Many generations of Orthodox Christians have been in Delhi ever since the first Holy Qurbana was celebrated in this land during Second World War in 1944. Regular worship started in this city (Delhi) thereafter and consequently, the Delhi Diocese was formed in 1975. But, it is a reality that young families and youth exist in the Church who find it difficult to understand the faith, worship, and traditions of the Church. This could either be due to language or cultural barriers, or simply because nobody is around to explain. The IOD tries to interact with such families and youngsters and work along them to overcome barriers. The IOD was formed with a purpose to renew the Orthodox Diaspora community’s spiritual connect with the Church and with God. The Indian Orthodox Diaspora is a spiritual organization of the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church in Delhi. It is unique to Delhi Diocese and was recognized as a spiritual organization through a Kalpana issued by former Delhi Diocese Metropolitan Late Lamented H.G. Job Mar Philoxenos of Blessed Memory on February 18, 2005.
It started as Indian Orthodox Diaspora Secretariat (IODS) and re-christened to Indian Orthodox Diaspora (IOD) in 2010 by our present Metropolitan H.G. Dr.Youhanon Mar Demetrios.
INDIAN ORTHODOX DIASPORA(IOD) AT A GLANCE
| 2004 | June 3-6 Conference of Senior Friends from MGOCSM organized by Rev. Fr. Philip Kuruvilla & Rev. Fr. Bijesh Philip at Panjim Church, Goa. Brainstormed on the Subject: “ROLE OF CHRISTIAN DIASPORA IN EMERGING INDIA” |
| 2005 | February 18: Kalpana issued by H.G. Job Mar Philoxenos, Second Metropolitan of Delhi Diocese announcing the formation of Indian Orthodox Diaspora as a Spiritual Organisation April 9-10: Lenten Retreat organized at Aravali (Shantigiri, Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios Retreat Centre) to address the challenges of Diaspora raised at Goa, India July 31: Inauguration of INDIAN ORTHODOX DIASPORA SECRETARIAT at St. Paul’s School, Hauz Khas. |
| 2008 | Started Advent Retreat to be held at Delhi-NCR Parishes on an yearly basis during the 1st week of Advent season November 16: General Assembly of IODS at St. John’s Orthodox Church, Mayur Vihar Ph-1. Core Committee Members selected. |
| 2009 | January 10: – As IOD’S first President, H.G. Job Mar Philoxenos issues ‘Kalpana’ approving Core Committee along with nominated members. – First Couples fellowship event conducted, – Governing Body Members selected/nominated |
| 2010 | The Organisation has been Re-christened to “Indian Orthodox Diaspora (IOD)” by present Diocesan Metropolitan, H.G. Dr. Youhanon Mar Demetrios |
| 2013 | First ‘Delhi Gospel Convention’ was held at St.Mary’s Cathedral, Hauz Khas, New Delhi and it has become an yearly event of IOD now. |
| 2020 | December 6th: Release of IOD brochure & and launch of new Website for IOD by HG Dr. Youhanon Mar Demetrios |
