM. The service was conducted by Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Mar Thoma Metropolitan, who, according to his Kalpana, officially named the new parish “The Long Island Mar Thoma Church” effective July 3, 1987.
The first vicar of the parish was Rev. Dr. P.J. Philip, with Rev. K.U. Abraham serving as the Assistant Vicar. The parish was incorporated in 1988. Afterward, the Redeemer Episcopal Church became available for lease. The parish signed the lease, moved to this new location, and later purchased the Redeemer Church at Merrick.