About Us
St. John's Indian Orthodox Church Of Delaware Valley
We warmly welcome you to St. John’s Indian Orthodox Church Of Delaware Valley. Our church is a place of faith, fellowship, and tradition for all who seek the living God.
The worshipping community of the Malankara Orthodox Church around the Delaware Valley area in Pennsylvania had been cherishing a dream of forming a parish. By the Grace of God, the Diocesan Metropolitan announced the new parish via Kalpana No. K81/2006.
Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Erakkath was appointed first Vicar. His Grace Mathews Mar Barnabas, Diocesan Metropolitan, blessed the church and celebrated the first Holy Qurbana on November 25, 2006, declaring the formation of the congregation.
Our Mission
To glorify God, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, nurture our parish family in holiness, and serve our community with love — rooted in the ancient apostolic faith.
Our Vicar
Our parish is led by Rev. Fr. Tojo Baby, who shepherds our community with deep pastoral love and theological wisdom.
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Our Core Values
Everything we do flows from these deeply held convictions about God, the Church, and one another.
Authentic Worship
Rooted in years of Orthodox liturgical tradition connecting us to the universal Church across all time.
Loving Community
The Church is a family. We care for one another and practice hospitality as a spiritual discipline.
Faithful Teaching
We hand on the apostolic faith intact through preaching, Sunday School, and adult formation.
Compassionate Service
Following Christ's example, we serve the poor and marginalized in Drexel Hill and across the world.
Spiritual Formation
We nurture the inner life through prayer, fasting, scripture, and the sacraments — growing in holiness together.
Unity in Diversity
All generations and backgrounds are welcome. We celebrate our Indian heritage while embracing all into God's family.
Our Leadership
Dedicated servants of God guiding our parish with wisdom, love, and pastoral care.
Fr. Tojo Baby
Vicar — SJIOC Delaware ValleyLeads our parish with deep pastoral care, presiding at every Holy Qurbana and sacramental celebration.
Mr. Tijo M. Joseph
TrusteeOversees the stewardship of our church's resources and community well-being with faithful dedication.
Mr. Tom Chacko
SecretaryCoordinates the administrative life of our parish, keeping our community organized and connected.
Committees & Organizations
The dedicated members who serve our parish community through administration, ministry, and outreach.
- Mr. Glee Joseph Abraham
- Mr. Kuriakose John
- Mr. Kuruvilla Abraham
- Mr. Mathew Kurian
- Mr. Thomas Thommen
- Mr. Varughese George(Pinto)
Parish Milestones
Parish Congregation Formed
November 7, 2006 – Bishop’s Kalpana No. 80/2006 officially declares the formation of the parish congregation.
SJIOC Officially Established
July 17, 2007 – Congregation officially established as St. John’s Indian Orthodox Church of Delaware Valley through Kalpana No. 76/2007. with Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Errakkath appointed as the first Vicar.
Fr. Roy P. George Assumes Leadership
April 19, 2008 – Rev. Fr. Roy P. George assumes pastoral leadership.
Fr. Siby Varghese Begins Ministry
June 1, 2009 – Rev. Fr. Siby Varghese begins ministry, eventually serving the parish for 15 years.
First Permanent Church Property
2013 – Parish purchases its first permanent church property at 4400 State Road, Drexel Hill, transitioning from a rented worship facility to an owned church property.
Church Dedication & Consecration
May 24–25, 2013 – Church was officially dedicated and consecrated by H.G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos Metropolitan.
Fr. Tojo Baby Appointed as Vicar
2024 – Rev. Fr. Tojo Baby appointed as the new Vicar of the parish.
Expansion Across the Street
2026 – Parish acquires the former Christian Science Society property across from SJIOC, expanding ministry space and addressing parking needs.
Vicar Leadership Timeline
